Review / Surely Surely Marisol Rainey

Book: Surely Surely Marisol Rainey (2022)
Author: Erin Entrada Kelly
Genre: Lower MG, Contemporary
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Sequel to: Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey

Opening lines from the book …
Marisol Rainey keeps a list in her head. She calls it her List of Favorites.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK…

1) It was fun to be back with Marisol Rainey and her best friend Jada. This book primarily deals with her Least-Favorite Thing to Do … Gym Class. Can I relate? You betcha! And in this case, she has to learn how to play kickball. Poor Marisol.

2) Marisol’s friend, Jada, is great. I love how she supports her friend. She’s not particularly great a Gym Class either, but together they will learn kickball.

3) I love how encouraging Coach Decker (their teacher) is. However, the big thing is that he only ever seems to say: “Nice try, Marisol!” And what she really wants him to say is: “Way to go, Marisol!”

4) Peppina (the tree) makes a little guest appearance in this book. That’s always fun to see former challenges that make it into the story.

5) I love how Marisol connects with her dad who works so far away on the oil rig. He has a great sense of “dad” humor.

6) I always smile at the art! They’re adorable!

FINAL THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed this second in the Marisol Rainey series. Looking forward to more. (Definitely for the younger MG crowd.)

 

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YOUR TURN…

Have you read this book? What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Note: I’m posting this for Greg Pattridge’s Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday…

Review / Across the Desert

Book: Across the Desert (2021)
Author: Dusti Bowling
Genre: MG, Contemporary
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Opening lines from the book …
It’s so hot today in downtown Phoenix, I could probably bake cookies in a car. Mom and I did that once—baked chocolate cookies in our car. The cookies weren’t browned around the edges like when they’re baked in an oven. They had mostly melted into a pale hard crust, but they were crumbly and totally cooked through. That was, of course, when we had a car.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK…

1)  This book is all about a gutsy girl named Jolene who witnesses a crash in the desert (from online) and is determined to help. The crash involves “Addie Earhart” a 12-year-old girl (love the nod to Amelia Earhart) who was live streaming one of her flying adventures in her ultralight plane. Of course, all the adults in Jolene’s life dismiss her concerns. You know what that means. It’s up to her to save Addie.

2)  I loved how Jolene thinks through her plan from a 12-year-old’s POV. (For example: stealing her mom’s phone and credit card.) The book is realistic enough that she soon learns that all those plans … well, she didn’t think about that.

3) She meets a very likable character on the bus. Marty is an older teen girl who helps Jolene out. You can tell that she doesn’t quite believe Jolene about the crash in the desert, but she’s determined to help because she knows Jolene needs help! If only this world had more Martys!

4) Throughout the book, you’re not sure if they’re going to find Addie. Or if Addie even really exists. And, I won’t be giving spoilers here.  I did love the little glimpses into the past conversations between Jolene and Addie.

5) This book isn’t just about the desert search. We learn early on that Jolene is also trying (and failing) to save her own mother from prescription drug addiction. (Which is partly why she’s able to take off because her mom’s passed out at home.) The plot all comes together in the end.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed this adventure/rescue story. The subplot with the drug addiction was very powerful and I loved how this author dealt with everything.

 

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YOUR TURN…

Have you read this book? What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Note: I’m posting this for Greg Pattridge’s Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday…

Review / Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey

Book: Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey (2021)
Author: Erin Entrada Kelly
Genre: Lower MG, Contemporary
Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Opening lines from the book …
There is a magnolia tree in Marisol Rainey’s backyard. The tree is named Peppina. It is perfect for climbing. The branches are practically made for human feet. It’s as if Peppina wanted to say: Step here, and here, and here.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK…

1) Marisol is a character that’s easy to root for. She has such an imagination that she names everything from the fridge to the tree in the backyard!

2)  I loved Marisol’s friend, Jada. Such a lovely friendship between the two girls. She understands Marisol’s fear of heights and encourages her to climb the tree, but isn’t too pushy. We could all use a good friend like Jada!

3) And then there’s Peppina! The first chapter gets right into it with Marisol’s fear of climbing Peppina. Will Marisol do it? Maybe?

4) I loved all the little nods to silent film. Marisol is big into watching old Mary Pickford movies and Charlie Chaplin.

5) And the art! I was looking to see who did the art, only to realize that the author and illustrator are one and the same! Who knew Erin Entrada Kelly could draw. I think the illustrations are adorable!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Definitely for the younger MG crowd. This sweet story is a lovely read!

 

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YOUR TURN…

Have you read this book? What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Note: I’m posting this for Greg Pattridge’s Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday…

Review / Controlled Burn

Book: Controlled Burn (2022)
Author: Erin Soderberg Downing
Genre: MG, Contemporary
Publisher: Scholastic Press

Opening lines from the book …
I felt the fire before I saw it. It wasn’t the suffocating heat or the smell of smoke that hit me first. Nor did I see the claws of flames that eventually reached into every corner to rip apart our lives.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK…

1) The story begins with … you guessed it … a fire. Maia’s at home, babysitting her little sister when the fire breaks out. Amelia (the sister) ends up in the hospital and Maia is really scared that it’s all her fault! Yeah, a lot of guilt processing in this book.

2)  Anyhow, she ends up going to stay with her grandparents. She doesn’t really know them too well. I immediately liked Grandpa. (He drives a motorcycle!). And Grandma’s good too. Still, Maia’s not too nuts about being away from home. (Even though she doesn’t really have a home!)

3) Not only is Maia dealing with guilt, but she also deals with fear. Of pretty much EVERYTHING. She spends most days with Grandpa who watches for forest fires in the fire tower, but Maia is scared to climb to the top with him.

4) There’s a stray dog that hangs out with Grandpa, although Grandpa won’t give him a name. I like how Maia changes that.

5) The cover kind of gives away the end. But you can probably guess this book has to end in another fire, just from the book title alone! So, you’re in for some excitement at the end.

6) I really liked the “Stages of a Fire” sections that broke up the various chapters.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This book was a teeny bit hard for me to read as I have my own fire-trauma story (not a house-burned-down experience but close!)  But I did enjoy the book overall. I was definitely rooting for Maia. And I’m a sucker for grandparents in books, so there’s that!

 

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YOUR TURN…

Have you read this book? What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Note: I’m posting this for Greg Pattridge’s Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday…

Review / New Kids and Underdogs

Book: New Kids and Underdogs (2022)
Author: Margaret Finnegan
Genre: MG, Contemporary
Publisher: Atheneum Books

Opening lines from the book …
Robyn Kellen stepped out of the car and stared at her new home. It was not much to look at. A small, boxy house covered in stucco, with gravel and succulents where a front lawn should have been. But there was a palm tree. People had promised California would have palm trees.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK…

1) Robyn is a new kid … again. After a visit to her dad’s, she comes home to her mom’s new house. And she’s glad for the constant in her life, her dogs, Sundae and Fudge.

2) When Robyn goes to school, she meets two new friends, Lulu and Marshan. These girls are popular and right off the bat we see that they’re not the best friends for Robyn. And while we know that, I like how the author doesn’t make them “evil.” Of course, she’s got to learn that her true friends are Nestor, Alejandra, etc.

3) I like Robyn’s babysitter Nivien and the advice she gives near the end. I actually wish we got to know her a little earlier in the book. All she seems to do initially is walk with Robyn to school or wherever. I love how the relationship works by the end of the book.

4) When Robyn’s at her dad’s, she gets a phone. Let’s just say that Mom didn’t really like that idea. I love how she puts all the no-phone rules in the house. But I also like that when Robyn needs to do research, Mom agrees that it’s okay to use said phone in a no-phone area!

5) Fudge and Sundae are wonderful dogs and Robyn obviously loves them very much. “Poor Fudgie” is nearly blind and Sundae has fear issues due to his chaotic life as a puppy previous to living with Robyn. I love how all of this comes into play in the story.

6) And finally, let’s get to the agility training. Such a fun, interesting topic of dog training. And I loved Nestor’s ability training for Fudge!

FINAL THOUGHTS

This is a book for anybody who’s been a new kid! And also for dog lovers. The agility training parts of the story were very interesting.

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YOUR TURN…

Have you read this book? What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Note: I’m posting this for Greg Pattridge’s Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday…

Newbery Verdict: A Wish in the Dark

Book: A Wish in the Dark (2020)
Author: Christine Soontornvat
Publisher: Candlewick
Genre: MG, Magical Realism
Newbery Honor Book (2021)

Opening Lines of the Book…
A monster of a mango tree grew in the courtyard of Namwon Prison. Its fluffy green branches stretched across the cracked cement and hung over the soupy brown water of the Chattana River. The women inmates spent most of their days sheltered under the shade of this tree while the boats glided up and down and up again on the other side of the prison gate.

MY THOUGHTS…

So, this book is basically a retelling of Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables … with children! And magical orbs that light up the Thai-inspired city. We get to follow the lives of two children born in a prison and marked for life because of crimes they didn’t commit. One of them (Pong) escapes, while the other one (Somkit) goes through the system and is released at the age of 13.

And those magical orbs play a big part in the story. I loved the symbolism they bring as well as how they work into the actual plot.

Then there is the mystery surrounding Nok and her family. (Her dad’s the prison warden.) Yes, she is the law-abiding Javert character. I really like how things play out with her.

And we can’t forget to mention the monk, Father Cham and the motherly Ampai who both take Pong under their wings. (Actually, it was what Father Cham does that tipped me off on the Les Miz retelling bit. I don’t tend to read book descriptions for fear of spoilers, so I was blissfully unaware of the connection until this part in the book.)

I’ll end with one of the quotes in the book… “Which was better: being safe or having freedom? And did you have to choose?” Love how it connected to the story. Love how it connects to our own world.

NEWBERY VERDICT…

I’ve seen this one around and finally decided to pick it up. I wish I had read it sooner! I did NOT know the Les Miserables connection until the middle of the book when I was: “Hey, this reminds me of Victor Hugo…” Anyhow, I really enjoyed it, and I would even say I preferred this book to the book that won When You Trap a Tiger last year.

YOUR TURN…

Have you read this book? What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments!

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Newbery Verdict Reading Challenge: This is a personal challenge for me to read books that have either won the Newbery Medal or are a Newbery Honor book. The Newbery is named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. Since 1922, this annual award has given to the author of the “most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.” A Newbery Honor book is given to the runners-up. (Note: This year is the 100th Anniversary of the Award!)

Note: I’m posting this for Greg Pattridge’s Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday…

Newbery Verdict: Roller Girl

Book: Roller Girl (2015)
Author: Victoria Jamieson
Publisher: Dial
Genre: MG, Graphic Novel
Newbery Honor Book (2016)

Opening Lines of the Book…
If you really want to know, it all began back in fifth grade. Back when Nicole and I were still best friends.

MY THOUGHTS…

This is the story of two friends, Astrid and Nicole, who get to see a roller derby. I love how Astrid loves roller derby, but when she first puts on skates, she’s a disaster! Yet still, she’s determined to be like the roller derby champion: Rainbow Bite.

Speaking of Rainbow Bite… She’s not in the book much, but she still comes off as such an awesome role model. Astrid writes anonymous letters to her but hesitates to reveal her true identity. There’s a bit at the end that is very satisfying.

In a lot of ways, this book is a story about how two friends grow apart because of … reasons. And yet, it’s also a story of how they can still be friends and also friends with other people. I really like her new friend, Zoey. The hair-dyeing scene is fun (even though I’m not generally a fan of hair dye!) And I love the scene when they go outside to practice their roller derby!

NEWBERY VERDICT…

I’ve had many people recommend this book, saying I would really like it, and … they were right! Definitely, this book deserved its Honor status. I haven’t read the Last Stop on Market Street (which won that year), so I can’t comment on which book is better (in my humble opinion).

YOUR TURN…

Have you read this book? What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments!

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Newbery Verdict Reading Challenge: This is a personal challenge for me to read books that have either won the Newbery Medal or are a Newbery Honor book. The Newbery is named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. Since 1922, this annual award has given to the author of the “most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.” A Newbery Honor book is given to the runners-up. (Note: This year is the 100th Anniversary of the Award!)

Note: I’m posting this for Greg Pattridge’s Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday…

Review / The Friendship War

Book: The Friendship War (2019)
Author: Andrew Clements
Genre: MG, Contemporary

Basic plot: When Grace visits her grandfather, she comes into the possession of a collection of old buttons. She brings the buttons to school and, bam! A fad of button-collecting is started. But soon she’s at odds with her so-called best friend, Ellie. This time, Grace doesn’t want to give in to her friend and so begins the Friendship War …

Opening lines from the book …
Flying from Chicago to Boston by myself hasn’t been as big a deal as my dad said it was going to be. But nothing ever is.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK…

1) Let’s start with all the cool buttons! I’ve never thought too deeply about buttons, but I did very much enjoy learning about the different types of buttons, especially the vintage ones. I thought this information was handled nicely through the character of Hank, Grace’s new friend.

2) Since I love old things, I definitely felt a kinship to Grace as she wanted the buttons. I think, however, I might be a little more like Hank in wanting to know the history behind them. He does all the research.

3) This was an interesting study in how fads work. Grace has a very scientific approach to things, and this whole button thing is no different. I like the scene where she discusses the idea of supply and demand with her older brother. Which, of course, leads to the thing that gets her into trouble!

4) The war between the two friends was the focus of most of the book. I was definitely on Team Grace. But I do like what Andrew Clements did at the end to make Ellie a little more sympathetic. And how the friendship is eventually saved.

5) I liked the Grampa. (I like grandparents in stories like this.) I just wish there was more with him in the book!

6) Favourite Quote: “Of all the kids you knew back when you were in sixth grade, are any of them still your friends?” This is Grace talking to her mom about the trouble in her friendship with Ellie. If I were to ask the same question of myself, I can answer and say: “Why yes, yes I am!” 🙂

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

I found this interesting, especially compared with The Button War by Avi. While that book is historic fiction, both books deal with button collections. I enjoyed this book by Andrew Clements. (I believe it was the final book published before his death in 2019.)

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YOUR TURN…

Have you read this book? What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Note: I’m posting this for Greg Pattridge’s Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday…

Review / Henry and Beezus

Book: Henry and Beezus (1952)
Author: Beverly Cleary
Genre: MG, Contemporary

Basic plot: Henry Huggins wants a bicycle more than anything. And so, he sets out to figure out a way to make his dream possible which includes a scheme to sell bubble gum at school. But things aren’t easy when your nemesis (Scooter McCarthy) constantly asking about your progress. And then there’s Beezus. She’s okay, but her little sister Ramona just makes Henry’s life miserable …

Opening lines from the book …
Henry Huggins stood by the front window of his square white house on Klickitat Street and wondered why Sunday afternoon seemed so much longer than any other part of the week.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK…

1) Henry Huggins is such a likable character. I love how he can’t really stand Ramona Quimby, and yet, he’s so nice that he just puts up with her. And THEN, she always seems to turn out to be the key to his success! (Although, in this book, she doesn’t come into the climax as she often does in the other books.)

2) I love Beezus! I love how she has all these games to help her deal with her sister. Like the “Waiting for the Bus” game, just to name one. In this book, she’s forever practicing with her baton in hopes of twirling it in the Rose parade. And of course, she becomes the key to Henry figuring out how to leverage his embarrassing win at the end of the book so he can get that bicycle.

3) Scooter McCarthy makes my blood boil! Which is good. Cleary was definitely able to make us feel for poor Henry in his every attempt to get that bike, only to have Scooter be the thorn in Henry’s flesh. I also like how Scooter isn’t necessarily “bad.” He’s just annoying.

4) Who doesn’t love the name Klickitat Street. I want to live on Klickitat Street!

5) The ending (like all the other Henry books) is quite satisfying. It will make you want to go out and ride around on a bike, whether it’s red or not. My bike is blue, by the way. 🙂

FINAL THOUGHTS

I decided to read this book when the news that Beverly Cleary had died late last month. And since I did a blog post on all the Ramona Quimby books last year, I decided to read one of the Henry books this time. I really like how the Henry books are connected. We have Ribsy and Henry’s desire to have a bike and a paper route. And of course, there’s Ramona the Pest. It really is a delightful series. And while some parts may have aged a bit, overall this book (and the series as a whole) is still very much an enjoyable read. Thank you, Beverly Cleary!

 

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YOUR TURN…

Have you read this book? What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Note: I’m posting this for Greg Pattridge’s Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday…

Review / Keep it Together, Keiko Carter

Book: Keep it Together, Keiko Carter (2020)
Author: Debbi Michiko Florence
Genre: MG, Contemporary

Basic plot: Keiko is best friends with Audrey and Jenna. They decide to make it the goal of the new school year by getting boyfriends. But things become complicated when Jenna and Audrey fall for the same boy. And then Keiko has to deal with her first crush; the confusing behaviour of Audrey’s brother, Conner; her mom being perpetually gone; and just all-around trying to keep everything together…

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK…

1) Keiko is best friends with two girls: Jenna and Audrey. I love this dynamic. Seeing the three girls interact at the beginning is wonderful. Of course, because it’s a book, there’s got to be some conflict to appear and it certainly does.

2) I loved the dog connection in this book! Conner’s dog, Lumpy, is such a fun addition. I just wish there had been more to the animal shelter part of the book. It might have been nice to have Keiko volunteer at the shelter, only to discover that Conner volunteered there as well! (And make it more awkward.)

3) The chocolate references throughout the book are fun. I like how Keiko makes her special spicy hot chocolate (such weird ingredients! I do wonder how it tastes) and how that fits in with the plot. Especially with regards to Audrey and Conner.

4) There was some great tension with the mom being gone all the time. And then, tying that into Jenna’s parents who just got a divorce. I liked how that all came to a head and got resolved.

5) I liked the scenes with the sister, Macy. Especially with her little secret that she’s keeping from Keiko. (Slight Spoiler) It’s theatre-related. (End Spoiler)

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

A cute book about middle school dating. I’m not usually crazy about these types of books (I’d rather keep it at first crushes in middle school and save the dating for YA), but this one worked. I would recommend to young people who are looking for a little sweet romance!

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YOUR TURN…

Have you read this book? What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Note: I’m posting this for Greg Pattridge’s Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday…