Tag: friendship

BONUS REVIEW: Serena Says by Tanita S. Davis

BONUS REVIEW: Serena Says by Tanita S. Davis

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

Serena and JC have been best friends since 4th grade. But when JC gets a transplant in 6th grade, things start to shift. Serena gets sick so she can’t visit JC at the hospital. They can only see each other online for awhile. Then JC starts spending time with Leilani instead. Pretty soon, Serena is feeling like Leilani has pushed her out of everything – her class ambassador position at school, her WinterFest project plans, and her friendship with JC.

This leaves Serena wondering where she fits as she joins the Student Senate at school and deals with conflict with another classmate. But it’s possible that Serena has places where she could shine – opportunities she might never have tried if her friendship with JC hadn’t changed. Maybe there’s a silver lining in all of the 6th grade drama.

Review

I enjoyed this finding-your-voice story! There are lots of friendship pieces to this as well as some lovely family moments, but my favorite moments were the ones where Serena speaks up, sets a boundary, advocates for a peer, and carries the mantle of leadership.

There’s a vlog thread to this where Serena is learning to be confident speaking on camera and off the cuff. I think kids who also want to be You Tube stars will get a kick out of watching Serena find her voice through her videos. It’s a nice support piece to the work she does in the novel to find and use her voice in her school relationships.

I was pleasantly surprised that one of the friendship messages in this is that people grow apart. I would have liked a little weightier empathy for Serena’s hurt feelings to go with it. Sometimes the advice seemed too dismissive of her feelings. But I liked the normalizing of friendships that stretch and change and grow and drift over time. These things don’t only happen because someone is mean or thoughtless. Sometimes it just happens from growing up.

Be sure to add this to your home or classroom library if you are in the market for a smart friendship story where the main character finds her voice – and uses it!

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good+

REVIEW: Finally Something Mysterious by Doug Cornett

REVIEW: Finally Something Mysterious by Doug Cornett

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Duckies. A yard full of rubber duckies.

That’s what launches Paul, “Shank,” and “Peephole” on their latest mystery investigation. Someone dumped a ridiculous number of bath toys in Mr. Babbage’s yard. Who would do that? And why?

Could it be one of his competitors from the big bratwurst competition? Or maybe it’s his grouchy neighbor? Then there’s a teen from the neighborhood who’s acting strangely and sneaking out of the house.

The One and Onlys are on the case. That’s the name of their detective agency, because the three of them are only children. Or at least, they were. Now Peephole’s parents are having another baby which is really going to shake things up. As if Peephole wasn’t already afraid and paranoid all the time. Everything for the One and Onlys could be changing this summer – especially if they can crack their first case.

Review

This was so fun! I love middle grade mysteries. The silly duckies are only the starting point for a low stakes case that pushes the kids to use their skills – Peephole’s photographic memory, Shank’s confidence and daring, and Paul’s problem solving. There’s a lot going on in town with the bratwurst competition as well as a big box store coming in that could dramatically change life for Paul’s family. There’s plenty to engage readers and keep pages turning.

The clues for the mystery are all there for clever readers to notice and fit together. The wrap up of the case was terrific and satisfying.

I would love to see more mysteries for the One and Onlys to solve. Their relationship with local law enforcement was great – I’d love to see where that could go in the future.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥= Great! Might re-read

BONUS REVIEW: Ashton's Dancing Dream by the Pitts sisters

BONUS REVIEW: Ashton’s Dancing Dream by the Pitts sisters

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

When Ashton’s friend, Rani, announces that her dad’s been offered a promotion that would move the family to London, Ashton starts looking for a way to help her friend stay. Ashton, Rani, and their friend, June, decide to be in their elementary school spring talent show. The show, and the preparation, can be their reason for why Rani can’t move yet. The girls will use moves from a dance they performed at Christmas for their dance school to help simplify the preparation.

But when their full group – five girls in total – gets together, they can’t agree on anything. They bicker over music, dance moves, and the showcase dancer. Ashton’s perfect idea gets more and more complicated. And while her dad supports the idea of the talent show, he asks Ashton to consider that God’s plans aren’t always in line with our preferences. But Ashton hopes God wants Rani to stay too.

Review

This is a solid story with a lot of friendship pieces and a focus on taking your problems and burdens to God. Ashton experiences a power struggle with one of the other girls in the dancing group. There are times when they all forget it’s about having this experience with Rani, too. But there are good examples of sincere prayers and interpersonal effort to make peace, apologize, etc..

Another factor to the story that I didn’t mention in the summary is the arrival of a new student at the girls’ Christian school. Jasmyn is in a wheelchair, and Ashton is asked to be her school “buddy” and help her get acclimated. I loved Jasmyn’s part in the story. Ashton is a great friend and helper both at school and at church.

I appreciated Ashton’s efforts to stand up for Jasmyn. Rani makes some poor choices out of jealousy of Ashton’s new friendship. But I wish Ashton’s response had been stronger. Ashton does address the issue without prompting from anyone else. And Rani does apologize in part. But I felt like the most heinous choice on Rani’s part was to run off to a second floor of the house deliberately because she knows Jasmyn can’t go with them. It’s a blatant act of exclusion.  Yet when Rani apologizes, it’s more for what she said (saying the crocheting they are about to do is dumb) than what she did which was far worse. I’m concerned some readers will be hurt that this issue wasn’t addressed more directly.

I enjoyed the story, but there were moments when the writing pulled me out of the flow. This is a first person point of view book. But occasionally Ashton would look at someone and “know” what they were thinking either about themselves or even one time about a third character. First person can’t pull off all of that. I am hopeful that these moments were addressed in final edits.

This is book two in the series after Ansley’s Big Bake Off which focuses on Ashton’s older sister. Book 3, Amber’s Song, releasing in April 2021, will focus on Ashton’s twin sister. The characters have an older sister, Lena, who had her own series, Lena in the Spotlight (which was written by the authors’ older sister and their late mother, Wynter Pitts).

If you are looking for books for your middle grade reader with a blatant spiritual message, be sure to check out both series by the Pitts sisters. (CW: Unkindness to a person with a disability)

Rating: ♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥=Good/solid/fine

BONUS REVIEW: Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth C. Bunce

BONUS REVIEW: Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth C. Bunce

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

Myrtle Hardcastle is the daughter of the local prosecutor, and a scientist, her late mother. So she comes by her intellect and her curiosity honestly. So can anyone be surprised when she uses the telescope to look in on the neighbors or when she reads about poisons?

When Myrtle notices a change in the daily patterns of her neighbors at Redgraves, she looks into things on her own and then notifies the police. They discover that the lady of the house, Miss Wodehouse, has passed away.

Everyone says it was her heart, but Myrtle is convinced it was murder. Myrtle and her governess, Miss Judson, do some of their own investigating at Redgraves, talking to the presumed heirs as well and hunting for clues. In fact, Myrtle eventually convinces the powers that be that it was, in fact, murder. Now, all she has to do is find the killer.

Review

This was excellent! I loved the characters in this. Myrtle is a delight – brilliant and confident. And the cast around her is equally fantastic. I would snap up book 2 – How to Get Away With Myrtle – which also released this week. This was terrific!

The characters are what would keep me coming back to this series. I’m already excited about their next adventure. But the mystery in this is also excellent. There are several suspects and some nice surprises. Mystery fans are going to love this! Crimes include a suspicious death/murder, fraud, and kidnapping.

Do not miss this new mystery series for older middle grade readers (ages 10+) or the amazing Myrtle Hardcastle. I’d hand this to kids who enjoy mysteries like City Spies, FRAMED, Aggie Morton, The Westing Game, Capture the Flag, The Parker Inheritance, or Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor. (You can read about other middle grade mysteries here.) I think they will fall in love with Myrtle.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½=I loved it! Would re-read!

REVIEW: Izzy in the Doghouse by Caroline Adderson

REVIEW: Izzy in the Doghouse by Caroline Adderson

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

Izzy is a spunky girl with tons of spirit, gumption, and crazy ideas. Zoe is her best friend – most of the time. But when Izzy’s ideas get them sent to the principal, Zoe storms off with another friend, leaving Izzy all alone.

But a new puppy might be just the thing to help Izzy in the lonely times when her mom is travelling or when she’s in the doghouse with Zoe. Plus, what’s better at a play date than a puppy?

Review

This was darling! Izzy is a hoot and completely believable for her age. Her quirks are endearing instead of annoying. And she shows great resilience when she and Zoe hit a friendship snag.

The puppy part of the story is a lot of fun. I especially liked how many times Izzy fell in “love at first sight.” The puppy doesn’t magically fix things with Zoe. Time does that on its own. But Rollo does make for a fun playmate when the friends reconnect.

There’s a great adoption thread to this that’s naturally woven into the story. I found it very sweet!

If you are looking for a great early chapter book for your new reader or for your classroom, be sure to check out Izzy!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: Holding Out for Christmas by Janet Dailey

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: Holding Out for Christmas by Janet Dailey

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

Connor Branch, former rodeo star, has settled into the Christmas Tree Ranch in Branding Iron with his buddies, Travis and Rush. This time of year they’re cutting down and selling Christmas trees, caring for the ranch, and giving sleigh rides. And Connor is dreaming of his Cinderella – a singer he heard at last year’s Cowboy Christmas Ball. She left before he could meet her, but he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about her for the last year. He is hoping to meet the beautiful and talented Lacy Leatherwood this Christmas.

Megan Carson teaches kindergarten in Nashville. She was driving into Branding Iron to help her family with some things during the holidays when the storm kicked up, stranding her. Thankfully, Connor came along and rescued her from a cold night in her car in a ditch. Megan likes Branding Iron, but this is going to be a visit only. Her parents could use her help here on a regular basis. And teachers are in high demand in the community. But in Nashville, Megan’s alter ego, Lacy Leatherwood, is pursuing her dream performing career.

Megan finds out about Connor’s feelings regarding Lacy Leatherwood, but she doesn’t want to tell him the truth about her. Men tend to get hot and bothered over Lacy and forget about Megan, the real woman behind the flashy clothes, wig, and false eyelashes. She’ll just pal around with him while she’s in town and then get back to her real life and her dream in Nashville.

Review

I didn’t realize this was part of a series when I requested it, but it is the third book in the Christmas Tree Ranch series. Book one is My Kind of Christmas (Travis’ story), and book 2 is It’s a Christmas Thing (Rush’s story – part of the Kindle Unlimited program at the time of this writing).

This was a warm Christmas story in a nice community with interesting characters. I especially enjoyed meeting Megan and her family. I would have liked to get to know Connor’s friends a bit more, but that’s what the first two books are for. Those books are already on my wishlist so I can go back and pick up their stories.

Megan’s personal conflicts – her feelings about the guy in Nashville, her questions about what her role should be with her family, and her dreams of a music career – were more engaging to me than the “masked singer” pieces about Lacy. I wasn’t sold on her passion for performing. But her wrestling over her family responsibilities was something I wanted to see play out more.

Series fans will absolutely want to pick this up to finish the story arcs of the three guys from the ranch. New readers, though, should have no trouble starting here. I think you will want to track down the rest of the books, though, eventually. Pick this up for a light Christmas romance with great characters in a lovely community setting. But if you are picking this up for the truck full of puppies, don’t bother. While there’s a dog in the book, these puppies don’t make an appearance at all.

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good+

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss

SATURDAY SMORGASBORD: The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book will release on October 13, 2020.]

Summary

After a dating dry spell, Kate Turner lets her best friend, Laura, talk her into signing up for the Twelve Dates of Christmas. It’s an event run by the Lightning Strikes dating site. The site plans the dates with 12 matches, and all of the food and drinks are included in the cost. It’s a great way for Kate to meet 12 men, and enjoy some out-of-the-ordinary activities during the holiday season.

Living in a small town means everyone knows Kate’s business. They all know she signed up, and the gossips are staying busy keeping everyone up to speed on every dating disaster. Every time her other best friend, Matt, calls it the Twelve Shags of Christmas, she wants to forget the whole thing. It’s a good thing Kate is such a good sport.

Over time, it becomes clear that there might be a relationship from Kate’s past that is getting in the way of her moving forward with a new relationship. When everything falls apart, she will have to decide if she’s going to fight for the life she has built or if she’s willing to leave it all behind to avoid more pain.

Review

The set up for this – with the twelve blind dates – reminded me of 10 Blind Dates, a YA book I loved last year. This isn’t a comedy like that one is, but the set up works well in both books. It allows the author to introduce a bunch of quirky characters and scenarios for the protagonist.

I liked Kate a lot. She’s confident and knows who she is. She doesn’t put up with any garbage from the dates. And she has an amazing sounding job. I loved how her family and friends support her.

The dates – both the men and the activities – were fun to read. Kate meets interesting people. The activities were varied and fit Kate’s personality – a snowy hike, salsa dancing, a cooking class, etc. And even when the events end in disaster, I always liked Kate as she dealt with the surprises and the disappointments.

I figured out where things were going by about page 10, but I enjoyed the journey to get there. There’s a lot of great food described here (the final copy of the book will have recipes), and tons of holiday elements to help readers get into the Christmas mood. Don’t miss this fun Christmas romance. (Language, off-page sex, LGBTQ+)

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½=Good+

BONUS REVIEW: The Campaign by Leila Sales

BONUS REVIEW: The Campaign by Leila Sales

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

Seventh grade is off to a less-than-stellar start for Maddie. And it feels even worse when her favorite teacher, Mr. Xian, tells her that the new mayoral candidate is campaigning on a platform that includes a cut to all arts programs in the public schools. If she wins, there will be no music, no drama, no art – and no Mr. Xian. And since no one is running against her, this is all essentially a done deal.

Maddie convinces her post-college nanny, Janet, to run for mayor. Janet agrees that the arts are important, and she wants to be a voice for people like Maddie who can’t vote. But Janet and Maddie are both in for a steep learning curve over what running for mayor entails.

Review

I enjoyed this! Maddie is quirky, and I liked her. I was amused – and saddened – at how often her mom was off at some seminar to be a better parent rather than actually sticking around and BEING a parent to Maddie. And don’t even get me started on Maddie’s dad. I was happy that the family pieces of this were part of the backdrop to the larger story rather than the focus. Thankfully Maddie had Janet!

The friendship pieces here were also part of the backdrop, but a little more pertinent as Maddie has to face her friendship issues during the campaign. She discovers that it really isn’t just about what the other kids are or aren’t doing, but also about what SHE was doing and not doing in these relationships. It’s a smaller piece of the book, but I liked it. I think kids will find some interesting pieces here to talk about, too.

But the focus of the book is on this local election. And I loved this whole part of the story. A local election has more direct impact on our day-to-day lives. It’s also where citizens can get the most directly involved which is what Maddie and her friends do. Some readers have raised the issue that a mayor wouldn’t have any voice in what the school curriculum includes, but I think as a springboard, that doesn’t matter to the goal of the book or how I would use it with kids. I thought questions could be raised, too, about why the townspeople didn’t ask harder questions of the councilwoman about the issues they had in town. If she hadn’t addressed them as part of the council, why would they think she would as mayor? But, again, this is a springboard to conversation. This book isn’t going to be a perfect illustration of every city government.

Readers get to see Maddie – and Janet – learn how to get on the ballot, how to find and connect with voters, and how to look outside personal preferences to the needs of the larger community. This book is, in my opinion, meant to LAUNCH a conversation, not be the be-all-end-all. Use this to help readers ask questions about the same processes in your community. Get involved in a local campaign as a family. Attend a town hall or a debate. If you are looking for a way to talk with kids about the upcoming election season, start here!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥= Great! Might re-read

REVIEW: Daphne & Velma: The Vanishing Girl by Josephine Ruby

REVIEW: Daphne & Velma: The Vanishing Girl by Josephine Ruby

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

The town of Crystal Cove counts on their mysterious history (the disappearance of most of the town founders) and the Haunted Village attraction to bring tourists to town.

When a teen gets locked in an attraction at Haunted Village, and she blames ghosts, there’s tons of fresh attention on the town. Unfortunately, the girl’s story could cost Velma Dinkley’s mom her job at the Haunted Village. The Village has already taken so much from her family. So Velma is determined to get the girl, Marcy, to recant her story so Velma’s mom can get back to work.

Instead, Marcy goes missing. Daphne Blake is Marcy’s best friend. She does NOT believe the lame story that Marcy ran away to Mexico. Finding Marcy is a bigger job than Daphne can tackle on her own. But the only other person who questions the story is Velma. Maybe they could have worked together when they were 10. But the two girls have been bitter enemies for years now. Could they put aside their history to find out the truth about Marcy?

Review

This was great! I loved watching the girls work through their history as well as the mystery. Shaggy and Scooby play a role, and Fred is around, but the girls are the stars here.

I’m not certain if this is an alternate universe from the TV shows I have enjoyed for years, tracking it’s own independent course, or if it is an origin story for the Mystery Inc. gang that will develop over time. I’ll have to keep up with the series to find out. And I plan to! This was so fun.

I had thought this was going to be a graphic novel, but this is a prose novel instead. The history and angst between Daphne and Velma is a significant part of the story. It’s mostly resolved by the end, and I’m eager to see how they move forward in future books. There’s also family stuff going on for both girls that added some nice layers to the story.

The mystery was terrific. It felt like an episode of Scooby Doo in all the best ways. I’m eager to dive into book 2, The Dark Deception. A third book is currently scheduled for spring, 2021.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = Loved it! Would read again

BONUS REVIEW: Tune It Out by Jamie Sumner

BONUS REVIEW: Tune It Out by Jamie Sumner

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

Lou and her mom are living out of their truck at a camp ground. Her mom is a waitress, for now. She’s certain that Lou’s singing will change their fortunes if she can get “discovered.” So Lou hasn’t been enrolled at school for the last year. Schools ask too many questions. And they need to easily be able to leave town when Lou’s big break comes.

Lou’s voice is as good as her mom thinks it is. But she has some quirks that can cause trouble in public situations. Lou doesn’t like to be touched or to have people watching her. Loud noises can startle her and set her off. A teacher at her last school said she was “on the spectrum.” Whatever it is, Lou feels like she is always one moment away from a meltdown no matter what she does.

An accident on a snowy night leaves Lou with a concussion – and a CPS caseworker. Her mom is being investigated for neglect, and Lou is being sent to Tennessee to live with an aunt and uncle she doesn’t know. How is she ever going to manage without the one person who actually gets her?

Review

This book for older middle grade readers (ages 10+) was AMAZING!

First of all, it’s a foster care/found family story which I always enjoy. I loved seeing Lou cared for, seen, and heard at both her aunt’s house and at her new school. She’s in a place where she’s safe and can thrive, and I loved it.

Then there’s Lou herself. She was one of the best protagonists I have encountered this year. She may not know why she has her “meltdowns,” but she knows herself. She knows what she can handle and what’s not going to work. At the same time, though, she’s determined to push through where she can to make the most of her new situation.

The other characters are excellent, too. After Well’s first scene, I was firmly in love with this book. He’s my favorite sort of character – fun, personable, charming, and a great friend. He has his own issues which keeps him relatable, especially to Lou. I also loved the school staff who, again, SEE Lou and GET her. There are great counselors/social workers in this, and Lou’s aunt and uncle are also great.

One of my favorite things in this is the way Lou’s understanding of her mom and their relationship changes over the course of the book. Lou loves her mom. But she also recognizes her faults. And in the end she stands her ground for what she needs.

This was an absolute treat. The kids feel old for 6th grade, but I loved them too much to care. Do not miss this one! You can read a brief review of one of the author’s other books here.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥=Outstanding! Amazing!