Tag: family

REVIEW: For the Love by Jen Hatmaker

REVIEW: For the Love by Jen Hatmaker

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

A series of essays for Christian women. Some are designed to get readers to think about their lives and consider making changes – finding balance, dealing with difficult people, and taking a look at how we do short term missions.

Some essays are about accepting and embracing the life you have.  That includes the rowdiness of your family, the changes that come from getting older, and the quirks in your personality.

Some essays are just for laughs – like Thank You Notes à la Jimmy Fallon.

There’s something for everyone in this collection of thoughts on Christian living. The central message is be who you are and love who you are. Good words for all of us.

Review

I am a huge Jen Hatmaker fan. I enjoy her honesty, transparency and self-deprecating humor. If you enjoy her on social media, she has much the same tone in her essays.

I’ve read this twice, once on my own and once for a discussion group with a few friends. The book works for both purposes. Early on with the group I tried to come up with discussion questions. It worked just as well, though, to ask what stood out to the other readers. We let the conversation go from there.

As with any author, Hatmaker’s personal biases drive the essays. She’s big on relationships, loves cooking for her family, and has strong opinions on how Christians should engage in the world. I might not agree with her on everything – especially the cooking parts – but I had plenty to think about and plenty to chuckle at as I read this.

Her new book, Of Mess and Moxie, will release later this summer.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: The Forget-Me-Not Summer by Leila Howland

REVIEW: The Forget-Me-Not Summer by Leila Howland

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Marigold, Zinnia and Lily are sisters living in Los Angeles with their parents. Their dad is a screenwriter, and their mom was a film editor. Both parents get work opportunities at the same time and decide to send the girls to stay with family in Massachusetts for three weeks in the summer.

Marigold is devastated. At 12-years-old, she’s just gotten an agent for her acting career. She is desperate to try out for a part in a movie based on her favorite books. This trip out east is ruining her career plans.

A year younger than Marigold, Zinnia tries to follow in her sister’s footsteps. She tries acting, She begs to go out with Marigold and her friends. And like most big sisters, Marigold is convinced that Zinnia is trying to ruin her life.

Massachusetts will give each of the girls an opportunity to discover themselves a little more as they get to know their Aunt Sunny and their East Coast vacation  home.

Review

This is a great family story! The close age between Marigold and Zinnia makes their relationship prone to highs and lows. At times the girls are the best of friends. Zinnia does her best, both in LA and Massachusetts, to help Marigold achieve her dreams. At the same time, Marigold also longs for some space to do her own thing and be her own person without her sister-shaped shadow.

Zinnia feels out of step with her beautiful older sister and adorable baby sister. While at times she recognizes Marigold’s meanness and attitude, she also wants to be just like her in some ways. The summer trip gives Zinnia a chance to step out from behind Marigold and find her own “voice.”

The author does a good job of making this story about the growth that takes place for both of the girls pretty equally. The rest of the characters fill in nicely around the girls. The adults coach and mentor and correct, but don’t fix things. This is a nice, healthy example of family.

There are three books in this series. Book 2 is The Brightest Stars of Summer, and book 3 is The Silver Moon of Summer and comes out today. I will definitely be adding both of these books to my summer reading TBR!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Royal Bastards by Andrew Shvarts

REVIEW: Royal Bastards by Andrew Shvarts

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

In Tilla’s world, lineage matters. Since her mother was a castle servant, Tilla’s father, Lord Kent, would never make Tilla “legitimate.” He has other daughters for that. Tilla’s lot in life is to be one of the “bastards.” And sometimes she’s okay with that. She can hang out with her half brother, Jax, who is a stable hand. They explore the castle’s secret tunnels. And she can be relatively free of the demands of the aristocracy.

When Princess Lyriana comes to the West to visit House Kent, she is immediately drawn to Tilla and the other teen “bastards,” Miles and Zell. The princess wants to know more about the common people in her kingdom including the cast off children of the Lords and Ladies.

An excursion to the ocean with the princess changes everything when the teens witness something they were never supposed to see. They are soon running for their lives and questioning everything they thought they knew about their homes and their families.

Review

Wow! This was a great thriller. The premise was clever. I knew from the start that this would be a read-straight-through kind of story. The energy was high and the pacing was terrific. Twists kept me guessing what might happen next.

I loved the characters. The five main kids are well defined and bring something unique to their quest to stay alive. They ask hard questions about their task. It’s not always clear if they are on the “right” side. I liked that depth and the wrestling the characters had to do.

The ending wraps things up for this story – no cliff hangers. But there’s definitely going to be another book because this story is far from over. For me I’d say this is a high school and older book due to mature content including language and violence. This will be a terrific story for older readers, including adults who love a great thriller!

Thanks to the publisher, Disney-Hyperion, for an electronic review copy of this book, offered in exchange for an honest review!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

REVIEW: The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith

REVIEW: The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Lucy and Owen meet in an elevator during a black out. They spend one evening together, touring the city in the dark, talking into the night. They share only small bits of themselves. But a connection is made.

They keep in touch from there, sending postcards across the miles as Lucy moves to Europe and Owen and his dad travel west. A few words scribbled in the small blank space on a postcard keep the connection going. Each of the teens feels a strong connection to the other. But they also question that connection because they spent so little time together. Their relationship seems like it should feel less real – less important – than the relationships right in front of them.

Long distance relationships are hard enough for people who’ve known each other for ages. How can a relationship based on less than 24 hours in something of a crisis situation ever hope to survive?

 

Review

This is the second book I’ve read by Jennifer E Smith. The tone of this one is similar to The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. I like this sort of teen romance because the focus is on the characters and the circumstances that could keep them apart. The reader cheers for the characters to triumph over their situation.

Lucy and Owen are solid characters. Each has things in the past that keep them from making a lot of friends. The blackout draws them into an unusual situation which helps them open up in ways they never have before.

So much of this story is about Lucy and Owen on their own, growing up and maturing through their circumstances and their relationships with their families. The thread that keeps them connected – the postcards – draws the reader through the story to see if the individual changes will help or hurt the relationship started that day in a stuck elevator.

The author just published a new book, Windfall, back in May. I am hoping to read it soon!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Don't Feed the Boy by Irene Latham

REVIEW: Don’t Feed the Boy by Irene Latham

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Whit has grown up at the zoo. His parents both work there. His mom is in charge of the whole place, and his dad is one of the elephant trainers. Whit is homeschooled and gets to spend time with the animals, learning all about them. Sounds awesome, right?

Usually it is. But sometimes Whit feels like the zoo and the animals come first for his parents. He longs for a “normal” life – opportunities to leave the zoo, to have friends his age, and to have a normal amount of his parents’ attention.

Whit gets to pursue one of those things when he meets Bird Girl. Stella comes to the zoo every day to sketch the different sorts of birds. This gives Whit a chance to make – and be – a friend. And Stella really needs one. She comes to the zoo to escape her home life. And the more Whit learns, the better he understands why she hides at the zoo. But hanging out all day with the animals may not be enough to help Stella with her situation at home.

 

Review

This is a solid middle grade story that will appeal to a lot of kids. Animal lovers will enjoy learning about the different critters at the zoo. They may also enjoy reading about Whit’s experience basically growing up there.

Kids may have a little harder time figuring out Whit’s relationship with his parents, depending on their maturity. I think the description of Whit’s frustration could help kids empathize with Whit – and others who struggle to find their place at home. Stella’s home situation is more dangerous than Whit’s. It’s probably not too over the top for the average reader, and sadly some kids may find it all too  familiar.

There are great moments here where Whit is trying to figure out how to be a friend. Some of his choices would make great discussion points in a classroom or at home. Put this in the hands of kids who favor realistic fiction, animal stories, and stories about family and friendship.

Rating: ♥♥♥½

REVIEW: Hello Stars by Alena Pitts and Wynter Pitts

REVIEW: Hello Stars by Alena Pitts and Wynter Pitts

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

All Lena wants to do is enjoy summer break with her dog, her family and her friends. But when the chance to meet her idol, Mallory Winston, comes up, Lena can’t pass up the opportunity.

While her contest video ends up being something of a disaster, Lena wins anyway. Before she really grasps what has happened, Lena and her family are whisked off to California so Lena and Mallory Winston can star in a movie.

While Lena loves the people she works with – and the message of the film they are making – the process challenges her in ways she wasn’t expecting. And one innocent but careless decision could end up costing her everything.

Review

This is a fun story. Lena is a sweet girl trying to figure out her faith and where God fits into her daily life, choices and opportunities. Her family’s faith is strong. It’s a cornerstone of who they are. And in the middle is big sister, Lena, trying to apply the scriptures and principles her parents are trying to teach them.

First in a new series, this will be a great choice for middle to upper elementary girls (like 3rd through 6th grade, or so). The faith pieces are well integrated in the characters and the story line. The characters are likable and believable. The average-girl-meets-singing-sensation-and-makes-a-movie premise is fun, with glimpses into the process for how movies are made. Book two, Day Dreams and Movie Screens will release this fall and continues the story as Lena takes part in promotion for the movie and sees how fame may change the life she loves.

Many thanks to Zonderkidz and Handlebar for a review copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Lemons by Melissa Savage

REVIEW: Lemons by Melissa Savage

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Lemonade has lost her mother and now her home as a social worker delivers her to the home of a grandfather she’s never known.

Once there, Lem meets Tobin who is a Bigfoot detective. He’s got an office and a business card, the locals call him when they see evidence of Bigfoot activity. Tobin reluctantly takes Lem on as his assistant.

As Lem and Tobin hunt for Bigfoot, Lem meets her new neighbors, continues to process her grief, and wonders if she will ever feel like herself again.

An argument, an accident, and an unexpected discovery force Lemonade to decide who she is now and where she belongs.

Review

This is a sweet, emotional story. I went through many tissues while reading this. The author does an amazing job describing and conveying the grief of several characters, especially Lemonade. Some of her metaphors are brilliant.

Tobin is a quirky character. He pushes Lem’s buttons quite a bit. He wants to be in charge and set the rules for everything. But Lem has a strong will of her own. And Tobin NEEDS her. He needs her personal confidence. And he needs someone who pushes back.

The adults in the story are great! Mrs. Dickerson is my favorite. It seems like she calls in her Bigfoot sightings to have an excuse to get the kids out for a visit and cookies. But she’s also a tie to Lem’s mom, she’s a true friend, and something really is going on at her property.

An all-around great story of family and friendship, grief and loss, and Bigfoot. Thanks to the publisher for an electronic review copy, offered in exchange for an honest review!!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Ballet Cat: What’s Your Favorite Favorite? by Bob Shea

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Ballet Cat and her cousin, Goat, want to do a show for their grandmother. Each one is sure his or her special thing will be Grandma’s favorite. Goat is doing magic and Ballet Cat will of course do ballet. Which will Grandma say is her “favorite favorite?”

Review

Delightful! This is the third book about Ballet Cat. The first one was outstanding, but I didn’t click with the second one, so I was hesitant to try this one. But I am so glad I did! The subtle humor in this book (as with the first one) reminds me of some of the humor of the Piggie and Gerald books by Mo Willems. These might be a little more sarcastic, though (thus, my love for them!).

The set up is typical for parents or grandparents with more than one child – pick a favorite. Grandma does a fabulous job of creatively deflecting the question in the end. This would be great both for reading aloud to a child and also for children learning to read. Ballet Cat is a great character and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: A List of Cages by Robin Roe

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

The first time Adam met Julian, he was in 5th grade and Julian was in 2nd. They were reading buddies. The second time, Julian became Adam’s foster brother. Julian’s parents had been killed in an accident. Adam and his mother took him in. And they loved him, evident by the pictures of him still on the mantle after all these years.

Adam is assigned to Julian once again his senior year. Julian, now living with an uncle, keeps skipping appointments with the school counselor. As her aide, Adam is sent to track Julian down.

Each time that Adam comes into Julian’s life, he makes such a difference. As kids, he introduced Julian to the books Julian loves even now, books he reads over and over despite his struggles with dyslexia. In foster care, Adam and his mother gave Julian a safe place to start healing after a tremendous loss. But this time, Julian is going to need Adam more than either of them can imagine.

Review

Oh, this book…. I almost can’t put words to this. Julian breaks my heart. Even his walk shows how much he wants to disappear and not be noticed. No one at the school seems to want to be bothered with him. Adam is the opposite. Everyone loves him! Everyone knows him! He just naturally knows how to relate to people. He sees everyone – just when Julian needs to be seen.

There are parts of this story that are so fun – especially Adam and his friends (I love Charlie!!). But there are also these tender moments where the same boisterous group of seniors show up for Julian, this random freshman to most of them, in amazing ways.

Then there are ugly-crying moments in this, too. There are dark moments – powerful moments – that are even more powerful because of the relationship that has been growing between Adam and Julian through the story. Wow, this was just fantastic.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

For me this is definitely a book for older teens/YA due to mature content (predominantly violence/abuse) and language.

REVIEW: Upside Down Magic: Showing Off

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Nory and the Upside Down Magic (UDM) kids are back, still working to control their “wonky” talents. This time, not only are they practicing their magic in the classroom, but they also need to come up with an act for the annual variety show.

Pepper is learning that not only can she control her magic (scaring animals) for short bursts, but she can also use it to help people with pest problems. This discovery helps her make an unexpected friend.

Nory finds out the school variety show means her dad and her siblings are going to come to her school.Maybe if she can turn herself into an impressive and complicated animal, her dad will finally accept her and be proud of her.

Review

I am a sucker for any book that expertly looks at the concept of identity. And this series does that! Each of the kids in the UDM class is working out his/her individual issues with magic. Identity is impacted by how their families and peers respond to their differences – and also by how the kids feel about themselves. The authors address these complex concepts in terrific age-appropriate ways.

I have talked with some parents in the past who are reluctant to have their kids read books with magic. I get where they are coming from, and I’m glad they are engaged with what their kids are reading! With this series – like many other favorites of mine, the magic is a plot device.  It puts the kids in an unusual setting. It gives them out-of-the-ordinary problems to solve. I think that helps readers put themselves in the story more easily. They don’t know ANYONE who can turn themselves into a kitten, much less a kid who tries and gets it wrong. But they can imagine! What would it be like to do something amazing like that? How would it feel to get it wrong over and over? How would it feel to have your parent turn you away because you couldn’t get it right?

The books in this series (this is the third) are fairly short. They would make for terrific read-alouds at home or in the classroom. And I can only imagine how great the discussion could be afterwards as readers/listeners talk about identity, about failure, and about family. If you love this series, check out the other books by these three great authors – Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle and Emily Jenkins

Rating: ♥♥♥♥