Review: The Kidney Hypothetical: Or How to Ruin Your Life in Seven Days

The Kidney Hypothetical: Or How to Ruin Your Life in Seven Days by Lisa Yee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book, and I'm glad I read it before shelving! A fast read with short chapters and enough of a story to keep it moving. I will only mark this book HS/YA for my middle school readers who are much more advanced and mature. While the content is innocent in nature the overuse of some language could be bothersome. However mild in nature compared to a lot of YA books. Told from a senior boy's perspective who has lived the life his parents have wanted and in the shadow of his deceased brother until he meets Monarch who helps him see who he really is. This book is light and funny, yet with enough weight to consider one's own path in life.

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Review: Because of Mr. Terupt

Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I waited entirely too long to read this book. I have heard so many great things about it, but it always got pushed aside. Mr. Terupt, a brand new teacher, and his class of 5th graders are chronicled throughout the school year. Told from multiple perspectives of male and female students who are struggling with interpersonal relationships. Mr. Terupt is the type of teacher who lets things happen and wants students to learn by their mistakes. With a shocking twist during the book, these students will grow more than ever. There is too much to write about without ruining the book, but I believe this should be a required reading of elementary students.

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Review: Archie, Vol. 1: The New Riverdale

Archie, Vol. 1: The New Riverdale by Mark Waid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm a huge Archie comic book fan so some might not agree with my 5 star rating. However reading this brought me back to when I was a kid and my grandparents would let me pick out Archie comic books at the drug store. This version gives Archie and the gang a modern day look. Same old Archie, clumsy and fun. Story begins with Archie & Betty broken up, and teasers follow, but you will find out why. Veronica is also introduced as well as Jughead Jones's backstory. A fun read about all of the kids in Riverdale.

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Review: Drama

Drama by Raina Telgemeier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This graphic novel takes place during Callie's 8th grade school year. She has found a love for theater and is in stage crew. This book is full of drama both figuratively and literally. These are a new group of characters that Raina Telgemeier has created and are different from those readers have been used to from Sisters and Smile. Personally this book was my favorite of the 3 she has written.

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Review: Smile

Smile by Raina Telgemeier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great graphic novel where the author brings their own tragedies to life using humor. Raina, a sixth grader, has an accident where she severely inures her two front teeth. The reader will follow her on a long journey of braces and headgear! That's not the only thing focused on the book - all of the fun of being a sixth grader: friends, boys & life in general.

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Review: Because of Mr. Terupt

Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I waited entirely too long to read this book. I have heard so many great things about it, but it always got pushed aside. Mr. Terupt, a brand new teacher, and his class of 5th graders are chronicled throughout the school year. Told from multiple perspectives of male and female students who are struggling with interpersonal relationships. Mr. Terupt is the type of teacher who lets things happen and wants students to learn by their mistakes. With a shocking twist during the book, these students will grow more than ever. There is too much to write about without ruining the book, but I believe this should be a required reading of elementary students.

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Review: El Deafo

El Deafo by Cece Bell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cece Bell writes a graphic novel based on her own childhood experiences growing up deaf. I particularly like how Cece allows for the reader to understand her emotions and what it feels like being around others who ask questions that make her feel bad about being deaf. A good reminder to teach our children how to talk to people with disabilities - not treating them like they have a disability. This book will make you laugh out loud and see how El Deafo truly is a super hero! Another great graphic novel showing how any type of reading a child does is good reading! Enjoy!

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Review: Wonder

Wonder by R.J. Palacio
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

I cannot believe it took me so long to read this book. EVERY child and adult should read this heartwarming, heartbreaking and amazing book. There's too much to say without getting "into" it and ruining it for those who haven't. The moment you start, you won't be able to put it down. Palacio writes her characters so perfectly that one actually feels like they know Auggie and everyone in his world. Wonder is the type of book that fully opens your heart and charges the reader to continue with its message.

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