A few weeks back Apryl, over at Women Like Sports, mentioned the 37th anniversary of Title IX. After reading this I tempted to talk about the lack of sports books featuring female characters but than I thought thats been done. Why, not try something new. I figured instead of talking about what's not out focus on what is, so I am on a little female athlete protagonist kick. I already had Boost by Kathy Mackel and Pretty Tough by Liz Tigelaar at the top of my reading pile. I am on a little female athlete protagonist kick. I never have a what's coming up next preview because I usually don't know this time I do. I figured I'd give everyone a heads up, so no ones wondering what's up with all the sports books
Books to be Reviewed.
Boost by Kathy Mackel
Pretty Tough by Liz Tigelaar
Throwing Like A Girl by Weezie Kerr Mackey
MadCat by Kathy Mackel
Tackling Dad by Elizabeth Levy
No Cream Puffs by Karen Day
The kick is strong, so I am open to all suggestions.
Books Reviewed.
The Girl Who Threw Butterflies by Mick Cochrane- A girl pitches on her 8th grade baseball team
A Strong Right Arm by Michelle Green- The story of Mamie "Peanut" Johnson the only female pitcher in the Negro Leagues
Girl Overboard by Justina Chen Headley- The main character is a snowboarder.
Love At First Click by Elizabeth Chandler- The main character is the school photographer and loves football.
Diary Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock. Love this series. DJ is a football player. The third and final book comes out later this year. If you're waiting on it, you may want to check out Mackel's Boost.
Keeping Score by Linda Sue Park - A girl loves the game of baseball and the art of keeping score
Kiss Me Kill Me by Lauren Henderson - The main character uses her gymnastics ability to help solve a mystery.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Dog Whisperer: The Rescue Nicholas Edwards
Dog Whisperer: The Rescue by Nicholas Edwards- I was straighting books, and came across this book. My first thought was yes, Black girl on the cover. A few pages in I learned that Emily is biracial which was even better. There aren't enough books featuring biracial protagonist. Before I started reading, I did my please let me like this book mantra. There aren't enough middle grade books let alone series featuring characters of color, but I am not going to say I like something simply because the protagonist is a person of color. I don't know if it was the mantra or not, but I really really enjoyed this book. It only took one page to know that this was going to be a very good story. 11yr Emily is having a nightmare, for the third night in a row she's drowning in the ocean. Edwards does an excellent job with this opening scene. The reader can feel Emily's fear and anxiousness. It isn't until Emily's mother wakes her up that she's able to escape the nightmare. Later that night there's a storm, and Emily can't sleep, there's something out there. Without telling her parents Emily goes out in the storm and finds a dog. The dog is in very bad shape, Emily and her parents rush him to the hospital. Emily and the dog, Zack have an unspoken connection. The two can hear each others thoughts. It's only because of their closeness that Zack is able to survive. This story moves so well and the author gives the reader a get feel of the New England setting. I loved Emily, and the fully developed relationship with her parents. The author does a wonderful job of fitting in some of Emily's question and thoughts on being adopted. It never feels forced, simply a natural fit with the story line. As is Emily being a vegetarian and the steps her parents take to support this decision. Emily's given a great best friend in Bobby. I quickly felt the love Emily and Zack had for each other. I look forward to reading more books in this series. I highly recommand this for anyone who loves animal stories. This is a paperback, only $6.99 Read the Google Preview If nothing else click over and read the first 3 chapters, well worth it
Another middle grade book I loved this year featuring a biracial protagnist The Prince of Fenway Park. My review. A must read for baseball fans.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Calvin Coconut Trouble Magnet Graham Salisbury
Calvin Coconut: Trouble Magnet by Graham Salisbury- This is the first book in a wonderful new series. I loved Calvin. Set in Hawaii, Calvin lives with his mom and younger sister, Darci. Calvin's dad left but not before changing the families last name to Coconut for his singing career. Its the end of the summer, Calvin and his friends Julio and Maya are getting ready to start fourth grade. With his dad gone, Calvin has more responsibilities, he has good intentions but sometimes he forgets. He seems to find trouble, like running into the school bully and ruining his shirt. There is so much to love about this book - the very realistic characters, situations and the fun spot on writing. The first chapter will grab many reluctant readers. Calvin and his friends are at the beach watching someone kiteboard. The man asks the three to watch his board. Calvin takes hold of the bar and it catches wind, dragging him down the beach. I really enjoyed Jacqueline Rogers illustrations. I loved the facial expressions on the characters. One of my favorites is of Calvin and Julio after they've gotten out the the garbage can, they were hiding from the bully. When school starts there's a new kid from California, and he's still learning about Hawaii. As he finds out what kimchee and shave ice are so does the reader. One of my favorite characters is Calvin's teacher Mr. Purdy. He very strict but fair and he listens to his students. I highly recommand Calvin Coconut. Ages 8upMore Reviews
Make Way For Dyamonde Daniel Nikki Grimes
Make Way For Dyamonde Daniel by Nikki Grimes- I was very happy when I got my hands of a copy of this book. Dyamonde Daniel, is a super smart,and outspoken 3rd grader who loves even numbers. Dyamonde and her mother moved after the divorce. Dyamonde talks about adjusting to all the changes, like not having her own room and leaving her best friend. I loved the straight forwardness of Dyamonde. Dyamonde's been at her new school for three weeks and is still on a look out for a new best friend. She gets along well with her new classmates and already knows all her neighbors. Only person Dyamonde can't figure out is the other new kid, Free. Free is always angry and scaring the other kids. Dyamonde refuses to watch Free be rude all the time, she finally confronts him. Let me go ahead and add brave to the many things Dyamonde Daniel is, because only a brave person would approach someone bigger, demanding answers and apologises. I really enjoyed this book and I loved Dyamonde Daniel. Grimes draws a wonderful picture of Dyamonde's Brookyln Heights neighborhood. Ages 7up The second book in the series, Rich, Dyamonde Daniel will be released in OctoberFunny How Things Change Melissa Wyatt
Funny How Things Change by Melissa Wyatt - 17 yr old Remy Walker has just graduated from H.S., most of his friends are planning their escape from Dwyer, West Virginia but Remy is torn, Dwyer is in his blood. I loved that Remy's heart always stayed true to Dwyer. He wasn't embarrassed or ashamed to love a place, many laughed at or simply dismissed. Remy must choose between the girlfriend he loves, or the land he loves. The pace of Funny How Things Change was wonderful, a perfect fit for Remy Walker. Like the beginning of Proud Mary, Wyatt takes it nice & easy. I read this about two week ago, yet Remy and Dwyer are still with me. I highly recommand Funny How Things Change. Ages 16up
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