Tag Archives: friendship

Mr. Wolf’s Class

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This is the story of the first day of school for a classroom of students and their 4th grade teacher. Actually, it starts the night before when many students are in bed and Mr. Wolf is feverishly preparing his classroom for seventeen young minds. The story then moves on to the next day and all its trials and triumphs. The characters are anthropomorphized animals, but the reader will recognize the activities and characteristics of a normal human elementary school class.

Mr. Wolf is a new teacher and his day is full of firsts – his first introduction to his students, his first math pretest, his first planning time (library), his first staff room donut and his first lost (and found) student. Along the way, we share his thoughts (thought clouds) as he does a really good job with his first day with his own class.

His students are a multifaceted group, from the serious Aziza to the class clown Randy. There is also the new girl, Margot and the sleepy Penny (her baby brother keeps her awake at night). Readers will recognize themselves and their friends in this story.

The artwork is colorful and conveys the fast pace of the day. The details are fun and readers will laugh at Red Riding Hood book in Mr. Wolf’s hands and the rats that steal the lunch (walking down the hall in single file, each with a lunch item).

This is book one of a series and it should be popular. Readers will enjoy seeing a little of themselves in this story. Recommended

My little pony. Friends forever, Fluttershy & Iron Will

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Iron Will has a problem – he is a bit too assertive and the Mizzuz kicked him out. Also, his son has been misbehaving (talking back to mom and acting out at school), which Iron Will doesn’t think is a problem…hmmmm. So, off he trots to the land of My Little Ponies to ask Fluttershy for help.

Through many trials and many, many errors Iron Will was able to be a bit more sensitive and introspective. He ambled off to make amends with the Mizzuz and get a handle on that rude son of his. Fluttershy ended the story by giving the secret to working with cantankerous bulls (a lesson for all of us) – kindness and patience.

While this book doesn’t give anyone a great deal to learn, it should be popular with the Pony crowd. The message isn’t half bad either – you can change yourself for the better if you try (for goodness’ sake, a cartoon bull was able to do it). additional purchase

Geeky F@b 5: It’s Not Rocket Science

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Sisters Lucy and Marina are the new girls at school and unfortunate events lead them to more notoriety than they wanted. At recess, Lucy fall off the rickety playground equipment and the principal decides to have it removed. Of course, there is no money to replace the old equipment, so Lucy is now ‘the girl that ruined the playground fun’. Her sister, Marina, is a karate kicking sixth grade future astronaut, who has to protect Lucy when some older kids hassle her for her playground incident.

When some new friends come over for a sleepover, the girls hatch a plan to rebuild the playground. Each girl has a talent that can help the team: Lucy cares about the environment, Sofia is computer coder, A.J. loves to build, Zara has wicked good math skills and sings beautifully and Marina loves space. They present their ideas to the principal and she gives the okay to start fundraising and designing. There are snags along the way, but the team works through those challenges to a happy ending.

The STEM references are little heavy handed. But, this first effort from 12 year old Lucy Lareau and her mom, Liz Lareau, is a nice homage to smart girls. This multicultural cast of strong girls is drawn in strong colors and bold pen to make a satisfying story even more fun. And, if they don’t make you smile, then Hubble, the snarky cat, will surely do so! Recommended

Armstrong & Charlie

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Armstrong & Charlie is a historical fiction novel. The book is set in the Hollywood Hills of California during the 1970s and the Opportunity Busing program has just started. Boys and girls from the inner city travel to Wonderland Elementary in an attempt at desegregation.  The story focuses on a friendship that emerges between Armstrong and Charlie. Charlie is a Jewish boy of privilege. Armstrong is the youngest of six kids who is ready to fight for everything. Finding themselves at odds with one another in multiple school situations, Armstrong and Charlie are pushed into an unlikely friendship. Separately, each boy is also on a journey of self-discovery. This is a story full of heart and soul, friendship, and growing up.  Chapters are told from each character’s perspective. This provides insight to each character’s motivation and emotions regarding shared experiences. The story, the characters, and the compelling structure, keep readers engaged from start to finish. Highly recommended.

Ebb & Flow

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Heather Smith’s Ebb & Flow is a novel in verse. Smith grabs readers from the first page. Once started, the reader will want to read the book in one sitting to unfold Jett’s story.

After “a rotten bad year,” Jett’s mother sends him from the mainland to spend summer on a quaint coastal island with his eccentric grandmother. While on the island, Jett rediscovers himself and must learn forgiveness. Raw emotions roll in like rogue waves, changing as new experiences and memories merge. At times he is playful & clever, but he is also angry & bitter. While Jett’s catchphrase is “No Regrets”, he is deeply remorseful and ashamed of his actions. Grandma Jo’s unconditional love and patience help Jett to see himself the way she sees him – a compassionate, smart boy who made a mistake. He must take responsibility for his role in his “rotten bad year”. As Jett make amends for actions, he discovers forgiveness is possible.

Ebb & Flow is a fitting title, as Smith’s telling of Jett’s journey is not a direct path. His story takes the reader from the present to memories from the past. His emotions come and go like the tides. The story evokes strong emotions. Give this book to readers who like books that don’t sugar coat things but tell stories the way life happens with all the gritty, heartfelt details. They’ll appreciate the honesty of Jett’s journey to redemption.  

Vampires on the Run

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Quinnie Boyd is once again faced with the possibility of solving a mystery. Her friend, Ella, has just welcomed her long-time family friends, to whom she refers as aunt and uncle, to her Maiden Rock, Maine home.  Aunt Ceil and Uncle Edgar Waterman are famous authors of the best seller Transylvanian Drip, the latest installment in their vampire novel series. This sleepy Maine town is excited to be hosting the famous vampire writers. Eccentric barely describes the looks and behaviors of the duo. Meanwhile another pair of odd individuals come to town for a fishing vacation and a new family with a teenage son relocates to Maiden Rock. Quinnie quickly makes friends with Dominic, the new kid, and the two of them become almost inseparable. They begin to notice mysterious occurrences that appear to be linked to Ella’s aunt and uncle.  In an attempt to prove Ceil and Edgar are real vampires, Quinnie and her friends discover another secret that threatens the safety of the citizens and visitors of Maiden Rock. A quirky story, this book will leave readers looking forward to the next Quinnie Boyd Mystery release.

Yours Truly

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Truly Lovejoy is back in this second installment of the Pumpkin Falls Mystery series. Readers do not need to have read book one, Absolutely Truly, in order to follow the storyline of this book.  The author references elements of book one, but provides context so book one details do not detract from this story. In the second book, Truly learns about her namesake and the history of the house she now calls home in Pumpkin Falls, New Hampshire. As the story develops, there are multiple mysteries that interconnect to reveal the rich history of the area and the founders of the town. Truly and her friends call themselves the Pumpkin Falls Private Eyes, and they work together to crack a maple syrup crime and settle a town feud. Along the way, Truly also investigates her family’s history, uncovering a local connection to the underground railroad and uses her quick wit to find her younger sister when she goes missing. With a complex mystery to solve, historically accurate details, and engaging and realistic family and friendship complications, this book will be a winner with mystery, historical, and realistic fiction readers.   

The Scourge

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Ani Mells falls from one small problem into an entirely different, huge problem.  After falling from a tree, she is taken into custody to be tested for The Scourge – the fatal and incurable disease sweeping through the land. Her best friend, Weevil, seeing her capture finds a way to join Ani.  Together they find themselves in a holding cell, waiting to be tested. Not new to close scrapes, the two escape. Unfortunately Ani is recaptured, tests positive, and is sent away to finish her days with other Scourge victims. Ani doesn’t know how to be a compliant, docile captive and Weevil finds a way to join Ani in captivity. Together, they plan to escape, disease and captivity.  During their time in the isolated Scourge colony, they begin to piece together the mystery of the disease, the care and the treachery of Governor Felling and the lengths to which she will go to remain in power.  Ani, a natural leader, along with Weevil, plot to unite the colonist and foil the Governor’s plan. The story is action packed and readers won’t want to put it down. Another hit by Jennifer A. Nielson.

First Class Murder

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Journey back in time to Europe in the 1930’s and take a train ride on the Orient Express.  Our heroines, Hazel Wong and Daisy Wells, just finished school term and are taking a journey with Hazel’s father. They have been given strict instructions to avoid detecting. This is something they cannot do when a mystery lands in their laps. In order to find a murderer and a spy, they must employ their deductive reasoning skills once again even at the risk of upsetting Hazel’s father and placing themselves in danger. The title can stand alone or may be read in order with the other books in the Wells and Wong Mystery series. A recommended read for who-done-it enthusiasts.

Molly & Mae

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Molly & Mae is a cute book about friendship. Paralleling a train trip, their friendship has both smooth times and bumpy times. The illustrations are calming but not busy. This will be a good book to read to Kindergartners and First Graders to help explain friendships and how to mend them.

Dingus

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It is almost summer break and fifth grader, Henry, isn’t looking forward to it at all.  His best friend Max is going off to Chess camp leaving Henry with no one to hang out with. However, even if Max weren’t going to camp, Henry might still be alone.  Max and Henry have been friends since Kindergarten, but this year their friendship is strained by Max’s new circle of friends and life in general. Henry feels lost and confused which expresses itself as anger towards Max. Henry begins to realize that sometimes you have to give a little to maintain a friendship.  Will Henry be able to do that?

A coming of age story that both boys and girls will enjoy and relate to.

The story would benefit from a few illustrations.

The Unicorn in the Barn

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Unicorn barn

 

 

 

 

Eric Harper’s grandma has been moved into a nursing home. Her home has been sold to help with expenses and Eric is having a hard time adjusting to that reality.  After all, the Harper’s have owned this land for as far back as Eric can recall. They’ve loved it and protected it. However, when he learns the new owner, a veterinarian, helps magical creatures, he decides he can learn to adjust. And when he is offered a job caring for some of the creatures he is overjoyed. The trick for him will be to learn how to get along with bossy Allegra, the veterinarian’s daughter.

As the story unfolds we see a hard won understanding and friendship develop between Allegra and Eric. They work together to try to restore grandma’s health. Did you know unicorn hair had healing powers? Neither did they until grandma picked a few stray unicorn hairs off of Eric and soon thereafter had movement in a once feeble hand.

Ogburn delves into the topics of death, loyalty, bravery, just treatment of all living creatures and friendship. The dialog at times seems a little stilted or dated, but savvy readers should be able to adjust. The overall story line is about natural consequences and Ogburn handles the topic well with just enough emphasis without overdoing it.

There’s a surprise at the end of the book that astute readers may guess at midway through.

A first person tale, told in eleven year old Eric’s voice, this realistic fantasy will have the reader wanting more. A sweet story with a little sadness. With a possibility for a sequel.

unicorn barn pic

The Day I Became A Bird

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Day I became a bird

Originally published in Spain: El dia en que me converti un pajaro
A simple but sophisticated international title for your collection.

The first day of school a little boy falls in love with Sylvia, the girl that sits in front of him. The story is told as the picture show another story – the construction of the bird taking place. Our protagonist has learned that Sylvia is wildly into birds, so he has decided to become one to get her to notice him. He wants to stand out, as a bird, even though it is hard to climb trees, to keep his balance playing soccer and to even walk. He doesn’t care that others are giggling at him.  Matter of fact, nothing else seems important. All that he cares about is Sylvia.

A sweet, innocent tale of first love. Guridi is clever in use of minimalist drawings and sparse use of color set against a beige background. This allows the reader to really focus in on the story. thedayibecameabird5

Wearing the bird costume constantly has caused it to breakdown to the point where we see the boy’s face. This is the moment when Sylvia notices the boy. This is a great scene to open the discussion of loving others for who they really are and about just being thedayibecameabird0ourselves.

 

 

 

 

A good read aloud for older grade levels too.

Snail & Worm

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Tina Kugler has credownloadated an engaging beginning reader book. This book contains three short story that feature Snail and Worm.  Snail is a happy, likable guy that is sometimes misguided in his understandings. Worm is more astute and is friends with Snail.

The repetitive words and phrases are enhanced by the colorful, simple drawings.  The page layout is a mix of traditional full page with minimal text and multiple images with in-line text.  Younger readers will laugh at the absurdity of Snail playing tag with a stick and a stone, but may miss the secondary joke concerning Snail’s speed. They will giggle as Snail climbs a flower that bends under his weight, leaving him 1/2 inch from the ground. Worm cheers him on as he makes the climb. “Wow, I can see so much from up here!” Snail exclaims. Worm responds, “I’m so proud of you.” What a supportive friend!

Snail & Worm will provide the beginning reader a sense of maturity as this book is a bit different than the traditional beginning readers in shape, layout and content. It will also offer the struggling older student a good choice without embarrassment.

 

When Friendship Followed Me Home

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When Friendship Followed Me Home is a story about friendship and growing up. Ben Coffin spent many years in the foster care system. Finally finding a home to call his own, his life progresses steadily. He mostly keeps to himself and enjoys spending time at the local library. Books are his friends; the library his domain. The librarian knows his reading preferences and suggests books to check out. One day, a small dog follows Ben into the library and then home. On that same day, Ben meets the most amazing girl he has ever met, Halley – like the comet. A friendship blooms and a creative partnership is born. Together Ben and Halley embark on a journey to write a story. Then, when life is progressing smoothly, Ben’s adoptive mother dies, Ben and his four-legged friend, Flip, find themselves living with his aunt and her husband. Unfortunately, this is not an ideal situation as Leo doesn’t have the temperament to be a father. Halley’s family ends up opening their home and hearts to Ben and Flip.The relationship that develops between Ben and Halley’s family is heartwarming. Halley is sick, and the Lorentz’ are struggling with Halley’s physical decline. Ben learns that unlike writing a story, you cannot write a new ending to life. You can, however, choose your path and the people you call family.  This was a touching story that is a great choice for realistic fiction lovers.

Willows vs. Wolverines

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Izzy and Mackenzie have been best friends since they were little kids, and they have spent every summer together at camp. This summer the two girls go to a new camp where they have to make all new friends. On top of that, they are each assigned to different cabins. Izzy wants to fit in and be popular. She worries about Mackenzie but is more worried about being noticed by her new friends.  Izzy soon learns that her cabin is in a time honored prank war with the Wolverine cabin. Izzy has a history of being a prank master, but none of her new cabin-mates are interested in her ideas. Then Izzy tells a small lie to gain the trust and respect of the rest of her cabin.This lie does the job, but it grows day by day and becomes a black cloud that, predictably, comes between both her new friendships and the long standing friendship with Mackenzie. Izzy learns an important lesson about trust and friendship. The plot is simple, characters are reflective of the age group represented, and the resolution is predictable. Readers who compare the cover image to the story will be disappointed – while the scene comes from the story, the accuracy of details is a miss.  

Revenge of the Green Banana

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Revenge of the Green Banana reads like a memoir and many aspects of the fictional tale are true, but the book is considered a work of fiction – historical, humorous, and realistic. The story begins in 1958 with Jim Murphy beginning the sixth grade. He is determined that this year will be different than all of the others. This year, he will change his ways and become a serious student who is dedicated to academic excellence. Unfortunately, the teachers at St. Stephen’s Catholic School are not privy to Jim’s transformation. Jim finds himself a student in Sister Angelica’s class. Jim soon learns that Sister Angelica has a file on him and a chip on her shoulder. Jim’s journey into academic and social excellence is short lived and quickly transforms into a revenge plot to destroy his new teacher. Along the journey of revenge, Jim learns important life lessons both in and out of school. He soon questions his desire to destroy this new teacher and isn’t sure how to change the course of action. Kids will get a nice chuckle out of this book.

Truth or Dare

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This coming-of-age story is funny and realistic, and it deals with issues that tween girls face today.

Lia Rollins’ mother was killed in a car accident. The other driver was busy texting when he collided with her mother’s car. Lia is still grieving her mother and refuses to use a cell phone. Lia is part of a group of friends who have known each other since childhood. All of the girls are growing up and hitting puberty at different times. The changes – physical and emotional – take their toll on this once tightly knit group of friends.There is a lot of talk about getting your period, cramps, and wearing a bra. The girls are starting to notice boys, too. Most of Lia’s friends are starting summer vacation by attending the same camp. Lia chooses not to go, but to stay with her aunt Shelby, her mother’s sister, instead of attending summer camp with her friends. When summer is over and the girls return to school, there is tension in the air. The girls are growing up and going their separate ways based on interest and, in some cases, based on poor treatment of one another. Identities are being discovered and shaped, girls are pushing each other’s buttons, and their once strong friendship is fragmenting. Lia is at a crossroads with her friends and her feelings about herself, growing up and letting go. Lia’s family turns out to be a stronger support system than she realized,  Lia discovers the meaning of friendship, and Lia learns that bodies change on their own schedule. Lia finally decides to get a cell phone and discovers that moving on doesn’t necessarily mean letting go.  

The IT Girl

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Anna Huntley wakes up one day to find her entire world changed because her dad is dating the super famous actress, Helena Montaine. Anna is thrust into the celebrity world as an IT girl.  Unfortunately for Anna, she is not a typical IT girl. She lacks the refinement, grace, and fashion sense of her to-be 17-year-old step sister, Marianne. In this humorous first installment, Anna must learn to be an IT girl. She learns that the image doesn’t make the person and she discovers the true meaning of friendship. This quirky character will bring a smile to your face. Readers who enjoy The IT Girl will easily slip into the humorous world of Louise Rennison’s Confessions of Georgia Nicolson Series.

Team Awkward

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Anna Huntley, Britain’s newest IT Girl, continues her zany adventure in this second installment of The IT Girl series. Anna continues to amuse and delight with her dog, DOG, her soon to be blended family, and her BFFs, Jess and Danny. The story picks up after spring break with Anna trying to prove that she is a girl of substance to her love interest, her classmates, and the world. Anna has an unexpected and unfortunate experience that lands her in a plant pot which happens to go viral on social media. Jess and Danny convince Anna that leading the school Puffin team to victory in track and field is just what she needs to restore her reputation and win Connor’s affection. Readers will laugh with Anna as she attempts to become a “sporty” person and sympathize with her when Connor starts spending time with the new girl, Stephanie.

The Dragon, The Phoenix and the Beautiful Pearl: A Chinese Dragon Spirit Myth

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DragonStory adapted from the Chinese folktale: The Bright Pearl

Even though they see each other every morning, Dragon and Phoenix are not friends. This changes when one day an island arises out of the Celestial River. Together the two explore the island and find an unusual rock. They decide to clean the rock and soon discover it’s amazing, one-of-a-kind beauty. The rock is really a pearl that shines brighter than the moon and sun. It has magical powers to help plants grow and to never die.  Goddess Xi Wang Mu sees the pearl from afar and decides she must have it. She steals it from Dragon and Phoenix. In the scuffle to get the pearl back, it falls from the heavens to the earth. When it hits the earth it becomes a shimmering green lake. Phoenix and Dragon change into mountains (one on each side of the lake) to guard it. The two friends are there to this day.

Full color illustrations with text boxes on each page. The story is sometimes choppy leaving the reader wondering what happened in between. The small size of the book (6in x 8in) may get lost on library shelves. An introduction page gives history and meaning to the images and story.

The Complete Adventures of Johnny Mutton

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A fun graphic novel that early elementary will enjoy.
Johnny Mutton is a sheep who was raised as a boy because Momma had “weak eyes and a warm heart” so she didn’t even notice. Johnny has a spunky, positive, can-do attitude. Lessons on kindness and making friends are subtly slipped into the story lines. The Complete Adventures of Johnny Mutton is three books with five short stories in each. Young readers will enjoy how each book is wrapped up with a section titled “where are they now”.  Also included in the book are two extras, a Q & A with the author (James Proimos) and a section titled “I Believe” with some cute and silly statements written by Johnny ( I believe….. bees sting out of love …. mittens run away from home…if you bow after you say something people will applaud…). Body humor, colorful kid-like drawings and silliness will appeal to both boys and girls.  And perhaps the messages on kindness, friendship and just being a good person (or sheep) will sink in as well.

Mischief at Midnight

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This is a story of mystery and friendship, old and new. Loyalties are tested when Edie Wilson returns to the boarding school, Knight’s Haddon, and has to bunk with new girl, Janet. Edie’s best friend, Anastasia Stolonov, is moved to a different room. Anastasia is jealous of Janet’s burgeoning friendship with Edie and the time Edie spends with Janet. Meanwhile, tension erupts at Knight’s Haddon and in the local town due to the sale of a piece of property that is adjacent to the school grounds. Locals are leading a political activism campaign to save the trees from being bulldozed. As Janet secretly becomes involved in the campaign, Edie and Anastasia spy on her to try and figure out why she is behaving so mysteriously.  Anastasia has a secret of her own and hopes to keep her family’s role in the sale of the land under wraps for fear of being treated badly  by the other students at Knight’s Hadden. Schoolgirl antics, jealousy, and mysterious behavior fill the pages as the girls’ lives intersect.

This book is a companion to The Girl with the Glass Bird.  It can stand alone, but reading the books in order would help frame the setting and provide background information on characters and relationships.  Additional purchase, especially if the library already contains the first book.

Out of Tune Gail Nall

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Maya Mae is a typical pre-teen.  She is obsessed with her friends, her phone, and her hobby.  In Maya’s case, her hobby doubles as her dream – she wants to be a famous country singer.  She is well on her way when the reality TV show, “Dueling Duets” announces an audition in Nashville, Maya’s hometown. Maya is doubly delighted when she has a plan to audition and her crush, the cute and talented, Jack, asks her to be his partner. Then, without warning, her life changes as her parents announce that they are selling the family home and moving into an RV to travel the country.  In an instant, Maya’s life is turned upside down.  The book focuses on Maya’s repeated attempts to get home to Nashville in time for her tryout. Along the road, new friends are made and her resolve is tested. Will Maya make it back in time for her audition or will she embrace a new life of adventure and memory making with her family? Will Maya’s parents realize the importance of Maya’s dream?

Each chapter starts with a countdown to audition day.  Maya tells the story and paints an accurate picture of the emotional pain of leaving friends and dreams behind. In the end, Maya demonstrates a love for her family and capacity for compassion when she realizes that she has a lifetime to pursue her dream and she puts the needs and desires of others before her own. Meanwhile the parents’ ability to understand the immensity of the impact such a decision would have on their children is downplayed. This story is told through Maya’s eyes – a girl without a choice in her family’s decision to pick up roots, a girl who tries to be obedient but doesn’t know how to confront her parents about such a drastic move, a girl who is desperately holding on to a dream of her own and trying to balance her wants and desires with those of her family. At times funny, sad, and frustrating, Maya takes the reader on a journey of growing up.

Lucky Few

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Stevie Hart describes herself as a normal-type.  This is one of four categories she has created to describe students who are homeschooled.  Her best friend, Sanger, is a normal-type also.  Enter Max, the new neighbor kid who is obsessed with cheating death.  Together this trio embark on a challenge to defy death 23 times. On her own, Stevie is involved with the political action efforts to save her favorite place, Barton Springs. What starts out as a way to pass time with friends – old and new – turns into a journey of self-discovery.

The story moves from one death cheat to another, yet in the background our characters are learning how to cope with change – sometimes with grace and other time with the elegance of a toddler tantruming. In the periphery, the cast of characters deal with pressures of academic success, discrimination, Christian values, political activism, and abandonment to name a few.

Note that Stevie and Sanger are homeschooled, yet they go to classes taught by teaching staff at  non-home school locations and the homeschool co-op has a sports team. Part of the controversy in a side plot has to do with the homeschool co-op board requesting that Sanger leave the co-op because her parents are lesbians. This friction propels the plot and is an undercurrent of the development of the main character, Stevie, who questions these decisions by adults in authority and determines her own moral compass.