Review: Flat Broke by Gary Paulsen

Kevin is becoming one of my favorite characters. He’s such a …. character! Always scheming someway to get things done, he’s a path-of-least-resistance kind of teen who acts before thinking things through.

In Flat Broke, Kevin needs to make quick cash to take his crush to a dance. Due to his previous shenanigans (in Liar, Liar), Kevin’s allowance has been taken away, his aunt won’t hire him anymore and his babysitting gig isn’t paying like it used to. Kevin, crafty and undaunted, finds creative ways to make a fast buck. But like most get rich quick schemes, Kevin’s plans don’t work out as he hoped.

I laughed a lot while reading. Below are some quotes to demonstrate the humor that any attempt by me to analyze will surely ruin. I’ve added who is speaking for clarification. 

Kevin: I don’t want a ride.

Sister: What do you want?

Kevin: Money

Sister: How much? And Why? And you know I don’t just give money away for nothing. There’s a vig.

     I raised my eyebrows, glad that one of the books I’d read had been written by a guy in the witness protection program, explaining his former career as a loan shark. I knew that a vig was the interest due on money borrowed. My sister is a dark and mysterious person. More likely, she read the same book in our basement. I was starting to like her more and more. (Paulsen 20).

Kevin: Auntie Buzz.

     She looked up from her desk, started to smile, remembered she was still mad about the way I’d lied to her, and scowled.

Kevin: I’m here to make you an offer, I said 

Aunt: I have an MBA, I’m wired on too much caffeine and I have a grudge against you. You think you have what it takes to do business with me?

Kevin: Yup.

Aunt: I’m a sucker for self-confidence. State your case. (Paulsen 22)

Despite the fact that all my ideas turned into poo on a stick, everyone around me farts gold dust these days. (Paulsen 115)

I hope Paulsen writes more about Kevin! If you're looking for a good middle grade book that's funny look no further!

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books (Random House), 2011     Pages: 118
Rating: 5 Stars     Source: Public Library

Review: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney

Change is in the air. Greg is excited for boy-girl parties and learning about "the facts of life" in his Advanced Health class. But growing up can be a little overwhelming. What's he to do without his best friend, Rowley, at his side? Will he starve to death when his mom goes back to school?  Greg begins to realize that maybe he shouldn't be in such a hurry to grow up. I mean, Greg + Responsibility = disaster waiting to happen.

Greg makes a lot of honest mistakes in The Ugly Truth. In the previous books, Greg makes deliberate plans to cut corners or shirk responsibility. Other times he couldn't help but be a prankster. But in this book we see how hard learning to be responsible is for a free spirit like Greg. The idea is so foreign to him. Greg's growing up whether he wants to or not. He tries and often fails at the most simple of tasks... but isn't that a part of growing up? Slowly, Greg begins to realize how hard being an adult is and how much he has to be thankful for. Of course, Greg does not verbalize this. Instead he gives a sigh of relief when he realizes he has supportive parents to fall back on. But that's what adolescence should be about - testing your wings in a safe environment.

I liked The Ugly Truth more than the previous book, Dog Days. Rowley and Greg are still at odds but they can't hold out much longer. I laughed a lot so if you need a humor break this book should do the trick. My favorite "episodes" were the trip to the dentist, the maid bit, and the miscommunication concerning an elbow.

This is the fifth book in the Wimpy Kid series. You can read my mini reviews of books 1-4 here. They're great books for reluctant readers or anyone with a sense of humor. I wonder if Kinney will continue with a 6th. I'm hoping for one more. Do guys think he should write one  more or should he stop while Greg's young?

Publisher: Amulet, 2010    Pages: 217     Source: IC Public Library
Rating: 4 Stars     Recommended Age: 9 and up

This is Me from Now On by Barbara Dee: An uplifting middle school read

This is Me from Now On by Barbara Dee is a cute story about friendship. Seventh grade is hard enough for Evie but when she gets partnered up with the new girl, Francesca, on a killer history assignment, Evie’s world gets complicated. Francesca is anything but typical and Evie finds herself both fascinated and confused by Francesca’s behavior in which Evie often finds herself an unwitting accomplice.

The story’s appeal is for young girls around 10-13. On a reader enjoyment level, the book didn’t have much appeal to me. The plot was fairly predictable and I figured Evie would work things out in the end. But I do think young girls will like this story. I appreciated the fact that Evie is able to recognize the tunnel she begins spiraling down and tries her best, and succeeds, in straightening herself out. She learns to be strong and stick with her decisions. Although Francesca’s friendship was tricky and difficult, Evie never gave up on Francesca who desperately needed a friend. Evie was able to reach out to her teenage sister for advice. The situation with Evie’s parents (who were always too busy to talk with Evie about “little” problems) felt realistic and the sister was a great role model of responsibility towards school and relationships who gave Evie good advice.

I think this story encourages girls to learn how to mend their friendships by being honest with and sensitive to their friends’ feelings. Young girls often get hurt over small things and friendships turn sour as a result. Evie fights hard against this and I was happy that she didn’t give up on mending relationships.

When Evie wants to date she actually asks her parents and respects their desire for her to do group activities. The “date” was an eye-opener for Evie that she doesn’t have to rush into dating and accepts being friends with the guy she likes. There are practically no causes for concern. The girls get into a web of lies and do a little thieving but it comes to bite them in the butt and they fess up. Swearing is not really an issue. There’s only some OMG!’s and that’s it. The neighbor lady, Francesca’s aunt, throws some parties but they hardly factor into the plot. Overall this is a clean and uplifting story. Although I didn’t personally swoon over the book, I think young girls will enjoy it.

Publisher: Aladdin Mix, 2010      Pages: 259     Source: I won this from Reading Teen! Thanks!

Rating: 3 Stars                        Recommended Age: 10-13

Smile by Raina Telgemeier: Another Great Graphic Novel

I am usually a read-one-book-at-a-time type of reader. But I could not resist that cover. It begs to be picked up. I ended up reading the book straight through.

When twelve year old Raina loses her two front teeth – her permanent teeth – it seems like the end of the world. Through years of braces, headgear, retainers, middle school and high school Raina learns who her true friends are and how to be happy with herself.
I’ve yet to read a graphic novel I haven’t liked. And Smile by Raina Telgemeier is no exception. It has such an uplifting message for young girls and is an enjoyable read. Telgemeier is not only a great writer but a great artist. The pictures are all in color and do a nice job of capturing the emotion of each moment. There were some funny moments when I chuckled and some tender ones when I teared up. From experiencing your first crush to worrying about pimples, there’s something in this book for every girl. In a time of life when girls feel pressured to mature quickly, I appreciated how Smile portrays an innocent who’s happy to be that way. Raina realizes she doesn’t have to follow her friends into makeup and kissing if she’s not ready. As you likely noticed, the character and author’s name are the same. That’s because this is a true story which makes it even better!
Publisher: Scholastic, 2010     Pages: 218
Rating: 5 Stars     Recommended Age: 10 and up     Source: IC Public Library

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

When I picked up this book I thought I knew what I was in for. But apparently I was ignorant of the largest involuntary migration in the U.S. – that of Mexican workers, many legal citizens, who were forced to move to Mexico during the Great Depression. Esperanza’s story is set during this turbulent time. The daughter of a wealthy Mexican rancher, Esperanza has everything she could ever desire. But in one night her life changes and she and her mother migrate to California to work on a farm labor camp. While the Great Depression rages, Esperanza adjusts to the difficulties of her new life.

I enjoyed Esperanza’s story, based off Ryan’s grandmother’s life. The writing is interspersed with Spanish making this a very cultural text. I think this is an excellent book for kids to learn about the difficulties of emigrating families, the richness of Mexican culture as well as the history surrounding the Great Depression. I find this story particularly relevant today as we come out of our economic slump. With so many unemployed, sympathy for non-citizen workers definitely fades. Esperanza’s story reminds us that everyone deserves humane treatment and that stereotyping has never helped our country in the past. That’s what I got out of this text, anyways! I will tuck away this title in my memory bank for my future kid someday.
Publisher: Scholastic, 2000      Pages: 262          Source: IC Public Library
Rating: 4 Stars                             Recommended Age: 10 and up

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

I loved this book! It was one of those stories I felt invested in the characters and enjoyed the whole reading experience. Before I get too carried away, here’s a short description.

Twelve-year-old Miranda encounters shifting friendships, a sudden punch, a strange homeless man and mysterious notes that hint at knowledge of the future. These and other seemingly random events converge in a brilliantly constructed plot. – from: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/%20newberymedal/newberymedal.cfm

So, what was so great about his book? The voice, Miranda’s voice, was incredibly authentic. She was cute, spunky and genuinely concerned about those around her. Yet she was sometimes selfish and gave her mom a bit of lip. She isn’t perfect but she sure is loveable. Stead captures the concerns of a 12-year-old perfectly. Miranda often asks: Why does my best friend avoid me? Why do the girls at school give me dirty looks? She becomes aware of her family’s lack of money. Her first crush develops. And in addition to these normal bumps to growing up, Miranda receives mysterious and rather alarming notes. These notes drive the plot as Miranda tries to puzzle them together. I enjoyed how the book is written as Miranda’s reply to the messenger and how the text begins addressing someone we don’t know. This is a touching story of growing up, learning how to be a good friend and opening oneself up to possibilities. I don’t want to give too much away as there is quite a bit of mystery. The plot kept me guessing and I wasn’t sure of the messenger’s identity until he/she is revealed.

This text references A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle (my review) throughout the book so, if you haven’t read Wrinkle you may want to do so first or at least read a synopsis of it before reading Stead’s book. Miranda finds comfort and role models in her favorite book and is alarmed when others try to pick it apart. She says, “The truth is that I hate to think about other people reading my book. It’s like watching someone go through the box of private stuff that I keep under my bed” (Stead 49). That’s often how I feel when a book is discussed in class and characters that I adore are scrutinized. It’s funny how adults will become defensive and argue their favorite character’s integrity! I can see this being a teacher’s great challenge when discussing books with kids and trying to get them to see a different perspective. Have you ever felt so strongly about a fictional character? When You Reach Me was a perfect story and a must read. I’m sure it will be a well-loved book for years to come.
Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books of Random House, 2009
Rating: 5 Stars            Source: IC Public Library           Pages: 200    Recommended Age: 10 +

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days

Dog Days is the fourth (and currently last) book of the Wimpy Kid series. Greg’s family can’t afford a regular vacation this summer so Greg must learn to occupy and entertain himself in his hometown. He and his best friend, Rowley, have a falling out and Greg ends up drifting in the public pool for a long time before they get back together. This separation was sad since Greg and Rowley’s antics were a central feature in the other books. I missed seeing their relationship. Also, Greg becomes slightly distant from his family in the fourth book and I missed seeing more of his brothers. Overall, Dog Days is still funny, but it didn’t have much new to offer and relied a lot on the previous books’ jokes to fill the gaps. I hope Kinney writes one more Wimpy Kid book to end on a slightly higher note.
Publisher: Amulet Books, 2009     Recommended Age: 9 and up     Source: IC Public Library
Rating: 3 Stars                              Pages: 217

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Stranded in the Canadian wilderness, thirteen-year-old Brian overcomes physical and psychological challenges in order to survive. Hatchet is fast-paced with short chapters making it a good choice for reluctant readers. The prose is simple and often repeats itself – the end of phrases being echoed in Brian’s mind. The repetition was frustrating for me and got in the way of enjoying the story. But this is likely a matter of personal preference. The fact that, not only does Brian survive, but he does very well by himself, with only shoe strings and a hatchet is rather unbelievable. That’s an adult talking. Every thirteen-year-old knows he or she is perfectly capable of doing just what Brian does. And that’s the magic of reading – a suspension of beliefs or seeing your “true” self reflected in the character. In the end, I enjoyed Hatchet and recommend it for late elementary/ early middle school students.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster, 1987     Recommended Age: 10 +
Source: IC Public Library                         Pages: 195
Rating: 3 Stars

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw

In The Last Straw, book three in the Wimpy Kid series, Greg pushes his luck as far as he can. His antics have finally caught his dad’s attention. So, Greg tries to impress his dad but always seems to fall a little short of expectations. As usual, the cartoons are just as important as the text. Both formats are meant to be read together. And together, the cartoons and text yield rolling laughter. Book three is another quick and fun read - something you can pick up when you've only got a few minutes to read here and there.
Publisher: Amulet Books, 2009     Recommended Age: 9 and up
Source: IC Public Library              Pages: 217
Rating: 4 Stars

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

Greg returns in Rodrick rules to continue entertaining kids and adults alike. In book two, Greg learns to get along with his older brother, Rodrick, which often means becoming an accomplice in his brother’s schemes. As usual, Greg tries to finagle events to his benefit. Greg even prepares contingency plans in case things go wrong. And when his plans backfire, reader laughter ensues. Laugh page after page while Greg tries desperately to keep Rodrick from telling the world his biggest most embarrassing secret. If you’ve ever had a bullying older brother or annoying younger sibling, then you’ll know just what Greg Heffley is going through.

Publisher: Amulet Books, 2008        Recommended Age: 9 and up
Source: Iowa City Public Library     Pages: 217
Rating: 4 stars

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, books 1 - 5, by Jeff Kinney

Diary of a Wimpy Kid (book one)

If you haven’t heard about this series from your kids then I’ll assume it’s because you have none. Kinney’s series is hilarious and easily appreciated by adults as well as children. I found myself laughing out loud on several occasions. My husband would say, “Nothing can be that funny in a kids book. You can stop laughing now.” But Diary of a Wimpy Kid is so funny!

Greg Heffley is about twelve years old when he begins writing his journal – NOT to be confused with a diary. Greg documents many of the events that most middle school students experience or encounter: Halloween, the school musical, Christmas, running for student government, and the safety patrol. Throughout the text, Greg’s cartoons provide lots of laughter. Passages like the one below show Greg’s mischievous side and we are often left to wonder if he will ever learn from his blunders since he almost always gets caught.

“I finally figured out how to get some of my games past Rowley’s dad. I just put one of my discs in Manny’s ‘Discovering the Alphabet’ case, and that’s all it takes” (43).

Greg’s inability to see his faults, many of which we find in ourselves, draws readers to him. Greg is young and we expect him to make mistakes. But we know he’s good at heart.

Publisher: Amulet Books, 2007        Recommended Age: 9 and up
Source: Iowa City Public Library     Pages: 217
Rating: 4 stars

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (book 2)

Greg returns in Rodrick rules to continue entertaining kids and adults alike. In book two, Greg learns to get along with his older brother, Rodrick, which often means becoming an accomplice in his brother’s schemes. As usual, Greg tries to finagle events to his benefit. Greg even prepares contingency plans in case things go wrong. And when his plans backfire, reader laughter ensues. Laugh page after page while Greg tries desperately to keep Rodrick from telling the world his biggest most embarrassing secret. If you’ve ever had a bullying older brother or annoying younger sibling, then you’ll know just what Greg Heffley is going through.
Publisher: Amulet Books, 2008        Recommended Age: 9 and up
Rating: 5 Stars                                    Pages: 217

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw (book 3)

In The Last Straw, book three in the Wimpy Kid series, Greg pushes his luck as far as he can. His antics have finally caught his dad’s attention. So, Greg tries to impress his dad but always seems to fall a little short of expectations. As usual, the cartoons are just as important as the text. Both formats are meant to be read together. And together, the cartoons and text yield rolling laughter. Book three is another quick and fun read - something you can pick up when you've only got a few minutes to read here and there.
Publisher: Amulet Books, 2009     Recommended Age: 9 and up
Source: IC Public Library              Pages: 217
Rating: 4 Stars
 
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (book 4)

Dog Days is the fourth (and currently last) book of the Wimpy Kid series. Greg’s family can’t afford a regular vacation this summer so Greg must learn to occupy and entertain himself in his hometown. He and his best friend, Rowley, have a falling out and Greg ends up drifting in the public pool for a long time before they get back together. This separation was sad since Greg and Rowley’s antics were a central feature in the other books. I missed seeing their relationship. Also, Greg becomes slightly distant from his family in the fourth book and I missed seeing more of his brothers. Overall, Dog Days is still funny, but it didn’t have much new to offer and relied a lot on the previous books’ jokes to fill the gaps. I hope Kinney writes one more Wimpy Kid book to end on a slightly higher note.
Publisher: Amulet Books, 2009      Recommended Age: 9 and up           Source: IC Public Library
Rating: 3 Stars Pages: 217

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth (book 5)

Change is in the air. Greg is excited for boy-girl parties and learning about "the facts of life" in his Advanced Health class. But growing up can be a little overwhelming. What's he to do without his best friend, Rowley, at his side? Will he starve to death when his mom goes back to school?  Greg begins to realize that maybe he shouldn't be in such a hurry to grow up. I mean, Greg + Responsibility = disaster waiting to happen.

Greg makes a lot of honest mistakes in The Ugly Truth. In the previous books, Greg makes deliberate plans to cut corners or shirk responsibility. Other times he couldn't help but be a prankster. But in this book we see how hard learning to be responsible is for a free spirit like Greg. The idea is so foreign to him. Greg's growing up whether he wants to or not. He tries and often fails at the most simple of tasks... but isn't that a part of growing up? Slowly, Greg begins to realize how hard being an adult is and how much he has to be thankful for. Of course, Greg does not verbalize this. Instead he gives a sigh of relief when he realizes he has supportive parents to fall back on. But that's what adolescence should be about - testing your wings in a safe environment.

I liked The Ugly Truth more than the previous book, Dog Days. Rowley and Greg are still at odds but they can't hold out much longer. I laughed a lot so if you need a humor break this book should do the trick. My favorite "episodes" were the trip to the dentist, the maid bit, and the miscommunication concerning an elbow.

This is the fifth book in the Wimpy Kid series. They're great books for reluctant readers or anyone with a sense of humor. I wonder if Kinney will continue with a 6th. I'm hoping for one more. Do guys think he should write one  more or should he stop while Greg's young?

Publisher: Amulet, 2010    Pages: 217     Source: IC Public Library
Rating: 4 Stars     Recommended Age: 9 and up