In "The Takeout," Mila is still adjusting to life in Coral Beach, finding comfort only in her family’s Filipino-Indian food truck, The Banana Leaf. BuIn "The Takeout," Mila is still adjusting to life in Coral Beach, finding comfort only in her family’s Filipino-Indian food truck, The Banana Leaf. But when celebrity chefs, the Fab Foodie Brothers, open a restaurant serving identical dishes to her family’s, Mila suspects they’ve stolen her family’s recipes. Teaming up with her friend Ajay, she sets out to investigate and even considers using Filipino folk magic to save her family’s business, a part of her heritage she’s previously kept at arm’s length.
The book explores Mila’s desire to protect her family’s legacy while also navigating her need to fit into her new community. Badua presents a unique, culturally rich storyline that touches on themes of family, friendship, and belonging. I had some concerns with Mila’s use of a potion to manipulate someone’s emotions without consent—a decision that felt ethically questionable and went mostly unaddressed by the characters. ...more
This is a fascinating yet somewhat slow-moving exploration of a groundbreaking archaeological discovery. The book does a fantastic job introducing reaThis is a fascinating yet somewhat slow-moving exploration of a groundbreaking archaeological discovery. The book does a fantastic job introducing readers to the process behind the unearthing of a female Viking warrior's remains and the way this revelation shakes up historical gender assumptions. The detailed look into how Dr. Charlotte Hedenstierna-Jonson and her team worked to reframe centuries of entrenched beliefs is both inspiring and eye-opening.
While the subject matter is undeniably compelling, the pacing dragged at times, making it difficult to stay fully engaged. Younger readers especially may find some of the more technical aspects less exciting than they hoped. Overall, this is a solid read for those interested in archaeology and gender history, but it might not maintain everyone's interest throughout.
"The Ghosts of Rancho Espanto" follows Rafa, a boy who prefers the fantastical world of his favorite role-playing game to the realities of his home li"The Ghosts of Rancho Espanto" follows Rafa, a boy who prefers the fantastical world of his favorite role-playing game to the realities of his home life. When he and his friends steal a slushee machine from their school cafeteria as part of a playful adventure, his dad enforces an unexpected punishment—sending him to work on a ranch in New Mexico for a month. Although Rafa initially dreads the experience, he soon befriends Jennie, a fellow snack enthusiast, and Marcus, the ranch's barn manager. But strange things start happening at Rancho Espanto, leading Rafa to uncover mysteries he never imagined.
The novel is well written with an engaging plot and charming characters. The friendships and personal growth Rafa experiences are heartwarming, and the spooky elements add a fun twist to the story. However, while it was a cute read, nothing particularly stood out to me to make it a memorable or standout book in its genre. ...more
"The Bravest Warrior in Nefaria" takes readers on a quirky adventure in a kingdom where evil schemes are an almost daily occurrence. The story follows"The Bravest Warrior in Nefaria" takes readers on a quirky adventure in a kingdom where evil schemes are an almost daily occurrence. The story follows Bobert Bougainvillea, a boy who feels invisible to everyone around him—until he stumbles into a cursed gumball machine that pulls him into one of Nefaria’s more serious and long-brewing evil plots. Now, with the fate of the kingdom at stake, Bobert must find the courage he didn’t know he had to stop the villainous wizard Matt.
This lighthearted fantasy plays on humorous names and amusing situations, making it an entertaining read for younger kids who enjoy whimsical stories. The character names, in particular, were a fun touch that added to the charm of the book. I can see its appeal for a younger audience.
One quote that stood out to me was: "If we start harming children in the name of the kingdom, the kingdom is worth nothing." It's a meaningful reminder that doing harm in the name of a greater good undermines that very good.
It’s a decent story with moments of humor and heart and younger readers will appreciate the humor and imaginative setting more than I ever could....more
"The Astronaut's Guide to Leaving the Planet" is a nonfiction book aimed at young readers who dream of space travel. Written by a former NASA astronau"The Astronaut's Guide to Leaving the Planet" is a nonfiction book aimed at young readers who dream of space travel. Written by a former NASA astronaut, it answers questions about what it takes to become an astronaut, the rigorous training involved, and what it's like to actually live and work in space. With insider knowledge, Virts walks kids through the practical steps of how to prepare for a career in space and gives an exciting look at the challenges and wonders of life beyond Earth.
While the book contains plenty of fascinating facts and behind-the-scenes insights, it feels very much tailored to an audience already interested in becoming astronauts. For readers who don’t have that specific passion, the book might feel a bit niche or alienating. I personally enjoyed learning about the cool aspects of space travel, but at times, I felt like I was being lumped into a mindset that didn’t quite resonate with me.
It’s a fun, informative read for kids already passionate about space exploration, but it may not appeal as much to those who don’t share that same enthusiasm. It’s great for its target audience but might feel limiting or off-putting to others. Then again, maybe that's just me!...more
"When Giants Burn" is a gripping mix of adventure and realistic fiction that follows the lives of two middle schoolers, Gerty and Hayes, as they navig"When Giants Burn" is a gripping mix of adventure and realistic fiction that follows the lives of two middle schoolers, Gerty and Hayes, as they navigate personal struggles and a growing wildfire. Gerty, a headstrong and independent pre-teen, is secretly building an airplane, dreaming of joining the Civil Air Patrol to help with disaster relief. Her parents, staunch survivalists, would be horrified if they knew, as they’ve raised her to reject mainstream society. Gerty is also deeply connected to Pando, an ancient aspen forest, and feels a strong responsibility to protect it.
Hayes, on the other hand, is dealing with the emotional turmoil of his mother’s return from prison. He misses the person she used to be and vows never to follow in her footsteps. Despite his inner conflicts, Hayes finds solace in his friendship with Gerty, who becomes the only person he can relate to at school. When Gerty tells him about her airplane, Hayes becomes her unlikely partner in completing the project. Together, they are drawn into a dangerous adventure when wildfires threaten Pando and everything they care about.
The novel beautifully intertwines themes of resilience, friendship, and family, exploring the complex dynamics between Gerty, her survivalist parents, and her grandma and Hayes with his mom and brother. The threat of the wildfire serves as an intense backdrop, mirroring the internal battles each character faces as they try to protect what matters most to them.
The book is full of excitement and adventure, but its real strength lies in its exploration of interpersonal relationships, highlighting the bonds that connect us and the lengths we’ll go to preserve them....more
"Wild Bird" is a captivating historical fiction novel set in 14th-century Europe during the height of the Black Plague. The story follows a young girl"Wild Bird" is a captivating historical fiction novel set in 14th-century Europe during the height of the Black Plague. The story follows a young girl, called Rype by those who find her, as she struggles to survive after her entire village is wiped out by the plague. With no memory of her real name or past, Rype embarks on a harrowing journey across Europe, from Norway to England, alongside an English boy and a group of troubadours in search of safety and a new home.
This novel stands out with its lyrical prose and vivid historical detail, bringing the challenges of medieval Europe and the human will to survive to life. Rype's journey is not only one of physical survival but also emotional, as she gradually pieces together her sense of self amid the chaos and loss. The relationships she forms along the way, particularly with the boy and the troubadours, add depth to the story, offering glimmers of hope in an otherwise grim setting.
The pacing can feel slow at times, and some elements of the story are covered briefly, but that doesn’t detract from the overall beauty of the narrative. Zahler’s ability to evoke the emotional and physical toll of the plague while maintaining a sense of hope and resilience is remarkable.
It's a beautifully written novel that would be a great companion for middle-grade readers studying the Black Plague, offering both historical context and a moving story of survival. Parents may want to note a brief, vague mention of a gay couple, but overall, this is a story filled with compassion and humanity....more
"Ruby Lost and Found" is a touching and well-written realistic fiction novel that navigates themes of grief, friendship, and self-discovery. The story"Ruby Lost and Found" is a touching and well-written realistic fiction novel that navigates themes of grief, friendship, and self-discovery. The story follows Ruby Chu, who feels adrift after the death of her beloved grandfather, Ye-Ye, whose scavenger hunts once made her feel grounded in San Francisco’s Chinatown. As Ruby struggles with feelings of abandonment and isolation, she’s forced to spend the summer at her Nai-Nai’s senior center, where unexpected connections begin to form.
The book beautifully explores Ruby’s journey through her grief as she uncovers old maps and memories, ultimately retracing Ye-Ye’s scavenger hunts in search of healing. What starts as a summer of loneliness becomes an opportunity for Ruby to find new meaning in old traditions, make new friends, and save a beloved Chinatown bakery.
I appreciated how well the author conveyed Ruby’s emotions, making her journey relatable and heartfelt. While the plot leans heavily on themes of loss, it’s balanced with moments of warmth, humor, and hope. The inclusion of family dynamics, cultural heritage, and community issues adds depth to the story, making it more than just a coming-of-age tale.
It’s an engaging, well-written novel, perfect for readers who enjoy realistic fiction that tackles complex emotions with care....more
"My Selma" is a memoir that presents a vivid and personal portrayal of the author's experiences growing up in Selma, Alabama, during the civil rights "My Selma" is a memoir that presents a vivid and personal portrayal of the author's experiences growing up in Selma, Alabama, during the civil rights movement. Told through the eyes of twelve-year-old Willie Mae, the book blends family stories with the larger backdrop of the fight for voting rights, specifically the historic 1965 march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. What makes this memoir stand out is its ability to balance the everyday moments of life with the extraordinary events happening in Selma at the time. The stories range from Willie Mae's secretive summer babysitting job for a white mother, which leads to unexpected consequences, to the life-changing moment when she hears Martin Luther King Jr. speak at a church rally.
Brown's voice shines with the vernacular of her Southern roots, making the memoir feel both intimate and authentic. I really enjoyed this book, although it did start off a bit slow. Once it picked up, it became an engaging read, especially for middle school or high school students who are learning about this period of American history. One of the stronger aspects of the book is how it offers a nuanced view of life in the South at that time—without shying away from the harsh realities of racism and police violence, which are handled frankly but appropriately for a more mature young audience.
There are some concerns parents might want to be aware of, including frequent use of both versions of the "N" word and mentions of police violence, but these elements serve to provide an honest portrayal of the time. The book delivers a thoughtful, heartfelt, and sometimes painful look at a pivotal moment in history through the eyes of a young girl finding her way in a divided world....more
I really wanted to like "The Song of Us," but it fell incredibly flat for me. Yes, I believe in 13-year-old love, but this was pure insta-love from thI really wanted to like "The Song of Us," but it fell incredibly flat for me. Yes, I believe in 13-year-old love, but this was pure insta-love from the beginning, and it stayed that way throughout the entire book. It was almost nauseating to read. I would feel this way even if it were a hetero couple—the lack of build-up and development just didn't sit right with me. We barely knew anything about Olivia or Eden before they were head-over-heels in love, which made it hard to care about either of them.
On top of that, the entire cast characterization felt off. These characters are supposed to be 13, but they act like much older teens—more like high schoolers, honestly. That disconnect got on my nerves and made it hard to stay engaged. The whole plot revolves around insta-love, losing it, then getting it back, but none of it felt exciting or deep. The story was predictable, and the emotional moments just didn't land for me.
And the poetry. For a book that hinges on it, the poems were underwhelming and, at times, downright confusing. I found myself skimming them because they didn't add anything meaningful to the story. All in all, it was a slog to get through, and I was just left feeling frustrated by the end....more
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