Desirable // by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Genre: MG, Contemporary/Magical Realism (2008)
My Thoughts: This was a fun little book. And when I say little, I actually mean little. It was surprisingly short. Especially considering that the main character is in the eighth grade! I read it in a half-hour…
The story is about a boy named George who is anything but popular. He’s pretty much a loner and not even the other unpopular kids want to hang out with him. That is until his grandpa gives him a birthday gift of cologne called “Desirable”. Once he puts it on, suddenly everybody wants to be his best buddy… including the principal of his school.
I liked how it ended, but I didn’t quite see how it got to that place. [**SPOILER] With Danielle giving him the cologne. I didn’t see enough evidence that she even knew he had it in the first place. It would have been better if it had been a gift from his mum. [End Spoiler] That said, I still enjoyed this book! [3.5 Stars]
A Royal Gift // by Marietta Moskin
Genre: Lower MG, Historical (1982)
My Thoughts: What an adorable book! This is the story of a Royal Wedding and two old ladies (sisters: Miss Agatha and Miss Prudence) who decide to give a gift to the prince and his bride. And the gift (with the twist at the end)… well, I won’t spoil it.
As a chapter book, there are gorgeous illustrations on every spread… some in black and white and others in colour. The whole book has a very old fashioned feeling to it. (Sadly, I wouldn’t be surprised if this book is out of print! My copy came from my SIL and she got it from a library book sale. It’s a pity if it is out of print because the book and story are so beautiful.)
I really liked the author’s note at the end. She calls this story “one of those ‘it might be true’ type of stories.” Apparently, it made the rounds when the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and the Queen Mum) were married in 1923. [4 Stars]
Quick Pick books are always recommendations. (If I don’t recommend the book, it’s not a Quick Pick!)
Note: I’m posting this for Greg Pattridge’s Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday…
Of Maria Antonia 
Great choices and I’d like to read both when time allows. They are each are unique in their own way. The first one is by an author I’ve enjoyed before, especially his Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth. Thanks for featuring these titles on this week’s MMGM.
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Yes, I really like Frank Cottrell Boyce’s books. In addition to Sputnik’s Guide, my favourite is Cosmic! (I must admit that I do like books about space!)
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Desireable does sound short for a book featuring an 8th grader but that could be a plus for reluctant readers. Glad you mostly enjoyed it.
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It was short. And you’re right, it’d be perfect for a reluctant reader.
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A short read sounds good to me! Sometimes I just want a book I can whip through quickly. Desirable sounds interesting.
A Royal Gift also sounds like a great read. I like that it may or may not be true. 🙂
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Yeah, those quick reads can be nice!
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I like to be able to pick up a book and whiz through it in a short time. Both of these sound interesting to me. A Royal Gift is indeed out of print and my library doesn’t have it. Too bad. My library doesn’t have Desirable either. It has been re-released as a picture book (at least that’s what it looks like on Amazon) but at $29.95, I can’t quite justify buying it. I will keep my eye open for it though. Thanks for the reviews.
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I looked up Desirable on Amazon. Yes, I can see how it looks like a picture book! It’ not. Although it is a very short book 🙂
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