SHOUTING AT THE RAIN by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Realistic Fiction, Bullying, Cape Cod, Poverty, Friendship, Weather, Families

276 pages
HL 560

Publisher's Description

From the author of the New York Times bestseller Fish in a Tree comes a compelling story about perspective and learning to love the family you have.

Delsie loves tracking the weather--lately, though, it seems the squalls are in her own life. She's always lived with her kindhearted Grammy, but now she's looking at their life with new eyes and wishing she could have a "regular family." Delsie observes other changes in the air, too--the most painful being a friend who's outgrown her. Luckily, she has neighbors with strong shoulders to support her, and Ronan, a new friend who is caring and courageous but also troubled by the losses he's endured. As Ronan and Delsie traipse around Cape Cod on their adventures, they both learn what it means to be angry versus sad, broken versus whole, and abandoned versus loved. And that, together, they can weather any storm.

My Notes

This is a realistic picture of what it feels like to be left out and bullied, but also how to surround yourself and appreciate people who care about you. Delsie is unique and loveable; she stays true to herself throughout the story, never falling to the level of the girl who is mean to her. I think the story was a little long towards the end, but still a wonderful read.

WHAT ELEPHANTS KNOW by Eric Dinerstein

Fiction, Adventure, Elephants, India, Nepal, Orphans

273 pages

Publisher's Description
Abandoned in the jungle of the Nepalese Borderlands, two-year-old Nandu is found living under the protective watch of a pack of wild dogs. From his mysterious beginnings, fate delivers him to the King's elephant stable, where he is raised by unlikely parents-the wise head of the stable, Subba-sahib, and Devi Kali, a fierce and affectionate female elephant.

When the king's government threatens to close the stable, Nandu, now twelve, searches for a way to save his family and community. A risky plan could be the answer. But to succeed, they'll need a great tusker. The future is in Nandu's hands as he sets out to find a bull elephant and bring him back to the Borderlands.

In simple poetic prose, author Eric Dinerstein brings to life Nepal's breathtaking jungle wildlife and rural culture, as seen through the eyes of a young outcast, struggling to find his place in the world.

My Comments
Magical. This gentle book conveys the power of connections and love. Give to Jane Goodall fans and kids who love animals. Uplifting!

FISH IN A TREE by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Bullying, Learning Disabilities, Education, Friendship, Courage, Creativity

From the PublisherThe author of the beloved One for the Murphysgives readers an emotionally-charged, uplifting novel that will speak to anyone who's ever thought there was something wrong with them because they didn't fit in."Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid."Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that there's a lot more to her-and to everyone-than a label, and that great minds don't always think alike.

Comments

A great book for class and reading circle discussions, this story portrays the complexities of middle school social life, self image, misunderstandings, and friendship. An engaging thoughtful book. Highly recommend for class discussion and summer reading lists.

DRUMS, GIRLS & DANGEROUS PIE by Jordan Sonnenblick

Realistic Fiction, Cancer, Family, School, Romance

From the PublisherThirteen-year-old Steven has a totally normal life: he plays drums in the All-Star Jazz band, has a crush on the hottest girl in the school, and is constantly annoyed by his five-year-old brother, Jeffrey. But when Jeffrey is diagnosed with leukemia, Steven's world is turned upside down. He is forced to deal with his brother's illness and his parents' attempts to keep the family in one piece. Salted with humor and peppered with devastating realities, DRUMS, GIRLS, AND DANGEROUS PIE is a heart warming journey through a year in the life of a family in crisis.My CommentsA true favorite. This book can speak to a wide range of readers. A realistic fiction staple. Potential for a great class or small book group book discussion.

From the PublisherAn amazing sequel to the groundbreaking Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie.Jeffrey isn't a little boy with cancer anymore. He's a teen in remission. Even though the cancer should be far behind him, life still feels fragile. His parents still worry about him. His older brother, Steven, who has always been Jeffrey's main support system and confidant, lost it and took off to Africa to be in a drumming circle and "find himself." His best friend, Tad, is hatching some kind of secretive, crazy plan, which is driving him bonkers. And there is a girl who is way out of his league but who thinks he's cute.Profound, funny, and utterly original, After Ever After promises laughter and tears and characters who will live with readers long after the story is over.

My Comments

Just as good as Drums. It's rare to have a book you can recommend to so many different kinds of readers. 

SIMON VS THE HOMO SAPIEN AGENDA by Becky Albertalli

Realistic Fiction, Gays, Friendship, Secrecy, Schools

Hornbook Review 2015
"Sixteen-year-old Simon loves emailing Blue, an anonymous boy from school. But when another student sees the correspondence, the blossoming romance is threatened. Set in Georgia, this realistic coming-out story features a cast of unique, believable characters. Simon's humorous narrative alternates with his emails with Blue as Simon wonders, 'Don't you think everyone should have to come out? Why is straight the default?'"

My Comments
The beginning hooks you and sets the tone for Simon's anxiety at being exposed by another student. It also shows a high school boy who has close friends, is loyal, and has courage. This book shows the complexities of high school life and will speak to kids trying to navigate the social scene and family life.
 

WISHTREE by Katherine Applegate

Kindness, Friendship, Hope, Animals, Nature

256 pages

Starred reviews

From the Publisher

"The New York Times-bestselling story of kindness, friendship, and hope.

Red is an oak tree who is many rings old. Red is the neighborhood "wishtree"--people write their wishes on pieces of cloth and tie them to Red's branches. Along with her crow friend Bongo and other animals who seek refuge in Red's hollows, this "wishtree" watches over the neighborhood.

You might say Red has seen it all. Until a new family moves in. Not everyone is welcoming, and Red's experiences as a wishtree are more important than ever.

Funny, deep, warm, and nuanced, Wishtree is Newbery Medalist and New York Times-bestselling author Katherine Applegate at her very best--writing from the heart, and from a completely unexpected point of view.

This book has Common Core connections."

 My comments

Loved, loved, loved this book! It conveys messages of love and respect for all living things in a story that is beautiful in its simplicity. The world needs this book!