Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt*

 Meryl Lee's (from Mr. Schmidt's The Wednesday Wars) best friend dies suddenly.  Life has lost its meaning.  The Blank seems to hover, threatening to consume her.  Her parents decide to send her to a boarding school in Maine.  

Matt Coffin is on the run.  Shug always gets his man.  Matt has something to belongs to him.  Wherever a kind soul "adopts" Matt, the place is destroyed, and sometimes the person who harbored him is harmed.  

Meryl Lee and Matt begin to find friendship and hope together and as individuals.  

I loved reading this book.  The setting and characters are well-developed and the plot kept me devouring the pages.  Although Meryl Lee and Matt are in eighth grade, some aspects may not be appropriate for junior high (see warning section).

The setting is the same area as Schmidt's Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster's Boy.  Some of those characters' relatives appear in this book! In fact I borrowed Lizzie Bright again from the library so I could trace the characters' ancestries!  I really like how Mr. Schmidt integrates his characters into other his books.  

One aspect that bothered me was how the characters who were more conservative politically were portrayed negatively. The reader will naturally like the  characters that  lean towards the Democratic and liberal beliefs.  Darwin's Origin of Species is mentioned again (just in a couple of sentences).  

I have not read Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath. It was mentioned throughout the book (Meryl Lee reads it several times.  One teacher at the prep school insists it is lewd.  Everyone who reads it, however, claims they cannot find any "lewd" parts.). 

*Highly recommend (but read the "warning/points to discuss" section).

-Borrowed from the library.

Warnings/points to dicuss: divorce, boys are taken in as "slaves"-taught to steal for a mob, graphic violence, Vietnam War, death, comment about Scottish men "not wearing anything under their kilts", Meryl Lee and Matt kiss throughout the book (just on the cheek or it is just stated-"they kissed"), a couple of swear words

Modern Art Adventures by Maja Pitamic and Jill Laidlaw*

 36 Creative, Hands-on Projects Inspired by Artists from Monet to Banksy

The instructions are superb and easy to follow.  A short biography about each artist is included before each project.  

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Proper Way to Meet a Hedgehog and Other How-To Poems selected by Paul B. Janeczko illustrated by Richard Jones

 Diverse poem topics will appeal to a variety of reader-camels to mixing a pancake to scaring monsters to walking on Mars to hearing-impaired & visually-impaired to cutting hair.  Similar poems are placed side-by-side.  

This book could be used as a mentor text when teaching students how to write a "how-to" poem. 

-Borrowed from the library.

Walt Disney-Cool Runnings-DVD

 Rated: PG

When three men do not qualify for the summer Olympics in the 100m, they seek an American, a former Olympian bobsledder, living in Jamaica who could train them to compete in the bobsled event for the winter Olympics.

Humor abounds.  The qualities of friendship, loyalty, perseverance, and integrity are featured throughout the film.  

My husband thought it was goofy.  My boys and I enjoyed it.  If the viewer is in the mood for a fun, light-hearted movie, this one is it!

Warnings: swearing, a lady admires the main character's butt, one character made the comment, "I have known you since that girl wanted to see your ding-a-ling"- (I did not catch it because of the accent and don't think my sons did.  My husband heard it.).  

-Borrowed from the library

United Tweets of America by Hudson Talbott

 Their Stories, Their Glories

A state competition between the state birds . . ."United Tweets of American Pageant" emceed by the bald eagle

A humorous state reference book  Readers will learn about the state birds and other interesting state facts.  The birds all have funny dialogue with the bird on the page next to them.  

I did not read this book straight through since it is a reference book.  My sons utilitzed it as we discussed a few states in geography/history.   

-Borrowed from the library (I "discovered" it thanks to my five-year-old nephew who was reading it a couple of months ago!)

Weeds in Bloom: Autobiography of an Ordinary Man by Robert Newton Peck

 I love the Soup books by Mr. Peck.  Recently my eleven-year old read most of this series.  Since aspects of his Soup books are based on his childhood in Vermont, I decided to read this biography to understand this humorous author better.

Each chapter is an essay about a person who influenced him.  The book is divided into three parts-Vermont Boyhood, Early Manhood, & Florida Years.  The writing is beautiful, concise, usually humorous and always thought-provoking. He also included a section at the end titled, "Just As I Am" which lists various beliefs and opinons he has. 

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this man.  Sadl, he died last June, 2020, at the age of ninety-two.  

Warnings-This book is labeled as "young adult"-YA- for good reason: An entire essay is about how he and Soup attempt to secure a condom from a machine at the truck stop.  He visits an establishment that has prostitutes.  He talks about a waitress with an amble bosom.  In "Just As I Am", he exalts Dr. Jack Kevorkian above other doctors who keep the elderly "alive, suffering and paying doctor bills". 

Let Them Be Kids by Jessica Smartt

 Adventure, Boredom, Innocence and Other Gifts Children Need

Eleven chapters address eleven gifts we can give our kids: adventure, boredom, being uncool, imagination, balance, grit, manners/kindness, family, innocence and faith. Each chapter has an introductory essay followed by at least three other essays that support the topic.  Laced with humor and genuiness, readers will make an immediate connection with Mrs. Smartt.  Her suggestions are counterculture but will benefit children and family.

Her use of "darn", "heck" and "crap" grated me.  I am not offended when people say those words.  However, I see them as wasted words and not necessary for the essay format.

-Borrowed from the library.

American Cookery by Amelia Simmons

 I recently read a picture book about Amelia Simmons and wanted to look through her cookbook.  This cookbook was the first cookbook written by an American for American kitchens.  She instructed American women how to cook with meat, vegetables, grains and fruit native to America.  She also offers advice in selecting the finest specimen and freshest produce.  

Very interesting  to compare these recipes to what we use now to cook/bake.  I did not read every page.  I borrowed out of curiosity for a quick browse.

-Borrowed from the library.

Exploring the Elements by Isabel Thomas illustrated by Sara Gillingham

 A Complete Guide to the Periodic Table

A comprehensive, fascinating book about the elements.  The author and designer/illustrator devote two full pages to each element. It includes up to number 118, Oganesson.  

-A must have for junior highers and high schoolers who love chemistsry. (I did not read the book cover-to-cover.  I was interested in looking through it for possible future reference.)  I am not a chemistry lover but found the material engrossing.

-Borrowed from the library.

Snowman's Story by Will Hillenbrand

 When my boys were toddlers and preschoolers, I read all of Mr. Hillenbrand's books I could find because I loved the adorable illustrations and sweet plots.  This wordless book depicts a snowman's beginnings, a secretive rabbit, and an exciting pursuit.  Parents and children who love books and reading will smile and sigh contently at the story's conclusion.

Strategies: narrating, inferring, asking questions, predicting

-Borrowed from the library.

The Simple of Art of Flying by Cory Leonardo*

 I borrowed this book and a few other middle grade books from the library recently.  My eleven-year-old son read all of them, but liked this one the best.  In fact, he read it in one day and purchased it the next day!  He "highly, highly recommends" it!

Alastair longs to escape the pet store where he and his sister, Aggie, were born.  But a broken wing and being bought by a different owner than his sister soon halt his plans.  As he marinates in his misery, he becomes, horror of all horrors, a "feather picker"!  Will he ever see his sister again?

The story is told from three points of view: Alastair, Fritz (12-year-old boy), and Bertie Plopky (a lonely widow).  Ms. Leonardo  weaves their stories beautifully through a variety of formats (regular narrative, poetry, letters and medical logs).  I loved her allusions to literature and poetry.  

To be honest, I did not care for Alastair's attitude and outlook on life.  Mrs. Plopky was a delight.  Fritz was admirable and likable.  

This story proclaims the necessity for hope, loyalty and friendship.

Ms. Leonardo is having a new book released February 23, 2021 called The Hedgehog of Oz .  We asked our library to purchase it.  

Although God is not mentioned, her dedication and her acknowledgments indicate she esteems Him.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library, but now own it thanks to my son!!  😀

Voracious by Cara Nicoletti

 A Hungry Reader Cooks Her Way Through Great Books

Ms. Nocoletti pairs books with recipes.  Before each recipe she shares how the book and the food mentioned in it were significant to her at that moment in her life.  Ms. Nicoletti's writing is superb and delightful.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading each essay and learning about books I have never read.  Of course, I was most familiar with books in the "childhood" section.  As for the books menitioned in the Adolescence/College Years and Adulthood, I only had read a couple of them.  The ones I have not read I have no desire to read based on their content.  

I made the Pepper-Parmesan Pasta (book-Strega Nona) recipe (very yummy).  Most of the recipes require a chunk of time and skill.  

Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake illustrated by Jon Klassen

 Badger has Important Rock Work to complete each day.  Thankfully his aunt Lula has given her brownstone to reside so the Important Rock Work can continue each day.  When she also permits Skunk to stay in the brownstone, Badger is appalled.  Skunk disrupts his work.  He squashes all of the boxes in his box room.  He launches a potato in the kitchen and leaves it sitting in the corner.  He invites chickens into the brownstone.  Skunk must go!

A sweet book that will cause the reader to think about kindness and friendship.

The writing is superb and clever.  The quirkiness of the story and characters is endearing.  It sort of reminds of Kate DiCamillo's unique writing style and characters.

-Borrowed from the library.

Finally, Something Mysterious by Doug Cornett

 When Paul, Shanks and Beanpole view Mr. Babbage's lawn filled with rubber duckies, they immediately begin to investigate.  Who would dump a load of rubber duckies in the lawn? Is there any connection between the Bratwurst competition that is approaching and that Mr. Babbage is the long-standing winner?  As the three friends poke around Bellwood, their list of suspects lengthens and tempers shorten.  Other changes threaten to disturb their normal-a big box store, Beanpole's premature sister.  

It was refreshing to read a book that is not slipping in any agenda-wholesome, humorous, and entertaining.  I can hand this book to any elementary/middle schooler without any hesitation. Quirky characters abound too!

I liked the reference to Edgar Allan Poe's short story "Tell-Tale Heart".

-Borrowed from the library.

Of Other Worlds by C.S. Lewis edited by Walter Hooper

 Essays & Stories

I have read the C.S. Lewis quote, "I am almost inclined to set it up as a canon that a children's story which is enjoyed only by children is a bad children's story" so many times that I wanted to read the essay in which he stated it.  I borrowed this book simply to read the essay, "On Three Ways of Writing for Children". 

-Borrowed from the library.

Fly! by Mark Teague*

 A baby bird refuses to fly and offers solutions to his mother that would help him avoid flying.

Humorous and sweet!

A wordless picture book

Strategies: connections, inferring

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Growing Money by Gail Karlitz created by Debbie Honig illustrated by Stephen Lewis*

 Investing Guide for Kids

With humor and examples, the author and creator explain the world of stocks, bonds, mutual funds and investments to kids.  Fun quizzes and facts are integrated throughout the text.  The last chapter includes a game that simulates investing in the stock market.

This book was fun to read!  It may be a bit out-dated as it was published in 2001.  It appears that a newer version was published in 2010 (the cover of the 2010 is displayed below). 

*Highly recommend (but consider that it was published twenty years ago).

-Borrowed from the library.