Reviews Juvenile Books

Stormstruck! by John Macfarlane 2015

September 28, 2015

This book careens from one calamity to another, providing plenty of action and some suspense. It’s not artfully told, but the story is compelling. I do think many kids will enjoy the harrowing adventure of a 12 . . . read more »

Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos 2002

September 28, 2015

I couldn’t resist reading this one the minute I finished the first in the series, Joey Pigza Swallowed The Key. Joey Pigza is just an irresistible character that I find myself cheering for the whole . . . read more »

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos 1998

September 28, 2015

This book has been around for a long time; I am just reading it now because I loved Jack Gantos’  Norvelt books. Joey Pigza is a character! He has ADHD, and a good heart. He was raised . . . read more »

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson 2014

September 28, 2015

It’s no surprise to me that  I loved this book or that it won the National Book Award. It’s gorgeous writing and told in honest eloquent verse. I have loved all of Jacqueline Woodson’s books and appreciated the chance . . . read more »

The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson

September 28, 2015

I often get great book recommendations from the students I talk to. In this case I got a fabulous book recommendation. It’s the kind of book that I read almost to the end in one long gulp and then take a . . . read more »

The Friendship Riddle by Megan Frazer Blakemore 2015

September 28, 2015

I liked the characters and the premise; middle schoolers caught up in a riddle that mirrors their friendship dilemmas. It was a slow read for me though, and seemed to go on and on. The . . . read more »

The crossover / by Kwame Alexander.

February 22, 2015

2/22/2015 I loved this book. The smooth ease of the verse, the visual design of each page, and the emotional impact of the story create an especially rich reading experience. The integrity of this creative . . . read more »

The children of the king / Sonya Hartnett.

September 28, 2014

Two historical stories run at once as children evacuated from London during WWII are drawn into the story of King Richard the III told by an invalid uncle who relates it to the castle ruins . . . read more »

Navigating Early / Clare Vanderpool.

September 8, 2014

9/8/2014Yikes. This is beautifully written with great characters, structure and themes but I found it difficult. I couldn’t put it down but neither could I quite believe it. Two boys journey, partly on the Appalachian . . . read more »

The summer experiment / Cathie Pelletier.

September 8, 2014

9/8/2014A very engaging story about two 11 year old girls living in Allagash Maine. It’s a summer with lots of growing up to do but on the surface of things they just want to win . . . read more »