Goodreads

Time to move, again.  Although I've been blogging about books since 2008, I haven't reviewed every book I've read.  I feel like if I'm going to blog it should be worthy of someone reading it and then it just takes me too much time.  Therefore, I decided to move my reads and reviews over to Goodreads.  If I decide not to say anything about a book, I don't have to.  A simple star rating will do, although I'm finding that a quick, couple of sentence review is sufficient.  I feel it's less about describing the book, but rather why I liked/disliked it. Plus, the covers are already available so I'm saving time here as well.  Finally, I feel as if there is a wider audience available.  After all, why take the time to tell someone what I think if no one is listening?  And, as an added bonus I enjoy reading other reviews and comparing my opinions.

So, if you're interested, join me on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/11069149-pat-salvatini.

If you'd still like to read my thoughts about library issues or perhaps gain an idea or two for your own classroom, I'll be blogging (occasionally) @ http://iheartbooks2.blogspot.com/.

Thanks for stopping by.

Jake

by Audrey Couloumbis

When Jake's widowed mom breaks her leg just before Christmas, suddenly a grandfather Jake barely knows arrives to help care for him.  Jake would be content staying with neighbor Mrs. Buttermark, but instead must develop a new relationship with both his paternal grandfather and Max, his grandfather's dog.  The story has very little plot, rather it floats along on Jake's personal insights about his relationships and the meaning of family, relying on Jake's character development to drive the story.

1 of 5 stars.  Recommended

The Chocolate Meltdown

by Lexi Connor

Beatrix ("B") is not like other witches who rhyme their magic.  B concentrates on what she wants and spells to create her magic.  In this fifth book of the series, B and best friend George must solve the mystery of what has ruined B's father's newest chocolate creation.  Connor creates a likable character that possesses a simple magic that every young reader fantasies about having (even George).  The short chapters make this book an easy and enjoyable read.

4 of 5 Stars.  Recommended.

How Tía Lola Came to (Visit) Stay

by Julia Alvarez

Miguel has moved from New York to rural Vermont because of his parent's divorce. He's worried about being different and trying to make new friends. He's confused when Tía Lola arrives to help, unsure if he should he be embarrassed or comforted by her lively personality and exotic style.  Will she be able to help get his parents back together with her special magic, help him make the baseball team, and what about their now purple house?  Alvarez creates a colorful character in Tía Lola and this is the first of many books featuring her character.  Teachers may find the available Educator's Guide helpful.

4 of 5 Stars.  Recommended.

 

Marty Frye, Private Eye

by Janet Tashjian

This beginning chapter book is broken up into three short chapters, each featuring a different crime for poetry loving rhyming detective Marty Frye to solve. There are plenty of black-and-white cartoon illustrations to interest young readers and build interest. Tashjian leaves her characters loosely developed, relying on the clever dialogue to carry the story. Unfortunately the rhyming feels forced at times and the final case is so transparent that the ending is rather disappointing.

1 of 5 stars.

Star of the Week

by Caroline Adderson

The first in a new series of transitional chapter books featuring Jasper John Dooley, a quirky and creative young boy. Jasper is finally Star of the Week although it does not run as smoothly as he had planned. From his less than interesting lint collection show-and-tell, to his dismal family tree, to his forgotten science experiment, Jasper worries that he will have to forfeit his "star" status before weeks end.  Add in his new quest to convince his parents that their small family needs an addition and it's clear that Jasper has a lot on his mind.  Adderson creates a wonderfully believable character in Jasper with easy to read text. The occasional black and white line drawings add additional depth.

4 of 5 stars. Recommended.

Freedom! : Miss Annie

by Frank Le Gall

In this first book of a new series, readers are introduced to a young black & white kitten, Miss Annie. Although Miss Annie gets into typical kitten mischief, she also befriends a mouse and ventures into the scary outdoors. The simple text and graphic novel format will appeal to young readers.

4 of 5 stars. Recommended.