MMGM: The Colors of Friendship in Honey Butter by Millie Florence

 

 

If you had siblings, did you get along famously or struggle to see eye to eye? And if you’re a parent with multiple kids, having your children get along is always a challenge.

Although my sister and I often fought growing up, she’s now one of my dearest friends. And I’m so glad that my sons have so much in common, although they also have their differences.

In literature, I often see two extremes: either siblings who always understand each other, like Lizzie and Jane in Pride and Prejudice, or sibling rivalry that’s just a foil for the protagonist's conflict.
Honey Butter by Millie Florence realistically highlights sibling rivalry, but with a whole lot of hope for understanding each other. It’d make the perfect read-aloud and springboard for discussing how to get along with our “friends for life.”

 

For the Child Who Feels Everything: Sensitivity, PEI, and The Mysterious Magic of Lighthouse Lane

 

Were you a child who felt everything deeply? Or do you have one of those children in your family now? I was—and still am. As a child, hearing bad news often felt like it were happening to me. And I have a son the same way. We walked out of many cartoons near the climactic point. It was just too much.  

At first, I was excited about Erin Stewart’s The Mysterious Magic of Lighthouse Lane because of the setting—Prince Edward Island—one of my favorite places to read about. But I ended up falling in love with Lucy, who reminded me a lot of my younger self.

If you love Prince Edward Island, gentle mysteries, and stories about children learning to live with big feelings, this is a lovely choice.

 

MMGM: Not Every Spark Needs a Stage — A Review of Absolutely, Almost

 

When I was a special education teacher, I would try to identify the hidden talents of my students. Some students, for example, who were struggling to read, might be brilliant artists or know all about the solar system.

One day, I asked a student, who was a very talented artist, if she wanted to make art when she grew up, and she said, “No, I just want to draw.”

It really hit me. Why are we in such a hurry as parents or teachers to rush kids into deciding what they want to do for work? Or to turn every flash of interest into a career.

I love to play the piano just for fun. I will never be a professional musician, but that’s okay too.

Whether you're a homeschool parent or a classroom one, I think we've all had that moment of wondering — are we pushing too hard? Or should we just let them be? 

Today I’m featuring a book about a boy who just wants to be a kid. I hope you’ll enjoy meeting Albie in Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff as much as I did.

Summary

Albie has always been an almost.

He’s almost good at tetherball.

He’s almost smart enough to pass his spelling test. 

And now that Albie is starting a brand-new school for fifth grade, he’s never felt more certain that almost simply isn’t good enough. With everyone around him expecting him to be one thing or another, how is an almost like Albie ever supposed to figure out who he wants to be? (from the front cover) 

 

Why This Story Stays With Me:

1.    From page one, I related to Albie. The family pressure to be involved in sports or activities, to get good grades, is real. Although I loved school and was good at it, I so related to Albie just wanting to eat donuts sometimes. 

2.    His relationship with Calista, his babysitter. Calista gives Albie acceptance for who he is. She lets him pick his own Halloween costume, just be a kid, and encourages his art. She knows that some days are just hard, but ice cream helps.

3.    Mr. Clifton, best math teacher ever! I love stories, like Wednesday Wars, where teachers provide much needed encouragement. Mr. Clifton keeps his “F” from fourth grade framed on his wall to remind himself that 

“You can’t get where you’re going without being where you’ve been” (p. 84) 

4.    The realities of reality TV. A fun subplot was Albie’s best friend Erlan’s family's foray into reality television.  Albie needs to sign a waiver to just go to his friend's birthday party! It gave a nice counterpoint to Albie’s journey to accept himself.

5.    Bullying handled with care. Darren and the “cool rules” were portrayed realistically. What I loved: Darren wasn’t a cardboard character, and Albie wasn’t a complete victim. His growth in learning to be okay with not being cool was a lovely journey.

Reading Guide: This book would appeal to 5th grade and up for independent reading, but might appeal to younger students as a read-aloud. It would make a great book for discussing finding your passions (even if they just end up as hobbies) or social pressure/bullying. 

 

Max’s take (out of a 5-bone scale)

Max, the Reading Dog

 

 

 

 

 

 🦴🦴🦴

No dogs! But I really liked reading about all the donuts and ice cream. If only my family would let me eat as much as Albie. I’m usually stuck with just dog cookies. Sigh!
 

 

Interesting Note: I got to hear Lisa Graff speak at a SCBWI conference a few years ago when she was still an editor. One piece of advice stuck with me: Don’t show your manuscript to critique partners until you’ve taken it as far as it can go. I have found I always get better feedback when I follow her advice.

Notes from the Front Porch:

Do you or your child ever feel like you’re just “almost” because you don’t have a spectacular talent?

Is there a book that helped you or your child feel understood?

  

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

Tea and Tails

Let’s stay in touch.

If you enjoy our bookish chats, I’d love to have you join me for Tea and Tails, a monthly letter from my reading nook filled with bookish heart and quiet courage.

MMGM: Small Stakes, Big Heart: A 'Quiet Stories' Review of 'Honey and Me

 

One of the many books I discovered while homeschooling was All of a Kind Family. This beautiful book tells the story of five Jewish sisters who grew up in 1912. I loved all the details of their life, especially how they left a place for Elijah at the Passover seder. It was these simple, low-stakes moments that drew me to this story.

 

It reminded me of a project I did in college for my education degree. I visited a synagogue to immerse myself in that culture. The ladies let me join them in making hamantaschen for Purim. When they were explaining about the holiday, I said, “Oh, that’s the book of Esther!” 

What I found interesting when I read the back matter for Honey and Me was that Meira Drazin was inspired to write a book like Ballet Shoes, Anne of Green Gables, and The Penderwicks, but about a Jewish family:

 “I wondered if I could do what these writers all do so beautifully—show the importance and magnitude of small dramas in everyday life—but with contemporary Jewish characters.”--Meira Drazin

Synopsis: 

Milla and Honey have been best friends since forever.

Milla envies Honey’s confidence, her charisma, and her big, chaotic family―especially when they provide a welcome escape from Milla’s own small family and quiet house. In their close-knit Jewish community, the two girls do everything together, from delivering meals to an ill-tempered elderly neighbor to shopping at a local thrift store, celebrating the holidays, and going to their first bat mitzvahs while studying for their own.

So when Honey joins Milla’s school for sixth grade, why is it not as great as Milla expected? Can their friendship survive all the ups and downs the year has in store for them? And will Milla ever find the courage to step out of Honey’s shadow and into her own spotlight?

Charming, authentic, and wise, Honey and Me is a classic coming-of-age story filled with relatable middle school struggles, keen insight, and sparkling humor. (from Amazon)

 

Why This Book Stays With Me:

1.    A friendship that feels real. I loved how Milla and Honey have their ups and downs, although they are always loyal to each other. Drazin did such a marvelous job of creating a real friendship, where a good friend tells the truth, sometimes gets jealous, and doesn't always understand you perfectly.

2.    An insight into Orthodox Judaism. Other than All of a Kind Family and some Chaim Potok, I know very little about Orthodox Judaism. I appreciated that Drazin has a glossary in the back for readers who might be unfamiliar with phrases and practices of Orthodox Judaism. As a person whose Christian faith is central to my life, I enjoyed seeing this tight-knit culture portrayed warmly and respectfully. 

3.    The mother-daughter relationship with Milla. Milla's relationship with her mother and her tendency to put Honey’s family on a pedestal are very real and relatable. How she and her mother worked through this was also beautifully depicted. 

4.    Small stakes that were engaging. Like The Penderwicks series and other “small stakes” novels, I kept reading because Drazin shows us that even these small things have meaning. Winning a speech contest might not feel as significant as traveling the world or stopping a nefarious bad guy, but it feels real to Honey and Milla, so it did to me, too. And I was reminded that the small moments in my life are important.

5.    Incredible secondary characters. This book had a huge cast, but two characters really stood out to me: Ageneni, a grandma-like figure who reads children’s books and speaks her mind, and Mr. Sandler, a very special English teacher.

Reading Guide: This book would appeal to 8-12-year-olds as a Morning Time read-aloud and independent readers at the 5th-grade reading level and above. A small note for sensitive readers: there is the loss of a beloved adult near the end of the story. It is handled with great heart, but it may be a moment you'll want to walk through together.

Max’s take (out of a 5 bone scale)

Max, the Reading Dog

 

 

 

 

 

 🦴

No dogs again! Ugh! And Mom was reading for a long time. 

Notes from the Front Porch:

What slice-of-life, low stakes books have you enjoyed?

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

 

 

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MMGM: The Friendship Awards: Finding Kindred Spirits in Middle Grade Fiction

With Valentine’s Day just behind us, I’ve been thinking a lot about the beauty of friendship in middle-grade novels. For many of us, those middle school years were the most eventful of our lives—full of the joy of finding a friend and the sting of being left out. 

In our home, we always used books to explore big feelings and new experiences. Whether you are a fellow homeschooler, a teacher looking for a heart-filled read-aloud, or a parent seeking a meaningful bedtime story, these books help our children find their way with friends. They show them how to handle the hurt of being left out, how to be a steady support, and how to spot a true kindred spirit.

Since the Olympics are currently underway, I thought it would be fun to host a "Friendship Awards" for some of my favorite middle-grade characters. 

The Award for Unconditional Grace

 

 

The Winner: Howard and Charlie in Wish by Barbara O’Connor. We all need a friend like Howard, someone who looks past our prickly defenses and loves us "in spite of ourselves." Howard’s steady, quiet kindness is a beautiful reminder of what it means to be a safe place to land for someone else. 

Reading Guide: Best for ages 8-12. This story touches on the "winter seasons" of family life, including foster care and parents who are absent or struggling. While the background includes some difficult realities, the focus remains on Charlie finding a "heart-home" and a quiet place to land with her aunt and uncle.

The "Instant Kindred Spirit" Ribbon

 

Three Way Tie: Anne and Diana (Anne of Green Gables), the cousins in The Story Girl (by L.M. Montgomery), and Betsy and Tacy (Betsy-Tacy).While modern stories often focus on the hard work of friendship, there is still a place for the instant connection. As someone who still keeps in touch (by letters, of course!) with my own childhood best friend, I love seeing life-long bonds celebrated. They remind us that sometimes, you instantly recognize a kindred spirit.

Note on Reading Levels: The first two books (Betsy-Tacy and Betsy-Tacy and Tib) are perfect for our younger readers (ages 5-8) and make lovely first chapter books. As the girls grow up, so do the stories; later books like Over the Big Hill and Downtown are best suited for ages 8-12.

The Award for the Unexpected Path

 

 

The Winner: Abigail and Gabby in Always Abigail. Abigail begins her year with a tidy plan, only to find herself paired with Gabby, the girl she least expected to like. This story resonated with me, perhaps because I remember being the outcast and the surprise of finding that the person I overlooked was the friend I needed most. It’s a wonderful reminder to keep our hearts open to the people we might otherwise miss. 

Reading Guide: Best for ages 8-12. This story is a wonderful mirror for children navigating the "middle school shift" in friendships. It gently explores the ache of being left out and the quiet courage it takes to be kind to someone who isn't part of the "popular" circle. A perfect choice for discussing how to spot a true kindred spirit. 

The "Strength in Vulnerability" Medal

 

 

The Winner: Peony in Peony Watercolor's Wish for Sun and Moon. It is a hard lesson to learn that real friends let people in during the "winter seasons" of life. Peony’s journey from hiding her father’s unemployment to letting her friends support her is such an important lesson. It reminds kids that they don't have to be "fine" to be loved and not to shut out those who want to help. 

Reading Guide: Best for ages 8-12. Peony struggles with the shadow of her father’s unemployment, leading her to make some poor choices about honesty with her friends. It’s a wonderful conversation starter about why we don't have to hide our hard times. It also includes a sweet, age-appropriate middle school dance.

The "Better Together" Award

 

The Winner: Mavis and Rose in Wonderland. Mavis is the spark that pushes Rose out of her comfort zone. And Henry, the runaway dog, is the project they take on together. A great reminder that good friends can be complete opposites, but they are better together than alone. 

Reading Guide: Best for ages 8-12. This story gently explores the "tangled" roles that can happen when a parent struggles to find their footing. While Mavis sometimes carries more responsibility than a child should, her journey is handled with great care and remains very kid-appropriate.

Max’s Bone-Rated Review

Max, the Reading Dog

 

 

 

 

 

 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴!

Well, hands down, Wonderland and Wish are my favorites because they have excellent dog representation! And we get Henry's point of view in Wonderland. Barbara O’Connor clearly understands that a dog is often a kid's first 'kindred spirit'! She knows what makes a good friend—someone loyal, a good listener, and always ready for a walk. Just like me!

A Note for the Front Porch:

Do you have a favorite fictional friendship that felt like a "heart-home" to you as a child? Which characters would you give an award to today? I’d love to hear about the stories that are currently gracing your living room or bookshelf.

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

 

 

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MMGM: Five Fabulous Books for Kids and Tweens Set in Italy

 

Are you excited for the Milan Olympics? We are quite the Italian fans at my house. My older son taught himself some Italian via Duolingo while we were homeschooling. It is a place on our list to travel to someday. My great-grandfather was from Bari, Italy, so I have a family connection as well. And the great art, the food! 

This month, I decided to take a virtual trip to Italy—through books, of course.

If you love learning about math:

 

Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci by Joseph D'Agnese, Illustrated by John O'Brien

This is a picture book, but I think the content would work well in an upper elementary classroom or homeschool to introduce Fibonacci’s numbers in a fun way. Kids will relate to the fact that Fibonacci was called a Blockhead (not unlike Charlie Brown). I loved using books like this when we were homeschooling to make math more fun, but it’d definitely work well in the classroom too.

If you love learning about Leonardo DaVinci, Milan’s famous inventor/painter:

Leonardo’s Horse by Jean Fritz

You could read all of Jean Fritz books in chronological order for a wonderful overview of history (ask me how I know!). But this book is more centered on art and Leonardo’s obsession with creating a horse sculpture. I didn’t know the story, and I really enjoyed learning about how many setbacks he encountered. And there is a modern happy ending to this tale. 

If you Are interested in Italy during World War II:

For younger readers:

Bartali’s Bicycle: Italy’s Secret Hero by Megan Holt and illustrated by Iacopo Bruno

I am late to the game in praising this book.  I saw it recommended by other MMGM bloggers back when it came out. If you’ve missed this one, do not wait to get it. It follows a cyclist who won the Tour de France and when World War II helped get Jews in Italy to safety.  My favorite part, Bartoli was know for saying: 

“Good is something you do, not something you talk about.”

Just a Girl by Lia Levi with pictures by Jess Mason, translated by Sylvia Notini

This book! The voice is so childlike and innocent and yet Lia goes through so much as Italy changes with the rise and fall of Mussolini (unfortunately the fall doesn’t bring immediate relief). She often stopped to explain in short essays how things would turn out (so readers won’t worry). This juxtaposition of the sweet voice and the few parts of her life that were somewhat normal (putting on plays, squabbling with other children) made this so powerful. Even better, this is a translation from the Italian.

And if you'd love to vicariously travel to Venice:  

 

Rosa by Starlight by Hilary McKay

This was such a fun, whimsical read. I thought it was very Roald Dahl in tone with the orphan living with the unimaginative and cruel aunt and uncle. It’s all handled very light-heartedly, but if have a sensitive reader, you might want to preread. However, what I loved was the magical cat Balthazar, which just is the name of my teddy bear growing up. And Balthazar has a special computer where he can order food! This is magical realism, but also a heartfelt story about a girl learning to find true friends. What's not to love about magical cats in Italy?

 

Max’s take (out of a 5 bone scale)

Max, the Reading Dog

 

 

 

 

 

 🦴🦴🦴

I liked Leonardo’s House. But where are the dogs in books about  Italy? I thought they liked their dogs…ah well. But Stella! You know, I’m not a fan of cats, but I want my own computer for ordering food. My mouth is watering! Just think as much…bacon…cheese…turkey sandwiches…Chick Fil’A Sauce…. Can I get one too?
 

Will you be watching the Winter Olympics? What is your favorite winter sport? And, of course, do you have any favorite books about Italy? Or if you've been there, what is your favorite Italian city?

 

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

 

 

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!

MMGM: Art, Letters, and Life Lessons: The Boy Who Painted the World and From the Desk of Lizzie Lazowski

Back in February. Kasey Giard of The Story Sanctuary recommended From the Desk of Lizzie Lazowski by Melody J. Bremen since I mentioned I enjoyed epistolary novels. I enjoyed it last spring, but recently that I discovered another title by Melody Bremen, The Boy Who Painted the World. I was so excited when Lizzie showed up in The Boy Who Painted the World.

You know how much I love heartfelt middle grade, especially with compelling main characters. If you also love middle grade contemporaries with MCs with gumption and grit, you will love these books.

 

Synopsis

 

The Boy Who Painted the World:

 
Indigo is a boy with a dream. He wants to be a famous artist when he grows up, but he's never had a real family or a home. He spends his nights in a shelter and his days working odd jobs to buy new art supplies. Jade is his best friend who has helped feed him and keep him safe. When she is arrested for shoplifting, Indigo sets off on a journey where he finds new people, and the courage to pursue his dreams. Follow Indigo on a journey that teaches him the meaning of friendship, family... and shows him that dreams really do come true. A novel for children ages 9-12.

 

From the Desk of Lizzie Lazowski:

When 8th grader Lizzie Lazowski receives a pen pal assignment, she puts her letter into a bottle and throws it into the ocean. A few days later, she receives an anonymous response in her mailbox. She continues to write to her mystery pen pal, answering prompts like what’s your favorite food (milkshakes), and who is your best friend (she doesn’t have one at the moment).

Through her letters, she tells about her biggest dream: to secure a spot at Northcrest High School for the Arts. If she submits a creative project—a true story about one person—she can win a scholarship. And Chloe, the new girl at school, just might be the one to help her complete the project (and maybe even fill the best friend role).

As the deadline for the scholarship draws near, her project flops and her budding friendship goes horribly wrong. All she has is the help of a mystery pen pal to put her life back on track.

(from Amazon)

 

My Take 

Both these novels have resilient characters. Indigo (The Boy Who Painted the World) is homeless, having been left on the street by his mother when he was five years old. She’d promised to “come back in a minute” and never returned. He’s taken in by Jade, a homeless teen, who looks after him till she gets arrested for stealing hand cream for his chapped hands. By then Indigo is ten, but it’s up to him to survive and find his way. Even though this sounds like a dismal start, Indigo has a gift for drawing that truly makes this story. He also has a truly unique way of seeing the world. Along the way, he encounters many people, and despite his own hardships, he always has a positive impact on others. This was such a powerful story, and so refreshing to see a difficult theme handled realistically, but also infused with so much hope.

Lizzie is also a fun character, and I felt for her right away. She is a cancer survivor, and her dad died in Iraq when she was three. I could relate to so much of what Lizzie went through, especially not wanting to be the person everyone feels sorry for. But there was so much else to love about this novel. I really enjoyed the epistolary format, and her correspondent was a mystery till the end. (I kept guessing, but never guessed correctly.) Her struggles with mom dating again was handled well. I loved how so much of the novel was set at her mom’s work—a retirement home. Then Lizzie’s goal of trying to get into a theater high school was pretty cool. There was ton of humor throughout. This was a little lighter than Indigo's story, but equally heartfelt. If you want to read them in order, I’d suggest The Boy Who Painted the World first, since that’s where Lizzie makes her first appearance. But they can be read in either order or as a stand alone.

What I loved about both these books: Although both these main characters have gone through a lot, they never let their past define them.

My favorite line is something Indigo says to Lizzie in book 2: 
“Some people will pity you,” he said finally. “But only until you prove to them that you’re more than just one thing.”

Max’s take (out of a 5 bone scale)

Max, the Reading Dog*

 

 

 

 

 

 🦴🦴🦴

Just one dog was mentioned in passing in The Boy Who Painted the World, but in From the Desk of Lizzie Lazowski, there was Ranger, a German Shepherd, who tried to attack Kira’s cat and had a mishap with some cake. I just happen to be part German Shepherd. Now I thinking I’m a dog who likes cake too (Hint. Hint). 😊 

Your Turn: 

Do you like series or stand alones? 

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

 

 

 

MMGM: Margaret Haddix: Suspense with A Lot of Heart

Today I’m featuring one of my favorite middle grade authors in the mystery genre. Margaret Haddix writes contemporaries, dystopian, fantasy, and mysteries. She shines at writing books that make you want to turn the page and have emotional depth.

I first encountered her when I was on a fairy tale retelling kick and read Just Ella a few years ago. Last year, I discovered her first book, Running Out of Time, a must-read if you like middle grade suspense.

In addition to Running Out of Time, I’m also featuring my favorite stand alone by Haddix, The Remarkables. As a bonus, for those who enjoy YA, I’m adding a short bit about my favorite Haddix YA.

Running Out of Time (1995)

 

 

Jessie lives with her family in the frontier village of Clifton, Indiana, in 1840—or so she believes. When diphtheria strikes the village and the children of Clifton start dying, Jessie’s mother reveals a shocking secret —it’s actually 1996, and they are living in a reconstructed village that serves as a tourist site. In the world outside, medicine exists that can cure the dread disease, and Jessie’s mother is sending her on a dangerous mission to bring back help.

But beyond the walls of Clifton, Jessie discovers a world even more alien and threatening than she could have imagined, and soon she finds her own life in jeopardy. Can she get help before the children of Clifton, and Jessie herself, run out of time? (from the author's website)

My Take:

This book has everything I love: a Little House on the Prairie feel with the twist of it being a dystopian-type village that’s being watched. Jessie is a fabulous character with boldness and daring. Her understanding of the modern world is limited, which adds to the tension. It’s a short book, and I dare you to put it down. I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but there are so many twists and turns that lead to its incredible ending.

The Remarkables (2019)

 

 

One minute they’re there: laughing and having fun at the house next door. The next minute, the teens are gone. Like magic. Marin can’t believe her eyes. Who are they? Can anyone else see them? What makes them so happy?

Marin is lonely in this new town of hers and eager to figure out more. Then she meets Charley, who reveals that he knows about these teenagers, too.

He calls them the “Remarkables.” Charley warns her to stay away from the Remarkables—and him. Charley and Marin both have painful secrets they’re holding on to, but could solving the mystery of the Remarkables help them both? (from the author's website)

My Take:

The synopsis doesn’t do this book justice. The mystery of who the Remarkables are was gripping, but what I loved about this book was how seamlessly the external mystery tied in with Marin and Charley’s friendship and character growth. Marin’s father, who loves football and is a doting father to her and her new baby brother, is one of my favorite fathers in kidlit. This book didn’t just grab me with its interesting time-bending twists but moved me with its theme of appreciating the what you have now.

Extra:

Don’t You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey (1996)

 

 

Everyone has to keep a journal in Mrs. Dunphrey’s English class, but the teacher has promised she won’t read any entry marked “Do not read this.” It’s the kind of assignment Tish Bonner, one of the girls with big hair who sit in the back row, usually wouldn’t take very seriously. But right now, Tish desperately needs someone to talk to, even if it’s only a notebook she doesn’t dare let anyone read.

As Tish’s life spins out of control, the entries in her journal become more and more private…and dangerous. Is she risking everything that matters to her by putting the truth on paper? And is she risking more by keeping silent? (from the author's website)

 My Take:

This YA contemporary is not for the faint of heart, and I wouldn’t recommend it for younger kids or sensitive readers. But it’s a powerful novel, and leaves the reader with hope. A reminder that there are teachers out there who truly save kids’ lives. 

Max, the Reading Dog*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Max’s take (on a five bone scale):

No dogs! Again. Just think of how I could sniff out the bad guys and protect those kid sleuths! Opportunity wasted.

🦴 

 Your Turn: 

Do you like mysteries or suspense? Have you read any books by Haddix? 

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

 

 

 

MMGM: Wired for Fun: A Review of Hertz Gets Fused

 

My heart sings when I find middle grade books that capture the boy voice well. Like here and here. Last summer I discovered Hertz Gets Fused by Suzanne Purvis. Hertz reminds me of the characters in Gordon Korman books: a kid who loves being a kid and fun is his ultimate goal.

Unfortunately, having fun (in Hertz’s case, video gaming) gets him in a bit of trouble and turns his whole summer upside down.

Synopsis:

Tech-obsessed twelve-year-old Hertz Zindler gets into Godzilla-sized trouble when he accidentally starts an electrical fire in his bedroom. Bad enough, all his tech stuff is ruined, but worse—Avis, his mom’s guide dog, gets grazed by a fire truck leaving the scene and the poor dog is traumatized and unable to guide.

Hertz’s mom heads to Texas to train with a new guide dog, and Hertz and Avis head to Show Low, Arizona where an unconventional great-uncle has agreed to babysit Hertz. Not what Hertz planned for his summer. He’s stuck in an Airstream trailer park for retirees, struggling to squash his shame and hide his boredom.

Then a flicker of hope. The town-sponsored scavenger hunt provides the means—a cash prize! If Hertz wins, he can buy a used laptop at the local pawn shop and get reconnected.

But Hertz’s past, along with a string of dumpster fires, have him labeled as the sheriff’s number one arson suspect.

Now Hertz must build a team, win the scavenger hunt, avoid the sheriff, and expose the real fire starter or he could end up in juvie jail. (from Amazon)

Highlights of Hertz Gets Fused:

1.    A novel in verse. I don’t read many novels in verse, but this one worked on so many levels. It’s perfect for Hertz’s voice and is infused with humor and heart. Also, the sparse text will appeal to reluctant readers. One of my favorite lines (although it’s hard to pick) is when Hertz sees his house on fire and debates about telling his mom:  “I delay my launch/of the truth starship.” 

2.    A realistic boy protagonist, who happens to be a gamer: Reading about Hertz reminded me how many of former students love to game. Hertz’s voice was authentic, and kids will relate to his dilemma. My younger son didn’t like Hertz because he was so self-centered at first, but trust me, stick with him, and he grows on you.

3.    Memorable characters: Hertz, his mom, Pops, Hertz’s great uncle, and his scavenger hunt partners, Fey and Allen, leap off this page. This is in part to Suzanne’s memorable descriptions, like this one about Pops: “The rodent over his left eye twitches. / Might be a wink.”

4.    A fun plot: For a fairly short (207 page) novel with sparse text, Suzanne packed in a lot of plot. I really enjoyed reading about the Scavenger Hunt, the zany people of Show Low, and how Hertz always managed to get himself into the craziest situations.

5.    A perfect ending. The ending was filled with action (and peril for Avis the dog!), and Hertz proves in more than one way that he’s really truly changed.

Max, the Reading Dog*

 

 

 

Max’s Take ( on a five bone scale): 🦴🦴🦴🦴

Finally, a book with an interesting dog! Avis is a survivor and my hero. He’s not just a minor character either. Woof! Woof!

 

 

About the author:

I'm Suzanne Purvis, a writer and artist transplanted from Canada to the often unnoticed, and sometimes forgotten coast of the Florida Panhandle. Wedged up against Alabama and Georgia, the Deep South oozes into this corner of Florida, and once you visit you won't want to leave. That's what happened to me. Hard to resist the sweet tea, sweeter accents, the sugar white beaches, and turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. 
I write poetry and fiction of the long, short, and flash variety for both children and adults, usually with a touch of humor. (from https://www.suzannepurvis.com/) 

 

*If you're a dog lover, check out her page all about her dogs! 

Suzanne has another book coming out next year: 

 

Your Turn:

Do you like novels in verse? What are your favorite reads this summer?

 

MMGM: Dog-Loving Adventures: Wish and Wonderland

I’m a bit late to the party on Wish. I probably heard about it first on MMGM, but then a dear friend put a copy in my hands last summer. “You have to read this.” And she was right.

At first Charlie was a little hard to warm up to, but my the end of the novel, I was moved to tears. Of course, I had to find other books by Barbara O’Connor, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that she’s a dog person like me. Read on for more about Wish, and one of my other favorites by O’Connor, Wonderland.

Synopsis of Wish

Eleven-year-old Charlie Reese has been making the same secret wish every day since fourth grade. She even has a list of all the ways there are to make the wish, such as cutting off the pointed end of a slice of pie and wishing on it as she takes the last bite. But when she is sent to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to live with family she barely knows, it seems unlikely that her wish will ever come true. That is until she meets Wishbone, a skinny stray dog who captures her heart, and Howard, a neighbor boy who proves surprising in lots of ways. Suddenly Charlie is in serious danger of discovering that what she thought she wanted may not be what she needs at all. (from Amazon)

My take:

I loved this warm and loving portrayal of a child in foster care. I have a few friends who are foster parents, so I’m always excited to see more books about this topic. Charlie's aunt and uncle are just as well developed as the kid characters. Although this book could be heavy with all that Charlie has gone through, the project of the saving the stray dog really lightens the mood. Charlie has the most kind friend in Howard, but I also like that he's not a pushover. At times, Charlie needs a reminder that although her life has been tough, she can't take her anger on others. I also loved how Charlie went from wanting the family that she could never have to appreciating the people who truly loved her. I thought the way faith was handled was sensitive and realistic. If you love dogs, heartfelt stories, and well-earned endings, you will love this book!

 

Synopsis of Wonderland

Mavis Jeeter is fearless and bold, but she has never lived in one place long enough to have a real best friend. Her flighty mother has uprooted them again to another new home and taken a job as a housekeeper for the Tully family. Mavis wants this home to be permanent―which means finding herself a best friend.


Rose Tully is a worrier who feels like she doesn’t quite fit in with the other girls in her neighborhood. Her closest friend is Mr. Duffy, but he hasn’t been himself since his dog died. Rose may have to break a few of her mother’s many rules to help Mr. Duffy―and find someone who really understands her.


Henry has run away from home, but he craves kindness and comfort―and doesn’t know where to look for them.

When Mavis and Rose hatch a scheme to find Mr. Duffy a new dog, their lives and Henry’s intersect―and they all come to find friendship in places they never expected.

My take:

This story centered around a friendship between two girls who couldn’t be more different. O’Connor showed how Mavis, full of energy and spunk, and Rose, shy and timid, could bring out the best in each other. I ached for Mavis because her mom never stayed in one place or one job for long, but Mavis handles her mom with humor and her life circumstances never quell her joy for life. I'd love a friend like her! I didn't think that three POVs (one is Henry, the dog) would work, but it really makes for an interesting read and lets us get to know all the characters well. This book had such a satisfying ending. I couldn't imagine it any other way. And we're left with hope, absolutely necessary for middle grade. Another one for dog lovers who like books with friendship and a lot of heart!  

Max, the Reading Dog*

 

Max’s Take (on a five bone 🦴scale):

 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴Best MMGM ever! I would read any book by O’Connor. Dogs who get rescued make the best characters!

Your turn

Have you read Wish? What are your favorite books with dog or animal characters? Yay or nay on books from animal's point of view?