She was just 5 years old, when she and her family found themselves homeless. Fortunately, there were other family members And then there is this story�
She was just 5 years old, when she and her family found themselves homeless. Fortunately, there were other family members that took them in while they attempted to find a place to live.
But...
She always knew she didn’t belong anywhere in those few months of living in other people’s spaces.
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She found the library.
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This and the librarian became her home.
So much so�
That this author became a children’s librarian, too.
I don’t want to go in to how it all came to be, I think that can be easily read through these delightful pages.
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Let me just say�
This is a heart-warming, joyful, inspiring and beautifully illustrated story.
I want to thank S Penkevich for his stunning and compelling review of this book /review/show... that made such a difference fI want to thank S Penkevich for his stunning and compelling review of this book /review/show... that made such a difference for me.
The story focuses on a young girl with an eating disorder.
Because of him…This book is now in our local community library. Yes, reviewers, your words do make a difference. I was so entranced by what he said, that I knew this book would be meaningful to young readers. The issues this book addresses are critical, timely, and real.
Ի…Sometimes it takes a colorful, beautifully graphic novel such as this book to showcase a message of this importance that can drive a point.
Ի…When I read Steve’s review, I knew this would be an important book for our community, so I made the request, and they accepted it and purchased it.
Ի…Now, I had the opportunity to read it, too.
Why, did this issue drive me so hard? So importantly?
ܲ…My sister and I lived this experience, too.
Ի…Even as I enter into a new decade, it doesn’t mean that I still don’t struggle with body image issues. Did you think this was just a teenage thing? Think again.
۱…If we can find a way to reach out to our young readers sooner than later, maybe we can help them before they become my age.
…That they aren’t having to be looking at themselves in the mirror with guilt while straddling a weight machine and punishing themselves if they gained a 100 grams for eating an apple the day before.
Can we just be happy with ourselves, just as we are?
In this book…The very first graphic bubble shows the words�
“For as long as I can remember, my mother always watched what I ate.�
That sentence hit me like a train running off the tracks. I could feel the impact as if the character were speaking directly to me.
Ի…I knew immediately, this was the right book. The right decision for so many readers.
I know my Mom never knew that her actions, or even her words, about what we eat, or how we look, could have such an impact on us (my sister and I)�
ܳ…How many really do?
ܲ…Val’s thought bar says exactly what is so true for any of us who suffer from an eating disorder�
“My mom acts like I don’t ever think about what I eat…but the truth is, I don’t think about much else.�
The constant weighing in, the counting calories, the denying food intake if weight should exceed the desired number on the weight machine could be a relentless daily ritual. In the case of the character, Val, she purges her meals. Thankfully, this is something, I never did. I had other tricks I will keep to myself. Something I am not proud about � but, no longer do…gratefully.
Ի…The constant scrutiny of her mother, and the stress of it, puts her over the edge to the point that she almost loses her friendship because she can’t admit that she has this problem. Not even to her mother. Especially after a devastating family tragedy.
Ի…Can this unfortunate tragedy and friendship help Val come to terms with her eating disorder and find the help she needs?
Val places some truly difficult questions before herself as she struggles to face what is happening�
“Am I my body?�
Ի…Directly to her mother�
“Why does it matter so much? Who cares if I am fat?� “Why can’t I be enough? Why am I not okay as I am?�
ܳ…The greatest message of all from her Aunt Nikki�
“Love yourself the way that you want her to love you.�
In the end it always comes down to doing just that. Knowing that “I am enough.�
Does Val find her peace with her mother?
Most importantly, does she find her peace with herself?
Ի…Even more so, will young readers find value in reading a story like this…especially if they are struggling?
I’d like to believe that the answer will always be yes.
ܳ…I don’t give away spoilers. I too, am still a work in progress....more
What happens when a Canada Goose who is supposed to fly, is afraid to do exactly that?
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He finds a different mode of transportation.
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That is exaWhat happens when a Canada Goose who is supposed to fly, is afraid to do exactly that?
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He finds a different mode of transportation.
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That is exactly what Trevor did.
At first.
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He realized that wasn’t really the best option for himself.
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What could Trevor do that would allow him to be with his friends so he could migrate like he needed to each October?
He did something he wasn’t used to doing�
He practiced how to�
Fly.
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Once he did�
He gained the confidence he needed to actually�
Take flight.
This is a delightful, beautifully illustrated, confidence building story that will give every young child the opportunity to see what they can do when facing something new or scary for the first time. Looking at what Trevor did and overcoming it.
Interest levels: Ages 3-8 years
There are also some Canada Goose facts provided in this book that will be beneficial to young readers.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review....more
The other day I was reading an article in our local newspaper about a woman who was fighting the local school district because they wouldn’t allow herThe other day I was reading an article in our local newspaper about a woman who was fighting the local school district because they wouldn’t allow her son to play sports.
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Her son has special needs that impact his social abilities, and she knows that sports play a very important role in her son’s emotional and social well-being�
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According to the district policy he can’t participate in school athletics due to constraints placed on students who are in independent study programs.
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Even as parents, and special needs education advocates made their case to the district at the board meeting, pushing the district to explore changing its athletics policy for students enrolled in the independent study program, they appeared less than open about doing so.
One parent even stated�
“Based on your district’s mission statement, no child should have to fight for their right to play in extracurricular sports.�
Ƿ�
What does this have to do with Bruce the ghost in this story.
Poor Bruce is a ghost who doesn’t want to spook others on Halloween, like what is expected of him.
All he wants to do is play hockey.
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His parents and ghost community expect him to be a spooky ghost.
How can Bruce get his parents to allow him to play Hockey on Halloween?
What Bruce does is delightful, and brings back the point that every “child� should be allowed to follow their dreams whatever they may be.
As far as what happens to that one woman’s son at our local school, it is being brought back to the Board on November 9.
(Update: Unfortunately - the district chose not to change the policy at this time. The board said they would form a committee designed to gather more information for a formal policy vote - a decision that likely won't happen until spring 2024.)
One parent declared in an interview to the local newspaper�
“The biggest issue for me is the kids not being able to play despite the (district) making every other accommodation to afford them that environment where they can learn.�
With Bruce the ghost�
He made his own decision.
On the sly.
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Fortunately, it worked out for Bruce.
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That is also the beauty of personal growth, determination, and learning and play. Children deserve that! Which is showcased beautifully in this delightfully illustrated story.
Interest levels: age 5+
At the beginning of the book there is also a special upbeat important message from the authors that is encouraging and supportive of everyone who desires and wants to follow their dream to participate in hockey.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review....more
It is a graphic novel. Gorgeously illustrated with bold colors.
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It is a book that attempts to teach kids aboutDid you know this is a banned book?
It is a graphic novel. Gorgeously illustrated with bold colors.
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It is a book that attempts to teach kids about their bodies. About words.
It includes children and families of all makeups, orientations and gender identities.
Ի�
Yes. It is a book that is teaching sex education by providing information about boundaries, and safety.
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It is also opening up conversations between young people and their caregivers about their body parts and their feelings, in an honest and matter-of-fact manner.
This book was a library discard as well as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed.
For those who don’t know the term, “library discard,� it means tThis book was a library discard as well as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed.
For those who don’t know the term, “library discard,� it means that the libraries are culling their library collection.
In most library systems, the book is then given to their Friends of the Library to sell in their book sales or Friends bookstores. Funds collected are then used for purchasing books, or other materials or supporting library programs.
This gloriously illustrated book with very few words, tells the story of a little orphan girl that lives at an orphanage.
On a field trip to the zoo, she is left behind.
She has no family.
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The zoo animals have adopted her.
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Given her a sense of happiness and belongingness.
And then�
Something wonderful happens besides the zoo animals.
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This little girl.
For anyone wanting to talk about adoption with children, this is a wonderful book.
For sharing the joy of animals with kids, this is also a great little book.
The sense of being left behind or left out in play time with other kids, that may be a more difficult conversation to have with children.
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Still an important one.
Reading age 3-5 years; Grade level: Kindergarten � 2nd grade....more
A special thank you to GR friend, Rosh for her various graphic novel recommendations, this one included. Here is Rosh's review: https://www.goodreads.A special thank you to GR friend, Rosh for her various graphic novel recommendations, this one included. Here is Rosh's review: /review/show...
Ƿ…I am not saying I am a new fan of graphic novels. I will say that I do like the idea of experiencing storytelling with pictures.
Obviously, I love children’s books. As an adult, I have found great wisdom between their pages.
Ի…Sometimes, it doesn’t take a lot of words to tell a terrific story, especially if an illustration can show the reader more.
…I am intrigued by graphic novels for this reason.
What message can they convey through their panels?
What can their characters tell a reader in their bubble discussions?
This is my curiosity.
And now…On to the review.
This feels like…An “autobiography� via comic book.
It is my understanding that this is a creative telling of a “memoir� and a history of Iran’s turbulent 20th century politics.
One comic strip frame at a time.
The author’s protagonist is Marji a sassy, Iranian girl, fighting her elder’s expectations of her.
Shall we start with the veil?
…Her birth. Her religion. Her family?
She finds her own way in being an independent thinker.
Which…For a female, isn’t really encouraged.
…How did I really feel about this book? This reading experience?
This is how I saw it�
There are 2 aspects of this graphic novel that defined it.
First� It is a historical novel that depicted several important events in Iranian history, particularly in the 1980s.
Second� It is a coming-of-age story of Marji, our primary character, protagonist.
It is a personal and insightful journey.
It is published in 2 parts � The story of a childhood and The story of return.
The first part is of 10-year-old Marji and her views of the Islamic Revolution and the overthrow of the Shah and the rise of the Iranian regime, and her having to leave the country for Austria.
It is candid. It is raw. She is unafraid of challenging the hypocrisies she witnessed.
She highlights the horrors of living in a nation divided by war.
Ի…The fundamentalists and religious fanatics who divided the country.
Telling the story in this way shows how comic books can be powerful mediums in conveying important stories.
The second part is her growing up story.
This part of the story was interesting, insightful, humorous and serious. Definitely thought-provoking.
In his book, ‘This Thing Called You,� Ernest Holmes said�
“Every negative condition of the past is swept asCatching Up�
More my thoughts than a review�
In his book, ‘This Thing Called You,� Ernest Holmes said�
“Every negative condition of the past is swept aside.�
Think about this a moment. How powerful is that thought? Could this be so easy? Can we truly sweep aside our past � the negative parts of it?
Ernest Holmes explained in an article posted in The Science of Mind magazine in 1971�
“I believe that the past has only as much to do with the present and future as we permit, and that in any split second if the consciousness is right the past is wiped out.�
Thoughts have power. (This is also a significant message of this book.)
In other words, he is suggesting to us that we can approach life with a fresh start.
A do-over.
In other words�
Tomorrow when I awaken, the slate will be clean and this new day will stretch before me to begin fresh before me.
We can release any regrets or fears established from our past. We can let the past go in favor of a new lease on life. All we need to do is embrace the present moment and all that it has to offer.
So, let us begin. Today is our fresh start. Our do-over day. A day for positive thoughts, confident actions and welcome outcomes.
A wonderful new beginning.
Thoughts indeed have power.
This book helps readers accept the power within us.
“With hope and enthusiasm you will start on your journey.�
A powerful, elegant book that takes readers to their deepest places, if they choose to look within....more
Not a typical review. This will be more of what I gained most from this book...
In Angeles Arrien’s book, the author teaches us that some sCatching Up�
Not a typical review. This will be more of what I gained most from this book...
In Angeles Arrien’s book, the author teaches us that some shamanic traditions in parts of Africa and the Oceanic societies attend to health and well-being through what is called cradling work, a four-part practice in staying connected to the good, true, and beautiful aspects of one's nature.
He shares that if you lie on your back and place both hands over your heart (in many cultures hands symbolize healing) you can silently acknowledge the character qualities that we appreciate about ourselves.
In this way we can acknowledge our strengths, our contributions that we have made and continue to make (thinking positively), as well as the love given and the love received.
He also suggests that many native cultures believe that the heart is the bridge between Father Sky and Mother Earth, and that for these traditions we can utilize the four-chambered heart method for sustaining emotional and spiritual health.
When we think in this way, it allows us to feel full, open, clear and strong.
To connect to our four-chambered heart all we need to do is ask ourselves these questions daily:
Am I full-hearted? Am I open-hearted? Am I clear-hearted? Am I strong-hearted?
So...
Put your hand over your heart.
Do you feel the beat?
Pause. Reflect. Assess.
Which part of your heart needs attention today?...more
I remember when I saw the movie Sophie’s Choice, and I sat there watching Meryl Streep making the most critical decision of her life duriCatching Up�
I remember when I saw the movie Sophie’s Choice, and I sat there watching Meryl Streep making the most critical decision of her life during that pivotal scene. It was as if I stopped breathing because time stopped during that moment � in my mind. I think the whole theatre was in silence with me.
At the time, I had two sons, one almost 5 and one barely turning 2 when the movie came out.
Which brings me to this book.
And this question.
To what lengths would you go to ensure your child’s survival?
What would you sacrifice in yourself to preserve their well-being?
This may be a different scenario, but it almost had a similar reaction for me. Because parents are having to make difficult decisions.
Ի�
As I was reading at that pivotal moment, I felt as if I had stopped breathing again.
This author penetrates the heart by exploring two interlinked stories of two couples.
In 1953 Santa Cruz, CA, Jean-Luc and Charlotte Beauchamps are the proud parents of Sam, the all-American kid. They are adapting to their new country, speaking only English, and never revisiting the trauma they fled in Paris 9 years earlier.
But then�
Inspectors take Jean-Luc in for questioning, and his life begins to unravel.
Back in 1944, Jean-Luc maintains tracks for the French national railway, now under German control. He’s nervous as he hears rumors of the deportation of Jews. But the evidence is mounting. He feels he must do something, but he does not know how.
And then�
A frantic young mother, Sarah Laffitte, thrusts her weeks-old son into his arms. (This was that pivotal moment for me, when my breathing stopped.)
Druart keeps suspense moving throughout, even as readers� slowly gain knowledge about some of the characters� fates.
As readers we can’t help but feel the weight of the Nazi occupation and its impact on Sarah, her husband David, even Jean-Luc and Charlotte, as well as a nurse that he meets at a German hospital.
Even Sam’s physical and emotional reactions are convincing.
There are no villains among the five main characters.
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There are clearly the choices that have been made and the repercussions of those choices.
This will not be a typical review. It is more a reflection of how this book made me feel.
There is a brief moment in Anna Quindlen’s ‘A Sho Catching up�
This will not be a typical review. It is more a reflection of how this book made me feel.
There is a brief moment in Anna Quindlen’s ‘A Short Guide to a Happy Life� where she describes an encounter with a homeless man.
He is staring at the ocean. He looks at her and says�
“Look at the view, young lady. Look at the view.�
There is so much about his life that demands more attention, and yet for him, that was the most important thing he felt needed to be done at that moment.
His life presented…Present moment living.
Anna Quindlen goes on to share�
“And every day, in some little way, I try to do what he said. I try to look at the view. That’s all. Words of wisdom from a man with not a dime in his pocket, no place to go, nowhere to be. Look at the view. When I do what he said, I am never disappointed.�
In this simple direction of “look at the view� we are being given an opportunity to take time to really see what is right in front of us.
Sometimes there are just simple words in a book that gives us moments to pause and reflect.
Ի�
That is all we need to appreciate and understand, what we needed this book for in the first place. It was here at the right and perfect time. When we needed it most. To see how important the view was to us.
Okay, I admit I am a fan girl of Steven Spielberg.
And yet, this is a children’s book. A beautifully illustrated one by Craig Orback.
This is his storOkay, I admit I am a fan girl of Steven Spielberg.
And yet, this is a children’s book. A beautifully illustrated one by Craig Orback.
This is his story laid out in stunning pages, that tells of a young Steven and the inspiration behind each of his movies. With his vivid imagination as a child, and through his experiences of being bullied, the antisemitism, the tension of his parent’s eventual divorce, he was able to take these memories and put them on film and create magic. This is his story gorgeously displayed.
There is a message�
What is wonderful about it being a children’s book, is that by being written specifically for children, it displays to them the message of Hope. That anybody can have a dream at any age, and can overcome obstacles to fulfill whatever it is that they choose for themselves.
Reading Age: 5-9 years or Kindergarten � Grade 4.
(But to be honest, as a fangirl, I was quite happy being between those pages! � so adults � I believe, you will love this one, too!)
P.S. - This might also be fun to read, if you haven't seen the movie, "The Fabelmans" (based on his life), or are planning to see it. ...more
Sarah Dessen is quite popular when it comes to YA fiction. In this story, McLean is living with her father, after a divorce.
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It’s not Catching up�
Sarah Dessen is quite popular when it comes to YA fiction. In this story, McLean is living with her father, after a divorce.
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It’s not a typical living situation. He is a consultant for a restaurant conglomerate who hops around the South, settling into towns for short periods of months. Being bounced around for the last 3 years, hasn’t helped McLean feel any sense of trust or home.
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This becomes a tale of self-identity, and ultimately, acceptance.
When her father lands them in the town of Lakeview, something happens�
A boy.
Of course.
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Dessen takes a fresh approach to this setting and focuses on emotional growth that remain true to modern adolescence. (Not so much about mean girls non-acceptance of new girl � or popular guys only interested in sex.)
In many respects, her dialogue feels fresh, authentic, even relatable.
It touches on issues of divorce, teen-romance, growing into oneself, and most-importantly, self-acceptance. ...more
If your co-author is Oprah Winfrey, does that mean it is an instant best-seller? Yes.
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Dr. Perry is still renowned for his own resume. He is a ne If your co-author is Oprah Winfrey, does that mean it is an instant best-seller? Yes.
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Dr. Perry is still renowned for his own resume. He is a neuroscientist and trauma expert. He was faculty at the University of Chicago working with abused and neglected children when he first met her. Their intention, “how do we make this world better for children?�
He also worked with her on her school project in South Africa, Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.
This book tackles resilience, trauma and grief from both scientific and emotional vantage points.
I resonated most with the emotional vantage points.
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I was fascinated with the science when it was presented in graph forms.
But mostly�
As a conversation, the book showcases the power of storytelling, especially when dealing with such powerful issues.
This is not a self-help book. It is a discussion. Questions are presented. Answers are provided. Each are emphasized by showing different fonts and colors.
As an example in this particular conversation�
Instead of looking at the world through a typical lens of “what is wrong with you?� the authors are suggesting to see it in this way�
“What happened to you?�
In this way, we can look at how trauma has impacted the individual, and find a way to work through it. Oprah shares�
“When you look at schools, health-care systems, the criminal justice system � really everywhere you look � there are people impacted by trauma who are still misunderstood, and sometimes retraumatized, by the very systems that should be helping them.�
The question What happened to you? Then…really means�
What brought this person to this point?
And so�
Instead of focusing on the problem in the moment (the behavior) the focus can be on understanding the pathway to the problem � because that is where the solution really resides.
This is a profound change in perspective, opening doors which can help kids and young people open to better and more fulfilling lives.
There are so many other chapters that address so many other relevant issues that can be useful for individuals and families.
But one that I appreciated most as a reader�
Be present. One of my favorite takeaways. Because this is truly how I lead my own life.
When one is present, we allow ourselves a deeper human connection � to our inner and outer world. With others who surround us � and with ourselves.
This would be a great resource book for anyone’s personal library. ...more
Ի…We need to be aware of how we sound to children when we use words with them.
Let us consider the woSometimes words have double-meanings for kids.
Ի…We need to be aware of how we sound to children when we use words with them.
Let us consider the word “big.�
When a young Black girl grows bigger than her classmates, the people around her make comments that make her feel self-conscious, then sad. When she chooses to be heard, not everyone listens or cares or even understands how their words affect her.
Words like ‘you are “big”� can seem simply a way to describe a person as an object � like “you are such a big girl.�
ܳ…In some ways that can actually be a form of fat shaming.
Ի� To have words thrown at them time and time again, as a young child can lead to many horrific forms of self-abuse, or eating disorders.
The educational value with this story, shown through the beauty of the illustrations, is the social-emotional lessons about not judging others.
The positive message in the book was to love yourself, learn compassion, and take action to support others that are different than you.
At the back of the book is an author’s note about her own experience of being labeled “big� which guided her own experience towards self-compassion.
This book would be a wonderful learning tool for reader adults to talk about with children in addressing how words impact others.
Ի…How important it is to not be judgmental towards others.
Everyone has their own story. Their own genetic make-up.
Ի…Learning how to love ourselves just as we are.
Update: I just learned that this book is a Caldecott Winner! (The Caldecott award is for "the most distinguished American picture book for children.") And this author, is the first Black woman to win it. Congratulations!...more
Let me say that is an absolute honor for me to be in this position to review this book by my ŷ friend, Colin. I am so grateful that h First...
Let me say that is an absolute honor for me to be in this position to review this book by my ŷ friend, Colin. I am so grateful that he has provided this book for my Little Free Library Shed neighborhood.
Second...
As I began to read this adventure, I was certain, that this had to be somewhat autobiographical in nature. There were so many times I wanted to shout out to Colin, and say...
“Colin, is Conrad, really you?�
I am sure I am making him blush in this moment. If that is even possible!
This story, even though the focus� emphasis is on unraveling the mystery behind ‘A soldier’s quartet� based on a letter written by a father to a son in the first great war, it is much more than that.
This book is told in present time as well as going back in time, with the author’s imagination taking us back to what could have happened during the soldier’s time at war.
ܳ�
We also learn so much about Conrad and his quest.
Ի�
The immenseness of Conrad's heart and compassion and his friendships. I love his meandering conversations with his neighbor Wally at the fence. Sometimes even talking away while Wally slips into sleep. How many friends do we have that we can talk through so many issues that we are going through as we navigate such a large life endeavor?
Especially one that involves finding out about a hero soldier, and getting this letter back to a family who did not know of its existence because it was stolen off of a dead body during the war.
Ի�
How this one letter would lead to so much more for Conrad.
So many opened doors. A fuller life. That he never knew could possibly exist, even though he already had quite the fulfilling retired life.
So, what is a soldier’s quartet?
Ի�
What will this author create with his music, ah…yes, music…quartet…there is a significant connection with this word and the men lost on that battlefield � and that letter.
This is the beauty of this piece of art � this beautiful story � this adventure to find the German family of Wolf, the center of the letter.
And yes, it will be historical fiction with war scenes.
ܳ�
Mostly it is about Conrad. For me, that is where I took the most pleasure in my reading experience.
Ի�
Perhaps, more than anything it is about Colin, the author.
Because, I am convinced, it is semi-autobiographical in nature.
And to me�
That makes this author, my hero, too. For all he did to make this journey possible, and then put it into these words. ...more
I found this book when I was doing a library search for books with dogs as “central� characters � or at least in the story. When this book cover came I found this book when I was doing a library search for books with dogs as “central� characters � or at least in the story. When this book cover came up, I found myself interested.
One of the cover reviewers said�
“With an abundance of humor, vibrant characters, and a gentle approach to hard truths, this book strikes a perfect balance of fun and meaning. A remarkable achievement.�
�
I was ready to read.
It was a quirky tale of friendship and survival.
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Not exactly an easy-to-read story.
This actually is a very in real time kind of story. And I will say it right up front, it is tragic, but, ultimately uplifting.
It is a story about a 12-year-old facing regular middle school problems.
Ի�
Most importantly�
He is the survivor of a notorious school shooting.
His mother is a mortician, his father is a Catholic deacon and they have now moved to an internet free town where nobody knows their story. The intention is to live in peace, and heal.
The story provides a sense of humor. Sometimes off humor, that can literally put readers off.
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Friendship, kindness and empathy are strong themes, as Simon’s new friends provide the bonds that he needs � while he heals.
The trauma can’t be ignored, and that will come out, along with other issues that make growing up difficult.
There is some educational value in the story line � prime numbers � the planets, raising animals.
There are some strong positive messages of acceptance and empathy and willingness to make amends, and diverse representation throughout the book.
پ�
I cannot emphasize enough the violence and scariness that may come out in this book about Simon being the sole survivor of a school shooting while in the 5th grade.
And even as I say that, I am reminded of the many school shootings that have happened in our own towns that we still read about in the news � unfortunately, almost daily.
The flashbacks, conveying the horror and long-lasting trauma, this may be difficult to read, as much as it may put a light on the tragedies of gun violence.
There will also be other things that occur in the book � assorted injuries and things happening to animals. The author will utilize humor when these things occur, but readers still can’t ignore the act that occurred.
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These are real feeling circumstances that do happen, and it may not be easy-to-read.
After all I have said, I don’t want to discourage readers from considering this book. It is a book that age 10+ can read. And it does deal with relevant every day issues that occur for kids growing up.
And...
Unfortunately, school shootings in classrooms, can’t be avoided. Isn’t that a sad commentary on our society. Perhaps that is the message of this author.
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This is an escape book � trying to help her characters find healing through friendship, community and kindness.
This is typically a YA novel, but can be attractive for all ages.
Victoria is a very precocious, but smart 14-year-old girl who lives in Alaska and loThis is typically a YA novel, but can be attractive for all ages.
Victoria is a very precocious, but smart 14-year-old girl who lives in Alaska and loves to compete in dog sled races. She decides she would like to buy some more dogs, so she takes off with her team and her lead dog, Bean. While having trouble locating the house where the dogs are for sale, she comes across an injured boy named Chris who has crashed his snowmobile into a tree. Chris is new to the area, and not very knowledgeable in the ways of survival.
ܳ…Luckily for him, Victoria has learned from her father, who was a trapper before he passed away.
Ƿ…Not so lucky for them, they are now lost, it is snowing and their supplies are low.
Will they make it out alive?
This was a compelling tale of “will they or won’t they� survive in the cold.
The writing was crisp (no pun intended). The author obviously knows something about dog sledding, and she brings her knowledge to the pages. She also has a way of knowing what it takes to survive in a frozen wilderness that comes out clearly in her writing.
The characters of Chris and Victoria are believable. As an example, there were moments in which Victoria was shown to be the heroine in helping to save an injured Chris, and yet, Chris had skills that were helping the dogs.
Also…There is much to be said about the dogs. They play a significant role in this book, and that can’t be understated here.
The book had a slow start, but once it got into finding ways to get the story moving into finding ways to survive, it became a very interesting and compelling read....more
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