Review written by Katy: I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't exceptional. I found it unique tKaty rated this book 4 stars.
Adam rated this book 4 stars.
Review written by Katy: I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't exceptional. I found it unique that a ghost story also took on race and segregation so points for keeping the book fresh and different in that aspect. As far as a scary story, meh. It really wasn't that chilling of a tale. As far as a friendship story I also found it pretty meh. The sister story was cute, but also not that in depth. I did enjoy the part of the story about race and segregation. It was well told, but also brief due to the fact the book wasn't about those topics, itw was a ghost story. So those moments weren't huge, but they were underlying and they were well done. I would recommend this book to young readers, but anyone looking for a really spooky tale I would probably tell them to pass this one up unless they are looking for a unique horror story.
All of that said, I would recommend reading this book in the winter, especially on a snowy day or evening. The setting was very vivid and well done. Several times I wished I was reading this during the middle of a snowstorm or at least during winter and not outside in the sunshine while drinking lemonade.
Review written by Adam: The cover drew me in because I like horror and there isn't a tremendous amount of kids horror in my opinion. The premise also sounded really interesting. Points for being characters who are black and the author is also black. That's nice to see. The book held my attention and I read it quickly. I also like all of the characters including the adults. The issue with segregation was also interesting. However, the book just wasn't quite profound for me. It felt slightly lacking. Like it wanted to reach another level but couldn't quite get there. Additionally, one of the biggest disappointments was the horror. It just wasn't scary in the slightest. And I don't think that's because I'm an adult and somebody who enjoys horror. I'm not sure most kids will be scared by it either once they start reading it. Those who don't read it might assume it has nothing to offer and be hesitant due to the cover and promise of horror....more
Adam rated it 4 out of 5 stars. TW: Spouse, child abuse, language. Short book but I didn't intend to finish it so quick. So many emotions when reading tAdam rated it 4 out of 5 stars. TW: Spouse, child abuse, language. Short book but I didn't intend to finish it so quick. So many emotions when reading this one. At times it was a real punch to the gut and other times you want to help the characters. This might be a middle graphic nonfiction book done like a fiction book, but it packs a punch. I do feel this is important for kids to read. ALL kids because they are gonna encounter someone like this in their life or it very well may be them. You've got people living in poverty, a mom who is bipolar, domestic abuse, and all the common difficulties of growing up in middle school. The author does a good job of showing you how difficult this all is but also providing nuggets of hope and advice for the reader. I can't wait to see what else this author does as he's got more on the way. ONE difficult thing here... (view spoiler)[And that's part of how the story near the end goes. As a grown adult, I see what was trying to be said. Rex tries to be the best kid to mature and hope his parents see that. Things improve in his life. Yes, I get that. But the idea that being the best kid means abuse stops isn't an okay message. That's a real subtle difference and I hope kids don't pick that up. (hide spoiler)]...more
Liesl rated this book 4 stars. Katy rated this book 5 stars.
Review written by Liesl: This was really well done! Janae Marks was able to weave the variLiesl rated this book 4 stars. Katy rated this book 5 stars.
Review written by Liesl: This was really well done! Janae Marks was able to weave the various plot points so well; changing friendships, baking, father in prison; I wasn't sure it would all work but it does. You really felt you got to know these characters and they felt real. She brings up racism and racial profiling in an organic way that will bring the issue to younger readers who may not be familiar with and have them looking into the Innocence Project. Even with this heavier topic, the story is sweet and ends on a hopeful note....more
Another enjoyable and funny installment of Squirrel Girl. I've enjoyed both books in this series. It's fun seeing Squirrel GirlKaty rated it 3.5 stars
Another enjoyable and funny installment of Squirrel Girl. I've enjoyed both books in this series. It's fun seeing Squirrel Girl in book format and the authors do a great job staying true to her story. I think kids who enjoy books told through journal entries and/or texts will especially find this a fun read. Squirrel Girl's trademark wit is present throughout the entire novel, but especially shines through in her texts with Iron Man and the Winter Solider. ...more
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