Page by Paige

Page by Paige

By Laura Lee Gulledge

Amulet Books, 2011. 1 volume (unpaged). Teen Graphic Novel

Summary:

The unfortunately named Paige Turner has just moved to New York from Virginia. While her parents are excited about the move, Paige isn't. She has a lot of emotions, doubts, and worries swirling around in her. She decides to start putting those feelings and dilemmas down on paper, opening herself up in her sketchbook. She also starts to realize the value in opening up to other people, including her friend Jules and cute Gabe, who has the potential to be more than a friend...
Fighting her insecurities is hard, but as she continues with her art and with building relationships, she finds a sense of empowerment and more inner peace.

Review:

This graphic novel is fantastic! I was blown away by the illustrations, which so fabulously illustrated Paige's inner turmoil. The prose was good, too, varying with Paige's varying emotions, from darker to buoyant. I love watching Paige and Gabe's unfolding romance--there were some truly awesome lines there (Anyone who can relate a relationship to Legos and "clickage" is super cook). I think this is my new favorite graphic novel, and I highly recommend it.

5 stars. There's a tiny bit of innuendo but it's otherwise clean.

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

By William Joyce

Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2012. 1 vol. (unpaged)Picture Book

Summary:

Morris Lessmore loves books and words, and he's even working on writing his own book, but when a terrible storm comes, it blows everything away--even the words of Morris's book. Bereft of the words, Morris begins to wander, and happens to see a lady being pulled through the sky by a group of books. When she sends one of her books to him, the book leads Morris to a book nest. Morris settles in among the books, organizing and repairing, and mostly importantly, reading them and sharing them with others. And at night, Morris begins again to write his own book, a project that takes years. Upon completion, Morris says that it is time for him to leave, which makes the books sad, but they notice that he leaves his own book behind, with "all of his joys and sorrows, all that he knew and everything that he hoped for"...and then a girl comes and begins to read Morris's story.

Review:

This beautiful book is the inspiration for the short film of the same name, which you should go watch immediately  if you haven't already. The book and the film are both...fantastic. Joyce takes readers through the despair of loss, as the storm rips all of the color out of life, through the healing process of books, which bring that color and hope back. For me, this sums up why I love books and why I became a librarian--because I believe in the healing power of books. I believe books and stories and words are one of the necessities of life. Morris's journey is poignant and beautiful, and this book is just amazing. The words and the pictures just pull you in, wrap around your heart, and pull you toward a feeling of hope, even through the sad moments, showing readers exactly what a good book does for you. (On a personal side note, one of the first books that ever took me a on healing journey was The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. I first read it shortly after my parents' less-than-amicable divorce, and reading that book was a cathartic experience for me. I could read the book, cry my eyes out as Ponyboy's story unfolded, and then return to reality with enough strength to keep going....and I returned to The Outsiders many times over the years as I need that experience again.)

I love the little details of this book, from the way that Humpty Dumpty (the book that leads Morris to the book nest) is dressed similarly to Morris and his (Humpty Dumpty's) expressions tell a story of their own. I love the "medical" scene as Morris is repairing a book, complete with a book as a heart monitor. I love the books sunbathing and having a picnic as Morris writes his book, and walking with canes like Morris as they age. And I love, love, love how, as Morris has aged, the books take care of him and even "read themselves to him each night."  There are so many fantastic details to go with a beautiful story.

I can't say enough good things about this book...so I'll just say that this might have just moved into the #2 spot on my list of favorite picture books (with Where the Wild Things Are being #1).

5 stars. Clean read.

The Pigeon series by Mo Willems

The Pigeon series by Mo Willems

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2003. 1 vol. (unpaged). Picture book
When the bus driver has to leave for a minute, he asks you to watch the bus--but make sure the pigeon doesn't drive it. The pigeon tries begging, pleading, bargaining, and throwing in some trickery and a tantrum to try to get his way.
Ah. What's not to like about Mo Willems? It takes a tough reader not to want to give into the pigeon, but it's fun to see how the story progresses--and what that naughty pigeon does at the end!

The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2004. 1 vol. (unpaged). Picture book
The pigeon is ecstatic when he finds a hot dog...but before he can enjoy it, the duckling interrupts and asks him what a hot dog tastes like, citing his curiosity as the reason for his questions. The pigeon quickly sees through the guise and has no desire to share his hot dog and goes through all the emotions that come when you know should probably do something but don't want to. Once he has worked through those emotions, he is ready to do the right thing.
I like how in just a few pages, Willems can capture so much of realistic human emotion. The pigeon's justification process is so true to human nature, and then when he doe the right thing, the readers can feel the happiness that comes, right along with him.

The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2005. 1 vol. (unpaged) Picture Book
When the bus driver suggests that the pigeon show his "happy face", the pigeon refuses and instead rants about how the driver makes him mad and sad. But when the driver uses a little reverse psychology, the pigeon plays right into his hands.
Ah, Pigeon. So easily upset, and so easily tricked...but in a good way. A good book for kids, this is also a good one for parents who need a little chuckle at all the reverse psychology they have to practice on their kids.

Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2006. 1 vol. (unpaged). Picture book
The pigeon doesn't want to go to bed--he's not tired, after all, so he uses all of his persuasive powers to try to get permission to stay up late, from saying studies show pigeons don't need much sleeping to invoking the cuteness of his stuffed rabbit to soften you up. But despite his protests, maybe he's just a little bit sleepy after all.
Willems has captured the child versus bedtime battle perfectly, as the pigeon needs his sleep but doesn't want to give into it. While that battle probably isn't so fun when you're dealing with a real child, it's sure fun to read about in this book.

The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2008. 1 vol. (unpaged) Picture Book

The pigeon has wanted "forever" or "At least since last Tuesday" a puppy. He promises to take care of it and will have lots of fun with it, of course...but when a puppy actually arrives, Pigeon isn't so sure after all.

I picked this book up because I needed a pick-me-up and knew Willems would deliver. Also, I want a puppy--and as I'm trying to convince my husband that we should get one, I sound remarkably like the pigeon! In Pigeon's conversation (we only see his side) with someone, he goes through the begging process, the promising to take care of it (although, he clearly doesn't understand what a puppy needs), the guilt trip process after he's been denied, and then the process of changing his mind once it looks like he's gotten what he wants. It's an excellent example of a what a kid would do when begging for a pet, or a particular toy, but it's done in a way that's very funny and entertaining. I highly enjoyed it...and unlike our beloved Pigeon, I still want a puppy :)

The Duckling Gets a Cookie?!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2012. 1 vol. (unpaged). Picture Book
Pigeon is aghast when he sees the duckling has a cookie--with nuts. When he finds out the duckling got the cookie simply by asking, he is even more indignant, since he asks for things all the time and never gets them, like to drive the bus, to have a hot dog party, to have a walrus, and more. Just as the pigeon is having a full-on tantrum about the unfairness of life, the duckling saves the day.
I'm not entirely certain this book has a good message, since it could teach kids that throwing tantrums can lead to them getting what they want...but it's still super fun and cute, so I would totally let any kid read it (and then make sure they knew not to try the tantrum thing to get their way.) You can't help but feel for the pigeon--since I'm sure we've all felt like he does and that the answer is always no and that life is unfair.

4 stars. Clean reads. Don't like this series quite as much as Willems' Elephant and Piggie series, but still, you can't help loving the Pigeon, too.

Mo Willems' Elephant and Piggie Books

The Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems 

Summaries and reviews

Today I Will Fly!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2007. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Piggie insists that she is going to fly; Gerald insists that she is not. Determined to find a way, Piggie seeks out help and surprises Gerald with what she can do.
Ah, the last two pages of these books are always so funny!. The rest of the book is, too, but there's always a little some extra at the very end that makes these books extra awesome.

My Friend Is Sad

Hyperion Books for Children, 2007. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Piggie notices that Gerald is sad, so she tries on various costumes--cowboy, clown, and robot--to cheer him up, but nothing seems to work.

This is one of my favorites of the series. Gerald is so cute as he's experiencing his sadness, and Piggie is so cute as she is trying to cheer him up.It's such a sweet story about friendship...and of course, has a little bit of humor thrown in.

I Am Invited to a Party!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2007. 57 pgs. Easy reader
When Piggie gets invited to a party, she asks Gerald to go with her. Gerald, insisting he knows all about parties, tells her they must be ready--for a fancy party, or a pool party, or a costume party. Although Piggie is a little skeptical, she decides to trust her friend, since he's supposed to be the party expert.
So funny. I love it.

There Is a Bird on Your Head!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2007. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Gerald is quite distraught when a bird lands on his head, and is joined by another bird...and the two of them proceed to make a nest, and lay eggs, and hatch babies! He's hysterical as Piggie is describing what's happening. Piggie finally suggests a solution, which ends up working well for Gerald, but not so well for Piggie.

This is the least realistic book of the series, since obviously birds couldn't build a nest, lay eggs, and hatch eggs all in such a short period of time, but it's still a funny look at problem solving and coming up with a solution rather than freaking out, so it's got the emotional truth even if the timing is a little warped :) (If Gerald could have seen how adorable the birds were,though, he would have let them stay!)

I Love My New Toy!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2008. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Piggie has gotten a new toy and she loves it. When she lets Gerald have a turn playing with it, he breaks it and then she is sad and mad. and both friends begin to cry. When a squirrel points out that the toy is actually a snap and break toy, Gerald and Piggie realize that what is really important is friendship.
Good book, good message. I think this would be great for taking children through the emotions of dealing with possessions and friendship and conflict.

I Will Surprise My Friend

Hyperion Books for Children, 2008. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Piggie and Gerald decide to surprise each other by hiding on opposite sides of a rock and then peering out at each other--except they keep looking the wrong direction. Beginning to worry about each other, Gerald worries that Piggie has fallen off a cliff, been grabbed by a bird, or eaten by a monster, while Piggie thinks Gerald has gone off to get lunch. As Gerald sets off to save Piggie, and she sets off to find lunch, they finally manage to surprise each other.
This has the typical fun twist at the end that will have kids laughing. 

Are You Ready to Play Outside?

Hyperion Books for Children, 2008. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Gerald and Piggie have just begun to plan what fun they will have outside when it begins to ran. Piggie is quite unhappy with the rain and how it has ruined their day; Gerald provides coverage for Pigge with his ear, and that gesture helps Piggie to cheer up. Soon the two friends are enjoying the rain--just in time for the rain to stop. Piggie is unhappy once again, but Gerald comes to the rescue again.
This is a cute story about friendship. (Okay, they all are, but I just liked how Gerald tried to make his friend happy and cheer him up on a rainy.)

Watch Me Throw the Ball!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2009. 57 pgs. Easy reader
When Piggie finds Gerald's ball, she wants to give it a toss. Gerald isn't convinced that Piggie will be able to throw it as far as he can, but Piggie wants to try. Her throw doesn't turn out quite as she expected, but she teaches Gerald a lesson in the process.
I didn't like this one as much as most of the other titles, maybe because we don't see that extra dose of sweetness between the two friends, but it's still a fun book, and it has a good message.

Elephants Cannot Dance!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2009. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Piggie offers to teach Gerald to dance; he tells her elephants can't dance. She tells him he can still try, so he tries...and tries...and tries.
I love seeing Gerald's efforts and his frustrations and then finally a resolution that makes him feel better. It's a great message for kids--or even adults--that it's okay to have fun and not do things perfectly.

Pigs Make Me Sneeze!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2009. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Gerald is quite upset when he can't stop sneezing, because he things perhaps his allergic to pigs, which is problematic since "Piggie is a pig!" and that means they can't be friends. Heartbroken, Gerald must leave his best friend behind...until Doctor Cat comes to the rescue.
I think kids will love seeing how Piggie keeps getting bowled over by Gerald's sneezes. This isn't my favorite of the Elephant and Piggie books, but it's still cute.

I Am Going!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2010. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Gerald and Piggie are having a nice day together--until Piggie announces that she is going, which causes a case of hysteria in Gerald, who begs and pleads with his friend not to go.

So many cute illustrations, of course. I like when Gerald tries to persuade Piggie not to go until tomorrow, or next week, or next year, that he shows her a pig calender :) The small details like that, combined with the spot-on voice of someone who is overreacting, make this book a lot of fun for readers of all ages.

Can I Play Too?

Hyperion Books for Children, 2010. 57 pgs.
Piggie and Gerald are just making plans to play catch when a snake asks if he can join in the fun. Piggie and Gerald don't know how a snake can play catch--since of course, he doesn't have arms--but they are determined to find a way. Just when it seems like none of their solutions will work, Piggie comes up with an idea of how they can all play catch.
Piggie's solution made me laugh out loud. I'm not sure it's a solution that would translate well to human children, but this would be a good book to use to discuss differences and acceptance--a good message wrapped up in all the normal sweetness and humor of the Elephant and Piggie books.

We Are in a Book!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2010. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Gerald and Piggie notice that there is someone watching them--a reader in fact. They are so excited to be in a book, and even try to get the reader to say things out loud! But when they realize that the book is coming to an end, panic sets in.
Of course all of these books are great read-alouds, but I love how Willems invites the reader to be an active participant in the book here. I can just imagine kids giggling right along with Gerald and Piggie--and wanting to read the book again, and again, and again.

I Broke My Trunk

Hyperion Books for Children, 2011. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Gerald has broken his trunk, and Piggie wants to know why, so he starts to tell the story...which begins when Gerald thought it would be a good idea to balance Hippo on his trunk....
I love looking at Piggie's expressions in this book, which range from horrified at what Gerald decided to balance on his trunk to impatient as the story drags on. The unfolding of story is super cute and happens in such a child-like way, showing how one thing led to another and then having unexpected twist at the end.

Should I Share My Ice Cream?

Hyperion Books for Children, 2011. 57 pgs. Easy reader
When Gerald gets an ice cream cone, he's super excited....until he begins to wonder if he should find Piggie and share. She is, after all, his best friend...but she's not there, and maybe she won't know, and...Gerald makes excuses until he pictures Piggie being sad somewhere, and then he's determined to use his ice cream to cheer her up, but by then, his ice cream has melted. Just as he's feeling down about blowing it, Piggie comes along with some ice cream of her own and saves the day.

Yet another great story about the complexity of friendship and how something that should be as simple as sharing can be easily justified away. Gerald's internal struggle is one that kids (and adults) will go through time and time again. Once again, I'm so impressed by how Willems captures human emotion so well using so few words.

Happy Pig Day!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2011. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Piggie is ecstatic that it's Happy Pig Day--a great day for pig food, pig games, and all sorts of pig fun. However, when Piggie's pig friends show up, Gerald feels left out because he is not a pig. Luckily, Piggie can reassure her friend that Happy Pig Day is for everyone.
Is it silly how a 57 page children's book can touch my heart? I really liked the little twist at the end of this one as Piggie realized Gerald was feeling bad and gave him just the right information to let him know he was included? I just thought it was so sweet, and I love seeing these two characters care for each other.

I think it's cute how the inside back cover illustrations in these books have a guest appearance from our favorite pigeon.

Listen to My Trumpet!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2012. 57 pgs. Easy reader
When Piggie gets a trumpet, she quickly invites Gerald to listen to her play...but her playing isn't exactly musical. Gerald doesn't want to hurt Piggie's feelings, but when she asks what he thinks of her trumpet, he faces a tough decision about what to say.
Aw, so cute. I know, I've way over-used the word cute in this post, but Gerald and Piggie ARE SO CUTE. I love their friendship, and the lessons we learn from them, and the little twists Willems always gives us.

Quick series list (in publication order):
Today I Will Fly!
My Friend Is Sad
I Am Invited to a Party!
There Is a Bird on Your Head!
I Love My New Toy!
I Will Surprise My Friend!
Are You Ready to Play Outside?
Watch Me Throw the Ball!
Elephants Cannot Dance!
Pigs Make Me Sneeze!
I Am Going!
Can I Play Too?
We Are in a Book!
I Broke My Trunk!
Should I Share My Ice Cream?
Happy Pig Day!
Listen to My Trumpet!


5 stars. What's not to love about them? Nothing. You must love everything, or clearly you have no heart or are broken in some way :)

The Short-Straw Bride

The Short-Straw Bride

By Karen Witemeyer

Bethany House, 2012. 363 pgs. Romance

Summary:

The Archer brothers have fiercely defended their land every since their father's death, running off anyone who dares to cross onto their property. As a ten-year-old girl, Meredith Hayes got caught in one of the traps on their land and teenaged Travis Archer rescued her and took her home, an act that spurs an infatuation on Meredith's part for the eldest Archer brother.
Twelve years later, the Archers are still fiercely protecting their land, so when Meredith overhears a plot to try to burn them out when they refuse to sell, she sets out to warn them of the impending danger--and stays to help them fight it. When she's injured and must stay under their protection, her uncle insists that one of the Archers will have to marry her. Although Meredith has long had feelings for Travis, when she catches the brothers drawing straws to determine who her husband will be (with Travis drawing the short straw), she agrees to marry him but isn't sure how to convince him that she's anything more than an obligation. Meanwhile, Travis isn't sure how to deal with a wife he never expected to have and how to keep his new wife and his brothers safe from those who are set on driving them off their land.

Review:

This is a thoroughly pleasing inspirational historical romance. Witemeyer is probably my favorite author of the genre, and her newest book didn't disappoint. Readers will love watching tough-on-the-outside but soft-on-the-inside Travis deal with a new bride and figuring out his own heart, and Meredith is a heroine worth cheering for, as she's more than willing to do her part to help her husband and her new brothers-in-law. Travis's brothers add a whole bunch of humor to the story, especially Crockett, who can't help but goad his brother a little as Travis is blundering along in his marriage (which is good, because it helps Travis figure out his feelings).

It was interesting to me that this seemed to have less spiritual content than Witemeyer's other books; there are a couple of instances of Meredith and Travis praying a little for guidance, but it wasn't necessarily a dominant theme. The book is still good and satisfying, but I also wouldn't have minded a little bit more of a glimpse of their spirituality. Sometimes it felt like the main focus of the book was actually whether or not they'd ever consummate their marriage, which, while fitting with the story of a marriage of convenience, could probably start to annoy some readers, even though it's tastefully done (and sometimes downright amusing).
The plot's probably somewhat predictable, but it still totally works--it's one readers are going to want to finish in one sitting and will leave them hoping that the other Archer brothers will get books of their own.

4 stars. Clean read.

The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars

By John Green

Dutton Books, 2012. 318 pgs. Teen fiction

Summary:

Hazel has had cancer for several years; for her, "terminal illness" is a way of life. Although she is on a medication that is prolonging her life, she knows that death will come for her sooner rather than later, and she worries about how that will affect her parents and those around her. And when she meets Augustus Waters, a cancer survivor, she contemplates her mortality even more, not wanting to be start a relationship with him knowing that it'll only be a matter of time before her death hurts him. Yet, as they spend time together, and as he helps her fulfill a life-long quest, they both unforgettable lessons about life and love.

Review:

After experiencing nothing but unmitigated loathing for Looking for Alaska, I was reluctant to ever read another book by John Green again. (I'm not saying he's not a good author, but he's not necessarily a good author for ME, so please don't be offended if you personally love him and everything he's ever written.) So, it took me a couple of times of checking this book out from the library before I actually opened it up and read it. And then I took the plunge, and I'm quite happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love (most of the time) the witty banter between Hazel and Augustus. I love the exploration of the meaning of life and love and how you deal with them in the very-present threat of death. This book was way better than I expected--and way better than most books I've read this year. It's beautiful and haunting and sweet and funny and sad, and I'm glad that I finally convinced myself to crack the cover.

4.5 stars. Some language, sex, and crude humor (but not an overwhelming amount).

Prodigy

Prodigy

By Marie Lu

Putnam, 2013. 384 pgs. Teen fiction (I read the ARC)

Summary:

Day and June have escaped from the Republic soldiers and make their way to join the Patriots; although they aren't entirely certain that they want to work with the Patriots, they figure joining them is the only way to get Day the medical attention that he needs and to try to get his little brother out of the hands to the Republic. After declaring their allegiance to the Patriots, they're told what their new assignments are: June is to return to the Republic and win the trust of the new Elector, Anden, by telling him of a plot against his life, all the while leading him into the true plot, where Day will assassinate him. As they settle into their responsibilities, both Day and June wonder if they're doing right thing, if assassination is really the right answer, and if they can trust anyone--including each other.

Review:

This sequel to Legend should have fans of the series frustrated, in that GOOD way that means the author has gotten you all emotionally invested in a book and taken characters (and by extension, readers), to somewhere they needed to go, even if it's painful. There's going to be a LOT of yelling, frustration, exclamations of disbelief, etc. as readers suffer through the last couple of chapters of this book and realize that they're going to have to wait a long time for any sort of resolution. That's not a bad thing, though--other than the fact that it's quite possible that the ending is going to leave readers crying or having panic attacks. 

There were a couple things I didn't necessarily like about book: for starters, Day and June's relationship. It seemed liked there's supposed to be this magnetic, hot attraction...but it felt forced sometimes. The emotion just seemed to be lacking sometimes. I was actually somewhat more intrigued by the developing love triangles (yes, plural--both Day and June have someone else who is interested in them, and who they could possibly develop feelings for) than the relationship between Day and June, for a lot of the book. Not all of it...but a lot of it. Also, perhaps a small note, and something that could probably be easily corrected in the final edition, but there seemed to be an over usage of parenthesis. Now, obviously, I'm a fan of them myself, but I have to say if the reader starts noticing how often you're using parenthesis, you're probably using them too often. What's the big deal, you ask? Well, I think it made the writing awkward; it seemed weak. A few parenthesis here and there is fine, but when you have several in a row, that can be a warning sign, and in this case, I think was indicative of Lu not always knowing how to incorporate descriptive details and internal dialogue into the rest of the sentence or paragraph. Unfortunately, that can jolt the reader out of the flow of the book, and I hope there's some revision to address that problem before the actual publication of the book.

Anyway, parenthesis aside, it's still an engaging book, with a good plot twists and a believably bad government. We get a look a really interesting new character (the new elector), and I'm excited to see what happens in the third book.

4 stars. A little bit of language and some making out.

Rebel Fire

Rebel Fire

By Andy Lane

Farrar Straus Giroux, 2011.343 pgs. Teen fiction

Summary:

Sherlock Holmes has enjoyed the tutelage of American Amyus Crowe, and he knows that Crowe has secrets in his past, but he didn't realize that Crowe is a colleague of the Pinkteron agency and has come to England to find John Wilkes Booth, who, although thought to have died in a fire, is alive (although not necessarily well). Sherlock can't resist investigating, but his initial delving leads to his friend Matty begin captured by Booth's associates. Soon, Sherlock, Amyus, and Virginia (Amyus's daughter) find themselves chasing Matty's captors across the Atlantic Ocean, trying to find Matty and figure out what the  Confederates are planning now, before it's too late.

Review:

Adding a conspiracy involving John Wilkes Booth brought an interesting twist to this series. I like how readers have the chance to guess along with Sherlock what is going on. This book took a darker turn than Death Cloud did, with Sherlock being responsible for the deaths of other people (in self-defense), and there was something about it that I didn't like quite as much as Death Cloud, but I still enjoyed it. This is a fun series for mystery fans and those who like a good dose of logical thinking.

4 stars. Maybe a little bit of language, but I don't remember for sure...