War is not lovely, unless it is the backdrop for a pair of love stories told by author Julie Berry. Narrated by Aphrodite and Ares, the goddess of love and the god of war, respectively, four people navigate the horrors of World War 1, racism, family, love and loss, and the definition of "home" in this beautifully told story. I have not read a Berry book before, but would look for her at the library after reading The Lovely War. The way she tells this story is creative and unique, and the writing flows wonderfully, even if the chapters get a little choppy at times. If you enjoy better-than-average romance stories, you must read this! If you like historical fiction, especially war fiction, this may appeal to you as well, as the details of WW1 are more than most YA books I've read. Even if you enjoy mythology, you'll likely appreciate the narration in this story, even if it's the backdrop for the main themes. Not for every middle age reader, this one will appeal to stronger readers at the upper ends of middle school and into high school. If you fall into those categories, do yourself a favor and read this! 5 paws!
All things reading by a middle school librarian (and a very smart four-legged fur friend!) and hundreds of awesome students!
Sunday, November 29, 2020
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made, by Stephan Pastis
Book 1 in this fun 7-book series by the creator of the Pearls Before Swine comic strip. Timmy Failure runs his own detective agency, along with his polar bear partner Total. Obstacles to his success are many, including his mother, school and his "idiot" best friend. Fans of Wimpy Kid, Big Nate, even Dork Diaries and Max Crumbly should really love this! It's fun, creative, smart, but light, too. This will make you smile a lot, laugh out loud a few times, and want to read the next book - what more could you ask for? 4 paws!
Last of the Name, by Rosanne Parry
Not the latest release by wonderful Oregon author Parry , but a really engaging historical fiction story that I truly enjoyed! Last of...
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From one of the very few authors that has won the coveted Newbery Award twice (when even winning once is remarkable), comes this rea...
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From the wonderful author who brought us Internment and Love, Hate and Other Filters , This Book Won't Burn is a good story that ...
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Book 1 in a current 3-book series by screenwriter John August , and an OBOB book for the season! Arlo Finch moves with his sister and ...