Important lessons of tolerance, compassion, loyalty, and true friendship

My Greatest Fears:

1.  Fifth Grade

2.  Duke Evans

3. Frankie Carmen

 Gabriel King did not want to graduate.  He didn't want to go to 5th grade.  Why bother?  Attend 5th grade just to be beaten up by Frankie and Duke every day?  Gabriel's best friend Frita is determined to help Gabriel conquer all his fears.  She gets him to make a list of all his fears, and the unstoppable Fritaeven comes up with a few herself!  Each day, Gabriel finds the courage to overcome one of his greatest fears.  Soon Gabriel and Frita find that both of their greatest fears are not even included on their lists - fears they must both face with determination and strength.  Gabriel and Frita find the bravery within themselves  - even when confronted with racism, threatened violence, and deep hatred.  Would you be willing to risk everything in order to save your best friend?  Read The Liberation of Gabriel King to find out what tests their friendship, and the fear they both face  - one that will change the rest of their lives.

Sunday, June 03, 2007

South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominee- 2007-2008



 - 2 out of 5 stars rating - Fails to engage reader, characters not well-developed

Mother dies.  Father is absent - physically and emotionally.  Main character must learn to survive on his own....Sound familiar?  This is a plot line that is becoming a bit repetitive in 'tween lit.  Remember The Young Man and the Sea by Philbrick - also, a SCJBA nominee from 2006-07?  The difference between Young Man and the Sea  and this story, however, is the plot in the former engages the reader and the main character, Skiff, is very likable and admirable.  I do not feel the same way about the plot in Chicken Boy or the main character, Toby.

The action in the novel is pretty much nonexistent, and many of the characters are not well-developed.  The main character, Toby, was less interesting to me than his granny, a wacky in-your-face spitfire, and Henry, Toby's classmate, who has developed a fascination of chickens and speaks with a voice much more mature than his young years.  To me, the book leaves so many potential conflicts undeveloped - the relationship between Toby and his young teacher, the tension between Granny and his father, Toby being torn between his new caring foster parents and the dysfunctional family in which he was raised, the relationship between Toby and his juvenile delinquent siblings, the teasing Toby endures with his classmates until he finally begins to prove himself.....

I guess I am missing the appeal of this novel.  I think there's much more interesting realistic fiction that is not on this year's list.  This book may appeal to some reluctant male readers, but overall, I think students will find it boring.

Thursday, May 31, 2007

1/2     Adventure, Great humor, Mystery

A secret spy?  Little Lucy Wickwright - the poor, orphaned mistress to Pauline, the future Baroness of Cant?  Lucy was fairly content with her plot in life...that is until she suddenly finds herself engaged in a secret plot against the Barony.  Suddenly Lucy finds herself drawn into a world of danger, intrigue, mystery, and even (maybe...hopefully...romance)!!  Lucy realizes in the end that she's not poor, nor is she an orphan.  She emerges as a strong heroine - pretty impressive for an 11- year - old!  This funny, exciting adventure will have you hooked from the very beginning.

Thursday, May 31, 2007

South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominee- 2007-2008



 - 2 out of 5 stars rating - Fails to engage reader, characters not well-developed

Mother dies.  Father is absent - physically and emotionally.  Main character must learn to survive on his own....Sound familiar?  This is a plot line that is becoming a bit repetitive in 'tween lit.  Remember The Young Man and the Sea by Philbrick - also, a SCJBA nominee from 2006-07?  The difference between Young Man and the Sea  and this story, however, is the plot in the former engages the reader and the main character, Skiff, is very likable and admirable.  I do not feel the same way about the plot in Chicken Boy or the main character, Toby.

The action in the novel is pretty much nonexistent, and many of the characters are not well-developed.  The main character, Toby, was less interesting to me than his granny, a wacky in-your-face spitfire, and Henry, Toby's classmate, who has developed a fascination of chickens and speaks with a voice much more mature than his young years.  To me, the book leaves so many potential conflicts undeveloped - the relationship between Toby and his young teacher, the tension between Granny and his father, Toby being torn between his new caring foster parents and the dysfunctional family in which he was raised, the relationship between Toby and his juvenile delinquent siblings, the teasing Toby endures with his classmates until he finally begins to prove himself.....

I guess I am missing the appeal of this novel.  I think there's much more interesting realistic fiction that is not on this year's list.  This book may appeal to some reluctant male readers, but overall, I think students will find it boring.

Thursday, May 31, 2007

      What the cool kids are reading....

This SCJBA nominee is actually the third book in a series though the reader can understand events with no prior knowledge. 

I found this book interesting but overall felt the plot was a bit underdeveloped.  The mystery begins with the murder of Lord Inaba.  Everyone is baffled as to how someone could sneak into his castle, slip unnoticed into his heavily guarded room and murder the king in his sleep.More mysterious is the bloodstained origami butterfly left behind.  When 14-year-old Seikei (a Samurai in training) and his sponsor, Judge Ooka, investigate the murder, they find themselves  treated poorly by the royal court.  What secret are they hiding?

Faced with a journey that includes great physical challenges, intrigue, and danger, Seikei is ready to prove himself worthy of the title of "Samurai" - even if it means losing his life in the pursuit of justice and honor.

     Students who enjoy Japanese culture, ninjas, shoguns, and samurai stories will enjoy this mystery/adventure.  I feel that the companion books should be read in order for the reader to really connect with the text.  This genre is rapidly gaining popularity with young teens.

Monday, April 16, 2007