3.5 stars Chihiro (15 or 16) has been trained by her famous samurai father and it's all she wants to do/be. She does also spend a lot of time on her ph3.5 stars Chihiro (15 or 16) has been trained by her famous samurai father and it's all she wants to do/be. She does also spend a lot of time on her phone watching vids of her fave samurai hero Tatsuo Nakano, the first woman to ever be accepted and trained at an elite samurai academy. When a village is threatened, the leaders want Chihiro's father to go take care of the matter. However, Chihiro begs to go in his place and her parents reluctantly agree IF she can get someone more experienced to go with her. When Tatsuo Nakano finds out that it is her village that is under attack, she decides to accompany Chihiro. They are a very odd pair. Chihiro is very excitable and loves to watch vids on her phone. Tatsuo is very cynical and often drunk even at the young age of 19.
This was interesting because the setting seems like feudal Japan and yet it has modern day elements like cell phones and internet videos. Somehow the concept work, though. The color palette is well thought out to correspond to the moods and the actions/plot points of the book. CW: violence, grief/loss, drinking, swearing Professionally reviewed for ages 12-18...more
This is the fictional story of Alfredo, an undocumented boy in TX who was told that he did not have the right to go to school. He was so sad and his pThis is the fictional story of Alfredo, an undocumented boy in TX who was told that he did not have the right to go to school. He was so sad and his parents were very upset as education was part of the reason they had left Mexico. They took the case to court and it went all the way to the Supreme Court, which said Alfredo DID have the right to an education! Based on the real court case of Plyler v Doe.
This is so important to remember as immigration continues to be such a hot button topic and as students so often groan about "having" to go to school, especially as they get older. I appreciated the additional back matter that told more about the actual court case that the story is based on....more
After finishing high school, Zahra is given an ultimatum by her parents. She either needs to go to med school or get married. She chooses neither and After finishing high school, Zahra is given an ultimatum by her parents. She either needs to go to med school or get married. She chooses neither and flees to the east coast, leaving everything behind. She does find a Muslim community there and begins to make some new friendships but still struggles with the guilt of having left her family with no trace of where she went as well as the lies she is telling to her new friends.
This was a thoroughly compelling read about the choices we make within our families and why we make them. There is a lot to consider about how we treat others and how we treat and view ourselves. I do think there is even more that could be done/looked at concerning mental health issues not just in the book but in our society as a whole. Even though Zahra is 18, this book is rated ages 13-18.
from the author - TWs: depression, anxiety, emotional abuse, physical abuse, self-harm, suicidal ideation, slut-shaming, PTSD...more
3.5 stars This is a guide on becoming an activist with quizzes to help you figure out your strengths, interests, etc. It is broken into several areas s3.5 stars This is a guide on becoming an activist with quizzes to help you figure out your strengths, interests, etc. It is broken into several areas such as people, animals, and planet.
If someone is already motivated to make a difference, this is a good beginning resource for them. It will not likely do much to inspire someone who is not already passionate about a cause, however. I also felt like the section on animals was the most disturbing in terms of the content relayed about the problems that they are facing.
CW: animal cruelty, human trafficking (and many other issues the world is facing)...more
Nessie (the Loch Ness Monster) has been a favorite of many, not just Scots, for a long time. When and how did the story originate? Is Nessie real? SieNessie (the Loch Ness Monster) has been a favorite of many, not just Scots, for a long time. When and how did the story originate? Is Nessie real? Siegel answers these questions through the lens of information literacy. From the first reports of Nessie in the 1930's to the pranks, feuds, and scientific explorations, Siegel engages the reader with photographs, quotes, interviews, and other primary source material as she reveals one of the biggest hoaxes pulled on the entire world. What is fascinating is that despite all the evidence to the contrary, people still cling to hope that there really is a Nessie out there in Loch Ness. Back matter includes an entire chapter on tips for dealing with fake news/misinformation. This may have been better if spread throughout the book - but also nice to have it all bundled together in one place; acknowledgements; source notes; bibliography; index; image credits...more
Eden is dealing with grief and loss so she goes to Safina Island, where her mom grew up and many of her family still remain. While there, Eden finds sEden is dealing with grief and loss so she goes to Safina Island, where her mom grew up and many of her family still remain. While there, Eden finds some of her mom's old sketchbooks/journals that contain some very haunting images. One day Eden is exploring and she finds herself in the creepy world of her mom's sketches. While interesting at first, it quickly becomes clear that Eden has become trapped there with the spirits that inhabit the afterlife. If she cannot escape, she will soon die as well.
Eden's grief is well-written and authentic. The world of Safina Island is so engaging, I'd like to spend more time there. The slide into the suspense/creepy part may be too slow for some readers but others will appreciate the build-up. Overall, an interesting concept although I personally struggled with the execution. Perhaps for fans of Coraline? ...more
The Choctaw Nation had just survived the harrowing Trail of Tears in 1845 when the Irish were enduring the Potato Famine. So, although they had very lThe Choctaw Nation had just survived the harrowing Trail of Tears in 1845 when the Irish were enduring the Potato Famine. So, although they had very little themselves, they collected what they could - because they knew what it was like to be hungry. They sent $170 to help the [people of Ireland. In 2017, the Irish commissioned a statue of feathers in a bowl shape to commemorate the gift from the Choctaw. Then, in 2020, when Covid-19 struck and ravaged the country - but hit the Indigenous nations disproportionately hard - the Irish returned the kindness from the Choctaw by sending aid to the Navajo and Hopi Nations. This is a beautiful story about kindness and generosity of spirit. I love the ties that have brought these nations together over centuries and generations. The sculpture is beautiful, and so moving when you know the full story behind it....more
1st in a series Ash has been raised by his mentor in a small rural village in Egypt. On the night before his 12th birthday, Ash is told that he will be1st in a series Ash has been raised by his mentor in a small rural village in Egypt. On the night before his 12th birthday, Ash is told that he will be called to Memphis, the capital to compete against a number of others to be the Prince's Shadow, or protector. Ash arrives to find not only the royal family but also a number of the Egyptian gods will be in charge of the competition to determine who will become the Prince's Shadow. There is lots of action and conniving - both among the gods and the competitors.
For fans of Egyptian mythology and the Rick Riordan Presents books. I loved how the author made Ra's sun power magical, giving things almost a sci-fi twist to the use of solar power. Short chapters and creative world-building will keep middle grade readers fully engaged with this 400 page book....more
Book 2 in series Sydney calls upon Winter to help Panacea once again, nearly a year after their last thrilling adventure. Neither one has forgotten theBook 2 in series Sydney calls upon Winter to help Panacea once again, nearly a year after their last thrilling adventure. Neither one has forgotten the sparks that ignited between the two of them last time - but things get complicated when both of their exes show up... Throw in an assassination attempt that could start a war and you have the makings of another fantastic story. I love how Lu brought in (tangentially) the world and characters from Warcross. Lots of action and chemistry to keep the pages turning plus ending is open for a sequel but not a cliffhanger. CW: violence, death, sexual situations...more
Eleri and the other exiles have escaped the volcano and done some major damage. However, their enemies are not3.5 stars Book 3 and conclusion to series
Eleri and the other exiles have escaped the volcano and done some major damage. However, their enemies are not out of the picture yet!! They (the enemy) are preparing to completely destroy the two clans that have been warring for so long. It will take everything the exiles have got (strength, courage, smarts) to foil their plans.
A bit predictable ending but still a thrilling and engaging read. Lots of action and adventure. CW: violence (Fighting, death, blood/gore) ...more
The exiles are trying to find evidence to support what they have discovered about the war between the two dinosaur clans. How3.5 stars book 2 in series
The exiles are trying to find evidence to support what they have discovered about the war between the two dinosaur clans. However, their safe hideout gets raided and when they try to run to safety they become trapped in a volcano!
The action and adventure continue. I feel like there were fewer slower spots in the sequel. I love the introduction of the new characters!
I saw this billed as "Wings of Fire meets Jurassic Park" and that's pretty accurate. In this world, a meteor has struck a3.5 stars First in a series.
I saw this billed as "Wings of Fire meets Jurassic Park" and that's pretty accurate. In this world, a meteor has struck and while it did kill off some of the dinosaur species, it has made the remaining dinosaurs sentient beings. Eleri gets exiled from his clan and meets a few other exiles. They form their own little band of misfits and discover a huge secret about the war being waged between the two clans.
Lots of action and adventure but also a few slow parts. In addition, it takes a little while to get used to the names that the author uses for the dinosaurs instead of the ones that are more commonly know, Ex Spikegrip for Igaunodon.
Isaiah, Drew, and Darius are best friends. But a traumatic event changes everything. Isaiah tries to recover his equilibrium while maintaining former Isaiah, Drew, and Darius are best friends. But a traumatic event changes everything. Isaiah tries to recover his equilibrium while maintaining former relationships, making new ones, and still being true to himself. This novel in verse explores relationships with yourself and with others in an emotion packed tale of friendship, loss, and coming of age. CW: grief/loss, police brutality, toxic masculinity, racism/prejudice...more
While this is a fictional account of a young girl names Nemy, it does convey the truth about how enslaved people used the braids in their hair to sendWhile this is a fictional account of a young girl names Nemy, it does convey the truth about how enslaved people used the braids in their hair to send messages, hide seeds, and show love. The illustrations in the beginning are in appropriately dark and somber tones as Nemy and others are enslaved and preparing to flee for their lives.
Author's note at the end gives valuable additional information, including that this story was based on one that happened in Columbia. Too often we only hear stories from the Antebellum South. End papers depict several different braided styles....more
4.5 stars Sequel to Orbiting Jupiter Jack loves his foster sister Jupiter. She is the daughter of Joseph, who his family had also fostered and was both 4.5 stars Sequel to Orbiting Jupiter Jack loves his foster sister Jupiter. She is the daughter of Joseph, who his family had also fostered and was both friend and brother to Jack. Jupiter brightens everyone's days with her joy and giggles. But her biological grandparents are threatening to take her away. Jack has also been asked to train with Jay Perkins for the JV cross country team. Jack absolutely does not want to do this as he has had some bad encounters with Jay in the past. But coach has his ways - and his reasons.
Schmidt is a *master* of language and emotions. This book is so well written and pulls at all the heart strings. I laughed, I yelled, I cried. And I was disappointed when it was over much too soon for my liking. ...more
The 6 branches of the US military (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corp, Navy, and Space Force) are each given their own section in this encyclopThe 6 branches of the US military (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corp, Navy, and Space Force) are each given their own section in this encyclopedia. It covers the need for the different branches, what wars they have been involved in, the jobs, they do, what sort of education is required to belong to each one, as well as the special forces for each branch. Also included are major weapons for each branch.There are many photographs (black & white and full color) throughout. It is a good introduction and overview of the US military. There are parts that feel repetitive and some information will quickly become outdated. There are some students to whom this will be highly appealing....more
3.5 stars The demon sword Asperides has been around for several hundred years and had many masters in that time. Currently without a master, it is bidi3.5 stars The demon sword Asperides has been around for several hundred years and had many masters in that time. Currently without a master, it is biding its time... until Nack blunders into the picture. Nack has been disgraced and kicked out of his family for cowardice. Trying to prove himself worthy, he is looking for a quest. When he stumbles into trouble - and the demon sword, Asperides tricks Nack into thinking that he is an angel sword rather than a demon sword. Nack is desperate and accepts Asperides' bargain, which includes agreeing to give up his soul in return for being able to use the sword's powers. This was a fun and engaging read (good audiobook narrator). Asperides is not as bad as he would like people to believe. ...more
Anna is a new 8th grader to middle school after being home schooled. She is dismayed to see that a girl who appears to have been popular formerly is nAnna is a new 8th grader to middle school after being home schooled. She is dismayed to see that a girl who appears to have been popular formerly is now completely ostracized. However, no one is talking about what happened. When Anna's favorite teacher assigns them to report on a social issue, Anna decides to do a podcast on this girl, Rachel, as she thinks it is some sort of school-wide bullying.
Done in a montage of prose, emails, texts, voice recordings, etc. we gradually learn what happened to Rachel Riley. This is a well-written and engaging account that I could totally see happening in a middle school. More people need to know about this book. CW: bullying, social media...more
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