Category: Five Star Reviews

REVIEW: Still a Work in Progress

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Noah is a 7th grader, navigating the ups and downs of middle school. Crushes, dating, school work, friends… family. And something is definitely up with Noah’s family. There’s the “incident” that no one will talk about, the family tension at meal times, and the sense that everyone is walking on eggshells. Noah feels most at home in art, doing sculpture. But that creative outlet may not be enough to help Noah through all that his 7th grade year will entail.

Still a Work in Progress

Review

Oh, this book. Noah is a fantastic character. I loved his honesty and loved how he tried to process all the things going on around him. The author does a great job of planting hints about what is coming. And she does it in a way that doesn’t diminish the emotion when it all becomes clear. The issue at the core of Noah’s family stuff is handled honestly and realistically. No quick fixes. No idealistic reactions. Things are raw and real – at a middle grade-appropriate level. This is a book I would read again and again.

Rating:♥♥♥♥♥

 

REVIEW: Ms. Bixby’s Last Day by John David Anderson

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Ask any kid and they’ll tell you not all teachers are alike. Some seem to be there to punch a clock. Others, though, put everything they have into their students and into their subject matter. Those are the teachers kids remember later. Those are the teachers kids would do anything for. Ms. Bixby is one of those teachers to Topher, Brand and Steve. When she gets sick, these boys will do anything to be sure she can celebrate their last day together.

Books about Great Teachers

Review

I picked this up at a bookstore while I was shopping with my nieces. We got back to the house, and the three of us dove right into our new books. Pretty soon I was aware that I was building a pile of tissues next to me. And I was working really hard not to startle the girls by sobbing out loud. But this book was so touching. I love stories with amazing teachers! I was especially touched that she connected with these three students so much that they were willing to risk a great deal to give her a memorable celebration.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Do you have a favorite book about an amazing teacher?  I am planning a post for SATURDAY SMORGASBORD about amazing teachers in books. I would love to hear from you about your favorite books with great teachers.

REVIEW: Star Trek: 50 Artists, 50 Years by Titan Books

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Star Trek Art!! Fifty artists created a piece that reflected something from Star Trek. This book is part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the first episode airing on television. Each page includes a 10.5×14.5 inch image of the artwork. There is also an interview with the artist. Interview questions include the artist’s connection to Star Trek and their inspiration and process for creating their piece

Star Trek Art

Review

This book is eye candy for Star Trek lovers! I wouldn’t call myself an art lover in general. I know what I like but I can’t always say why I like it. But I am a Star Trek lover, and I am fascinated by this book. The pieces are mostly from The Original Series (TOS) or The Next Generation (TNG). There are some glimpses of the artist’s other ideas besides the piece they ultimately submitted. After the art itself, my favorite parts are the artists’ stories about their connection to Star Trek. Some are reluctant fans, some watched it because a family member did, and some are huge fans in their own rights.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

If you aren’t sure about purchasing the whole book, you can get a calendar (roughly the same size as the book) with 12 of the pieces included. They are 11×14 and could easily be framed. Star Trek Poster Calendar for 2017.

REVIEW: Madeline Finn and the Library Dog by Lisa Papp

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Madeline Finn does not like to read. It’s hard work for her, and she makes mistakes. Just once she’d like to earn a gold star at school instead of a “keep trying” heart. Then she meets Bonnie, a beautiful dog at the library’s “Read to a Dog” program. Could reading to Bonnie help Madeline get a gold star?

Terrific Picture Book about Reading

Review

I adore this book!! I think if I had to read it out loud, I might get choked up. Madeline is so sweet and honest about her reading struggles. She wants to do well, and she keeps trying. The illustrations are lovely, showing Madeline with her little stuffed bunny at home and at the library. Observant readers will notice her mom looking on with concern as Madeline keeps pushing through her challenges. Bonnie the dog is huge and looks sweet and calm as she sits quietly next to Madeline. I think the author does a good job of conveying that this process for Madeline takes time. And in the end, she is still not “perfect.” But her improvement – and her effort – is rewarded. This is a great read for libraries and classrooms as well as for reading at home. Good for fans of books about libraries or books about dogs.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

 

REVIEW: Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Are you living as though you are endlessly loved by the Creator of the Universe? Because you are endlessly loved. Let this book help you live in that truth today.

Uninvited - Learning to Live Loved

Review

This book was a perfect fit for me. When it released, I was in the middle of several significant life changes. The call to live loved was just what I needed to hear. I underlined many, many passages, wrote about them, shared them on social media and with friends. I think this book lends itself perfectly for use in a book group or weekly Bible study. The author starts with a life issue/skill – like responding to rejection – and backs up her approach with scriptures and Bible stories. There are messages in this book that I will carry with me for years to come, and I am so grateful that I read it at just the right time!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Looking for a book about creative kids? Ada Twist is an immensely curious child. Her family is not quite sure what to do with her curiosity and endless questions. If they can’t come up with a plan, soon, who knows what Ada might get into – or what might happen to the cat?!

Curiosity Books - Ada Twist, Scientist

Review

This book is dynamite! It is a celebration of curiosity and science as the means to find answers to our questions. Ada’s family is fantastic. I love how they grow alongside Ada, starting out worried and angry about the things she gets into. Then they start looking for ways to honor who she is and help her grow into her curiosity and her gifts.  The illustrations are beautiful and include lots of cool details to explore.

Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥

There are two other books in the series that are also great!

Iggy Peck Architect Rosie Revere, Engineer