I didn't attend the first meeting of the season, because every book I started on the list - even if it was phenomenal writing - made me think "None of my students would read this." The second list has some slightly more kid-friendly titles, although none of them blew me away. Posted with results from the meeting.
All the Blues in the Sky by Renée WatsonMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Excellent portrayal of grief and the guilt that can come with it.
Verdict: KEEP
The Experiment by Rebecca SteadMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
It was so good until it wasn't! I just reread a bunch to see if I had missed anything, but no, it doesn't seem clear at all as to why (view spoiler)
I may still buy it for the library because kids ask for sci fi every so often and maybe they won't be as nitpicky about it. Because the first 75% or so was quite engrossing.
Verdict: KEEP
Is It Real?: The Loch Ness Monster by Candace FlemingMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
I loved the setup and the way that Fleming walks the reader through assessing the evidence ... but after she asks you to make your decision 2/3 of the way through, she then presents decades more of research.
Verdict: KEEP
Some lovely turns of phrase.
Even if I found the original premise a bit ridiculous.
And then rolled my eyes at the end.
I am jaded.
Even if I found the original premise a bit ridiculous.
And then rolled my eyes at the end.
I am jaded.
Verdict: KEEP
The Secret of Honeycake by Kimberly Newton FuscoMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
No real surprises, except for how they were able to afford so much sausage and so much sugar.
Verdict: DROP
Outside by Jennifer L. HolmMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
Heart surgery? Dog memories? I kind of guessed the big twist, and wasn't going to mind it too much because the target audience hasn't encountered as many stories like this yet, but the Wind/Poppy subplot took me out of it. Just silliness.
Verdict: KEEP
Please Pay Attention by Jamie Sumner
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Too much going on, and it also suffers from the "stick some returns in the sentences to make it look like poetry" syndrome.
Please Pay Attention by Jamie SumnerMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
Too much going on, and it also suffers from the "stick some returns in the sentences to make it look like poetry" syndrome.
Verdict: DROP
