Audiobook Review: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Abertalli

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Abertalli. Unabridged audiobook on 6 compact discs, 6.75 hours. Read by Michael Crouch. Harperaudio, April, 2015. 9780062415097. (Review from audiobook borrowed from public library)

So this title has been languishing on my tbr list probably since it was announced as a Morris Award finalist. I am so-o behind in my YA reading! Anyway, I've grown to become quite the Michael Crouch fan and when I looked him up and saw that he had narrated this baby...click went the submit button on my ILL (Inter-Library Loan). I picked it up Monday, just before heading to the D.C. area for a Scholastic Reading Summit. I read (with my ears) most of a mg book on the way down; finished it whilst driving to the Manassas and Antietam Battlegrounds and read about 2/3s of Simon vs. ... on my drive from Gettysburg home. I was so wrapped up by this gem of a story that I popped it out of my car cd player and finished the last two discs in one sitting in my house because I did not want to wait for errands requiring use of my car. 

Chapters with Simon's first-person narration alternate with strings of email between Simon and Blue, the anonymous boy he "met" by commenting on his post on their high school's Tumblr. Neither one is out, but they have an instant online rapport and Simon begins to look forward to Blue's next email. And it's that that gets him in trouble. He couldn't wait to read Blue's email, so he logs onto a computer in the library to read it. He forgets to log out, leaving the email for the next user to read. Turns out, it's Martin Addison and Martin wants something from Simon.

There's something about Simon that makes him instantaneously likable. I believe that were I reading with my eyes, I would've swallowed this book whole. Michael Crouch's performance tripled Simon's likability. Simon is laid back, bright and funny. He asks interesting questions like why do heterosexuals not need to "come out." He finds his parents affectionately annoying, misses his older sister, Alice, who is away at college and worries a bit about his self-possessed younger sister, Nora. He's got two best friends in Lia and Nick and the three have enfolded new-girl, Abbey into their midst. It's Abbey that Martin has set his sights on and he blackmails Simon into helping him get close to her.

I've mentioned before that Crouch is my new favorite voice. When I looked up his work, I was so surprised to find that he is, in fact, not new to me! I thought that I first came to his work in Salt to the Sea, where he voiced the POV of the despicable German Navy Seaman, Alfred. Turns out, he also narrated Richard Peck's The Best Man and Loot by Jude Watson and Lily and Duncan by Donna Gephart. He also narrated The Haters by Jesse Andrews. I enjoyed each and every one of these and look forward to hearing more of his work. Crouch has great female voices as well. I find that female voices show weaknesses in most male narrators who tend to create either annoyingly breathy voices or caricatures.

There is so much to love in Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in addition to Simon. The writing is fluid. The dialogue is smart. The characters are unique and memorable. While the title is a tad mature for middle school - there's some refreshingly frank talk about sex and sexuality - keep the title in mind for that savvy, mature eighth grader. I get one or two each year who would be able to handle it.

Non-Fiction Monday: A Beetle is Shy by Diana Hutts Aston

A Beetle is Shy by Diana Hutts Aston. Illustrated by Sylvia Long. 40 p. Chronicle Books LLC, April, 2016. 9781452127125. (Review from finished copy borrowed from public library.)

Another stunner from the collaborative team that brought us other gems such as, A Seed is Sleepy; An Egg is Quiet; A Rock is Lively; A Nest is Noisy. Readers of any of these books are introduced to nature with spare and lyrical text accompanied by lovely intricate watercolor illustrations. 

This one focuses on the world of beetles in all their impressive variety. From the very large to the very small, beetles are a diverse group that come in a rainbow of colors and a variety of shapes. There is even one that swims! 

This is perfect for sharing - a sure cure for Nature Deficit Disorder and perfectly at home in an LA, art or science class. Surely a must-purchase for school and public libraries. I'm adding it to my collection. 

Ashley Bryan's Puppets by Ashley Bryan

Ashley Bryan's Puppets: making something from everything by Ashley Bryan. Photographed by Ken Hannon. 80 p. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, July 2014. 9781442487284. (Purchased)

This book is a photo essay in poems and it's simply gorgeous.  Renowned author, illustrator, poet, and now, puppet maker, Ashley Bryan created a tribe of puppets made of objects found while walking the shores of his beloved Cranberry Isles island of Islesford.

Bryan has created more than thirty unique puppets, named them with African names and imbued them with distinct voices and personalities through poems. One of my favorites is Jojo, the storyteller. Her adorable face is fashioned out of a battered knit glove, mismatched button eyes and a marrow bone for a mouth that gives her either a perpetually surprised expression or the impression that she's always talking. Apt.

The book is a feast for the eyes, brimming with joy and possibility. I have already told the art teacher I have a perfect resource for her unit on found art. This book should serve as a source of inspiration. LA teachers will have much to mine here as well.

I must admit that I possess no objectivity when it comes to Mr. Bryan. I am a long-time fan of his. The Cat's Purr is one of my all-time favorites and sadly, no longer available in hard cover. If you ever get the chance to hear this humble, joyous and vibrant man speak, do please. 

Buried Sunlight: how fossil fuels have changed the Earth by Molly Bang & Penny Chisholm

Buried Sunlight: how fossil fuels have changed the Earth by Molly Bang & Penny Chisholm. unpgd. Blue Sky Press/ Scholastic Inc., September, 2014. 9780545577854. (Finished copy courtesy of publisher for review)

Do you need help explaining what fossil fuels are formed and how human consumption is not only outstripping creation but burning a hole in the ozone layer? Look no further than this gorgeous picture book for older readers. It's absolutely gorgeous and absolutely understandable. I know I had to answer questions about photosynthesis on standardized tests way back when and, until my spectacular advanced biology teacher explained it in a way I could understand, I never got it. I wish this book was around then.

The sun is our narrator here. It took millions of years for the Earth to create the oxygen necessary for living things to survive. Tiny bacteria evolved into sea plants, plants that tiny sea animals could eat. Animals and plants eventually moved to land when there was enough oxygen in the air to support them. Over millions and millions of years, the dead plants and animals were buried deeper and deeper into the earth where, eventually, they changed into oil, coal and gas. In the two hundred years since humans have been industrialized, not only are fossil fuels being depleted, but the excess CO2 is burning a hole in the ozone layer and causing global temperatures to increase. 

The palette is dominated by rich greens and blues and the folk style make the illustrations accessible and pleasing. Six pages of notes conclude the book with further explanations of the science and energy alternatives, making this a perfect picture book for slightly older readers. Teachers will definitely want to consider using it (and its companions, Ocean Sunlight and Living Sunlight) to introduce a unit in science or the environment.

Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff. 288 p. Philomel Books/ Penguin Young Readers Group, June, 2014. 9780399164057. (Purchased)

Ten-year-old Albie starts fifth grade at public school after he's kicked out of his tony New York City private school for failing to keep up academically. His frustrated parents don't understand why he isn't making the effort and his Grandpa Park is withering in his assessment of Albie. About the only thing he'll miss from private school is his best friend but since he lives in Albie's building, that's okay. Some of the bright spots in attending public school are his teachers - Ms. Rouse allows him to read Captain Underpants books and Mr. Clifton, his math club teacher helps him understand math. He has also made friends with Betsy, unkindly called, Stuttering Betsy by Darren, who has a litany of unkind names for Albie.

He does try and he does care. He's just not sure what to do. Then Calista comes into Albie's life and she finds ways to smooth the edges. When his mother forbids Captain  Underpants and insists he read Johnny Tremain, Calista creates a Johnny Tremain cover for his Captain Underpants book. Through her, Albie learns how donuts can turn a sad day better.

Short chapters and lovely writing perfectly capture dozens of little moments in Albie's life and made me ache for him and wish I could reach into the story to give him a hug. Graff seems to have a way with slightly oddball characters. I recently read and loved an older title of hers called Umbrella Summer. She first won my heart with Sophie Simon Solves Them All. And, last year, A Tangle of Knots was a National Book Award Finalist. It's no surprise that Absolutely Almost is getting some Newbery buzz.

This would make for a wonderful middle grade read aloud. I am also seriously in love with the cover. It is perfect!

Into the Grey by Celine Kiernan

Into the Grey by Celine Kiernan. 290 p. Candlewick Press, August, 2014. 9780763670610. (Finished copy courtesy of publisher for review.)

This atmospheric ghost story is set in Ireland in the 1970s and is narrated by fifteen-year-old Patrick Finnerty. He and his twin brother, Dominick and baby sister Dee live with their parents and their Nan, who has some sort of dementia. After Nan burns their house to the ground, the family moves to a rental on the sea shore. It is cold and blustery and the house is musty. Patrick is awakened the first night by a voice he thinks might be Dom's. It's not Dom, it's a "goblin boy" with eyes as black as coal. The two basically terrify each other but Patrick is convinced that goblin boy has it in for Dom. And he does.

The writing is not Americanized but easily figured out. It is also just lovely conveying not only a strong sense of setting but fleshed out characters. Patrick is terrified for Dom but also wants to protect his over-stressed parents. It doesn't help that both his baby sister and his Nan sense that Dom isn't Dom. The suspense ratchets up unbearably as the plot takes a few twists and turns. The pieces all fall into place in a satisfactory conclusion. 

This is a 2014 favorite.

Audiobook Review: The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

I played catch-up this summer with the Lunar Chronicles and read both Scarlet and Cress with my ears. I read Cinder with my ears as well, but unfortunately never got around to reviewing it. I thought it was a clever twist on the Cinderella motif and a very impressive debut novel. Here's a double review of Scarlet and Cress.

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer. The Lunar Chronicles #2. Unabridged audiobook on 9 compact discs. 11 hours. Read by Rebecca Soler. Macmillan Audio, February, 2014. 9781427229649. (Purchased.)

No sequel sag here. While Cinder is imprisoned, facing deportation to Lunar where a death sentence awaits her, readers are introduced to Scarlet Benoit, the granddaughter of a farmer in France. Scarlet is  frantic because her grandmother went missing two weeks earlier, leaving her ID chip behind. Authorities assume that she left on her own but Scarlet knows better. She warily enlists the aid of Wolf, a street fighter of sorts, to help her find Grandmere. Big mistake. No spoilers here despite the fact that the book has been out for awhile. Let's just call this romance a bit star-crossed.

Meanwhile, Cinder gets some help escaping but ends up teaming up with her cellmate, Captain Carswell Thorne, a sort of Han Solo-type, swashbuckling hero in his own mind kind of guy.

The double narrative takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride of an adventure. Thank goodness I read this after Cress was published as the only wait I endured was waiting for the one library that owned the audiobook of Cress to ILL it to my library.

Cress by Marissa Meyer. The Lunar Chronicles #3. Unabridged audiobook on one self-contained Playaway. 16 hours. Read by Rebecca Soler. 9781427236373. (Borrowed from public library.)

Cress, a Lunar shell and gifted hacker has been orbiting Earth in a satellite, ordered by Sybil Mira to first spy on Kai and other government officials and, most recently, to find the Rampion, Thorne's stolen spaceship. Cress, who has a bit of a crush on Thorne has not only found it, she's using her skills to keep the ship cloaked. She has a bit of a rescue fantasy going involving Thorne. Wolf is training Cinder to hone her mind controlling skills and Kai is reluctantly planning a wedding. When Cinder and Cress finally make contact, Cress can't believe her good luck. Unfortunately, Sybel decides to make a surprise visit and thwarts Cress' plans for escape. Cress and Thorne end up plummeting to Earth in the satellite; Scarlet becomes a prisoner of Sybil; and Cinder and Wolf reunite with Dr. Erland in Africa. 

Oh my, what an epic story! I just love the pacing, the humor, the action and the romance. Everything fits together so well, so seamlessly. And the sci-fi spin on the fairy tale motifs is just thrilling. The Rampion, Thorne's blindness, Wolf and Scarlet, Cinder and Kai. Oh, this series just tickles me. 

For some reason, I thought this was a trilogy. When I realized that the end of the story was near and no resolution seemed to be imminent, I realized that there would be another installment. Winter is due out November of 2015! Yikes! However, there will be a prequel, called Fairest, that is due to drop in January. It is Levana's story.

I must say that I find Rebecca Soler's performance in all three audiobooks absolutely amazing. Perfectly paced, amazing accents, I have enjoyed all three recordings. I actually thought that the narrator had changed because she inhabits the characters so well. I highly recommend this series in both the print and audio versions. My students just love the series - both boys and girls. 

Friday Memes - The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Book Beginnings is hosted by Rose City Reader and Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice.

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. 303 p.? (bound manuscript) Dial, January 8, 2015. 9780803740815.

Publisher synopsis: An exceptionally moving story of triumph against all odds set during World War 2, from the acclaimed author of Jefferson’s Sons and for fans of Number the Stars.

 
Nine-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him.
 
So begins a new adventure of Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan—and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother?
 
This masterful work of historical fiction is equal parts adventure and a moving tale of family and identity—a classic in the making.

First Line: "Ada! Get back from that window! Mam's voice, shouting.

Page 56: "I found my crutches and got to my feet. I picked up the broken pieces of plate, and the food scattered across the floor. I wiped up the water I'd spilled when I knocked over my glass. I could hear Jamie screaming upstairs. Miss Smith was either bathing him or slaughtering him; either was fine with me."

I have already read this actually, but since I'm reviewing it for School Library Journal, I won't be posting a review here. I will say that I was immediately drawn in by Ada's voice and her story and that The War That Saved My Life is a favorite. Dilemma - 2014 favorite or 2015 favorite?

Strike: the farm workers' fight for their rights by Larry Dane Brimner

Strike: the farm workers' fight for their rights by Larry Dane Brimner. 172 p. Calkins Creek/ Highlights, October 1, 2014. 9781590789971. (Finished copy courtesy of publisher for review.)

I'm sorry to say that I didn't know much about the migrant farmers. I always equated the United Farm Workers with Cesar Chavez. I am also embarrassed to admit that I never heard of Larry Itliong, nor did I know that there was a sizable number of Filipino field workers - enough for the growers to play the groups off of each other when faced with any worker wanting more pay or better conditions. Mr. Brimner's cogent narrative begins on September 8, 1965 and details the plight of the California farm workers within the context of the tension of the Sixties and the Great Depression as well. This strike/ boycott lasted for five long years seeing early supporter, Robert F. Kennedy's assassination.  

Strike! is beautifully designed with colorful pages, large font size and plentiful black & white photos, maps and political cartoons to supplement the riveting text. I also liked that the captions and text boxes were in Spanish as well as English. Backmatter includes a timeline, source notes, bibliography and author note. 

I always learn something when I read anything by Larry Dane Brimner. My first experience with Mr. Brimner's work was reading We are One: the story of Baynard Rustin was back in 2007, before I started blogging. In 2011, I found his 2010 book, Birmingham Sunday, which I reviewed here. Black and White, published a year later was equally compelling. Each of these would be great sources for the hero project our seventh grade does.

This is a 2014 favorite of mine and highly recommended for middle, high school and public libraries. 

Gabriel Finley and the Raven's Riddle by George Hagen

Gabriel Finley and the Raven's Riddle by George Hagen. Illustrated by Scott Bakal. 371 p. Schwartz + Wade Books/ Random House Children's Books, August 26, 2014. 978-385371032. (Review from arc courtesy of Books, Bytes and Beyond)

Riddles, ravens and writing desks. No, we have not wandered into Alice's Adventures in Wonderland but a unique and wholly original story of parallel universes and human/ bird bonding. Twelve-year-old Gabriel Finley lives with his Aunt Jaz in Brooklyn ever since his father disappeared without a trace three years earlier. Fledgling raven, Paladin lives in a nest not far from Gabriel with his mother Endora, who is constantly vigilant against attack by nefarious valravens. The walravens wish to kidnap Paladin for Corax, who also happens to be Gabriel's uncle. Gabriel has never met the man as he disappeared long before Gabriel was born. He is pure evil, half-man, half-valraven and intent on obtaining a magical torc, necklace, which grants the wishes of its handler. 

Gabriel is bright and likes nothing better than a good riddle. Indeed, he wishes he could make a living solving riddles. He is also a bit of a bully magnet. Well, one bully actually, Somes seems intent on making his life miserable. He's also bummed to learn that his best friend, Addison is moving. He's startled to discover that he can communicate with ravens. He learns from his father's diary that his dad too, was a raven's amicus. Upon his twelfth birthday, Gabriel receives a key. He also receives some unwelcome roommates. But the girl who moves into Addison's house seems a promising friend.

It seems that Gabriel and Paladin were destined to bond and Corax knows that they are the key to obtaining the torc. The story shifts points of view and with that and Mr. Finley's diary entry, the reader slowly puts the pieces together.

Unbearably suspenseful and utterly captivating, middle grade fantasy lovers will just eat this one up chuckling at the riddles, word play and rambunctious writing desk along the way. This story is compared to The Phantom Tollbooth in the publisher's online description. A blurb by Norton Juster graces the front cover. I can sort of see it. To me, it has a more sinister Alice in Wonderland vibe. Fans of Gregor the Overlander will enjoy it as well even though Gabriel and his companions don't spend that much time in Aviopolis.

Speaking of covers, it initially didn't appeal. It grew on me a bit though. When I featured it on a Friday meme, most of the comments complimented the cover, so I am in the minority. It certainly lends itself to the possibility of a remarkable book trailer. I hope one is being planned. This is the author's children's debut. Here's a link to his website.

Thanks to Mary and Trish from Books, Bytes and Beyond for the opportunity to read this arc. You ladies are always spot on. This is a 2014 favorite.

Rules of Summer by Shaun Tan

Rules of Summer by Shaun Tan. unpged. Arthur A. Levine Books/ Scholastic Inc., April, 2014. 9780545639125. (Finished copy courtesy of publisher for review)

Rules for reading Shaun Tan:
1. Always expect the unexpected.
2. Never skim.
3. Therefore, always leave a chunk of time to pore over the book.
4. Prepare to think.
5. You might just feel a bit uncomfortable.
6. Plan on rereading and finding something new each time that you do.

This is definitely a "never too old for picture books" picture book. There is a universality in the theme that should speak to any generation of siblings. I am the oldest of six (five girls). Were it not for the fact that I went on to birth four boys, this peculiar world might be totally alien to me. Might be. But on second thought, not really. (note rule #4)

As the oldest, I was tasked with "watching" my siblings most summers that I can remember. I remember longing for freedom, to go to camp, to go anywhere really. I remember utter fury at being yoked to this passel. Sure, we all had some fun but I truly resented having to be responsible. 

I remember racing my next younger sister around the block on bikes. She was beating me and when she looked back to see where I was, her foot slipped off the pedal and into the spoke of the front wheel. The result was that she pitched over the handle bars bringing the bike with her. I am loathe to admit that I raced right past her. Only when I "won" did I turn my bike around to check on her. Wonder why this long buried memory surfaced while contemplating my review of this book? That is the evocative power of the images. (note rule #5)

At first glance, what with the winsome little guy in the foreground sporting a weird helmet and the cheery palette, one might be lulled into thinking this a nostalgic reminiscence. Upon closer inspection, one might notice the scowl on the face of the older boy and the industrial background. Don't skip the end-pages and the jacket flaps. (note rule #2) Surreal, provocative and disorienting might be words used to describe the illustrations. (note rule #1) Any one of them would make for a great VTS (Visual Thinking Strategy) exercise or writing prompt in the classroom. (rule #3) The entire book could be used as a mentor text at any level.

This is a 2014 favorite. I highly recommend adding it to your collection. I'm going to follow rule #6 now. 

The Secret Hum of a Daisy by Tracy Holczer

The Secret Hum of a Daisy by Tracy Holczer. 312 p. G.P. Putnam's Sons/ Penguin Young Readers Group, May 1, 2014. 9780399163937. (Review from arc courtesy of publisher.)

The only family twelve-year-old Grace has known her whole life was her mother, who up and moved them whenever she got the itch. Grace was tired of their itinerant ways and told her mother so- the night before she died. She wanted to stay put with Mrs. Greene and her daughter, Lacey, Grace's best friend. Now Grace not only finds herself without Mrs. Greene but in the custody of a grandmother she never knew, a grandmother, according to her mother, who never wanted her.

Oh my. What a lovely, poignant and heartbreaking book this is! There's a beautiful blurb by Richard Peck on the cover and it has received starred reviews from PW and SLJ as well as a warm and positive review from Kirkus. What more can I add? Not much, except that this story and Grace's voice has stuck with me since early May when I first read the book. It has it all - voice, lovely setting, memorable characters, and gorgeous cover. It's perfect. There will be tears, but also a few chuckles and maybe a bit of irritation with Grace along the way to a well and truly satisfying conclusion.

Grace's mother was an artist who loved poetry and imbued a love of poetry into her daughter, who loves to write but finds she can't since she discovered her mother's body down by the river.

     "I noticed you aren't carrying around your notebook. I used to think it was stuck to your armpit," Mrs. Greene said.
     It was too confusing to explain my thoughts on Before and After, since I wasn't real firm on it myself. "I haven't much felt like writing."
     "I don't much feel like taking my fiber in the morning. But I need it." (p. 181)

Mrs. Greene is such a wise and wonderful character in a story filled with vivid characters.

     "You will go your whole life, Gracie May, and every single person in it will fail you in one way or another. It's all about the repair. It's all about letting yourself change those pictures."
     "Maybe the repair is Grandma's job. Maybe that's why Mama never went back."
     "This isn't like a hole in a boat, where you get yourself some wood and some patching and you're good to go. It's a two-person job."
     "So maybe I need Grandma to make the first move."
     "Hasn't she?" (pp. 188-89)

This auspicious debut is a must purchase. It is a 2014 favorite of mine. I would not be surprised to hear about it come next January. Give it to your thoughtful tween readers who love weepies, lovely, layered writing, or who loved Love, Aubrey by Suzanne LaFleur. 

Many thanks to Stacey Barney for sending this to me. I'm sorry I took so long to write about it.

Non-Fiction Monday: Babe Conquers the World: the legendary life of Babe Didrikson Zaharias

Babe Conquers the World: the legendary life of Babe Didrikson Zaharias by Rich Wallace and Sandra Neil Wallace. 272 p. Calkins Creek/ Boyds Mills Press, March, 2014. 9781590789810.

Mildred Ella Didriksen was born on the same day a barge exploded in Port Arthur, Texas. She was the sixth child of Ole Nickolene Didriksen (Babe later changed the spelling) and his wife, Hannah Marie. Ole immigrated to the United States from Norway and struggled to earn a living for his wife and seven children. Babe was the sixth. It wasn't long before Babe began challenging the boys for a place on the sandlot.

In nine chapters, named rounds, the Wallaces chronicle the hurdles Babe overcame as she challenged notions of gender in sports. The final hurdle she faced was colon cancer. While she eventually succumbed, she proved the doctors who said she would never play golf again, wrong.

The stuff of Babe's life is legend and the storytelling pretty much lets the legend speak for herself. The authors provide historical context and comparisons that help young readers, who have grown up seeing women compete in sports, understand just how courageous Babe Didrikson was. A pleasing font, plenty of white space and tons of photographs enhance the interest. I also loved the many quotes by Babe, her friends and family. "Babe never saw a person in her life, male or female, she was afraid of."

The volume concludes with a timeline, FAQ pages, numerous source notes and nearly three pages of bibliography. A fantastic addition to the biography collection!


Be sure to visit the Non-Fiction Monday blog for more notable non-fiction titles.

Five, Six, Seven, Nate by Tim Federle

293 p. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, January 21, 2014. 9781442495890. (Review from arc courtesy of the author.)

This sequel/ companion to Better Nate Than Ever picks up on the eve of Nate's return to New York City to live with his Aunt Heidi while understudying the role of E.T. in E.T.: The Musical. He and his bff, Libby are singing show tunes and trying to write his bio for the Playbill. Libby shares some last minute advice and Nate impulsively does something, which surprises them both. (And me, as well.) Intermittently, Nate's dad bangs on the door to yell at Nate. Except for leaving Libby, Nate's not sorry to be leaving home. Nate is obsessed with Broadway. He knows when all the shows opened and closed, which were flops and can sing all the show tunes. One can see how Nate's a bit of an odd-man out having to grow up in a football-obsessed family in Pittsburgh. 

Once he arrives in the rehearsal space, he is deliriously happy to learn that there are three other shows rehearsing in the building as well. Then, he enters E.T., and is dismayed to find that everyone there seems to already know each other. Of course, he already knows someone, the show's star, Jordan Rylance, but Jordan and his mommy are staring daggers at him from across the room. Nate is further dismayed to learn that he is actually understudy to the understudy. That understudy is a tiny lady named Asella with twenty-five years in the business and no fondness for children. Then Nate is even further dismayed to learn that he needs to tap dance. Nate can't tap and finds himself reporting to rehearsals early for remedial classes. What is this? Middle school?

Well, sorta. There are cliques and rivalries and backstabbing. Nate finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time several hilarious times and that gets him the wrong kind of attention. The times that he comes up with a brilliant idea and should get the right kind of attention, there is no applause. And the director can't get his name right. But Nate, my favorite optimist, puts a funny spin on each situation, tosses off hysterical asides, as well as dead on observations of adults behaving badly, and soldiers on.

Nate peppers his chronicles of the five weeks to first preview with all sorts of Broadway trivia, which should tickle readers who are theater geeks and entertain/ educate those who are not. As funny as this book is, the tone is more serious as Nate reveals how truly sad his home situation is. Aunt Heidi really is Nate's port in the storm. 

I read the final chapters blinking away tears but there were also many poignant moments throughout the book that made me wish I could reach into the story and give Nate a hug. 

Five, Six, Seven, Nate! can stand alone, but Nate is such a great character, I recommend that you start his journey at Better Nate Than Ever. I also hope that Nate shares more of his journey in a third book.

My students in grades five and six are in for a treat in late January as my school is one of Tim Federle's stops on his book tour. As soon as we get back to school, I will be busy booktalking and sharing snippets of videos, here and here. Visit the author's website here. Finally, teachers looking for a fun read-aloud that is also filled with discussion starters, there's a link to a Curriculum Guide linked to Common Core Standards here. 

This is a 2014 favorite. Yes, I know I read it in 2013, but you can't till 2014.

The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing

by Sheila Turnage. 352 p. Kathy Dawson Books/ Penguin Group (USA)., February 4, 2014. 9780803736719. (Reviewed from a gifted arc)

Mo LeBeau and Dale Earnhardt Johnson III are back. They need to form a paranormal branch of The Desperado Detective Agency after Miss Lana finds herself the owner of a haunted inn. When their sixth grade teacher, Miss Retzyl, agrees to have her students interview Tupelo Landing's elder population to celebrate the town's 250th anniversary, Mo decides to interview the town's "oldest" resident, the inn's ghost, Nellie, much to Dale's horror.  

Readers of Turnage's Newbery Honor-winning debut, Three Times Lucky, will be thrilled to reunite with plucky, plain-spoken Mo, timid Dale, and all the quirky denizens of Tupelo Landing. I had a hard time not swallowing this one whole just as I did in Three Times Lucky (see review here). Lovely language, perfect pacing, and laugh-out-loud moments on nearly every page. Sure, there's a mystery to solve, but there are also secrets to uncover and a possible love interest for Mo? 

This sequel can stand alone, but encourage students to read both. They won't be disappointed and may, like me, hope that there will be more visits to Tupelo Landing.