The Indigo Notebook by Laura Resau

Zeeta is fifteen years old and has lived in fifteen different countries. This year, she and her free spirit mother have settled in the Ecuadoran Andes. Zeeta has become a master at adapting to new places. She visits markets, meets the locals, and records it all in her notebook. This year it's indigo. A chance meeting with an American teen searching for his birth parents leads Zeeta on an adventure she never imagined.

What I thought: Wow! Zeeta is quite an unusual girl. I can only imagine the kind of life she's had, but Resau does a great job showing me. I like that our heroine is mixed race. Not something I've seen often. Wendell's search for his birth parents becomes Zeeta's search for identity. The best word I can think of to describe the book is exotic. It is that from the setting to the characters.

(New York: Delacorte, 2009)

Viola in Reel Life by Adriana Trigiani

Viola is not happy to be attending boarding school in Indiana. The place is antiquated and she (with her bright yellow patent leather flats) doesn't quite fit in. But Indiana surprises her. She makes friends, finds a niche for her talent, and even acquires a boyfriend.

What I thought: The review I read of Viola in Reel Life was lukewarm, but I decided to give it a try as my aunt liked (i.e., raved about) Trigiani's adult books. So glad I read it. This book was great on so many levels. Viola has a unique voice. Her talent is interesting. The setting (boarding school) has been done before, but like those who came before Trigiani pulled it off. (I'm thinking Jellicoe Road, The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks.) Viola's struggle to acclimate herself to a new life is achingly realistic. I didn't want her story to end. Need I say more?

(New York: Harper Teen, 2009)

Benny & Penny in the Big No-No! by Geoffrey Hayes

A new neighbor. A case of mistaken identity. Some mud. A new friend.

What I thought: Benny and Penny are such cute characters. They act exactly like brothers and sisters do. Loved the adventure they had in this book. Melinda (a mole?) is a great addition to the neighborhood. Not surprised that this won the Geisel Medal for 2010.

(New York: Toon Books, 2009)

Gigged by Heath Gibson

J. T. Tillman knows life is hard. His dad didn't come back from Desert Storm. His mom died in a car accident and he blames himself for it. A series of abusive foster homes have taught J.T. a lesson. Once he was Jason, an average ordinary kid. But as such Jason was weak and got hurt. J.T.'s ROTC training has helped. He suppresses Jason and focuses on his goal--a scholarship to the Citadel. He will be a soldier and make his parents proud.

What I thought: I want to preface my review by saying this is not a book I would normally read. That being said, I'm glad I read it. J.T. is such a complex, confused mess of a character. I stuck with the book to see if he achieved his goal. The writing style in unlike anything I've ever seen. J.T.'s voice is unique--abrupt and clipped, very suited to his soldier mentality. It reminds me a little of the stream of consciousness style so prevalent in Virginia Woolf's work. I think the style along with the short chapters will appeal to reluctant readers. I hate to label books, but this is definitely a boy book. Heath Gibson understands his audience. However, as a female, I also enjoyed the book. My enjoyment stems primarily from J.T. inner psychological struggle. The ending was unexpected. I'm not sure if you can call it resolved. I won't say more than that because I don't want to give it away. I will say I'm just a little disturbed by the ending and its implications for the book as a whole. Now that I know the ending, I want to re-read the book with the ending in mind. J.T. is a compelling character. I was sorry to leave him. If I had to describe the book in one word, I would have to say intense.

To find out more about Gigged and Heath Gibson, visit Flux. You might also check out this interview with Heath over at Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf.

(Woodbury, MN: Flux, May 2010. Review copy provided by publisher.)

All Aboard to Work--Choo-Choo! by Carol Roth

This is a story of animal commuters. They take the train to work everyday.

What I thought: Great rhyming, repetition, and onomatopoeia. This would be a fun book to use for story time. It will definitely be a hit with my Thomas fans.

(Illus. Steve Lewis. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman, 2009.)

The Cupcake Queen by Heather Hepler

They're taking a break. That's all Penny's parents are saying. Her dad's still in the city and her mom's opened a cupcake bakery in her hometown. Penny misses city life and her friends. Adjusting to life in Hog Hollow isn't easy especially when the most popular girl in Penny's class hates her. Can Penny survive the break without breaking herself?

What I thought: A refreshing book. I liked everything about this book--the characters, the setting, the cupcakes. Hepler offers readers a believable story. Penny struggles--many readers will relate to her struggles. Penny's artistic nature appealed to me. I like the details of cupcake design Hepler included. Hepler reminds me of Joan Bauer. This is what we need more of--fresh realistic voices.

(New York, Dutton, 2009)

Reading Ramona Take 7

Book 7: Ramona Forever
First published in 1984, illustrated by Alan Tiegreen
182 pages, 10 chapters (New York: Avon Camelot)
Awards: Notable Children's Book

School takes a backseat to more interesting events in this installment of the Ramona series. Howie's Uncle Hobart returns to wreak havoc on Klickitat Street. He teases Ramona and generally makes a nuisance of himself. Mrs. Quimby is pregnant. Mr. Quimby has finished college but can't find a teaching position. Aunt Bea, wonderful Aunt Bea, is dating and GASP has agreed to marry Uncle Hobart. Can Ramona survive two new additions to the family?

What I thought: This book was a gem. Ramona deals well with all the changes in her life. There was a time when she wouldn't, but I'm proud top say that one of my favorite characters is growing up. This book has a lot of milestones in it. I can barely believe they would all fit in one book. A new baby, a wedding, staying home alone, and the death of a beloved family pet. In the midst of it all, Ramona remains the same--funny and endearing!

Favorite Quotes:
"sounds like a fairy tale and has camels" (3).
"Ramona had never seen such beautiful towels--big, thick, fluffy, and in soft, pretty colors. She stroked them, laid her cheek against them, traced her finder along the designs. They were truly towels to marry for" (128).
"She was winning at growing up" (182).

Activities from Ramona Forever:
Bicycle/unicycle riding
Something to do with Arabian Nights which is referenced a lot
Music making
Weddings (planning them, pretending to have one, etc.)
Names (Naming the newest Quimby...My Great Aunt Arizona by Gloria Houston is a picture book about the importance of names.)