Disregarding my strong opinion that AG should never have released these “journals” to begin with and kept to the novel format— I was a bit disappointeDisregarding my strong opinion that AG should never have released these “journals” to begin with and kept to the novel format— I was a bit disappointed by this. Kavi is an interesting character, but we don’t really get to know her or anyone else in her story beyond surface level. Readers get insight into Kavi’s mind and while is it implied she has ADHD, no where in the journal is it explicitly stated. The back of the book has information on an advisory board, which does include professionals who deal with ADHD, so I’m annoyed that it is not included in her story nor with how she will succeed past diagnosis. Maybe it will talk about it in the follow up.
I wish we had gotten more details on her family life and culture as well, but again, maybe it’s in the next book. While it’s possible the authors were attempting to authentically recreate the inner workings of someone with ADHD, the story was disjointed and glossed over details multiple times. It read haphazardly and while the story wasn’t difficult to follow, it was a giant rush. The ending left a lot to be desired.
I enjoyed the beautiful illustrations and I’m curious to see where the next book leads, but I am sad that Kavi did not get a rememberable story like her GOTY predecessors. She definitely deserved it. I will have to see how/if my feelings change after the sequel....more
Probably my least favorite Felicity mystery. I did not care for Mr. Haskell’s character at all. I found it a bit odd that a grown man was so invested Probably my least favorite Felicity mystery. I did not care for Mr. Haskell’s character at all. I found it a bit odd that a grown man was so invested in an eleven year old and wanting her to believe they were friends. When Felicity believes that he is not who he says he is, she comes up with an idea to get him to admit the truth. This plan is pretty far fetched and could have easily gone wrong, leaving Felicity without her precious Penny.
Obviously, this is a kid’s story so not trying to put too much meaning into it, but Mr. Haskell really soured the book for me. I also didn’t think there was much there regarding the plot- Felicity pretty much spent the entire time thinking about Mr. Haskell/Penny and doing daily chores. I was hoping there’d be something more. Felicity is one of my favorite AG characters but unfortunately this was overall a bit of a letdown.
I did like this for the most part, but I agree with other reviews of how far fetched the story is. I enjoyed the aspect of Molly visiting her grandparI did like this for the most part, but I agree with other reviews of how far fetched the story is. I enjoyed the aspect of Molly visiting her grandparents’ farm as well as spending time with her friend, Anna, and I was interested in the mystery. But by the time it got to Molly attempting to solve the case on her own and what the repercussions were for that… it was a little disappointing to read that she really didn’t get any? I have a hard time believing Molly could be that sneaky and no one was the wiser. I understand this is a book for younger readers, but there are aspects of war and internment camps in here, yet no consequences for trying to find out who is behind the anti-American propaganda? It dumbs down the story. The ending was sad, but more realistic I suppose. I’d like to think that Molly and Anna will be reunited again someday…
2.5 stars since the mystery was lacking, 3+ stars for historical background, including info on WASPs ...more
I found this installment more interesting than the first book. Ana and Rebecca are very sweet together and I’m interested to see what other adventuresI found this installment more interesting than the first book. Ana and Rebecca are very sweet together and I’m interested to see what other adventures are in store for them. I also liked the small tidbit about explaining how disability was viewed in 1914 and how it isn’t all that different from the ableism that is current today. There is more detail on immigrant life and living in New York in general. I love the peddler scene. Perhaps one of my favorite AG scenes of all time. This book would have been the “Learns A Lesson” volume, so of course it was a bit heavy handed when Rebecca is learning her lesson of thinking about someone else’s feelings besides her own, but I like Rebecca as a character. She is flawed, but intelligent and kind and I am looking forward to continuing her story.
This was such a beautiful story! Definitely something I wish had been around when I was first getting diagnosed with chronic illness. Ani’s character This was such a beautiful story! Definitely something I wish had been around when I was first getting diagnosed with chronic illness. Ani’s character was extremely relatable and it was clear the author had firsthand knowledge of the struggles of dealing with CI. I am rating 4 stars because the ending wrapped up a little too nicely for me (for example, her parent’s relationship was a large factor in this story and I found the forgiveness part a little unbelievable as well as how quickly the family dynamic changed towards the end), but that is minor compared to the overall enjoyment of the story.
Compelling and realistic, I had to stop several times and set this book aside because it hit a little too close to home with its raw honesty. Ani was such a great character to root for as she finds her voice and learns to stand up for herself. I loved the relationship she had with her brother Matti and her father, regardless of how much he could have stepped up to be a better parent. I liked how Ani’s mother was portrayed- flawed and hurtful without necessarily intention, but also someone who can grow and change. I appreciate her “illness is caused by sin” thought process was corrected by the end. My favorite takeaway from this story is what Madrina tells Ani: stop wishing for the “old” you back. You are enough as you are.
I can’t wait to see what is next for this author (also, I wouldn’t be opposed to a potential sequel in the future….) ??? ...more
Cute story. I enjoyed Zara’s and Zeesh’s relationship, especially their bickering. It definitely reminded me of my siblings and I growing up. The artwCute story. I enjoyed Zara’s and Zeesh’s relationship, especially their bickering. It definitely reminded me of my siblings and I growing up. The artwork is great and effectively conveys the characters’ emotions. I liked the bonus animal facts thrown in, but wish there were a few more scenes with Sunshine. There are some scenes of xenophobia that I thought the author handled and explained well, inviting future conversations with readers. Glad I picked this up. ...more
A quick and entertaining read. It was interesting to see how much Felicity was expected to do at 11 years old while her mother was away. This aspect wA quick and entertaining read. It was interesting to see how much Felicity was expected to do at 11 years old while her mother was away. This aspect was more fascinating to me rather than the "mystery"- which fell a bit flat. While it wasn't difficult to guess whodunit, the writing was engaging enough to hold my interest. I enjoyed learning about Lady Margaret's character and whether or not her ghost was really in charge of the item disappearances. The author does briefly mention and acknowledge slavery, which the original Felicity books did not to my recollection. This story does also mention child abuse. I don't remember much of the AG mystery book spinoffs, so I look forward to continuing the series. ...more
A sweet, humorous tale of grief, family & learning how to begin moving forward. About a year ago, Stella lost her father & up until this point, has reA sweet, humorous tale of grief, family & learning how to begin moving forward. About a year ago, Stella lost her father & up until this point, has refused to talk about it. (She hates when her little brother Cosmo brings him up; they are not supposed to talk about him.) She decides to give a recording of her father's laugh to be included in Carl Sagan's Golden Record because she doesn't want to have the painful reminder anymore. Only, when she comes back from NASA, she finds that a black hole has followed her home.
This hole becomes Stella's 'pet'- & makes everything it touches disappear. Using this to her advantage, Stella feeds her pet all the things that remind her of her dad. She figures becoming numb is the way to go. But in doing this, she realizes that the good memories are being taken away as well. When Cosmos is sucked into the hole, it becomes clear that Stella is being consumed by her grief. In order to save her brother & herself, she must come to terms with all of the emotions she has been stuffing down for the past year.
While their are many books on learning how to cope with death, I appreciated the wit Cuevas penned for Stella. Stella learns that we must take the good with the bad; it is okay to talk about things; that our loved ones will forever remain in our hearts. While I felt the pacing was winding down in the second half, I am satisfied with the outcome & think this is worth taking a look at for those who may not even be aware they're being consumed by their own pet black hole....more
A fun, fluffy read about spending the night at IKEA! Walter & Frankie have been obsessing over the catalogues for years; it's the perfect place to takA fun, fluffy read about spending the night at IKEA! Walter & Frankie have been obsessing over the catalogues for years; it's the perfect place to take a breather. They make it clear they aren't running away, but rather towards something. Frankie feels that Walter hasn't been himself lately & is hoping that a trip with just the two of them will heighten his spirits. And what better place to rejuvenate at than the massive chain store? (No sarcasm here; I've only been to the physical store once & it was both one of the best/worst experiences of my life. I just found Frankie & Walter's descriptions of admiration so 👌👌. Newman does such a great job of capturing this.)
Of course there is a dash of heaviness when it's revealed Walter is still reeling from his father's death from brain cancer. He explains the grief & feeling the weight on his shoulders, something he most likely wouldn't have felt safe sharing had they not taken the trip. The trip doesn't happen without flaws, but I liked that it raised the issue of Walter to the surface, that the trip prompted him to be able to receive the help his family needed.
I enjoyed the interaction between Walter & Frankie & smiled at some comical moments. The pacing felt right, though it wouldn't have hurt to be longer. I do wish a bit more time had been spent on the families. (I especially loved the concept of Frankie's mom being a recipe tester/reviewer.) ONE MIXED-UP NIGHT is loosely based off of 'Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler' & this modernized tale makes for a nice addition in a MG collection....more
One of the better MG historical fiction novels I've read in a while! Although it took me a couple weeks to finish, that's only because I was sidetrackOne of the better MG historical fiction novels I've read in a while! Although it took me a couple weeks to finish, that's only because I was sidetracked with other items. CLOUD AND WALLFISH is a fascinating tale of 1989 Berlin, with characters that are quirky & engaging. This is definitely a title that should be getting more attention.
One day after school, eleven-year-old Noah Keller is told by his parents they are heading to Berlin; his mother is doing research for children similar to Noah (stuttering problem) & his father is desiring to finish his book. Noah quickly comes to realize how different things are in Berlin than they were in Virginia- the Wall is still up, dividing East & West Germany. While Noah doesn't fully understand this, his parents explain that they are new people now. Now Noah is Jonah Brown & 10! What is up with that? His parents explain the "rules" to him: no more asking questions because there are spies always listening to you.
Jonah becomes lonely as he is not allowed to attend school & eventually finds solace in his neighbor, Claudia. Like him, Claudia is quiet & curious, & dealing with living with her wretched grandmother after she is told her parents have died in a car accident. Claudia doesn't know how to accept this answer & still believes they're out there somewhere. They wouldn't just forget about her, would they?
To ease their sorrows, Jonah & Claudia become Cloud & Wallfish; they create their own world as they mark up Berlin maps with their art. It's their secret world & no one can take that away. Unfortunately though, they come to discover just how dangerous & serious the GDR took things. Being separated from Claudia, Jonah doesn't give up on his friend. Instead, they create a communication of sorts through taps on the walls. But when Jonah's mother reveals a secret about Claudia's parents, Jonah must decide whether or not to break the rules for a friend.
Right off the bat, we are pulled into Noah/Jonah's world. His parents are...odd, I'll admit that. His mother certainly had some secrets & tricks up her sleeve; his father was always coming up with some strange comments. They were basically a couple out of a sketchball-screwball comedy. But it worked. You don't always get to see parents play a larger role in MG/YA books & it was nice to see. I had to question their intentions at times, but never their love for N/J. I hated Claudia's grandmother, but that was to be expected. The friendship between Jonah & Claudia was really lovely & well-done. The pacing was great; perhaps it got a tad slow in the middle but very action packed all around. (Always have to be on alert for whose watching.)
My favorite thing about this novel was the "secret files" Nesbet included in each chapter regarding the history & events that were happening at the time (translated from German from Nesbet, who was living in Berlin in 1989). I'll admit that I'm not as educated on that period of history as much as I should be & I was delighted she blended fact/fiction (always question!!) seamlessly. She chose to add these to the end of each chapter, rather than all at once at the end, so readers will learn alongside our protagonist.
I do think the novel tied together a bit too neatly towards the last quarter, which is why I knocked it down a star. I wish the ending wasn't so abrupt, that there would have been some kind of closure, but I appreciate Nesbet's choice in showing that it wasn't like that, especially not in 1989 Berlin. Oh well, such is life.
An excellent addition to any middle school collection or historical fiction fans in general because even though Noah is 10 (really 11), this reads on the higher side of MG & forces the audience to think. A strong 4 stars!...more
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