Book Reviews from Mrs. H.

 For my final review, here is a great graphic novel: Book Review #18, Class Act 1.        Bibliography: Craft, Jerry. Class Act. Quill Tree Books; 2020. ISBN: 9780062885500. 2.        Plot Summary: In the sequel to New Kid , Craft focuses on Jordan’s friend, Drew, as he navigates middle school. Drew attends Riverdale Academy, an elite private school, where sometimes Drew feels out of place, just for being who he is. Drew questions friendships, addresses racism, and works hard in school in this realistic middle grade graphic novel. 3.        Critical Analysis: When I saw Jerry Craft speak at the Book Expo America a few years ago, I couldn’t wait to dive into New Kid . After binge reading it in a day, I couldn’t wait for a sequel to come out. Class Act features the same cast of characters from New Kid , but focuses mostly on Drew Ellis, an eighth grade student at Riverdale Academy. Drew ...

 A powerful novel for young adults.. Book Review #17, Speak 1.        Bibliography: Anderson, Laurie Halse. Speak. Square Fish; 2011. ISBN: 9780312674397. 2.        Plot Summary: Melinda is a quiet high school student, currently friendless due to an incident that occurred over the summer. Even though she tries to befriend a new girl and enjoys her art class, things get so difficult for her that she becomes completely silent. As the story unravels, readers discover that Melinda was raped over the summer by a boy who still attends school with her. Melinda must decide if she will stay silent, or if she will speak up about the horrific event. 3.        Critical Analysis: This is a very powerful book. High school can be extremely vicious. There are students like Melinda, those that can go unnoticed by teachers, while at the same time getting harassed by their fellow students. Melinda is a v...

 A loveable character is born in this book! Book Review #16, Merci Suarez Changes Gears 1.        Bibliography: Medina, Meg. Merci Suarez Changes Gears.   Candlewick Press; 2018. ISBN: 9780763690496. 2.        Plot Summary: Merci Suarez is a middle school student, starting 6 th grade. Money is tight for Merci’s family, and she has to perform community service to help cover the cost of her school tuition. Merci deals with bullying and boy drama while dealing with family issues as well. Middle school isn’t easy, but it can be even tougher to navigate with so much on her mind. 3.        Critical Analysis: This is a great book that showcases what it is like to be a student going through multiple issues. Merci not only has to deal with being a scholarship student in an area where it seems most of the other students have more money than her, but she also gets picked on by a classmate, an...

 And now, on to a hilarious coming of age read! Book Review #15, Dead End in Norvelt 1.        Bibliography: Gantos, Jack. Dead End in Norvelt.   Squarefish; 2013. ISBN: 9781250010230. 2.        Plot Summary: This historical fiction novel tells the story of the fictional Jack. Excited for summer vacation, all of his plans are squashed after he is grounded by his parents. The only thing he is allowed to do is help out his neighbor, Miss Volker. Miss Volker happens to be the town medical examiner, though, and the tasks that Jack takes on helping her are very unusual. 3.        Critical Analysis: This book is hilarious. I actually saw Gantos speak a few years ago at a book expo, and he talked about this book. I didn’t have a chance to read it until now, and it’s a book that I will happily recommend to reluctant readers in need of a laugh. Children will identify with Jack’s character. ...

 A historical novel, featuring a dog! Book Review #14, Dash 1.        Bibliography: Larson, Kirby. Dash.   Scholastic; 2016. ISBN: 9780545416368. 2.        Plot Summary: This historical fiction novel tells the story of Mitzi, a Japanese American girl who lives during WWII. She goes to a Japanese internment camp with her family, and is separated from her beloved pet dog, Dash. Luckily, her kind neighbor is able to take care of Dash for her and they correspond with letter writing. 3.        Critical Analysis: I have not heard of many children’s books that are set in a Japanese internment camp, so this will now be a welcome addition to my library collection. Kirby Larson uses the device of the dog character, Dash, to help draw in young dog loving readers. Although he is not a speaking character, he is the heart of the story, as he shares a strong bond with his young owner, Mitsi. Mitsi...

 Up next...a book review from an author I truly admire! Book Review #13, Turtle in Paradise 1.        Bibliography: Holm, Jennifer L. Turtle in Paradise.   Random House; 2010. ISBN: 9780375836886. 2.        Plot Summary: Turtle is a an eleven year old girl who is suddenly whisked to Key West, Florida, after her mother takes a new job. Turtle lives with her Aunt Minnie, and makes friends with the Diaper Gang, a group of misfit boy babysitters who specialize in “bad babies”. It is the 1930s’, and life is already difficult with money being scarce. She has to adjust to her new life while missing her mother. 3.        Critical Analysis: The story is narrated by Turtle, the protagonist. The opening line gives readers an idea about her spunky personality. “Everyone thinks children are sweet as Necco Wafers, but I’ve lived long enough to know the truth: kids are rotten. The only difference ...