| For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle A wonderfully written book that explores various aspects of race as well as family, religion, acceptance, differences and similarities, hope, and deafness/hard of hearing. The book maintains a great balance of simplicity and beauty, of childhood and moving into adulthood. The story is an interesting look at young people discovering their identities and how they connect and relate to others. The narration of the story is fairly simple. It is written in a very natural way that young readers may find appealing. Despite the simplicity of language, it deals with complex ideas and helps connect various issues in an understandable way. One aspect that I especially enjoyed was the exploration of similarities and differences throughout. Whether it was through being seen as white or black, deaf/hard of hearing or hearing, religious or non-religious, the novel does a great job working to break down those separating barriers and showing the relatedness and interconnection between all. While differences are shown, the emphasis is on similarities. I also thought the novel did a good job showing some aspects of deaf culture by describing a few signs, mentioning the difficulties of lipreading, signing and speaking at the same time, and showing how Sean did and experienced things differently without presenting it as a disability or something he fought against. It was very natural in showing how Frannie and Sean were different, such as how they experienced music, but not that one way was better or the right way. A fantastic read that is quick and simple, yet complex in its exploration of identity and similarities. |
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| For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle An interesting combination of classic fairy tales. Overall, I enjoyed it. As with everything Gaiman writes, this is a very unique story. I loved the play on the original fairy tales and how creatively he combined them. I also liked how references were made to them instead of blatantly naming the characters. The entire story is very subtle. I listened to the full cast audiobook, which made for a fun listening experience, however I did find it rather disruptive at times. Sometimes the change in characters made it hard to follow the story. This was especially difficult given the subtle nature of the book in not explicitly making connections but rather allowing the reader to figure them out for themselves. In this format, it was easy to miss things along the way. Probably a better fit for someone who is already familiar with the story to better enjoy the full cast reading. I would like to go back and read the physical book to get a better feel for the flow (and also see the illustrations). Good unique read for those looking for a fresh spin on some well-known fairy tales. |
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| For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle An absolutely adorable book, perfectly told and beautifully illustrated. This is a simple story with so much heart. A wonderful, upbeat tale of finding the perfect hair style. Great detail in the pictures as well to very humorous effect. I'd heard good things about this book, but was still blown away by how sweet and touching it was. Glad I finally got a chance to read it. A lovely story about hair, family, and love with gorgeous artwork. |
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| For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle The remarkable story of Clara Luper, an inspirational woman who took action through teaching, demonstrating, fighting for rights, and instilling the value to do the same in others. This book details some of Luper's work, told simply and elegantly. Growing up, I remember not really liking non-fiction picture books, however this one was well done. While it is a bit wordy, the story is simplified for young audiences, explained well, and told in an entertaining and inspiring way. Because of its length, it is best suited for older children. Great incorporation of the steps of nonviolence and showing how change can be brought about through action. I also liked that the hardships of such action were included. The book shows people throwing food at the characters and the narration mentions people yelling at them and "spit[ting] ugliness and hate". The violence was presented in a way suitable for children without ignoring it. I think it is crucial to including the push back against such demonstrations when teaching children about fighting for change. At the end of the book is a "More about Clara Luper" section, which includes additional information, quotes, and photographs. A good book to teach children about nonviolence, segregation, and fighting for rights as well as getting them interested in history and historical figures. A great non-fiction picture book. |
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A powerful read filled with insight on various aspects of weight, body image, self-worth, and culture.
One of the things that makes this such a unique book is that the journey is presented as a work in progress. Gay documents her way through life, recounting various events that shaped her as a person. There is a deep level of insight in connecting things that happened in her past to how she views the world and her place within it.
While writing the book, it is clear that Gay does not completely accept her body. However, I think this is an important perspective to highlight. While she supports the body positivity movement, she still struggles with how her body is perceived, how she views her own body, and the difficulties in moving within a culture that does not always value different experiences. This is a relatable perspective for all of us who love the idea of others accepting and loving their bodies, but have a hard time applying this to ourselves. This book helps validate that struggle and promotes the journey of acceptance and love. It's great to see people who fully accept themselves, but it can be a hard path to get to that point that involves a lot of work and insight.
While the book focuses on Gay's own experiences, aspects of culture are also examined such as weight loss shows, diet programs, obsessions with celebrity bodies, women's clothing, and accessibility. It is more than just one person's journey, it is a look at how messages in the media and the larger culture influence how we view our bodies and the bodies of others.
An insightful look at weight, health, and eating as well as connected aspects of rape culture, family pressure, disordered eating, cultural messages, race, acceptance of abusive relationships, and self worth. Gay's narration is very open, forcing the reader to examine the world around them and deal with some of the discomfort involved with that.
Well-written and powerful, this book shows that body acceptance is not an easy journey, but one that involves conscious work everyday. It makes the reader aware of some of the automatic and unconscious ways culture treats the diversity of bodies. It proves that there is much work to be done.
5
| For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle An absolutely stunning and sweet book about a little girl bringing people together to watch the Phoenix Meteor Shower. This is a very cute story. Rocket is such a fun, upbeat character who you can't help but fall in love with. I loved her passion and drive. The story is simple, but adorable and very touching. The illustrations are also amazing. Gorgeous use of color and wonderful detail. This is such a beautiful book. The book also incorporates interesting space facts about Mae Jemison and meteor showers. Great for space-loving children. A fantastic read that is beautiful and fun with a heartfelt story of following your dreams and togetherness. |
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| For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle A stunning book about loving and caring for your hair. The text of the book is rather lengthy and wordy, so best for older children. However, the pictures are beautiful for any age group. I loved the use of color and the details of the garden. A very lovely book. Within the story, various aspects of hair care are highlighted such as shampooing technique, use of wide-toothed comb, and healthy lifestyle. The story also works in others' perceptions of hair and how this can affect self-esteem and views of one's hair. Despite the wordy text, the incorporation of hair care procedures, others' perceptions of hair, and the lovely metaphor of hair as a garden were well-done. At the end of the book is a section on "Caring for Black Hair" with sections for detangling, sealing in moisture, and protective styles, as well as recipes for hair care products. This may be helpful for older kids to learn and understand how to care for their hair, however I think it would also be helpful for parents, like Mackenzie's mother, who don't really know how to handle different types of black hair. A great resource for teaching love and care of hair with gorgeous illustrations. |
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| For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle A rich book filled with lyrical prose, fantastic descriptions, and phenomenal artwork. This book expresses the power of a new haircut, the community of barbershops, and experiencing joy in one's appearance. A lovely book of strong imagery. The words flow in such a wonderful way. It is a pleasure to read. The text pairs well with the joyfulness and strength presented in the illustrations. Great emphasis on community, acceptance and approval of one's self, strength, pride, power, and joy. While other's perceptions of appearance are shown, the emphasis is on being comfortable and proud of one's self and the inner power and strength of such acceptance. A very positive presentation told through poetic language. |
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A fantastic story, perfectly crafted.
This was a great short book to read after having read Gaiman's Norse Mythology. This story nicely incorporates some of the myths, characteristics, and other qualities present in Norse Mythology. This is essentially Norse Mythology for young readers, nicely strung throughout an entirely new adventure. I absolutely loved it.
Wonderful description. Simple, yet entertaining story.
I listened to the audiobook of this (the 5th or 6th book narrated by Gaiman that I've listened to). I really enjoy listening to Gaiman's narration. He does a wonderful job reading his stories and it is always a joy to listen to them.
Great read. One of my favorites by Gaiman.
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Despite the fact that I was nearly halfway through the book before I realized someone had ripped out two pages from my secondhand copy (thankfully I was able to read them online), I enjoyed this book. It is a fun and twisted story about a dark wizard looking for the most sinister witch to marry.
As the book was originally published in 1979, there are some things that wouldn't quite fly in modern children's literature. There is a large emphasis on physical appearance, which is often portrayed in a humorous way, but perhaps does not provide the best message. As with other books I've read by Ibbotson (Island of the Aunts), the premise is a bit creepy in seeking out a dark witch in order to produce a dark wizard. There is also a good bit of violence, both described and implied (stories about murdering wives, The Symphony of Death). Still, it was overall an enjoyable read.
I did like the story on the whole. Good description. There are certainly very dark moments (as any search for the darkest witch should), many in a rather Roald Dahl-ish way. Interesting read. I enjoyed the characters. The ending was fairly predictable but in no way took away from the fun reading experience for me.
| For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle An absolutely stunning book about a simple trip to the museum that inspired one little girl's dreams. A perfect example of why representation is so important. Every person needs to see themselves positively reflected in all areas to feel connection and show that they can do anything. The simple narration worked perfectly for this story. It is a simple story and when told in a simple way, it really emphasizes the experience and impact rather than getting bogged down in wordy narration. Also, that artwork is just perfect. I loved the bright feel. Each page is magical. That's nothing else to say. Every bit of it is amazing and adds to the inspiration of the story. A beautiful work that emphasizes positive representation, inspiration, confidence, kindness, and the drive to do anything. Simple yet eloquent. A lovely book that shows how one simple moment can change the world. |
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An absolutely stunning book about the first day of kindergarten. I really liked the emphasis on confidence and enjoying the experience. Understandably many children's books on this topic focus on the more negative aspects of fear, worry, and anxiety. This was a fresh perspective of tackling the day as the King of Kindergarten and just having fun.
Wonderfully creative concept. The parallels between kindergarten and royal life were fantastic (sun behind head like crown, yellow carriage that takes the children to a grand fortress) and the similes used were fantastic.
Also, the artwork is absolutely beautiful. The bright colors play well into the themes of confidence and fun. I really enjoyed the cute style of the illustrations.
A wonderful, uplifting read that can even inspire confidence and bravery in the adults who read it.
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A wonderfully fantastic journey through the unknown. This book is pure Gaiman, filled with all sorts of oddities, mystical elements, and pure magic.
I listened to the audiobook of this as read by the author. This is the third or fourth audiobook I've listened to by Gaiman and each one is a treat. He has a special way of reading his work aloud that makes the words come to life. Well done.
Overall, I liked the story. There were many elements that mesh well together. However, even though I knew it was a fairy tale for adults, I was less interested in the violence and sex. Some of it was a little prolonged for my taste.
Also, there's this whole weird thing about consent in terms of the star that I just can't quite get over. I remember being creeped out by it when I watched the film adaptation, so I knew it was coming, but it still didn't sit well with me. The story for the most part was good, but I think the issue of consent was a large hole that prevented me from fully enjoying the story.
However, most of the elements were fantastical and interesting. I really enjoyed all of the characters and they dynamics between them. A truly magical read filled with age-defying witches, a unicorn, a boy unaware of his past, conniving siblings fighting over the throne, and most importantly, a star.
| For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle I grew up reading the Judy Moody books and as I read some of the later books for the first time as a adult, I still feel the same engagement as when I was younger. This one had such a unique storyline. It was fun to see Judy experience some aspects of college life and put her own spin on things. I also love the consistency of the writing and find each book just as good as the first. As with the other books, fun voice, great illustrations, and creative wordplay. An awesome (or "crucial" rather) read. At the end of the book are bonus features unique to this story including "Judy Moody's Not-Webster's New World College Dictionary" as well as features from Judy Moody's Way Wacky Uber Awesome Book of More Fun Stuff to Do such as ideas for redecorating your bedroom and glamming up your flip flops. Fun, entertaining read with a unique story that is pure Judy Moody. |
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A very humorous, overall-lighthearted book. Within these pages, Ephron bemoans the struggles of aging necks, messy purses, routine personal upkeep, parenting, and not being able to find a once-loved food, among other things, all with wit and humor.
I really enjoyed the book overall, but I am having a difficult time deciding on a rating. On one hand, there were many humorous and insightful pieces (although certainly from a perspective of privilege), which were fun to read in their exposure of women's everyday lives and many of the first-world problems they face. However, I did find some of her jokes and perspectives off-putting. Based on the title, I obviously wasn't expecting a body positive manifesto, but I was disappointed in the fat shaming scenario in "The Story of My Life in 3,500 Words of Less" in which Ephron recounts how she was 126 in college, "having become a butterball". The emphasis on dieting and losing weight as a form of revenge, a thin body being something to flaunt in front of others, was not to my taste. Similarly, her gross trivialization of a homeless woman's experiences in "On Maintenance" was also disappointing. I understood the point she was trying to make, but in my opinion, it had already been made and poking fun at a homeless woman's appearance was unnecessary.
Still, the book came out almost 15 years ago and there have clearly been changes in values since then. The majority of the book was well-written and funny with a few outdated opinions that are certainly harmful but were much more ingrained in the culture at the time.
Despite this, I especially enjoyed the essays, "I Hate My Purse", "Blind as a Bat", "The Lost Strudel or Le Strudel Perdu", and "On Rapture".
The collection ends with "Considering the Alternative", which was heartfelt and beautifully written, providing a more serious closing to an otherwise very lighthearted book.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Some aspects of it have not aged very well, but on the whole, I enjoyed most of the essays. Well-written and humorous, its a interesting look at various aspects of human life, especially the gendered issues women face such as the pressure for graceful aging.
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Another wonderful Judy Moody adventure. I loved these books growing up and I still love them today. They are nice, easy reads that still incorporate great messages and entertaining stories. This one focuses on balancing new friends and old friends, a topic that is very relatable. The story does a good job presenting the excitement of forming relationships with new people and the resulting struggle of keeping previous friendships in your life with very good messages along the way.
There is also bonus content at the end including "10 Things You May Not Know About Megan McDonald" (which includes a little anecdote about the real-life inspiration to that traumatic newt storyline from Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid) and "10 Things You May Not Know About Peter H. Reynolds" as well as how to say "Hello" and "Later" in various languages as featured in Judy Moody's Way Wacky Uber Awesome Book of More Fun Stuff to Do.
A great book about friendship, class projects, and problem solving told in perfect Judy Moody fashion.