You Are Caring and Thoughtful and Good

Review:

 

 

That is what Albie's mom tells him when she is there for bedtime. But, she isn't always there, so Albie has a nanny (Calista) who takes care of him when his parents are working. Albie's parents love him, but they make some questionable choices (in my opinion).

 

Albie has difficulties in school. He gets kicked out of his private school and ends up in public school. When Albie's mom finds out he is reading Captain Underpants, she tells him the books are for "babies" and he should be reading something meant for kids his age instead. She insists he read Johnny Tremain.

 

I tried to read Johnny Tremain. I really did. I read all the words in the first paragraph, and the the second one. Then I started over with the first paragraph. That book didn't make any sense. Captain Underpants was still out on the pile of mail in the kitchen, and that book did make sense. Plus it was funny. But Captain Underpants was for babies, and I wasn't a baby.

- Albie

 

Why can't he read the books he enjoys? He is logging more reading than ever, and his teacher is proud, but his mother makes him feel bad about it. That is just wrong and pisses me off.

 

When Albie's dad finds out that Albie has a D in spelling, he tells Albie that he expects him to get a perfect score on the next spelling test. Albie worries because he only ever gets 4 words right out of 10.

 

It's not up for debate, Albie. Any son of mine should be able to spell. Do better.

- Albie's dad

 

I wondered how such a perfect speller like Dad could end up with a son like me.

- Albie

 

Seriously?? Why do dads say things like this to their kids? My husband does it too. It's like they don't think about how their words will affect the way the kids feel about themselves.

 

Albie has low self-esteem and worries about why he isn't "smart". But, he is a genuinely nice boy and while he is sometimes confused about social cues, he tries to do the right thing.

 

When one of the boys at school calls Albie a retard, the school decides to outlaw the word.

 

Darren Ackleman doesn't call me "retard" anymore. But I think maybe it's not words that need to be outlawed.

- Albie

 

Even Albie (who supposedly isn't that smart) knows that outlawing words is not the answer to the bullying problem.

This is a touching story about a boy trying to fit in, and trying to figure out his own self-worth, and about how the people in his life affect him (good and bad). Unfortunately, what happens in this book is sad and very realistic, but it also shows how resilient people are.

 

Recommended to:

This Sunshine State nominated book is good for readers in grade 3 and up who enjoy stories about school and friendships.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1452850/you-are-caring-and-thoughtful-and-good

Bot Wars - review

Review:

 

 

Twelve-year-old Aiden (Trout) St. Kroix lives with his older brother Po. Their father disappeared two years ago while fighting in the Bot Wars—a devastating conflict that began when robots became so advanced that they revolted and took the lives of thousands of people. When the government banned and declared all bots terrorists, Trout didn’t question a thing. In the end, all he wanted was to find his dad. Desperate, Trout posts a video to the internet seeking help with his search, unwittingly unleashing a storm of danger as his brother is suddenly abducted and he is labeled a terrorist and a criminal himself. Trout goes on the run to seek answers, but it turns out that nothing is what it seems—not the government, not the bots, and not even his own father.

- from Amazon

 

This is a fun book. Kids will enjoy the action and the dangerous situations Trout finds himself in. 

 

Recommended to:

Sci-fi fans in grades 5 and up.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1451914/bot-wars-review

You never need an invitation to go home...

Review:

Four small words. That was all it took to set things in motion.

- Chapter 1

 

A great opening sentence to a magical story. 

 

Grandpa Ephraim has been telling Micah stories about Circus Mirandus his whole life. Micah is amazed by the stories and is so excited when he finally gets the chance to see the Circus for himself. Circus Mirandus isn't like a regular circus, it is full of real magic and endless possibilities. But if you don't believe, you will never be able to experience it.

 

Circus Mirandus was the sort of place that filled you up to the top of your head.

- Chapter 10

 

A world that had such magic in it must not be as awful as he had sometimes feared.

- Chapter 15

 

Father would want me to do the right thing, he thought. Even if it hurts. He breathed the disappointment in and out a few times to see if he could live with the taste of it.

- Chapter 15

 

It was a ridiculous, amazing thing to do, and once in a while, it's good to be ridiculous and amazing.

- Chapter 32

 

 

The illustrations are whimsical and fun, and so is the story. There is an underlying note of sadness, but it is mixed with wonder and magic. The point of view goes back and forth from Grandpa Emphraim (as a child) to Micah as they each experience the magic of Circus Mirandus.

 

 

 

Recommended to:

Readers in 3rd grade and up who enjoy stories of magic and wonder.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1451553/you-never-need-an-invitation-to-go-home

Loving this audiobook

 

 

Already, though, she understood the difference between being a child and being an adult. The difference is that when someone says he can keep the bad things away, a child believes him.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1449405/loving-this-audiobook

Creepy reimagining of Hansel & Gretel

Review:

 

 

This book is creepy. I mean, I'm an adult and I was scared for Lorelei. She is a girl facing a great deal of sadness and guilt. We learn early on that her mother died last year and for some reason, Lorelei feels guilty about this.

 

When a beautiful new school with an amazing playground suddenly appears, and their old school mysteriously burns down, Lorelei and her brother are enrolled at Splendid Academy. This school is unlike any school they have been to before. They are allowed to run in the halls, leave class whenever they want, don't have to raise their hands, and get to eat.... a lot. The school provides breakfast and lunch, and there is a bowl of candy at each student's desk that never goes empty. None of the students notice anything unusual, except for one overweight boy, Andrew. Andrew tries to convince Lorelei that something is wrong, but will she be able to see past her guilt to the truth, especially when the truth is so unbelievable?

 

I remember every single child I've ever brought into my schools... They become a part of me.  - Chapter 3

 

A child's finger? Your imagination's running away with you, Lorelei. Focus. - Chapter 17

 

I'm not a cook; you know I'm just a kid. I never boiled water before in my life. - Chapter 26

Lorelei is so sad and so alone. The new principal appeals to her loneliness and makes her feel warm and loved - she hasn't felt that way since her mother died. Lorelei wants to believe the principal is good, she needs to believe it.

 

This book deals with so many serious issues and it is pretty dark. I enjoyed it and finished it quickly. I was on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what would happen next.

 

This is a Grade 3-5 Sunshine State book. It seems a bit dreary to me and it may be frightening to some kids, so use your judgment. I would keep it more for the older range or kids who like dark fairy tales. It is well-written, fast-moving, and quite an original take on Hansel & Gretel.

 

Recommended to:

Grades 4 and up, readers who enjoy their fairy tales dark and creepy.

 

 

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1447080/creepy-reimagining-of-hansel-gretel