Windy City Reader

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Loving my organized shelves

Even if you don't usually read Middle-Grade novels, this one will yank your heartstrings in the best way. This is an unusual book as the characters are in fourth grade and act more like maybe seventh graders in their actions? In some ways, that will increase the readership range, and I think people on the autism spectrum will enjoy it any age. Although technically it is not a #ownvoices novel, the author does have a daughter with both autism and epilepsy, and both are featured in this story. The story begins with Hank hating the World War II book that his teacher is reading his class. You can tell right away that he’s a kid filled with empathy, and those books where someone nearly always dies can be rough to navigate at any age. He steals the book, heads to the boys’ bathroom, and sets it on fire, which obviously, was not a great idea. He gets justifiably suspended. It doesn’t take long to figure out that Hank has loving, involved parents, and even with them, and plenty of support from his doctors and the school life is difficult for him. When he heads back to school, Maisie (a classmate) takes him under her wing and befriends him. It seems like she is the first friend, and their friendship is bumpy as they both make some not wise decisions spurred on from good intentions. I think the fact that neither Hank or Maisie is mean, or destructive tempers the fact there are a lot of actions in this book you won’t want your kids emulating. But, the love that they show their families and neighbor is both sweet and genuine. They are kids who think a little differently and jump to conclusions that maybe other kids wouldn’t. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale and would recommend it up through eighth grade. Release Date February 25, 2020 #instabookreview #mglit

Reposting this review because it is a 2020 Newberry Honor Book!!! The title says scary and it means it. This collection of short stories is wildlife documentary scary. If you've ever watched PBS and yelled for the baby animal to "Watch Out!" You'll love this. I'll give this warning: the stories included are dark and sometimes disturbing. I read parts to my 13 yo and he agreed that at 9 or 10 he would have had nightmares. I'd be completely fine calling this YA, but in my opinion it is not suited for kids under the age of 12. Your mileage may vary. Pre-read it if you have any doubts, by page 33 six foxes have died. The story aside I want to talk about the actual book a little. It features excellent thick paper, and an easy to read typeface. The best part is that the interaction between foxes (hearing the story) happen on black pages with white print and the stories they are being told to foxes are on white pages with black typeface. It's simple, and brilliant all at once. Things I like about this story include that it is perfect for reading a little a day. I'd say bedtime, but you know- scary. The foxes personified keep you at the edge of your seat. I'll note that one story vilifies Beatrix Potter in a way that although true never occurred to me. In the end it all wraps up with a happy ending and I loved it. #instabookreview #bookblogger #2020newberryhonor

This was Sprites first appearance here on Insta. #spritelovesbooks

The blank page and Ceres. #chicago #amwriting

Sometimes I get to write on the 33rd floor of the Willis Tower. I sort of love it up there.

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