Sunday, August 31, 2014

Review: A Share of Freedom by June Rae Wood

Synopsis: Some people might think Freedom Avery has it all. She's the top student in her seventh grade class, and she just won the town's Fourth of July spelling bee. but when he mother end up in the hospital after another drinking binge, Freedom and her little brother, Jackie, hardly feel like celebrating. Freedom has no idea who or where her father is. With social services threatening to divide her family even further, Freedom devises a place to run away with her brother so she can keep her family intact. Strong and determined, Freedom survives a week in the wilderness and the trials of foster, only to discover her new home contains clues that may betray the secret of her family's past. (from the back of the book)

Review: I picked this book at a thrift store, on a whim. I read the first page as I was waiting for the husband to find his keys. To was hooked by the second paragraph. To say I couldn't put it down is an understatement. I read as I walked across campus and ended up nearly circling a building I meant to walk past because I was so engrossed.
This is a not a sunshine and flowers book. Freedom Avery deals with real things - holes in her heart, growing up, family relationships that are broken, what it means to love imperfect parents. Wood deftly weaves real complex characters into a complex plot. It's an engrossing, enticing, marvelous read. I'm glad I had the whim to buy it.

Bookmarks: 8 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 0-7868-1085-8
Date Finished: 8-25-2014
Pages: 255

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Review: Click Clack Moo, Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin

Synopsis: Farmer Brown has a problem. His cows like to type. All day long he hears:

Click, clack, moo. 
Click, clack, moo. 
Click, clack, moo.

But Farmer Brown's problems REALLY begin when his cows start leaving him notes...Come join the fun as a bunch of literate cows turn Farmer Brown's farm upside-down! (from the back of the book)

Review: Hilarious! I enjoyed this silly tale of literate cows and their typing frenzy. Kids will enjoy the sound-words and adults will enjoy the farm yard antics. Highly recommend. 

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 0-439-21648-6
Date Finished: 7-18-2014
Pages: 32

Monday, August 11, 2014

Review: Rascal by Linda Strachan

Synopsis: It's time for Rascal to go to the Vet. But he's scared! Will he ever make it?

Review: This is a cute little book, written for kids ages 3-6. I enjoyed the illustrations and the fact Rascal reminded me of one of my own dogs. A fun book for kids, particularly any with pets!

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 0-7635-6642-x
Date Finished: 7-18-2014
Pages: 16

Friday, August 8, 2014

Review: Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy by Jane O'Connor

Synopsis: Nancy desperately wants a puppy - all the posh people have one. But when she gets a chance to dog-sit for her neighbour, things go badly. Will her dreams be crushed?

Review: I adore the Fancy Nancy books. Not only are they brightly illustrated, clever little stories, but they teach vocabulary in an easy to understand way. This story, once again, is an excellent addition to any one's collection of children's books.

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-0-06-054213-9
Date Finished: 7-18-2014
Pages: 29

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Review: Chester's Way by Kevin Jenkes

Synopsis: Chester had his own way of doing things. Chester's best friend Wilson was exactly the same way. That's why they were best friends. And then Lilly moved into the neighborhood.(from the back of the book)

Review: This is a quiet little book. I enjoyed reading about how Chester and Wilson learned to relate to someone like Lilly - someone who does things completely different from them. This would be a good book for any child dealing with someone different from them. Actually, I know some adults who could benefit from the message. I most certainly recommend.

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 0-590-4017-9
Date Finished: 7-18-2014
Pages: 32

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Review: Hope's Crossing by Joan Elizabeth Goodman

Synopsis: When her father left Fairfield, Connecticut, to join General Washington's Army , Hope found ti easy to promise that she would be brave. That was before a raiding part of Tories plundered her home, set it afire, and took Hope captive. Soon she was a servant for Noah Thomas and his ill-tempered wife, with no means of escape - that is, until she got to know Mother Thomas, who wanted to leave as much as she did. Can an elderly woman help a young girl find her way home? (from the back of the book)

Review: While this story is fictional, it is based on a true account of a young girl who was taken from her family. Happily, the real girl was returned quickly and safely. But Hope is not. Taken from her family, unsure of their fate, and left to find her way home, she must summon up courage to face her greatest fears. Set in New York during the occupation by the British, the author described historical events and characters with accuracy and realism. I enjoyed reading about Hope's journey home and her fight to overcome her fear. Because of the settings, things don't always turn out well. People die. Things go badly. But the story ends as it should. I highly recommend for kids between 7 to 15. It would be an excellent read for anyone studying American History.

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 0-439-17965-3
Date Finished: 7-14-2014
Pages: 212