A modern take on Faust with a women who sells her soul to the devil so she can play the violin again. Her bargain with the devil leads her to a transgA modern take on Faust with a women who sells her soul to the devil so she can play the violin again. Her bargain with the devil leads her to a transgender girl gifted at playing the violin and a donut selling women from outer space. Amazingly the author pulls the odd storylines together showing the vulnerability,abuse, and hate transgender people face, while also exploring misplaced ambitions, family, self-acceptance and more. She is not melodramatic and a love of music sings through this plot. ...more
This page-turner had multiple plot twists that made it hard to put down. Set on the moon it’s a mystery as the main character tries to determine the sThis page-turner had multiple plot twists that made it hard to put down. Set on the moon it’s a mystery as the main character tries to determine the saboteur on the Moon colony. The characters are dealing with grief, eating disorders, racism, privilege and more. The third book in the astronaut series, I liked how it connects with the previous book. ...more
While not as funny as the first book (such as Zacharias as a foil to Prunella), I did like the twists at the end of this one. The protagonist in this While not as funny as the first book (such as Zacharias as a foil to Prunella), I did like the twists at the end of this one. The protagonist in this book is such a nice person; whereas Prunella is such a strong, march-to her-own-tune character. Nevertheless this is a fast-paced, enjoyable read....more
A teenage boy’s take on Shakespeare’s plays he has to read make for some of the funniest scenes and inner monologue in this book. Plenty of action, deA teenage boy’s take on Shakespeare’s plays he has to read make for some of the funniest scenes and inner monologue in this book. Plenty of action, depth of character, and terrific writing make this one of the best books I’ve read this year. Between rats, baseball, a verbally abusive father, and sibling relationships, you won’t be able to put this down....more
A flat out, frenetically funny book with a ton of alliteration to create a tale that is similar to Old English in Beowulf (except this one’s understanA flat out, frenetically funny book with a ton of alliteration to create a tale that is similar to Old English in Beowulf (except this one’s understandable) with kennings, kid humor and terrific artwork. This isn’t gonna be for everyone and it has adult and kid laughs. The homage to Beowulf is hysterical and has a unique voice. I wanna read it again....more
I’m always looking for good read alouds to recommend to teachers. Becca is ashamed that she didn’t stand by her best friend when her mom went to jail.I’m always looking for good read alouds to recommend to teachers. Becca is ashamed that she didn’t stand by her best friend when her mom went to jail. She thinks she’s a bad person and learns while taking care of a pig that she’s not bad but just made a bad decision. She has plenty of courage when it comes to a pig that she transfers to humans as she grows in understanding of the world around her. This well crafted book is funny and shows a clear character arc connected to the plot. ...more
A terrific graphic novel about a black man’s journey from poverty, to world class athlete and protestor. A man of courage who raised awareness of the A terrific graphic novel about a black man’s journey from poverty, to world class athlete and protestor. A man of courage who raised awareness of the systemic racism blacks faced....more
A strong female protagonist who wants to play ball set during the Great Depression and tenant farmers. It made me think of The Grapes of Wrath settingA strong female protagonist who wants to play ball set during the Great Depression and tenant farmers. It made me think of The Grapes of Wrath setting. Great message about perseverance, empathy, standing up for rights, and making friends. This would be a good read aloud for grades 4-5....more
A terrific middle grade book about kids protesting against censorship of books in their school. The subplot of a father who lies chronically ties in wA terrific middle grade book about kids protesting against censorship of books in their school. The subplot of a father who lies chronically ties in well with how censorship hides the truth. There are many connections readers can make with today’s social media and the echo effect theory as well as politics and extremism. History and propaganda to manipulate society is nothing new and the author does a great job stirring up images and ideas to think critically and reflect on the world we live in as an individual and collective community....more
I haven’t read this in decades. There are so many great quotes. I didn’t notice how much of the story exposes systemic racism and how the courts are pI haven’t read this in decades. There are so many great quotes. I didn’t notice how much of the story exposes systemic racism and how the courts are presented in an idealized fashion of being just yet they fail Tom Robinson miserably. One of my favorite reads....more
An interesting look at daredevil stunts in the circus during the 1920s and the hostilities from the Klu Klux Klan. This is part biography. It took me An interesting look at daredevil stunts in the circus during the 1920s and the hostilities from the Klu Klux Klan. This is part biography. It took me awhile to get into the book....more
Omar gets accepted to a private school on scholarship but is expected to work for free, cannot play in extracurricular events, and must maintain an A Omar gets accepted to a private school on scholarship but is expected to work for free, cannot play in extracurricular events, and must maintain an A plus average. Most scholarship boys do not make past their first year. A look at injustice in education and activism to seek change. A heartwarming story....more
A well-written book that shows systemic racism toward a black family that owned land in the 1930s. If you like Jaqueline Woodson then you’ll like thisA well-written book that shows systemic racism toward a black family that owned land in the 1930s. If you like Jaqueline Woodson then you’ll like this one....more
The culmination of trauma on a Native American individual and community at large. The mixture of culture, genres, and themes make for an interesting rThe culmination of trauma on a Native American individual and community at large. The mixture of culture, genres, and themes make for an interesting read. The author’s narrative shows unique issues from a diverse viewpoint. ...more
The author expands on the magical systems, has political intrigue, plot twists, and messages on oppressed people within a culture that reflects currenThe author expands on the magical systems, has political intrigue, plot twists, and messages on oppressed people within a culture that reflects current times. I couldn’t put this down. ...more
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