Tag: friendship

REVIEW: The World's Greatest Chocolate-Covered Pork Chops by Ryan Sager

REVIEW: The World’s Greatest Chocolate-Covered Pork Chops by Ryan Sager

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Zoey is a gifted and creative chef. Her unique taste creations have people lined up to try her cooking. She decides she wants to open her own restaurant, so she heads to the bank for a loan.

It probably would have gone better if she wasn’t a twelve-year-old kid.

But Zoey is a very creative and persuasive kid. She coerces the loan officer to come to her house for lunch. The food – and the $1200 Zoey makes from the people who come by for her lunch special – convince the loan officer to give her a shot. Then, Zoey just has to convince her parents.

Zoey shows incredible perseverance as she works towards her goal of having every person in the world try her cooking! But perseverance may not be enough when someone tries to sabotage her dream.

Review

This was so fun! Zoey’s creativity with food is astonishing. Her understanding of cooking principles is FAR beyond mine. For kids who love to cook, her ideas will be fodder for their own cooking experiments.

Zoey’s got a great support group around her. I love her best friend, Dallin. Zoey gets to learn some good friendship lessons while she pursues her goal of having her own restaurant. Her parents are interesting. Supportive yet skeptical. But Zoey knows how to get them on board.

This reminded me of the All Four Stars books by Tara Dairman about another girl with a passion for food and cooking. This book is quirkier and zany-er, but will appeal to some of those same readers. Recommend this one to all the budding chefs you know! This will be inspiring to kids who cook. Includes a few recipes for kids to try (with adult supervision!).

Many thanks to the publisher, Disney-Hyperion, for a electronic review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

 

REVIEW: Posted by John David Anderson

REVIEW: Posted by John David Anderson

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Frost. Bench. Wolf. Dee Dee. Friends by default. Eighth graders who’ve been together for a couple years. A “tribe” of kids with different interests who found each other because they didn’t really fit in another group.

The “war” starts when student cell phones and devices are banned from the school. They are a distraction from learning and a means for being horrible to other people. But just because they can’t use their devices at school doesn’t mean the students are going to be nice to each other all of a sudden. They move from electronic communication to paper – notes passed in the hallway. And Post-it notes.

It starts as a harmless message between friends, a sticky note on a locker. But it grows bigger very quickly.

That’s not the only thing that changes during those weeks. In the middle of the phone ban, a new girl arrives at the school She changes the dynamic in the whole building – and the dynamic between Frost, Bench, Wolf and Dee Dee. And Eric (Frost) isn’t sure things will ever be the same between them again.

Review

I have been looking forward to this book for months! But the reality was a different book than I was expecting.

At its core, this is a book about friendship and about finding your tribe. And it’s a great friendship story! I loved the core group of boys. Their nicknames – Frost, Bench, Wolf and Dee Dee – are so perfect for their characters and reflect their passions. I love how these guys are together and how they support one another.

There’s strong foreshadowing in the story. From the beginning, Eric calls what is coming a “war.” This set a different, darker tone than I was expecting for the story. It’s a great tool for pulling the reader forward. I had to know how the “war” got started and how it might wrap up.

This is also a bullying story. Middle school is a tough time. Kids can be cruel. They look for ways that others are different, places where they might be insecure, and target those. In this case it’s gaming and “nerdy” hobbies, sexuality, and appearance. It’s painful and sadly realistic. This would be a great book to read aloud and discuss, either at home or in a classroom setting. It’s important for kids to know 1) how to find their tribe and 2) how to support it. Posted is a great place to start that discussion!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

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: 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: The Charming Life of Izzy Malone by Jenny Lundquist

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Izzy Malone struggles to fit in. She can’t compete at home with a musical prodigy older sister. She can’t compete at school where the other girls pick their rowing team based on popularity rather than skill. Izzy knows she doesn’t fit the typical mold. And for the most part she doesn’t care. But when your mom is running for mayor, the pressure to conform is even higher. Izzy’s only hope is a correspondence charm school. If she can complete the assignments, maybe she’ll finally find her place in the world.

Great books for kids

Review

This book was outstanding! I loved Izzy from the start. Earnest, confident and caring, Izzy just wants to be accepted for who she is. But she doesn’t feel that acceptance at home or at school.

The correspondence charm school is terrific. The tasks are simple at the outset, but nothing ever goes quite right. The letters give Izzy a chance to tell someone what’s really on her heart – and she feels affirmed and accepted in some ways for the first time.

The family dynamics are fascinating. As an adult, I could infer what’s going on with Izzy’s mom. For kids, this would be a great dynamic to discuss to help build empathy and understanding for others. The evolution of that relationship was satisfying – no magic solution, but progress, which felt realistic.

The heart of this story is what drew me in, compelled me to finish it in one sitting, and keeps me thinking about the characters and the story even after the book is closed. This is a book I will keep and read again. And one I will talk about with kids any chance I get.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: The Candymakers and the Great Chocolate Chase by Wendy Mass

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Logan, Miles, Daisy and Philip, stars of The Candymakers are back for Candymakers #2. The factory is ready to start making the harmonicandy – the winning entry from the contest in book one. But Logan realizes there’s a problem with the recipe. In an effort to fix things, the kids head out on an epic road trip to hunt down a 50 year old secret and try to make their harmonicandy dreams come true.

candymakers-2

Review

I have been recommending The Candymakers to students and parents for years! It is constructed in a unique and clever way. Each character takes a turn telling his/her part of section one of the story. Then section two is told all at once. It’s a great example of perspective and “voice” as it highlights each character  and his/her part of the story as a whole. The story gets new depth as each character adds his/her part of the story. It’s brilliant!

Each of the main four characters gets to tell his/her story again this time, going deeper into their family stories and into how their lives changed because of the things that happened in the first book. About half of the book is told by all of the kids together. That’s when the road trip kicks off. I don’t want to give anything away but that road trip is not just about candy. It’s also about the past, the future and family.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

I can’t recommend these two books  highly enough! Please read them in order so you can really get all of the nuances in the relationships between the kids.

REVIEW: Stick Cat by Tom Watson

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Stick Cat and his neighbor cat, Edith, get together each day after Stick Cat’s owner leaves the apartment. (They’ve scratched a hole in the wall between the bathrooms.) Usually they play with socks or play the staring game (It is not like the human version!). One of their favorite things to do, though, is listen to “Mr. Music” play piano in the building across the street. With the window open, the cats can hear Mr. Music tune the pianos and then play them. On one particular day, though, Mr. Music gets into some trouble and no one knows he needs help – no one but Stick Cat and Edith.

stick-cat

Review

I’ve never read the Stick Dog books before, but as a cat person, I wanted to try this spin off. I heard the author speak at a Children’s Literature Festival, and I really liked him. He was funny, and he related well to the kids at the event.

Stick Cat is the smart one. Edith is pretty ditzy. They are great friends and they make a great rescue team. I can see why kids love these books. This one was so fun. The style reminds me of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Timmy Failure or Big Nate. If you know a reader who likes those books, you might suggest they try Stick Dog and Stick Cat!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

There are supposed to be at least two more books in this series, plus ongoing Stick Dog books. There are pictures of those posted below.

stick-dog-collage