YA – Page 3 – One Chapter

Dust by Alison Stine

5 stars YA

What if you lived your life without ______ every word that was spoken to ______? It’d be hard to fully engage _____ with others, as you’d have to either _____ what they said or just not ____ yourself in their conversation. Thea’s parents knew about her deafness, yet they did nothing to improve her situation. They had taught Thea to hide her impairment from others and so she had, missing out on bits and pieces of her life.

It’s her father’s rules that lands the family in the dust bowl. Her father saw opportunity, but did he really see the whole picture. It’s all around them……despair and dust. Every morning, the floor is coated before they give it a good sweep and the sandy pieces fall into every dish and surface, swallowing up their little house. Father wants them off the grid, he wants the family to be self-sufficient, but mother-earth has other plans. Experiencing her first dust storm, Thea becomes concerned with their new life and their future. Being isolated now, I liked how Thea began to take an active role in something, and she finally has something to focus on.

With money being tight, her father allows Thea and her mother to work outside the home. Thea’s boss sees a great opportunity and Thea meets Ray. Ray is a volunteer at the library, a wonderful guy, and is hearing impaired. To think that in this little dessert town, in the middle of nowhere, she meets someone like herself, Thea is thrilled! Thea begins helping Ray and Sam as they help others in the community. Thea just shines, as she finally starts breaking out of her shell with the help of Ray until her father gets wind of what Thea has been up to.

“My dads anger stuck to us, like dirt that would never wash off.”

I enjoyed the character of Thea as she grew inside the pages of this book. Her father tried to squash her; to mold her to his liking but she saw life outside his vision and wanted more. How can she have the best of both worlds: her family and the friends for which she has craved for her entire life? 5 stars

Gone Wolf by Amber McBride

3.5 stars YA Science Fiction

Sometimes a book tries too hard for me, and I find myself just reading along as the book pushes me through the motions. I felt this book was doing some of that as the book painted the picture that I wanted to create on my own. Inmate Eleven is living out her life in her cell with her dog, who “goes wolf” within their cell. Pacing back and forth, her dog acts as if there is more out of life than the 4 walls that surround them. A Blue, Inmate Eleven learns that in reality, Blues are not inferior to the Clones and that her “friend” (a Clone) hasn’t been completely honest with her. Her dog is right, there is more to life than the 4 walls that surround them and now, Inmate Eleven is determined to free them.

Flipping to the present day, Imogen is in the middle of the pandemic. Imogen feels confined and overwhelmed as things start closing in on her. As she begins experiencing phobias, the need to get a handle on the situation becomes increasingly urgent. With only her therapist and her mother available, Imogen tries to come to grips with what is happening and gain control of the situation.

I did like the two timelines and how the author tried to link the two events. Both characters had to take control of their own situation to move forward from somewhere they didn’t want to be. This desire pushed and strengthened them. 3.5 stars

Being Toffee by Sarah Crossan

5 stars YA Prose

“Dad badgered me to
grow up
hurry up
shut up
stop being a baby
stop whining
stop moaning
act my age
act like an adult
quit with the crocodile tears,
as though
being a child was a serious problem
and something I could remedy.”

Allison lives with her father, staying in the shadows. You can feel her pain and her desire to be something more as her words fall across each page. Her father expects everything from her, and she tries but it just isn’t enough. Through the years, Allison has realized that the physical pain she has experienced hurts just as much as the emotional pain. The scars from both, last longer than their appearance.

When dad’s girlfriend suddenly takes off, dad’s emotions run high, leaving Allison in his path. The time has come, and Allison needs to make her move. Allison finds temporary shelter in a shed, one belonging to Marla. Allison is good at staying hidden, for she’s been invisible for years. Allison discovers that Marla has dementia, and she starts to form a friendship with her. Allison was very good with Marla, and I enjoyed their friendship. Allison was thriving under these different circumstances, but I knew it couldn’t last forever.

Allison longs to be a part of something but where and what will that be? Will her dad ever miss her and really need her? What will happen to her friendship with Marla? This book was much more than I had anticipated. I will definitely have to read more from this author! 5 stars

“I wasted a lot of time
waiting for my father to be a better person,
wondering if she could change…..

I should have used my time more wisely:
I could have counted the hairs on Sophie’s dog,
I could have emptied a swimming pool
with a spoon;
I could have memorized Shakespeare’s plays,
the sonnets too.”

“I am hiding my whole history ,
hoping I will forget it.
I am hiding everything from you.
If only I could hide it from myself.”

Quagmire Tiarello Couldn’t Be Better by Mylisa Larsen

5 stars Middle School

This book is a jewel. I loved the character of Quag with his resilience and insight. He remained upright while his mother spiraled around him. With a history of mental illness, Quag knew his mother, so he knew the signs. His mother would slowly start to lose control, and gradually, she would start spinning. Not physically spinning but spinning internally. Quag knew where his mother would eventually land, and this is what he feared. This was his mother, this was his life, this was the life that he was trying to hide.

It was during one of mom’s spin that Quag finds himself on his uncle’s farm. Not a place he wants to be but one that will change his life forever. A time for Quag.

This book was more than I anticipated. The characters were fantastic, and I enjoyed how this book transitioned. I’m glad I picked this one up. 5 stars

“Here are some bad surprises about country living. First, people get up earlier than any other people should ever get up for anything. Second, milk. Quag’s not a fool. He knew it came out of a cow. …. Now, that he’s a little more acquainted with the process, he may be off milk for the foreseeable future. This morning he poured Dr. Pepper on his cereal, which …..”

“The circumstances being that his own mom ditched him on the side of a road, that she is spinning hard.”

“They’re riding that same wild circle they always ride, and his mom, spinning, is the center of that circle.”

Tree. Table. Book. by Lois Lowry

5 stars Middle School Realistic Fiction

Writing a story is making spaghetti sauce, according to Sophie. When I read this, I knew this was going to be a story for me. Sophie Henry Winslow is eleven and her best friend is seven times as old as she is. Sophie Gershowitz, 77, is Sophie’s next-door neighbor and best friend. There’s neighbor Ralphie who lives across the street from the pair, and he goes to school with Sophie W.

I like the closeness that Sophie W. has with her friends. Ralphie and Sophie W. are close friends, yet Sophie W. says Sophie G. is her best friend. Ralphie helps Sophie W. stay grounded and since they’re the same age, they have more things in common. Sophie W. and Sophie G. share a unique bond. They’re close but I think their friendship is constructed with more maturity and compassion. These relationships are important for Sophie since her relationships at school have vanished away.

When Sophie G.’s son comes for a visit, Sophie W. discovers that it’s not just a social visit. Sophie W. hears talk that Sophie’s problem is getting worse and that he’ll be taking her to see the doctor. Sophie G. doesn’t understand what problem Sophie G. has but she knows she must do something. Sophie G. is too important for something to happen to her but what can she do?

Having a mother with dementia, I understood exactly what Sophie W. was trying to do when she talked to her parents and when she consulted the Merck. Sophie W. was determined to help her best friend and the feelings that she was having as she struggled to come to terms with the results were spot-on. Her emotions pulled at my heart as she felt powerless and small when reality started to sink in. So, Tree. Table. Book. Yup, this book hit home. I’m a huge Lois Lowry fan (The Giver is my favorite) and I felt that she created this book just for me. Thanks Lois! 5 stars ++

“Begin on the day that is different” – start your story with this day an author suggested, yet Sophie points out every day is different 😊

“And I think that learning from each other is one of the most important parts of friendship.”

Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy

5 stars Fiction

This was such a sweet story! I will definitely have to reread this one over and over again as I loved its simplicity and the way the story made me feel. The isolation of Helen, how Helen felt when she met Sipsworth and what Sipsworth brought to her and everyone around her. The story felt simple, but it was a powerful story, in its connections and its emotions.

Helen has just returned to her hometown after being overseas for 60 years. Eighty-year-old Helen had just purchased a cottage off the internet and was now making it her home. Something about an 80-year-old woman desire to accomplish this, amazed me. As the book processes, it has been three years, and it seems that Helen has led a secluded life in her new cottage. She watches the neighborhood and she’s alert but she’s not one to partake in life outside her walls.

It’s Friday and she’s noticing her neighbor’s hauling their garbage out to the curb. Garbage day is a big event for Helen as she has scored some big finds for herself out of her neighbor’s trash. There’s something in this week’s trash that sparks her curiosity and so, while no one is watching, Helen sneaks outside. There’s a fish tank which has other items with it. Afraid of missing out on any treasures, Helen takes everything and hauls it all home. I loved how this garbage triggered a memory, and we learned a bit about Helen and her past. Leaving the items in her yard to clean-up tomorrow, Helen gets ready for bed.

Helen hears something that night coming from her backyard. The anticipation was killing me, as I didn’t know what Helen might do. Upon discovering the mouse amongst the items that she rescued from her neighbor’s trash, Helen goes about setting it free. It should be over, it should be out of Helen’s mind now because yes, she set it free. Yet when it starts to rain, Helen can’t stop thinking about the mouse and its safety. I had to smile as I read, for Helen is a loving and caring soul and now, the mouse is her companion. Helen tries to relinquish control by calling the authorities, but her efforts are brief. All thoughts and activities now include the mouse and Helen makes accommodations for her new friend. Bringing this mouse into her life opens the door for Helen as her compassionate and kindness spreads to others around her.

I loved the way the author transitioned through the days; it was such a fantastic technique especially towards the end of the book. As the days passed, I felt the drama, energy, and seriousness of the events unfold. I can’t say enough about this book except read it!! Such a sweet story about friendships, community, and family. 5 stars+

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

What Happened to Rachel Riley? by Claire Swinarski

5 stars YA/Middle School

Imagine yourself being a new girl in 8^th grade. You’re in junior high, trying to fit in, and figuring out everything there is to know about this new life of yours. One of your teachers assigns an open-ended assignment which accounts for 85% of your final grade. That assignment: pick any social issue that’s not in the public’s eye, and that issue must matter to you. There are tons of topics that flooded through my head when I thought about this but for Anna, she could only come up with one: what happened to Rachel Riley?

Why Rachel Riley? Maybe it’s the fact that Rachel sits with her head shoved in her book, during lunchtime, totally isolated from everyone. Maybe it’s the fact that during “birthday cheers” in the assembly, the audience went silent when the principal read off Rachel Riley’s name. Even Anna, the new girl, was surprised when she received a few cheers from the audience when her name was called. Maybe it’s the fact that no one will mention Rachel Riley or acknowledge her. Maybe it’s the fact that last year, Rachel Ray was one of the popular girls at the school and she was even on the dance team. How can one of the most popular girls in school become invisible so quickly?

Anna’s teacher discourages her from using this topic but that doesn’t stop her. Being the new girl, Anna uses this to her advantage, as she approaches different individuals who she believes can offer her some insight. No one wants to divulge into the event(s) that have led to this yet with determination and skills Anna uncovers the clues.

I enjoyed how Anna took it upon herself to get to the heart of the matter. When adults and her peers told her to back off, she continued in her search for the truth. I felt that Anna could have taken a safer route, but she didn’t, which showed me what kind of an individual she was. I enjoyed the different formats used in the book as it gave authenticity to the storyline. The story brings up some excellent issues that middle-schoolers and sadly, even younger children experience today. This is a fantastic book that needs to be shared. 5 stars

Issues: bullying, sexual harassment, friendship, gender inequality,

Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow

5 stars YA Realistic Fiction

Read this! This book is fabulous! Although written about a subject we are unfortunately all too familiar with, this book has many laughable moments and moments where you where you want to reach inside the book and hug the characters. Imagine being 12 years old and moving into the National Quiet Zone. What is that? You’d be living in the only place in the United States without internet! No TV’s, cell phones, cable…..think about it. For Simon, this place sounds perfect as finally, the limelight will be off him for a change.

The story of his father’s Blessing of the Animals started the book off but this was just the beginning of the humor that fed through the story. As a Catholic Deacon, dad was trying to perform his duties when things got out of control and the inside of the church erupted in madness and disorder. Dad should have set up more boundaries but now, dad was unemployed, and Simon blamed the llamas for their move to Nebraska. Anxiety plagues Simon and I wondered as I read what caused this. Was his family plagued by bad accidents? Did something happen in his past? It’s as if Simon wants to remain invisible.

Simon meets Agate and she is a feisty character. In the National Quiet Zone, Simon finds that there is a lot of scientific research occurring. Without the internet, scientists can focus on the vast unknown areas of space without interference. When Simon meets Agate, he gets an education in space as she has done her research. Agate is one feisty individual and I loved her personality. She senses that something is wrong with Simon and that he is anxious. When she brought him a puppy, my heart soared, and I laughed as this new adventure with them began.

When Simon met Agate’s dog, I cracked up laughing as the dog retrieved a beer out the refrigerator by himself. As Simon stares, Agate tells Simon that it’s okay, “he only has one.” As a person who trains service dogs, Agate explains to Simon that her dog Todd doesn’t like pleasing people. What a hoot! Later, Ash Wednesday arrives and then comes the incident in the church with the consecrated host, I’m still laughing today about those.

Simon tries to move forward with his new life but every day moves him closer to the anniversary. How will he be able to survive the day? As the truth comes out, I’m lost for words as Simon tries to grasp the extent of being a survivor. Why or why me?

Wowza…. fantastic book that put me on a roller coaster. The fun-facts in the book were interesting and funny too, 5 stars!!!

Impossible Escape by Steve Sheinkin

5 stars YA History

“The Nazis were not really guarding Prisoners at Auschwitz. They were guarding the secret of their massive crimes.”

A story of survival turns into a story of bravery and honor as individuals take it upon themselves to reveal the reality of their daily lives. This mission of hope gives them strength, energy, and determination every day, as they live in an unimaginable nightmare in Nazi Germany. If only they could escape and share their story, other lives could be saved.

It was March of 1942 and I found myself getting to know a young teenager named Rudi. In its second year, World War II was far from being over and Rudi was determined to be a part of it. Armed with a plan, Rudi wanted to fight against Hitler, and he was going to do it his own way. He had to put his plan into motion soon before he was shipped off to who-knows-where with other Jewish boys. I was rooting for Rudi as he put his plan into motion. His plan had worked to some degree, as he covered quite a bit of ground in his travels. Unfortunately, Rudi got stopped and without any papers, his plan had come to an end.

As a prisoner now, Rudi became part of a group of prisoners that were forced to work in the Nazi gas chambers and crematoriums. Able to make friends easily, Rudi does his job well and he keeps his wits about him. I became a part of Rudi’s life as he explains his duties, the situation, and his surroundings. Death and disease are everywhere yet, Rudi’s eyes are open as he watches and observes everything around him. Details are important to Rudi as his head fills with the sights, sounds, and smells of Auschwitz. The gas chamber changing rooms were constructed like a bath house, giving the victims the hope that their lives were important. Hooks, signs, and fans awaited the prisoners as they walked in, only they didn’t realize that they would never walk out. Rudi knew after watching such despair and horror for two years in Auschwitz that something had to be done.

Rudi knew that he needed to make another plan. He needed to tell his own personal story of what he had witnessed firsthand to someone who could warn others. Rudi needed to return home. Rudi needed to return to the place that he once escaped from and give them an account of his past two years. He needed his message to spread as a warning so lives could be.

What a fantastic read! Between the journeys that Rudi tried to make, his time inside Auschwitz and the prisoners, I couldn’t put this book down. As I read Gerdi’s story, this Jewish teen had a different outlook on life as the war raged on. Rudi wanted to make a difference and he was willing to take some risks while Gerdi chose a more sheltered and safe approach to the war. Gerdi had some risks but on a different level than Rudi’s. Two friends, one war, and an uncertain future. 5 stars.