Okay for Now

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This is an excellent book. Baseball, birds, art, Vietnam War, moving, middle school, friendship. The themes and writing are so good that I didn't want this story to end. Schmidt has created several memorable characters here as well. I hope children and adults alike will continue to discover this great novel.

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Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart

Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart by Candace Fleming
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I absolutely enjoyed this book! The photos, the details about Amelia's life, and the accounts of her last days are all well-presented here. Kids interested in Amelia Earhart should definitely give this biography a shot.

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Freaky Fast Frankie Joe

Freaky Fast Frankie Joe by Lutricia Clifton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This is a great book. I think students will appreciate the fast pace of the narrative and the assortment of likable characters. Kids who have ever felt like an oddball - who hasn't? - may especially relate to this one. I'm hoping they will enjoy this Bluebonnet pick. I did.

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Moon Over Manifest

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Moon Over Manifest is a great story about stories. It's obvious that the author has much love and respect for history, for family, and for people and their stories. I think Moon Over Manifest will inspire readers - young and old - to wonder and hopefully ask questions about their family's past. I had the good fortune to hear Clare Vanderpool talk about her book last month. I couldn't wait to read it, and it was as good as I hoped it would be.

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When You Reach Me

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



In April I got to hear Rebecca Stead speak about her award winning novel so I decided I needed to read it once again. It's such a great book in so many ways! I love the characters, Stead's writing style, the setting, and, of course, the ending. And now it's time to reread A Wrinkle in Time.

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Ghetto Cowboy

Ghetto Cowboy by G. Neri
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this book. It is different from many other books I've read, but I enjoyed it. I wonder what audience it will find at my school, but I'm hoping the fact that it is a Bluebonnet selection will pull in some readers. The characters,the conflict Cole faces with his parents, and the setting of the story - especially considering it is based on reality - make the book well worth the read.

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The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I never really imagined reading a story told by a gorilla, but now I can say that I have. Katherine Applegate has wriiten a heart-warming tale using simple narrative and engaging characters all told from the perspective of Ivan the gorilla. I enjoyed the story (which was inspired by a real gorilla), and I think many animal loving students will also like it. Applegate's style is easy to read yet full of emotion. I look forward to recommending this one when I get a copy for the library. I think it would make for a great read aloud as well.

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