Tag: addiction

REVIEW: Hey Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

REVIEW: Hey Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Readers may know Jarrett J. Krosoczka from his previous work. He is the author and illustrator of many picture books as well as the Lunch Lady graphic novel series, the Platypus Police Squad middle grade series (LOVED those), and the second phase of the Jedi Academy books.

Adults may know Krosoczka from his popular TED Talk called “How a Boy Became an Artist.” It’s an inspiring story of his development as an artist and illustrator. And it hints at his childhood experiences. Hey Kiddo, Krosoczka’s new graphic novel memoir, tells more of that story.

Krosoczka was raised by his grandparents due to his mother’s addiction to heroin. His mom was in and out of his life as she was in and out of treatment and jail. Jarrett didn’t meet his father until high school. The details of his home situation impacted him as he grew up and as he developed as an artist. Hey Kiddo shares some of the significant moments of that journey.

Review

This graphic novel memoir for teens is moving and inspiring. I loved it. It’s definitely for a mature audience – teens and older. There’s some language and a few dark moments in his story. He doesn’t shy away from the emotions of his journey – the anger and despair when his mom didn’t show up for important things, his discomfort with anyone finding out she was in jail, etc. Kids who have experienced similar things will feel seen and understood – maybe for the first time – by reading this. Readers who have not walked a similar path have an opportunity to gain insight and empathy for others. And any reader can be inspired by Jarrett’s journey to his creative career.

There are several pages of notes in the back that were even more moving than the book itself. One note shares the rest of the story about Jarrett and his family. Another note focuses on the art included in the book. I love that the book has scans of Jarrett’s actual childhood pictures and letters exchanged with his mom.

This is an excellent, engaging and thought-provoking story. If you love Krosoczka’s work or if you love memoirs or graphic novels, don’t miss this one!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

BLOG TOUR: Bluff by Julie Dill

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Chelsea is desperate. Her dad’s nonchalance about work and money is not getting their bills paid. If she waits much longer, their power will get turned off – again – or they’ll get evicted.

Chelsea catches a poker game on TV, and an idea starts to form. She’s technically not old enough to gamble. But if she’s lucky, and no one cards her, maybe she can make enough money to not only pay their bills but also cover her cheerleading fees. And if she’s really lucky, she might have enough to live a “normal” life like her friends! Chelsea’s going to have to bluff a lot to pull this off!

BLOG TOUR!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Bluff by Julie Dill. I am grateful to the folks at PR by the Book for inviting me to be a part of the tour and for providing an electronic  review copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This is not a book I would have sought out on my own to read, but I am so glad I had a chance to read it. The story was completely engrossing. I was often holding my breath to see if Chelsea was going to pull things off or get caught. The suspense was really well-paced. The poker and gambling pieces were fairly easy to follow even thought I’ve never been to a casino.

The best part of the storytelling for me was how well the author made Chelsea sympathetic. Chelsea was carrying the full load of responsibility for the finances of her family. She was negotiating to keep the power on but at the same time she had no idea what happens when you put a full tank of gas in a car. She only ever put in a few dollars at a time – whatever she had to spare. When she wins at poker and goes shopping, she thinks, “Is this what it’s like to be normal?” It broke my heart. She longs to fit in with the girls at her school who buy whatever they want whenever they want it. Her best friend gives her $100 without a thought. These are things Chelsea has never experienced. Until now.

It’s easy to see how Chelsea gets sucked into gambling. The money she wins gives her a sense of freedom. But losing leaves her desperate. She gives it up for awhile but gets drawn back in whenever she has a little money in her pocket and the need for the thrill. The author does a great job of showing the addictive side to gambling!

There’s a romantic subplot that amps up the tension and adds to the things Chelsea is lying about and the number of people she is lying to. There’s also some language.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

This was a great story! For me it was a nice change of pace from my usual teen story lines. I appreciated the opportunity to consider the issue of teens and addiction from a different perspective from drinking or drugs. This would be an interesting book to read with teens and talk through. This is an author I would certainly read again! Thanks once more to PR by the Book and Julie Dill for the opportunity to be a part of the #BluffBlogTour and to read Bluff.

REVIEW: The Seventh Wish by Kate Messner

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Charlie thinks it’s a routine day of ice fishing – until the fish she reels in can talk! And the fish offers her a wish if she lets it go. Unfortunately for Charlie, magic wishes rarely go as planned. But fish and wishes take a back seat to more serious problems in Charlie’s family. If only magic wishes could fix everything.

The Seventh Wish by Kate Messner

Review

I love Kate Messner! This story reminded me a lot of her book All the Answers. In both books, magical items  aren’t always the treasures they seem to be at first. The complications coming for Charlie’s family in The Seventh Wish put talking fish and dance dresses into perspective.

The author took some flak earlier this year when a school cancelled her visit because they felt the issue of addiction addressed in the book was too mature for middle grade readers. You can read about that kerfuffle here. I worked with addicts many years ago. I felt like The Seventh Wish handled the topic beautifully and in a very appropriate way for an upper elementary/middle school (and older) audience. Charlie’s reaction is logical and realistic for her age. The author doesn’t offer pat answers or miracle solutions – just honest, age-appropriate questions. (In this way, it reminds me of Still a Work in Progress). If you are looking for books about addictions for kids, I’d start here. Reading this out loud in a classroom, or reading it with students in a book group, or as a family could lead to amazing discussion.

As with any book for this age, students who aren’t ready for this topic will usually choose not to finish it, or they’ll keep reading and talk with a trusted adult about their questions. I would share this readily with students in the middle grade age group.

Rating:♥♥♥♥♥