Absolutely beautiful story of a girl refugee from Afghanistan and her family finding a new home in the Netherlands. Told through the eyes of each famiAbsolutely beautiful story of a girl refugee from Afghanistan and her family finding a new home in the Netherlands. Told through the eyes of each family member after and inspired by the arrival of their newest family member, Mishka the rabbit. Tender illustrations. Highly recommended....more
4.5 Illustrations and story work marvelously together to tell this tale of a young inexperienced ferryman of the dead on his first fraught journey fer4.5 Illustrations and story work marvelously together to tell this tale of a young inexperienced ferryman of the dead on his first fraught journey ferrying souls. I'm a big Hardinge fan. Recommended....more
This fine middle grade is about a 12YO artistic girl and her famous artist mom moving to the titular island (1960s?) after the much-loved father's accThis fine middle grade is about a 12YO artistic girl and her famous artist mom moving to the titular island (1960s?) after the much-loved father's accidental death. All they want is to be left alone to grieve in peace and quiet, but the tense vacationer-townie culture, the presence of a persistent art critic, and a helpless (and protected) osprey chick threaten upheaval in their lives. Many secrets are held and revealed; traumas are brought to life and moved toward healing. I only wished the main younger characters had been a couple of years older, say 14. The book and the first person narrative would have been more believable, the big reveal no less a surprise. ...more
A second charming old-fashioned middle grade tale by DiCamillo. Child Marta--ordered to be neither seen nor heard--lives as a poor maid's child in an A second charming old-fashioned middle grade tale by DiCamillo. Child Marta--ordered to be neither seen nor heard--lives as a poor maid's child in an upscale hotel. She misses her missing soldier-father and life is dull until the flamboyant countess arrives with her hats, her possibly polymorph parrot, and seven mysterious stories. Loved the perfect black and white illustrations. Recommended....more
This could be a Newbery. Hank's alchoholic mother disappears and leaves Hank and his little sister, still in diapers, on their own. Lots of truth abouThis could be a Newbery. Hank's alchoholic mother disappears and leaves Hank and his little sister, still in diapers, on their own. Lots of truth about alcoholism here and about the love and support of imperfect non-traditional families too. Recommended....more
Loved this story in verse and that it concerns grieving teen who, with his family, takes his late father's ashes home to Cartagena, also the resting pLoved this story in verse and that it concerns grieving teen who, with his family, takes his late father's ashes home to Cartagena, also the resting place of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, his favorite author and one of mine. Beautifully done. Recommended....more
New addition to Reeves' Mortal Engines series, which I'm mad for. More, please.New addition to Reeves' Mortal Engines series, which I'm mad for. More, please....more
3.5 stars. Middle grade reminiscent of Lauren Wolk. Ambitious, but didn't quite come together for me or earn its (more eloquent than the first 2/3rds)3.5 stars. Middle grade reminiscent of Lauren Wolk. Ambitious, but didn't quite come together for me or earn its (more eloquent than the first 2/3rds) ending. My favorite cover so far this year. Will watch for more from this author. Those who like authors to watch should give it a read. ...more
Inspired by a 2016 episode of This American Life (Really Long Distance) McGhee, a favorite author, relates 10YO Ayla's grief journey in spare, deeply Inspired by a 2016 episode of This American Life (Really Long Distance) McGhee, a favorite author, relates 10YO Ayla's grief journey in spare, deeply moving prose poems. Perfectly illustrated by Danah Kim. Dedicated to my favorite translator too--so personally recommended for many reasons and just might be a Newbery contender....more
Loading...
