Review: Dash

Title: Dash
Author: Kirby Larson
Genre: Historical Fiction


Review (via Goodreads): New from Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson, the moving story of a Japanese-American girl who is separated from her dog upon being sent to an incarceration camp during WWII.

Although Mitsi Kashino and her family are swept up in the wave of anti-Japanese sentiment following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mitsi never expects to lose her home -- or her beloved dog, Dash. But, as World War II rages and people of Japanese descent are forced into incarceration camps, Mitsi is separated from Dash, her classmates, and life as she knows it. The camp is a crowded and unfamiliar place, whose dusty floors, seemingly endless lines, and barbed wire fences begin to unravel the strong Kashino family ties. With the help of a friendly neighbor back home, Mitsi remains connected to Dash in spite of the hard times, holding on to the hope that the war will end soon and life will return to normal. Though they've lost their home, will the Kashino family also lose their sense of family? And will Mitsi and Dash ever be reunited?

My review: As a fan of Larson's other books, as well as a fan of historical fiction, I couldn't wait to read this book.  While there are many books on WWII, few are written from the perspective of Japanese American families and what they endured during the war.  It was a fresh viewpoint on history while also including themes that contemporary readers can relate to--changing friendships, bullying, moving, and the love of a family pet.  I know that students will love Dash and the friendship that Mitsi has with her dog.  The fact that this book is based on a true story is icing on the cake!

*ARC provided by NetGalley

Review: Stay Where You Are And Then Leave

Title: Stay Where You Are And Then Leave
Author: John Boyne
Genre: Historical Fiction
Ages: 10-14 years

Summary from Goodreads:

The day the First World War broke out, Alfie Summerfield's father promised he wouldn't go away to fight - but he broke that promise the following day. Four years later, Alfie doesn't know where his father might be, other than that he's away on a special, secret mission.

Then, while shining shoes at King's Cross Station, Alfie unexpectedly sees his father's name - on a sheaf of papers belonging to a military doctor. Bewildered and confused, Alfie realises his father is in a hospital close by - a hospital treating soldiers with an unusual condition. Alfie is determined to rescue his father from this strange, unnerving place . . .

My Review:

 I loved the perspective that this book is written in.  As a reader you understand 5 year old Alfie's confusion about what the war means and are able to see 9 year old Alfie's maturity as he better understands the effects of the war and the responsibility that he takes on as a result.  However, the story did not fully engage me until the second half.  While I enjoyed the book, especially the action once Alfie pieces together the information about his father,  I feel that some students will lose interest before reaching that part int he book.  Altogether, it was a good book, but not one of my favorites.  

Ninja Librarians

In library school we covered the values of librarianship many times.  We discussed making sure that our personal viewpoints did not influence our book purchases in order for a wide variety of viewpoints to be found in our libraries.  We went over the idea that every book has a reader and every reader a book.  We even practiced writing letters of defense for having a controversial book in our collection.  However, these grand values get forgotten about in the daily duties.  This book reminded me what an awesome responsibility it is to be a librarian--protecting the freedom of speech, making ideas known, and finding every book its reader.




Title: The Ninja Librarians: the Accidental Keyhand
Author: Jen Swann Downey
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Ages: 10-13

Goodreads Description:

Just a little story about your average sword-swinging, karate-chopping, crime-fighting ninja librarians

Dorrie Barnes had no idea an overdue library book would change her life. When Dorrie and her brother Marcus chase her pet mongoose into the janitor's closet of their local library, they accidentally fall through a passage into Petrarch's Library -the headquarters of a secret society of ninja librarians who have an important mission: protect those whose words have gotten them into trouble. Anywhere in the world and at any time in history.

Dorrie would love nothing more than to join the society. But when a traitor surfaces, she and her friends are the prime suspects. Can they clear their names before the only passage back to the twenty-first century closes forever?

Review: 

This book was packed with fun and adventure.  Full of secret libraries, time traveling, ninja-like librarians, crime fighting, and adventure.  Downey has created a magical fun world--almost reminiscent of Hogwarts-- at the Petrarch Library where food and animals can be read into life, automatic translating happens, and time traveling is possible.  All the while, the importance of the freedom of speech and access to differing viewpoints is emphasized.  This fast paced, adventurous book will be a perfect fit for many middle grade students.

Review: How to Outrun an Alligator With Your Shoes Untied

Title: How to Outrun a Crocodile When Your Shoes are Untied
Author: Jess Keating
Ages: 8-12 years
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Goodreads Description: What would middle school be like if you lived in a zoo?

Ana didn't ask to be named after an anaconda. She didn't ask for zoologist parents who look like safari guides. And she definitely didn't ask for a twin brother whose life goal seems to be terrorizing her with his pet reptiles. Now, to make matters worse, her parents have decided to move the whole family INTO the zoo! All of which gives the Sneerers (the clan of carnivorous female predators in her class) more ammunition to make her life miserable-and squash any hope of class tennis stud, Zack, falling in love with her. Ana tries to channel her inner chameleon and fade into the background, but things are changing too quickly for her to keep up.
My Review:
I love a book with an underdog you can root for, and this book does not disappoint.  Maybe because an underdog is so relate-able and we can relate plenty to Ana in this book as she struggles with her best friend moving, taunts from the popular girls, an unrequited crush, an annoying brother, embarrassing parents, and stage fright that she cannot shake.  However, it is the quirks that Ana faces that makes this book comical and cute.  For example, Ana lives at the zoo and has a famous Grandfather with a TV show that will soon be featuring Ana and her family.  Overall, a cute and comical read that I would highly recommend,. especially for fans of Hiassan's Hoot and Chomp.  This would also be great for a "Wild About Reading" or Earth Day display.



*ARC provided by Netgalley

Review: The Truth About Alice

Title: The Truth About Alice
Author: Jennifer Mathieu
Genre: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction
Age: 15+



Summary via Goodreads: Everyone has a lot to say about Alice Franklin, and it’s stopped mattering whether it’s true. The rumors started at a party when Alice supposedly had sex with two guys in one night. When school starts everyone almost forgets about Alice until one of those guys, super-popular Brandon, dies in a car wreck that was allegedly all Alice’s fault. Now the only friend she has is a boy who may be the only other person who knows the truth, but is too afraid to admit it. Told from the perspectives of popular girl Elaine, football star Josh, former outcast Kelsie, and shy genius Kurt, we see how everyone has a motive to bring – and keep – Alice down.

Review: From the moment I read the description I was intrigued.  The author does a fantastic job of realistically portraying society and the harsh effect that rumors and gossip can have.  I also love the way she wove into her story the point that it is easy to think that we ourselves would never do "horrible thing x", but when we are gradually dehumanize someone the majority of people will fail to do the right thing.  The separate viewpoints keeps the story interesting and is well done.  However, I felt that there could have been more to the story.  It felt unfinished to me.  I felt that some of the characters needed to add more to their story or their secret.  So while the story has value and was good, I have to hold back from saying it was great.  

*ARC provided by Netgalley

little thoughts

"The children that are the hardest to love are the ones that need it the most."

How true this Pinterest quote is! It is such a good reminder to me to have extra patience and kindness with the students that might get on my nerves.  The student who won't stay in his seat.  The student that has fifty stories for every lesson.  The student who constantly needs the directions repeated because she was too busy talking to a neighbor to hear them the first time.  I do not know what is happening at home when those students leave the school.  I do not know which student ate by himself at lunch.  I do not know when something as simple as a compliment about their work or an encouraging word will have an impact on a student.  As a teacher I want my students to learn skills that they will carry with them into their future, but I also want them to carry with them the message that they have value.  So, yes a certain student may be hard to love, but it's worth showing them that love anyways.

Review: Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy

Title: Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy
Author: Karen Foxlee
Genre: Children, Middle, Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
Ages: 10-14 years

Goodreads Description:
A modern-day fairy tale set in a mysterious museum that is perfect for readers of Roald Dahl and Blue Balliett.

Unlikely heroine Ophelia Jane Worthington-Whittard doesn't believe in anything that can't be proven by science. She and her sister Alice are still grieving for their dead mother when their father takes a job in a strange museum in a city where it always snows. On her very first day in the museum Ophelia discovers a boy locked away in a long forgotten room. He is a prisoner of Her Majesty the Snow Queen. And he has been waiting for Ophelia's help.

As Ophelia embarks on an incredible journey to rescue the boy everything that she believes will be tested. Along the way she learns more and more about the boy's own remarkable journey to reach her and save the world.

A story within a story, this a modern day fairy tale is about the power of friendship, courage and love, and never ever giving up.

Review:
I found this book to be a fun twist on a fairy tale.  Although marketed for middle grades, I would hand this book to an upper elementary student depending on their tolerance for a scary book (although many students love scary books).  The setting is perfect, as the museum gives a natural air of being a little creepy, especially when the exhibits start to come to life.  The main characters are slightly mysterious, especially the marvelous boy and Miss Kaminenski.  I loved Ophelia.  She is a strong, smart young girl who finds that she is capable of more than she would have thought.  The short yet eventful chapters would lend themselves well to a readaloud.  Overall, a fast-paced, exciting, delightful story!

*ARC provided by NetGalley.