Book reviews for the young and the old. This site reviews children, teen, and adult books with a few interesting things thrown into the mix. Check out the labels on the right hand side for specific genres or topics.
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Snake Food by Kristin Fulton
Monday, February 27, 2023
Henry Bingle’s Transformation: A Fable for all Ages by Kristin Fulton
Sunday, February 26, 2023
The Ravens by Jackie Jacobi
Saturday, February 18, 2023
Monday, February 13, 2023
Red Kayak by Priscilla Cummings
Genre: Middle Grade, Realilstic Fiction
Source: I own a copy
One of my students invited me to reread this book. I am so glad she did. I purchased this book many, many years ago and didn't remember the story. We have three middle school boys, Brady, J.T., and Digger. They have been best friends all of their life. J.T. helps his father with their chicken farm. Digger often helps his dad haul gravel or run heavy equipment. Brady is a crabber like his father.
When the farm next door to Brady is sold, a lot changes. Digger become angry. His ailing grandfather had to get rid of his farm and he sees the new family as rich people who don't care about anyone or anything. It is this anger that will come to haunt them all.
Mr. and Mrs. D'Angelo and their young son Ben have built a large mansion on the property once owned by Digger's grandfather. Brady has babysat Ben and thinks he is an awesome kid. Ben loves his hampster Tiny Tim and his lego's. He is a very bright young child and Brady loves this about him.
While at school one day, Brady is called to the office with all of his things. His father is there to meet him and tells him he needs his help. Mrs. D'Angelo and her son are missing out on the water. Brady is very familiar with these waters and goes to help. He finds young Ben and keeps him alive all the way back to where the rescuers are. But did he do enough.
This book is about tragedy, about finding yourself after a tragedy. It is about family and coping with family issues. It is about friendship. Most importantly it is about doing the right thing. I don't want to say anymore as it will give away too much. I do highly recommend this book along with a box of tissues.
Sunday, February 12, 2023
They Came For the Heart by Christopher Francis
Source: I own a copy
Saturday, February 11, 2023
Student Saturday: I Survived the Hindenburg Disaster by Lauren Tarshis
Student Reviewer: Langdon B.
Genre: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction
This book is based on the Hindenburg disaster of 1937. “I
Survived the Hindenburg Disaster: is about Hugo and his family taking a four
thousand mile journey across the ocean to save his four year old sister Gertie.
While living in Africa she contracted Malaria and had become very sick and needed to go back to America. Tis
trip was no vacation to Hugo. He was
worried for his sister. Because he had always wanted to fly on the Hindenburg
he was amazed he was finally flying on it. Once on the Hindenburg Hugo and his
family dropped off their bags and explored it.
While exploring, Hugo found a girl his age named Marty. They became good
friends and talked about their adventures around the world. They talked for
hours and even met each others’ family. The next day at breakfast Hugo, Marty
and their families sat together and chatted about all sorts of things. A Nazi
officer walked through the dining room. Everyone froze in fear as he started
talking about how a U.S. spy had stolen a top secret Nazi document and was now
on the Hindenburg. Marty’s Dad, who rode on the Hindenburg regularly said they
had seen no spy activity but would be on the lookout. The Nazi said something in
German and left. I feel everyone should check this book out, especially if they
wat to read the end.
All in all, “I Survived the Hindenburg: is a short read for
all ages. It’s an amazing story based on a true event in history, meaning you’re
reading a good story and learning at the same time.
Friday, February 10, 2023
First Graders Rule
I work in a K-8 IB school. There are benefits to having Pre-K through 8th grade in one school. I teach Grades 6, 7, 8. Today we had a treat. We were visited by a first grade class. The students had created PowerPoint presentations about honey bees. They then presented these to my eighth grade students. I love this for many reasons. The first graders take this so seriously. The eighth graders learn a lot from the first graders. They are impressed that the first graders know how to cite their sources and create a slide that has a bibliography. We end it with honey tasting. There are advantages to having a husband who is a beekeeper. I have provided the three presentations our first graders created. They need to be watched in the order below. See how awesome our first graders are
Hazen's Video
Thursday, February 9, 2023
Salt by Helen Frost
Monday, February 6, 2023
47 Days Annette Oppenlander
Genre: Middle School, Young Adult, Biography
Source: I purchased a copy.
Near the end of World War II, Hitler knew he was losing. This did not stop him from continuing the fight. When man power was dwindling, he reached out and drafted the Hitler Youth. These were young school boys. Helmet and Günter were best friends. They receive their draft notice in school and are required to report within one week to Marburg. They were told there would be no transportation and they would need to find their own way there. Günter goes to find Helmut. He tells him he doesn't plan to go. Helmut agrees. If they are caught they will be shot on the spot as traitors. Günter's father went to ward almost five years earlier and his brother left last year. This will leave his mother and younger brother all alone. Günter and Helmut start walking, slowly, deciding they will hide out in hopes the war will end before they actually get there.
This story is the true story lived by the author's grandfather Günter and his best friend Helmut. It is a quick read, yet a hold-your-breath type of read. I worried the entire time I was reading about what they were going through. I hear our youth today complain about such simple things when kids like Günter and Helmut had to worry about war, being killed, starving, freezing to death. It made me think about what was going on in Ukraine right now and how those children are living something similar. This should be in every middle school classroom. This is a definite must read
Sunday, February 5, 2023
The First Time She Drowned by Kerry Kletter