This is one of those slice of life books that made me happy I did not spend any winters in South Dakota. But seriously, though this is set in the 1950This is one of those slice of life books that made me happy I did not spend any winters in South Dakota. But seriously, though this is set in the 1950s and based on the author's own experiences, it reminded me very much of the arduous conditions I read about in the Little House books. I guess life on the prairie was tough no matter the century.
It was wonderful to catch up with Coyote! She captured my heart in the last book, and I was curious to see where her and her father, Rating: 4.5 Stars
It was wonderful to catch up with Coyote! She captured my heart in the last book, and I was curious to see where her and her father, Rodeo, were on their healing journeys.
Coyote's latest road trip was driven by the discovery of her mother's ashes. Her last wishes were written in her favorite book of poetry which Coyote may have left at a used book store. In an effort to honor her mother's last wishes, Coyote implores her father to hit the road again. Though he initially declines, they prepare to hit the road when Covid closes school.
Yes, this book takes place during the beginning of the pandemic. It was handled with Gemeinhart's gentle touch - mentions of masks, store closures, "pods", an anti-Asian incident, but it didn't overwhelm the story.
This was a big-hearted story about making mistakes and cleaning up your messes. It was about loss, love, and the ways we can keep those we love in our hearts. It was about family and friendships and how to nurture those relationships. It was about being the new kid and embracing the differences that make us special. I definitely agree with those that liken this book to a hug, and I really appreciate this beautiful tale that was filled with so much humor and warmth.
I am so happy I had the opportunity to meet Zoe. She was a delightful person, and I was thrilled about her love for plants. She had to navigate some bI am so happy I had the opportunity to meet Zoe. She was a delightful person, and I was thrilled about her love for plants. She had to navigate some big changes in her life, and they all shaped her as she grew and changed. Seeing her love for science expand warmed my STEM-girl heart too.
This was so well done, and after listening to the author's note at the end, I really appreciate that she chose a different event than Rating 4.5 Stars
This was so well done, and after listening to the author's note at the end, I really appreciate that she chose a different event than originally planned. Obviously, parts of this book made me so sad, but it was wonderful to see a child lead them, and to see other hearts changed. I came looking for a book to check Arkansas off my reading challenge, and I found a gem.
I really thought Bishop handled the addiction plot quite well. I am sensitive to stories of addiction having lost my cousin to drugs,Rating: 4.5 Stars
I really thought Bishop handled the addiction plot quite well. I am sensitive to stories of addiction having lost my cousin to drugs, and the exploration of the feelings that accompany having a loved one struggling to addiction mirrored many of my own feelings. There were tears, but there was also laughter and warm fuzzies. Like most middle grades books, it takes on a weighty topic in a gentle way. I also liked the subplot relating to Emma's new and changing friendships. Overall, I really enjoyed this one.
A very sweet story filled with some adventure, but under that was some heartbreaking stuff. It pained me that Cricket had suffered so much loss at sucA very sweet story filled with some adventure, but under that was some heartbreaking stuff. It pained me that Cricket had suffered so much loss at such a young age, but her excursion in the woods brought her some clarity. I adored Cricket and greatly enjoyed spending time with her.
I loved Cline who was trying to reach for her dreams. A major part of this book was about Cline liking girls, but it was also about family, friendshipI loved Cline who was trying to reach for her dreams. A major part of this book was about Cline liking girls, but it was also about family, friendship, and standing up for yourself. Cline won my heart early on, and it was wonderful being part of her journey. I really liked the way the author handled the church portion of this story, and that she gave Cline so many fantastic allies to support and encourage her. Overall: Very sweet and feel good.
I am a fan of Nielsen’s books which are always packed with lots of humor and warmth. The title of this book really caught my eye. KinRating: 4.5 Stars
I am a fan of Nielsen’s books which are always packed with lots of humor and warmth. The title of this book really caught my eye. Kind of cute that a kid wanted to set their parent up with a celebrity (and thought they could). However, this was really about a pre-teen who was NOT coping with her parents’ divorce. She was not happy that her father left and had a new family. She was not delighted that her mother dated a chain of “losers”. So, Violet decided to take action. Let’s just say, she didn’t always make great choices, but the antics were often amusing.
A string of bad decisions did result in some clarity for Violet, and I was happy to see her grow and get to that point of acceptance and healing. A rather wonderful cast made this story even more delightful, and there was even a cameo from Ambrose (from Word Nerd). We all know I love crossovers like that.
With lots of fun antics and charm, Violet wormed her way into my heart as I watched her work though her pain and navigate some complicated relationships in her life.
Though the heart of this story was the feeling these two young women developed for each other, there was a big picture focus on how it's ok to be diffThough the heart of this story was the feeling these two young women developed for each other, there was a big picture focus on how it's ok to be different and the question of what's "normal". I didn't realize this was set in the House Arrest world, but I was giddy when there was mention of Levi and his brother. Honest and heartfelt, I enjoyed this book very much.
Higuera took me on quite a wild and harrowing journey. The messaging is beautiful and subtle, but I do wish I got a bit more at the ending. I know it'Higuera took me on quite a wild and harrowing journey. The messaging is beautiful and subtle, but I do wish I got a bit more at the ending. I know it's a me thing. Nonetheless, I was entertained from beginning to end and loved the stories and folklore woven into this tale.
Ambrose had moved many times in his short life, and therefore, struggled with fitting in. Then the universe sent him a sign in the form of a flyer forAmbrose had moved many times in his short life, and therefore, struggled with fitting in. Then the universe sent him a sign in the form of a flyer for Scrabble club. It was there that Ambrose found his people and a place to belong.
This book had all the elements I have grown to expect and love in Susin Nielsen’s books. Quirky characters, unlikely friendships, and great dialog wrapped up in lots of humor and warmth. I loved Ambrose so much and was over-the-moon to see him form meaningful friendships because he was lonely. His loneliness emanated from the page and washed over me as I read about this charming little boy who was seeking connection.
His struggles at school and the bullying he endured were heartbreaking. Though I understood his mother’s choices, I did find her to be a bit over-the-top overprotective. As the story played out, I do think I understood her actions came from a place of fear, pain, and love, and were also a result of some of her own unresolved personal issues.
I was fully enthralled with the competitive Scrabble portion of this tale, but I also adored the brotherly friendship that developed between Ambrose and his landlords’ son, Cosmo. Cosmo was in a bit of a transitionary phase in his life, and many, including Ambrose’s mother, quickly judged him without getting to know him. For me, the friendship between these two represented so much. It was about not making snap decisions about people and also about second chances. Seeing it through the eyes of a tween broke it down to its most basis level and was a good reminder of how important those second chances can be.
Overall: Another charming and heartwarming book from Nielsen. I adored the characters, their dynamic, and all the Scrabble. This story was about the importance of standing up for yourself, being a better person, finding your “people”, and allowing for second chances. It was wonderfully told and warmed my heart. BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS...more
Lupe has won me a fan! I was quite impressed by the lengths this sport-loving young woman would go through to avoid square dancing inRating: 4.5 stars
Lupe has won me a fan! I was quite impressed by the lengths this sport-loving young woman would go through to avoid square dancing in gym class. This was such a lovely exploration of identity and the ways we are often put in boxes that don't fit.
What a fantastic story! I adored Emmie and admired how hard she was willing to work to achieve her dreams. She was so lucky to have bRating: 4.5 Stars
What a fantastic story! I adored Emmie and admired how hard she was willing to work to achieve her dreams. She was so lucky to have been raised by parents who instilled a strong sense that she was capable of so much. The author did a great job of raising some awareness of the rights of people with disabilities, as well as ways to be a good ally. I have no doubt people will be won over by Emmie, her zest for life, her amazing work ethic, and her WCMX dreams.
I had no idea this book would be so heartbreaking, but it was. Salamanca suffers so much loss over the course of this story, but I have to commend CreI had no idea this book would be so heartbreaking, but it was. Salamanca suffers so much loss over the course of this story, but I have to commend Creech for giving me a some joy there at the end. There were still tears streaming down my cheeks, but that little bit did help me feel really hopeful for Salamanca and her family. Sad but beautiful.
The end of seventh grade was not a great success for Pluto, but she had a plan to return to her "normal" self. If she could just check the items off hThe end of seventh grade was not a great success for Pluto, but she had a plan to return to her "normal" self. If she could just check the items off her list, she would be fixed. But could Pluto return to the way she was before?
Though this story was set during the summer down the shore, it was not a light and easy beach read. This was a realistic story of a young person's struggle with accepting and adjusting to a recent mental health diagnosis. After slowly being pulled in by the "black hole", Pluto was found to have depression and anxiety. Not only was the label difficult for Pluto to accept, it was difficult for all those who loved her.
As someone who has dealt with both anxiety and depression for my entire life, I found Melleby's depiction to ring true for me. The anhedonia, the lethargy, the thought patterns, as well as the need to be "fixed" were things I found very relatable. Pluto's slow acceptance of her illness and her path towards learning to manage her mental health issues came across as very realistic as well.
She was dealing with depression, anxiety, arguing parents, a distant best friend, and a pile of make up work. That's a lot! But Pluto did have a support system in her tutor, her therapist, her mother, and a new friend, Fallon.
Fallon was one of the brightest spots in this story. When Pluto was with Fallon, she could take a breath, because Fallon didn't know the Pluto from "before". Their friendship was based on who she was now with no other expectations. A very sweet friendship grew between them, as they tried to help each other with their respective lists. While Pluto's list was about getting back to the Pluto-from-before, Fallon's was about exploring their gender identity.
Super honest and emotional. Melleby did a wonderful job depicting the struggled with depression and anxiety, and how you don't "fix" it. It was a journey for Pluto, her family, and her friends, and though she was just at the beginning of it, I was left with hope for them all.
Derrick has been consumed with preparing for Doomsday since his mother's death. He has been stockpiling supplies and carefully followRating: 4.5 Stars
Derrick has been consumed with preparing for Doomsday since his mother's death. He has been stockpiling supplies and carefully following all notices on the blog, Apocalypse Soon!, while counting day. But as that fated date drew near, Derrick discovered that thing weren't going according to plan.
You know I love nothing more than a good grief book, and this one was top notch. It was sweet, funny, painful, and touching. Everyone grieves in their own way, and Derrick was dealing with the loss of his mother by trying to exert as much control as he could over a suspected apocalyptic event. His friends and family, in a show of supported, humored him and allowed him to continue his prep, however, he needed help well before this point.
Though entertaining Derrick's ideas about the apocalypse may not have been the best, his friends and family meant well. There was no point in this book where I doubted he was surrounded by love. I adored Derrick's two best guy friends. They shared a wonderful friendship, which had deep roots. I loved how they talked and encouraged each other and called upon each other for support.
Misty was another wonderful part of this story. She had been very ill and had a life-saving transplant. She was now determined to experience as many things as possible and live her best life. It was quite a contrast to Derrick preparing for "the end", and I loved their friendship and the way she shook up his world.
It may not have been the end of the world for everyone, but when his mother died, Derrick's world was shattered. My heart went out to him as he grappled with his anxiety, grief, and all the changes that accompanied the loss of his parent. He was fortunate enough to have a lot of support, especially from his friends, who stood by him the entire time, and I was left with lots of hope for Derrick, his friends, and his family.
This was one of the most cohesive anthologies I have read. Not only did all roads lead to the Pow-Wow, but the authors would give nods to characters fThis was one of the most cohesive anthologies I have read. Not only did all roads lead to the Pow-Wow, but the authors would give nods to characters from other stories as well. The authors wove in many relevant issues, such as bullying, grief, economic issues, loneliness, forgiveness, among others, while highlighting community, culture, and connection. A really wonderful collection of stories.
This was quite a gem. I was a teen in the 80s, so all the allusions to The Breakfast Club were welcomed with open arms. I loved how Levy made some of This was quite a gem. I was a teen in the 80s, so all the allusions to The Breakfast Club were welcomed with open arms. I loved how Levy made some of them more age appropriate too. I mean, the locker scene was included, as well as the role-playing rant, but it was all rated-G and brilliant. I feel like we over-label people these days, so I love the that it was part of the story. The exploration of the damage of the crime was great too. There were deep parts, fun parts, and emotional parts, and they were combined in perfect proportions.
Samantha (WLABB)
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