Tag: friendship

REVIEW: Taming of the Shoe by Sarah Darer Littman

REVIEW: Taming of the Shoe by Sarah Darer Littman

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Aladdin in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Araminta “Minty” Robicheaux is so annoyed with her parents. Her mom’s cleaning supply business is really growing. (Her mom, “Cinderella,” really knows cleaning!) And to move to the next level, they have to leave the small country of Robicheaux and move to New York City. For Minty that means changing schools in the middle of the year. And when her parents leave on a business trip right after school starts, it also means her step-aunties are coming to stay with her.

One good thing about the aunties is that their shoe business – Comfortably Ever After – gets Minty noticed by the school Queen Bee, Eva Murgatroyd. Sure, her other friends have warned Minty to watch her back with Eva. And Eva tries to get Minty to ditch her other friends because “they are nobodies.” But Eva is Minty’s chance at meeting singing star Theo Downey of Retro of Sync and showing him her shoe design ideas. Minty is eager to be seen and noticed for herself and her ideas rather than her famous family.

Review

This is the third book in this series, but the first I have read. It’s a cute fractured fairy tale type of retelling, except with a new generation, which I enjoyed. Minty’s step-aunts were a great part of the story. The reader keeps wondering if they have really changed or not. I loved it!

At the core this is a standard friendship story. Will the new girl be friends with the regular kids or will she join the popular ones? What might she have to give up to stay with the populars? This plays out in a fairly expected way in this story.

I didn’t quite make the leap with the story that a popular boy band would be having a shoe design contest for free concert tickets. It was too coincidental that Minty (I had a hard time with that nickname, too) designs shoes and her favorite band is having a shoe design contest. It tied pieces of the story together, but it was an odd pairing to me. The story didn’t do anything to sell me on the reasonableness of this contest.

But overall, the shoe angle was fun for a story about Cinderella’s daughter. Fans of Whatever After  or Ever After High should check out this series starting with book one, Charmed I’m Sure, and then book 2, Fairest of Them All.

Rating: ♥♥♥½

REVIEW: The Friendship Lie by Rebecca Donnelly

REVIEW: The Friendship Lie by Rebecca Donnelly

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Capstone in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Things seemed so much simpler in second grade. With her twin brother, Kyle, by her side, she could face anything. She didn’t need a ton of friends. But meeting Sybella was like fate. From their first meeting it was obvious Sybella had a great imagination and a sense of adventure. When Cora told her about the magical land of Aquafaba, Sybella “got it” right away. And for three years, Cora, Kyle and Sybella played and developed their magical, imaginary land.

By fifth grade, though, life is more complicated. Cora and Kyle’s mom is living in Belgium and going back to her maiden name. A new girl at school is trying to wedge herself into Cora, Kyle and Sybella’s trio. And Cora’s life is pretty consumed by her dad’s work in “garbagology.” Her school is even doing a Trashlympics competition later in the year.

When something fractures Cora’s friendship with Sybella, it’s the final straw. She’s lonely, she doesn’t have her mom close by to talk to, and she’s not sure if this fracture is something they’ll be able to mend or if their friendship is broken for good.

Review

What a terrific friendship story! This is a perfect story for upper elementary readers – an age group that often deals with growing pains in friendships. I think this would work especially well as a classroom read aloud. There’s a lot to discuss in the novel, and teachers can also help kids track the novel’s two timelines (“Before” and “now”), two perspectives (Cora’s and Sybella’s), and a 40-year-old story from a discarded diary.

Cora seems like a melancholy kid, even before the friendship drama. And I loved that Sybella and Kyle accepted her and never tried to “fix” her. The friendship fracture – like many conflicts – could have been solved with some clear communication, but that’s a great life lesson. There was an extenuating factor that wasn’t directly handled by the end (for good story reasons) that frustrated me. I think the impact of an outsider on the situation would make for a great discussion point for a book group or a class to dig into.

The garbology pieces of this were so fresh and creative – and quirky! Families or schools could use this as a starting point for further work on sustainability and environmental issues including recycling.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

BONUS REVIEW: The Middle Matters by Lisa-Jo Baker

BONUS REVIEW: The Middle Matters by Lisa-Jo Baker

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and WaterBrook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary and Review

A collection of essays about noticing, embracing and loving mid-life. The subtitle for the book is “Why That (Extra)Ordinary Life Looks Really Good on You.” There are several broad categories like marriage, parenting, failures, and friendship. Every category then contains three to seven essays.

My favorite section was probably the parenting section – although there are parenting-related essays in other places, too. Many of them left me surrounded by tissues. Other essays left me with a sense of longing for the kinds of relationships she describes in the friendship section. And the collection felt very honest. The author never elevates herself as the perfect example or preaches a message of “be like me.” The whole book is affirming and encouraging with the clear message throughout that you are loved no matter what.

There’s not much scripture referenced here, but the author’s faith is clearly represented. Over and over she affirms the extravagant love of God for each person. The essay format reminded me a lot of a Jen Hatmaker collection, with less humor (not a criticism). While the format is similar, the tone is different. Both have their own merits. I can see readers using this in a group discussion or even as a devotional with each essay being the thought for the day and an opportunity for the reader to reflect on her own life.

This is a resource I will return to. There were several essays I wanted to read again and talk through or journal through my thoughts. Be sure to check this one out!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: This Is Home by Lisa Duffy

REVIEW: This Is Home by Lisa Duffy

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Libby and her dad, Bent, moved in with her aunts after her mom died. Lucy lives in one apartment. Aunt Desiree moved in with Lucy after she broke up with her boyfriend. Libby and Bent live in a second apartment. Then Bent helps Quinn move into the third apartment. Libby isn’t sure they should trust her; she could be a serial killer!

Quinn’s husband had been in the military with Bent. After two tours, John is physically home, but mentally and emotionally, the war has changed him. He insists he’s fine, but he’s drinking. And the PTSD makes him unconsciously violent at times. Now John has disappeared, and Quinn is on her own. She’s grateful to have a place to stay. But she thinks Bent knows more than he is saying about where John is and why he has disappeared.

Review

This was a good story while also being a poor fit for me as a reader. I like stories with a clearly defined goal – finish the quest, dethrone the usurper, find the killer, etc. I had a hard time figuring out what the goal was for this one. Was it about finding John? Or Quinn finding herself? Or Libby and Quinn becoming friends? I just wasn’t certain. In the end I decided it was less of a goal-oriented story and more of a snapshot of this season in life for these characters. I also struggled to put the prologue into the right place in the timeline, so that left me flipping back and forth in the book to be sure I didn’t miss something. In the end the timing all made sense.

It took me as long to warm up to the characters as it took them to warm up to each other.  Once they all started interacting more comfortably, I was on board. By the end, I was invested in Libby and Quinn specifically, although Quinn’s boss became a fun addition to the story as well.

Libby and Quinn face some complicated relationships with the men in their lives. I enjoyed watching them find a friend in one another. Quinn’s journey includes more self-reflection, self-discovery and growth, which I enjoyed.

If you like character-driven stories, check out This Is Home and get to know Libby and Quinn. (Language, sex, substance use, PTSD/war stories, LGBTQ+)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: If You're Out There by Katy Loutzenhiser

REVIEW: If You’re Out There by Katy Loutzenhiser

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Zan (Alexandra) and Priya are crushed about the move. California is a long way from Chicago. But Priya’s step-dad has a new job. These things happen. Sometimes they even happen the summer before senior year.

But when Pria goes completely silent, Zan is devastated. Priya won’t answer her calls, reply to texts, or respond to emails. Zan’s only connection is through Priya’s social media posts. She seems thrilled with her new life in California. Apparently she wants nothing from her old life in Chicago.

Logan is a new guy at school. Zan doesn’t know much about him. They were kind of thrown together in Spanish class. He’s the one who first notices that Priya’s online behavior seems weird. Up to that point, Zan’s been focused on her angry and hurt feelings. But Logan’s questions help Zan re-examine things. And she starts to think maybe something more is going on with Priya. Maybe Priya is trying to send a call for help.

Review

Amazing!! I had no business starting a book at 10:30 on a weeknight. But I was intrigued by this premise. And I adored Zan and Logan. Next thing I knew, I had finished the whole book. It was fantastic! If you like teen mystery/suspense stories, check this one out.

I loved the characters in this. Zan’s family is warm and caring – and complicated (divorced parents, mom’s girlfriend has just moved in) – like most families. Logan’s situation is even more complicated, and it’s slowly revealed as the novel unfolds. I don’t want to give anything away. I’ll just say I LOVED Logan!

Zan has a lovely community around her – friends, her family, the cop who taught her to box to deal with her anger after the divorce. And they all share Zan’s disappointment that Priya is blowing her off. But no one believes her that more is going on.

The story of Zan’s search for the truth was so satisfying! Her emotions felt spot on – hurt and anger at Priya, desperation for an explanation, her attempts at resignation and acceptance of her “new normal” without her best friend. The author did an amazing job in weaving the story together. It was absolutely fantastic!! Highly recommend – you don’t want to miss this one! (language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Camp Shady Crook by Lee Gjertsen Malone

REVIEW: Camp Shady Crook by Lee Gjertsen Malone

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this from Netgalley and Aladdin in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Archie Drake has been attending Camp Shady Brook for three years. It’s probably the WORST camp in Vermont. The camp director is abrasive and hyper-strict. The cabins are rundown and falling apart. Art supplies are locked away so no one can actually use them. And the grounds look nothing like the flashy brochure that lures families in.

Archie loves Camp Shady Brook. But that’s because Archie has developed a system – a series of cons he can play on the weekly kids that leaves him richer when his six weeks of camp are over. But Archie has never had Vivian at camp before.

Vivian is only at Camp Shady Brook because of some trouble at school last year. Her parents don’t think they can trust her, so she’s stuck at camp for six weeks. She has some ideas to make her summer more pleasant, maybe scam some treats from fellow campers. That sort of thing. But Archie, sensing a rival con artist, tries to psych her out. Now the battle of wills – and cons – has begun.

Review

For me, a heist/con story only works when I feel the characters have a compelling reason for the scheming. Otherwise it’s just dishonest and wrong. The real world has so much of that already. Early on, it was hard for me to like Archie or Vivian. Neither had a good reason for conning. They pretty much did things because they could get away with it and because they wanted to.

When the rivalry blows up in their faces – as it inevitably does – Archie and Vivian are forced to take a closer look at their behavior. They have to decide what kind of people they want to be.

And that’s where the story becomes magic. By the end, I wanted to stand up and cheer. I loved how Archie and Vivian grew up over the summer. And I loved how they decided to use their “powers” for the greater good!

I think this would work for a class read aloud or a book group. There’s a lot to unpack in this story about what it means to be a friend and what you have to do to make and keep friends. Check out this fun summer-themed story!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Solving for M by Jennifer Swender

REVIEW: Solving for M by Jennifer Swender

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Crown Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

When Mika (Mee-ka) starts middle school, there’s a lot to adjust to.  Four elementary schools feed into the middle school, so there are lots of new kids. The fifth grade is split into “pods,” and Mika’s best friend isn’t in her pod. She barely even sees Ella at lunch, and even when she does, Ella is with a whole new group of friends. While Mika loves art, she never gets to draw in class because it’s “not in the fifth grade curriculum.” But her quirky math teacher has the kids using math journals. So Mika does get to draw – in math class!

When Mika’s mom gets sick, Mika discovers that life doesn’t always work as neatly as math can. But Mika’s math journal is a place where she can work on her math concepts while also wrestling with all the changes in her personal life. And that’s just a taste of what a difference this one class – and one teacher – will make in Mika’s life this year.

Review

This book is brilliant! I sat down just to read a couple chapters to get a feel for it. Next thing I knew, I was done. I adored this!

Mika is a stellar character. Her meekness early on and her responses to her mom’s illness felt honest and genuine. But she also changes and grows in believable ways through the story. And I adored her school friends and her math teacher. I love a middle grade story with a fantastic, creative teacher in it!

I’m not familiar with teachers who use math journals in the classroom. But the way Mika uses hers – and the way the assignments are set up to have students apply concepts to personal interests was cool. Kids enjoy middle grade stories that are a mix of text and illustration. This fits that trend perfectly in a fresh, new way. I’d love to see a 6th grade sequel for Mika and her peers with this format. It was so cool!

Mika’s mom deals with her illness and treatment options in very realistic ways. She’s scared and angry and fatigued. She wonders if the improved chances of survival are worth the traumas of the treatment. She tries to shield Mika as much as she can, which leaves Mika feeling angry and out of the loop. It’s all handled honestly without ever feeling like “too much” for the age group. It’s beautifully done. My favorite moment in the book is one where Mika sort of takes charge of something related to her mom’s illness, calling in her supports and resources. It’s fantastic.

I highly recommend this one for elementary and middle school libraries and classrooms as well as home libraries. This would be fun for a math teacher who loves to engage with students about what they are reading. Don’t miss this one!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: The Similars by Rebecca Hanover

REVIEW: The Similars by Rebecca Hanover

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Emma is back at Darkwood Academy for her junior year. And it’s going to be an unusual one. The biggest change is that her best friend Oliver won’t be with her. She’s still grieving the loss and medicating away the pain of finding him dead at the start of the summer.

The other big change is the arrival of the Similars, a group of six clones set to attend school alongside the kids whose DNA was used to create them. In a United States that forbids cloning, in a world still trying to decide how to treat clones, this group of six is big news.

One of the prominent families embroiled in the story tried to pay off the Similar of their daughter so she wouldn’t show up at Darkwood. No such luck. All six clones arrived on schedule.

Emma’s roommate and other best friend also has a Similar. Her family welcomed the girl into their home for the summer. They’re committed to changing the negative view people have of clones. And Emma agrees with them.

Until she sees that one of the six is a clone of Oliver named Levi. Levi is a punch in the chest, a twist of the knife, every time Emma sees him. As far as Emma is concerned, Levi shouldn’t even exist.

Review

That summary doesn’t even scratch the surface of what is going on in this story. This is suspense meets science fiction, and someone even described it as dystopian. There’s a LOT to this one. And I found it completely engrossing.

Emma is a great protagonist. She’s smart and confident. She knows her place at Darkwood, and she knows how things work there. Or at least she thinks she does. She has her mixed feelings about the Similars, especial Levi. She empathizes with them. They are distinct individuals with their own stories and feelings. And someone plunked them into a no-win scenario. But Emma also knows they are hiding things. Everyone seems to be  hiding things!  And Emma is determined to find the answers and uncover the secrets, especially when someone dear to her disappears.

I didn’t want to put this one down. It’s captivating. I still have questions, so I’ll have to wait until book two to see how things evolve from here. If you enjoy twisty, suspenseful stories, be sure to check this one out!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: The Right Hook of Devin Velma by Jake Burt

REVIEW: The Right Hook of Devin Velma by Jake Burt

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

From the beginning, we know that Devin punched Addison. But the events of the story help Addison figure out why.

The story starts with a scheme called The Double-Barreled Monkey Bar Backflip of Doom. Devin is convinced if he can pull off this legendary playground move, he’ll become internet famous. And he wants Addison to be the look out and guy on the camera. But when the playground monitor approaches them, Addison freezes. Just like always. Too much attention, potential trouble, or just too many eyes turned his way, and Addison clams up. He might think of the right thing to say, but he’s too frozen to even speak.

Usually Devin is fine with being Addison’s voice in these moments. But Devin is obsessed with his grand plans to be internet famous. But it’s not for himself. Devin’s dad needs a really expensive surgery. If he can find the right move, and get the right attention, he can fix this thing for his family. But when the moment comes, things don’t go quite how Devin planned.

Review

I enjoyed Jake Burt’s first book, Greetings From Witness Protection, so much, this book was a must-buy for me. And this one was so fun! I love smart, funny stories. And this is exactly that. I was reading in a public space and had to remind myself not to cackle out loud as I read. This was a treat!

I love the families at the center of this story. Yes, Devin and Addison are great – but the magic of this is the big picture. It’s the relationships between these boys AND these families.

The stories of the two boys when they were little are precious. But this is the biggest challenge their friendship has faced. And the journey is fantastic. This is a great look at what friendship is about. I could see this being a great choice for a book group at a school or a classroom read-aloud.

Jake Burt is now an author I buy automatically. His third book, The Tornado, will be out this fall, and I can’t wait to read it. He’s an author to keep an eye on. Be sure to check out Greetings from Witness Protection AND The Right Hook of Devin Velma if you haven’t already! (Language – “damn” is used twice.)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West

REVIEW: The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Gia is stunned. Who gets dumped in the parking lot before prom? But that’s what happens. Her college-aged boyfriend, Bradley, drives 3 hours to join her for prom, and then breaks up with her before they even get in the door. That’s pretty bad. Even worse, though, is going to be Jules’ reaction.

Gia’s been feeling like Jules is trying to undermine her with her friends. She’s been vocal about her suspicions that Bradley isn’t even real. Gia’s desperate to hang onto her friendships and put Jules in her place. When she sees a guy drop off another student for the dance, and sit in his car, she wonders if maybe he would agree to be fake Bradley.

“Fill-in-Bradley” does an amazing job. There’s a slight glitch when his very real sister approaches him and almost blows his cover, but they improvise. He provides Gia a fake break up and the ruse is over.

Except Gia can’t stop thinking about fill-in-Bradley. She doesn’t even know his real name! His real sister, though, feels like Gia owes him and talks her into posing as HIS fill-in girlfriend at a party for his ex.

What could possibly go wrong with all these secrets and lies?

Review

This was delightful! I enjoy the fake-relationship trope, and this is a great example of it. I loved Gia and Hayden (fake Bradley) together. He was really a good influence on her. I appreciated Gia’s growth over the course of the book. I empathized with her desperate need to hold onto her friends at the start of the book. Jules was awful and manipulative and catty. And then, as Gia starts to become more self-aware and wants to make some changes, she becomes even more like-able.

The contrast between Gia’s family and Hayden’s family was fascinating. Hayden’s home and family become a safe haven for Gia to explore some feelings and test her new insights.

Gia’s “friends” were the most uncomfortable part of the story for me. I knew we were headed toward a big confrontation where the full truth would come out. And I half dreaded it while also half welcoming it. I knew they would only see the betrayal but wouldn’t appreciate the personal growth Gia gains. I was more than ready for Gia to discover some new relationships with people she hadn’t noticed before when she was more shallow and driven to be perfect in the eyes of everyone around her.

On one level, this is a darling contemporary teen romance. And it’s lovely on that level. But this is SO much richer in emotional awareness and growth. Highly recommend!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½