This nonfiction work was written by a poet, and it works beautifully. The reader is given all the details of an amazing 17th century artist and scientist alongside the stages of a butterflies metamorphosis, obviously showing a connection between the two. The art is beautiful, and made more interesting by being original illustrations by the subject and her contemporaries. In addition, I was impressed by the amount of background information of the era, including the the existence of slavery in Suriname and ongoing threat of witch trials in Europe, things that could have easily been glossed over, but impacted Maria Merian and her life, and so were given context in the story.
This is a dynamic mix of a novel, filled with poetry, blog posts, and comments which keep the reader moving through the story. I feel like this mixture is geared perfectly to teens, and will draw them in. The characters are mostly well drawn, with flaws as well as strengths. While I have no experience with a school so focused on social justice and free expression, I do recognize the dynamic of a place so focused on it's outward appearance that it is blind to it's internal flaws. The addition of so many names in poetry, feminism and social justice, along with the extensive bibliography at the end are a giant plus. I have only two critiques. A few of the time jumps seems too disjointed. So much seems to be happening at the school, and then suddenly it's a month later. And the character of Nadine frustrated me as well. Every other character, including the teachers and parents seemed well drawn and to contribute a perspective to the story, but Nadine seemed to have no point of view. The book feels very important and will find a place on most library shelves and hopefully into the hands of many who need a push to make their own stand.
Having not read the previous titles, I didn't have a problem catching on with this one. The fantasy world is well described and the logic is maintained through the story. I enjoyed the authors twist on each well known story. She skillfully keeps the important parts and the easily explains the changes. Apart from the results of the quest to save Granny, the story was fresh and interesting through to the end.
Beautifully written, this novel shines a new light on the Japanese internment during WWII. Manami is an interesting narrator, considering her silence through most of the book. I liked this device, although her family's ability to know just what she was thinking without talking about it was a bit too convenient. I was also interested to learn about the differences between the internees, those from the city and those from the country. Each device demonstrating the families loss, from the dog to the garden worked well. However I do feel for some young readers, more explanation about the internment system might be needed. In addition, a few sections of the story feel a bit thin, like the relationship between the teacher and Manami's brother. Still, the writing and imagery is beautiful and the feeling of the character comes across well.
While I admit to only a fuzzy recollection of Hamlet, I found this a novel and interesting take on the original. Hanalee is a good lead character. In fact I felt her reasons for dithering, misleading and confounding behavior were more reasonable than Hamlet's. Even so, she comes across as a tough and capable young women. The plot and peripheral characters are well done, showing a broad range of feelings toward the discrimination of the KKK, from fear, to tolerance, to support. Hanalee and Joe's friendship brings another fascinating aspect to the story, but their meetings did become a bit repetitive. The author kept the truth of the mystery from the reader through to the end, which was worth the read.
I have very little reaction to this book. The main character was not a very nice person, but that seemed to offer potential for self reflection and personal growth. There are some inklings that this might occur, but it never really comes across. However all the characters surrounding her felt like cardboard cutouts strategically placed to show HER how she OUGHT to behave. At one point Eadlyn is scolded for treating her suitors like they are disposable, and then the author does the exact same thing. In the end, the book falls prey to the insistence of publishers to drag everything out into trilogies. No real progress is made beyond introducing us all to the circumstances, and then the author inserts twist A into cliffhanger B and wait for the sequel.
A refreshingly multidimensional novel about the lives of two teenagers during San Francisco's Pride Celebration. While a great deal of the drama comes from their romantic relationships, the beginnings and endings of friendships are just as important to the narrative. The narrators alternated by chapter, from Kate to Mark. This was largely effective, although I had to flip back a few times to remind myself who was currently talking. Still, the book read smoothly, without a jarring disconnect between the two voices, a problem I have had with multiple narrators as well as multiple authors in the past. I appreciated that the book showed teens in various stages of coming out as well as a variety of consequences to coming out, some positive and some negative. An excellent and well rounded story.
Nona and Papa had one more surprise for Kate at the end of the Christmas season.
While all you can see from this movie is a couple horse rear ends, I assure you the experience was way more magical than it looks. We went to Ma and Pa's, a gift shack just a few miles up the road. It's our kind of place, for the plethora of moose themed gifts, if for no other reason, but there's much more. They try to sell locally made things, they have a resident dog, and all manner of goofy things you can only find in a place that calls itself a gift shop. My personal favorite were the mittens made from old sweaters. Fabulous. But back to the main event.
Two very lovely Percheron's took us on a beautiful ride through the snow covered woods to the sound of sleigh bells while we kept warm beneath a fur (faux of course) rug. Their names were Sissy and Gracie. (We didn't catch the name of the driver, you can see where our values lie. He was lovely as well.)
The weather was cold crisp and clear, just like it should be and while my descriptive abilities might not be up the challenge, trust me when I say this is a once in a lifetime experience.
We enjoyed hot cider, coffee and cookies inside after our ride, and purchased the obligatory souvenirs. (Nona is teaching Kate the importance of having something by which to remember important events. Since this involves buying her things, Katie is totally on board.) They selected a build-your-own log cabin replica of Ma and Pa's. Sadly when the kit said "you" can build it yourself, they meant "Papa" can build it while we watch, because it was a little beyond Kate's ability and patience. (Mine too, if I'm honest).
In closing...if it snows again, go if you can. It's totally worth it. Something you don't get to do very often, and will remember for a long time.
As usual, the six year old has become distracted and no longer is reviewing, but she's still reading with me, so I can't complain too much. Here's a little catch-up.
A great picture book adaption of the best chapter book about Christmas ever. Leaves out a few of the best points (like the pussy willow story) but covers the basics.
I like how the people don't think Santa is real but a boy named Charlie does think Santa is real. The Santa's went on strike to Miami Beach. Charlie went there, found the Santa's and told them he believed in them. by Katie
There are lots of Santa's in this book, and the author doesn't really explain why except that it takes that many to do the job. (And because it takes more than one to strike) But the moral of the story, that Christmas is worth the trouble if just one kid believes is a great idea. by Chrissy
I like the pictures on the sides and the drawings. Daddy bought it for me. We read it together. I like when there's a clatter outside and a parent wakes up. by Katie
Daddy made a great choice. Jan Brett's illustrations are beautiful as always, and full of things to look at. We haven't listened to the included CD with narration by Jim Dale, but I have no doubt it will be just as good. by Chrissy
He doesn't do his homework on the weekend. So he made a snowman for it instead. The teacher gave him half a happy face for that. I didn't like this story as much. by Katie
The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science by Joyce Sidman
