Book Review -- Counting by 7s

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

My enjoyment rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hangover rating: 4

Source:  Library

Genre: Juvenile fiction

Objectionable material: None

 

In honor of Willow Chance's affinity for the number 7, I offer 7 reasons why I liked Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan:

1. Being adopted is awesome.

2. You may find friends in the most unexpected places.

3. Do not take anything for granted -- tragedy may be hiding around the corner.

4. I learned more about botany and infectious diseases than I ever wanted too.

5. Families come in all sorts of shapes, colors and sizes. All that matters is that your are loved.

6. Be careful of your school counselor.

7. This book is the literary equivalent of the Island of Misfit Toys(remember the Christmas animation movie?) -- the most oddly sorted collection of characters I've ever read about.

Truly a unique and tender reading experience.

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Book Review -- Fortunately, the Milk

Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hangover rating: 4 (I'm still grinning)

Source:  Copy at Barnes & Noble

Genre:  Juvenile Fiction (chapter book)

Objectionable material: None

Only Neil Gaiman could send a father out for groceries and have him encounter aliens, pirates, dinosaurs, vampires, and a host of other creatures, only to return from his time travels with his necessary item -- milk -- for his children's breakfast cereal.

Read in only about 25 minutes in the middle of the Barnes & Noble children's area -- I must have been grinning because the salesman noticed and asked, "it must be funny?" I responded, "I will read anything by Gaiman, even if written for an 8 yr old."

A rollicking adventure -- with amazing illustrations.

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Book Review -- Summer of the Gypsy Moths

Summer of the Gypsy Moths by Sara Pennypacker

My enjoyment rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hangover rating: 3

Source:  Personal copy

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

Objectionable material: None

Stella doesn’t know her father and has been abandoned by her mother. Living with a Great-aunt on Cape Cod, she’s enjoying having a home for the first time in years. Although Angel, the foster child her great Aunt is also caring for, is a thorn in her side. But when she comes home from school to find Great-aunt Louise dead – both girls are terrified of being sent to another round of foster homes. Together they hatch a plan to keep the authorities and neighbors at bay, while staying in the only home they both have ever known.

I loved this book.

Although their plot to “hide” Great-aunt Louise is ENTIRELY implausible (at least in my world) – both girls are robust, confident, resourceful (alarmingly so!) and absolutely delightful.

I loved how they maintained their independence in spite of their unfortunate circumstances.

 

The setting of Cape Code with it's beach houses, gardens, ocean surf was perfect for two young girls to explore. (And a perfect non traditional "beach read").

 

And even though this is another “bad mother/orphan” book – it seemed entirely fresh and new.

It would make a great Mother/Daughter book club choice.

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Book Review -- Because of Winn-Dixie

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

My enjoyment rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book hangover rating:  3 of 5 stars

Source:  Library Copy

Genre:  Juvenile Fiction (Newbery Honor)

Objectionable material:  none

I hate dogs. My kids will be forever scarred because we do not have a pet.

However, if they came home with a dog like Winn-Dixie – I would totally reconsider.

10 year old Opal is lucky enough to encounter Winn Dixie at, well, the local Winn Dixie.

Forever after, the two are inseparable.

This is a delightful tale of a girl and her dog and the friends she meets along the way.

Opal is a bit like Scout and a bit like Julia (from The One and Only Ivan) – a spunky girl, without a mother, who navigates childhood the best she can, with independence and zest and the companionship of an animal.

I’m particularly interested in this book because Duncan Sheik (Tony & Grammy award winner for Spring Awakening) will be directing Because of Winn Dixie – the Musical this December at Arkansas Repertory Theatre. Taran, an Irish Wolf hound, has already been cast and is in training to make his stage debut as Winn Dixie.

 

I'm secretly hoping I Kate DiCamillo will be at the world premier and I can meet her!

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Book Review -- The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

My enjoyment rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Book hangover rating:  4 or 5 stars

Source:  Personal copy

Genre:  Juvenile Fiction (Newbery Honor Book)

Objectionable material: none

 

 

Calpurnia (Callie) Tate was born a century too soon. More interested in bugs and botany than stitchery and pie making, Callie has blossomed into an inquisitive young lady, thanks to her scientific Granddad. But her mother has other plans – her tatting is terrible, her cooking inedible – Callie must spend more time in the kitchen and less time in Granddad’s lab. But in the few moments of her spare time, she is able to read Darwin’s Theory of Evolution – even if she doesn’t quite understand it.

What a wonderful, robust novel about a turn of the century (20th) girl who has dreams far beyond a farming Texas homestead.

Reading about the family life of the Tate’s was a delight on each page. The relationship between Callie and her brothers (she had 7 of them!) was each unique and special. But the key to it all was Callie’s bond to her grandfather: a Civil War veteran, with a penchant for storytelling and distillery, who took his granddaughter under “his wing” and taught her about dreams and discovery.

One of the many reasons why I loved this book was it reminded me of my grandmother – she was a scientist (a pharmacist) – the first woman to practice in the state of Oklahoma. Oh how I wanted to talk to her while reading this book.

An absolute gem of a book – I highly recommend it for girls (and moms!) trying to achieve their dreams – and, fortunately, at a time when it is all possible.

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Book Review -- Small Acts of Amazing Courage

Small Acts of Amazing Courage by Gloria Whelan

My enjoyment rating: 3 of 5 stars

Book hangover rating:  1 of 5 stars

Source: Library copy

Genre:  Juvenile Fiction

Objectionable material:  none

In 1919, Rosalind James would be considered a rebel: defying her parents by listening to the oratory of Gandhi, saving neglected Indian children and helping place them in orphanages, traveling alone on a steamer back to her “native” England whilst helping quell an on board cholera epidemic, helping her spinster Aunt and guardian gain independence from the aunt’s intolerant sister, and inviting a local Indian friend to dinner in spite of the racial implications.

Rosalind does indeed exhibit “small acts of amazing courage” in Gloria Whelan’s juvenile novel about a military family in British colonial India after WWI.

This was a quaint novel – a bit disjointed and muddled – but Rosalind is a delight and I loved her spunk, especially when helping her spinster aunt break free from the evil Aunt Ethyl.

A nice background to British colonial politics and the rise of Gandhi as well.

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Mother Daughter Book Club -- Tuesdays at the Castle

Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George

My enjoyment rating: 3 of 5 stars

Source:  Personal copy

Genre:  Juvenile Fiction

Objectionable material: None

Princess Celie is in a quandary: her parents have disappeared under questionable circumstances, her brother (and heir apparent in his father’s absence) has been forced from authority at the hands of his advisors and an evil prince, and her beloved castle – that transforms to suit her needs and her family’s – has been spellbound and has become dormant.

What is a princess to do? In Celie’s case – she vanquishes the evil overtakers, she sends rescue teams out to find her parents, she organizes the family staff to help in the revolt – and she’s only 11.

This was our mother/daughter book club for January – and the girls (and moms) thought it was delightful!

Celie is spunky, creative and tough; she has an assortment of interesting characters that surround her – but the true gem is the magical Castle, which transforms itself to accommodate the family, guests, and most importantly, Celie.

It wasn’t a perfect book (story lines that didn’t connect or make sense) – but it was fun.

 

No decision yet on our February book!

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Book Review -- Wonder

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

My enjoyment rating: 4 of 5 stars

Source:  Personal copy

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

Objectionable material: None

Born with severe facial birth defects, August Pullman (Auggie), must for the first time face, what’s tough for even typical kids, the rigors of public school.

He is taunted and teased, jeered and ignored – he is the one all other 5th graders consider to have the “plague” because of his deformities.

But among the cruelty, there are a few points of light – his friends Jack and Summer, his parents, his sister Via, and his dog, Daisy.

Auggie has every reason to give up on school – and life – but through the eyes of author, RJ Palacio, we see Auggie for what he really is – a truly WONDER of a little boy.

This was a remarkable novel about how the viciousness of school aged kids is directed at one student, and how kindness from a few, brings hope to all.

There were several remarkable aspects to this novel: Auggie’s determination, his relationship with his parents, the resiliency of a few friends, the support of teachers – even the love of his dog. Auggie’s plight was visceral and real.

However, the one aspect of the novel I really struggled with was the age of these students: purported to be 5th graders in “middle school,” the dialog and scheming of the students involved really felt like kids in 7th or 8th grade. As a mother of a 5th grader – a kid like Auggie going to our school (K-5) might be looked at funny – and whispered about – and certainly experience unkindness (unfortunately) -- but the lengths at which some of the kids go to isolate and berate Auggie seem out of line with the social maturity (or lack thereof) of a 5th grader. Also, at the end of the novel, Auggie’s friend Jack makes the comment, “When did Summer get so Hot?” Yeah…my 5th grader has no clue about girls – the only thing he thinks is HOT is the new football he’s playing with on the playground.

Aside from that, Wonder is exactly what it says…a wonder.

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Book Review -- The Graveyard Book

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

My enjoyment rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book source:  Library

Genre: Juvenile/YA fiction (won the Newbery Award (juv), but cataloged at our library in the YA section)

Sensitive reader:  the opening scene (a murder) could be difficult for young readers -- but it's something I would let Daisy Daughter (11 yrs old) read.

 

What do you get when you combine a horrific murder, an orphaned baby, and an ancient graveyard: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman -- the perfect book to read for Halloween -- ghosts, witches, ghouls, spells, caskets, crypts – and an unlikely survivor, Bod Owens.

I really enjoyed this book. Just the right amount of spooky without being terrifying. Just the right amount of sinister without being evil (except for the murder part). A group of ghosts that were amazingly creative, unique and loving – like the people they once were. The author does a great job creating an atmosphere of Dickens’ England, but set in modern day.

I think my only quibble with the book (OK 2 quibbles) is: the reason Bod survives his family’s massacre and why he has been targeted by the “Order of Jacks” is fuzzy at best. The author failed to make the correlation the least bit clear. And anytime you include an orphaned boy, the boy’s mentor, a female friend, a pit with a snake – one is immediately reminded of ANOTHER book with an orphaned boy, a boy’s mentor, a female friend, and a pit with a snake. Surely a talent like Neil Gaiman could have come up with something else. Come on. Give it a try.

That said, I still really liked the book. A good choice from my friend Liz.

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September Mother Daughter Book Club -- The Mysterious Benedict Society

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

My enjoyment rating: 2 of 5 stars

Daisy Daughter enjoyment rating:  4 of 5 stars

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

Source:  Personal copy

Objectionable material: None

Mother Daughter book club – year #4!

We’ve made it to Middle School! We’ve lost a few members, but the girls were glad to be back together.

Our selection this month was The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart. Mr. Stewart is a local author, so it seemed appropriate to read a book by a “neighbor.”

There were several aspects of this book that the girls enjoyed discussing: What determines a family? What are your strengths/talents? Does this book exemplify teamwork? How well would you have worked as a team?

Daisy daughter and her friends enjoyed this book much more than I did. I found the depth of the story lacking, and had a really difficult time maintaining interest. The four society members had some really interesting tests to accomplish in the beginning that were VERY clever. After that, it meandered, and introduced a "whispering machine" that I still don't quite understand. I didn’t finish it until 3 days after our discussion. That being said, Daisy daughter is already on book #2 of the series. I think I am done.

Although the book was a bust for me – I can tell you that I am thrilled that after 4 years, we are still meeting. As the girls mature, their comments are more thought provoking and in-depth. And the moms get a chance to talk about our developing pre-teens. It’s a joy!

 

Our October selection:

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Part fairy godmother, part outcast, part dream-come-true, the star of Spinelli's novel shares many of the mythical qualities as the protagonist of his Maniac Magee. Spinelli poses searching questions about loyalty to one's friends and oneself and leaves readers to form their own answers.

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May Mother Daughter Book Club’s Big Surprise!

For May – we read, Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine.  I read this book in March and adored it (5 stars!!!).  You can read my review here.

For our last book club meeting of the year – we wanted to do something special for the girls, so prior to our meeting I emailed Ms. Levine to ask if she would be willing to “skype” into our meeting and be a part of our discussion – and guess what – she agreed!

Last night, for about 30 minutes, the girls were able to visit, discuss, ask questions and just be silly with Ms. Levine.  Ms. Levine was a dream – she delighted the girls with stories about the genesis of the book, about her mother, her visits to Little Rock – and ultimately, what kind of “drink” she would be (a theme she uses throughout the book – she answered, “something fizzy that would eventually go flat!”  And the ultimate compliment was that she interrupted her own children’s bedtime routine to talk to us!  That is a huge sacrifice!  Oh -- and both moms and daughters LOVED the book too!!!  One said, "this was the all time favorite of all the books we've read." High praise.

Our book club now ventures into uncharted waters:  all of our girls are off to middle school next year – some of them will be separated for the first time since Pre-K.  We are determined to keep this going, but it was with a sense of bittersweet that as I looked at this group, that there is a possibility that that was our last meeting.  With schedules, homework, an after school activities – it’s going to be that much more difficult to keep our “band of daughters” together.  But we are committed to the task. 

Wish us luck.

Over the summer, we normally don’t meet, but have committed to read The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart.  Mr. Stewart is a resident of Little Rock – we are already working angles to see if he will meet with our group in person!!  Got any connections?!

April Mother Daughter Book Group -- Mackenzie Blue Friends Forever?

Friends Forever? by Tina Wells
Mother/Daughter book club enjoyment rating: 4 of 5 stars
(I did not finish this book)
Book source:  Public library
Genre:  Juvenile fiction


Summary:
Mackenzie Blue is hitting the trails
It's time for Brookdale Academy's camping field trip, but Zee has much more to deal with than a lesson about nature. . . .
Pros:
1. My BFF, Ally, is visiting all the way from Paris Ooh la la
2. My friends and I are so going to win the environmental scavenger hunt
Cons:
1. We have to stay in teeny-tiny log cabins. How will we all fit?
2. The legendary (and terrifying) Mountain Man . . .

This was a delightful choice for our April mother daughter book club. The girls really enjoyed discussing the relationships between all the friends – and especially – the existence of the mythical Mountain Man! They all had various plots/ploys for how they would retaliate against the boys – they are a clever bunch!

I did not finish this book due to time.  Based on the first 95 pages that I finished, it was fairly formulaic for a ‘tween read:  Angst over girlfriends and boyfriends, and gasp – starting your period!  And it bugged me that her nickname was "Zee" -- even though the last three letters of her name are spelled "zie."  Just a personal quirk.  But, I can’t give it a fair review due to it being incomplete.

But based on the girls reaction – it was a high 4 stars!

May book choice (and last choice of the year!):

The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine




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March Mother Daughter Book Club -- All the Lovely Bad Ones

All the Lovely Bad Ones by Mary Downing Hahn

My enjoyment rating: 3 of 5 stars

Daisy Daughter rating:  4 of 5 stars

Book source:  Public library

Genre:  Juvenile fiction

Corey and her brother, Travis, are spending the summer at their Grandmother’s Inn in Vermont. With a history of ghost sightings, Corey and Travis are determined to do their part in adding to the Inn’s spooky reputation by staging their own ghostly apparitions. What they don’t realize is their antics will awaken a vast community of dormant spirits and unleash the very evil, Miss Ada.

All the Lovely Bad Ones by Mary Downing Hahn, was our Mother/Daughter book club selection for March.

This was surprisingly eerie! I started it one night, after the kids were in bed, and my husband out of town, only to realize, that I was a bit uncomfortable reading about a haunted Inn. I was even more surprised that my daughter FINISHED it and liked it, in spite of its supernatural setting.

The tale of the Inn being a former “work farm” for orphans, operated by two ruthless caretakers, was clever and authentic. And that the orphans died at the hands of their tormentors was equally sad.

Then ending was quite chilling as well.

For a juvenile work of fiction – it gave me the shivers!

All the girls loved it. It was a great discussion about ghosts, whether they’d ever seen one, whether they believed in them or not, would they stay in a haunted house or not – all very interesting questions and answers.

Next book selection:

April: Mackenzie Blue: Friends Forever? by Tina Wells

May: Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine (I read this a month ago and LOVED it!)

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Book Review -- The Lions of Little Rock



 The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine

My enjoyment rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book source:  Library copy

Genre:  Juvenile fiction (recommended for 10 and older)

Every once in awhile you read a book that hits too close to home. Or in my case, it is home.

In 1958, Gov. Faubus and the Little Rock school district closed all 4 high schools instead of following a court order to integrate, thus propelling the fight over desegregation into what was called The Lost Year.

In her book, The Lions of Little Rock, Kristin Levine tells a poignant story set in The Lost Year and of a little girl desperate for a friend, a community at war, and the fight to allow ALL children the right to an education.

Twelve year old Marlee, struggles to communicate. What she lacks in verbal skills she makes up in spectacular math ability. But what Marlee really wants is a friend. When Liz arrives at the lunch table and asks if she may eat with Marlee, it is a dream come true. What neither of them realizes is their friendship will put at risk their families, their friends, and their own lives.

It is hard for me to be objective with this book – my children go to the same schools as these characters, we are members of the same Zoo, they will graduate from Central High, we drive past the memorial honoring the Little Rock Nine on a daily basis. But with that objectivity (or lack thereof) noted: I thought this was a marvelous novel. The single most important thing to Marlee and Liz was their friendship. They did not care about the color of their skin or about court orders. All they wanted to do was play at the Zoo and do mathematical magic squares.

For parents wanting to discuss the events of 1957 (and 1958) and a broader discussion of integration and civil rights, this is the perfect book to read with your child(ren).

I will be suggesting this for our Mother/Daughter book club.

This novel will linger with me for a long time.

Highly recommended.

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Book Review -- The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

My enjoyment rating: 5 of 5 stars

Source:  ARC provided by the author (I was not compensated in any way for my review; my thoughts are mine alone).

Genre:  Juvenile fiction

Ivan has a family – a nontraditional one, but a family nonetheless. It includes, Bob the dog, Stella the elephant and Not-tag a stuffed animal. Ivan’s place in the family – the one and only gorilla.

Ivan and Stella are in the unfortunate position of being the entertainment for Mack, who runs a “show” in the Big Top Mall and video arcade. Life within the confines of their “domain” – their cages – is miserable, and Mack is a neglectful keeper and trainer. They live with filthy hay, messy enclosures, and foul treatment.

Because sales and tourists are declining, an additional family member is added – Ruby, a juvenile elephant, who Mack hopes will boost visitors. But it is clear that it will take more than Ruby to save this faltering attraction. After Stella becomes ill, Ivan is determined to do everything in his ape power to make things better for his family. And with a little artistic ability – he succeeds.

Katherine Applegate has written a compassionate novel about the plight of Ivan and his friends. The reader is filled with anguish and sorrow as you follow their mistreatment at the hands of Mack: how is it that that one of the humans in this story is also the one that is the most inhumane? Fortunately, we are buoyed by the fact that George, the mall’s maintenance man, and his daughter, Julia, do show the animals the love and care they deserve.

Ivan, Stella, Ruby, and Bob all become friends that you are desperate to help. They are more thoughtful and caring than most individuals. Ms. Applegate has given us a glorious example that our animal friends might know more about endurance, hope, and faith than their caregivers do. And Ivan is the one and only one to help them all.

This was a joy to read.

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January Mother Daughter Book Group -- Theater Shoes

Theater Shoes by Noel Streatfeild

My enjoyment rating: 2 of 5 stars

Book source:  Public library

Genre:  Juvenile fiction

Life’s a bummer – Sorrel, Mark, and Holly’s mother is dead (although we never learn when or how), their father is missing in action during WWII, they are living with their paternal grandfather, who also dies, then they are shipped to London to live with their maternal grandmother (whom they have never met) only to learn they are a part of a theatrical dynasty (think Barrymore or Fonda) and are required to follow in their familial footsteps.

Theater Shoes, by Noel Streatfeild (1895-1986) was a fussy, confusing, mess. I’m usually endeared by tales of orphaned children and their tales of survival – which are usually quaint and surrounded by nannies and other caregivers. However, I found nothing likeable in the book. I had to re-read passages over and over again, just to get the gist of what was going on. In fact (insert confession here), I didn’t finish the last 6 chapters, because, well, I. Couldn’t. Read. Another. Word.

But regardless of how I felt – the girls loved it. Daisy Daughter (I mean Rosie Girl) was like her mother and fought thru this book (and this was her book choice!), but the other girls loved reading about Sorrel, Mark, and Holly’s theater classes, their experiences on stage, their relationship with their grandmother, and their life during the war.

Which is why it’s about the daughters, not about the moms. In fact, if it had been left up to me, I would have given the book 1 star – but after our discussion I’m giving it 2, because the discussion made up for what the book lacked. And Daisy Daughter came up with some really good discussion question, of which I am proud.

Haven’t decided on our February choice yet…will post soon!

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Book Review -- War Horse

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

My enjoyment rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source:  Personal copy

Genre:  Juvenile Fiction

Sensitive reader:  Descriptions of battlefields and war, but nothing particularly graphic.

Joey works on a farm. But on the eve of WWI, Joey’s responsibilities change…he must train for the battlefields and trenches in France. We learn from Joey about of the horrors of war, the power of friendship, the basic necessities of food, shelter and rest. Joey is an integral part to those around him, and they depend on his strength and endurance. And even in the darkest depths of despair, Joey provides a light to those with whom he comes in contact. Joey is often mistreated, but he doesn’t hold a grudge. He has been trained for a job – and he perseveres.

Oh, did I mention, Joey is a horse.

Author Michael Morpurgo has written a tender story about the love of a horse and his keeper, Albert, who loses Joey to the British Army, but pledges his life to find him again.

It was a concise, but powerful story that follows Joey’s journey through his “tour” of duty. It shows the heart and power of an animal during arduous circumstances.

I loved reading this from Joey’s point of view. It made the story that much more special.

Highly recommended.

*(I have not seen the movie -- will be interested to see how Spielberg transforms Joey's story for the cinema).

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Book Review by "Rosie Girl" -- Home for the Holidays

Home for the Holidays by Heather Vogel Frederick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book Source:  personal copy


Review from "Rosie Girl" formerly known as "Daisy Daughter"

Home for the Holidays is number five in the Mother/Daughter Book Club Series. This realistic fiction novel is about five teenage girls who leave their homes in Concord, Massachusetts for different winter vacations. The girls go on different adventures in Laguna Beach, New Hampshire, and even a Christmas Cruise to the Bahamas. Megan and Becca fight over the captain’s son while Cassidy visits her home state of California. An unexpected sledding accident causes Emma and Jess to change their holiday plans.

Will the girls be happy enough to have a good Christmas?

I give this book five stars and two thumbs up! I relate to this book a lot because my mom (Daisy Mom) and I have our own mother/daughter book club. I have some of my best friends in our book club just like the girls in Home for the Holidays. Another similarity is that my mom is a librarian and so is Emma’s mom, Mrs. Hawthorne. Most young readers will be able to relate to at least one of the book club girls. Even tweens won’t be able to put this book down because it’s filled to brim with adventure, drama and love!

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Book Review -- Okay for Now

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt

My enjoyment rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Source:  Personal Copy

Genre:  Juvenile/Middle Grade Fiction

Consider the following: an author proposes writing a middle grade novel involving John James Audubon’s Birds of America, an emotionally abusive father, a Vietnam veteran brother, the classic novel Jane Eyre, the New York Yankees, an eccentric playwright, a business executive who is both an expert at horseshoes as he is at cultivating orchids – you would probably consider him crazy and usher him out the door. But only author Gary Schmidt could weave all the above in a story so full of heartache and hope that the obvious response would be, “why didn’t I think of that story line?”

Doug Swieteck, a minor character from Mr. Schmidt’s Newbery Honor winner The Wednesday Wars, has moved from Long Island with Holling Hoodhood’s beloved Joe Pepitone’s New York Yankees jacket, to upstate New York to face the uncertainty of his father’s hostility and being the new kid on the block. With the help of multiple friends and teachers, Doug is able to navigate the natural difficulties associated with 8th grade, the increased tension at home, with his newly developed artistic talent studying Audubon prints and the burgeoning relationship with Lil Spicer, daughter of the local grocery merchant.

This was an extraordinary book. Mr. Schmidt was a master in the layering of story lines of Doug’s life. With the introduction of each bird (you’ll notice them immediately at the beginning of each chapter), and at each obstacle that Doug encounters, it was a natural instinct to reach through the pages to give this kid a hug. Additionally, Mr. Schmidt expertly shows how important teachers are to the lives of our children and that no child is out of reach of being nurtured and taught. And without much effort, he TEACHES the reader as well – about classic literature and art and science – it was seamless.

Finally, this was a story about the rebuilding of a family, the strength of a young man, and the beauty of a friendship. Oh, and birds. Lots and lots of birds.

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September Mother Daughter Book Group -- The Books of Elsewhere: The Shadows

The Shadows by Jacqueline West

My enjoyment rating: 3 of 5 stars

Daisy Daughter rating:  3.5 out of 5 stars

Genre:  Juvenile Fiction

Mother/Daughter book club is back!

Our first 5th grade meeting was last night. The girls were thrilled to be back in action – and – for the first time, I could tell their maturity level is finally measuring up to being a part of book club. Will it last all year? Not sure – but there was a different vibe last night that hasn’t been apparent before.

We discussed The Books of Elsewhere: The Shadows by Jacqueline West.

Olive Dunwoody and her parents have moved to an old, mysterious, house after years of living in an urban apartment. To Olive, something is noticeably different about their new home – the artwork on the walls, left by the previous owner, is animated! The scenes shift and move, from the people in them to the activities that take place. Once Olive learns their secrets (and there are many!) she is transformed into a creepy world that is inhabited by talking cats and long lost children.

 

 

Daisy Daughter was VERY reluctant to read this book. “Paranormal” fantasy is not her favorite. And a few times I had to threaten (threaten – do you threaten a child over reading? Absolutely!) that if she didn’t at least give it a try (my 50 page rule) we wouldn’t be going to book club. It was enough to get her started and she finished. There were a few, “it’s CREEPY and SCARY” – but she really liked it in the end, and is ready for the second volume (Spellbound). Her friend Bea led the discussion and prepared some very thought provoking questions – to the point that the girls were debating certain scenes in the book and whether the paintings were “alive” or not! Way to go Bea!

On a personal level, this was only “OK” for me. There were too many “copycat” uses from other novels – moving artwork, boats on lakes, magical lockets – but I suppose nothing is original in literature anymore. I did enjoy Olive – she had spunk and courage! And the house was super mysterious and spooky!  This would have made a great October/Halloween choice!

But since we let the ghosts out early, our next book is:

The Secret Life of Amanda K. Woods by Ann Cameron

From Goodreads:
Amanda Woods is discovering that there are some things in life that you just can't change, like who your parents are or how your older sister treats you, but she is determined to change what she can. To begin with, she's not going to be just plain Amanda Woods (the girl her mother seems to think is just average). She's going to be Amanda K. Woods - someone who is proud and strong and sure of herself, someone who can have a French pen pal and a best friend of her own choosing, someone who finds four-leaf clovers and can get perfect scores on her math homework. There is more to Amanda than anyone else can see, things about her that Amanda herself doesn't even know yet, but she's finding out. In her first novel for older children, Ann Cameron presents a heroine who is philosophical and honest as only a twelve-year-old can be.

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