May 2017

Sticks & Stones

Author: Cooper, Abby

Illustrator: NA

Farrar Straus Giroux, 2016

ISBN: 9780374302870

$16.99

Grades 4 - 5: This is a great story about a girl with a rare (and fictitious) disorder. Strong words appear on her skin when people use them on her. The bad words (dork, geek, etc) really itch when they appear and good words (beautiful, nice etc) feel good on her skin. Elyse's self-esteem takes a hit when she enters middle school and she learns that now the strong words she thinks about herself (mostly negative) now appear as well. When she starts receiving mysterious notes encouraging her to try out for the position of 6th grade Explorer Leader for the annual 6th grade trip, Elyse begins to believe in herself and in what she can accomplish. Verdict: What an original read! This is a great book for upper elementary and middle school students who might be struggling with self-esteem issues or who just want a great story. Buy it!

Curricular Use: Self-esteem, pleasure reading

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Journey Across the Hidden Islands

Author: Durst, Sarah Beth

Illustrator: NA

Clarion Books, 2017

ISBN: 9780544706798

$16.99

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: Soon to be twelve years old, sisters Seika and Ji-Lin has been separated for a long time as each learns to master their future roles - Seika as heiress to the throne and Ji-Lin as her sister's protector. Suddenly their father tells them that they will complete the Emperor's Journey now. Neither sister feels she is ready, but now reunited, they commence on the journey on the back of Ji-Lin's flying lion, Alejan. Their courage is tested and both learn to see things from new perspectives as they overcome many obstacles on their journey to provide stability to their kingdom. A great fantasy read with strong girls showing courage, problem solving and compassion. Verdict: Another hit by Ms. Durst. Sure to become a favorite with upper elementary and middle school girls.

Curricular Use: Fantasy

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

The Imagination Box

Author: Ford, Martyn

Illustrator: NA

Delacorte Press, 2015

ISBN: 9781101936276

$16.99

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: Curiosity and imagination: they go hand in hand. Tim, a 10 year old who does not connect well with his well meaning but overly busy adoptive parents, lets his curiosity lead him to explore the capabilities of a prototype "imagination box." Among the problems that arise from his doings is the fact that the box isn't his. And the scientist who created it is trying to keep it out of the hands of unknown thieves. Along the way Tim makes friends, comes up with interesting solutions and learns to accept more responsibility for his life. The descriptive writing moves quickly through the twists and turns of this almost science fiction tale. Too bad the slipcover misrepresents the story with a connotation of playful silliness which in itself is fine, but is not the major tone of the book. Verdict: The Imagination Box is a lively story which would especially appeal to preteen boys. It is a good title with which to guide a reluctant reader into a more serious reading level.

Curricular Use: The Imagination Box is basically a fun and compelling book to read.

Reviewer: Mars Datura, Guest Reviewer, Cathlamet Public Library

Scar Island

Author: Gemeinhart, Dan

Illustrator: NA

Scholastic, 2017

ISBN: 9781338053845

$16.99

Grades 6 - 8, Grade 5: Jonathan has just arrived at a horrible school for troubled boys as punishment for his crime. The conditions are deplorable, but Jonathan feels he deserves the cruel treatment. While the boys are being punished outside during a storm, a freak lightening bolt hits the adults and they are killed. The stunned boys decide they will keep the deaths quiet for a while and enjoy some freedoms before returning home. However, soon power stuggles begin and the boys begin turning on each other. When a hurricane hits the island, the boys must work together in order to survive. Verdict: This is a fast paced adventure that's a great fit for middle school boys.

Curricular Use: Pleasure reading

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

School's First Day of School

Author: Rex, Adam

Illustrator: Christian Robinson

Roaring Book Press, 2016

ISBN: 9781596439641

$17.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: Here is a twist on "first day" story books. This one is on a school building's first day! As a brand new building, the wary school experiences its first day of children and learns what its parts are for. Happily it has a friend in the janitor with whom to talk over all the events. The vocabulary is moderate and makes for an appropriate stretch for 1st and 2nd graders. With a nice flow to it, the story is easy to follow from beginning to end. Verdict: A school having feelings just like their own is certain to pique the interest of children.This story is casual and well written with colorful illustrations.

Curricular Use: A book that addresses new experiences certainly appeals to kids of any age. This version is a good one to read out loud to the younger set. It can be used to open discussions about how both the listeners and early readers felt on their first day of the school year.

Reviewer: Mars Datura, Guest Reviewer, Cathlamet Public Library

The Goldfish Boy

Author: Thompson, Lisa

Illustrator: NA

Scholastic Press, 2017

ISBN: 9781338053920

$16.99

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: Matthew Corbin suffers from severe OCD. The symptoms began slowly and have escalated over the past four years to the point Matthew will no longer attend school, rarely leaves his house, and spends copious amounts of time washing his hands, showering, and cleaning and disinfecting his bedroom and bathroom. Matthew's anxieties and compulsions are painful to read about, especially since they cause him pain, in the form of cracked, blistered, and bleeding skin. Being basically home-bound, Matthew is the unofficial neighborhood watch. From his upstairs bedroom window or his parents' office window, he keeps watch over the comings and goings of his neighbors and records the day-in and day-out minutiae in a notebook. When, Teddy, Mr. Charles' toddler grandson, goes missing one day, Matthew is a key witness. Matthew and his friends Melody and Jake try to gather clues in order to solve Teddy's mysterious disappearance. Some clues, of course, are way off base. Some, exactly spot on. Matthew begin seeing a therapist, and finally reveals why he must keep everything clean and dirt-free. He is consumed with guilt because he thinks he caused his baby brother's death. Callum's death, although not caused by Matthew, was the beginning of his OCD. Matthew, with his therapist's help, is able to tell his parents why he is compelled to clean, and they are shocked and saddened, yet reassure Matthew that his having the chicken pox and being sick did not cause Callum to die. Matthew agrees to continue seeing the therapist, knowing it will take a long time and a lot of hard work on his part, to overcome his obsessions and to finally regain the life he deserves to be living. Teddy is found, and the bad neighbors who took him are led away in handcuffs by the police. While Matthew's issues are the main focus, there are many other conflicts in play in this book. Conflicts that could be examined and discussed in detail, as The Goldfish Boy would make an excellent read-aloud to 4th-6th graders. Why do we do what we do? What compels us? What motivates us? Verdict: The Goldfish Boy is a well-written, thought-provoking novel about mental illness. Several characters in the book are mentally off-balance. This book is suitable for students 4th grade and up, with a middle-school target audience.

Curricular Use: Independent reading, class discussion about OCD, anxiety disorders, mental illness.

Reviewer: Debbie Rock, Library Media Specialist, Kelso High School

The Call

Author: O'Guilin, Peadar

Illustrator: NA

Scholastic, Inc., 2016

ISBN: 9781338045611

$18.99

Grades 9 - 12: Fans of the grimmest of fairy tales will love this gory story of the battle between Ireland's teens and the bloodthirsty Sidhe. Driven to the fairy mound in what they perceive to be an unfair bargain, the Sidhe have begun calling Ireland's youth to a hunt in the Grey Land where the youth are the prey. Time moves differently between the two worlds. Hours in the Grey Land are three minutes in the human world, and at three minutes and four seconds the teens either return alive--disfigured and traumatized, but alive--or grotesquely twisted lumps of human flesh. Nessa has long expected that when she is called she will have a harder time than most. Her face is gorgeous. Her body has been ravaged by polio, and it has left her crippled. O'Guilin weaves an amazing tale of ableism in the character of Nessa because Nessa fully expects to survive. Nessa's struggle against her boarding school bullies and the Sidhe are set against the backdrop of a sweet love story that replaces the typical teen romances of overblown tingles with a story that is truly all heart. She is surrounded by a cast of characters who are either delightfully witty or wretchedly villainous, and her hero's journey meets an ending snag that is well worth the wait. Verdict: Fans of Celtic mythology will fall in love with this brutal tale of survival.

Curricular Use: The use of Celtic deities by an Irish author adds complexity to this text. The authors choices of characters--including a culturally diverse panoply of characters--is worth discussing as part of author's craft.

Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, Teacher Librarian, R. A. Long High School Library

88 Instruments

Author: Barton, Chris

Illustrator: Louis Thomas

Knopf, 2016

ISBN: 9780553538144

$17.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: A young boy has the opportunity to choose an instrument. With 88 choices, how does he decide? This picture book has charming illustrations. As an art and library media specialist, I was immediately drawn to the musical instruments on the front cover and how I could incorporate the book into an artist study. This would be a lovely addition to an art room, music room, or and elementary library. It lends itself well to the concepts of lifelong learning, grit, and stamina. Verdict: The sing-song feel of the text will pull the audience in and inspire them to try new things.

Curricular Use: Art Education; Life-long Learning; General Love of Reading

Reviewer: Megan Yarroll, Art and Library Media Specialist, Barnes Elementary School

A Number Slumber

Author: Bloom, Suzanne

Illustrator: Suzanne Bloom

Boyds Mills Press, 2016

ISBN: 9781629795577

$16.95

PreK-2: This book starts by asking about the reader’s bedtime ritual. Then it delves into what others do to get ready for bed. This process counts down from ten tigers all the way to one wombat and uses alliteration. The illustrations are fun and have a fuzzy look to them. Verdict: This was a fun read aloud.

Curricular Use: This book is a good read aloud and can be used when talking about alliteration.

Reviewer: N. Williams, CLC Teacher, Castle Rock Elementary

Bossy Flossy

Author: Bogan, Paulette

Illustrator: Paulette Bogan

Henry Holt and Company, 2016

ISBN: 9781627793582

$16.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: Author and illustrator Paulette Bogan captures the behaviors of a bossy girl named Flossy. Rhyming is encouraged as bossy rhymes with flossy in the title of the book and children can have fun adding other words that rhyme or inventing their own words.

Flossy tells her toys, her cat, her brother and her classmates what to do. Once, she talked back to her mother and her teacher. She thinks no one listens to her. One day, she meets bossy Edward. At first, they have a difficult time getting along, but then they make a commitment to each other to stop being bossy. They start being nice to peers and ask their peers if they can show them how to do something and even give compliments.

The book helps young readers to reflect on their own behavior and to help them make a change. Verdict: I recommend this book to teachers and parents to read to children and to take the time to talk about bossy behavior and to talk about manners and how to be nice to others.

Curricular Use:

Reviewer: Sonja Sample, Child and Family Liaison, LCC Head Start

Love Monster and the Scary Something

Author: Bright, Rachel

Illustrator: Rachel Bright

Farrar Straus Giroux, 2015

ISBN: 9780374346911

$17.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: Love Monster goes through his nighttime ritual, but then has a hard time falling asleep. He suddenly hears all kinds of noises and becomes more and more afraid. The sound starts to get louder and louder and Love Monster decides he must face his fears. When he confronts the noisemaker, he discovers a little bunny who was hungry and didn’t want to be alone. Verdict: This was a cute story and the children listened to it with much anticipation. The illustrations really feed one’s overactive imagination also. There are other books featuring Love Monster in addition to this one.

Curricular Use: This was a great read aloud!

Reviewer: N. Williams, CLC Teacher, Castle Rock Elementary

The Complete Alice

Author: Carroll, Lewis

Illustrator: Sir John Tenniel

Macmillan Children's Books, 2015

ISBN: 9781627794350

$40.00

Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8, Grades 9 - 12, Adult: This beast of a book is a work of art and contains the revised texts both of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There." The cover is a gorgeous work of art with a cutout rabbit hole, and the entire volume is beautiful. This volume is more than just the story of Alice, though. It also includes other letters published by Lewis Carroll as well as a history of the publication of the story from its initial telling to Alice Liddell and her sisters. Verdict: This beautiful work is too heavy and bulky to circulate easily. It is most suitable as a collectible piece that is available for readers to peruse.

Curricular Use: The additions to the story--including the other poems, letters from Lewis Carroll and pieces about the publication make this a brilliant opportunity to talk about writer's craft as well as the influences of the time. The primary sources that are pictured have been carefully selected. Finally, the discussion about revisions that Carroll made to the manuscript between editions is an excellent opportunity to discuss writer's craft and the concept of perpetual writing.

Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, Teacher Librarian, R. A. Long High School Library

Biofuels

Author: Conley, Kate

Illustrator: Various Photographers

Abdo Publishing, 2017

ISBN: 9781680784534

$22.95

Grades 3 - 6: This science book discusses biofuels: their origins, history, sources and politics. Ms. Conley includes several think-about-it questions throughout the text. It is a thoughtful exploration of the biological sources of alternative energy. My only criticism is her depth of detail for the chemical process of the making of the fuel which is more appropriate for those in middle school, or those taking chemistry classes. By including the benefits and drawbacks of this form of fuel, the author encourages the reader to form their own opinions. She includes other titles and a glossary in the back. The language is age appropriate and other than the chemistry element, most concepts should be within grasp of the targeted audience of 8 to 12 year old children. Verdict: An excellent resource for any school or library with a need to support science programs.

Curricular Use: Biofuels is a straight-on resource book useful for any program of science exploring our fuel challenges in the United States. It is an appropriate tool for research and a valuable springboard for discussions/debates on the subject of alternative energy.

Reviewer: Mars Datura, Guest Reviewer, Cathlamet Public Library

Make a Difference: Mouse Scouts #2

Author: Dillard, Sarah

Illustrator: Sarah Dillard

Alfred A. Knopf, 2016

ISBN: 9780385756037

$12.99

Grades 1 - 3: The Mouse Scouts learn from Miss Poppy that they are going to work on their “Make a Difference” badge. At first they aren’t sure what to do, but end up cleaning the park so others can enjoy it litter-free. When they return the next day, there is a squirrel throwing the collected garbage out of the trash basket and making a big mess. The squirrel stops only when he gets scared away by Big Red, the local tough cat. This tough guy, however, ends up stuck in a tree and is very scared. Therefore, even though he was looking to have them for dinner, the Mouse Scouts come to his rescue. Verdict: This is a good little series which our developing readers are sure to enjoy. This is book two in the series and is a fine stand alone book.

Curricular Use: This book will be a pleasurable read for elementary students.

Reviewer: N. Williams, CLC Teacher, Castle Rock Elementary

Women in Medicine

Author: Gagne, Tammy

Illustrator: NA

Abdo Publishing, 2017

ISBN: 9781680782684

$22.95

Grades 3-6: This book highlights the accomplishments and work of women in the field of medicine. It talks about so many influential women and how they contributed to saving lives, breaking stereotypes and barriers, as well as, advancing research and medicine. It also spotlights some of the top women in medicine in our day and age. In addition, it shares what the future holds for females and this profession in general. There are a lot of good pictures and excellent information. Verdict: This book is very informative and written with the upper elementary/intermediate student in mind.

Curricular Use: This is a great book for career exploration in a STEM field.

Reviewer: N. Williams, CLC Teacher, Castle Rock Elementary

The 52-Story Treehouse

Author: Griffiths, Andy

Illustrator: Terry Denton

Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan, 2014

ISBN: 9781250026934

$13.99

Grades 3 - 5: Irreverent and loads of silly fun, The 52-Story Treehouse is sure to catch the attention of any kid (especially boys) who love to fantasize about crazy things. I mean, who doesn't want to live in a treehouse that has a bowling alley on one level or your own pizza factory on another? The plot is thin and the story is occasionally confusing but the ensuing adventures are zany, improbable and plentiful. This is stuff for the 8 to 12 year crowd. It will not appeal to the more serious reader. Verdict: The books in this series are among the most likely to get a child to pick up a book instead of a comic. Otherwise, I would have given it an R- rating.

Curricular Use: The tree house books are excellent carrots to tempt a child to read on their own. They make for fun pleasure reading.

Reviewer: Mars Datura, Guest Reviewer, Cathlamet Public Library

The World Series Curse: Ballpark Mysteries Super Special #1

Author: Kelly, David A.

Illustrator: Mark Meyers

Random House, 2016

ISBN: 9780385378840

$5.99

Grades 2-4: The Ballpark Mysteries have become some of my favorite. This Super Special is the first of its kind, but follows the winning formula of Kelly’s Ballpark Mysteries Series. Cousins Kate and Mike are traveling with Kate’s Mom as she covers the World Series as a journalist. There is someone trying to sabotage the Cubs and these two kids are trying to figure out who it might be! They do solve the mystery and their major league baseball player friends, the Red Sox’s Big D and the Cubs’ Louie Lopez, both thank them. There are multiple gray scale illustrations found throughout this book, and additional true information about things mentioned in the book about both teams, the World Series and the two leagues. Verdict: These books are great for emerging readers who might like a good mystery, as well as being baseball buffs!

Curricular Use: This is a great mystery for emerging readers to independently read.

Reviewer: N. Williams, CLC Teacher, Castle Rock Elementary

From Egg to Honeybee

Author: Owings, Lisa

Illustrator: NA

Lerner Publications, 2017

ISBN: 9781512409086

$17.99

K-3: Full page photographs compliment the story of the honeybee from start to finish! This book takes us through step-by-step as the queen lays her eggs and everyone helps to take care of them as they develop and either turn into a worker bee, drone, or queen. Verdict: This is a very interesting book with great information and fantastic up-close pictures!

Curricular Use: It could be used in a study of insects, as well as researching and reading non-fiction text.

Reviewer: N. Williams, CLC Teacher, Castle Rock Elementary

The American Identity

Author: Sherman, Jill

Illustrator: NA

Abdo Publishing, 2017

ISBN: 9781680782394

$22.95

3rd-6th: This was part of a series titled, American Citizenship. It looked at the history of our country, symbols used to represent the United States, and how our citizens demonstrate patriotism. It also told of our celebrations, places of importance and our culture. It was a fairly thorough look at a very proud topic. I found it interesting that when discussing American culture and talking about professional sports, more current football and basketball players were named, while names of yesteryear were mentioned for baseball. Several pictures were labeled throughout the book and additional information was shared in sidebars. Verdict: This was a very thorough book about our identity as Americans and provided several examples of the many items which contribute to it.

Curricular Use: This is a great civics book with some good questioning of the reader and the use of primary sources.

Reviewer: N. Williams, CLC Teacher, Castle Rock Elementary

Flying Creepy Crawlers

Author: Turner, Matt

Illustrator: Santiago Calle

Hungry Tomato/Lerner Publishing Group, 2016/2017

ISBN: 9781512415544

$26.65

Grades 3 - 5: Part of Lerner's Crazy Creepy Crawlers series, Matt Turner's book touches on the workings of insects that fly. The fact bites explore how insects with wings fly, how they eat, and how they survive.These are not in-depth books but rather serve as introductions to the world of insects which are such a large part of life on our planet. The language is a stretch for the younger ones in the target group, but the author explains and defines many of the words. The writing style and concepts are clean and just challenging enough to stretch the young readers' abilities. Verdict: Flying Creepy Crawlers was colorful, interesting and easy to open to any page and read. It made me want to learn more about these bizarre little beings.

Curricular Use: The book can be used for any studies involving insects, flight or even social groups. I would love to see a teacher or parent have their student(s) create a similar type of book using photos (of their own or cut from magazines) and drawings to illustrate facts the child finds about a few choice insects that interest them.

Reviewer: Mars Datura, Guest Reviewer, Cathlamet Public Library

Disruptor

Author: Dayton, Arwen

Illustrator: NA

Delacorte Press, 2017

ISBN: 9780385744119

$18.99

Grades 6 - 8, Grades 9 - 12: The final book in the Seeker series, Disruptor does not disappoint. Arranged by chapters that focus on individual characters, we are introduced to Dex, a mysterious denizen of There- the space out of time and apparently between dimensions. Dex rescues Quinn who we last saw with Shinobu, the boy she has helped and also fallen in love with. John is starting a new life of good under the tutelage of the Young Dread, Maud, and Maggie, his “witch” grandmother is out to kill all Seekers who have crossed her family. There are Watchers and others all being tied together as events race to a culmination in Hong Kong with another spectacular crash of Traveller, the airship. For followers of the Seekers, this is a must read as a wrap up but also for the big reveal of where the Dreads and Seekers came from in the first place. Verdict: Final in a series, engaging as for extra-curricular reading.

Curricular Use: Inter-dimensional and time travel. Supplement questions for science class and analyze for accuracy.

Reviewer: Lisa Sudar, Teacher Librarian, Mark Morris High School

The Underdogs

Author: Hammel, Sara

Illustrator: NA

Farrar Straus Giroux, 2016

ISBN: 9780374301613

$16.99

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: The Underdogs is a YA murder-mystery with, shock!, a twist ending. But this twist ending is even twistier than the usual murder-mystery twist ending. There are three main plots--solving the murder of popular and beautiful teen Annabel Harper; slowly learning the back story of twelve-year-old Chelsea's abuse; and the transformation of overweight, unpopular Evie to a trimmer, beautiful, stellar tennis player. The story line of Annabel's murder starts strong but begins to fade in and out as the other two story lines take over. I felt there was too much telling and not enough showing for much of the book. It felt draggy. The murder plot was lame and boring, and I was just glad when it was solved. Evie's struggles with her self-image and self-worth, and her relationship with her father, Lucky, were a more compelling story line. Chelsea's story line finally made sense and came together in the climax of the book. The Underdogs, told in alternating chapters of "Before" and "After," really comes together at the end, and I learned the double meaning of the title. Since our heroines are two twelve-year olds, this book is most suited for readers in grades 4-8. Verdict: Overall, a solid story about friendship, family dynamics, self-worth, competition, and tennis.

Curricular Use: Independent reading. Discussions about animal cruelty and abuse, friendship, overcoming obstacles, self-confidence.

Reviewer: Debbie Rock, Library Media Specialist, Kelso High School

The Shadow Cadets of Pennyroyal Academy

Author: Larson, M.A.

Illustrator: NA

G.P Putnam's Sons , 2016

ISBN: 9780399163258

$16.99

Grades 6 - 8, Grades 9 - 12: After a summer of learning to breath fire from her sister, Evie returned to Pennyroyal Academy feeling frustrated and uncomfortable. On her way to join a friend before heading to the princess school, Evie witnessed a disturbing event when supposed princesses burst into an inn and killed the innkeeper's wife. Something was terribly wrong and none of her superiors believed her. So while training to be a warrior princess, Evie decided to take things in her own hands.

As occurs all too often in the second of a series, this volume is nowhere as good as the first. What is expected is more excitement with the protagonist learning her hidden skills while eradicating witches. What is delivered is Evie spending time dithering about what to do about the situation and what to do about her friendships. The writing style is still well done and expressive, but it feels like this book is written for you to bide your time until the next title is released. Verdict: Though his writing still keeps the readers on their toes, I am unwilling to give Mr. Larson's second book a starred review due to the lack of adventures as compared to those in his first book.

Curricular Use: Unless you want to explore the specific genre of classical fairy tales in the western world as woven into modern literature, you might take The Shadow Cadets of Pennyroyal Academy for what it is: it is an enjoyable read.

Reviewer: Mars Datura, Guest Reviewer, Cathlamet Public Library

The Inexplicable Logic of My Life

Author: Saenz, Benjamin

Illustrator: NA

Clarion Books, 2017

ISBN: 9780544586505

$17.99

Grades 9 - 12: Salvador (Sal) and his best friend Samantha (Sam) are starting their senior year and things should be great, but when a student calls Sal’s dad (who is a gay, single dad) a faggot Sal punches him in the face. This is completely out of character and marks the beginning of a year of changes and imbalances. This is a “sweet” story of friendship, loyalty and making a difference in the world. Sal’s mother died when he was three and his dad adopted him at her request. So he is a blue-eyed white boy who has a noisy, loving Hispanic family headed by his loving Mima. Then Mima’s cancer comes back and it is clear she is dying. Sam’s difficult relationship with her single mother ends when Silvia is killed driving drunk. Add a returning boyfriend for Sal’s dad and a homeless high school friend working two jobs to escape a drug addicted family and you have a poignant mix. The characters are almost too good in their friendships and understanding, but perhaps I am a cynic. Lots of pages may scare some readers, but many chapters are half a page long and I found I couldn’t put this story of self-discovery and ultimate triumph down. Verdict: Good outside reading for health classes, or for students who find themselves in challenging situations at home.

Curricular Use: Situations could be used for current topic discussion starters and role playing: what would you do. Solid supplemental reading for issues of death, homophobs, bullying, and family issues.

Reviewer: Lisa Sudar, Teacher Librarian, Mark Morris High School

The Inexplicable Logic of My Life

Author: Saenz, Benjamin Alire

Illustrator: NA

Clarion Books, 2017

ISBN: 9780544586505

$17.99

Grades 9 - 12: Having only heard of the greatness of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe," I looked forward to reading Benjamin Alire Saenz's newest book. I wasn't disappointed. Sal may seem like the typical high school senior, but his life is very different. He's adopted, and his adoptive father is gay. His mother died shortly after he was born, and his adoptive father has been a part of his world from the day he was born. Sal wonders where he gets his temper, because his father is as wise as I want to be someday. It is his adoptive family that gives Sal the strength and character needed to help his best friends, Samantha and Fito, overcome incredible loss in their lives. Saenz takes all the pages he needs to fully develop his characters and resolve the challenges they face. Verdict: This is a book that should not be missed. It's more dreamy pace will lose reluctant readers, but those seeking warmth and resilience will love it.

Curricular Use: This is a title that invites dissection of the author's craft. There are some word choices that are used overmuch, and this would lend well to students' analysis of the vocabulary that is used. This is also an excellent opportunity to discuss stress and healthy relationships.

Reviewer: Jodi Kruse , Teacher Librarian, R. A. Long High School Library