- Ruby Lu, Brave and True (#1) ★★★★
- Ruby Lu, Empress of Everything (#2) ★★★
- Ruby Lu, Star of the Show (#3) ★★★
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Ruby Lu Roundup
Ruby Lu is a bold and imaginative child who happens to be Chinese. Thanks to her childlike perspective, her constant antics keep life interesting, usually getting her into some kind of trouble along the way.
Ruby Lu, Star of the Show (#3) by Lenore Look
★★★
The first thing that struck me when I picked up this book was the illustrations. This book's illustrator (Stef Choi) is different from the illustrator of the previous two books I read (Anne Wilsdorf), and I noticed the difference. Maybe I am just partial to what I started with, but I also felt that in this book's illustrations, Ruby and her family did not always look Chinese.
Also, it's been a while since I read the first two books, but I seemed to remember Ruby being more eccentric than she was in this book. I don't know if maybe she's just growing up? But if that's the case, then as a third grader, she really should have known better than to cut her friends' hair! Those kinds of antics seem more like something a kindergartener might do.
This book was reminiscent of Ramona and Her Father because it dealt with a similar theme. I liked that it imparted down-to-earth ideas like, "Cheap was fun. It meant using your imagination instead of your wallet. It could make something out of nothing." (Pg. 95) And, there was also a nice lesson about doing the right thing: "Finders are not keepers. Finders are helpers." (Pg. 111)
The first thing that struck me when I picked up this book was the illustrations. This book's illustrator (Stef Choi) is different from the illustrator of the previous two books I read (Anne Wilsdorf), and I noticed the difference. Maybe I am just partial to what I started with, but I also felt that in this book's illustrations, Ruby and her family did not always look Chinese.
Also, it's been a while since I read the first two books, but I seemed to remember Ruby being more eccentric than she was in this book. I don't know if maybe she's just growing up? But if that's the case, then as a third grader, she really should have known better than to cut her friends' hair! Those kinds of antics seem more like something a kindergartener might do.
This book was reminiscent of Ramona and Her Father because it dealt with a similar theme. I liked that it imparted down-to-earth ideas like, "Cheap was fun. It meant using your imagination instead of your wallet. It could make something out of nothing." (Pg. 95) And, there was also a nice lesson about doing the right thing: "Finders are not keepers. Finders are helpers." (Pg. 111)
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Alvin Ho Roundup
This funny and quirky series features a second grade boy who happens to be Chinese-American. With the exception of one surprising incident of racial insensitivity in Book #3, I like the way multiculturalism and diversity are included matter-of-factly.
- Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things (#1) ★★★★★
- Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters (#2) ★★★★
- Alvin Ho: Allergic to Birthday Parties, Science Projects, and Other Man-made Catastrophes(#3) ★★½
- Alvin Ho: Allergic to Dead Bodies, Funerals, and Other Fatal Circumstances (#4) ★★★★
- Alvin Ho: Allergic to Babies, Burglars, and Other Bumps in the Night (#5) ★★★★½
Alvin Ho: Allergic to Birthday Parties, Science Projects, and Other Man-made Catastrophes (#3) by Lenore Look
★★½
Once again, Lenore Look brings us a funny and quirky book about Alvin Ho, a second grader trying to make his way in a world full of scary things.
As always, I love the way Lenore Look casually incorporates multiculturalism and diversity. Alvin just happens to be Chinese-American, and his classmates include Nhia, who is Cambodian, and Flea, who wears an eye patch and has a limp.
In fact, it is because Alvin Ho books are usually so inclusive that I am especially disappointed that this particular book featured Alvin pining for a Deluxe Indian Chief outfit, "complete with a huge feather headdress that makes you look like a giant bird!" The book does not in any way show any intent to insult Native American Indians, but in this day and age of cultural diversity, I would think the author and the publisher would know better than to perpetuate racially insensitive play. Would the author have been okay writing about a white boy who pined for a Chinese play outfit, complete with a conical rice hat and a fake Fu Manchu mustache?
That aside, the rest of the book does make for an entertaining story. Alvin faces his fears and learns "to do the right thing". Without the bit about playing Indians, I would have given the book 4 or maybe even 5 stars.
Once again, Lenore Look brings us a funny and quirky book about Alvin Ho, a second grader trying to make his way in a world full of scary things.
As always, I love the way Lenore Look casually incorporates multiculturalism and diversity. Alvin just happens to be Chinese-American, and his classmates include Nhia, who is Cambodian, and Flea, who wears an eye patch and has a limp.
In fact, it is because Alvin Ho books are usually so inclusive that I am especially disappointed that this particular book featured Alvin pining for a Deluxe Indian Chief outfit, "complete with a huge feather headdress that makes you look like a giant bird!" The book does not in any way show any intent to insult Native American Indians, but in this day and age of cultural diversity, I would think the author and the publisher would know better than to perpetuate racially insensitive play. Would the author have been okay writing about a white boy who pined for a Chinese play outfit, complete with a conical rice hat and a fake Fu Manchu mustache?
That aside, the rest of the book does make for an entertaining story. Alvin faces his fears and learns "to do the right thing". Without the bit about playing Indians, I would have given the book 4 or maybe even 5 stars.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Betsy-Tacy / Deep Valley Roundup
Even though Isabelle and I both enjoyed the first few books of this series, we haven't been super eager to read the next books. I'm not really sure why. I know the characters age through the series, so part of me wonders if Isabelle, at this age, just lost a bit of interest as the girls grew older than her.
I do still plan on continuing the series, and I will update this post as new books are read. Right now Isabelle has plenty of books that she's interested in reading, so I'll probably hold off on continuing this series until she is looking for new books.
...As it turned out, reading Home for the Holidays (of the Mother-Daughter Book Club series) rekindled my interest in this series, as the books are featured as the book club's readings. Isabelle, too, was happy to pick up where we left off, with Book 4.
I do still plan on continuing the series, and I will update this post as new books are read. Right now Isabelle has plenty of books that she's interested in reading, so I'll probably hold off on continuing this series until she is looking for new books.
...As it turned out, reading Home for the Holidays (of the Mother-Daughter Book Club series) rekindled my interest in this series, as the books are featured as the book club's readings. Isabelle, too, was happy to pick up where we left off, with Book 4.
- Betsy-Tacy (#1) ★★★★★
- Betsy-Tacy and Tib (#2) ★★★★
- Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill (#3) ★★★★½
- Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown (#4) ★★★★½
- Heaven to Betsy (#5) ★★★
- Betsy in Spite of Herself (#6) ★★★★★
- Winona's Pony Cart ★★★½
Best read after Betsy-Tacy and Tib, Book 2 of the Betsy-Tacy series.
Betsy in Spite of Herself (Betsy-Tacy #6) by Maud Hart Lovelace
★★★★★
At first blush, this book might seem like "more of the same" after Heaven to Betsy. But for some reason, I liked Betsy in Spite of Herself so much more! I had a hard time adjusting to Betsy's new grown-up lifestyle in Heaven to Betsy, but I think that book served as a useful transition and actually helped to lay the groundwork for this book.
I think this book could really make a meaningful impression on the right audience, which I imagine to be 7th to 9th grade girls, ideally. Much younger kids can read it, too - there is absolutely nothing objectionable in this book - but I just think girls on the verge of dating would get more out of it.
Betsy is now a sophomore, and as usual, one of Betsy's highest priorities is boys. This year she has her eye on Phil, an older boy who drives a red auto! But, there's more to this book than just a simple girl-meets-boy story.
Betsy, feeling dissatisfied with herself, vows to be different. And who among us hasn't wished to be a little different than we are? A little more sophisticated, perhaps, or a little less shy. Maybe if we just tweaked our personalities a bit, we could win over a certain someone's affection - in Betsy's case, Phil's. While her whole endeavor to change herself might seem silly, it's actually a pretty useful exercise to see her go through with it. In the end, Betsy learns some valuable lessons, not least of which is "to thine own self be true."
In addition to the solidly developed story arc involving Betsy's personality and Phil, I also enjoyed Betsy's adventurous trip to Milwaukee. It was fascinating to learn that a young Milwaukee was heavily influenced by German immigrants! It all seemed so foreign that I felt like I could share in Betsy's excitement and wonder.
And, more than once, I appreciated how well this book portrayed the love and kindness of the Ray family. Family members didn't go around telling each other what they wanted or needed, but somehow, because they knew each other so well, the others just knew. I loved how Betsy and Julia recapped their evenings with their mother, and how Betsy and Julia were each other's confidants. I dare say I was sad to think about Julia going away to college next year... I'll just have to read the next book to see how Betsy holds up - and to see how Betsy's relationship with Joe Willard develops!
At first blush, this book might seem like "more of the same" after Heaven to Betsy. But for some reason, I liked Betsy in Spite of Herself so much more! I had a hard time adjusting to Betsy's new grown-up lifestyle in Heaven to Betsy, but I think that book served as a useful transition and actually helped to lay the groundwork for this book.
I think this book could really make a meaningful impression on the right audience, which I imagine to be 7th to 9th grade girls, ideally. Much younger kids can read it, too - there is absolutely nothing objectionable in this book - but I just think girls on the verge of dating would get more out of it.
Betsy is now a sophomore, and as usual, one of Betsy's highest priorities is boys. This year she has her eye on Phil, an older boy who drives a red auto! But, there's more to this book than just a simple girl-meets-boy story.
Betsy, feeling dissatisfied with herself, vows to be different. And who among us hasn't wished to be a little different than we are? A little more sophisticated, perhaps, or a little less shy. Maybe if we just tweaked our personalities a bit, we could win over a certain someone's affection - in Betsy's case, Phil's. While her whole endeavor to change herself might seem silly, it's actually a pretty useful exercise to see her go through with it. In the end, Betsy learns some valuable lessons, not least of which is "to thine own self be true."
In addition to the solidly developed story arc involving Betsy's personality and Phil, I also enjoyed Betsy's adventurous trip to Milwaukee. It was fascinating to learn that a young Milwaukee was heavily influenced by German immigrants! It all seemed so foreign that I felt like I could share in Betsy's excitement and wonder.
And, more than once, I appreciated how well this book portrayed the love and kindness of the Ray family. Family members didn't go around telling each other what they wanted or needed, but somehow, because they knew each other so well, the others just knew. I loved how Betsy and Julia recapped their evenings with their mother, and how Betsy and Julia were each other's confidants. I dare say I was sad to think about Julia going away to college next year... I'll just have to read the next book to see how Betsy holds up - and to see how Betsy's relationship with Joe Willard develops!
Heaven to Betsy (Betsy-Tacy #5) by Maud Hart Lovelace
★★★
Even though Betsy and Tacy are only two years older than they were in Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown, they now seem so much older! The girls still seemed like children in Downtown, but now they look - in the illustrations - and act so grown up! It was a big jump, and I felt I had to get re-acquainted with Betsy.
While the earlier books in this series came across as quaint and charming, this one just seemed old-fashioned. Betsy dressed in sailor suits, she curled her hair nightly and wore it in a pompadour, and her mother came and went in morning dresses and afternoon dresses. Boys wore suits, walked girls to and from parties, and dropped in on Betsy's home to make fudge and sing love songs around the piano. And, the most popular place to be on a Friday night was a church youth group!
Mostly this book was about boys. I appreciated that Tacy actually provided a voice - albeit small - of reason amid Betsy's boy-craziness. Throughout the book, Betsy was primarily concerned about her looks, and there's a lot about girls fawning over boys. Admittedly, it was a nice balance having the boys pay so much attention to the girls, too.
Anyway, the book chronicles Betsy and Tacy's freshman year of high school, during which Betsy experiences the ups and downs of teenage romance.
I did like that in a small but significant plot line, Betsy comes to realize that she should not sacrifice her own interests (writing) for the sake of fitting in with her peers. Also, she learns a predictable lesson about being prideful.
I also liked a fine lesson imparted via Mr. Ray's words on page 264 of my edition: "You might as well learn right now...that the poorest guide you can have in life is what people will say."
And speaking of Mr. Ray... One thing that confused me about this book is that up until now, I thought the Ray family lived a modest lifestyle because Mr. Ray's shoe store provided for a decent but modest income. Now, all of a sudden, the Ray family seems to have an awful lot more money. The book doesn't explain the windfall, and I suppose it doesn't really matter, but it was a very noticeable change from the impression I got in earlier books.
Even though Betsy and Tacy are only two years older than they were in Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown, they now seem so much older! The girls still seemed like children in Downtown, but now they look - in the illustrations - and act so grown up! It was a big jump, and I felt I had to get re-acquainted with Betsy.
While the earlier books in this series came across as quaint and charming, this one just seemed old-fashioned. Betsy dressed in sailor suits, she curled her hair nightly and wore it in a pompadour, and her mother came and went in morning dresses and afternoon dresses. Boys wore suits, walked girls to and from parties, and dropped in on Betsy's home to make fudge and sing love songs around the piano. And, the most popular place to be on a Friday night was a church youth group!
Mostly this book was about boys. I appreciated that Tacy actually provided a voice - albeit small - of reason amid Betsy's boy-craziness. Throughout the book, Betsy was primarily concerned about her looks, and there's a lot about girls fawning over boys. Admittedly, it was a nice balance having the boys pay so much attention to the girls, too.
Anyway, the book chronicles Betsy and Tacy's freshman year of high school, during which Betsy experiences the ups and downs of teenage romance.
I did like that in a small but significant plot line, Betsy comes to realize that she should not sacrifice her own interests (writing) for the sake of fitting in with her peers. Also, she learns a predictable lesson about being prideful.
I also liked a fine lesson imparted via Mr. Ray's words on page 264 of my edition: "You might as well learn right now...that the poorest guide you can have in life is what people will say."
And speaking of Mr. Ray... One thing that confused me about this book is that up until now, I thought the Ray family lived a modest lifestyle because Mr. Ray's shoe store provided for a decent but modest income. Now, all of a sudden, the Ray family seems to have an awful lot more money. The book doesn't explain the windfall, and I suppose it doesn't really matter, but it was a very noticeable change from the impression I got in earlier books.
Monday, April 7, 2014
Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life (#1) by Rachel Renée Russell
★★
To be fair, the target audience for this book (according to Amazon) is meant to be 4th through 8th graders, yet I am reading it with an eye towards 2nd graders. I volunteer in the school library during Isabelle's 2nd grade library class, and this book is very popular among her classmates. Isabelle picked it up on her own, and I felt compelled to read it, too.
Isabelle actually read these books out of order, first reading Books #4 and #5, then #1, giving them all a 4-star rating. I have only read Book #1. If she continues with the series, I think I will, too. Just as when she was reading Ivy + Bean, I don't want to quash her enthusiasm for reading by forbidding a book that many peers are reading; but at the same time, at least in this book, there were lots of opportunities for "You know this is just a story, and you shouldn't do that in real life, right?" type discussions.
Basically, this book is the diary of a girl, Nikki, who is starting her 8th grade year in a new private school. She doesn't have any friends yet. (Isabelle says Books 4 and 5 are better because she has friends). The book definitely conveys the drama of a middle school girl's thoughts.
What I didn't like about the book is how much of it revolves around mean girl behavior. Not just the popular girl MacKenzie being mean to Nikki, but Nikki and her new friends being unkind towards MacKenzie as well. There is one occurrence of the word "skank", which I don't find appropriate for elementary school audiences. And now that I think of it, I'm not crazy about it for middle school audiences, either.
I also didn't like how obsessed Nikki was about appearances, how she cared so much about having the "right" clothes and an expensive phone. She disliked MacKenzie, but at the same time, she admired and fawned over her good looks and hip fashion sense. Maybe these are themes that are common for middle school girls, but I'd rather have my daughter read about strong female characters who are comfortable in their own skin, not afraid to be themselves.
Mostly, I disliked the way Nikki blamed her troubles on someone else. When she was too intimidated to sign up for an art competition, she actually managed to blame MacKenzie. I actually hate the idea of a book reinforcing the idea that it's okay to blame someone else for your own troubles. I would much rather have preferred Nikki to realize, at some point, that her self-consciousness and low self-esteem came from within.
Moreover, in one anecdote, Nikki makes light of cheating. In another, she lies to her parents and gets away with it. Oh, well.
To be fair, the target audience for this book (according to Amazon) is meant to be 4th through 8th graders, yet I am reading it with an eye towards 2nd graders. I volunteer in the school library during Isabelle's 2nd grade library class, and this book is very popular among her classmates. Isabelle picked it up on her own, and I felt compelled to read it, too.
Isabelle actually read these books out of order, first reading Books #4 and #5, then #1, giving them all a 4-star rating. I have only read Book #1. If she continues with the series, I think I will, too. Just as when she was reading Ivy + Bean, I don't want to quash her enthusiasm for reading by forbidding a book that many peers are reading; but at the same time, at least in this book, there were lots of opportunities for "You know this is just a story, and you shouldn't do that in real life, right?" type discussions.
Basically, this book is the diary of a girl, Nikki, who is starting her 8th grade year in a new private school. She doesn't have any friends yet. (Isabelle says Books 4 and 5 are better because she has friends). The book definitely conveys the drama of a middle school girl's thoughts.
What I didn't like about the book is how much of it revolves around mean girl behavior. Not just the popular girl MacKenzie being mean to Nikki, but Nikki and her new friends being unkind towards MacKenzie as well. There is one occurrence of the word "skank", which I don't find appropriate for elementary school audiences. And now that I think of it, I'm not crazy about it for middle school audiences, either.
I also didn't like how obsessed Nikki was about appearances, how she cared so much about having the "right" clothes and an expensive phone. She disliked MacKenzie, but at the same time, she admired and fawned over her good looks and hip fashion sense. Maybe these are themes that are common for middle school girls, but I'd rather have my daughter read about strong female characters who are comfortable in their own skin, not afraid to be themselves.
Mostly, I disliked the way Nikki blamed her troubles on someone else. When she was too intimidated to sign up for an art competition, she actually managed to blame MacKenzie. I actually hate the idea of a book reinforcing the idea that it's okay to blame someone else for your own troubles. I would much rather have preferred Nikki to realize, at some point, that her self-consciousness and low self-esteem came from within.
Moreover, in one anecdote, Nikki makes light of cheating. In another, she lies to her parents and gets away with it. Oh, well.
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