Review: Rain Reign

This book has won my heart.

Title: ‘Rain Reign’

Author: Ann M. Martin

Pages: 240

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Available: NOW at your local library or bookstore

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

Rose Howard has OCD, Asperger’s syndrome, and an obsession with homonyms (even her name is a homonym). She gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms (Reign, Rein), which, according to Rose’s rules of homonyms, is very special. Rain was a lost dog Rose’s father brought home. Rose and Rain are practically inseparable. And they are often home alone, as Rose’s father spends most evenings at a bar, and doesn’t have much patience for his special-needs daughter.

Just as a storm hits town, Rain goes missing. Rose’s father shouldn’t have let Rain out. Now Rose has to find her dog, even if it means leaving her routines and safe places to search. Rose will find Rain, but so will Rain’s original owners.

Hearts will break and spirits will soar for this powerful story, brilliantly told from Rose’s point of view.

My Thoughts:

This book gave me so many feels—I love Rose. And I love Rain. These two together make for a strong story that will stay with readers long after the book is done.

First, let me say that Martin is a genius in this story. She brings to life Rose, a high-functioning Asperger’s child in first person. I cannot imagine the research and constant concentration to pull this off so flawlessly. And it is flawless.

I could tell very quickly that Rose was Asperger’s; I’ve taught teens with Asperger’s. The classroom interaction between teacher and Rose, classmates and Rose…spot on.

Now, let me first deal with the plot. This is not a story about an Asperger’s child. This is the story about a girl and her dog. The special bond these two have. The challenges of growing up without a mom. A father who is frustrated with himself. And an uncle who loves his niece.

The above elements are all of the things that made me love this book. The pacing of the novel will keep readers engaged. There is a nice balance between Rose and Rain, her life at school, her life at home. All elements that young readers can connect with in their own way.

The bond between Rose and Rain is unmistakable. They count on one another. There is a natural camaraderie, and for those who own dogs and treat them as family, you know what I mean. Martin’s interaction with these two on the page is natural, and it makes me want to hug the book.

Then there is the challenge of growing up without a mom. Readers are unclear of what has happened to Rose’s mom; all we know is that she left. The absence of the mom figure is felt on just about every page—and this contributes to the love I have for Rose as a character. This is not something she dwells on. She simply visits her mom’s box of memories when she feels like she needs to, and that is that. But as a mom myself, I felt as if Rose really needed her mom there, to hug her, to help keep her safe.

Rose’s father is not a center point in this novel, but his presence is enough to make him worthy of a few notes. First, he is not a bad man. He is a man who is lost without his wife. He is trying to raise a daughter on his own. And not just any daughter; one whose mind works differently. Readers will experience his frustration throughout the novel, but most especially when Rain goes missing. A part of me wondered, “Did he do it on purpose?”

Oh the uncle—I loved him. He is just what Rose needs in her life. He reminds me of the purpose of grandparents: to give parents a break. He understands Rose in ways that no one else does. He is patient toward her. He helps her with her homonym list, something that fascinates her. Throughout the reading, I knew if he was on the page, Rose was okay. It was when Rose was left alone or with her dad that I grew afraid for her.

And then there is the storm. A hurricane of epic proportions is not the center of the story, but it is a catalyst for Rose. It is the reason Rain is lost; the reason Rose learns the truth of how she came to own Rain; it is the element that will help her make a brave decision.

One other thing I loved about this book: Rose is fascinated by homonyms (mentioned above), and when there is one on the page, readers will know because the homonyms are placed in parentheses. At first I thought this would be distracting to readers, but then I realized it allows readers to have a window into how Rose’s mind works…while learning about homonyms themselves.

Do I recommend this book?

Absolutely!!! There is not a reader that I do not think should read this book. This needs to be read by everyone. I foresee this being on summer reading lists for next school year.

Have you read a realistic fiction novel lately that you just loved? Share below; let’s talk books.

         

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: Nest

I love using Netgalley. Sometimes I find little treasures to read that I might not otherwise know is there.

Today’s review is an example of one of these treasures…I cannot express my love for this book enough. And don't be fooled by that cover. You will need tissues as you get deeper into the story, especially when that title finally ties in to the plot. You have been warned.

Title: ‘Nest’

Author: Esther Ehrlich

Pages: 336

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Available: September 9

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

For fans of Jennifer Holm (Penny from Heaven, Turtle in Paradise), a heartfelt and unforgettable middle-grade novel about an irresistible girl and her family, tragic change, and the healing power of love and friendship. In 1972 home is a cozy nest on Cape Cod for eleven-year-old Naomi “Chirp” Orenstein, her older sister, Rachel; her psychiatrist father; and her dancer mother. But then Chirp’s mom develops symptoms of a serious disease, and everything changes.

Chirp finds comfort in watching her beloved wild birds. She also finds a true friend in Joey, the mysterious boy who lives across the street. Together they create their own private world and come up with the perfect plan: Escape. Adventure. Discovery.

Nest is Esther Ehrlich’s stunning debut novel. Her lyrical writing is honest, humorous, and deeply affecting. Chirp and Joey will steal your heart. Long after you finish Nest, the spirit of Chirp and her loving family will stay with you.

My Thoughts:

The summary says that this book will stay with you, and I can confirm that this is true with me.

The story is simple enough—and yet there is nothing simple about Chirp. She is a complex character; one who looks forward to sharing her love of dance with her mom and who loves learning about birds. But Chirp’s life takes a detour when her mother becomes sick, and readers take the journey with Chirp as she tries to cope with growing up, and her mother’s illness.

Ehrlich delivers a heart-wrenching story that had me turning the page. I read this book in two sittings in one day. I wanted to see where she was going to take me—where she was going to take Chirp and her family. I was not disappointed.

The writing in this novel is complex yet approachable for readers of many levels. While the audience is a middle reader, I feel that advanced younger readers will devour the words off the page.

The pacing of this novel makes it a page-turner. Readers live in Chirp’s world through Chirp’s point-of-view. I think this is what makes the novel an even stronger read. It allows our hearts to ache with her; our giggles to escape as she makes silly comments; our hearts thump as she describes leaping through the air. This does not have the “feel” of a novel but of a personal diary, and for me that helps sale this story.

But this story does not belong to Chirp alone. There is her father, her mother, her sister, her friend, her teacher, and her principal. These characters help round out the cast of the storytelling.

·         Chirp’s father is a psychiatrist, and at times I found him comical because I could see the influence of the time in the way he approached his parenting.

·         Chirp has learned to love dance through her mother, and while she watches her mother struggle with illness, Chirp never gives up on her or her recovery. It is heart-warming to see a child root so deeply for a parent.

·         Rachel, Chirp’s sister, is a typical teen of the time. She is trying to find her own independence while picking up slack at home.

·         Joey, at first I didn’t know what to think of him, but by novel’s end, I wanted to grab him and give him the biggest hug ever. This kid needs an adult in his corner.

·         The teacher and the principal, nice contrasts of one another—they provide the school environment that Chirp experiences. And while Chirp is trying to be the right student and make the right calls, with things falling apart at home, she really just needs an adult at the school on her team.

I love the characters, I love the plot, I love this book.

I feel like I can’t write much more than that without spoiling a few key elements to the story. I will say that you need this book in your life.

Do I recommend this book?

Enthusiastically! I think all readers of realistic fiction will enjoy this novel. I will not be surprised to see this on summer reading lists for the 2015/2016 school year.

Let’s talk about books—what’s your favorite middle grade realistic fiction novel? Share below so I can build my TBR pile even higher.

         

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: A Summer of Sundays

When I saw in the description that this novel would appeal to fans of ‘The Mother Daughter Book Club’ AND ‘The Wedding Planner’s Daughter’ series, I knew I had to read it because, of course, I love both of those series.

Let me tell you, ‘Sunday’ is such a delightful, feel-good read wrapped in mystery.

And how adorable is that cover? That cover alone would make me pick this book up off the shelf.

Title: ‘A Summer of Sundays’

Author: Lindsay Eland

Pages: 336

Available: July 9, 2013

Source: Requested from Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

Fans of The Mother Daughter Book Club (Heather Vogel Fredericks) and The Wedding Planner's Daughter (Coleen Paratore) series will fall in love with the humor, classic charm, and very determined heroine of Lindsay Eland's sophomore novel.

When you're the third of six kids, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle, but Sunday Fowler is determined that this summer she'll find the one thing that makes her stand out from her siblings.

And when she discovers a silver box in the basement of the library her parents are renovating, she might just have found something to gain her the attention she so craves. Inside is a series of letters addressed to "The Librarian" and a manuscript. But who wrote them? With the help of annoying neighbor-turned-new-friend Jude, Sunday is determined to track down the author. And when she unveils this novel to the world, she'll be famous!

But uncovering this manuscript means stirring up secrets that some people in the town hoped to keep buried. And Sunday must decide if some things—loyalty, trust, friendship—are worth more than her name in the headlines.

My Thoughts:

As the novel opens, we meet Sunday Fowler, one of six who just wants to be noticed. When her parents stop at a gas station and leave her there, I was convinced I was going to read a ‘Home Alone’ type of story. Instead, I found this to be an endearing tale of an almost twelve-year-old little girl looking for her family to notice her.

Sunday is the “go to” child in the family, the one her parents know they can count on. While this is admirable, it is also tiresome to her. She wants more than just being Sunday.

When her father decides to bring the entire family in on his latest job—restoring a library—a new adventure in Sunday’s life begins. She discovers a locked box in the basement, and curiosity getting the better of her, opens it to discover mysterious letters written to “Librarian.” This sets into motion a summer Sunday soon won’t forget—and quite possibly a summer where she will make her mark. After all, what if these letters are a lost legend of a famous local writer? (I felt a bit like this element was paying homage to Harper Lee.)

The plot is solid storytelling—a family of six with two parents who love their children and are doing all they can to be there and provide. I found the book to have a nice pace to it, especially for young readers, and for once the parents enhanced the story instead of getting in the way.

Mom seems to always bake something scrumptious, and there’s always more than enough for her family of eight. Dad is a genius at remodeling and his current project is the local library, a project that the entire family pitches in to help restore and repair for a reopen. Really, I want to hang out with the Fowlers for the food alone. And the company. But really, for the food.

With a family this large, everyone has to do their part—but it seems like Sunday does more than her fair share. Of course, she is the story’s star and the focus is on her, but really there should be more equality among the kids. But isn’t this how it is in families? This is the realistic element that I felt a lot of young readers could connect with.

There are a lot of characters to contend with, which might become a bit much for younger readers, but the way the author has them step in and out of the story allows readers to keep up with them (instead of easily becoming confused, and with this many characters, it’s a risk the author pulls off).

My favorite character is Jude. He is not one of Sunday’s siblings, just a friend who wants to help her make her mark—and make the right decision. He is there every step of the way, and he knows the true meaning of friendship. His mother is a bit over-bearing with her “organic” kick (sometimes kids just need to be kids), but overall Jude stole the show a bit from Sunday with his good manners and level head.

With six children, a mom and dad, a best friend, and a local recluse who is rumored to eat small children, ‘A Summer of Sundays’ will keep young readers engaged with love, friendship, and the meaning of honor as well as engage them in a mystery. Who did write those letters?

I recommend this book for readers age 9+. It really will appeal to those tween readers who enjoy Candy Apple books and fun family reads. But this is not just a book for girls. While the main character is a girl, she has three younger brothers and a male friend that will appeal to the young male reader in your life as well.

What is the best “family” oriented book you’ve read?

Comment below and let’s talk about books.

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review: Twerp

I read the majority of this novel while on the treadmill/bicycle/elliptical. It was a great read because it kept me engaged while I was sweating to death - and I did not even notice. I mean, I noticed I was sweating of course, but I guess my point is that Goldblatt had me so enthralled with Julian's story that the time passed quickly.

This cover...love it

Title: ‘Twerp’

Author: Mark Goldblatt

ISBN: 9780375971426

Pages: 288

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Available: May 28th

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

It's not like I meant for Danley to get hurt. . . .

Julian Twerski isn't a bully. He's just made a big mistake. So when he returns to school after a weeklong suspension, his English teacher offers him a deal: if he keeps a journal and writes about the terrible incident that got him and his friends suspended, he can get out of writing a report on Shakespeare. Julian jumps at the chance. And so begins his account of life in sixth grade--blowing up homemade fireworks, writing a love letter for his best friend (with disastrous results), and worrying whether he's still the fastest kid in school. Lurking in the background, though, is the one story he can't bring himself to tell, the one story his teacher most wants to hear.

Inspired by Mark Goldblatt's own childhood growing up in 1960s Queens, Twerp shines with humor and heart. This remarkably powerful story will have readers laughing and crying right along with these flawed but unforgettable characters.

My Thoughts:

I am always looking for books for tween boys because, let’s be honest, this is the age that boys start to step away from books. After all, the demands on their time are great, and reading tends to fall in the bottom of that category. I’m not saying this is true of all tween boys, but my experience and observation has shown that this is the age where boys step away from the printed page.

With that said, it’s important to write for tween boys on topics that interest them. Topics that will make them want to read. For fun. On purpose.

Goldblatt’s book is one of those reads. This novel reminded me of an Andrew Clements’ school story. The feel was the same as was the execution.

When we met Julian, he is in a lot of trouble. But, there is one person in the building willing to take a chance on him, his English teacher. Instead of writing the stereotypical Shakespeare paper that is required, Julian is given a chance to tell his side of the story. Instead, he finds himself writing a book—and finds himself learning life lessons.

One life lesson: do not, under any circumstances, write a love letter on behalf of your best friend. The girl could easily believe that the letter is actually from you, even if you tell her it is not, and chaos will ensue. See, life lesson. And this one is an important one.

The plot is nicely paced for the age group. The chapters are not too long and not too detailed. It’s very conversational—which I believe a lot of tween readers will enjoy and can connect with. Basically, Goldblatt has made it easy for the reader to have a conversation with the text, which would be great to discuss in a classroom. This is what I as a teacher am always trying to get across to my own students—the writer is having a conversation with you, talk back to him/her. A chapter from this book would be a great way to introduce that concept, especially to sixth graders.

As a character Julian is solid. Of course he is flawed, I mean, he is in sixth grade, but he is honest, and true, and has a good heart. His problem is that he does not always surround himself with the best people to call friends. Scratch that. I take that back. His problem is that he is in sixth grade and does things boys of that age will do. It’s just his friends are there with the fallout.

And what friends does Julian have. They will fight until the end of time for one another—unless betrayal happens—and they remind me of the boys from ‘A Christmas Story.’ Talking smack, always challenging one another, and of course shenanigans happen. Instead of a tongue stuck to a telephone poll, eyebrows are singed off.

Basically, this book is for the fourth to sixth grader in your life. While I recommend it for a male audience, I think tween girls will enjoy it as well, if they are big readers.

I think one of the reasons I enjoyed this so much was that I have an eight-year-old little boy, and I can see some of this being his life, but I also teach high school juniors who love to share childhood stories about one another. In that way, I connected with this book both as a mom as well as an English teacher.

What’s the best realistic fiction novel you’ve read in a while? Who is your favorite author for tween boys?

Comment below and let’s talk about books.

Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator