Review: The Art of Being Normal

The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Two transgender teenagers from Britain each trying to be who they really are. Leo Denton, born as Megan, has just started a new school and end up bravely punching out the school bully. David Piper, a grade 10 student, grapples with how to come out to his parents and friends that he knows he is a girl. All parties believe him to be gay, but what will they think when he reveals his true self? Told from each David & Leo's perspective, and demonstrates the importance of why people need to start educating themselves and children about people going through these hard life transitions and the support they need. I rated this book highest on Goodreads because it was tastefully told with no language that is offensive, which is hard to come by these days in YA fiction. A book that should be available to students in middle and high school.

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Review: Orbiting Jupiter

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

I was immediately pulled into this book. Jack (12) narrates the story about Joseph (14). Jack's parents' foster Joseph who has been in juvenile detention centers and has been abused by both his father and other juveniles. Joseph is also a father at the age of 13. Be ready with a box of tissues and a roller coaster of emotions while reading this short yet deep text. It will not disappoint, and it will leave you with wanting to talk about the book long after you finish it.

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Review: Do Princesses Boogie?

Do Princesses Boogie? by Carmela LaVigna Coyle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Follow main character, Princess, as she jumps, wiggles and boogies throughout the book. Young pre-school age children will enjoy this book's rhythm as they can clap along and move and grove. A sweet book about having a great attitude!

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Review: The Art of Secrets

The Art of Secrets by James Klise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author James Klise writes an intriguing book about the Kahn's, a Pakistani family, who are the victims of arson. Klise tells their story using multiple perspectives. Saba, daughter of the Kahn's attends a prestigious high school in Chicago. Two siblings, Kevin & Kendra Spoon, organize an auction which will help raise money for the Kahn's to try to rebuild their life. There are also e-mails, texts and newspaper articles which are used throughout the book as well. The twists and turns will stay with the reader long after finishing the book. I imagine great discussion in the classroom at the conclusion of this novel. Students will question characters in the book and truly think about the consequences of one's actions & motives. An excellent read for students in grades 7-10.

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Review: Kuma-Kuma Chan's Home

Kuma-Kuma Chan's Home by Kazue Takahashi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A cute and charming tale about a young boy who visits his friend Kuma-Kuma Chan. This is no ordinary friend, but a little bear! The boy and bear spend the day together and pre-school age children will surely love the idea about what a bear does all day in his home. A fun read aloud that will spark a lot of discussion with young minds!

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Review: The Most Magnificent Thing

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

A great book to read aloud with children. A lesson to be learned about taking one's time and what to do when you get frustrated. Children will relate to this young girl who is trying her best to build what she sees in her mind. Funny animal characters incorporated within the book to give a good giggle as well!

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Review: Cici Reno #MiddleSchoolMatchMaker

Cici Reno #MiddleSchoolMatchMaker by Kristina Springer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Cici Reno is a terrific friend who gives great advice! The book begins as the summer is ending and Cici is reunited with her best friend Aggie. They have been apart most of the summer, and when Aggie returns WOW has Aggie changed! Cici doesn't want to see her friend differently because of all the physical changes, but Aggie looks a lot older than Cici and is getting a lot of attention from boys. Aggie is a shy girl who only has eyes for one boy, but she cannot come up with the courage to talk to him. Have no fear, Cici will use her terrific communication skills to get these two together! Nothing could go wrong, right?!?! This book was fun to read and author Kristina Springer's tie to Cici's love for Yoga is fun and will get girls thinking about true friendship, girl code and how to relax.

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