Chirp

Chirp
Kate Messner
Bloomsbury, 2020
227 pages
Grades 5-7
Realistic Fiction/Mystery

Mia has mixed feelings about moving to Vermont. She is happy to be back to a place with so many memories and closer to her Grandmother, but it is hard to make new friends in middle school. Her parents are insisting that Mia sign up for two summer camps: one for her body and one for her brain. She choses a STEM/entrepreneur option, as well as Warrior Camp. Mia, a former gymnast, is nervous about re-entering athletics after breaking her arm and is a reluctant warrior. To her surprise, Mia makes two new friends, who join her in the investigation involving Grandma's cricket farm, where she is attempting to raise crickets as an alternative food/protein source. Someone is sabotaging the business. Could it be Grandma's new employee or maybe the neighbor who keeps pushing Grandma to sell? As the summer ticks by, Mia and her friends design a project to help Grandma's business, as they seek to uncover the culprit, all while Mia becomes physically and emotionally stronger--and ready to confront the real reason why she quit gymnastics.

Prolific author, Messner, tackles many themes within the pages of this middle grade novel. Moving to a new town, the fear of an aging grandparent declining, environmentalism, STEM for girls, sexual harassment, and the importance for young women to learn to use their voices are all explored. Within the serious themes is a mystery holding it together and allowing the book to be read on different levels. The mystery involves some red herrings and madcap moments, resulting in a satisfying unveiling of the culprit. Underneath the main arc we see Mia trying to come back from something that the audience is sure is more than a broken arm, but is not revealed until later in the novel. A former gymnastic coach was inappropriate with Mia and she felt weird about it, but was scared to tell someone. After some meaningful conversations, she finally finds her voice to tell her mother, who listens and helps. My instinct is to move this book to YA, but the abuse happens to Mia as a child and other children will possibly find it helpful if they are in a simular situation. The #metoo agenda is both hard driven and yet not too graphic for the intended audience. On top of everything else going on, the reader learns about crickets as an alternative food source, which will attract readers. A mixed-bag of a book with an important message.

Girl, Unframed

Girl Unframed
Deb Caletti
Simon & Schuster, 2020
355 pages

Grades 9-Up

Mystery

Sydney happily attends boarding school and spends weekends and most breaks with her stable grandmother in Seattle. Dad is not particularly interested in her and fading movie star mom sees her in the summer and for Christmas. This summer, Sydney leaves to stay with Mom in San Francisco with mixed feelings. She would rather be in Seattle with her friends and resents having to be transplanted. To make matters worse, she is met at the airport by Mom's new boyfriend, an older slightly creepy guy. Jake takes her back to the amazing house he is renting for Mom on the beach. The summer progresses as Sydney copes with being an accessory for her mother's life, turns sixteen, fights off unwelcome advances and violations from older men, and falls in love. One of the rooms in this incredible house contains large mysteriously wrapped packages, which are revealed to be important works of art. Are they authentic? Is Jake somehow dealing with stolen artwork? Sydney learns to stand up for herself as she must finally come to terms with what Jake is up to and detangle herself from the unhealthy relationship with Mom. Unfortunately, this does not come without a price and important relationships are sacrificed as Sydney experiences fallout from her choices, both those she herself has made and those made for her.

Deb Caletti is a very reliable teen author. I have read her work since her early days and always find her books compelling and entertaining. This story is a departure from 2019's Printz honor book A Heart in a Body in the World in that it is more of a thriller/mystery. It shares some common themes, especially those of a young woman trying to make her way in a misogynistic world. This is especially difficult for Sydney to accomplish with a lack of role models. Her father is a described "lady's man" and her mother is perpetuating female dependency on men and allowing herself to be abused by her boyfriend. The mother's narcissism does not allow for her to be a proper role model for Sydney, nor any help as the teen is constantly harassed by older men. The book is set up like a police investigation and chapter headings include objects and witnesses that foreshadow events to come. The reader knows that something horrible happens and eventually realize that it has to do with the stolen art. The mystery becomes: is Jake really a criminal and how will this all play out? There are surprises at the end and though Sydney finds her voice, it all does not end "happily ever after". The San Francisco setting is fully realized and adds a dimension to the story. Some of the characters are a bit under developed and under used, but in a mystery one comes to expect that a bit. I enjoyed this book and found myself turning pages to see what will happen next. I think teen readers will also enjoy it, but they may not gravitate to it on their own. 

My Video Game Ate My Homework

My Video Game Ate My Homework

Dustin Hansen

DC, 2020 unpaged

Grades 2-5

Graphic Novel

Dewey needs an A+ on his science project or he will have to attend summer school. Since his learning disability makes writing papers near impossible, he has created a super-cool volcano sure to "wow" the judges. There is even more on the line. The best project will win a chance to try out the brand new virtual reality game that has yet to be released, yet is already generating a lot of buzz. In a humorous series of events, Dewy's friend, Ferg, gets his hands on the game and it ends up sucking in the volcano. Of course Dewey, his twin Beatrice, Ferg, and other buddy Katherine all hop in to save the project. Once in the game the kids are all given special powers. Ironically, Dewey's is a book, which guides him through the game as challenges arise. The team encounters all kinds of strange and dangerous creatures that they must conquer to move through the game. They must use their special skills and ingenuity to advance without losing their cyber-lives. In the end it takes teamwork to save the day, although it does't all work out quite as planned.

I had to buy this new graphic novel for my library. I knew that reluctant readers would take this book out based solely on then title and the cover, and I was not wrong. Video game lovers are the natural audience and they will not be disappointed. The action never stops and the story and illustrations read much like an actual video game. Hansen has experience with animation and toy design and is a lover of graphic novels. In an author's note he explains that he also struggled with a learning disability and fell into graphic novels because the visual clues helped him to decipher the words. Kids with simular troubles will also be guided by the pictures and find inspiration in Dewey's journey. The panels in the story scan well and all new characters are clearly introduced, so that the reader can easily determine who everyone is. The illustrations are in full color and will attract the target audience. This book will be an easy sell to kids to get them reading, even if they think it's hard and boring. It can serve as a bridge to illustrated chapter books and give struggling readers confidence and joy in the written word.

The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh

The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh
Candace Fleming
Schwartz & Wade/Random House, 2020
372 pages
Grades 9-Up
Biography

Experienced biographer, Fleming, pens a thoroughly researched account of the famous pilot, Lindbergh. She traces his childhood, into an ill-fated stab at college, to falling into the world of aeronautics. Lindbergh becomes the first person to cross the Atlantic. which launched him into superstardom. Then we travel along with him and his wife as their baby is kidnapped, resulting in the biggest news story of the 1920's. Lindbergh's fame was such that he had to move his family overseas to escape the constant barrage of photographers. Fleming points out that although Lindbergh is considered a great American hero, his star is a bit tarnished. He was, in all actuality, a white supremest and Nazi sympathizer. Lindbergh also harbored other personal secrets. Readers will get to know the man behind the legend in this compelling account of one of our best known American heroes.

I have read other biographies of Fleming and she never ceases to impress me. Carefully researched with noted sources, Fleming manages to offer accurate information, all while writing a compelling story. She can pull out the most interesting bits of a person that will keep readers turning pages. I knew Lindbergh as a great flier and hero and, of course, from the famous kidnapping. To me he was always a sympathetic figure after losing his son. This book made me see him in quite a different light, reconfirming my belief that no one is perfect. In fact, Lindbergh was far from it. He was a racist, demanding and not a particularly respectful husband. It almost gave me hope for the world in that the troubles we are currently facing in our country are not new, yet we keep moving forward. Lindbergh never achieved his racist dreams for America and hopefully the current angry voices won't either. Fleming offers a very comprehensive amount of source notes, a bibliography and an index to aid researchers, as well as a glossy photo section in the middle of the volume. The book is interesting, but dense, and it took me quite a bit of time to get through it, yet proved to be well worth the effort. A stunning endeavor!

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
Tom Angleberger
Amulet, 2010
141 pages
Grades 4-6
Realistic Fiction--or is it?

The sixth grade students at McQuarrie Middle School have a secret weapon to solve their problems: a small origami Yoda, who sits on the finger of class nerd, Dwight. Dwight is far from wise and ignores Yoda's advise himself, which proves that Origami Yoda must be real, right? Various narrators relate their experiences with the mythical wise-man and weigh in with opinions on if he is the real-deal, or a figment of Dwight's overactive imagination. Tommy, a believer, is the primary narrator who gathers the accounts. Harvey is the skeptic who provides the counterpoints, and Kellen adds the whimsical cartoon doodles all through the casefile. Yoda proves to be an expert on many matters ranging from those of the heart, teacher trouble, and erasing a reputation blemish. One event leads to another culminating in the middle school fun-night/dance when all of his advice proves to be solid though his origin remains suspect. The adventures continue in Darth Vader Strikes Back and five other titles in this hilarious and popular series.

I have been a fan of this series since it was released over ten years ago. I think that the concept is clever, as well as the over-all book design, which resembles a kid's notebook. The different narrators are in different fonts adding to the clarity of the narration and authenticity. The problems and the voices of the kids are realistic and relatable. The best thing about this book is that it is an easy sell to reluctant readers and has a Star Wars hook, which always draws a fanbase. Much like the Wimpy Kid series, the pages give an impression that the story is for younger children, but the subject matter makes it more appropriate for older elementary/early middle school. Readers will wonder if Origami Yoda is real, making for a great classroom/book discussion. Readers will also be inspired to make their own Origami Yoda from the instructions in the back of the volume and may even check out how to do the twist on YouTube. Best of all, this story demonstrates kindness, understanding, and respect, which we could all see a bit more of these days. A sure-fire winner for reluctant readers and anyone searching for something light-yet not trashy.

You Should See Me in a Crown

You Should See Me in a Crown
Leah Johnson
Scholastic, 2020
324 pages
Grades 9-Up
Realistic Fiction

Liz Lighty has her future all figured out. She will graduate and attend the near-by private college that her late mother went to thanks to a music scholarship and then become a doctor to try to help kids, like her brother, who struggle with Sickle Cell. When the scholarship falls through, it is time for action. Liz does not want her grandparents to sell their home in order to raise the tuition money, so she turns to plan "B": become prom queen. Prom is a big deal in this small mid-western town and the queen is awarded a hefty scholarship to accompany the glitzy crown. Liz is not prom queen material. A girl of color has never made the ranks, let alone a "band nerd". To top it off, Liz likes girls, a fact that is known only by her family and best friends. Never the less, she throws herself into the competition and with the help of her friends, and by reconnecting with a former friend, she begins to make headway. Then Liz meets new girl Amanda and is thrown off her game. Getting voted as prom queen seems impossible enough. Does she dare to add a girlfriend to the equation?

Debut author, Johnson, pens a timely novel that teens will enjoy reading. I saw this book on many "best of the year" lists and decided to give it a try with no expectations. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it and was actually moved to the point of tearing up a few times. Liz is an unlikely prom queen and a champion for nerd everywhere. The high school me would have loved this book and the grown-up me wishes it was around then. Ironically, I read this the same week my family watched the movie Prom on Netflix, which visits similar themes and I also highly recommend. This book offers character growth, redemption, humor, heart-warming bits, and a happy ending, all while taking on homophobia, racism, and traditional prom culture. Some readers will see themselves in the story, others will possibly see the world a bit more kindly after reading, but everyone will feel something. Liz is a great character who learns to trust the adults around her and share the burden of her life to finally embrace who she is, love that person, and allow herself to have a bit of fun. On top of all of this, it is a great story, with a great plot that would make a great movie if something similar didn't already exist. The irony is that it features the 2020 prom, which turned out to be a bust for last year's seniors. At least we will always have this fictionalized version...

Harry Verses the First 100 Days of School

Harry Verses the First 100 Days of School

Emily Jenkins

Pete Oswald, Illustrator

Penguin/Schwartz & Wade, June, 2021

202 pages

Grades 2-4

Realistic Fiction/Humor

Harry is against starting first grade in the big-kid school with strict teachers, lots of rules, strange kids, and creepy class pets, such as guinea pigs. His older sister deposits him in his Brooklyn public school classroom, where he is greeted by a kind teacher who puts him at the Goat Table. It is here that he meets some kids, who eventually become friends. Eventually, Harry gets use to first grade and though he struggles with some of the rules--like being quiet--eventually he gets there. Conflict arrises as a classmate keeps snapping his underwear, a bossy classmate is a pain in the brain, and halloween plans go awry, yet Harry manages to find solutions. One day flows into another, as weeks pass slowly. Finally, it is the 100th day of school. The students have been working all year on learning to count to 100 and this is a big deal. Everyone must bring in 100 of something, but what should Harry bring? He has a great idea, but is he able to pull it off?

This book by a veteran author and illustrator was slated for a June, 2020 release and was postponed due to the pandemic, which makes sense because of the nature of the subject matter. Harry Verses the First 100 Days of School is a fabulous celebration of school life and community, which feels weird amidst the days of virtual learning. As I turned the pages I longed for being with children again and the antic of the classroom made me laugh out loud. This transitional chapter book will be perfect to hand to a fresh reader to boost confidence and will also serve as a great classroom read-aloud. Much like Junie B, Harry sometimes gets it wrong, allowing for readers to feel confident in their own superior knowledge and sophistication. Unlike Junie B, Jenkins uses correct grammar and spelling, better serving developing readers. And, though Harry is not perfect, he is not fresh like Junie B and actually learns from his mistakes and exhibits great character growth as the year progresses. Harry benefits from a supportive, yet non-traditional, family and a teacher who gets him. He learns patience, trying new things, self-control, and how to be a friend. Jenkins introduces some problematic holidays, such as Columbus Day, in a more politically friendly way and includes an inclusive classroom where all of the holidays are respected and celebrated. Oswald's (of the Bad Seed fame) full color and sometimes full page illustrations are lush and plentiful. My favorite thing about the book is that the author references many other wonderful books throughout the text. These titles are included in an author's note in the back of the volume for further reference. The story ends in the middle of winter at 100 days of school. This leaves room for the author to produce a sequel, maybe finishing off the school year?

Best Books of 2020

Best Books: The 2020 Edition

This has truly been a very heavy year and the books that were released for children reflect this. I found many of this year's books to be agenda laden and, although I think it is important to introduce these issues to children, I did not pick my favorites based on the current trends. I picked my three favorite books in each category that I either felt were really well written or that I simply enjoyed the most.

Picture Books:

My Best Friend by Julie Fogliano, Illustrated by Jillian Tamaki

Fogliano has the ability to write like children think. This book brought me back to childhood and making a new friend in the park. It made me smile!

Nana Akua Goes to School by Tricia Elam Walker, Illustrated by April Harrison

I found this story to be very moving and the illustrations are beautiful, making it a true winner.

One Little Bag: An Amazing Journey by Henry Cole

This was a book I poured over. Henry Cole is an amazing illustrator and his books always blow my mind! And yes, as a committed bag-reuser, I did appreciate the environmental message.

Graphic Novels:

Witches of Brooklyn by Sophie Escabasse

Witches, Brooklyn, an orphan, original and clean illustrations. What's not to love? Slightly creepy and very funny plot-driven graphic novel with quirky characters.

Shirley and Jamila Save Their Summer by Gillian Goerz

These ladies proved to be my favorite new characters in graphic novels this year. The mystery adds interest and hints at more titles to come.

Displacement by Kiku Hughes

I love time travel and found this title to be both entertaining and emotional. This was also a favorite of my ten-year-old niece, proving the read-ability of the title.

Middle Grade:

Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk

Probably my favorite middle grade novel of the year. Great historical fiction and mystery equal to the author's other favorite of mine: Wolf Hollow.

The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate

Funnier than the author's Newbery winning One and Only Ivan, in which this book follows. Who couldn't use a good laugh this year?

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks

Kids will relate to Zoe, who loves to bake, yet needs to solve a mystery to prove that her jailed father is innocent.

Teen Titles:

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

My favorite teen book of the year, I became very swept up in the story and appreciate the author's tight writing.

Red Hood by Elana Arnold

A dark retake on a classic fairytale, beautifully written, gets a feminist twist.

We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez

I found myself very caught up in this breath-taking adventure to the boarder with all its twists and turns and found it hard to put this book down I was so worried about it's characters.

Game Changer

Game Changer
Neal Shusterman
HarperCollins/Quill Tree, February, 2021
400 pages

Grades 9-Up

Science Fiction

High School Senior, Ash, has a pretty good life. As a member of the defensive line on his high school football team, he is socially secure with good friends, though not setting the world on fire. Everything changes as he lakes a blow to the head during a football game and wakes up in a world slightly changed. He has a terrible headache and--wait--stop signs are now blue? A week later it happens again--with even more changes. Strange skateboarding twins inform him that he is bouncing around dimensions and affecting the world. With each football game and accompanying blow to the head more changes occur. Some are good (Ash's family is rich) and some are terrible (integration never happened making life horribly unjust for his best friend). Throughout all of the dimensional jumps the overall arc of Ash's life remains the same with many of the same people in it, though sometimes his relationship with them has twisted. As the world keeps changing and Ash is feeling out of control, he has to decide if he is willing to sacrifice himself to reclaim his original world and get life back on track, warts and all.

This first-person novel is fast paved and gets the brain clicking into over-drive, which is something that a Shusterman novels always brings. I found the book to be totally original and I love both the concept and the delivery. There are surprises with each new dimensional jump and I had a hard time putting this book down, so curious as to what would happen next. Shusterman explores the ideas of white privilege, racism, homophobia, and domestic violence and presents these issues in an interesting and non-preachy way. Some of the reviews of the book feel that Shusterman portrays Ash as a "white savior". I didn't feel that way. Ash starts out taking his  white male privilege for granted and experiences growth as he personally spends time in other realities. While some hot-button issues are explored, the plot never gets bogged down or suffers for it. The story moves addictingly quickly and the dimensional hops feel believable and realistic. Teens will gobble it up and think about it later. A great choice for high school book discussion that will get the conversation started and bring on the heat.