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Posts from January 2018

Your One & Only: Adrianne Finlay

January 30, 2018

Book: Your One & Only
Author: Adrianne Finlay
Pages: 320
Age Range: 13 and up

YourOneAndOnlyYour One & Only is a new post-apocalyptic dystopian novel for young adults by Adrianne Finlay. It's set in a future Costa Rican village populated by Homo Factus, the followup generation that was created after humans died off from the Slow Plague. Vispera is one of three villages, each populated by 10 generations of 10 clones each from nine models (900 citizens total).

Althea-310 is one of the 10 Althea models in her teen age group, nearly identical to her nine sisters save a scar on her wrist. She knows what she'll look like as she ages, due to the presence of eight older generations of Altheas. Representatives of each of the nine genetic models also take on similar attributes and jobs as one another. The citizens communicate orally, but also via a genetically enhanced system of bonding that causes them to feel one another's emotions. Althea-310's peaceful life changes, however, when she becomes emotionally involved with an "experiment", a boy named Jack who was cloned from 300 year old unmodified human DNA. 

I wasn't sure about this book at first - the premise felt like a particularly contrived dystopia. Why keep everyone identical? Why only reproduce by cloning instead of naturally? But Finlay won me over as she revealed (slowly) the answers to these and other questions. 

I think that teens will particularly like Your One & Only.  Cloning strikes at fundamental questions of identity, particularly when the clones are emotionally bonded to one another to the point of having scarcely any independence. This tension is set against a dramatic plot focused on survival, and one with a couple of unexpected twists. Your One & Only also has my favorite feature of dystopias, bread crumbs about the humans who came before (mostly in the form of books that Jack is given to read). 

The strongest feature of this book, though, is the characterization. Which is pretty impressive when you consider the similarities of many of the characters. It would be impossible not to empathize with Althea-310 and Jack. Other characters are a bit tougher to appreciate, but this keeps them interesting. 

One note about content. There are many references to the young clones "Pairing" with one another (having ritualized sex). Although there are no graphic details, I would still categorize Your One & Only more for high school than middle school because of this. The Pairing is a significant plot point, not just something mentioned in passing. There's also a note that the Pairings are always with "one female and one male." Sexual diversity is no more allowed in Vispera than genetic diversity. 

Your One & Only appears to be a standalone novel, although a certain ambiguity of the ending leaves open the possibility for a sequel. I would certainly read a sequel, interested to see where Finlay takes her intriguing characters and strong world-building next. Highly recommended, and well worth a look for libraries serving young adults (and adults, too). 

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers (@HMHKids)
Publication Date: February 6, 2018
Source of Book: Review copy from the publisher

© 2018 by Jennifer Robinson of Jen Robinson's Book Page. All rights reserved. You can also follow me @JensBookPage or at my Growing Bookworms page on Facebook. This site is an Amazon affiliate, and purchases made through affiliate links (including linked book covers) may result in my receiving a small commission (at no additional cost to you).

Posted at 07:17 AM in Dystopia / Post-Apocalypse, Newsletter, Reviews, Young Adult | | Comments (0)

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Links I Shared on Twitter this Week: January 26: Teaching #Math via Stories, #Mystery + #GraphicNovel Awards, #28DaysLater

January 26, 2018

TwitterLinksHere are highlights from the links that I shared on Twitter this week @JensBookPage. Topics this week include #BookLists, #Cybils, #DiverseBooks, #GrowthMindset, #math, #ReadAloud, #ReadingChoice, #ReadYourWorld, #STEAM, #STEM, book awards, Edgar Awards, growing bookworms, reading, and schools.

Top Tweet of the Week

TuesdayUsing Stories to Teach | |

Book Lists + Awards

New trend identified by | “It’s a Book About Nothing”

RA RA Read: Stories without words

PrincessInBlack36 Titles with Strong Female Characters from to | from https://t.co/sfEZ2q8D5T

Beyond : 30 Fantasy Adventure Series Starring Mighty Girls |  https://t.co/gyMpcIhXdb

MWA Announces 2018 Nominations, including + categories

Press Release Fun: Excellence in Graphic Literature Awards Now Accepting Submissions —

Cybils Awards

2017 Reactions from authors + publishers, Part 2 | We love the enthusiasm!

CreepyUnderwearToday's featured REVIEW: Fiction finalist Creepy Pair of Underwear! by + | Review by |

Today's featured REVIEW: senior high finalist Alice Paul and the Fight for Women’s Rights | review by |

Today's featured REVIEW is middle grade fiction finalist The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by , reviewed by Greg Pattridge  | from

Events + Programs

RT @PragmaticMom: Ideas from Supporters on how to Celebrate Multicultural Children's Book Day 2018! via

These kids started a for minority boys. It’s the most popular club in school.

28dayslogo (1)They're here! The 2018 Honorees for https://t.co/kj2ga4PG9h

Growing Bookworms

5 Reasons To Start To Your Baby by Yasmin Cole | Bonding, pre-linguistic skills + more

Middle school kids get real-time data on | | Dashboard display gets more involved

How to Foster a Through | Do NOT level the classroom library + more |

Five ways to boost for pleasure in primary | Rachel Lopiccolo https://t.co/B5qgMBJewA

My Preschooler Is Desperate to Learn to Read! What Can I Do? | Some ideas from Lindsay Barrett |

5 essentials in creating a rich reading environment and a community of enthusiastic (developing) readers | Challenge  https://t.co/rLXmtPS8FB

Kidlitosphere

MikeMulliganSome fun tidbits in Morning Notes: Mike Mulligan Dabbing Edition —

The Inexpensive Way to Keep Up With the Oscar Contenders — Read their equivalents, says

Parenting

Want to Raise Kids Who Won't Give Up Easily? Teach Them the 'Batman Effect' | via

RT @CommonSenseMedia: Your child will gain the most from you as you role model enthusiasm for learning, and offer encouragement and support for their curiosity. (via ) https://t.co/4id2SZT05g

Schools and Libraries

Dealing with digital distraction - should devices be banned in college classrooms so students can focus? https://t.co/gHt6HtHj3d

Guidance On Which Program to Purchase | One that "supports choice, independent reading time... and (that) being a reader is something good" says https://t.co/FuOXZR5TnA

STEM

MotivatedRT @EdWeekTeacher: We clearly are not conveying the depth and richness of math in the way we tend to teach it, says.

Spark with -

Sigh. Students don't pursue because it's too hard, say 52% of Americans | | Why is this?

RT @MindShiftKQED: How do we integrate into every part of math class? The first big obstacle is embedded in American culture. It has become acceptable to brag about *not* being “a math person.” That has to stop. https://t.co/0IV9wx6WOj

Making Math a Family Thing | Strategies for + for closing the gap between home + | via

© 2018 by Jennifer Robinson of Jen Robinson's Book Page. All rights reserved. You can also follow me @JensBookPage or at my Growing Bookworms page on Facebook.

Posted at 06:36 AM in Newsletter, Twitter Links | | Comments (0)

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The Ambrose Deception: Emily Ecton

January 23, 2018

Book: The Ambrose Deception
Author: Emily Ecton
Pages: 368
Age Range: 9-12

AmbroseDeceptionThe Ambrose Deception by Emily Ecton begins as three unconventional students are selected from their respective Chicago middle schools to compete in a contest for a $10,000 scholarship. Melissa, Bondi, and Wilf are each given three clues to solve, as well as a car and driver, a debit card, and a (not so modern) cell phone to help them. The clues are cryptic instructions like "Go to 1910 for ice cream, then stick around to watch the newborns." The three kids start out working independently (as ordered), but eventually interact with one another. As they start to make progress, they also start to realize that something isn't quite right about the contest. ("Deception" is right there in the title, after all.) Application of their wits becomes even more important. 

The book is something of an ode to Chicago, with clues and locations specific to details of the city, famous and obscure. One doesn't need to be familiar with these things to appreciate the book, however. It's fun regardless to watch the children run around the city, figuring things out. 

The three kids all have quite different backgrounds and personalities. These are painted clearly without slowing down the action. Wilf, in particular, takes advantage of the opportunities provided by the car and driver, and the debit card, and initially doesn't try very hard at the contest. Melissa, currently selling homework solutions in order to support her impoverished family, is much more motivated, as is "Mr. Personality" Bondi, despite attempts by his friends to distract him.

 The perspective in the book shifts between the three students, in short sections, with occasional diversions to others (like the drivers, interesting characters in their own right). There are notes, lists, emails and text exchanges sprinkled throughout the book. The chalkboard that the drivers use to communicate also pops up from time to time. All of this, makes The Ambrose Deception an enticing book for reluctant readers.

I think that any kid who enjoys solving puzzles, reading about quests, or laughing at a boy who eats hot dogs from so many different venues that he becomes ill, will enjoy The Ambrose Deception. The ending is particularly satisfying. This would be a great title to add to libraries serving elementary and middle school students. It's one that I'll keep for my daughter for when she's just a bit older. Highly recommended!

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion (@DisneyHyperion))
Publication Date: February 13, 2018
Source of Book: Advance review copy from the publisher

© 2018 by Jennifer Robinson of Jen Robinson's Book Page. All rights reserved. You can also follow me @JensBookPage or at my Growing Bookworms page on Facebook. This site is an Amazon affiliate, and purchases made through affiliate links (including linked book covers) may result in my receiving a small commission (at no additional cost to you).

Posted at 06:38 AM in Late Elementary School, Newsletter, Reviews | | Comments (0)

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Links I Shared on Twitter this Week: January 19: Letter Grades, #BookLists, #Cybils Reviews + Creating Book Buzz

January 19, 2018

TwitterLinksHere are highlights from the links that I shared on Twitter this week @JensBookPage. Topics this week include #BookLists, #Cybils, #DiverseBooks, #GrowingBookworms, #PictureBooks, #ReadAloud, #STEM, book awards, book reviews, boredom, Finland, grades, grammar, Guys Lit Wire, learning styles, parenting, reading, and schools. It's good to be back sharing interesting links! Sorry I missed last week. 

Top Tweet of the Week

Will Letter Grades Survive in the face of new systems for student + ? |

Book Lists

TheRescuersRA RA Read: A Guide to Cozy Mouse Stories, both individual + series, from Jennifer Wharton

2018 – Part 1 | w/ details from

Newbery / Caldecott 2018: Final Prediction Edition —

This is a nice PLANETESME PICKS: Best of 2017 from

Cybils

SpirithuntersToday's featured REVIEW: elementary/middle grade speculative fiction finalist Spirit Hunters by , reviewed by

Catching up on featured REVIEWS: elementary/middle grade finalist Shark Lady by +Marta Alvarez Miguens, reviewed by

Catching up on featured REVIEWS: Jan. 10: Easy Reader Finalist We Need More Nuts! (, Level 2) by | review by Jennifer Wharton

Catching up on recent featured REVIEWS: Jan 8: fiction finalist The Hate U Give by | Review by

Today's featured REVIEW is speculative fiction finalist Wonder Woman: Warbringer, reviewed by

Growing Bookworms

TheYesBrainHow with Your Children Can Help Them Develop a ‘Yes Brain’ | Daniel J. Siegel + Tina Payne Bryson |

How To Use To Help Your Grandkids Fall in Love with , guest post by Susan Day https://t.co/xORJBvzCra

Small Ideas For Creating Visible Book Buzz in from | Lists of favorites, books to be read + more https://t.co/SybjuCbija

Kidlitosphere

GuysLitWireSaying Goodbye to Guys Lit Wire, a blog that has shared many great recommendations for for boys over the years

On Reading, Writing, Blogging, and Publishing

Cybils-Logo-2017-Web-ButtonThoughts on + Suggestions for Pushing Your Boundaries by https://t.co/qp71E1TB4g   [Including book awards]

Does Spellcheck Make “Learners” More Intelligent? –

Parenting

Oh yes! I agree w/ 100% on Why We Need to Bore Our Kids

Schools and Libraries

should Nurture Each Child's version of 'Smart' - https://t.co/MXgOsjnzW0

8 reasons Finland's system puts the US model to shame - via https://t.co/TC3BPsntYh

STEM

Why practices should be taught across the entire curriculum - Australia via

© 2018 by Jennifer Robinson of Jen Robinson's Book Page. All rights reserved. You can also follow me @JensBookPage or at my Growing Bookworms page on Facebook.

Posted at 07:09 AM in Newsletter, Twitter Links | | Comments (0)

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Growing Bookworms Newsletter: January 17: Lots of Reading But Not So Much Blogging

January 17, 2018

JRBPlogo-smallToday, I will be sending out a new issue of the Growing Bookworms email newsletter. (If you would like to subscribe, you can find a sign-up form here.) The Growing Bookworms newsletter contains content from my blog focused on growing joyful learners, mainly bookworms, but also mathematicians and learners of all types. The newsletter is sent out every two to three weeks.

Newsletter Update:  In this issue I have two book reviews (both middle grade) and two posts with links that I shared recently on Twitter. I've been ill since New Year's, and have not been able to blog very much. I have been able to read about a book a day since the start of the new year, so there is an upside to all of this time in bed, but my blogging has definitely suffered. 

Reading Update: For those who are interested in such things, in 2017 I read 65 middle grade, 23 young adult, and 72 adult titles, for a total of 160 books read (just above my very informal goal of 150, though not as balanced by age range as I would have liked). You can see the full list here. In the last four weeks I finished three middle grade, two young adult, and thirteen adult titles. I read/listened to: 

I'm currently listening to The Wanted by Robert Crais (Elvis Cole and Joe Pike). I'm reading Fall from Grace by Tim Weaver, a random library pick that I'm enjoying, but that is making me wish I had started the series at the beginning. There's a lot of backstory that I'm now familiar with, so it would be tough to go back and read the earlier books. Ah well. Lesson learned. 

HarryPotterPhoenixMy daughter and I have started reading Harry Potter Five (The Order of the Phoenix). I really wanted to wait until the summer to start it, but she got a lot of Harry Potter stuff for Christmas, and she just couldn't wait. So far she's not finding it too dark, but we're at a pretty early point. She was giddy with delight over Petunia Dursley receiving a howler.  

For her own reading, she was very sad to come to the end of the Dork Diaries books and has been re-reading the books and reading the spinoff Max Crumbley series. Sadly, there are only two of those. She finally read and enjoyed the first Jedi Academy book, which I had purchased for her months ago. She had refused to read it because it wasn't a graphic novel, but once she did read it she immediately hit me up for the other books in the series. 

Thanks for reading, and for growing bookworms. I do hope to get my blog back up to speed eventually, but it will probably take a while. As illnesses go, this one is really lingering. Luckily I have books!

© 2018 by Jennifer Robinson of Jen Robinson's Book Page. All rights reserved. You can also follow me @JensBookPage or at my Growing Bookworms page on Facebook. 

Posted at 08:09 AM in Newsletter | | Comments (0)

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The Van Gogh Deception: Deron Hicks

January 09, 2018

Book: The Van Gogh Deception
Author: Deron Hicks
Pages: 320
Age Range: 10-12

VanGoghDeceptionThe Van Gogh Deception by Deron Hicks is a suspenseful, smart, fast-paced mystery for middle grade readers. The story begins when a boy with amnesia is discovered one December day in the National Gallery in Washington, DC. When the boy, dubbed Art, is sent to temporary foster care, he meets Camille, a strong-willed young red-head. It turns out, however, that dangerous people are looking for Art. Soon he and Camille find themselves on the run, trying to solve the mystery of Art's past and determine whether or not a recently discovered Van Gogh is real or fake. 

Classic art, and the way it might be forged, is discussed throughout the story. There are QR codes included in the book, wherever a famous piece of art is mentioned. Readers can scan the codes to bring up a picture of each artwork. I didn't personally need that distraction after looking at one or two, but I'm sure this will be fun for many young readers. 

What makes The Van Gogh Deception fun for me is the quick-wittedness of Art and Camille, and the fast pace of their adventures. Art, though he can't remember anything about himself, knows a lot about art, and he has instincts that cause his pursuers to liken him to Jason Bourne. Camille, while lacking Art's educational background, is a firebrand and a loyal friend, a more than worthy sidekick for Art. The characters of the Camille's mother and a concerned police detective are also strong, though Hicks never lets them take over the story, or do any real rescuing. Even the bad guy is intriguing, definitely not a one-note criminal stereotype. 

I read this book so quickly that I didn't stop to flag any quotable passages. But it's unquestionably cerebral as well as action-packed, perfect for mystery fans of all ages (10 and up). 

The Van Gogh Deception belongs in libraries serving upper middle grade and middle school readers everywhere. It has a great cover, and an irresistible premise (amnesia is always compelling, as is art theft/forgery). Highly recommended, and one I will be passing on to my daughter when she is just a bit older. 

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers (@HMHKids)
Publication Date: August 29, 2017
Source of Book: Review copy from the publisher

© 2018 by Jennifer Robinson of Jen Robinson's Book Page. All rights reserved. You can also follow me @JensBookPage or at my Growing Bookworms page on Facebook. This site is an Amazon affiliate, and purchases made through affiliate links (including linked book covers) may result in my receiving a small commission (at no additional cost to you).

Posted at 06:50 AM in Late Elementary School, Middle School, Newsletter, Reviews | | Comments (0)

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Links I Shared on Twitter this Week: January 5: The #Cybils Shortlists, #SchoolLibraries, and Love of #Reading

January 05, 2018

TwitterLinksHere are highlights from the links that I shared on Twitter over the past two weeks @JensBookPage. While there hasn't been a lot going on in the kidlit blogosphere over the holidays, the big news is that the Cybils shortlists were announced on New Year's Day. Other topics included: #FlexibleSeating, #GrowthMindset, book fairs, bookstores, growing bookworms, independent learners, inspiration, libraries, raising readers, recess, schools, and writing.

Top Tweet of the Week

How to Stop Killing the Love of | talks w/ | https://t.co/R2ONY4OWzC

Cybils Awards

Cybils-Logo-2017-Round-SmThe 2017 Finalists are live! High-quality, kid-friendly titles in 12 categories + more

The 2017 Middle Grade Fiction Finalists, with blurbs, from category chair

The shortlists are here! Category organizer has the elementary / middle grade speculative fiction shortlist

We are grateful to for sharing the relevant 2017 Awards Finalists with their readers  https://t.co/jFih690QI0

SpirithuntersCybils Finalists Are Live! | shares her panel's speculative fiction choices https://t.co/RbKAQ3fcyk

Announcement! Announcement! Announcement! from | 2017 Finalists! https://t.co/0ix53uTPMg

Reading Round-Up, Part 2 from co-blog editor and round 1 panelist https://t.co/tDdcCQHOp4

Today's featured REVIEW is nominee The Playbook, reviewed by

Today's featured REVIEW is Jr. High nominee Beastly Brains | review by

BeyondBrightSeaToday's featured REVIEW is middle grade fiction nominee Beyond the Bright Sea, review by Tara Smith

On the blog: 2017 Finalist Reactions! | So great to see this enthusiasm from + authors, illustrators + publishers

Events + Programs

The 6th National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, 2018-2019 is | News release at via

Growth Mindset

RT: @MindshiftKQED:What's the most effective way to praise girls? Compliment them for taking on difficulty, trying different strategies and sticking to it over time. Not for how smart they are. https://t.co/JHSHofib5E

Miscellaneous

20 Inspirational Quotes to Start off 2018 from | "Stay positive and happy" + lots more

Schools and Libraries

I love this! A School Library’s Free Bookstore Turbocharges | | librarian's former office = bookstore w/ used + donated books [Though if they could find a way to do this without "book bucks" based on AR points, I would love it more.]

Students: How a 'Quiet Revolution' Is Changing Classroom Practice - via  https://t.co/DCLtqouMqX

BookLoveHow My High School Doubled Its Circulation | | teacher + librarian enthusiasm, + more

Move Over, : Launches Book Fairs | | Parents want fewer non-book items

Guiding to Be

3 Ways to Make the Process More Authentic by

This Is Why Schools Need To Stop Taking Away Recess As A Form Of Punishment, thoughts + links from https://t.co/kQLCZczqdX

Thoughts from On as part of encouraging flexible thinking in the https://t.co/TngiByNayh

© 2018 by Jennifer Robinson of Jen Robinson's Book Page. All rights reserved. You can also follow me @JensBookPage or at my Growing Bookworms page on Facebook.

Posted at 06:38 AM in Newsletter, Twitter Links | | Comments (0)

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The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade: Jordan Sonnenblick

January 02, 2018

Book: The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade
Author: Jordan Sonnenblick
Pages: 208
Age Range: 9-12

SecretSheriffThe Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade is the latest middle grade novel by Jordan Sonnenblick, who has a gift for using humor to take the edge of off difficult subjects (having a sibling with cancer, e.g.). In The Secret Sheriff, Sonnenblick introduces readers to sixth grader Maverick Falconer. Maverick lives in poverty with his alcoholic mom, his dad having been killed in the line of military duty. In addition to coping with his mother's benders and her abusive boyfriend, Maverick struggles with being much shorter than average (mild implication of fetal alcohol syndrome), and with being the target of bully Bowen. Despite these challenges, or perhaps because of them, Maverick decides at the start of the school year that he's going to be a secret sheriff, looking for opportunities to help people. Things don't go as planned, however, and Maverick ends up in the vice principal's office twice on the very first day. 

Without being heavy-handed about, Sonnenblick includes plenty of details that make the challenges of Maverick's situation clear. He can't afford the $10 fee for gym clothes. The vice principal can't call his mother in because she doesn't have a car, and might not be sober. His hamster is missing a foot, a damaged animal that a kind-hearted pet shop owner gave to child who couldn't afford an unmarked pet. And lots more. Here are a couple of examples, in Maverick's voice:

"As far as I could figure it, anybody with two parents had nothing i the world to complain about. It was a little hard to be sure, though. I hadn't had a father since I was three. All I even had to remember him by was a cheap little plastic sheriff's star he had bought me at a beachside souvenir shop on the last day I had ever spent with him. I vaguely remember that I had been angry about something, and he'd gotten me the star to cheer me up." (Page 8)

"I had heard of fresh berries and cream. Fresh berries and cream sounded awesome. Fresh anything sounded awesome. We never had fresh food in our house. Or even cooked food. The only time my mom lit a stove burner was when she ran out of matches and needed to fire up a cigarette." (Page 10)

But there's humor, too. Like this:

"A massive hand tapped me on the shoulder. I whirled and literally banged into the protruding stomach of the largest man I had ever seen in my life. He had to be at least six and a half feet tall, with super-broad shoulders, that big belly, a bushy red handlebar mustache, and wild red hair. If Santa Claus had married a Viking queen, their firstborn son would have looked like this dude." (Page 21)

The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade also features excellent characterization. No one is all bad or all good, though one has to look pretty hard to find the good in some of them. I especially appreciated the nuances of the vice principal (the Santa/Viking hybrid described above). Maverick has an aunt who is able to provide something of a safety net for him, but even she has her quirks. 

I think that The Secret Sheriff would be an excellent read for middle schoolers, providing a window (or mirror) into poverty and substance abuse, but also providing constructive ideas about making the world (or at least one's school) better. I'll be happy to have my daughter read this book when she's a bit older - it may make her a bit more appreciative of having two parents, and being able to afford things like new sneakers when she needs them. And if not, she'll probably still enjoy Maverick's scrapes. Recommended, and a must for middle school libraries. 

Publisher: Scholastic  (@Scholastic) 
Publication Date: August 29, 2017
Source of Book: Review copy from the publisher

© 2018 by Jennifer Robinson of Jen Robinson's Book Page. All rights reserved. You can also follow me @JensBookPage or at my Growing Bookworms page on Facebook. This site is an Amazon affiliate, and purchases made through affiliate links (including linked book covers) may result in my receiving a small commission (at no additional cost to you).

Posted at 07:00 AM in Late Elementary School, Middle School, Newsletter, Reviews | | Comments (2)

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