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andee_zomerman's reviews
758 reviews
The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim DeFede
5.0
Like many others, I picked up this book after seeing "Come From Away". I'm sad I didn't read it 17 years ago.
There is nothing more uplifting than the town of Gander. Reading how they responded in complete selfless generosity to complete strangers in the aftermath of tragedy seems fiction to those of us living in the US...especially in 2019.
I wonder, how many Americans moved to Gander after reading this book? I'm ready to go.
There is nothing more uplifting than the town of Gander. Reading how they responded in complete selfless generosity to complete strangers in the aftermath of tragedy seems fiction to those of us living in the US...especially in 2019.
I wonder, how many Americans moved to Gander after reading this book? I'm ready to go.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
2.0
This was painful. Seriously - the book WANTS to be Game of Thrones or Hunger Games when it grows up, but nope. I wanted to believe this assassin was badass, but she kept focusing on her clothes and how much skin was showing and eating candy mysteriously left for her while there is something killing everyone in the castle. I just couldn't.
I'm giving it 2 stars because my high school daughter and my middle school students love it, so obviously the younger set sees something I don't. I have no desire to see what happens, even though the kids rave about the series.
**Spoiler**
Really - we finally get to see Dorian and Celaena become a couple toward the end of the story and in the next paragraph she says, "Nah, let's be friends." WTH is that??? Geez, even with the similar writing of Twilight she stayed with the guy.
I'm giving it 2 stars because my high school daughter and my middle school students love it, so obviously the younger set sees something I don't. I have no desire to see what happens, even though the kids rave about the series.
**Spoiler**
Really - we finally get to see Dorian and Celaena become a couple toward the end of the story and in the next paragraph she says, "Nah, let's be friends." WTH is that??? Geez, even with the similar writing of Twilight she stayed with the guy.
Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier
5.0
This may be my favorite Telgemeier graphic novel. From the sister bond between Cat and Maya, to the accurate account of Cystic Fibrosis, to my favorite holiday celebration - Dia de los Muertos.
Telgemeier's artwork complements her story and as a reader, I felt a part of it. This book is worth owning. I'll be reading it again and again.
Recommended for grades 3 - adult.
Telgemeier's artwork complements her story and as a reader, I felt a part of it. This book is worth owning. I'll be reading it again and again.
Recommended for grades 3 - adult.
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
4.0
It's been about a decade since I've picked up a Jodi Picoult novel. I forgot how much I missed the character depth and perspectives, not to mention the twists and turns.
Though this book was written a few years ago, it was appropriate I read it now, as the president of the United States has spent the last 48 hours tweeting the most racist statements a president has ever made publicly to the country - to the world.
The characters will draw you into race, cults, white supremacy, and privilege. Most of all, reading this will point out your bias - no matter who you are.
Though this book was written a few years ago, it was appropriate I read it now, as the president of the United States has spent the last 48 hours tweeting the most racist statements a president has ever made publicly to the country - to the world.
The characters will draw you into race, cults, white supremacy, and privilege. Most of all, reading this will point out your bias - no matter who you are.
Educated by Tara Westover
4.0
I've read tons of books about "unschooling", but Tara Westover's family takes it to a whole new level - not one I'm endorsing. The book is a well written account about growing up with fundamentalist Mormon parents and the way of life so different from anything I could imagine.
The book picked up for me once Tara was exposed to the world outside of her family. I'm glad her professors saw something in her. Her story is one of courage.
The book is written for adults, but I would recommend to grades 9 and up.
The book picked up for me once Tara was exposed to the world outside of her family. I'm glad her professors saw something in her. Her story is one of courage.
The book is written for adults, but I would recommend to grades 9 and up.
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
4.0
I haven't found a dystopian series that matched my excitement of Hunger Games. The Scythe trilogy may be it. Dystopians often follow the same formula, but Shusterman made this different enough to hold my interest and clever enough for me to keep guessing what will happen.
The book's premise is death. If one has a problem with death, this is not the series to read. If one is fascinated by death - murder vs. compassion, necessity vs. cruelty, god-like empathy vs. god-like narcissism - pick this as your next read.
Recommend for grades 7 and up.
The book's premise is death. If one has a problem with death, this is not the series to read. If one is fascinated by death - murder vs. compassion, necessity vs. cruelty, god-like empathy vs. god-like narcissism - pick this as your next read.
Recommend for grades 7 and up.
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
5.0
I'm embarrassed it took me so long to read this book. I started as soon as I received the ARC (Thank you NetGalley), but it was so heavy. I needed to be at a mental place to take in all this book had to offer.
Once I was ready, my soul was captured. The language of this book is just as beautiful as the story itself. As the reader, we become Hiram, the main character. This is pain people lived through and in my white privilege, it is just another example of a load others have to bare.
I'm glad this book exists. Read it. Take time. And then remember the past and please - let it help you make the future better.
Once I was ready, my soul was captured. The language of this book is just as beautiful as the story itself. As the reader, we become Hiram, the main character. This is pain people lived through and in my white privilege, it is just another example of a load others have to bare.
I'm glad this book exists. Read it. Take time. And then remember the past and please - let it help you make the future better.
What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones
4.0
As I've said in previous reviews, I'm not a series girl. I like when one story is told and wrapped up nicely at the end. It is very rare that I'm ok continuing on with characters. This is one of those times.
I would have been fine with just What My Mother Doesn't Know ending where it was. But I surprisingly loved what happens next from Robin's side of the story. I talk to my students about Judy Blume a lot. At their age, she was my go-to author. What stands out to me was her book Then Again Maybe I Won't. As a teen girl, it was good for me to read a story from a male perspective. I know it was good for teen boys to have that reflective tale, as well.
I would not read this without reading the first in the series. It would not have had the same impact. If you are going to dive into this, make sure you have both books in hand.
I would have been fine with just What My Mother Doesn't Know ending where it was. But I surprisingly loved what happens next from Robin's side of the story. I talk to my students about Judy Blume a lot. At their age, she was my go-to author. What stands out to me was her book Then Again Maybe I Won't. As a teen girl, it was good for me to read a story from a male perspective. I know it was good for teen boys to have that reflective tale, as well.
I would not read this without reading the first in the series. It would not have had the same impact. If you are going to dive into this, make sure you have both books in hand.
All the Broken Pieces by Ann E. Burg
5.0
A book in verse means a fast read for avid book lovers and an accessible read for those more reluctant.
The story starts after Matt, a child from Vietnam, is adopted by an American family. The war just ended and he is processing the world he left behind and the hate people feel toward him because of where he was born.
The memories of Vietnam are slipping as those who fought grow older. It is truly important that we remember what this war was. This book covers it from a 10 year old point of view - any one of my middle school students can grasp the teachings.
Recommended grades 4 and up.
The story starts after Matt, a child from Vietnam, is adopted by an American family. The war just ended and he is processing the world he left behind and the hate people feel toward him because of where he was born.
The memories of Vietnam are slipping as those who fought grow older. It is truly important that we remember what this war was. This book covers it from a 10 year old point of view - any one of my middle school students can grasp the teachings.
Recommended grades 4 and up.
New Kid by Jerry Craft
5.0
Oh, wow, did I love this book. It is rare I think a graphic novel worth 5 stars - but if a book can make me forget I'm reading and make me feel a part of the story - I can't give it high enough praise.
Craft addresses stereotypes is a realistic, non-over-the-top, way. 3 friends maneuver their way through a prestigious private school, 1 rich whose family has been there forever; 2 on financial aid. I feel bad the teacher was the "bad guy/girl" in the story, but unfortunately, there are educators like this. No spoilers, but the boys stand up for themselves in the end.
Jerry Craft: PLEASE make a series of this. I'm not ready to say goodbye to these characters. And that means a ton coming from me - I hate series!
Craft addresses stereotypes is a realistic, non-over-the-top, way. 3 friends maneuver their way through a prestigious private school, 1 rich whose family has been there forever; 2 on financial aid. I feel bad the teacher was the "bad guy/girl" in the story, but unfortunately, there are educators like this. No spoilers, but the boys stand up for themselves in the end.
Jerry Craft: PLEASE make a series of this. I'm not ready to say goodbye to these characters. And that means a ton coming from me - I hate series!