Review - A Different Kind of Normal

Title:   A Different Kind of Normal

Author:  Abigail Balfe

Publisher:  Crown Books for Young Readers

Genre:   Memoir; Middle Grade

Format:  Illustrated ebook

No. of Pages:   240

Date of Publication:   October 4, 2022

My Rating:   5 Stars     

DESCRIPTION:

In this joyfully illustrated memoir, author-illustrator Abigail Balfe recounts her journey growing up autistic and the challenges of navigating the normal world around her.

Hi! My name is Abigail, and I'm autistic. But I didn't know I was autistic until I was (kind of) an adult. This is my true story of growing up in the confusing normal world, all the while missing some Very Important Information about myself.

There'll be scary moments involving toilets and crowded trains, heartwarming tales of cats and pianos, and funny memories including my dad and a mysterious tub of ice cream. Along the way, you'll also find some Very Crucial Information about autism.

Important, funny, and completely unique, this book is for anyone who has ever felt different.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

 

Abigail Balfe is unique. After years of being different. Feeling different. And acting different. The diagnosis of autism clicked a lot of things into place for her. In this beautifully written and illustrated, memoir, targeted towards a younger audience, Abi recounts dozens of her experiences from youth on up, with her own illustrations that further describe how she herself lives with this diagnosis. 

Being different is perfectly fine. Uniqueness is indeed a gift. Abi shares her gift with readers of her debut novel. Illustrations, footnotes, and personal experiences all work together to create a lovely story that anybody reading will find both beneficial and enjoyable.

Many thanks to Crown Books for Young Readers and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Review - Frizzy

Title:   Frizzy

Author:  Claribel A Ortega

Publisher:  First Second

Genre:   Comic/Manga/Graphic Novel

  Middle Grade

Illustrations:   Rose Bousamra

Format:  ebook

No. of Pages:   224

Date of Publication:    October 18, 2022 

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

A middle grade graphic novel about Marlene, a young girl who stops straightening her hair and embraces her natural curls.

Marlene loves three things: books, her cool Tía Ruby and hanging out with her best friend Camila. But according to her mother, Paola, the only thing she needs to focus on is school and "growing up." That means straightening her hair every weekend so she could have "presentable", "good hair".

But Marlene hates being in the salon and doesn't understand why her curls are not considered pretty by those around her. With a few hiccups, a dash of embarrassment, and the much-needed help of Camila and Tia Ruby—she slowly starts a journey to learn to appreciate and proudly wear her curly hair.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

 

Marlene has thick curly hair. It is just about time for her cousin’s Quinceañera an another Sunday has come, which means another long day at the beauty salon. Her mother gets her hair shampooed, blow dries, straightened, and curled and then straightened again so that Marlene‘s hair is always “neat”.  

  

  

The party makes this even more important. However, Marlene has a good time, and before you know it she has sweat all of her hair out and it is all over her head.

  

      

Of course that made her Mami angry and another trip to the beauty salon was in order. But, Marlene has her own ideas and showers and brings back her curly locks.  

 

Marlene has angered her mother again and now her mother breeds her hair before she puts her on the bus for school.

  

Marlene begins to learn a few things. First of all she has to deal with the teasing from kids at school because of the braids in her hair that she hates. This ends up getting her in trouble and then she goes and spend the weekend with her aunt, or her Tia.  this proves to be a blessing because her Tia has her hair curly and it is so very beautiful. Her sweet aunt teaches her all about how to maintain her curls and after a beautiful weekend and a good day at school, Marlene now Hass to face her mother.

How does Marlene‘s mother take to the style that Marlene insists on? Well, part of this goes back to why Marlene’s mother has been having had to have their hair straightened for years. There is a societal judgment against good vs. bad here, messy vs. neat hair, etc. and Marlene‘s mother does not want her daughter to suffer any of society‘s issues based on her appearance so she thinks she is doing god by  Marlene. 

This book teaches the difference between hairstyles, how to maintain them, how to have pride in who you are, how to embrace who you are and teaches a nice lesson between mother and daughter in this beautiful graphic novel by Claribel A. Ortega.

   

Many thanks to First Second and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Review - It's the End of the World and I'm in My Bathing Suit

 

Title:   It's the End of the World and I'm in My Bathing Suit

Author:  Justin A. Reynolds

Publisher:  Scholastic Press

Genre:   Middle Grade

Format:  Print ARC

No. of Pages:   304

Date of Publication:   April 5, 2022

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Twelve-year-old Eddie Gordon Holloway has concocted his most genius plan ever to avoid chores... especially the dreaded L-A-U-N-D-R-Y. If he can wear all the clothes he owns, he'll only have to do the laundry once during his school break.

On the day of the highly anticipated Beach Bash, Eddie's monstrous pile of dirty laundry is found by his mom. And Eddie's day has just taken a turn for the worst. Now he's stuck at home by himself, missing the bash, and doing his whole pile of laundry. But mid-cycle, the power goes out!

With his first load of laundry wet and the rest of his stuff still filthy, he sets out to explore the seemingly empty neighborhood in his glow-in-the-dark swim trunks, flip-flops, and a beach towel. He soon meets up with other neighborhood kids: newcomer Xavier (who was mid-haircut and has half his head shaved), Eddie's former friend Sonia (who has spent her entire break trying to beat a video game and was mid-battle with the final boss), and siblings Trey and Sage (who are dealing with major sibling drama).

As they group up to cover more ground and find out what happened, they realize that their families aren't coming back anytime soon. And as night falls, the crew realizes that they aren't just the only people left in the neighborhood, they might be the only people left... anywhere.

Link to purchase the book 

MY THOUGHTS:

 

Eddie Gordon Holloway is a twelve-year-old boy with a new responsiblity over the summer holiday - his own laundry. Disgusted with the impending chore, Eddie comes up with a fabulous idea - he will wear every stitch of clothing he has and make it so that he only has to do laundry just once this summer. When he gets down to his last item, a pair of swim trunks, Eddie is forced to face the inevitable.

Unhappy that his mother has remarried is only one of Eddie's problems. His older brother is incredibly annoying. Then there is Beach Bash - the ultimate summer party - and the perfect time to ask childhood friend Ava to go steady with him.

Eddie dives in - bad smells notwithstanding - and as he struggles to get his first load of laundry going, the power goes out. In short order, Eddie realizes that the power is out everywhere, and he soon finds himself with four of his friends. In fact, Eddie, his four friends, and who else? No one else. No other kids. No adults. No power. No cell service. And he is in his swim trunks.

What fun! I loved this snarky middle-grade read. In fact, I have only read a small handful of middle grade titles, but I found this one to be quite enjoyable, leaving me more than interested to read more of Justin A. Reynolds books as well as other middle grade titles.

Many thanks to Scholastic Press for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

justin a. reynolds has always wanted to be a writer. The earliest documentation of this desire was recorded on a sheet of green, learn-how-to-write-with-a-jumbo-pencil ruled kindergarten paper, which can be found prominently displayed in his mom’s office. OPPOSITE OF ALWAYS, his debut novel, was an Indies Introduce Top Ten Debut, a School Library Journal Best Book of 2019, translated in 17 languages, and is being developed for film with Paramount Players. He hangs out in northeast Ohio with his family, and is probably somewhere dancing terribly, or as his sister likes to say "doing the sports". His second novel EARLY DEPARTURES will publish in September 2020.

It's far more likely you can reach justin via Twitter (@andthisjustin) IG (@justinwritesya) or his website.

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Review - Frankie and Amelia

Title:   Frankie and Amelia

Author:  Cammie McGovern

Publisher:  HarperCollins

Genre:   Middle Grade

Format:  Audiobook

No. of Pages:   304

Date of Publication:   October 26, 2021

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

A heartfelt companion novel to the critically acclaimed Chester and Gus about inclusivity, autism, friendship, and family, perfect for fans of Sara Pennypacker and Kate DiCamillo.

After being separated from his family, Franklin becomes an independent cat, until he meets a goofy dog named Chester. Chester is a service dog to his person, a boy named Gus, and Chester knows just the girl to be Franklin’s person—Gus’s classmate Amelia.

Amelia loves cats, but has a harder time with people. Franklin understands her, though, and sees how much they have in common. When Amelia gets into some trouble at school, Franklin wants to help the girl who’s done so much to help him. He’s not sure how, yet, but he’s determined to try.

This sweet and moving novel demonstrates how powerful the bond between pets and people can be, while thoughtfully depicting a neurodivergent tween’s experience. 

Link to purchase the book 

MY THOUGHTS:

 

Franklin is a cat that has been through quite a lot. He is trying to find his person. It takes awhile, but eventually that person is Amelia. In fact, his best friend, Chester, a service dog, has found his person in Gus, who becomes Amelia's friend. It doesn't take Franklin long to find a very good rapport with Amelia.

Amelia has trouble communicating, but when it comes to Franklin, she is completely comfortable. Adults don't understand Amelia, but Franklin is different. He understands her, just as Chester understands Gus. Additionally, Amelia's parents have gotten her diagnosed after several visits to her doctor. Amelia is autistic and this diagnosis goes a long way making it clear why she has difficulties both at home and at school.

Franklin proves a godsend. He is perfect for Amelia and shows beyond a shadow of a doubt how pets and humans can bond in the most helpful of ways. This touching story will be with me for years to come. This book is perfect for children who have difficulties communicating, whether they are on the spectrum or not.

Many thanks to HarperCollins and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cammie McGovern is the author of two books for young adults, SAY WHAT YOU WILL and A STEP TOWARD FALLING, and two books for middle-grade readers, JUST MY LUCK and CHESTER AND GUS. All feature young people with a variety of disabilities at the center. She has been widely honored for her work advocating on behalf of people with disabilities and her books have been called “joyful, inspiring and unforgettable,” by Katherine Applegate. She has also written three adult novels and is one of the proud founders of Whole Children/Milestones, a resource center for children and young adults with disabilities and their families. She lives in Amherst, MA with her husband and three sons, the oldest of whom is autistic.

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Review - A Secret Shared

Title:   A Secret Shared

Author:  Patricia MacLachlan

Publisher:  Katherine Tegen Books

Genre:   Middle Grade

Format:  Audiobook ARC

No. of Pages:   160

Date of Publication:   September 28, 2021

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Newbery Medal–winning author Patricia MacLachlan paints a moving portrait of what it means to be a family, the power of love, and the importance of bringing the truth out into the light, in this beautiful and profound story about adoption.

Nora and Ben’s younger sister Birdy loves to keep secrets. She surprises her family more than once: She hides a kitten in her room. She writes a beautiful poem. One day Birdy watches her mother spit into a tube, ready to send it off to find out more about herself and where her family came from. Birdy spits into a tube, too, when no one sees her.

But when the test results come back, they are a surprise. Birdy is seemingly not related to Nora and Ben’s parents. But if she is adopted, how could that have happened without the children knowing?

Nora and Ben must learn when to keep a secret, and who to go to for help—and eventually, how to solve this secret for the entire family.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

 

Sarah, Plain and Tall. It has been decades since I had seen that movie but it made a huge impact on me. To see Patricia MacLachlan's name as the author of this book easily drew my attention. I got this ARC as a digitized audiobook for review and found it to be a delightful read.

Birdy sees her mother spitting in a tube. Her mother explains why she did it. This raises Birdy's curiosity and so she sneaks and does it. This gives opportunity to let Birdy learn that she is adopted. She has always felt loved by her parents and by her siblings Nora and Ben. However, as a child who already kept secrets, how will she keep this one?

There are many, many blended families, families brought together by adoption. There are mixes of birth children and adopted children. This book would be a wonderful read to teach children why adoption is so valuable. So necessary. It would also be a good tool to prove that love transcends any lines. That secrets are not always necessary. That truth might make things easier.

If Nora and Ben learn Birdy's secret will this keep the family close or will this fracture them? 

Many thanks to Katherine Tegen Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Patricia MacLachlan was born on the prairie, and to this day carries a small bag of prairie dirt with her wherever she goes to remind her of what she knew first. She is the author of many well-loved novels and picture books, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal; its sequels, Skylark and Caleb's Story; and Three Names, illustrated by Mike Wimmer. She lives in western Massachusetts.

Review - Second Sleep

Title:   Second Sleep

Author:  Diane Stanley

Publisher:  HarperCollins

Genre:   Middle Grade

Format:  Audiobook ARC

No. of Pages:   288

Date of Publication:   November 2, 2021

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

To get Max and Rosie’s minds off their mother’s mysterious disappearance, their grandmother, Mozelle, suggests that they visit the old log cabin where their mom spent her summers as a child. This is a place where, when it gets dark, you go to bed. But according to Mozelle, their mother had her happiest dreams during her nights at the lake.

That first night, Max and Rosie travel in their dreams to an almost impossibly beautiful place where they meet a wonderful new group of friends. But was it really just a dream? Or is there something extraordinary and magical about this compound by the lake?

As Max slowly grasps what is really going on, he wonders if he might have found the key to the mystery of his mother’s disappearance—and how to bring her safely home.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

 

Max and Rosie are missing their mother. She was there one day and then she wasn't. Their father isn't overly concerned. Apparently she went to help an old friend and doesn't want any of them to worry but the children do anyway. 

Their grandmother Mozelle has the perfect idea. She takes Max and Rosie to an old cabin where their mother used to go. Mozelle tells the children that when it is dark, you go to bed, no matter the time. Also, this is the time for the best dreams, dreams their mother had.

So, the children listen to Mozelle and on their very first night they do travel in their dreams. They experience joint moments of magic that they feel are quite real. Going to sleep never felt so good. This second sleep is just as mysterious as their mother's disappearance, but does slowly begin to make things appear clearer to both Max and Rosie.

Max finds the dreams and the people they meet in them as a means to figuring out why their mother left and how they can possibly bring her back to the family. 

I don't read much middle grade, and I also don't read many fantasy stories with magical elements, but I found Second Sleep to be an enjoyable read, and loved looking through the eyes of Max and Rosie as they sought answers. 

I had this ARC for review as a computerized audiobook and I will say that it was done quite well. Not sure if NetGalley will continue producing review copies in this format, but if they do, I will continue to download them and listen to them.

Many thanks to HaperCollins and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Diane Stanley is an American children's author and illustrator, a former medical illustrator, and a former art director for the publisher G.P. Putnam's Sons. Born in 1943 in Abilene, Texas, she was educated at Trinity University (in San Antonio, TX) and at Johns Hopkins University. She is perhaps best known for her many picture-book biographies, some of which were co-authored by her husband, Peter Vennema. (source: Wikipedia)

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Audiobook Review - Bamboo Kingdom

Title:  Bamboo Kingdom

Series:  Creatures of the Flood #1

Author:  Erin Hunter

Publisher:  HarperCollins

Genre:   Middle Grade

Format:  Audiobook ARC

No. of Pages:   256

Date of Publication:   September 28, 2021

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

One kingdom. Three worlds. This thrilling new series from bestselling author Erin Hunter follows three panda cubs, separated at birth, who must join together to complete a prophecy and save their home.

The pandas of the Bamboo Kingdom have never forgotten the great flood that ended the peaceful life they’d always known. But for three young creatures born that day, the flood marks not an end, but a beginning—the beginning of their struggles to find a place in very different worlds.

Leaf, raised in the sparse Northern Forest, works tirelessly to help her family find bamboo to eat; Rain, hot-tempered, refuses to accept a suspicious new leader in her Southern Forest community; and Ghost, clumsy and uncoordinated, worries he’ll never fit in with his hunter family in the mountains.

None of them know that the others are out there, but thanks to a mysterious tiger that’s been threatening the Kingdom, they will soon find each other—and fulfill a prophecy that had been made long before they were born.

Erin Hunter fans will flock to this new series packed with the same high-stakes adventures and heartfelt friendships they’ve come to know and love. 

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

Leaf, Rain and Ghost are a trio of panda siblings ho were seperated at birth. However, they are forced to find one another again in order to save their home. This engaging story has the pandas remembering the great flood that tore them apart from one another. In this engaging read, each of the pandas were raised in different forests in the Kingdom. Will they be able to work together in order to fulfill a long-ago prophecy?

Erin Hunter is new to me, and it is a rarety for me to read middle grade books. However, this story (and series) caught my attention. Told entirely in the voice of the pandas, readers are pulled into an animal kingdom enduring the trials and changes presented before them to save the Kingdom. I will be sure to get the other books in the trilogy as they are released in order to see if they will meet their goals.

Many thanks to HarperCollins and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Erin Hunter is the pseudonym of five people: Kate Cary, Cherith Baldry, Tui T. Sutherland, Gillian Philip, and Inbali Iserles, as well as editor Victoria Holmes. Together, they write the Warriors series as well as the Seekers and Survivors series. Erin Hunter is working on a new series now called Bravelands.

Erin Hunter is inspired by a love of cats and a fascination with the ferocity of the natural world. As well as having a great respect for nature in all its forms, Erin enjoys creating rich mythical explanations for animal behavior, shaped by her interest in astronomy and standing stones.

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