Guts by Raina Telgemeier

From Goodreads, 

"Raina wakes up one night with a terrible upset stomach. Her mom has one, too, so it's probably just a bug. Raina eventually returns to school, where she's dealing with the usual highs and lows: friends, not-friends, and classmates who think the school year is just one long gross-out session. It soon becomes clear that Raina's tummy trouble isn't going away... and it coincides with her worries about food, school, and changing friendships. What's going on?

Raina Telgemeier once again brings us a thoughtful, charming, and funny true story about growing up and gathering the courage to face -- and conquer -- her fears."

Goodreads - Guts

Awards and Nominations: 

• Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Middle Grade and Children's (2019)

A few weeks ago, school started back.  The first week is filled with getting to know students and them getting to know me.  We go over the rules and procedures, as well as expectations for the year.  I also talked about my classroom library and let students finally browse the shelves for a book.  Usually, the first book students get isn't "the one".  It's either too hard, too easy, or doesn't hold their attention.  I had multiple students ask about graphic novels.  I have mixed feelings about graphic novels.  They are great for kids who need the support of a picture, but they are holding students back from reading full chapter books.

Guts is a graphic novel about a girl named Raina who gets a stomach bug at the same time as her mom.  Raina eventually gets over the bug and school starts back, but she feels sick when she has to talk in front of the class.  Soon, Raina avoids eating foods because she fears it will make her sick.  Will Raina ever figure out what is wrong with her? 

This book had a big focus on getting over fears and anxiety.  But I thought the most important piece was when Raina started going to therapy.  She eventually tells her friends she is going to therapy and they shrug it off and tell her that's normal.  I have always been a very emotional human.  I wear my heart on my sleeve, take everything to heart, but I act tough as nails.  As a kid, I cried a lot.  I don't know why, maybe anxiety, but I remember being asked if I needed to go see a counselor.  I saw that as such a taboo thing that I always declared no as I cried a little harder.  Honestly, I probably should have seen a therapist.  It wouldn't have been the worst thing.  Now, I feel things are shifting regarding the stigma around mental health and seeing a therapist.  And after the pandemic, I feel we all need to check in with a therapist.  This book normalizes seeing a therapist and I absolutely love that.  More and more kids are seeing a therapist or a counselor.  Most of these kids are pretty open that they see a therapist.  There are a quiet few that don't disclose that information to literally anyone.  I think students who see a therapist will be able to find some comfort in Raina and they will be able to connect with her.

I of course don't like that this book is a graphic novel.  I have a real love-hate relationship with graphic novels.  I feel like kids aren't getting a "full" story from a graphic novel.  There are minimal details included in writing because there are pictures.  I would much rather kids read a chapter book than a graphic novel.  I will give his book a pass of sorts just because it does have a heavier topic that is being presented in more of a kid-friendly way. 

This book was good even though I felt like it lacked plot and details.  It will go into my classroom library and I'm sure there will be kids who will devour this book.  I give this 3 stars.  If you have a child or student needing a graphic novel with a therapy or anxiety theme, then this is the perfect book. 

The Next Person You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

From Goodreads, 

"In this enchanting sequel to the number one bestseller The Five People You Meet in Heaven, Mitch Albom tells the story of Eddie’s heavenly reunion with Annie—the little girl he saved on earth—in an unforgettable novel of how our lives and losses intersect.

Fifteen years ago, in Mitch Albom’s beloved novel, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, the world fell in love with Eddie, a grizzled war veteran- turned-amusement park mechanic who died saving the life of a young girl named Annie. Eddie’s journey to heaven taught him that every life matters. Now, in this magical sequel, Mitch Albom reveals Annie’s story.

The accident that killed Eddie left an indelible mark on Annie. It took her left hand, which needed to be surgically reattached. Injured, scarred, and unable to remember why, Annie’s life is forever changed by a guilt-ravaged mother who whisks her away from the world she knew. Bullied by her peers and haunted by something she cannot recall, Annie struggles to find acceptance as she grows. When, as a young woman, she reconnects with Paulo, her childhood love, she believes she has finally found happiness.

As the novel opens, Annie is marrying Paulo. But when her wedding night day ends in an unimaginable accident, Annie finds herself on her own heavenly journey—and an inevitable reunion with Eddie, one of the five people who will show her how her life mattered in ways she could not have fathomed.

Poignant and beautiful, filled with unexpected twists, The Next Person You Meet in Heaven reminds us that not only does every life matter, but that every ending is also a beginning—we only need to open our eyes to see it."

Goodreads - The Next Person You Meet in Heaven

I've had this book hanging out on my bookshelf and collecting dust since it was released.  After rereading The Five People You Meet in Heaven I decided I should definitely read this book.  Once I realized that it was about Annie, the little girl that Eddie saved, I was beyond excited. 

Annie's life was changed when an old man named Eddie pushed her out of the way and saved her life as a child.  Annie suffered some trauma to her hand and an empty memory of the accident.  Annie's mom quickly moved her away to start fresh.  Annie meets a boy named Paulo at her new school, but soon life takes them down different paths.  As adults, they reconnect and immediately fall in love.  Annie and Paulo get married, but Annie keeps seeing Eddie.  She knows that isn't possible because he died years ago.  After the wedding, Annie and Paulo prepare to leave for their honeymoon, but there is a constant barrage of choices that are made that impact lives.  This leads to a major accident that sends Annie on her own heavenly journey to meet her five people. 

Favorite quote from The Next Person You Meet in Heaven

"The tale of your life is written second by second, as shifting as the flip of a pencil to an eraser.  There are so many times our lives are altered invisibly.  The flip of a pencil, from written to erased."

I was so excited that this book followed Annie.  I really enjoyed getting to learn where life led her and the PTSD from the accident.  Even moreso I enjoyed reading about Annie's five people.  As I mentioned last week, this series leads you to inquire what five people impacted you and what five people you've impacted.  But honestly, this book had a plot twist and a half in it.  There are spoilers from this point forward, so go ahead and buckle up.  First thing is that there was this insane storyline of Annie and Paulo being in a hot air balloon accident.  They end up in the hospital and Annie says she will do whatever to save Paulo.  And the next thing we know Annie is in heaven meeting her five people.  This was an insane concept for me because it ends up that Annie doesn't die!  Which this entire concept that you meet five people when you die is crazy enough and there is absolutely no way to ever prove this happens.  But the premise that if you flatline and they revive you, you will still meet your five people is crazy.  Paulo ends up dying in the book and is Annie's final person.  He explains that she needs to save someone else much like she was saved years earlier.  Annie eventually finds out that she is pregnant and that the baby is the person she is supposed to save.  I just think it is a wild concept that you would meet your five people even though you aren't officially dead.  

I also really liked the entire concept of choices impacting our lives second by second.  By choosing to go left instead of right while driving could mean the difference between life or death in some instances.  It makes you really think about all the choices and decisions that we make in a day.  Some seem so small and trivial, but they are a drop that can cause a major ripple and change the outcomes of so many different things.  There were a ton of examples of this after 9/11.  There was a story about a man whose child got sick on 9/10.  So he called in the next morning and in turn it saved his life.  Something so small can change the lives of those around you.  This idea of small changes makes me reflect and think about the things that I have said or done and how things would be different.  The first thing that comes to mind on this is when I left a long term relationship in February.  He snapped at me a couple different times one Sunday.  The next day it felt like there were a thousand different things building up and I couldn't handle it and the way I was being treated.  So I "snapped" and broke up with him.  I told him he needed to take over our lease or move out.  One small moment changed life for me.  I think at where I would be now if we were still together.  I wasn't happy then, would I be happy now?  Probably not.  Things weren't going to get any better.  I went through a month of complete chaos because I had no idea where I was going to live, how I was going to pay for utilities and rent, or how I would manage being on my own again.  There were good days and there were bad.  But I am so much better off and way happier by making that decision to be done.  One small decision can impact your life in wonderful and magical ways, but it can also end in disaster.  

This book was really good, but it didn't have the same magic and flow that The Five People You Meet in Heaven had.  Fans of Mitch Albom will absolutely love this book and if you've read The Five People You Meet in Heaven then this is a must read.  I give this 3 out of 5 stars.  

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

From Goodreads, 

"From the author of the phenomenal #1 New York Times bestseller Tuesdays with Morrie, a novel that explores the unexpected connections of our lives, and the idea that heaven is more than a place; it's an answer.

Eddie is a wounded war veteran, an old man who has lived, in his mind, an uninspired life. His job is fixing rides at a seaside amusement park. On his 83rd birthday, a tragic accident kills him as he tries to save a little girl from a falling cart. He awakes in the afterlife, where he learns that heaven is not a destination. It's a place where your life is explained to you by five people, some of whom you knew, others who may have been strangers. One by one, from childhood to soldier to old age, Eddie's five people revisit their connections to him on earth, illuminating the mysteries of his "meaningless" life, and revealing the haunting secret behind the eternal question: "Why was I here?""

Goodreads - The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Awards and Nominations: 

• Lincoln Award Nominee (2008)

I will forever and always be a huge fan of Mitch Albom's books.  The first book I read of his was Tuesdays with Morrie and I was absolutely in love.  So many of his books are moving works of literature that should be reread every few years.  You're guaranteed to get some kind of new and moving advice on every reread.  

Eddie is just a maintenance man who works at Ruby Pier.  He has lived what seems like his whole life working at the pier.  But on his 83rd birthday, he changes the course of his life and of a little girl when he attempts to save her life when a ride comes crashing down.  The next thing Eddie is aware of is that he is on an empty Ruby Pier from decades earlier.  He soon learns that he is dead and that he is going to meet 5 people from his life.  Along the way, he will learn the role and purpose he had on Earth.  

There is no way for me to sit here and act like I didn't get emotional at times over this book.  In February I decided to flip life upside down.  I got out of a long-term relationship, moved, and had to figure out how I was going to financially cover all the changes happening.  It was a lot.  So as I reread this book I found myself asking "What is my purpose?"  I question what impact I've had on those I've encountered.  This book will make you take a deep dive into yourself and make you think of who your 5 people would be.  Who are 5 people that have either dramatically impacted my life or who I've impacted?  As a teacher, I like to think that I've impacted hundreds of lives, but then I stop and ask myself who I've made a difference with.  There have been 1 or 2 kids every year that I feel like I had a special connection with and that I made an impact on them during that school year.  I remember their names and the experience I had with them.  This book also leads me to ask have I made an impact on any of my family or friends?  Are there strangers that I've impacted unknowingly?  I love Albom's concept that when we die we will meet 5 people who have impacted us or who we have impacted.  It makes death seem a little less scary. 

This book is formatted so that you get slivers of the story that will piece together to form the entire story.  There are pieces of present-day, pieces of Eddie's past, pieces of the lessons to be learned, and pieces of the people that Eddie meets.  The unique writing style keeps just enough mystery to the story itself.  I have no complaints about this book.  I did watch the movie shortly after finishing this and there were almost no differences between the two. 

I really enjoyed this reread.  It made me question what my purpose is and what impact I've had and what impact people have had on me.  Since reading it I feel like I've sort of realigned my goals and purpose.  I've been working on myself for the last few months and I'm so glad that this book just further fueled my fire.   

Words on Bathroom Walls by Julia Walton

 

From Goodreads, 

"Soon to be a major motion picture starring Charlie Plummer, AnnaSophia Robb, and Taylor Russell!

Fans of More Happy Than Not and The Perks of Being a Wallflower will cheer for Adam in this uplifting and surprisingly funny story of a boy living with schizophrenia.

When you can't trust your mind, trust your heart.

Adam is a pretty regular teen, except he's navigating high school life while living with paranoid schizophrenia. His hallucinations include a cast of characters that range from the good (beautiful Rebecca) to the bad (angry Mob Boss) to the just plain weird (polite naked guy). An experimental drug promises to help him hide his illness from the world. When Adam meets Maya, a fiercely intelligent girl, he desperately wants to be the normal, great guy that she thinks he is. But as the miracle drug begins to fail, how long can he keep this secret from the girl of his dreams?"

Goodreads - Words on Bathroom Walls

Awards and Nominations: 

• Rhode Island Teen Book Award Nominee (2019)

I've recently been drawn to books that have a movie adaptation.  I really enjoy reading the book and then watching the movie and determining which is better.  After a summer stroll through Books-A-Million, I noticed this book with the large print across the top reading "NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE".  I immediately snatched the book up and knew I would find the movie somehow, somewhere.  

Adam is just a normal teenager, except that he has schizophrenia.  He is transferring to a new school and is part of a new drug study to hopefully help relieve him of some of his hallucinations.  Adam struggles to ignore the cast of characters that appear to only him.  Things become even trickier once he starts making friends and meets a girl that he really likes.  Will the drug work and will Adam get away with his secret?

This book was really dry and kind of boring.  I felt like it let me get a glimpse inside the mind of someone who has schizophrenia, but it wasn't very exciting.  I didn't like that the entire book is in a journal format because Adam is supposed to be talking to his therapist, but he refuses to talk.  The therapist decides to have him write in a journal so that there is some form of communication going on between them.  There were conversations in the book, but I felt like all of the characters were flat.  Even Adam with his multiple character hallucinations was boring.  There wasn't a real plot and there was nothing exciting until prom happened.  And even then the book fizzled after the situation at prom.  I was also kind of confused by the title of the book.  I thought that the words on the bathroom walls would be some big and moving piece in the book and it most definitely wasn't.  They were just words on a wall.  

I was able to rent this movie from Redbox.  I watched part of it one evening and was fairly bored by it.  I finished it the next day and tried my hardest not to rage over the movie.  The movie was NOTHING like the book.  Adam was of course the main character and sure he had schizophrenia, but that was about the only thing that was the same.  Adam's hallucinations were different than they were in the book.  Dwight, Adam's friend from the book, didn't even exist in the movie.  Maya had a tragic life and story in the movie because she didn't have a mom and they were basically in a financial crisis.  Maya was also way more abrasive in the movie than she was in the book.  Ian, who was a jerk and a bully in the book didn't have a role in the movie, which was kind of a big deal considering he was a pivotal breaking point in the book.  There were just so many big differences between the two that it didn't even feel like I was watching the movie adaptation of the book.  

Overall, I wasn't impressed with the book or the movie.  The book was better than the movie, but it still lacked the pizazz that I thought it would have.  This obviously isn't a book I can put in my classroom library.  I think that people who enjoy books about mental illnesses would like this, but know that it is a bit of a struggle to get through in my opinion.  I give this 2 stars.  

Dear Evan Hansen by Val Emmich, Justin Paul, Steven Levenson, and Benj Pasek

 

From Goodreads, 

"From the show's creators comes the groundbreaking novel inspired by the Broadway smash hit Dear Evan Hansen.

Dear Evan Hansen,

Today's going to be an amazing day and here's why...

When a letter that was never meant to be seen by anyone draws high school senior Evan Hansen into a family's grief over the loss of their son, he is given the chance of a lifetime: to belong. He just has to stick to a lie he never meant to tell, that the notoriously troubled Connor Murphy was his secret best friend.

Suddenly, Evan isn't invisible anymore--even to the girl of his dreams. And Connor Murphy's parents, with their beautiful home on the other side of town, have taken him in like he was their own, desperate to know more about their enigmatic son from his closest friend. As Evan gets pulled deeper into their swirl of anger, regret, and confusion, he knows that what he's doing can't be right, but if he's helping people, how wrong can it be?

No longer tangled in his once-incapacitating anxiety, this new Evan has a purpose. And a website. He's confident. He's a viral phenomenon. Every day is amazing. Until everything is in danger of unraveling and he comes face to face with his greatest obstacle: himself.

A simple lie leads to complicated truths in this big-hearted coming-of-age story of grief, authenticity and the struggle to belong in an age of instant connectivity and profound isolation."

Goodreads - Dear Evan Hansen

I'm one of those people that are either reading all the trending books or reading none of them.  A few months back a trailer was released for the movie Dear Evan Hansen.  I did a little research and realized there was a book that the movie was based on (and the book is based on a play).  Once I recognized the cover I realized I had seen the book on Scholastic before.  I did a little digging and searching but was unable to find it.  I ended up finding a copy at Books-A-Million on the CLEARANCE AISLE.  I'm not mad about it being on sale, but I was definitely shocked considering there's a movie being released in September. 

Dear Evan Hansen is the story of two boys.  Evan Hansen has a broken arm, social anxiety, and an assignment from his therapist to write a letter to himself.  Connor Murphy is a loner and an outsider who decides to sign Evan's cast and steal his letter to himself.  But the next day at school Connor doesn't show up.  Or the day after that.  Evan gets called to the office and meets Connor's parents.  They return Evan's letter saying that it Connor wrote it for Evan before he took his life.  Evan's social anxiety is at an insanely high level and he goes along with the lie that he was friends with Connor.  Will Evan ever tell the truth about his friendship, or lack thereof, with Connor?

It has been a long time since I have read a book as quickly as I read this one.  I felt like I couldn't put it down.  I absolutely loved the two viewpoints that were present in this book.  For the majority of the book we get to read Evan's point of view, but we periodically get a glimpse from Connor who is basically hanging out as a ghost.  I thought it was so unique to have that glimpse from Connor because it told just a piece of his narrative.  Connor took his own life, but he doesn't have a real voice in the book.  Unfortunately, Evan creates an entire narrative of his relationship with Connor and paints a picture of who Connor was, even though that's not at all who Connor was.  I had very mixed emotions throughout the entire book concerning the characters.  I almost sympathized with Connor.  I felt so sorry for him that he didn't have a voice and that he wasn't ever able to be the real him.  And at times I sympathized with Evan.  When he finally admits how he broke his arm and the struggles he has with his anxiety I was hoping that he would get the help that he needed.  But when Evan was being a conniving human that was trying to be popular and get with Connor's sister Zoe I was livid and frustrated at this character.  For the majority of the book I felt angry at Evan and his actions.  I kept waiting for a redemption arc, but honestly, it never came.  The ending tried to smooth things over, but at that point I was over it and I was over Evan. 

I kind of went on a negative rant there for a minute, but I want to talk about what I want after reading this book.  I want a prequel.  I want a book that tells Connor's side.  I want the events leading up to where Dear Evan Hansen starts.  Connor is painted as the loner or the "school shooter" type.  I want to know what kind of person Connor really was.  I want to learn about his experiences with his family and Miguel.  This book left so many unanswered questions for Connor and I think that it would be fantastic to get answers.  There is so much potential with a prequel and I would purchase it in a heartbeat. 

I enjoyed this book.  My neighbor's mom almost spoiled the entire thing one day while I was reading on my porch.  I basically had to shut her down and be like I'M NOT FINISHED WITH THE BOOK PLEASE DON'T SPOIL IT.  I give this 4 stars.  This is a great young adult book and I definitely can't wait to watch the movie.  

King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender

From Goodreads, 

"Twelve-year-old Kingston James is sure his brother Khalid has turned into a dragonfly. When Khalid unexpectedly passed away, he shed what was his first skin for another to live down by the bayou in their small Louisiana town. Khalid still visits in dreams, and King must keep these secrets to himself as he watches grief transform his family.

It would be easier if King could talk with his best friend, Sandy Sanders. But just days before he died, Khalid told King to end their friendship, after overhearing a secret about Sandy—that he thinks he might be gay. "You don't want anyone to think you're gay too, do you?"

But when Sandy goes missing, sparking a town-wide search, and King finds his former best friend hiding in a tent in his backyard, he agrees to help Sandy escape from his abusive father, and the two begin an adventure as they build their own private paradise down by the bayou and among the dragonflies. As King's friendship with Sandy is reignited, he's forced to confront questions about himself and the reality of his brother's death."

Goodreads - King and the Dragonflies 

Awards and Nominations: 

• National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2020)
• Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Middle Grade & Children's (2020)
• Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Children's/Middle Grade (2021)
• Coretta Scott King Award Nominee for Author (2021)
• Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award Nominee (2022)

This is another book I received as being a part of the Scholastic Insider program.  I glanced through the chapter books I had remaining to read.  After reading the inside flap I was quickly drawn to this book.  I'm from a small town where no one questions law enforcement and I've heard many people talk down on people who are "different" aka gay.  I devoured this book at an alarming rate.

King is going through a lot.  King's brother passed away unexpectedly and King is trying to process and cope with it.  He honestly believes that his brother is a dragonfly.  He keeps this to himself, along with other things, as his parents try to move through their own grief.  Before Khalid died he had a conversation with King about staying away from a boy named Sandy because Sandy was gay.  Now that Khalid is gone King feels like he should follow the advice of his brother.  But King must sort through his own feelings when Sandy goes missing, only for King to find him in a tent in his backyard.  Sandy confides in King and asks for his help.  Now King must really make a decision to follow the advice of his brother or follow his heart. 

This book.  Guys.  I have no words.  I love, love, LOVE the way that this book handled sexuality and King questioning his.  I want to state that I'm not gay, so I cannot speak for the experience of those who are gay living or having grown up in small towns.  But I know that small towns, especially those in the South, are EXTREMELY judgey.  I live in the bible belt and for the most part it is definitely not accepted to be anything but on the straight and narrow.  I think this book definitely captured that small town vibe and the astigmatism that is around being gay in a small town.  King is told not to be around Sandy because Sandy is gay, but not openly.  King goes through the motions of feeling different, but feeling like he is expected to date girls.  He tries to date Jasmine, but finds he doesn't have the same connection with her that he has when he is with Sandy.  King eventually realizes that he is gay, and he works on coming out to his parents and his friends.  King's entire process of finding himself was so beautifully written.  And with all the confusing feelings he was also grieving the death of his brother.  Callender did a wonderful job at writing King's character and pacing the grieving and the questioning sexuality and the healing.  King had a wonderful character development over the course of this book, and honestly, I would love to read a follow up novel of King and Sandy later in life.  Maybe college? 

My heart absolutely broke for Sandy in this book.  Because his father was sheriff in town and from a family in town that was part of the KKK, Sandy didn't feel he could just go to anyone.  Sandy knew that his family had power and that no one would believe that his father was abusing him.  I felt terrible for this fictional character because he was being abused and he was gay.  He had no safe place.  And honestly, if King hadn't intervened there's a solid chance that Sandy would have ended up killing himself because there wasn't a way out.  I would really like to read a story from Sandy's perspective.  Maybe allow him to be a little older in life and let there be flashbacks that give us a real glimpse into his life being part of a prominent white family in the South.

I absolutely loved this book.  A lot of books nowadays force themes into the story so that the book will fit under multiple categories.  One of the biggest forced themes I read is LGBTQ+ characters.  I feel like so many authors shove a character into the story just so they can label their book as being pro LGBTQ+.  This book didn't do that, but the LGBTQ+ characters were beautifully written and the story centered around them.  It has been a LONG time since I've read a book that felt natural including LGBTQ+ characters.  I really hope that some of my students read this book this upcoming school year, and hopefully if they need help or guidance they will feel safe talking to me.  I give this 5 big and bold stars!

Radio Fifth Grade by Gordon Korman

From Goodreads, 

"Mayhem breaks out in the fifth grade when the Venice Menace bullies his classmates into letting him become a regular guest on Kidsview, the school's radio program!"

Goodreads - Radio Fifth Grade 

Awards and Nominations: 

• Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award Nominee (1992)

I teach 5th grade and I'm always keeping an eye out for books where the main characters are in 5th grade.  These students can easily relate to these characters because they are the same age and most of the time they are experiencing middle school for the first time.  So when I saw this book on Scholastic I knew I had to order it in hopes that I could use it as a read-aloud in class.  

Radio Fifth Grade is the story of a group of students who are in charge of running the school's radio program on Saturdays.  Every week the radio show has a mascot of the week.  The local pet store sponsors the show and has them try to "sell" the pet on the radio by talking it up and sharing special things about the pet.  One Saturday they get a parrot that is supposed to talk, but no one can get him to speak.  Things fly out of control and the bird doesn't get purchased by anyone the following week.  Plus, the class gets a new teacher who is determined to give the students an abundance of homework for them to do over the weekend.  The homework interferes with the radio show, but things escalate even further when the school bully decides he is going to be a regular on the show reading a poorly written story.  

This book had so much going on in it.  The chaoticness of this book really stressed me out, but honestly, I think kids would enjoy the random things that happen.  I loved Venice Menace in the book.  He was the bully that insisted on being a regular on the show to read his poorly written story.  He was encouraged by a teacher to read the story.  He read it on the air, everyone realized it absolutely stunk, but they didn't tell him.  They were all so scared of him that they told him it was fantastic.  So he decided to play his own little prank by "forcing" everyone to go along with it and having them give reviews and fill out forms about the story.  In the end, we learn that he wanted someone to stand up to him and tell him that the story was bad and he needed to stop.  There are so many kids that will push things and push things and push things just because they want someone to set boundaries and rules and tell them no.  This was the same kind of situation.  I also loved all the ways the students tried to trick their teacher so that they didn't have to do the homework and so she wouldn't listen to the radio show.  

I felt like this story lacked a solid plot.  There was one there, but it was poorly written and buried under the jokes and hijinks.  I wasn't a fan of the pet store owner.  He came across as being really rude and mean, especially to Mark who seemed to always be messing things up.  I personally felt like the pet store owner was being a little over the top and extreme to a kid.  I also wasn't a fan of the radio sponsor.  He was always reading and NEVER helped the kids when something had hit the fan and they seriously needed help.  Even when they would ask for advice or what to do, he would shrug and basically be like figure it out.  I definitely got the vibe that he was just there for the extra stipend on his paycheck. 

This was a fun little book, but it's not like any of the other books I've read by Korman.  I think some of my students will enjoy this, but I don't think it packs enough punch for me to use it as a read-aloud in class.  I give this 2 stars.  It just didn't have the exciting razzle-dazzle that the summary led up to.  I also just want to talk real quick about the original teacher and how she won the lottery, quit her job, and moved to Hawaii.  Because girl, I feel that on a different level.  

Jay's Journal by Anonymous

From Goodreads, 

"Jay was a sweet, bright high school student who cared about his grades and his friends. He had ambitions. He was happy. And he thought he could handle anything.

He was wrong.

When Jay falls in with a crowd that's dabbling in drugs and the occult, he finds himself in over his head and doing things he never thought possible. Fascinated by the dark arts and in love with a dangerous girl, Jay falls deeper and deeper into a life he no longer recognizes...and sees no way out."

Goodreads - Jay's Journal 

A few years back I read through the Anonymous books that had been published at that time.  (Another has been released since then.)  But there was something about this book that I couldn't pick up and read at that time.  The book quickly got mixed in with the others and eventually got shuffled to the back of where I keep all of my books.  I moved a few months ago and this book ended up at the front of the shelf.  I decided it was time to finally conquer this book.  Conquer isn't a word I use lightly because it took everything in me to finish this book. 

Jay's Journal follows a young boy named Jay who has to keep a journal for his English class.  But Jay ends up falling in with a crowd who starts experimenting with drugs.  Once his parents find out they send him to a facility to get help, he is introduced to something even worse: an occult.  Jay quickly introduces his friends to the same occult material he has been exposed to.  But when Jay wants out he realizes he has no idea how to get out of the mess that he helped create.  

I struggled, and I mean STRUGGLED, to finish this book.  The first book I read that was the same format was Go Ask Alice.  This book is SO similar in writing style and language to Go Ask Alice.  Both books use a triple word format at times like "Dumb, dumb, dumb."  It was repetitive and I personally felt like there was no storyline to the book.  There's a note at the beginning and at the end of this book.  The beginning note talks about how Jay was a real person and this book is the journals he left behind.  The note at the end is from Jay's mother.  Halfway through the book, I started doing a little digging.  Jay is based on a real person named Alden.  And Alden did take his own life like in the book.  Alden also kept a journal like Jay did in the book.  But the reality is that only 21 of Alden's 212 entries were actually used for this book.  This means that the majority of this book was completely fabricated.  And because the author did this it raised all kinds of questions and problems for Alden's family and his town.  People begin to look into where occult activity had taken place and if there had been animal sacrifices like in the book.  Alden's brother even wrote a book about the truth of Alden and this book.  It's just irritating for an author to claim that this is based on a true story and a true person when in all reality the majority of the book was a complete lie.  

This book was a huge letdown and I considered not finishing it multiple times.  But I pushed through and finished it with frustration in my soul.  This was definitely my least favorite of all of the Anonymous books that I've read.  I think if you've read the others you *might* enjoy this, but it definitely did absolutely nothing for me.  I give this 1 star only because I don't believe in giving no stars.

My Weird School Graphic Novel: Mr.Corbett Is in Orbit! by Dan Gutman

From Goodreads, 

"Graphic novel fans, prepare for liftoff! New York Times bestselling author Dan Gutman and illustrator Jim Paillot have brought you an all-new series of My Weird School graphic novels!

In this first book, A.J. and his friends at Ella Mentry School are headed on a field trip to NASA headquarters. But their tour guide, Mr. Corbett, is a total space cadet! And what happens when A.J. accidentally launches the whole class into outer space?!  

Full of visual gags, space aliens, and hilarious full-color illustrations, this is the weirdest graphic novel in the history of the world!

With more than 27 million books sold, the My Weird School series really gets kids reading!"

Goodreads - Mr.Corbett Is in Orbit!

Scholastic Books sent me a box of books a while back to read and review.  I tore through the picture books quickly because, well, they are quick reads.  But I have been working my way through the chapter books.  I initially thought this book was a chapter book, but when I opened it I realized it was a graphic novel!  I have many of Dan Gutman's books in my library but have actually never read one of the "My Weird School" books.  

Mr. Corbett Is in Orbit! is the story of a class of students that visit NASA on a field trip.  But while they are touring NASA they are accidentally launched into space because someone pushed the launch button!  They are extremely worried they will never return until they receive help from an unlikely hero.  

As I mentioned earlier, I have never read any of the books in this series.  I was expecting them to be pretty silly just based on the cover.  But honestly, the book was downright hilarious.  I felt like this being a graphic novel really added to the story because the pictures were just as funny as the actual story.  The story and the antics in this book reminded me a lot of Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar.  I think this would be a great read for a lot of reluctant readers or readers who need the extra visual support while reading.  

The only downfall, which I have with many graphic novels, is the lack of actual reading.  I always feel like I am missing out on so much of the story when I read a graphic novel.  I feel like they condense the story down to the bare parts and the dialogue and leave out the details since it's a graphic novel that has pictures.  I think kids need to read graphic novels, but they also need to be able to read a chapter book that requires them to use the details and imagery in their book to create a picture in their mind. 

This was a funny book and I think some of my fifth graders will definitely enjoy this.  I give this 3 stars.  I felt like I missed out on part of the story since it was a graphic novel.  

See You On a Starry Night by Lisa Schroeder

From Goodreads, 

"Juliet has just moved to a beachside town with her newly separated mother and her moody older sister. When she meets their new neighbor, Emma, the girls form an instant bond. Emma's big family takes Juliet in, and the girls have fun together -- starting with the night they throw bottles with secret messages into the sea.

Then someone writes back to Juliet's message. An email arrives, inviting her to join the Starry Beach Club. All she has to do is make someone else's wish come true.

So Juliet and Emma set off to help as many other people as they can. It's fun! But as Juliet spends more and more time away from home, enjoying her new town and Emma's family more than her own mom and sister, she starts feeling lost. It's been easy to find others to help. But maybe her star would shine a little brighter if she brought it closer to home."

Goodreads - See You On a Starry Night

I've been on a bit of a break from reading.  A few months back I flipped life upside down and made some major changes.  This led to me moving to a new town and a lot of adjustments to the new normal.  But now that summer is here and in full swing I am trying to read as much as possible.  The chair on my front porch and I have become great friends over the past few weeks. 

This book follows a girl named Juliet who has had her life completely uprooted.  Her parents are now divorced and her mom decided that they all needed a fresh start in a new town.  Juliet misses her dad and her friends and the life she used to have.  On the first day in the new town, Juliet walks down to the beach.  What she doesn't expect is that she is going to run into a girl named Emma who is the same age as her.  Emma wants Juliet to write a letter, put it in a bottle, and throw it out to the ocean. The two soon become friends but become closer when Emma's bottle is found.  The person who found the bottle wants Juliet to become a member of the Starry Beach Club and make someone's wish come true.  Juliet and Emma soon set off on a quest to make a wish come true and find out who found the bottle. 

I love that this book addresses the feelings that a child experiences when their parents get a divorce and move to a new town.  Juliet is upset about her parents getting a divorce.  We see her have full-fledged meltdowns.  I think many kids who have been through or are going through the separation of parents can connect with Juliet.  I also like that in this book we see Juliet, her mom, and her sister move to a new town for a fresh start.  Juliet struggles with the new move.  She misses her dad and her friends from her old town.  She is having to start at a new school and will be going in with no friends.  She is clearly overwhelmed with all the changes.  Kids will absolutely relate to this if they have ever had to move to a new school and leave their old friends behind.  I also really liked that this book addresses the anger that is experienced during a big life transition like Juliet was going through.  Near the end of the book, we see everything kind of pile up inside Juliet until she explodes.  Luckily, her family and Emma are there to help her through the tough time and she learns how to better express herself and her anger.  I haven't read many books written for middle school kids that address divorce and moving to a new school like this book does.  

While this book addressed the divorce/moving situation tastefully, there were a couple BIG problems.  The biggest issue with this book was that Juliet was emailing someone who she did not know.  Every time she emailed the person or they emailed her, I was thinking that it could be a predator.  Juliet was just freely talking with someone who she didn't know.  I felt like there was a missed opportunity here.  Schroeder should have written it in for Juliet or Emma's parents to find out about this mystery person so they could have a conversation about being safe online.  And even worse is that Juliet and Emma set up a time to meet this mystery person!  Which luckily it ended up being a girl that was their age and went to school with them.  But still!  These two girls have obviously not been taught about being safe online and not meeting up with strangers.  Also, I didn't like that Juliet's mom just let Juliet go to the beach unsupervised.  It felt extremely irresponsible on the part of her mom, especially since they just moved to a new town.  I also didn't like that Juliet met Emma on the very first day in town.  I felt like Juliet needed to just kind of soak in the aloneness for a chapter or two before she met Emma.  I just didn't feel like it was realistic for Juliet to meet Emma the very first day during her very first walk on the beach.  

Overall, this book had great coverage of divorce and moving to a new town.  But I was so bothered by the fact that no one in this book had ever been taught about internet safety.  And the fact that it was never addressed honestly left me upset because this is such a huge thing with kids having access to ALL kinds of technology 24/7.  I give this 2 stars.  It will of course go into my classroom library, but it isn't high on my recommendation list.  

The Little Butterfly That Could by Ross Burach

From Goodreads, 

"WHAT IF I CAN'T?

“Will elicit plenty of giggles." -- Kirkus Reviews

Which way to the flowers?

That way. 200 miles.

How am I supposed to travel that far?!

You fly.

Can I take a plane?

No.

Then I'll never make it!

This comical companion to Ross Burach's The Very Impatient Caterpillar pays loving homage to every child's struggle to persist through challenges while also delivering a lighthearted lesson on butterfly migration. Remember, if at first you don't succeed, fly, fly again!"

Goodreads - The Little Butterfly That Could

This is the final picture book that I received from Scholastic.  I have mixed emotions being done with the picture books.  I love picture books because they are simple and usually pack an important message in the few pages they have.  They also have beautiful illustrations that complement and strengthen the story.  But I am also really excited to jump back into chapter books.  They usually have a deeper message and more connectable characters than picture books.  Plus they take a little more time to devour and are books that I can put in my classroom library. 

The Little Butterfly That Could is the story of a butterfly that gets lost.  He is trying to fly to find the flowers with a group of migrating butterflies when he gets lost in the clouds.  He asks a whale for help, but the butterfly keeps saying that he will never make it.  But the whale keeps encouraging him until the butterfly works up the courage to make the 200-mile trek to find the other butterflies. 

This book resembles the story of the little engine that could.  But this is the story of the butterfly that could.  This is apparently a follow-up book to the book The Very Impatient Caterpillar.  I thought the butterfly in this book was extremely annoying.  He was whiny and exhibited a little bit of anxiety.  The butterfly had a constant fear of making the trek because he didn't think he could do it.  But the whale was overly encouraging and was able to convince the butterfly that he could do it.  The whale was by far my favorite just because he was so positive and honest.  This book was left open so that there could be another book following, but honestly, I don't think another needs to follow.  The book has fitting illustrations.  The whale seems calm, cool, and collected, but the butterfly is a hodgepodge of colors and seems chaotic just like the butterfly actually is.  I think this book could definitely be used in a classroom to talk about having grit and perseverance.  I think kids would also enjoy it if the book was read so each of the characters has a different voice.  

I don't think this is a book I can use in my classroom.  It would really fit best in an elementary classroom.  It has an important message about continuing on even when things get tough.  I give this 3 stars.  It wasn't great, but it wasn't terrible. 

My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World by Malcolm Mitchell

From Goodreads, 

"From Super Bowl champion and literacy crusader Malcolm Mitchell comes an exciting new story that shows even reluctant readers that there is a book out there for everyone!

Meet Henley, an all-around good kid, who hates to read. When he's supposed to be reading, he would rather do anything else. But one day, he gets the scariest homework assignment in the world: find your favorite book to share with the class tomorrow.

What's a kid to do? How can Henley find a story that speaks to everything inside of him?

Malcolm Mitchell, bestselling author of The Magician's Hat, pulls from his own literary triumph to deliver another hilarious and empowering picture book for readers of all abilities. Through his advocacy and his books, Malcolm imparts the important message that every story has the potential to become a favorite."

Goodreads - My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World

Just one more book until I've finished the picture books in the Scholastic book box.  I've enjoyed being an insider even if I did receive some books that I won't use in my classroom.  This one is definitely one of my favorites that I was lucky enough to receive. 

My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World is the story of a boy named Henley who struggles to read.  He gets nervous when it's his turn to read, but he does like to read and look at the pictures.  One day his teacher gives him a homework assignment to bring his favorite book to school the next day to share with the class.  The only problem is that Henley doesn't know what his favorite book is.  Henley sets out on a quest to find his favorite book in the whole wide world. 

I love that this book is written by a sports star and that Mitchell struggled with reading.  The beginning gives a brief background of Malcolm's life.  It never says that he has dyslexia, but it is definitely implied that he has dyslexia which impacted his reading.  I would honestly love for there to be a book of him or even Henley talking about how he struggled with reading, found out he had dyslexia, and the process of learning to read with this.  But this book puts it out there that if you can't find your path or favorite of something, you can just make your own.  I also love that this is a book within a book.  The book that Henley talks about in the book is the book that we are all reading.  It's just a fun little tidbit that doesn't make us wonder what his favorite book was about because we are reading it!  The illustrations in this book were super simple but super adorable.  I loved that the colors were bright and vivid and that the pages were glossy paper.  

This book is really cute.  I think that kids might connect with this book because they too struggle with reading.  But some may also read this book because it is written by a famous football player.  I give this book 5 stars!

Ravi's Roar by Tom Percival

From Goodreads, 

"This engaging book in the Big Bright Feelings series is a clever take on temper tantrums.

Ravi never minded being the smallest in his family. Until one day, his short arms can't reach the monkey bars, he can't find anyone during hide-and-seek, AND he's too little to ride the big slide. Ravi is so mad--so furious--that he can't control his temper anymore . . .

. . . and he becomes a ferocious, roaring TIGER!

Being a tiger is great. Tigers can do anything they want! But who wants to play with a growling, wild tiger who won't share or behave? Ravi is about to discover something very important about voicing his feelings.

The Big Bright Feelings picture books provide kid-friendly entry points into emotional intelligence topics--from being true to yourself, to worrying, to anger management, to making friends. These topics can be difficult to talk about. But these books act as sensitive and reassuring springboards for conversations about mental and emotional health, positive self-image, building self-confidence, and managing feelings."

Goodreads - Ravi's Roar

We are nearing the end of the picture books that came in my Scholastic book box.  There are only 2 more after this one.  That being said, this book focuses on anger and how a kid can deal with it. 

Ravi's Roar is the story of a boy named Ravi.  Ravi is too small and always misses out on things because he is so small.  Page by page he gets angrier and angrier until he turns into a tiger.  Once Ravi is a tiger everyone gives him what he wants and he gets to do all things he couldn't when he was just a boy.  Will Ravi learn his lesson and learn to control his anger? 

This book really sent some mixed messages.  The book is about a boy who gets angry and he turns into a tiger.  At this point, there were two messages I got and they were very mixed.  One was that as a kid if you throw a fit you will get what you want.  Ravi gets angry, turns into the tiger, and gets what he wants because everyone is scared of him.  The other message was that as a kid you need to learn how to control your anger or else no one will want to play with you.  These messages are very contradicting of each other.  This book implies that you can manipulate people to get what you want if you just get angry.  I don't know how kids would take this book and the message in this.  Maybe as an adult, I'm reading too far into the message of this book. 

I did not like this book.  I didn't like the message in this book as it had mixed messages.  I give this 1 star.  It would fit best in an elementary classroom, but I think an adult should definitely talk to the students about anger and managing it. 

The Couch Potato by Jory John

From Goodreads, 

"The Couch Potato has everything he needs within reach of his sunken couch cushion. But when the electricity goes out, Couch Potato is forced to peel himself away from the comforts of his living room and venture outside. And when he does, he realizes fresh air and sunshine could be just the things he needs..."

Goodreads - The Couch Potato

I'm still reading and reviewing the books that Scholastic sent me.  I actually read this book to a class of 6th graders when I received my book box.  I laughed my entire way through the book and kept making mental notes of all the amazing ways I could use this in my classroom. 

The Couch Potato is the story of a couch potato who doesn't want to ever leave his couch.  He has all the coolest gadgets to ensure he doesn't have to get up to get anything or do anything.  But one day the electricity goes out and the couch potato must get up and DO something.  Will he be a couch potato forever? 

The figurative language in this book is insane.  While I was reading it aloud I was cracking up with all the puns that were in the story and even in the illustrations.  This book is packed with puns, alliteration, and personification.  The puns were all potato-related and every single one was absolutely hilarious.  This would be a fun book to kick off a figurative language unit or to use to teach puns in particular.  This book also packs a pretty positive message for kids today.  We all need to get away from electronics and get outside.  Kids are so glued to their phones or computers or the television that they don't know how to play outside and have fun like a normal kid.  Being a "couch potato" can have a negative impact on relationships with others, our health, and our mental state.  At the end of the book, it even comments that it's okay to be a couch potato but to not do it every day.  

The only negative thing I have to say about this book is that there are pages and illustrations that you need to see to really understand the joke or that it is talking about different items.  On one page the couch potato is referencing the different electronic devices that he has, but he never says the name.  He says things like, "See? I have this. And this. And this. And one of those...." This continues as there are pictures on the page that go along with the story.  It's just one of those things that you need to see so it makes sense as it is being read.  

I really enjoyed this book and plan to use it next year during my figurative language unit.  I hope my students enjoy the puns as much as I did!  I give this 5 stars. 

Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd

From Goodreads, 

"A coming-of-age middle-grade graphic novel featuring a girl with severe allergies who just wants to find the perfect pet!

At home, Maggie is the odd one out. Her parents are preoccupied with getting ready for a new baby, and her younger brothers are twins and always in their own world. Maggie loves animals and thinks a new puppy to call her own is the answer, but when she goes to select one on her birthday, she breaks out in hives and rashes. She's severely allergic to anything with fur!

Can Maggie outsmart her allergies and find the perfect pet? With illustrations by Michelle Mee Nutter, Megan Wagner Lloyd uses inspiration from her own experiences with allergies to tell a heartfelt story of family, friendship, and finding a place to belong."

Goodreads - Allergic

As a teacher, my biggest goal is to get kids to pick up books and read them.  Many of my kids want to read graphic novels.  This is great because they are reading, but there are definite downfalls.  Graphic novels lack the details and depth that's present in a novel.  The entire book is made up of pictures in a comic book style which makes the book "longer", but there's less actual reading.  That being said, I'm here to review this book which was sent to me from Scholastic!

Allergic tells the story of a girl named Maggie and her desire to own a dog.  But once she picks out a dog and they are ready to start the adoption, she suffers from a severe allergic reaction.  Maggie soon finds out that she is allergic to feather and fur dander which means she can't own a pet with feathers or fur.  Maggie soon sets out on a quest to find the perfect pet, while also navigating a new school and the upcoming arrival of a new baby in the family. 

This book was cute enough for a graphic novel.  As I mentioned before I have a real love-hate relationship with graphic novels.  The illustrations were the high point of this book.  There were some small details in them that really pulled the book together.  Unfortunately, I felt like the storyline had a little to be desired.  I feel like a lot of kids won't connect with the allergy storyline.  But there was also the storyline of getting a new sibling, starting at a new school, and the unspoken anxiety present in Maggie.  It felt like a lot crammed into one book, but never really being hit on real hard.  I would have loved to have read more on the anxiety take and how Maggie learned to manage it.  I think more kids suffer from anxiety than allergy problems, and I think having the management and coping techniques would have been wonderful for kids to read about.  But many kids can connect with the desire to get a pet, and I think that was probably the only winning point of this book. 

This book was good, but it just wasn't up my alley.  I think I will have many fifth graders who will enjoy it once I'm able to open my library up again next school year.  I would really enjoy a book that follows Maggie and focuses on her anxiety.  I give this 2 stars.  There wasn't anything necessarily wrong with this book.  I just don't like graphic novels and this one lacked the reading aspect present in a book. 

You Are Enough: A Book About Inclusion by Margaret O'Hair

From Goodreads, 

"A beautiful and inclusive picture book all about celebrating being yourself from Down syndrome advocate and viral sensation Sofia Sanchez!
It can be hard to be different-whether because of how you look, where you live, or what you can or can't do. But wouldn't it be boring if we were all the same? Being different is great! Being different is what makes you YOU.

This inclusive and empowering picture book from Sofia Sanchez-an 11-year-old model and actress with Down syndrome-reminds readers how important it is to embrace your differences, be confident, and be proud of who you are. Imagine all of the wonderful things you can do if you don't let anyone stop you! You are enough just how you are.

Sofia is unique, but her message is universal: We all belong. So each spread features beautiful, full-color illustrations of a full cast of kid characters with all kinds of backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.

This book also includes back matter with a brief bio of Sofia and her journey so far, as well as additional information about Down syndrome and how we can all be more accepting, more inclusive, and more kind."

Goodreads - You Are Enough

Welcome back to another week of reviewing books from Scholastic.  This week is a fun and motivational read about being enough, but also about inclusion.  

You Are Enough is a book about a young girl who has Down Syndrome.  She wants everyone to be included, and to know that no matter what difficulty they are facing, they are enough. 

This book has cute illustrations, but it lacks a true storyline.  The book was very repetitive with the message and it felt like the message dragged on longer than it should have.  This is more of a feel-good book than a story.  I think it would be an excellent book to use to teach inclusion.  It would also be great to use when teaching kids that some kids need different supports than others.  But I loved the information about Sofia Sanchez more than the book itself.  The beginning and end of the book has an informational piece about the girl this book is based on.  I wanted to read more of her story and her life than about her "inspirational message".  

The book had illustrations that included people and kids of all races and disabilities.  It pushes an important message of inclusion and being enough as you are.  This would best be used in a lower elementary classroom.  I give this 3 stars.  

Ten Little Birds by 123 Andres

From Goodreads, 

"Count to 10 and back again with Latin Grammy Award-winning children's musical duo 123 Andrés in this bilingual board book!

The popular song from 123 Andrés' Latin Grammy Award-winning album is cleverly and beautifully brought to life in this bright, bouncy board book! Each of the 10 birds is given a fun and silly personality, and children will love to follow along as each flies away -- and escapes a lurking kitty!

123 Andrés are gifted lyricists and storytellers, and this bilingual board book perfectly captures their energy and charm. Pura Belpré Illustration Honor recipient Sara Palacios's gorgeous illustrations elevate the text and make this book a must-have for any home or school library!"

Goodreads - Ten Little Birds

At the beginning of the school year, I applied to be a Scholastic Insider.  I was lucky enough to be picked a few years back and didn't expect to be selected this year.  But I found out around Christmas that I was selected.  But a few months passed with no word or news on when we would be getting our first book.  We finally got an email letting us know they were sending us a BOX of books to read and review.  I was beyond excited.  So over the next few weeks, I will be reading and reviewing the books I received.  Some are picture books, some are novels, and this book happens to be a board book!

Ten Little Birds is a counting book that is told in both English and Spanish.  One side of the page spread has strictly English, while the other side has strictly Spanish.  The book counts the birds as they fly away and then counts again when the birds return. 

This book is very much a Pre-K/Kindergarten level book.  I really like that it had the English and Spanish versions of the story.  This would be fantastic for students who are bilingual and are learning English as a second language.  It would really allow them to work on translating words.  This book is also great for counting.  It focuses on counting down by 2s as the birds fly away.  Then it counts up to how many original birds there were.  The illustrations are beautifully done and the birds stand out against the backgrounds and sky.  I also loved that the birds on the cover have a glossy finish while everything else had a matte finish.  It adds a nice little textile piece to the book.  This book is also based on a song and it could also easily be incorporated into a classroom.  

This book was very cute and would be perfect for toddlers or kindergarten students.  The book is short and it does lack a lot of "storyline", but it is perfect for what it is supposed to do: counting.  My first reaction was to give this book 2 stars because it's a children's book.  But I figured that I can't judge a book just because it isn't a young adult book.  On that note, I will give this 4 stars.  It was an adorable book and would be perfect for young children.  

Ground Zero by Alan Gratz

From Goodreads, 

"In time for the 20th anniversary of 9/11, bestselling author Alan Gratz delivers a breathtaking, multifaceted, and resonant look at this singular event in US history -- and how it still impacts us today.
It's September 11, 2001. Brandon, a 9-year-old boy, goes to work for the day with his dad . . . at the World Trade Center in New York City. When two planes hit the towers, Brandon and his father are trapped inside a fiery nightmare as terror and confusion swirl around them. Can they escape -- and what will the world be like when they do?
In present-day Afghanistan, Reshmina is an 11-year-old girl who is used to growing up in the shadow of war, but she has dreams of peace and unity. When she ends up harboring a wounded young American soldier, she and her entire family are put in mortal danger. But Reshmina also learns something surprising about the roots of this endless war.
With his trademark skill and insight, Alan Gratz delivers an action-packed and powerful story of two kids whose lives connect in unexpected ways, and reminds us how the past and present are always more linked than we think."

Goodreads - Ground Zero

I have become a huge fan of Alan Gratz and his books.  I read Allies a year ago and devoured the book in one sitting.  Gratz has a way of telling a story that keeps you turning the page and wanting more.  He weaves voices together to paint a full picture of the story he is telling.  When I heard that he was releasing a book about 9/11 I was beyond excited.  9/11 was a major historical event.  To this day I do an empathy unit in my classroom as we discuss what happened that day and I tell my students where I was that day and the impact that it had on my life.  This story is the perfect example of an event happening and the aftermath that it caused on everyone. 

Ground Zero is told in two alternating time periods by alternating people.  One story is told by a boy named Brandon who was in the North Tower on September 11th.  Brandon had gotten in trouble at school and had to go to work with his dad that day.  Brandon's dad worked as a chef in the restaurant on the top floor of the North Tower.  Brandon decided to sneak away to buy a new pair of Wolverine gloves after Brandon accidentally broke a friend's pair.  While on the elevator to buy the gloves, the elevator shakes and shudders.  Brandon is soon fighting for his life.  The other story is told by a young girl named Reshmina who lives in present-day Afghanistan.  Reshmina has experienced loss in her life and her family tries to stay safe and protected from the Taliban.  Reshmina worries that her brother will run away to join the Taliban like so many other boys from her village have done.  But one day there are soldiers in the village searching for weapons, and one of the soldiers is an American.  An attack takes place and the American soldier is soon unable to see and asking for help.  Reshmina decides to help the soldier which then puts her entire family in danger.  The entire book is a game of who will survive and who won't make it to see the next day. 

I was initially super irritated at Reshmina's storyline.  The entire time I felt like it had nothing to do with the 9/11 storyline.  I felt like Reshmina's story was dull and boring.  Of course there were exciting things happening, but her storyline just felt out of place in the book.  There were numerous times that I just wanted to skip her chapters and read only Brandon's.  Brandon's story kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.  I wanted to know if Brandon was going to safely get out of the North Tower before the collapse.  And if he did make it out I wanted to know if the people he was escaping with were going to make it too.  I felt like I was living through the actual events that happened that day.  But the entire time I was tired of Reshmina's story until I got to the end of the book.  I realized this was a wrap-around story.  I was blown away by how Gratz connected the two stories in such a flawless fashion.  I loved that surprise twist, but I think I would have also enjoyed just Brandon's story too.  My biggest problem with Gratz's writing style is that I always fall in love with a specific story and just want one piece instead of multiple pieces and viewpoints. 

I don't have any major complaints about this book.  But I will say that I was a little shocked by some of the graphicness of events.  I read Allies and wasn't bothered with people being shot, killed, burned to death, etc.  But there was something about this story that unsettled me.  I think it was because I was alive when this happened and because there are so many videos posted from that day.  One of the big things that really caught me off guard was when Brandon made it to the main lobby and they were being redirected to a different area.  Gratz really hit on the point that people were jumping and that there were bodies all outside of the towers.  It felt like a really graphic moment for a young adult book.  

I really enjoyed this book.  As I mentioned earlier, I would have loved to have had just Brandon's story.  Once the book was over I was okay with Reshmina's story and how they all connected, but I think having just Brandon's story would have been really good.  I also think it would have been really intriguing to have it told from multiple viewpoints much like Allies was told.  I think we could have had viewpoints, thoughts, and discussions from people who were above the impact zone or were making the decision to jump or to stay.  It would have made it a much more intense novel.  I think that anyone who was alive for 9/11 is going to enjoy this book.  I easily give it 5 stars.