One Chapter

Pizza and Taco: Too Cool for School by Stephen Shaskan

5 stars Children’s Graphic Novel

I think everyone can relate to this book. This book is another one of my favorites in this series. Just thinking about it makes me laugh! Were you one of the cool kids in school or not? Did you know a cool kid? How did you feel about them? This book is about being cool and well, are the cool kids really cool or not?

It’s the first day of school and Pizza is excited!! He has the Freddy the Fire Truck backpack with Super Siren sounds which he feels will make him the coolest kid at school. Whoops, that’s wrong. Since Taco is his friend, Taco believes Pizza’s backpack will make them BOTH the coolest kids at school.

There’s excitement on the playground before school and ha, Pizza thinks the other kids heard about his backpack and they’re all excited about it. I love this. Isn’t that how kids feel? Honestly, the besties find out there is a new kid at school, a cool kid named B.L.T. these initials get Pizza going as he wants some initials too but…….not appropriate for Pizza.

As the friends meet the new student, Cheeseburger joins in as they discuss Pizza’s new backpack. Wow, lots of emotions here as the friends are confused over what is cool and what is not.

Awed by the new student and his “coolness” they become like sheep and follow him throughout the day being “cool”. I liked how Pizza and Taco tried to change their image and be cool and how they struggled to maintain it.

At the end of the day, they realized things about themselves and B.L.T., that put things into perspective.

A super cute book with some great life lessons in it. I love all the different text fonts used throughout the book and the illustrations were fantastic. The story is one that most individuals can relate to, on one level or another. Great puns and a book that will leave you smiling. 5+ stars

Pizza and Taco: Best Party Ever! by Stephen Shaskan

5 stars Children’s Graphic Novel

I’m not sure who enjoys these books more, my grandchildren or me? Every time I read one of these books, which is every weekday, they make me laugh. We have purchased every book in this series and are awaiting the new book this fall. Pizza and Taco are great friends who have their moments together but, in the end, they realize how much they like each other, and they know that’s what really matters. There’s a life lesson squeezed into each book but if you’re not looking for it, you just might miss it.

In Pizza and Taco’s Best Party Ever, the friends are bored and don’t have anything to do. They “think, think, think” about some options but nothing ends up being fun until the idea of having a party, pops into their minds, at the same time. Of course, Taco is ready to make the list of what they need, so with Pizza’s pen and Taco’s paper, they get down to work planning the perfect party.

If you’ve read the other books in the series, you will pick up on the reference to some of their comments in this book but if you haven’t, you’re not lost as the illustrations and the text will fill you in. With their list complete, it’s time to get working on the party!

I think this is one of my favorites in this series. They had planned their party out, they thought they had planned every detail of their party, yet it seems like everything started to crumble as they tried to execute their plans. It was supposed to be “awesome!” “yaaas!” but “ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!” their plans are met with disaster. The look on their faces was hilarious!

I loved how they pushed themselves through, repeatedly, trying to make the best of the situation just to get through the party. They’re trying to make the party fun and entertaining even though their plans are history.

With short chapters, a text that’s easy to follow and a great storyline, these stories are fun to read and are a great book for beginner readers. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and busy but aren’t bursting with unnecessary details. Other readers will enjoy them for the humor and illustrations. A great series that my grandchildren and I really enjoy.

School Trip by Jerry Craft

4.5 stars Middle School Graphic Novel

They’re off to Paris! If you liked the first two graphic novels by Jerry Craft, you’ll want to pick up book three in this series, as the group is now headed to Paris to close out their last year in junior high. You can also read this book as a stand alone as the author does give the reader some details about the characters to help you feel connected.

I enjoyed the variety of characters that were included in this book and their different walks of life. This diversity made the book more interesting, and entertaining. In junior high, there are those students who settle into groups (or packs) and then, there were those students who walk alone. Nothing changes as excitement fills the air. The teens are looking forward to their end-of-the-year trip. The tension and division that the classmates felt during the school year felt significate and factual but that soon changes as they begin to realize what’s really important.

The supportive staff are excited about being the tour guides but at the last minute, their plans are upended. So much for having things all planned out. I thought this twist of events was excellent as it put the adults on the same playing field as the students. As each group arrives at their destination, the unfamiliarity and the excitement of the situation affects everyone. It’s like their senses have come alive to embrace what’s in front of them.

As they walked the streets of Paris, this alternative was the best option for them. They saw Paris for what it was. From the bathrooms to how friendly everyone was, they realize many things about themselves and life. No longer was Paris just a city in a movie or a picture in a book, they were actually experiencing Paris with their own eyes! I liked how the characters started to change. Their own observations on how their trip went at the end of their trip was a great way to wrap up this experience. This wasn’t just an educational trip for the students. This trip didn’t go according to plan, yet everyone enjoyed themselves and had a good time. I feel that everyone left their better person, even the supportive staff.

Another great graphic novel by Jerry Craft which touches on a variety of issues that teens encounter. 4.5 stars I want to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for my copy of this book that I received in exchange for an honest opinion #SchoolTrip

“In France, we work in order to live. But in America, it seems you live in order to work.”

The Ferryman by Justin Cronin

5 stars Sci Fi

Oh, my word! I’m not one to read much science fiction but when I do, I seem to reach for some fantastic ones. The synopsis for this one sounded perfect but the page-length looked too daunting but let me tell you, this book did not drag. It did take me a while to get into the flow of the story but then, I needed to know more about this new world and the individuals who lived there.

This book centers around an interesting concept as a barrier separates these citizens from the rest of the world. The community is further separated into islands based on their function. As you can imagine, this is a controlled environment and productivity is monitored. High productivity is key to remaining on the island of Prospera. Wealthy educated individuals live here and you must continue be a productive asset to the community to secure your existence. Should your monitor show low productivity, you’ll become retired. The Ferryman will then escort you to one of the other islands, which is called the Nursery and your existence on Proapera is no longer. I thought of the Nursery as being a place where individuals get rehauled. Call it a transformation but who knew what really happened while individuals lived at the Nursery. They did know that who you were when you landed at the Nursery was not who eventually left that island. When all the alternations are complete, a new teenager with a new body and mind will be transported back to Prospera. Back on Prospera, this teenager would reside with some of the residents, learning how their community works and growing up to become a high performing adult. There is a third island where individuals work to maintain the upkeep of all the islands. Annex keeps this community functioning.

Our Ferryman is Proctor. Proctor’s mother had a tragic death and it’s during one of Proctor’s shifts that he’s to take his own father to the Nursery. I can’t imagine doing that myself, but this is Proctor’s job and it’s during this trip that his father says something to him that really affects Proctor. I’m not going into much more detail but the whole concept around this book, the characters, and the implications this book has really makes this book so enjoyable. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Random House Publishing in exchange for an honest opinion. 5 stars

I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005: The Graphic Novel

5 stars Graphic Novel

They were headed out, that was their intention but sometimes things don’t always go as planned. It was a mandatory evacuation, and they were going. If they could make it.

Barry had just finished creating a comic adventure with Jay. This piece was going to win them first prize in a contest, they were sure of that. They had plans to split the cash prize but now with the storm coming, Barry had Akivo, their winning piece, in his possession until he could drop it off in the mail. Most individuals were taking this storm seriously. Jay’s family was headed to Birmingham while Barry’s family would head towards Houston. Their neighbor Abe was told to head out with his grandma to a safe spot but lately, Abe did what he wanted. Since his dad left, Abe had changed. He claimed his new dog Cruz was a killer dog and by the time this storm was over, Barry would know firsthand if Abe was correct about his dog.

Barry’s family headed out along with hundreds and thousands of other individuals. Bumper to bumper traffic on the road and then, Barry’s sister Cleo gets sick and the family heads back home. They’ll ride the storm out at home, they decide. Overnight the storm pounds the house. By morning, the water rushes into their home, flooding everything. The family moves upstairs but so does the water. The family moves into the attic and soon, the water is lapping at their feet. The intensity and urgency can be felt as the family moves quickly and must think on their feet to keep themselves safe.

Holding onto their roof, the family feels somewhat relieved until Barry falls into the swirling water around them. He’s immediately swept away as his family calls for him. Panic and desperation mounds! Barry’s trying to grab onto anything that’s floating nearby but he’s coming up with nothing substantial. As he finds a tree and gets comfortable, he looks around and sees a large building headed towards him! Stay in the tree or jump back into the water? Both options can be deadly but what else can he do?

There are times when the story relaxes a bit, but the intensity of the situation was still there. I liked how the ending centered on the characters and when Barry reflected on himself. The ending answered many of the questions I had as I read this story. The graphics in this story followed the story and the illustrations provided enough detail without overdoing it. It was a great graphic novel. At the back of the book there was more information discussing Hurricane Katrina that should be looked at too. 5 stars

Midnight is the Darkest Hour by Ashley Winstead

4.5 stars Thriller

That was definitely a ride! A twisted-up mess of murder, lies, secrets but it was oh, so good. Ruth, the pastor’s daughter, has been caught up in the middle of all of it, and who would have known. Everett has a history and together with Ruth, they are Dangerous with a capital D.

Everett came to the aid of shy, lonely Ruth and there was no turning back. They thought that they had hid the body well enough but when a skull surfaces and the police are called to investigate, they start to get nervous. More questions pop up when this skull is traced to a business owner whose family is now missing. Symbols located close to the tragic site have librarian staff wondering about their symbolism. Is there some type of spiritual evil amongst them? Or something else?

I liked how this story had some layers to it and the characters were on shaky ground themselves. Everett has fallen for Ruth, and I felt like Ruth was playing Everett along, because they had after all, killed, and hid a body together. Ruth was also dating Barry, who wanted to marry her. Barry knew nothing of this other side of Ruth. What a catch Ruth was turning out to be.

Everett’s behavior stemmed from his childhood but as time went on, having someone like Ruth with him, just encouraged it. I felt the energy and power that Ruth felt when she was with Everett. No longer the shy and timid person, Ruth was on fire. The two of them acted together not just for their benefit but to help others too. They were seekers of the truth, for they wanted answers, and nothing would stop them. The ending of this book, I thought was great. 4.5 stars

Frank & Red by Matt Coyne

5 stars Fiction

He was a loner until the day Red moved in. His wife of 45 years has died, and his previous neighbor was now in a care center. Frank still talks with his wife although she is not there physically as he feels that her ghost is present which is calming to him. Her ghostly presence gives Frank ideas and assists him in his daily life. Frank never ventured far from his home, thence he relied on neighbors for assistance. His son lives not too far away but let’s just say their relationship is estranged. Red seemed to annoy Frank when he moved in with his mother next to Red. It was the noise of the springs on the trampoline he jumped on, the constant questions Red hammered Frank with or just the presence of the little boy outside his window. Red was too much for Frank.

Red hopes that his parents will get back together and it’s a tough adjustment going to a new school and living without his father. Red opens up to Frank about his life and Frank talks to Red a little more openly than he really should which lands Red in some hot water at school. Expelled from school, mom can’t take time off from her new job to stay home with Red so Frank is in charge of Red for the week. I imagined all the conversations and situations the two of them would get into. I had a feeling they wouldn’t be able to last a week together.

Boy, I was wrong. The week turned out better than I had anticipated although the beginning was a bit rough. Frank remembered what it was like being a father and Red liked being around Frank as he was an older guy and Red is a very mature kid for his age. Red discovered some information about Frank’s relationship with his son while he stayed with him. A difficult topic for Frank, Red pushed Frank for information. Red is the curious type and I think he feels he can help Frank. I liked how Red was persistent in getting Frank to talk about his son as I think some of his persistence stems from the breakup of his own family. I think Frank and Red learned some great lessons as they try to heal their families. A cute story about family, friendships, and life in general, you’ll enjoy the relationship of Red and Frank.

“ I forgot how lucky I was to have had you for so long.”

Louder Than Hunger by John Schu

5 stars YA/ Middle School

The nonstop talking.

The control.

It consumed him, it consumed his time.

Yet, he knew no different.

He’s got nothing else.

It’s his companion.

Telling him how to act, how to feel.

And he believes it.

Because he has nothing else.

It all started in seventh grade, and it has escalated since. Middle school stole the life that was once Jake’s and handed it over to the voice that now controls him. In seventh grade, Jake had more bad days than good and he wanted to vanish forever. In eighth grade, as his peers formed their circles, Jake was isolated. Like vultures, the groups would attack their prey, bullying Jake and his tears would fall. With no outlet, Jake began hiding from everyone and internalizing the taunts hurled at him and his own feelings. As the negative chattering flowed, Jake began to believe them, and his inner voice drowned out the rest of the world and took control. Jake had finally found a friend. Someone who seemed to care for him and told him what to do.

This was such a sad reality. To think that he spiraled down because no one was there to lift him up. Written in free verse, this book packs a powerful punch as the words flow across the page. The voice screams to be heard and Jake listens. The outside world produces a mixed choir if Jake could just sift out the beauty and leave the haters to wallow amongst themselves. His inner voice became more demanding, more negative, and louder as time continued and Jake responded. “not enough exercise, you’re growing bigger!” yet Jake was vanishing before everyone’s eyes. Going into therapy, the voice still hammered on as Jake tries to battle between what the therapist wants and what the voice is dictating to him. There are serious results when the tests come back, yet the voice dismisses their diagnosis. The voice is the only one who knows the truth (it believes). The voice is Jake’s friend and his companion, and these therapists are just doctors doing their jobs. Jake needs a miracle which might be standing right in front of him. The relationship that Jake has with his grandmother and the love that he has for her might just be the firepower he needs to battle the voice. Jake needs motivation and support to quiet the voice which has claimed his life. Based on the author’s life, this book is powerful and pulls at your emotions. 5 stars

Ferris by Kate DiCamillo

4 stars Children’s Fiction

Blended, that’s what it is. When I think about this book, blended comes to mind as this word describes exactly how the characters are. They’re a group of individuals whose stories need to be told, for they each are different, yet they all need each other. It’s a story that you won’t forget, one that will leave you smiling and one that might have you grabbing the tissue box.

It’s the end of fifth grade and Emma, a.k.a. Ferris, is about to have the most memorable summer she’s ever had. Emma house is full. It houses her immediate family and other members of her extended family. Grandma Charisse lives with them and according to grandma, there’s also a ghost that’s a resident in the house. Ferris claims she hasn’t seen the ghost, but Boomer seems to have as the dog’s behavior has been questionable when grandma states the ghost is present. Her Uncle Ted lives in the basement where he is working on his painting. Ted has split up with his wife and this “painting’ is consuming his life. Like everyone else, as Ted talks about this world history painting, I’m visualizing an amazing masterpiece. When we’re finally able to gaze upon his work, my expectations fell. Pinky, is Ferris’ little sister and she is just hilarious. Her spunk and demeanor made me LOL, as she acts mature, but her ambitions and desires are not typical for a six-year-old child. With a desire to be an outlaw, Pinky language and tactics are comical and get her into some difficult situations. Ferris’ best friend Billy loves music, which is great, but he plays the same song over and over. It becomes comforting and he fits right in with the rest of Ferris’ unique family.

I found that I liked Mrs. Mielk, she was one of Ferris’ teachers who had them memorize words and the different parts of them. Ferris frequently uses “Mrs. Mielk words” in his daily life, as he finds them useful and helpful in his life. Little did Mrs. Mielk know how much of an impact she was making on the future lives of her students. Life is what happens inside this book. Ferris wants to help his grandma with the ghost and he’s also trying to understand what is going on with his uncle in the basement. The little outlaw in his family and his best friend, the talented musician, adds excitement and drama to the household. It’s a family affair, comical at times but always with love. Does anyone have 40 candles? Ha.

“I think that’s where the music from. From her singing to me. And that’s why I don’t feel lonely for her. Because she’s here all the time. In the music.”

The It Girl by Ruth Ware

5 stars Thriller

Guilty! Or was he? Written in dual time periods, this book tells the story of Hannah and her friend April. Traveling back-and-forth in time, the story begins when Hannah was in college and fast-forwards to today, when Hannah is an adult. With characters that I was immediately drawn to, this story sucked me in. As Hannah walks onto the campus, the newness, the excitement, the apprehension, and the frailness for which she feels, you can’t help but hope for the best for her. She’s on unfamiliar territory but she was trying. She’s not outgoing but she’s determined to be successful. When she lands into the dorm room of April, I was worried. Here was April, a rich, spoiled, girl who liked to party rooming with studious Hannah. It was like mixing dirt and water.

Their relationship surprised me as the girls did more than tolerate one another, they helped each other. April pushed Hannah to go outside her boundaries and have fun while Hannah helped April see that not every day was a party. April still loved to party, and her unlimited cash flow made her popular among many. I feel that Hannah was envious of April’s lifestyle to a point, but she also saw how people treated April because of it. One night, Hannah finds April in their room dead. With a history of strange behavior, Hannah believes she knows who the killer is. With the police investigation and Hannah’s testimony, the killer is imprisoned.

Years later, the man has died in prison. The thoughts of her college years are once again, running through her head. Being hounded by interviews over the years, a new twist during an interview gets Hannah thinking. Did they convict the wrong man? Her husband tells Hannah to drop the issue, he was a college friend during this tragic event, but Hannah can’t get the thought out of her head. April was her closest friend, and she owes it to April to find the truth.

I liked the characters of April and Hannah. April was a spoiled child, yet she was generous, and she wasn’t cocky. The sky was the limit, and she really didn’t know the word, “no” so she acted accordingly. She could have had a self-centered, pouty attitude but instead it was all about fun and living in the moment. This was what made her fun and was also her weakness. Hannah was the serious one who was worried about success. She could let her hair down and have fun but to a point and then, it was back to business. As Ruth takes us through this journey, we’re drawn to these girls as we see a bit about ourselves in them or we wish we were a bit more like them. As the story unwinds, we find ourselves in the shoes of the characters wondering what we’d be doing had we been there or directing the characters to what they should be doing. There was a lot of switching back and forth in this book between the two timelines, but it was well worth it.