Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon

18. May 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Angie, Children's Books, History, NonFiction · Tags:

Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin, read by Angie on 05/18/2013

I am so glad narrative nonfiction is becoming the “in” thing because it is so much more interesting to read than boring old regular nonfiction! This book is as compelling as any novel I have read. Sheinkin did an amazing job researching the events and the people that led up to the creation of the bomb. I can’t imagine all the FBI files he had to read to get some of this stuff. In Bomb, he takes a look at how the Americans started the race to beat the Germans to the atomic bomb and how the Russians stole the plans. We get first-hand accounts of the events and what the people involved thought at the time. It was truly fascinating and hard to put down.

This is a 2013 Newbery Honor Book, the 2013 Sibert Medal Winner, and a 2012 National Book Award finalist.

Caddie Woodlawn

16. May 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Children's Books, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Kira · Tags:

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink, read by Kira on 05/14/2013

caddie

Tom-boy Caddie Woodlawn, is growing up on the froncaddytier in Wisconsin.

I really empathized with Caddie, when her Mom punished her harshly, but Not her brothers, because “she was a girl and should have known better”.  However, her father punishes the boys.

I liked the fact that when Caddie starts doing more domestic activities, that her brothers follow her, because they’re pals.

 

The author tells more and shows less, leading to a quaint, less accessible read.  The story got better as it progressed.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare.

09. May 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Kira, Romance · Tags:

The witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare., read by Kira on 05/08/2013

WitchBlackbird8 witchblvpwitch-of-blackbird-pondA delightful tale – Kit travels to Puritan New England from Barbedos, after her grandfather dies.  She must learn to adjust to new strict norms, but befriends an older Quaker woman (believed to be a witch) who lives out by Blackbird Pond.

I wish the book had more of an epilogue, I’m tempted to write one myself.

Wordle-The-Witch-of-Blackbird-Pond Dolphin map

The Borrowers

06. May 2013 · Comments Off · Categories: Children's Books, Fantasy, Fiction, Tracy · Tags:

The Borrowers by Mary Norton, Beth Krush (Illustrations), Joe Krush (Illustrations), read by Tracy on 05/03/2013

I don’t remember if I ever read this award winning children’s book but it does explain a few things about the disappearance of items in your home. How many times have you misplaced something and found it in a completely different spot? Have you walked down your hallway and felt a warm spot? Does your elderly aunt talk to herself? You may have a family of Borrowers in your house. They are harmless and are in danger of being seen by “a human bean”. Arrietty is the young daughter of the Clock family, they live under the clock, and she is seen by a young boy. He is a nice bean but the adults in the house are not. Arrietty wants to live outdoors where she can run and enjoy the flowers. She may get her wish.

Inside Out and Back Again

16. February 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Angie, Children's Books, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Poetry · Tags:

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai, read by Angie on 02/16/2012

This novel written in verse tells the story of Ha and her family as they flee Saigon and come to America. It is a story of survival and struggle. It is beautifully written and the sparseness of the verse makes the story that much more poignant. In Saigon, Ha’s family listens to the bombs fall daily, they wait for a father’s return even though they fear he is gone forever. They are smart and capable people in Saigon. Then one day they decide to leave on a Navy ship as Saigon is falling to the Communists. They arrive in America and are sponsored by a family in Alabama. Life in America is not easy. They do not know the language and are considered dumb; they are teased and taunted by their peers. They had to leave everything they knew behind.

I think the fact that this book is written in verse makes it that much more powerful. I don’t think the story would have resonated as much if it was written in a traditional manner. Lai is able to convey every emotion and heartache of the family’s journey through the verse as well as their hope for their future. It is a powerful book on a powerful subject. This is a very fast read, but you really do want to take your time and pour over the language.

Walk Two Moons

19. January 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Angie, Children's Books, Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Multicultural Fiction · Tags: ,

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech, read by Angie on 01/07/2012

This is a wonderful book about a young girl (Sal) coming to terms with her mother leaving her and her father. She relives her mother’s journey through a roadtrip with her grandparents and comes to terms with it through the story of her friend Phoebe. Phoebe is a bit crazy and overdramatic but I liked her as I liked all the characters in this book. It is a beautiful story about sorrow and loss and forgiveness. The language just flows so beautifully as you read it; you can almost hear someone telling the story to you as you travel. Very enjoyable.