Take a photo of a barcode or cover
rmgiso's reviews
71 reviews
Out of My Dreams by Sharon M. Draper
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
I enjoyed this third journey for Melody. She continues to inspire me.
What If It's Us by Adam Silvera, Becky Albertalli
5.0
I had to read this book for the second time in order to start in on its sequel. I love following the ups, the downs and the “do-overs” of Arthur and Ben. “Maybe it’s [life] all about people coming into your life for a little while and you take what they give you and use it in your next friendship or relationship. And if you’re lucky, maybe some people pop back in after you thought they were gone for good.” I couldn’t agree more with, Ben. Quick and suspenseful read- it’s hard to pick a place to stop.
Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson
4.0
This is the story of Hayley, Holly, Esteban, Tiago, Amari and Ashton--classmates in what appears to be a sub-separate middle school classroom. It's set in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn. Their endearing teacher, Ms. Laverne, gives them the last hour of Friday to sit in a circle, alone, and "talk." Things start off with an awkward silence among the six classmates who couldn't appear to be more different. Over time, however, they grow into a tight circle of friends who realize that they all share experiencing loss, wanting to belong, seeking to be free, and more importantly, looking to be "harbored" when in need. The group shares their darkest secrets in their ARTT Room (A Room to Talk). This book is a mirror book to young adolescents dealing with incarceration, death of a parent, diverse learning styles, racial identity, socioeconomic imbalances and deportation. This book serves as a powerful window to those that may not directly relate to the characters in this book. Reading this invokes a feeling of empathy during a time when we need it most. When asked why she wrote this book, Woodson notes "I have so many questions. Sometimes, writing is the only way I can answer them."
Here's to Us by Adam Silvera, Becky Albertalli
5.0
I enjoyed this book SO much; it took me only 11 days to read it. I carried it in my backpack to have at hand whenever I was able to sneak in some reading. Not only did I get the chance to catch up with Ben and Arthur, I also enjoyed the growing stories of the supporting characters including Dylan, Jessie, Ethan and Samantha. Ben notes "Sometimes boxes are carrying goodbyes. And sometimes they're carrying fresh starts." He continues, "Back to my box metaphor, sometimes things go in storage for a bit. You don't take them with you, but you don't throw them away either." I thank both Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera for giving us this "do-over" and hope there's a part three in process!?! This is definitely one of those reads that makes you sad when you've reached the end.
Out of My Heart by Sharon M. Draper
5.0
I loved this book just as much (if not more) than the first one "Our of My Mind." The suspense and excitement of reading through Melody's adventures and accomplishments kept me turning the pages for more. Born with cerebral palsy, Melody Brooks wonders "Why can my brain do all that, but not know how to tell my body to move?" Despite these challenges. we get to read about Melody overcoming barriers and turning her limitations into assets. I hope Sharon Draper is busy working on a third book, so that I can keep in touch with her heart-warming character.
The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo
3.0
Kate DiCamillo is my favorite! I enjoyed Beatryce’s story, but wasn’t really in a hurry to read what would happen next to her. I did like the importance reading had for Beatryce and know lots of readers that will enjoy this story.
Ground Zero by Alan Gratz
5.0
Finished my 4th book by Gratz in two days. Easily read a hundred pages in one sitting. This book follows more than one story at a time altering between chapters in typical Gratz fashion. It makes it really hard to put down and to find a good stopping point. I was drawn into the stories of Brandon trying to escape the Twin Towers alive and of Reshmina trying to escape her country of Afghanistan’s war and strife alive, too. I’ve gifted this book to my parents, and they both agree, it’s awesome. Favorite quote: “It’s not us against the world; it’s all of us, working together, for each other.” Be sure to read the author’s end notes, too.
Three Keys by Kelly Yang
5.0
Mia Tang’s story continues in this “Front Desk 2” book in the series. I loved this book just as much as the first one and read it in a few days. This book follows closely Mia and her friend’s and family’s struggle through the voting over a potential new immigration law — Proposition 187. Set in 1994, when the author was only ten, the author’s notes parallels the immigration experiences then with the legislation passed by the Trump administration. I recommend this for young readers in grades three and up. Hank has my favorite quote from this book: “You can’t give up on people. It’s one of the three keys of friendship. You gotta listen, you gotta care, and most importantly, you gotta keep trying…”