Review: Lost in the Sun by Lisa Graff

This is a beautiful, thoughtful story about perspective, speaking truths, and second chances.  Lisa Graff creates a world where life isn't always easy and the protagonist, Trent, learns a few tough lessons, making this realistic fiction novel a solid choice for any reader who knows how challenging life can be at times.

Trent is involved in a horrible tragedy, leaving him angry at the world and feeling understandably defensive.  He reacts to those around him in a way that, on the surface, seems awful and without defense.  Through the wisdom of several people in his life, he relearns how to BE in this world, despite being filled with guilt and maybe even hatred for himself.

Graff's attention to character development makes Trent, his friend Fallon, and nearly every other character come to life.  They make us consider the reason behind the way others act, how we respond to people around us, and the grace we grant - or refuse to grant - ourselves.

Lost in the Sun reminds readers that life isn't always what it seems and that facing the truth and asking for help are the two things that will help us most, even when it seems impossible.

{ Reviewer: Mrs. K }

Review: Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

"I guess the good news is that everybody has to put up with being special because everybody is alive." - Caitlin, protagonist, Mockingbird

In this powerful read, ten year old Caitlin loses her brother, her biggest supporter, and the person who helped her make sense of the world in a tragic accident. The story of being left behind and working through the myriad of feelings and struggles that come with tragedy is told through her, which gives the reader an especially unique perspective. Caitlin has Asperger Syndrome and deals very literally with the world around her, often making it difficult for her to connect with and understand others. Unknowingly, despite her own inner-battles to make sense of the world around her, she teaches her dad, her teachers, her classmates, and her community how important it is to be heard and how imperative it is that we listen to and help one another, especially when it is most difficult. Her perspective allows for a glimpse of the inner-workings of a mind that struggles to share itself with the outside world, but whose biggest need is to make sense of it all.

Erskine's note at the end is especially powerful and reminds readers that we are all in "this" together and that the best thing we can do is to be kind on purpose and to attempt to connect and understand one another, especially when it is most difficult.

"But I am certain of one thing. If we all understood each other better, we could go a long way toward stopping violence. We all want to be heard, to be understood. Some of us are better than others at expressing ourselves. Some of us have severe problems that need to be addressed, not ignored, no matter what the cost. ... Ignore and ignorance share the same root word." - KE

{Reviewer: Mrs. K}

Review: How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor

You should definitely read this. So much to think about. It's short and quick, but filled to the brim with life lessons. The protagonist, Georgina, fights a battle in her own head and heart between the very real survival needs of her own family and doing what she knows is right. The lessons she learns about herself, other people, and the world around her serve to remind readers that this world is full of GOOD and that how you treat people matters. This will make a great read aloud and discussion in any classroom and is a high interest book for any realistic-fiction and / or dog lover!  {Reviewer: Mrs. K}

"Sometimes the trail you leave behind you is more important than the path ahead of you." - Mookie

Review: Glory Be by Augusta Scattergood

Set during Freedom Summer, June 1964, in Mississippi, this historical fiction work of art tells the story of the arduous civil rights efforts from the perspective of Gloriana June Hemphill, a brave spit-fire of an 11 year old that I'd love to have in my family. The struggle between "what has always been" and "what is right" is beautifully and honestly told. It also tells the story of sisters and friends and how outside events can change perspectives and shake even the strongest relationships at times. Glory Be would make an excellent read aloud for intermediate grades and beyond.  It is short and truly sweet, a quick read worthy of all the thinking time you're bound to put in after you dive in!  This is truly a gift from author Augusta Scattergood!  {Reviewer: Mrs. K}