Book Review: Hold Fast

 HOLD FAST by Blue Balliett tells the story of a family losing their home and in danger of losing each other. The Pearl family knows how important it is to stick together and Early knows something is wrong when her father, Dashel, disappears. She becomes determined to follow the rhythm of the clues he left behind to solve the mystery of where he went and why masked men wrecked their apartment and forced Early, her brother, and her mom to a shelter. She knows where she can find the answers, at the Chicago Public Library branch where Dashel worked. 

This book read like an adventure novel that made me appreciate the value of public libraries and the blessing of a home where you can sit in your pajamas and watch television with your family in peace. 

Book Review: Starfish

 STARFISH, by Lisa Fipps is a beautiful book about bullying and body image. Readers will fall in love with Ellie, feel her frustrations, and get angry for her. 

And relish when she starfishes, like we all should. Take up room. There's plenty of it for each and every one of us in the world.

This middle grade contemporary novel is written in prose, which is fast approaching my favorite writing style. 

Book Review: THE LAST CUENTISTA

 Petra loved telling stories and how they brought magic and wonder to a situation.  But Earth was destroyed, and she and her family had to leave for a distant planet. Hundreds of years later, she wakes onboard the ship as Zeta 1, a scientist meant to serve The Collective. 

THE LAST CUENTISTA, by Donna Barba Higuera reminds the reader of the importance of stories, while unfolding a nail biting science fiction tale that will keep you on your toes. 

 

Book Review: A Kind of Spark

 A KIND OF SPARK is a debut middle grade novel by Elle McNicoll. I love debuts because I believe they often capture the writer's passion, and this one is no exception. McNicoll is a neurodivergent writer who is passionate about disability rights and representation.

A KIND OF SPARK is a first person narrative from Addie's point of view. Addie is autistic, as is her older sister Keedie. The reader gets a peek inside her head as Addie tries to navigate her world, her friends, and fight for the witches who were misunderstood and given the ultimate punishment. Addie can relate, being different. And she wonders if she would have been drowned or burned for her differences in another time. 

Book Review: Coo

 COO is a first novel for author Kaela Noel. Debut books are often my favorite because I believe they capture the writer's heart and passion.  If this author's passion is for pigeons; and memorable characters; and little old ladies who eat vegetarian meals and save birds with broken wings; and little girls with big hearts, then this book captured it perfectly. 

Coo is a little girl who was raised by pigeons on a rooftop. Her life is fine, wearing plastic bags and eating what scraps of food the pigeons find in the dumpsters for her. Then she is discovered by Tully, and a strange sort of family forms. 

Coo is shown life as a human, and soon discovers it is much more comfortable and the food is delicious, but she misses her flock. And it isn't long before her flock needs her as the pigeons are in danger of being eliminated by the mayor. 

Imaginative, sweet, and fun, COO is a wholesome story that will make you look differently the next time you see a pigeon.  It might have a name, and a place in a flock somewhere in the city. 

Book Review: George

 GEORGE, by Alex Gino, is the 2021 community read for Fox Cities Reads. And it is a great choice, as it is a story that can start a conversation. 

George is a 10-year-old child who looks to be a boy to everyone else, but she knows that she is a girl. And she is struggling to let other people know this. 

She wishes to try out for the part of Charlotte in the class play, CHARLOTTE'S WEB. She rehearsed the part and knows all the lines.  Her best friend Kelly hatches a plan that lets her be Charlotte on stage, while also showing everyone - her family, her classmates, her teachers, her community -  who she really is. 

If your copy of this book includes the Q&A section in the back with the author, it is a must read. It is very informative for knowing what to say and what not to say.  GEORGE is a realistic slice of life for a transgender child, and illustrates her journey and challenges.  

Book Review: What Happens Next

"A total eclipse is a once in a lifetime thing." 

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT by Claire Swindarski seemed like a natural for me to like. It is set in the fictional town of Moose Junction, Wisconsin, a small tourist town made more popular because it is the perfect viewing spot for an upcoming total solar eclipse. 

In the days leading up to the big event, the renowned scientist Dr. Leo Lacamoire comes to town and enlists the help of 12-year-old Abby. 

Oh, and central to the story is a small local library that Abby loves. This library has one employee, Harriet, and her budget only allows her to purchase 10 books a year. As a librarian and lifelong lover of these magical places, this book was a win for me. 

Secrets are revealed, sisters are bonded, and there are tons of delightful space metaphors. 

The author is a Wisconsin native and a true friend to the libraries who presented at the 2020 Fox Cities Book Festival. 

This book was a win for me.