Wanted - Heidi Ayarbe

Wanted by Heidi Ayarbe 
I have a bad tendency of reading review copies well before the release date and not writing up a review or even jotting down notes.  Though this also has it advantages as well because I get the opportunity to revisit a novel and reevaluate my first impressions.   I know a novel is a winner when I can still remember much of the plot line and a few of the quieter moments that moved me in the first place.  This is exactly what happened with Wanted.

17 yr old Michal is a bookie,and has set up her own buissness called Sanctuary at her high school.   Michal keeps to herself and follows one rule, never place a bet.  She's convinced herself she needs the money more then the rush.  Before bets are placed, Michal reads from Dostoevsky's, Gambler.  At first it was a cover now it has become ritual.  Everything is going according to plan until Josh moves to Carson City.  Soon after Michal places her first bet and catches the rush bug.   Carson City is town divided by the have and have nots.  Michal wants to use her winnings to even out the odds a bit. When that is not enough Michal and Josh begin a secret crusade. They are Bonnie and Clyde meets Robin Hood.  

I am not sure if author intended for Wanted and Sanctuary together so well or if it was simply a happy accident. I am betting (pun intended) on the latter.   Wanted Sanctuary/ Sanctuary Wanted, either way there's  something there that I could not ignore; even more so after reading the novel and getting to know Michal, who is raised by her grandmother, whom she calls Lillian.  She also a longs for her mother and wishes for a closer connection to her mother's homeland of Mexico. After a creative writing assignment  Michal continues to compose 5 word memoirs. When language is sparse I have a great appreication for it. Since the memoirs are only five words, Ayarbe is using punctuation like nobodies business.        
"Heart bursts with words not said"

Some of the memoirs are by  classmates -  "No country, No nationality, Mexican American exile"   written by Moch. The two were very close when they were younger but drifted apart.  Now Michal worries about the Moch she once knew, while the older one has joined a gang.

The author handles difficult subjects like classism and racism with care.  Nothing feels loaded down or forced. It all a smooth natural part of the story, as Michal and Josh risk everything  to challenge status quo.

An excerpt via Harperteen

No Crystal Stair - Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

No Crystal Stair by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson illus. by R. Gregory Christie
This is a documentary novel of the life and work of Lewis Michaux. Nelson begins this look into Michaux life, in 1906 when he was a young boy growing up in Virgina. The documentary novel is broken up into several sections. Within each the reader learns more about Lewis Michaux and his journey to starting the National Memorial African American bookstore in Harlem, in the 1940's. It was the first Black owned and operated bookstore in the world.

When Michaux decided to open a bookstore the odds were against him. The great depression had recently ended, and there were few publishers catering to Black authors or books about the Black experience. When Michaux decided to take a chance and secure a loan I feel completely in love with No Crystal Stair. There was simply something about Michaux determination, which Nelson does an excellent job of getting across to the reader.

The documentary aspect of this novel can be found in the FBI files on Mixhaux, included throughout, or the photographs of people essential to the civil rights movements, like Malcom X and Black Panthers shopping at the Bookstore. Nelson delves into the close relationship Michaux had with Malcolm X. There are also a lot of other wonderful photographs, including exterior shots of the bookstore.

In an effort to give readers a full picture of the impact Lewis Michaux and his bookstore had on the Black community, Nelson created a few characters, like Snooze, a young teenager Micahux encourages to read for free in the back of the store. All the characters fit seamlessly into the narrative. The book is illustrated by R. Greogory Christie. He uses a light touch which complements the text nicely. No Crystal Stair is a 2012 favorite.

An excerpt
Starred Kirkus Review
Starred Horn Book Review

My interview with Vaunda Nelson at White Readers Meet Black Authors

Reflections of a Bookaholic and Mocha Girls Read are hosting the first annual Black History Month Hop. The 5th -11th is dedicated to the business of Black Books. And I do believe a documentary novel about Lewis Michaux fits the bill.

Nickel Plated - Aric Davis

Nickel Plated by Aric Davis
Finding a good YA mystery is not always easy. Usually I like the premise but not the story. That was not the case here. 12 yr old Nickel is a runaway from abusive foster homes. He vows to never to return and is living on his own.

Nickel tracks down pedophiles online and works as a private investigator. Adults must pay for his services but Nickel helps other kids for free. Arrow goes to Nickel, she believes her younger sister Shelby was kidnapped. Nickel takes the case and discovers an ugly crime ring.

The author does a good job of establishing his main character (Nickel isn't his given name) and revealing a little of his background story. A 12 yr old PI sounds a little far fetched but the author makes it work. A few things do need to be tweaked but overall a solid debut.

The strength of this story lies in the believability of the main character. Some of the best PI's have a dark troubled past, Davis successfully establishes Nickel's demons.

Though I wish Nickel was at least 14 yrs old, 15 would've been ideal. With the selling of marijuana and the blackmailing of pedophiles, I'd place Nickel Plated at the older YA spectrum. I believe there' s an audience for Nickel Plated but I also think the young age of the protagonist will keep some older teens who would like it from picking it up.

I just can't see a lot of older teens wanting to read a novel featuring a 12 yr old. Also Nickel's age limits the chances of possible relationships. Nickel's client Arrow is a few years older and they work well together but you know nothing is going to happen between the two because Nickel too young.

Age aside, this is a good mystery and Nickel is a wonderful new protagonist. I am looking forward to seeing where Davis takes this series.

Read an excerpt

Bhangra Babes - Narinder Dhami

Bhangra Babes by Narinder Dhami
This is the final book in the Babes trilogy. Now that sister's Amber, Jazz and Geena have gotten used to their aunt, she's getting married. The family prepares for the wedding and the sisters make a bet, to catch the eye of Rocky, a new student. This time a few of Amber's ideas workout. Though she may have gone too far by agreeing to let Rocky play at the reception without telling auntie or hearing him play.

This one was just as fun as the first two. It's not easy finding fun well written tween chick lit. And its pretty much impossible to find such books with characters of color. There's really nothing left for me to say, except I wish more were coming out. I highly recommend reading in order. Bindi Babes is first.

All the talk about music and weddings in Bhangra Babes I decided to find link to something. I looked at a lot of clips and I finally found five dancers that owned the stage.

Are You Going to Kiss Me Now? - Sloane Tanen

Are You Going to Kiss Me Now? by Sloane Tanen
Francesca wins a Seventeen magazine essay contest. Her prize is a partial scholarship and a celebrity tour of Madagascar and other regions of East Africa through GLEA - Girls Literacy East Africa. Francesca will be traveling with five well known celebrities who need the good PR.

Chaz (a la Perez Hilton) who runs a very popular celebrity blog is going as well. When the plane crashes the seven people are stranded on an island somewhere near Madagascar.

Before the island Francesca's guilty pleasure is keeping up with celebrity gossip.

"When I was finished with the mags, I'd roll them up and stuff them in the bottom of the trash outside so nobody would find them. I was addicted and ashamed. I hated all those celebrities, and yet I envied how special they got to be. It wasn't fair. I mean, nobody cared that I let Andy Blank touch my boob last Saturday, so why did I care if Miley Cyrus got drunk at the CMAs or if Zac Efron wore eyeliner? But I did care. A lot?"

There are a few references to real celebrities but the story holds it's own with it's fake celebrities. Amongst the five stars there's drama and little help.

"Did I say you could go through my stuff?" Milan screeched as she snatched the bottle out of Eve's hand and pushed a mat of wet hair off her face. Milan looked seriously pissed. She reached for one of the sticks and attacked Eve, holding the twig under her chin like a knife. I kid you not."

Are You Going to Kiss Me Now? sounded like it would be a lot of fun and it was. I really enjoyed it and laughed out loud a lot. Ages 12up

Diego Rivera: His World and Ours - Duncan Tonatiuh

Diego Rivera:His World And Ours by Duncan Tonatiuh

Along with introducing Digeo Rivera and his work to readers, the author touches upon styles used. Such as classical and cubism. Defining both easily into the text.

"Diego went to Paris, the captial of France. There he met young artists who were painting in new and exciting ways. He experimented with these new methods of painting himself. One method was called Cubism, in which the painting did not exactly resemble its subject but was composed of geometric shapes such as squares, circles and triangles."

The first half, His World, is about Diego Rivera. In the second half Tonatiuth wonders what Rivera would paint if he was alive today. I love the then and now comparisons.

"Or would he paint the luchadores wrestling in their costumes. just as he painted the Aztec warriors fighting the invading soldiers. The Spanish conquistadores?"

I love Tonatiuh's artistic style. The more I look at it the more I appreiciate it. And I can't stop looking.

This biography stands out because of the great back matter. The one page author's note includes all the facts about Diego Rivera that couldn't fit in the text. There's also a glossary of words and references. Mural and Quetzalcoatl are two of the terms defined.

There are a few children's biographies about Diego Rivera . Tonatiuh's sophomore release is a great addition, with it's own personal distinctions.



The author's debut, Dear Primo recieved four honors last year including a Pura Belpre honor

When I reviewed Dear Primo, the author was kind enough to answer a question about his artisic style.

"My art is mostly inspired by ancient Mixtec codex. Most of those codex were done in the eleventh century I believe. I am attaching some images.I draw by hand but I color and collage texture into my drawings in photoshop. I developed my style while I was doing my BFA thesis at Parsons School of design.

I looked at a lot of Pre-Columbian art from Mexico and the Americas to develop the look of my thesis project. When I saw the Mixtec codex I was particularly struck. Something clicked. I really like the design of the images -the geometry and the repetition of colors and forms. I find them very musical.
I adopted a lot of the aesthetic choices in those codex, like the fact that people are always seen in profile or the proportions, which differ from the classical western standards. I did not want to simply imitate those drawings though. Using digital techniques was a way for me to make those images contemporary and also make them my own.

Basically I try to combine something that looks very ancient with something that looks very modern. I am from Mexico, and Mexico has such a rich visual tradition. I want to keep those traditions alive but I also want to innovate and make those ancient aesthetics relevant and accessible to kids and people today.

I think what I do is a little bit like sampling. The way a dj/producer samples a base line, or guitar section, mixes it with a new drum beat etc and makes a new song. "

Tonatiuh's art

I've linked this post to the non fiction monday. This weeks round up can be found at Jean's Little Library.

Horton HalfPott - Tom Angleberger

Horton HalfPott or The Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor or The Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's Corset by Tom Angleberger

This title is a mouthful. At first I was simply going to put Horton HalfPott, but in the end I simply enjoyed this book too much to shorten it. Plus I it be wrong since this is a 2011 Newbery contender.

The Luggertuck family lives in Smugwick Manor with many many workers on the premises, from cooks, to maids to stable hands. The family treats the staff horribly M'lady Luggertuck, the lady of the house is the worse. Everything changes when M'lady's corset is loosened. The very strict rules of the manor are no more. Now that M'lady can breathe, see agrees to let her nephew Montgomery stay for the summer and host a ball.

Horton Halfpott is a lowly kitchen boy. He's kind, quiet and honest. When valuable things start missing from the Manor all the evidence points to Horton. Horton's very good friends, Bump, Blight and Blemish are determined to uncover the truth of the missing items.

I loved Horton and wanted him to have his happy ending. Angleberger does a beautiful job flipping things around. Usually its the poor honest hardworking girl who needs some luck to change her fortune.Horton is surrounded by some great characters. Horton Halfpott was a very fun and entertaining mystery, with a few close calls.

Kirkus Review

Boyfriends with Girlfriends - Alex Sanchez

Boyfriends with Girlfriends by Alex Sanchez.
This is about two groups of best friends. Lance and Allie, Sergio and Kimiko. Lance and Sergio have been chatting on the phone and online. When the story begins the two are meeting for the first time at a mall. Allie and Kimiko go to keep it a stress free first get together.

Lance and Sergio get along very well. Though Lance who is gay doesn't like that Sergio considers himself a bisexual. Lance believe someone is either gay or straight. Eventually, this is worked out. Sanchez does a great job of allowing the characters to explain this point of view. I think the author took a lot of care with Sergio's voice.

Allie has a boyfriend but after spending time with Kimiko she begins to question her sexual preference. Kimiko is a lesbian, she's never had a girlfriend and is attracted to Allie. As with the boys storyline, the girls could be relationship is handled very well. In the beginning I was worried Allie liked Kimiko simply because she was Japanese. Though Allie and Kimiko do get to know each other, so I was okay* with Allie's being into all things Japanese.

It was nice being able to see the characters interact with their families, it helped round them out. There was a lot diagoloue and self reflection both of which fit easily into the story. Sanchez is skilled at creating likable characters.

Boyfriends with Girlfriends is a great story about sexual identity. There aren't many bi YA characters, Sanchez handles Sergio's voice with a lot of care. Same goes for Allie, who is still trying to figure out what label fits her. I do wish that Sergio and Allie got a chance to interact alone and the same goes for Lance and Kimiko.

If someone told me that a GLBT YA novel was coming out with a diverse cast and one of the characters is butch and another is bi. I would've laughed in their face. But Sanchez made it happen.

There were a few things I questioned, like Allie going bra shopping with Kimiko, while still trying to understand her feelings for Kimiko. Overall Sanchez did a very good job was Boyfriends and Girlfriends.

Read the first chapter

Drum City - Thea Guidone, Vanessa Newton

Drum City by Thea Guidone illus. by Vanessa Newton

This is a fun story that begins with a boy in a yard. All the kids use whatever is handy and procede to drum down the street.

"Drum Jump to the sound, dance all around, loud on the tubs and the tins that they found."

Guidone's rhythmic text will have readers wanting to get up and move. Newton's colorful and beautiful illustrations depicts a diverse city and brings all the characters to life. Guidone and Newton have come together to create a wonderful story.

An excerpt

Something Like Hope - Shawn Goodman

Something Like Hope by Shawn Goodman
17 yr old Shavonne has been living in juvenile detention centers since junior high. When the story begins Shavonne is getting in trouble for fighting with one of the guards. She's also meeting her new counselor, Mr Delpoplo for the first time. It takes time but Mr Delpoplo but is the first adult Shavonne as trusted in awhile.

Shavonee is dealing with a lot, including regret and loss. Her mother is addicted to drugs and her fathers in jail and that's why she isn't with her parents. I simply don't remember the author stating why Shavonne was sent to JDC in the first place.

When Shavonee describes the hardships she has or is facing it simply feels like she's going through the motions. When she or one of the other girls cursed, the words didn't fit in their mouths. It felt as if choice words were added because it was expected. A few of the guards abuse their power, Ms. Choi is the worst offender. I found many of these scenes unbelievable.

This came at the end of last year. I knew I wouldn't read it until I could borrow it from the library. I was simply not in a rush to read a YA novel featuring a Black protagonist living through a struggle. It didn't add anything new to what's already out.

Read an excerpt

Today is Opening Day

In honor of the new season, I will be posting a few quick interviews.

Clemente by Willie Perdomo is a great introduction to Roberto Clemente. The author was kind enough to agree to answer a few questions.

How many baseball books did you read for research purposes?
Not many. Most of the sources are listed in the back of the book. I researched the stats and the speech he made in Spanish after winning the world series. Everything else was in the voice of little Clemente.

2 One fact about Clemente or the game of baseball that you wished you were able to fit in the book?
I can't think of any. I didn't want to get too biographical with the text. I wanted to highlight little Clemente's voice and enthusiasm.

3 Picture book authors run the risk of be paired with an illustrator, whose style doesn't enhance the text. Thankfully that didn't happen to Clemente. Bryan Collier is an award winning illustrator and his wonderful illustrations fit the text perfectly. When did you know you'd be paired with Collier?

At this point in my very short children's lit career, I've been lucky in that Collier has been the go-to artist for my work.

4 What is it about baseball fans and baseball books? ( I am not judging. I also get baseball book fever. Looking forward to reading The Baseball by Zack Hample)

Fundamentally, we are always on the lookout for that heroic moment. Baseball provides those moments. Books provide insight and context for those moments.
5. Who is your favorite team?

If it's Mets vs. Yankees, I'm picking the Mets.

Willie, thank you so much for your time. (Go Mets) Clemente is a beautiful biography and perfect for anyone who loves the game of baseball.



My Review
The boy in the story is named after Clemente. His parents tell him about his namesake. The family lives in The Bronx where Roberto Clemente was rey. His father is president of the greatest fans of Roberto Clemente club.

"He'll take out his baseball card collection
and pull all his mint condition Clementes,
and then he'll start calling Clemente,
I mean really calling him,
like he was try like he was trying to talk
to the ghost of Roberto Clemente."

"Clemente! Clemente!
It's us, tu gente!
Clemente! Clemente!
Prince of the baseball diamante,
Canon-arm Clemente,
Puerto Rican prince Clemente,
Hall of fame Clemente"

Perdomo text is informative, lyrical, visual and fun. Sometimes a little flair is expected when talking about great baseball players or plays. Perdomo gives the reader exactly that.

He also lets the reader see all sides of Clemente - the player, the son who when interviewed after winning the World Series spoke Spanish first for his parents, and the man who tried to help Nicaraqua after an earthquake. The author inculdes a great Roberto Clemente timeline in the back

I love Robert Collier's artistic style. It was a perfect fit for this biography. In his notes Collier mentions the medium he used.

"I created the watercolor and collage images of Roberto in action in multiple repeated layers to express the speed, power, impact, and sound he embodied when playing baseball"

Perdomo and Collier have come together to create wonderful biography on Roberto Clemente. Baseball fans of all ages will love it

A Nation's Hope: The Story of boxing Legend Joe Louis

A Nation's Hope: the story of boxing legend Joe Louis by Matt de la Pena, illus by Kadir Nelson

Like everything else in 1930's boxing was segregated.

The world waits for Joe Louis to take the ring,
take center stage
White men wait standing beside Black men, but standing apart
Jim Crow America

In the 1938 rematch against German fighter Max Schmeling, Louis was looked upon as a nation's hope because of the impending war. This is the fight that de la Pena leads readers to, though first we are introduced to a young Joe Louis.

He didn't speak until he was six,
and when he finally spoke he stammered
and was ridiculed
Words spinning just beyond Joe's grasp,
and with black skin he passed through childhood in the shadows
Yet there was something about his hands, so big and powerful
Nights he'd stare down at those hands and dream

Nelson's image of a young Joe Louis to the right of Pena's text is strong, gorgeous and focused. Nelson easily captures the strength of Louis's hands. It's one of my favorite panels in the book. The same goes for Pena. Author and illustrator were very in sync.

Pena's text has a great rhythm to it, very fitting for a biography on a boxer. Nelson's illustrations are lovely as always. I do wish the author would've included some back information. There isn't even a timeline or author's note.

Though A Nation's Hope is a still nice introduction to Joe Louis, the second Black heavyweight champion. After reading this I wanted to learn more about Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling and that lead me to this, was quickly sucked in and watched all nine parts.

I have Pena and Nelson to thank for my desire to want to know more about Louis. I believe readers of all ages will be moved to do the same.

Jazz in Love - Neesha Meminger

Jazz in Love by Neesha Meminger
17 yr old Jasbir (Jazz) is very good student and in her schools, Future Stars and Leaders program. When Jazz's mom learns through the Indian community grapevine that she was hugging a boy in public, Jazz's parents begin to play matchmaker. They want to find a parent approved boyfriend who will of course be Indian, preferably with Punjab roots.

This sounds more serious then it really is. Don't get me wrong I like serious but sometimes it nice to read something fun that's hard to put down with just the right amount of substance. That's exactly what Meminger's give us with Jazz in Love.

Jazz doesn't want to go on blind dates arranged by her parents but she has no choice. In the process Jazz meets Gurmit (Mit). He trust Jazz to keep his secret, he also likes boys.

Tyler R. a new student from Trinidad catches Jazz's eye. Jazz's parents would not approve, that doesn't stop her. When Jazz realizes Tyler R. is bad news she still can't stay away.

Jazz is a very likable and well drawn character. I loved her voice. She likes romance novels. This one my favorite things about Jazz because its so unexpected.

I walked up the stairs to my room, and stuck my head out to listen to my dad's snoring for a minute before pulling out my latest romance novel. If my parents ever got a glimpse of one of those book covers- ample -bosom cleavage and hard bronzed pecs galore- they would immediately book me a one way ticket to India to straighten me out. No, thank you. Romance novels got smuggled into my house with secret-agent, espionage-level security.

I love that Jazz's parents have blue collar jobs. South Asian parents are usually portrayed as working professionals. There are South Asian doctors and lawyers and some work 9 - 5 jobs. Its very nice to see another reality reflected.

As with her debut, Shine, Coconut Moon, Meminger doesn't create stereotypical immigrant parents that are disconnected from their teens need to fit it. Nor are Jazz's parents overly strict. The author goes one step further and giving us Auntie Kinder, a very close cool family friend. Jazz can talk to Auntie Kinder about almost anything. To show her thanks, Jazz decides to get Auntie Kinder back together with her first love. Who just so happens to be a very popular celebrity doctor in England. Jazz's "I love Lucy" scheme was a lot of fun to watch.

Meminger found a beautiful balance with Jazz in Love. She keeps its light yet still manages to incorporate themes worth discussing from what's Indian enough to asserting independence. Many readers will be able to relate to Jazz, her worries are universal.

What she'd said about it taking courage to be okay with being different made sense. I knew about being different. I was FSL- different, even among the different. But did it take courage to just keep doing what you were told, without asking any questions? Did it take a different kind of courage to not love the person you loved, and do what was considered appropriate - as Auntie Kinder had done? Or to pretend you were something you weren't - like Mit was doing

As I trudged up the stairs to my bedroom, I wondered what turned some girls into Kamaljit Purewals and others into girls like me - ones who started doing things that got them into a whole heap of crap. I wondered if Auntie Kinder had been a girl like me. And my mom- had see been a Kamal or a getting in deep doodoo for breaking the rules Jazz?

Jazz is surrounded by well developed characters including best friends Cindy and Jeevan (Jeeves). The secondary characters add wonderful dimension. The various storylines tie in smoothly and are well thought out.

I have my fingers crossed this isn't the last time we see Jazz and her friends. I want to know if Jazz and Jeeves relationship will change. I want to know about Mit's relationship. Jazz in Love doesn't have loose ends, Meminger simply wrote it in such a way that I can't help but want more.

Meminger couldn't find a house for Jazz in Love to call home. So she decided to self publish (lucky us).

Jazz in love can be purchased at amazon and several other places online

I don't normally do a disclaimer but since Meminger sent me the book for review and I am mentioned in the acknowledments its kind of mandatory. For anyone who can't trust my review because of this disclaimer, no worries, I completely understand but please check out the google preview via powells. For those who know I would never lead you astray. Thank you, please enjoy the preview. as well. Feel free to share it with friends and strangers.

Griff Carver, Hallway Patrol - Jim Krieg

Griff Carver, Hallway Patrol by Jim Krieg
This is one of the funniest middle grade novels I've read all year. 12 yr old Griff Carver is no ordinary seventh grader. He has been a member of school saftey patrol since he was six years old. Griff Carver is the first saftey patrol officer ever to be kicked out of school, while on the job.

"It wasn't ugly. At first blush, all you'd see is squeaky clean kids playing and killing time till the bell rings. Big lawn. Nice clothes. First-hand bikes. Right out of the school brochure. Maybe that's all you'd ever see. 'Cause you never wore a badge. Me? I carried that piece of tin for six years. Almost half my life. Started in first grade. Typical wet-behind-the-ears rookie. Made all the rookie mistakes. Thought I was God's gift to Safety Patrol. In retrospect, maybe I came on a little too strong. Like I was trying too hard. Like I could do it all myself. Maybe I was asking for it. Maybe not.

Griff's mother wants him to start fresh at Rampart Middle School, no safety patrol. He tries but it's in his blood. Delane, Rampart's safety patrol captain assigns the reckless Griff a partner. Thomas, the new partner is a straight by the book patrol officer. He has won a merit badge for almost everything.

Rampart's safety patrol team believe they have a tight lock on the hallways. Griff proves them wrong the first day on the job. There's something illegal going on and it leads back to Marcus, one of the most popular kid in school.

Krieg has written a great noir mystery for middle graders. There's Griff unwillingly being interviewed by his guidance counselor regrading a recent incident. It's being recorded and will be passed up the chain of command.

There's Griff the reckless, dot every i Thomas and there working relationship as partners. Can the captain be trusted?, and of course there's a girl. Verity runs the school newspapers, and is one of the few students unimpressed by Marcus.

I loved this debut and hope its the first of many. Krieg's writing and dialogue are spot on good. Griff Carver is one of my favorite male protagonist of the year. ages 10 up

Another great middle grade novel in this style is Big Splash by Ferraiolo

Ready, Set... Wait! - Patti R. Zelch - Connie McLennan

Ready, Set... Wait! by Patti R. Zelch illus by Connie McLennan

Zelch answers the question to What Animals Do Before a Hurricane?

This was a great, easy to follow, and very informative look at what some animals do with a hurricane on its way. Three of the animals included, crocodiles, manatees and butterflies. I love Zelch's straight forward text.

"Crocodiles may crawl to open water or into deep canal and rivers that crisscross the land. Concealed below the water's surface - they wait!"

McLennan's illustrations are wonderful and fit perfectly. The author inculdes some more facts in the back.

Including - What is a Hurricane? and When Hurricane season is? There's a world map and graphs to rely some very useful information. Ages 5 up.

An excerpt For Creative Minds or the additional facts can be found at Sylvan Dell publishing site in English and in Spanish

Payback Time - Carl Deuker

Payback Time by Carl Deuker
Daniel True is a senior at his Seattle H.S. He dreams of becoming a journalist. When Daniel isn't voted editor newspaper, he's very surprised and disappointed. To make it even worse the new editor is making him the sports reporter. Daniel likes watching sports but he wants to cover real news.

At school everyone calls Daniel - Mitch, short for Michehlin Man, an unwanted name he got his first day of high school. Daniel accepts the new assignment as sports reporter. When He and Kimi Yon (his photographer and crush) go to football practice they notice a very talented new player, Angel Marichal. Though for some reason Angel is keeping his ability a secret. The coach isn't using Angel to his full capacity. Daniel knows something is up and is deteremined to find out what. Breaking this story might be his big break.

This is Deuker's first novel where the main protagonist isn't an athlete. It was an expected change, but there is still no denying the author's strengths. The sports action is always excellent. The reader can easily picture every play. Though Daniel isn't a player, there's still a lot of football in Payback Time.

Deuker is very good at creating main characters with some depths and expressing their internal struggles

"My gut hurt so much, I didn't even want to move, so instead of going into the house, I sat in the silent car. I'm not the kind of person who will ever make news. I'm too ordinary, and I've known that for as long as I can remember. That's why the movie about Nixon had been such a big deal to me. I could picture myself being like those reporters. I could scratch a story until I got to the bottom of it. The newsmen in Afghanistan and Iraq didn't charge into battle firing guns. They carried cameras and tape recorders and paper and pencils. Those were the tools they used to shine light into the darkness. I thought that someday I'd be brave like them. But tonight I hadn't had the courage to keep my fist clenched around a set of keys."

Daniel and Kimi work very well together. The author also shares some of Kimi's past and goals. The revelation of Angel's secret fell a little short for me. Though, Daniel more than makes up for that. I highly recommend Payback Time, its out now just in time for football season. ages 12up

It's almost time for baseball playoffs. If you missed it do check out 9 Authors, 12 Questions I posted back in April . Deuker was kind enough to hold down the catcher's spot with Painting the Black.

Floating on Mama's Song - Laura Lacamara, Yuyi Morales

Floating on Mama's Song/Flotando en el cancion de mama - Laura Lacamara, illus Yuyi Morales

Anita's mama loves to sing. She's always singing around the house, Anita and her little brother get lost in her voice.

When Anita turns seven years old, her mama's voice turns magical. When Anita mama sings now everyone around her floats in the air.

When I got home from school that day, the delicious smell of fried plantains and black beans hung in the air. Mama was singing a song from Carmen, her favorite opera. When I ran into the kitchen, I froze. Mama was floating in the air! Outside, our dog, Tito, was floating above the ground too!

Esa dia, cuando lleque de la escuela, note el delicioso aroma de platano frito y frijoles negros. Mama estaba cantando un aria de Carmen, su opera favorita. Cuando entre a la cocina, quede fria. Mama estaba flotando en el aire! Afuera, nuestro perro Tito. Tambien estaba flotando!

The above is only page two. Lacamara gets into the body of the story quickly. One the first page the reader learns something happen to Anita's mama's voice than Bam, they are floating in the house.

Anita's grandmother tells her daughter not to sing any more. Anita's mama misses singing and is very sad. Anita is trying to find a way to make her happy again. Her grandmother is the key.

Lacamara tells a wonderfully lyrical story, that connects three generation of women. To see Morales illustrations once is to love them. Morales has such a way with color and facial expressions. I am always moved by her art.

The reader/ listener will feel the family's love through the words and the art. This picture book debut is gorgeous from both a textual and visual stand point. I absolutely loved it.

Read an excerpt

*for anyone who can read the spanish excerpt, sorry I wasn't able to put in the accents.

Fairy School Dropout Undercover Meredith Badger

Fairy School Dropout Undercover by Meredith Badger

This is the second book in the Fairy School Dropout series. I loved the first one Fairy School Dropout, my review. This is a wonderful follow up. Elly is finally getting her wish. She will be going to human school not fairy school. While Elly's parents are out of town, she will be staying with her next door neighbor and best friend Kara.

It takes Elly a few days to adjust to human school and her mistakes are very funny. Like wanting to stand on the desk to greet the teacher. After an incident in gym class, Elly realizes she is not the only fairy at the school.

Elly and Kara are going to try to figure out who the other fairy is. I loved that this book as a little bit of a mystery it. The two girls decide to go undercover at a fairy party. Before, this Kara's always avoided the girls who love pink and fairies. Kara loves science and has no interest in that stuff.

When the Elly and Kara get to the party, they realize its has nothing to do with fairies. The girls are into science and inventing as much as Kara. This part of the story was unexpected and really appreciated. There are so many early reader books that have to do with girls love of fairies. Its nice to see a little change of pace. Bonus points for the interest in science and electronics.

Readers will have to wait until the next book to find out if there's another fairy at the human school. There is no resolution at the end of the book. Since the first book wrapped up nicely the semi cliffhanger was unexpected. I do wish the ending wasn't left so open. Though overall Fairy School Dropout Undercover was very good. Elly and Kara have great friendship chemistry. There were a lot of laugh out loud moments ( those Aussie children's authors know how to work it in any age group) ages 7up

Read an excerpt Book one is available in paperback

Blimpo: The Third Circle of Heck Dale E. Basye

Blimpo: The Third Circle of Heck by Dale E. Basye

Blimpo the third circle of heck is where the overweight kids go. 11 yr old Milton and 13 yr old Marlo Fauster have already been introduced to Heck and seen the second circle Rapacia.

Milton has escaped from Heck, he snuck back in it to save his sister, Marlo and his friend Virgil. Milton must hide from principal Bea "Elsa" Bubb. The principal is out to get Milton because he's escaped from Heck twice and it doesn't make her look good. Milton is getting some help from the Phantoms of the Dispossessed or PODs. The PODs can't be classified so they wander through Heck. The leader of the POD's is Jack Kerouac

Milton sneaks into Blimpo because that's where Virgil is. The kids in Blimpo are forced to run on dreadmills, they are a new source of energy. Elvis Presley is the music teacher. Marlo is starting an Infernship for the Guy downstairs. In this book Marlo and Milton don't see each until close to the end. The chapters alternate between the siblings.

I like that the author decided to separate Miltion and Marlo. This way we get a better feel for their individual personalities and get to see more of Heck. Marlo and Milton are both have different perspectives thanks to their time in Heck. This is a very smart series. I appreciate the growth, even Virgil is changed by being in Blimpo.

I loved Blimpo as much as Heck. I enjoyed Rapicia, just don't think its as strong as the other two. Blimpo moves very well. There are some great visually creepy moments.

"Suddenly, a scream pealed from the mist shrouded herd of bewliderbeasts. In the blink of an eye, a swooping shape had attached itself to the creature charging toward Milton. The bewilderbeast screeched, the unmistakable shriek of something about to be killed. Nothing was as frightening Milton thought in the abrupt silence of the creature's scream, than some terrible creature terrified by something even more terrible."

Basye is doing an excellent job of keeping this series funny, entertaining, exciting and thought- provoking. One thing I really like, each book answers the initial questions it set out to answers. As the series continues its getting more involved, in a very good way.

There are a few famous people - Kerouac, Elvis and Nixon (the ethics teacher) in Heck, that adults will get a kick out. Though its always about the young reader. The author seamlessly adds in these names. So if a young reader doesn't know who any of these people are its not big deal.

I think Blimpo would work well as a stand alone. Though I highly recommend starting this series from the beginning. They would make a book club selection.

Read an excerpt

Impulse Ellen Hopkins

Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
A co worker recently read Impulse and loved it. She wanted me to read it so we could discuss it. Of course I said yes, I do what I can to encourage my coworkers to continue reading YA. Plus I have yet to read any of Ellen Hopkins bestselling books. ( shame on me) Her first book Crank was published in 2004. There are four (and one on the way) Crank, Burned, Glass and Impulse. The singled titled bestsellers are about teen facing crisis or addiction. The novels are written in poetry form, each poem gliding into the other. Impulse is about three teens who attempted suicide. They all end up at Aspen Springs for treatment. There's Tony the street kid, Vanessa the cutter and Conner the clean cut All American teenager. Hopkins develops each character, giving us the how and why. I couldn't stop reading as each teen told their story. Hopkins poetry style works very well, the transitions are smooth.
While reading Impulse I wondered why it took me so long to pick up one these books. I couldn't help but love the honesty of it. There's something so right about these tough topics in a poetry form.
It cuts out all the B.S.
Ellen Hopkins new book Identical will be out August 26