Francy's New Morning

  BOOK REVIEW ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you're looking for a funny graphic novel for kids about friendship, check out Arty by Penny Schneider. I read it for the second time and laughed again. Arty and his new friend are adorable characters. Arty is a betta fish who would rather have a friend than fight. Slug is a purple-loving sea slug. The colorful illustrations are full of fun details, jokes, and lively expressions to engage the reader. I highly recommend this book for kids, but anyone of any age can enjoy it and become an Arty fan. The best part is Penny has another graphic novel coming soon for more silly adventures in the sea! Amazon: Arty by Penny Schneider  

  Wow! This memorable novel deserves every award it received. Jason Reynolds tells this dramatic story involving teenage gun violence in short powerful poems. Reynolds has explained, setting the entire book in an elevator, he wanted to mimic the feelings of anger, pain, and helplessness. Fifteen-year-old Will’s brother was murdered, and he knows the rules. He doesn’t cry. He takes his brother’s gun and is on his way to get revenge. As the elevator stops at each floor, another “person” gets on and adds to the story, another link in the chain reaction. The elevator ride also gives the impression of being trapped in this cycle. When will it end? Within these short poems, Reynolds develops his characters and their relationships with a punch. His writing is brilliant. I will read this book again and look forward to reading more of his books.

I knew I would like Ruby Moon from the first page. The poetic prose and introduction to Jenay’s vulnerable side hooked my attention. Author Jenny Knipfer begins her novel in the present, revealing Jenay’s guilt for some horrific accident she caused. I was intrigued, wanting to know more, and not disappointed as the story slowly unfurled. This historical novel takes place in the 1890’s in Ontario, Canada. Through Jenay’s relationships with her aunts, Jenny weaves her character’s interesting heritage, a mix of French and Ojibwe decent, into the story. Even though the story has a complicated timeline, going into past and present, the dates are marked, making it easier to follow. The flashbacks add suspense and mystery as they give clues to what happened to Jenay. At the same time, we follow Jenay as she matures and experiences loss and love and finds strength, guidance, and forgiveness through her faith in God. This is a beautifully written novel that I would recommend to anyone who e...

  Abby Lunde appears to be an average teen at her new school since moving to Minnesota with her family, but she has secrets. Since her mother’s scandal, they lost everything—jobs, friends, and even their home. Aside from handling the typical teenage mood swings and fears, Abby must deal with living in her family’s van in a Walmart parking lot. She is humiliated, having to sponge bathe in public restrooms and depend on soup kitchens for meals. Abby is angry and blames her mother for ruining their lives. Throughout the story, she learns to forgive and appreciate thoughtful, generous people, but she is most anxious about exposing the truth.   Abby’s life at her new school may seem a bit unrealistic and Cinderella-ish. Though early in the story, she finds popularity, good friends, the best-looking boyfriend, and her talent for singing, it does provide a stark contrast to her hidden life outside school, where nothing seems right. C. H. Armstrong’s writing shines in how she cap...

     Fade to White is an exceptional young adult novel. Author, Tara K. Ross has a beautiful writing style that drew me in from the first page. I love her character’s humor and honesty in relating the difficult topic of living with a mental illness. Aside from the typical teenage insecurities, Thea has severe anxiety issues, panic attacks, and pulls her hair out to release stress. Her anxious thoughts multiply after reading about the death and suicide of a classmate. Thea deals with irrational fears, anticipating the worst and causing unnecessary inner turmoil. She struggles to feel normal, but she also has a gift of empathy and compassion for anyone hurting. Thea is a regular at her favorite coffee shop where she gets her usual, two London Fog teas. One for her, and one to give to someone who could use some cheering up that day. She is someone I would want as a friend. Through the support and understanding of her friends, especially Khi who met at her at just the...

Taste Your Words Written by Bonnie Clark A Delightful and Delicious Story Taste Your Words is a delightful story with hilarious illustrations. After Amera and her friend argue and share some mean words, Amera’s mom suggests she tastes her words before letting them out of her mouth. From that moment, Amera tastes everything she says. Her mean words fill her mouth with yucky flavors like pickle juice and rotten eggs. But when she realizes nice words taste yummy like chocolate or sweet oranges, she is encouraged to be kinder and think before she speaks.  What kid wouldn’t want to imagine words tasting like their favorite foods? This book delivers the perfect combination of a wonderful message shared with humor and imagery kids will remember. Everybody should read this! Amazon / Taste Your Words For more reviews, visit my children's book blog:  Doodle Stories & Oodles of Art