Review: Roll with It

Roll with It by Jamie Sumner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved Ellie and her feisty nature. If you are a fan of Dusti Bowling's novel Life of a Cactus, you will be equally enamored with Roll With It. Ellie has cerebral palsy and must use a wheelchair. At school, she has an aid who helps her during class change and when she has to use the bathroom, which is extremely annoying to her. When Ellie's mom surprises her by moving them from Tennessee to Oklahoma, at first, Ellie is really excited. She doesn't really have friends in Nashville, and she will get to live with her grandparents. After her first day at our new school, she is ready to tap out. Fortunately, things start to get a little better at school, and she actually makes friends with two other kids who live in her trailer park. Ellie spends most of her free time trying to come with a great recipe for an upcoming bake-off. When the day of the bake-off arrives, Ellie is very confident in her creation, but when her grandfather disappears from the event, nothing else matters. This novel will make an excellent addition to middle-grade libraries and classrooms.

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Review: The Map from Here to There

The Map from Here to There by Emery Lord
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a fan of Emery Lord's novels, so I was super excited to get an ARC of The Map from Here to There. I usually don't enjoy sequels more than the first book in a series, but I truly liked this one more. My favorite aspect of this book is that it wasn't full of profanity or sex. I feel like most YA novels are all about sex or the pursuit of sex; if not that, they are full of rough profanity. I get that teenagers swear and have sex. I remember what high school was like, and I taught it for eleven years, so I'm not naive about what happens outside of school. However, I always feel uncomfortable telling a teen how much I love a certain book when it contains tons of sex or profanity. Lord's newest novel is one that I would feel extremely comfortable recommending to students or parents. She tackles first love and heartache without making it too mature for younger teen readers. This novel (and the first in the series, The Start of Me and You) would make a great read for mature middle schoolers and more innocent or sheltered high schoolers.

Readers who have dealt with anxiety and/or loss will connect to Paige and her worrisome nature. Lord's writing took me back to my first serious relationship in high school when every kiss and touch felt like magic, but it also reminded me of gut-wrenching those first fights and misunderstandings could be. Every decision felt so monumental at that time in my life, and Paige definitely feels that way. She truly loves Max, but she's to0 worried about how much it will hurt to lose him that she forgets to enjoy what they have. Any reader who has ever questioned the seriousness of their relationship will understand Paige's internal conflict.

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Review: Catherine's War

Catherine's War by Julia Billet
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I had really high hopes for this book because I love reading about World War II, the Holocaust, and the French Resistance. I just knew that a graphic novel about a French Jewish girl taking on a fake identity during WWII would be right up my alley. Catherine's War was originally a novel written in French. It has since been translated and adapted into a graphic novel. While the illustrations were beautiful, I think the story probably suffered in the adaptation. It felt like the plot jumped around too quickly, which meant there wasn't enough time to develop the characters and their relationships. I was honestly disappointed in the story, but I'm hopeful that I wouldn't feel that way after reading the original novel. If you teach WWII, this book would be a fine addition to your literature circles or book clubs, especially for struggling readers. However, I wouldn't recommend this book for upper elementary students. While there is no outright sexual content, there is a scene where French women are getting their heads shaved because they slept with German soldiers. Thes women are referred to as sluts and whores. I think that scene alone makes this book more appropriate for middle schoolers and up.

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Review: Chirp

Chirp by Kate Messner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mia has just moved back to Vermont from Boston. She and her parents want to be closer to her grandmother who suffered a stroke a few months ago. Mia is really excited to be able to help her grandmother with her cricket farm. Unfortunately, things seem to be going mysteriously wrong left and right at the farm. Mia's grandmother suspects that someone is trying to sabotage the farm so she will be forced to sell it, but so far, there is no way to prove her theory.

Per her mother, Mia has to pick two summer activities: one for her body and one for her brain. She decides to participate in Launch camp (a maker space for kids) and Warrior camp so she can learn the tricks behind one of her favorite tv shows. Warrior camp happens to be right beside a gymnastics facility. We learn that Mia was a great gymnast in Boston, but after breaking her arm and undergoing surgery, she hasn't wanted to compete again. It's obvious that something bad happened to her at her old gym other than breaking her arm, but it takes a while to learn that her former coach was very inappropriate with her.

After forming new friendships with girls and women who have also been the victims of sexual harassment or inappropriate touch, Mia finds her voice and finally confides in her mother. At the same time, these friends help her figure out who is the mysterious mishaps at the cricket farm. These friendships allow Mia to rediscover the joy in her life and regain a part of her old self.

When I first heard that Kate Messner's upcoming novel was about a cricket farm, I thought that was really strange. I have loved every book of hers that I've read, but I couldn't see myself feeling super enthusiastic about this one. We all know the old adage "don't judge a book by its cover;" my new philosophy is going to be don't judge a book based on its setting or plot. Messner uses female crickets as a symbol for women who are scared to be vocal when men are misogynistic or inappropriate with them. She delicately unravels Mia's suffering for the reader without making it too graphic for her intended middle-grade audience. This book is so important for young girls to read. I imagine that every woman has been the victim of some type of sexual harassment during her life. We would love to think that it doesn't happen to girls in elementary school, but it does. I can say that confidently from my first-hand experience. It happened to me in first grade; a few boys touched my butt on the playground. In fourth grade, a male classmate asked me if I was a virgin. I, of course, had no idea what that meant, but I knew that it was a question he shouldn't be asking me. Now, I don't think those boys were being sexual predators; looking back on it now, I think they were probably doing things that they had seen or heard older boys or men doing, but it made me feel dirty, even though I had done nothing wrong. It's important for young girls to know that they are not in the wrong in these situations. This book is also important for young boys because they need to know that there are lines that should never be crossed. Messner does an excellent job of sensitively teaching both those lessons.

Chirp needs to be in every elementary and middle school library, and I'm not just talking to librarians who have a robust budget. Buy this with your own money if you must; it's that important for our children to read.

*Review based on an ARC given to #BookPosse.

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Review: Count Me In

Count Me In by Varsha Bajaj
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After witnessing her grandfather and friend be attacked by an angry racist man, Karina becomes an "accidental activist" by sharing pictures from the scene of the crime, her grandfather's recovery, as well as a picture of him and her grandmother not long after they immigrated to the United States. She begins tagging her posts with #CountMeIn. When asked by a reporter what her hashtag means, she shares that she will no longer be silent; she can be counted on to speak up against hate and intolerance. While Karina's parents and grandfather are at first upset that she is choosing to share so much of their private life with the world, she helps them understand that social media is her "drum," and she wants "the drums to be loud, so that everyone will hear our outrage."

Bajaj's novel shows both positive and negative aspects of social media in today's society. Karina feels encouraged and supported by the outpouring of positive comments that her photos receive, but the few negative comments from haters really get to her. While she is happy when her first #CountMeIn post goes viral, she quickly realizes that the media is relentless, and they will not leave her family alone until they agree to give an interview about the attack. At one point, Karina posts a photo with the caption "what is an American?" This question will hopefully spark important conversations amongst teachers, students, and parents. I am a white woman whose ancestors immigrated from England, Scotland, and various other European countries in the late 1600s. Why should I be considered more American than a second or third generation American? I assume that my ancestors came to the colonies looking for a better life; more recent immigrants likely have similar stories. During today's sermon at my church, the pastor asked us to look at our lives and evaluate our righteousness resume. We all have some aspect of our life that gives us validation. For some people, it might be work righteousness, and others might feel righteous in their parenting. It has become very apparent that there are those who are righteous in their race or in their generations of heritage. We really all just need to get ourselves; this book reminds us of the importance to look for what we have in common instead of what makes us different.

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Review: The Inside Battle

The Inside Battle by Melanie Sumrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Melanie Sumrow's second novel continues in the same vein as her first, The Prophet Calls, in that it tackles difficult topics. In The Inside Battle, publishing March of 2020, Rebel Mercer's father is suffering from PTSD, and he has become disillusioned with society. He decides that the best thing for him and Rebel is to go live in the middle of nowhere with a militia group called the Flag Bearers. Rebel quickly realizes that the Flag Bearers are dangerous, hateful people. While avoiding his dad, Rebel meets a young African American girl named Calliope, and they hit it off. Unfortunately, when Rebel's dad discovers that his new friend is not white, he makes quite a scene in public. Rebel is faced with an extremely difficult choice: stand up to his dad and tell him he doesn't agree with his beliefs or say nothing and lose his friendship with Calliope. When Rebel finds out what the Flag Bearers' secret mission is, he has to take a long hard look at his dad, and decide if the man he used to know is still there, or has he become someone who could hurt innocent people.

Sumrow's first novel featured a very strong-willed and opinionated young girl as her main character. I quickly fell in love with Gentry's character because of her feisty nature. It took longer for me to like Rebel. Rebel is afraid of speaking his mind, so he often stands by and says nothing even when he sees something bad happening. This aspect of his character made him harder to like, but I was rooting for him all along to speak up to his father. The publishers have suggested this book for children ages 12 and up. While there are not any scenes of graphic violence of profane language, it is probably better suited for the upper middle-grade crowd. This book would make for an interesting companion to a novel like Ghost Boys. I think students would be able to have important discussions about racism and hate. I also think that Sumrow's novel will show students the importance of "if you see something, say something." In the aftermath of a violent act, we often see that there could have been warning signs that the perpetrator was planning to harm others. Students will hopefully see that even though it may be hard to speak out against a loved one or friend, sometimes it's the only thing you can do to help that person.

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Review: Each Tiny Spark

Each Tiny Spark by Pablo Cartaya
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Emilia has a hard time focusing on topics that don't interest her, but when she is interested in something, she becomes laser-focused on it. This neuro-diversity makes school challenging; her mom tries to help her compensate by planning out her school week for her and staying on top of her assignments. How is Emilia supposed to cope when her mom goes out of town for business at the exact same time her father is returning from deployment. To make matters worse, her grandmother is becoming super annoying; all she wants to talk about is how Emilia is going to be a young lady soon. Gross! Abuela wants to buy Emilia dresses and start prepping for her quinceanera, which is only three years away. Emilia would rather spend her time fixing up old cars with her dad or making horror movies with her best friend Gus.

When her favorite teacher asks her class to come up with a tourism guide for their hometown, Emilia discovers disturbing information about the treatment of immigrants in her state and community. This information along with a highly contested district rezoning makes her see her community and old friends in a new light. Is Emilia willing to stand by and let things happen to those she loves, or will she take a stand for what is right?

Pablo Cartaya's latest novel is very timely. His main character learns that immigrants were asked to come to Atlanta to help build the Olympic park and stadium; however, once their work was done, people expected them to leave. With immigration reform at the forefront of the next presidential election, this book may help middle-grade students develop their own opinions about the topic. I think it would be really interesting for teachers to use this book as a catalyst to inspire students to research their own communities and the contributions immigrants have made to them.

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Review: The Miraculous

The Miraculous by Jess Redman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When we meet Wunder, we learn that he no longer believes in miracles, even though he has been a "miracologist" most of his life. He collected miracles and documented them in a notebook, but something heartbreaking has happened to his family, and they are all in a place dark enough to make him think that miracles no longer exist. In the midst of his grief, he befriends a unique girl named Faye. Faye believes that all things are possible because she knows enough to know that she doesn't know everything. She and Wunder encounter an old woman who might be a witch and begin delivering letters for her. They aren't really sure what this strange lady has planned, but they know she wants to make a miracle happen for their town. Faye and "the witch" are the only things tethering Wunder to the world around him, and if they have anything to say about it, they are going to prove that miracles do exist.

I don't have the words to do this book justice, so I will simply say it is one of the best novels I've ever read, and I've read a lot! Jess Redman's debut is a beautiful reminder that we are all connected by grief and miracles. Every single person has experienced some type of personal tragedy, whether that be the physical death of a loved one or the death of a life imagined. At the very same time, all humans have experienced some type of miracle, be they big or small. While it is easy for people to connect with each other over miraculous events, we often suffer alone in grief. We don't know how to reach out to someone who is in the deepest dark; why bother saying anything when you know your words cannot bring back their loved one? Even if it is uncomfortable, we need to reach out to those around us who are grieving to remind them they are not alone and that their love will never end. No matter how long you have loved someone, your grief over their loss is valid. As Faye tells Wunder, "what does time have to do with love?" This book is a must-read for children and adults alike. I cannot wait to share this novel with teachers and students at my new school. I will sing its praises near and far. It publishes July 30th, so go ahead and pre-order it now. It will be the best the book you read this summer.

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Review: The Woods

The Woods by R.L. Toalson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After suffering an unimaginable loss, Lenora is forced to move in with her uncle Richard, a man she has never even met. Lenora's father never told her about his brother or their childhood home, which happens to be a mansion, so imagine her shock when she sees her new home for the first time. All uncle Richard asks of Lenora is that she not enter the east wing of his home where he does his work, and she must never go into the woods. The woods behind his home are a dangerous place, but he won't explain why. Lenora only knows that her uncle's son disappeared in those woods many years ago.

When Lenora hears a familiar voice calling her name, she is lured into the woods by the hope of reuniting with her family. Once there, she meets a magical creature named Bela. Bela promises her that the woods will do her no harm if she has no ill intent, but the deeper she ventures into the woods, the more uncertain Lenora is about Bela's promise. Lenora desperately wants to reunite her uncle with his son, and she thinks that she can find him and bring him home with Bela's help. In trying to save her cousin, Lenora is putting her own life at risk. Can she save her cousin without dooming herself? Is her cousin even still alive? This novel will have you begging for answers to these questions and so many more.

I was a big fan of R.L.Toalson's debut novel, The Colors of the Rain. For some reason, I was fully expecting her second novel to be written in verse as well. I was shocked to see that it was 465 pages of prose. The size of this novel may be daunting for reluctant readers, but I think after reading the first two chapters, anyone would be hooked on this book. I would be sure to tell readers intimidated by the length of the novel that the chapters are very short and high-interest. I read 100 pages in no time. The publisher recommends this book for ages 12 and up, and I agree with that age range. Younger readers may be disturbed by what happens to Lenora's family, and while I wouldn't necessarily call this book scary, it could certainly freak out elementary students. I would definitely add this book to my library if I were in a middle school.


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Review: Give and Take

Give and Take by Elly Swartz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Maggie keeps things that are sentimental to her and stores them in boxes in her room. She doesn't want to forget anyone or any experience like her grandmother forgot her. Everybody keeps mementos, but Maggie keeps items that most people throw away: gum wrappers, sticks, and empty milk cartons to name a few. If anyone in her family dares to get close to her boxes and find out her secret, she gets enraged. Maggie wants to hold onto everything and everyone she loves, so she is having an especially hard time with the fact that her baby foster sister, Izzie, is about to leave her home to live with her forever family. How can she let go of someone that she already loves so much?

Elly Swartz has tackled a topic that I've never seen in children's literature before: childhood hoarding. This book hit close to home for me because someone I love very much could be considered a hoarder. This person cannot throw anything away, and I've never understood why. It infuriates her if someone suggests that she throw her "junk" away. After reading this novel, I feel like I understand her a little better now. Maggie's hoarding stems from her anxiety about loss, and sometimes her anxiety causes big anger to bubble up and explode. I have seen my own child struggle with anxiety, and I'm sure it is way more common in children than we realize. Children who personally struggle with anxiety or live with someone who does will feel seen and heard after reading this book. Give and Take is a must-add to your MG collection.

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Review: All of Me

All of Me by Chris Baron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ari is overweight, and it seems like that is the only thing most people notice about him. He is extremely conscious of his body and how it fits and looks in clothes. His dad is mostly absent, and while his mom is around, she's not exactly present with him. He has dealt with some major bullying, and he just needs a break from his everyday life. He finds an escape with his friends, Lisa and Pick, at the beach. During their summer break, Ari and Lisa become extremely close, and he begins to notice that he feels like he is on fire around her, which just complicates his life a little more. It's hard "being in love" with your best friend when you think there is no possible way she could ever like you back because or your size. Ari goes on a weight loss journey with the support of his friends, and as he loses weight, he finds himself. Finally, he realizes that he likes who he is, but he has been the same person all along.

This verse novel deals with some heavy topics: self-harm, alcoholism, bullying, and crumbling marriages. While all these topics are handled well by the author, I would recommend it for middle school and up, rather than the younger audience suggested by the publisher (grades 3 - 7). At one point Ari's mom talks to him about his father's "lovemaking." Ari and Lisa down a bottle of champagne and Ari hurts himself. As a school librarian, I think it is much more appropriate for the upper MG sect. That being said, this novel should be added to all middle school libraries as it tackles a topic not often discussed in children's literature: male body image.

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Review: Because of the Rabbit

Because of the Rabbit by Cynthia Lord
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a fellow autism mom, I'm a big fan of Cynthia Lord's books, and her latest book lived up to all my expectations. It is a sweet tale of discovering oneself and what it means to be a friend.

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Review: Frankly in Love

Frankly in Love by David Yoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am frankly in love with Frankly in Love, and that is no lie. This book is the perfect YA romance; it has first love, first heart break, dysfunctional family dynamics, all while helping the reader understand the Korean culture. I know very little about the Korean culture, so I loved getting a glimpse into the family life and cultural perspectives. I feel certain that this book will end up nominated for plenty of young adult awards; I wouldn't be surprised if it gets optioned as a movie. I know I would pay to go see it!

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