by Martha Brooks
PRMS discard, hardcover 216 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction
Laker Wyatt (cool name) is kicked out by his stepfather and mother. He lives homeless for a while, then is taken in by octogenarian Henry, who has recently become a widower. There were parts of this story I liked a lot, but overall it wasn't a strong story. It's heading to a Better World Books donation bin.
Saturday, December 23, 2017
Christmas Stories - Children's books with Christ-centered message (various titles)
My pastor asked me to read a children's book for church this Sunday. (Last year, I read Patricia Polacco's Christmas Tapestry, though I summarized some parts so it didn't last over a half hour!) I got the first four books below at the Hennepin County Library but wasn't super excited by any of them. Then I visited the Savage branch of the Scott County Library yesterday and found the last two. Here are my thoughts.
Birthday Party for Jesus by Susan Jones, illustrated by Lee Holland
A bunch of woodland animals are planning a birthday party for Jesus and Little Bunny wonders what he should bring. Toys? Candy? Games? Then he sees that the other animals have wrapped gifts with tags like peace, faith, mercy, kindness, etc. Aha! Now he knows what to bring for Jesus' birthday. Cute art, simple story, great for a younger (preschool) audience.
The Friendly Beasts: An Old English Christmas Carol illustrated by Anna Vojtech
I didn't listen to the CD included (narration and songs by Rebecca St. James), but this is a lovely little story from the animals' points of view. It is simple, with rhyming text and lovely illustrations.
Who Built the Stable? by Ashley Bryan
Gorgeous, vibrant illustrations make this my favorite visually. The simple text rhymes and is very kid-friendly. My favorite two-page spread: "Was Jesus born in Italy, Russia, Spain, Japan? / No! He was born in Bethlehem, a rich and verdant land." (Not that kiddos will know what "verdant" means . . . but I like it!)
Grace at Christmas by Mary Hoffman, illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu
This one didn't have a super-strong message, but I liked it all the same. Grace likes Christmas with just her, her mother, and her Nana. But this year, some stranded travelers will join them. Grace doesn't want to share her home and traditions with them, but she learns to open her heart and show compassion. It's a beautiful story, but the acting-out of the nativity scene (and the sharing message) weren't explicit enough for what I wanted to share.
Mortimer's Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
I liked this one, but even the thought of cute little storybook mice make me think of the actual rodents . . . which I do NOT like (or their poops, which they leave everywhere). Mortimer wants a cozier place to stay than his hole in the wall. He finds it, but has to lug and tug some "statues" out of the way first. Every evening, he removes them and curls up in the hay (in the manger) and each day someone puts them back. Then he hears the dad share the Bible story of Jesus' birth. Mortimer is sad, but realizes that the manger is for Jesus, not him. But joy! Someone has put out a gingerbread house - perfect for Mortimer!
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski, illustrated by P.J. Lynch
This is the one I'm reading this year! Toomey has been nicknamed "Gloomy" by the town's children. He's always grumpy, taciturn, stooped . . . even though he's an amazing wood carver. His past unfolds as he works on a project . . . it's so beautiful! I can read it with good pacing in under 18 minutes, but I have to work on reading it without crying. Perfect!
Birthday Party for Jesus by Susan Jones, illustrated by Lee Holland
A bunch of woodland animals are planning a birthday party for Jesus and Little Bunny wonders what he should bring. Toys? Candy? Games? Then he sees that the other animals have wrapped gifts with tags like peace, faith, mercy, kindness, etc. Aha! Now he knows what to bring for Jesus' birthday. Cute art, simple story, great for a younger (preschool) audience.
The Friendly Beasts: An Old English Christmas Carol illustrated by Anna Vojtech
I didn't listen to the CD included (narration and songs by Rebecca St. James), but this is a lovely little story from the animals' points of view. It is simple, with rhyming text and lovely illustrations.
Who Built the Stable? by Ashley Bryan
Gorgeous, vibrant illustrations make this my favorite visually. The simple text rhymes and is very kid-friendly. My favorite two-page spread: "Was Jesus born in Italy, Russia, Spain, Japan? / No! He was born in Bethlehem, a rich and verdant land." (Not that kiddos will know what "verdant" means . . . but I like it!)
Grace at Christmas by Mary Hoffman, illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu
This one didn't have a super-strong message, but I liked it all the same. Grace likes Christmas with just her, her mother, and her Nana. But this year, some stranded travelers will join them. Grace doesn't want to share her home and traditions with them, but she learns to open her heart and show compassion. It's a beautiful story, but the acting-out of the nativity scene (and the sharing message) weren't explicit enough for what I wanted to share.
Mortimer's Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
I liked this one, but even the thought of cute little storybook mice make me think of the actual rodents . . . which I do NOT like (or their poops, which they leave everywhere). Mortimer wants a cozier place to stay than his hole in the wall. He finds it, but has to lug and tug some "statues" out of the way first. Every evening, he removes them and curls up in the hay (in the manger) and each day someone puts them back. Then he hears the dad share the Bible story of Jesus' birth. Mortimer is sad, but realizes that the manger is for Jesus, not him. But joy! Someone has put out a gingerbread house - perfect for Mortimer!
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski, illustrated by P.J. Lynch
This is the one I'm reading this year! Toomey has been nicknamed "Gloomy" by the town's children. He's always grumpy, taciturn, stooped . . . even though he's an amazing wood carver. His past unfolds as he works on a project . . . it's so beautiful! I can read it with good pacing in under 18 minutes, but I have to work on reading it without crying. Perfect!
Friday, December 22, 2017
It's Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspired, and Get Going!
by Chelsea Clinton
Hennepin County Library audiobook 8 CDs
read by the author
genre: non-fiction, activism
I only listened to two of the CDs. I think I would enjoy the print version better, though Clinton's voice is pleasant. The non-Clinton voice that said the section headings seemed disconcerting and robotic . . . and at times, Clinton's voice took on an almost hypnotic quality.
That said, the content is good. I found the story about her grandma Dorothy (Hilary's mom) fascinating! What a heritage. Clinton is at her best when she talks about her own childhood and experiences.
Her target audience is children and youth. At times, she addresses kids directly or explains complex topics (like GDP) very well. At other times, she doesn't seem to be aware of children's limited grasp of serious topics. She addresses poverty and its causes, homelessness, etc. Perhaps I'm just not in a receptive mood for this info right now. In one section alone, I jotted notes on Read to Feed, Heifer International, Barefoot College, KIVA, three water charities, and Care . . . so perhaps my decision to not finish the book was simply that I felt overwhelmed by the options for helping.
I hope that kids listen and are inspired to help others and make a positive difference in the world. As an adult, I find that having a few causes (or only one!) that you're passionate about makes it easier to focus time, attention, and money in a way that can make a difference. Kudos to Clinton for working to inspire kids to make a difference. I also like that she introduces a topic, explains the different perspectives, and encourages her readers / listeners to make up their own minds about it. What an incredible young woman!
Hennepin County Library audiobook 8 CDs
read by the author
genre: non-fiction, activism
I only listened to two of the CDs. I think I would enjoy the print version better, though Clinton's voice is pleasant. The non-Clinton voice that said the section headings seemed disconcerting and robotic . . . and at times, Clinton's voice took on an almost hypnotic quality.
That said, the content is good. I found the story about her grandma Dorothy (Hilary's mom) fascinating! What a heritage. Clinton is at her best when she talks about her own childhood and experiences.
Her target audience is children and youth. At times, she addresses kids directly or explains complex topics (like GDP) very well. At other times, she doesn't seem to be aware of children's limited grasp of serious topics. She addresses poverty and its causes, homelessness, etc. Perhaps I'm just not in a receptive mood for this info right now. In one section alone, I jotted notes on Read to Feed, Heifer International, Barefoot College, KIVA, three water charities, and Care . . . so perhaps my decision to not finish the book was simply that I felt overwhelmed by the options for helping.
I hope that kids listen and are inspired to help others and make a positive difference in the world. As an adult, I find that having a few causes (or only one!) that you're passionate about makes it easier to focus time, attention, and money in a way that can make a difference. Kudos to Clinton for working to inspire kids to make a difference. I also like that she introduces a topic, explains the different perspectives, and encourages her readers / listeners to make up their own minds about it. What an incredible young woman!
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
The Twelve Dogs of Christmas
by David Rosenfelt
Hennepin County Library audiobook 5 CDs
read by Grover Gardner
genre: realistic murder mystery
Andy Carpenter, Tillman, Caffey, Big Tiny, "Pups" and others made this an interesting story about a dying woman, a murder trial, and big money. I was a bit confused about the senator from South Dakota and the blackmailing, but it all came together.
I'm not a huge fan of courtroom dramas, but there was enough other stuff to make it work. Carpenter is a defense attorney who is working for Martha Boyer, aka "Pups" in a triple murder trial. It's fun to see him follow hunches and unravel what's really going on. I liked the Jewish elderly people who helped him with some computer hacking. I also liked gang leader Big Tiny . . . though he's a thug in his own right.
I enjoyed it, but won't seek out other books by this author. There are so many other things I like so much more.
Hennepin County Library audiobook 5 CDs
read by Grover Gardner
genre: realistic murder mystery
Andy Carpenter, Tillman, Caffey, Big Tiny, "Pups" and others made this an interesting story about a dying woman, a murder trial, and big money. I was a bit confused about the senator from South Dakota and the blackmailing, but it all came together.
I'm not a huge fan of courtroom dramas, but there was enough other stuff to make it work. Carpenter is a defense attorney who is working for Martha Boyer, aka "Pups" in a triple murder trial. It's fun to see him follow hunches and unravel what's really going on. I liked the Jewish elderly people who helped him with some computer hacking. I also liked gang leader Big Tiny . . . though he's a thug in his own right.
I enjoyed it, but won't seek out other books by this author. There are so many other things I like so much more.
Compelled by Love: How to Change the World Through the Simple Power of Love in Action
by Heidi Baker with Shara Pradhan
loaned by Kelly Harvey (via New Day Church), paperback, 151 pages
genre: non-fiction Christian missions
This book blew me away! I have put it in my Amazon cart, because I'd love to own it and read it again. Baker came from a life of privilege, but fell in love with Jesus and has worked as a missionary in several countries. Mozambique is her "home" and favorite place in the world. She is inspired by Mother Teresa and writes about the Beatitudes in this book. Chapters are "Blessed are the Poor in Spirit," "Blessed are Those who Mourn," etc.
page 34: "I did not yet realize that the Sermon on the Mount is God's formula for revival. The Beatitudes are His recipe for His kingdom to come and His will to be done on the earth as it is in heaven." God is so good! He gives us what we need in His Word.
page 35: "Some of you may think ministry is a grand adventure. Ministry, however, is simply about loving the person in front of you." Sometimes we make things more complex than they need to be.
page 88: "These children are my delight as they hunger for more of Jesus. They are my mentors, and they have helped to teach me not to be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion. Sometimes we make things too complicated when we really need to remember that the kingdom belongs to the children!" I love the stories she includes about children who are transformed by God's love. Those individual children have incredible personal testimonies.
page 114 - I had to include the entire page here because so much of it resonated with me. "In trials and tribulations, our enemy will use every possible device to try to get us to focus on the problem." Yep, that's been an issue for me lately. Listening to Satan is *not* a good idea.
page 147: "Ministers should be the most joyful, in-love people on the planet. It is not a competition in misery." This would make for an interesting discussion at a pastors' meeting, yes?
loaned by Kelly Harvey (via New Day Church), paperback, 151 pages
genre: non-fiction Christian missions
This book blew me away! I have put it in my Amazon cart, because I'd love to own it and read it again. Baker came from a life of privilege, but fell in love with Jesus and has worked as a missionary in several countries. Mozambique is her "home" and favorite place in the world. She is inspired by Mother Teresa and writes about the Beatitudes in this book. Chapters are "Blessed are the Poor in Spirit," "Blessed are Those who Mourn," etc.
page 34: "I did not yet realize that the Sermon on the Mount is God's formula for revival. The Beatitudes are His recipe for His kingdom to come and His will to be done on the earth as it is in heaven." God is so good! He gives us what we need in His Word.
page 35: "Some of you may think ministry is a grand adventure. Ministry, however, is simply about loving the person in front of you." Sometimes we make things more complex than they need to be.
page 88: "These children are my delight as they hunger for more of Jesus. They are my mentors, and they have helped to teach me not to be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion. Sometimes we make things too complicated when we really need to remember that the kingdom belongs to the children!" I love the stories she includes about children who are transformed by God's love. Those individual children have incredible personal testimonies.
page 114 - I had to include the entire page here because so much of it resonated with me. "In trials and tribulations, our enemy will use every possible device to try to get us to focus on the problem." Yep, that's been an issue for me lately. Listening to Satan is *not* a good idea.
page 147: "Ministers should be the most joyful, in-love people on the planet. It is not a competition in misery." This would make for an interesting discussion at a pastors' meeting, yes?
Saturday, December 16, 2017
MIssissippi Jack
a Bloody Jack adventure
by L.A. Meyer
Hennepin County Library hardcover 611 pages
genre: YA historical adventure fiction
I'm enjoying these books a bit too much . . . though this one had a couple of places where I had to put it down and walk away. (The ambush on the river when Jacky was bathing . . . )
I marked page 202. Jaimy is frustrated with the American wilderness (in the early 1800s) and writes to Jacky "I have been massaging my swollen jaw and amusing myself by thinking up variations on USA. How about Ubiquitous Swine devoted to Anarchy? No? Then how's this: Unwashed Savages of Abysmal ignorance? I find myself longing for a civilized drawing room in London." It just made me laugh.
Jacky's raucous behavior doesn't overshadow her kind heart. She's a fun protagonist and this adventure is filled with many colorful characters as she travels west, then south on the rivers, in pursuit of Jaimy and safety. (More and more people want to kill her as her adventures go along.)
Riverboat, show boat, Mike Fink, Indians (even Tecumseh!), slavers, . . . this book was crammed full of characters and action.
by L.A. Meyer
Hennepin County Library hardcover 611 pages
genre: YA historical adventure fiction
I'm enjoying these books a bit too much . . . though this one had a couple of places where I had to put it down and walk away. (The ambush on the river when Jacky was bathing . . . )
I marked page 202. Jaimy is frustrated with the American wilderness (in the early 1800s) and writes to Jacky "I have been massaging my swollen jaw and amusing myself by thinking up variations on USA. How about Ubiquitous Swine devoted to Anarchy? No? Then how's this: Unwashed Savages of Abysmal ignorance? I find myself longing for a civilized drawing room in London." It just made me laugh.
Jacky's raucous behavior doesn't overshadow her kind heart. She's a fun protagonist and this adventure is filled with many colorful characters as she travels west, then south on the rivers, in pursuit of Jaimy and safety. (More and more people want to kill her as her adventures go along.)
Riverboat, show boat, Mike Fink, Indians (even Tecumseh!), slavers, . . . this book was crammed full of characters and action.
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Death, Dickinson, and the Demented Life of Frenchie Garcia
by Jenny Torres Sanchez
Hennepin County Library paperback 270 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction
This was a little too dark for me. Frenchie had a spontaneous night of fun with a guy she had liked from afar for four years. The next morning, she learns that he is dead. He overdosed and left a suicide note (of sorts). But she doesn't tell anyone about their conversations or experiences . . . not her parents, her best friends, a counselor. She just tortures herself and becomes more and more miserable and purposeless.
I only marked one point in the book. On page 104, she texts Colin to say "I'm not okay." This admission (and his amazing ability to be sensitive, patient, and watchful of her) help her to work toward understanding and healing.
This book wasn't a favorite for me, but I can definitely picture teenagers for whom this story would resonate powerfully. It's serious and deals with real-world issues.
As a literature person, I like that the author's main character has a thing for Emily Dickinson.
Hennepin County Library paperback 270 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction
This was a little too dark for me. Frenchie had a spontaneous night of fun with a guy she had liked from afar for four years. The next morning, she learns that he is dead. He overdosed and left a suicide note (of sorts). But she doesn't tell anyone about their conversations or experiences . . . not her parents, her best friends, a counselor. She just tortures herself and becomes more and more miserable and purposeless.
I only marked one point in the book. On page 104, she texts Colin to say "I'm not okay." This admission (and his amazing ability to be sensitive, patient, and watchful of her) help her to work toward understanding and healing.
This book wasn't a favorite for me, but I can definitely picture teenagers for whom this story would resonate powerfully. It's serious and deals with real-world issues.
As a literature person, I like that the author's main character has a thing for Emily Dickinson.
The Stone Heart
The Nameless City, book 2
by Faith Erin Hicks
Hennepin County Library hardcover 243 pages
genre: YA graphic novel, adventure
Oh my! This was so good! I would love to own the Nameless City books. These are "Yes!" purchases for a middle school or high school collection. I love Hicks' work! She's so talented.
Rat and Kaidu continue to be great kids who get into things over their heads. The Dao are split between those who want to fight and hold power versus those who see a need to change and work with others. The saddest part to me was the attack on the monks and the library! Mura is an interesting character. Enzi and Mura will have much to account for in the next book. . .
by Faith Erin Hicks
Hennepin County Library hardcover 243 pages
genre: YA graphic novel, adventure
Oh my! This was so good! I would love to own the Nameless City books. These are "Yes!" purchases for a middle school or high school collection. I love Hicks' work! She's so talented.
Rat and Kaidu continue to be great kids who get into things over their heads. The Dao are split between those who want to fight and hold power versus those who see a need to change and work with others. The saddest part to me was the attack on the monks and the library! Mura is an interesting character. Enzi and Mura will have much to account for in the next book. . .
Tuesday, December 05, 2017
Because of the Sun
by Jenny Torres Sanchez
Hennepin County Library hardcover 258 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction
This was on one of my reading lists, so I ordered it even though I'm not working with teens or libraries right now. It had great reviews.
Dani has a tumultuous life with her mother, so when her mother is mauled to death by a bear, Dani's grief has some unusual aspects to it.
The story was a bit too stream-of-consciousness for me. Some of Dani's mental noise - especially the spectre of the bear - was hard to visualize.
I liked her friendship with Paolo. I like learning his back story. I didn't like when the book shifted to the past and Shelley's story, but it pulled things together well.
Lots of swearing and teen attitude. Nice resolution to the story. I think this would appeal to teens who like reading serious books.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 258 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction
This was on one of my reading lists, so I ordered it even though I'm not working with teens or libraries right now. It had great reviews.
Dani has a tumultuous life with her mother, so when her mother is mauled to death by a bear, Dani's grief has some unusual aspects to it.
The story was a bit too stream-of-consciousness for me. Some of Dani's mental noise - especially the spectre of the bear - was hard to visualize.
I liked her friendship with Paolo. I like learning his back story. I didn't like when the book shifted to the past and Shelley's story, but it pulled things together well.
Lots of swearing and teen attitude. Nice resolution to the story. I think this would appeal to teens who like reading serious books.
Family Album
by Penelope Lively
Hennepin County Library audiobook 7 CDs
read by Josephine Bailey
genre: realistic fiction
This felt less like a novel and more like vignettes on family life. Dad Charles is distant and scholarly. Mom Alison is almost overbearing in her motherly love. Ingrid is a bit of an enigma at first, but becomes more than just an au pair as the story goes along. The children - this is mostly their story.
Paul - ne'er do well, lazy, unmotivated . . . being Alison's favorite was detrimental, I think. She keeps blaming others for Paul's poor choices
Gina - married to Phillip, TV journalist, strong-willed, I liked her best.
Sondra - 38, living in Rome, fashion, devoted to remaining childless, runs a boutique, getting into real estate and renovations
Katie - married to ???, Boston or San Francisco, the "nice" one, hung out with Roger a lot
Roger - married to Susan (Chinese descent), lives in Toronto, pediatrician
Claire - based in Paris, dancer on tour, getting ready to retire at 30 . . .
Allersmead - the house itself is a character in this story. How fitting that the last part is the house's perspective . . .
The stories bop around from the present to moments in time from the past. Corinna (Charles' sister) is a piece of work. I wonder if she and Martin are included primarily to help us get to know Charles a little better.
Charles is oblivious! When he's researching his book on teen male rituals, he seems unaware that Paul is a teen male getting angry with his dad.
I enjoyed this book and thinking about families, communication, relationships, etc. The Cellar Game wasn't as sinister as I expected when it was first mentioned.
Hennepin County Library audiobook 7 CDs
read by Josephine Bailey
genre: realistic fiction
This felt less like a novel and more like vignettes on family life. Dad Charles is distant and scholarly. Mom Alison is almost overbearing in her motherly love. Ingrid is a bit of an enigma at first, but becomes more than just an au pair as the story goes along. The children - this is mostly their story.
Paul - ne'er do well, lazy, unmotivated . . . being Alison's favorite was detrimental, I think. She keeps blaming others for Paul's poor choices
Gina - married to Phillip, TV journalist, strong-willed, I liked her best.
Sondra - 38, living in Rome, fashion, devoted to remaining childless, runs a boutique, getting into real estate and renovations
Katie - married to ???, Boston or San Francisco, the "nice" one, hung out with Roger a lot
Roger - married to Susan (Chinese descent), lives in Toronto, pediatrician
Claire - based in Paris, dancer on tour, getting ready to retire at 30 . . .
Allersmead - the house itself is a character in this story. How fitting that the last part is the house's perspective . . .
The stories bop around from the present to moments in time from the past. Corinna (Charles' sister) is a piece of work. I wonder if she and Martin are included primarily to help us get to know Charles a little better.
Charles is oblivious! When he's researching his book on teen male rituals, he seems unaware that Paul is a teen male getting angry with his dad.
I enjoyed this book and thinking about families, communication, relationships, etc. The Cellar Game wasn't as sinister as I expected when it was first mentioned.
No Laughter Here
By Rita Williams-Garcia
PRMS hardcover 131 pages
Genre: YA realisticI found this in my email from Feb. 24, 2017 . . . and I'm just now blogging it on Dec. 5! Ah well. Life gets busy.
Akilah (“intelligence”) and Victoria (named for the
British queen) are best friends. Victoria and her family have gone to
Nigeria for the summer and Akilah hasn’t had a letter for weeks. She is
eagerly awaiting her friend’s return. But
when Victoria comes back, she doesn’t talk, smile, or act like herself
anymore.
This is the summer between fourth and fifth grade .
. . but I hope some of my readers connect with it. As Akilah realizes
the truth about what happened to Victoria in Nigeria, she vows to keep
it a secret.
Friday, December 01, 2017
Picturing Prince
by Steve Parke
foreward by Sheila E.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 233 pages plus index
genre: non-fiction, photos and stories
I read a review of this book and was curious. I liked Prince a lot as a teenager and I loved the "hometown hero" aspect of his fame. Parke did a wonderful job of telling stories about his experiences working with Prince over 13 years. The photos were an interesting mix of moods - the ones taken at the arboretum were my favorites. I enjoyed this, but am once again sad that such a talented person died young. It doesn't matter now, but I think he'd be horrified at what is happening with his estate and music. Having a will would have made a difference . . . to people on this side of eternity. And perhaps to his legacy.
foreward by Sheila E.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 233 pages plus index
genre: non-fiction, photos and stories
I read a review of this book and was curious. I liked Prince a lot as a teenager and I loved the "hometown hero" aspect of his fame. Parke did a wonderful job of telling stories about his experiences working with Prince over 13 years. The photos were an interesting mix of moods - the ones taken at the arboretum were my favorites. I enjoyed this, but am once again sad that such a talented person died young. It doesn't matter now, but I think he'd be horrified at what is happening with his estate and music. Having a will would have made a difference . . . to people on this side of eternity. And perhaps to his legacy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
