Tag Archives: review
The Last Boy and Girl in the World
Juvenile Fiction
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
April 26, 2016
320
From the critically acclaimed author of The List comes a stunning new novel about a girl who must say goodbye to everything she knows after a storm wreaks havoc on her hometown. Aberdeen is drowning. Keeley Hewitt always has a joke to crack. Except there is nothing funny about her life right now. Her hometown of Aberdeen has always been known for flooding, but after one last terrible storm, the entire town has been told they must evacuate by the end of the summer…for good. How will she say goodbye to everything and everyone she has ever known? Most of the Aberdeen residents happily take the generous payout and look forward to starting over someplace new. But Keeley’s dad isn’t swayed by the overtures of officials or the sheriff’s threats. He refuses to evacuate their family, and Keeley goes from being the funny girl in school, to the last girl in Aberdeen. As the town empties out, two boys compete for her heart. One is a boy she’s had a crush on forever, and the other is one she thinks she could fall in love with. But the water is rising higher and higher, and Keeley is faced with losing everything she’s ever known, and the promise of things she’s only ever wished for…
Review:
2 stars for the main character
4 stars for the plot
I’m going to average out the stars to three on “The Last Boy and Girl in the World” because that is the only fair way to deal with what felt like two separate books.
The story itself is beautiful and haunting. The feeling of love of your hometown and the shock of losing it overnight is described very well. It also points out what can happen when greed and government corruption go up against the poor. Add to it a flawed family that is very relatable and you have a perfect book, right? No.
Keeley, the narrator, almost ruins the entire thing. I’ve never read a character that could be so insecure and yet think so highly of herself in terms of how she’s viewed by her friends, family, and even teachers. Even when confronted with how they really feel she doesn’t get it. In fact, I’m shocked she even managed to have friends. That would have been ok if there had been a character growth arc, but there wasn’t. She suddenly grew up in the last couple of chapters and her relationship with one character is inexplicably fixed even after not seeing one another for months. It felt crammed in as an afterthought.
If you read the book description and “The Last Boy and Girl in the World” sounds interesting to you, then give it a shot. The writing is good, but it just wasn’t for me.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Underage Drinking
The Art of Not Breathing
The Art of Not Breathing
April 1, 2016
368
Since her twin brother, Eddie, drowned five years ago, sixteen-year-old Elsie Main has tried to remember what really happened that fateful day on the beach. One minute Eddie was there, and the next he was gone. Seventeen-year-old Tay McKenzie is a cute and mysterious boy that Elsie meets in her favorite boathouse hangout. When Tay introduces Elsie to the world of freediving, she vows to find the answers she seeks at the bottom of the sea.
Review:
“The Art of Not Breathing” is far from your typical YA book. In fact, I found it quite odd. That isn’t actually a bad thing considering that our narrator, Elsie, is different from the norm herself.
This is one of those books that mentioning much of it will spoil the whole thing. I can say the Elsie is dealing with the drowning death of her twin brother when they were eleven and a very, very broken family. Her life is extremely painful and the author spares no feelings in describing the stark reality of everything that she is living through.
On top of her home life, she is dealing with a bullying at school. In fact, there is one scene that describes the most brutal bullying situation I have ever read. It was bad enough that I had to put the book down for a bit. One other thing that may trigger readers is that her brother has a severe eating disorder. I applaud the author for her frank description of what it does to him, but I want to warn everyone that it is graphic.
I recommend “The Art of Breathing” to anyone looking for a good contemporary read that unflinchingly examines broken families, the lies they tell, bullying, and eating disorders. There is romance, but if you’re looking for something lighthearted in that genre I’d suggest you look elsewhere.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence, Sexual Situations, Underage Drug and Alcohol Use, Bullying, Eating Disorders
OCDaniel
Juvenile Fiction
Simon and Schuster
April 12, 2016
304
A thirteen-year-old boy's life revolves around hiding his obsessive compulsive disorder until a girl at school, who is unkindly nicknamed Psycho Sara, notices him for the first time and he gets a mysterious note that changes everything.
Review:
I wish there were more stars to give to “OCDaniel.” It’s a wonderful and emotional read that I think any middle or high schooler (or adult) will enjoy.
Daniel is 13 years old and has OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), but he doesn’t know what it is. Written in the first person, he tells how his rituals affect his life and when the first symptoms began. While OCD is the main subject, Daniel also describes feeling like an inferior sibling and being bullied for other reasons, making it a good look inside the overall hell we know as middle school. There is a bonus mystery to be solved to add even more reason to keep turning the pages.
I’m going to get personal for a moment. I have OCD, but it is the result of a bad accident that left me with a traumatic brain injury. This book had me absolutely sobbing during many of the chapters. The descriptions of the torment were almost too realistic. OCD is bad enough as an adult, but to go through it as a kid must be horrible. I hope those who have it, whether or not they know what it is, are able to find this book. It has the potential to help many people.
“OCDaniel” is a book I recommend to anyone, even younger children who are able to read at a middle grade level. It’s a fast read, making it a good choice for reluctant readers. There are many opportunities for discussion for parents or teachers who wish to read it with their children or class.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Brief Mention of Suicide, Bullying
Little Chickies
Little Chickies
Canticos
Encantos
April 1, 2016
Board Book
25 pages
"Los Pollitos Dicen," or "Little Chickies Squeal" is one of the most popular songs in the Spanish speaking world, akin to "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" in English. This English adaptation of the song is as catchy and lyrical as the Spanish version and sure to engage new audiences not familiar with the original song. The song is an homage to the demanding nature of babies and the unconditional love, care, and warmth given to them by their mommies.
Review:
“Little Chickies” is an adorable board book that introduces Spanish or English, depending on the child’s native language, in a simple and easily accessible way. The story is told in both languages, one following the other, with the same illustrations in each version, allowing children to easily see the connections. On top of that, there is a download available of the story being read. Very cute and inventive!
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
A Fierce and Subtle Poison
Young Adult Fiction
Algonquin Books
April 12, 2016
288
Spending the summer with his hotel-developer father in Puerto Rico, seventeen-year-old Lucas turns to a legendary cursed girl filled with poison when his girlfriend mysteriously disappears.
Review:
“A Fierce and Subtle Poison” is a wonderful tale of magical realism and fantasy based heavily upon the stories and superstitions found in Puerto Rico.
If you’re looking for a book with typical romance, this one is not for you. The focus is more on the mysterious nature of a girl and a boy’s search to find himself. I absolutely loved the look into how Puerto Ricans view the rich Americans who are taking over and destroying the natural beauty of their homeland. For his part, Lucas, the main character, does have a love of the place and the people. It’s nice to see hope for change.
The characters are very well-developed, and the book reads at a fast and easy pace. It’s easy to get lost in the world and believe in magic again. I can’t say much else without giving away some important things, but I can say the ending is satisfying and leaves room for a sequel without needing one to make the story feel complete. It’s a really fun ride.
“A Fierce and Subtle Poison” does have some themes that might not be appropriate for younger middle graders, but anyone older who loves a good fairy tale will enjoy this book. I highly recommend it.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Underage Alcohol Abuse, Violence, Brief Mentions Of Animal Death (Not Graphic)
Defender
Wendy Lamb Books
April 12, 2016
240
Seventeen-year-old Tyne and her boyfriend Stick investigate a decades-old murder after she finds the body of a girl in the basement wall of her apartment building.
Review:
“Defender” is a gritty mystery set in a downtrodden urban area of Toronto.
While I felt that the varied races of the characters and the realistic feel of the location were unique, there was something off about it all that I can’t quite put my finger on. It didn’t all come together in a way that could have taken it from okay to great. There were a lot of subplots occurring, and that may have been a barrier in keeping the story cohesive.
The mystery contained in the story was a good one with an ending I really appreciated. The look into the very real problems with the foster care system and the difficulty of being able to escape poverty were eye-opening. Many readers are sure to find characters they can relate to, which for many may be a rare occurrence.
“Defender” has its good and bad points, and I encourage those who are interested to give it a try. There is quite a bit of disturbing imagery, so those buying for younger or sensitive readers should keep that in mind.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Violence, Disturbing Imagery
Almost A Full Moon
Songs, English
Tundra Books (NY)
September 6, 2016
32
Almost a Full Moon is a warm-hearted story of family, community, food and home. A boy and his grandmother host a gathering in their small cabin in the middle of winter. Friends travel from near and far, and some new friends even turn up. The walls of the cabin are elastic and the soup pot bottomless; all are welcome. Based on the lyrics of Hawksley Workman's song from his holiday album Almost a Full Moon, this book evokes both the cold and the coziness of a winter's night: crisp clean air, sparkling snow, the light of the moon, welcoming windows, glowing candles, family and friends. The spare text is beautifully complemented with the rich illustrations of Jensine Eckwall, a new talent to Tundra. She brings beauty and a hint of magic to Workman's evocative lyrics; together, they create a world and a night that will enchant readers of all ages.
Review:
The story and the pictures in “Almost a Full Moon” were cute, but somehow they didn’t seem to mix together in just the right way. It’s still a nice little book.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Ooko
Ooko
Penguin Random House Canada
July 5, 2016
Hardcover
40
Ooko has everything a fox could want: a stick, a leaf and a rock. Well, almost everything . . . Ooko wants someone to play with too! The foxes in town always seem to be playing with their two-legged friends, the Debbies. Maybe if he tries to look like the other foxes, one of the Debbies will play with him too. But when Ooko finally finds his very own Debbie, things don't turn out quite as he had expected!
A quirky, funny, charmingly illustrated story about finding friendship and being true to yourself.
Review:
“Ooko” is an adorable picture book about a fox learning the beauty of just being yourself. The simple wording and quirky illustrations will keep children both young and old entertained. I found myself laughing out loud at Ooko’s sense of humor and little bit of sass. Highly recommended!
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Yitzi and the Giant Menorah
Tundra Books (NY)
September 6, 2016
32
On the eve of Hanukkah, the People of Chelm have received a special gift from the Mayor of Lublin. A giant menorah in which they place in the square for all the admire. Every night, the villagers meet to watch the lighting of a candle on the menorah. And every night, the villagers ponder What is the most fitting way to thank the Mayor of Lublin?
The villagers come up with idea after idea, but their gift never quite reaches the Mayor. What will they do? Finally, on the last night of Hanukkah, Yitzi has an idea to orchestrate the surprise thank you gift.
Review:
“Yitzi and the Giant Menorah” is absolutely gorgeous. The illustrations may be my favorites that I have ever found in a children’s book. It’s filled with color, and the pages can also be seen as a “hide and seek” type game to find objects contained on all of the pages. The story is also beautiful and engaging.
It’s a whimsical story that focuses on many of the traditions of Hanukkah. Books for Jewish children can sometimes be difficult to find. However, it’s also a good book for those who aren’t Jewish! Churches can use it to teach Old Testament traditions, and anyone can use it to expand cultural awareness. An added bonus is a short summary of how Hanukkah came to be on the last page.
I’m going to be buying several copies as gifts for all ages this coming holiday season. I only wish I could frame the artwork without needing to destroy a book.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Bob’s Burgers: Well Done
Comics & Graphic Novels
Dynamite Entertainment
March 15, 2016
112
Satisfy your hunger for the red hot Bob's Burgers with this sizzling new collection, served well done! Written and illustrated by the fine folks at the Emmy Award-winning studio Bento Box Entertainment, these Belcher Family shenanigans are guaranteed to delight fans of all ages. Thrill to Louise's investigation into a pest control problem, Tina's fanciful pursuit of Jimmy Pesto's heart, and Gene's imaginative reimagining of a maritime classic! The Belcher parents Bob and Linda also join in on the fun, alongside dozens of your favorite cast members. Bon appetit!
Review:
What can I say about this collection? Well, it’s “Bob’s Burgers: Well Done,” and the very name “Bob’s Burgers” is synonymous with good comedy. If you’re a fan of the show, I encourage you to get this asap.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Follow my book reviews and ramblings:
