Dodger and Me is the fourth book by Jordan Sonnenblick, and first aimed at elementary aged children. As I really enjoyed his previous three, I wanted to give this one a try.
Dodger and Me is centered around Willie, a 10-year-old who can best be described as a wimp or a loser. His mother is highly overprotective, and does not trust him at all. He also has no friends at school, although Lizzie, a girl he tries to avoid, lavishes him with attention. One day, after failing at the plate in his baseball game and causing his team to lose, Willie takes a forbidden shortcut through the woods to get to his house. As he is walking, he sees a fast food bag, and decides to pick it up so it will no longer spoil nature. After doing this, he is surprised by the appearance of a large blue talking chimpanzee wearing surfer shorts.
Willie begins speaking to the chimp, whose name is Dodger. Willie brings Dodger home, and he agrees to help Willie solve the three most vexing problems in his life - getting his mom to trust him, getting Lizzie to stop bothering him and becoming a better baseball player. Unfortunately for Willie, as Dodger is doing this, he also creates many new problems.
Dodger and Me was an enjoyable book with likable characters. Willie is a boy who wants to do the right thing, and Dodger is very amusing. The situations that Dodger gets Willie into are pretty funny, and kids would enjoy reading the book. I recommended it to my class, especially those who like books like Hank Zipzer. While I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie or Notes from the Midnight Driver, it was written for a different audience and it presents a good message.
Rating: ****
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
#13: Elephant Run
Elephant Run is a historical fiction adventure story by Roland Smith. The protagonist, 14-year-old Nick Freestone lives with his mom in London during World War II, but due to the frequent bombings, he is sent to stay with his father in Burma. Nick's father owns a teak plantation where much of the labor is done by elephants. In the nearby village, many of the citizens work as mahouts, or people who drive the elephants. This includes Nang, one of the plantation's most trusted employees, and his son Indaw and daughter Mya, who is about Nick's age.
Unfortunately, the Japanese arrive in Burma at the same time as Nick. Nick's father is taken captive, Nang is killed, and Nick, along with Mya, is forced to work as a servant to the Japanese now occupying his father's house. When Nick receives word that his father is alive, his goal becomes rescuing his father. He receives guidance from Hilltop, an ancient Buddhist monk, who wants to follow Mr. Freestone's desire to get Nick and Mya out of Burma to a safer place. Mya is anxious to join Nick's dangerous quest, as she wants to rescue her brother, who is also being held prisoner. After escaping from the house, Hilltop leads Nick and Mya on a dangerous journey to attempt the rescue.
Elephant Run was a very exciting book to read. The wartime setting provides constant action and danger to the characters. The characters are presented realistically, as the Japanese soldiers are much more than evil caricatures. They range from the ambitious, but dangerous young officer Moto to Sgt. Sonji, who was more soft spoken and appreciated haiku and gardening.
Additionally, the author did a great job establishing the setting in the jungles of Burma during WWII. It was very interesting to learn about the mahouts and the conflicted loyalties of the local people, as they yearned for independence from England, but were wary of what the Japanese were bringing to their land.
Elephant Run was a highly enjoyable book to read, and I am looking forward to checking out more books by Roland Smith.
Rating: *****
Unfortunately, the Japanese arrive in Burma at the same time as Nick. Nick's father is taken captive, Nang is killed, and Nick, along with Mya, is forced to work as a servant to the Japanese now occupying his father's house. When Nick receives word that his father is alive, his goal becomes rescuing his father. He receives guidance from Hilltop, an ancient Buddhist monk, who wants to follow Mr. Freestone's desire to get Nick and Mya out of Burma to a safer place. Mya is anxious to join Nick's dangerous quest, as she wants to rescue her brother, who is also being held prisoner. After escaping from the house, Hilltop leads Nick and Mya on a dangerous journey to attempt the rescue.
Elephant Run was a very exciting book to read. The wartime setting provides constant action and danger to the characters. The characters are presented realistically, as the Japanese soldiers are much more than evil caricatures. They range from the ambitious, but dangerous young officer Moto to Sgt. Sonji, who was more soft spoken and appreciated haiku and gardening.
Additionally, the author did a great job establishing the setting in the jungles of Burma during WWII. It was very interesting to learn about the mahouts and the conflicted loyalties of the local people, as they yearned for independence from England, but were wary of what the Japanese were bringing to their land.
Elephant Run was a highly enjoyable book to read, and I am looking forward to checking out more books by Roland Smith.
Rating: *****
Sunday, January 11, 2009
#12: The Prop
The Prop is a book I picked up off a clearance rack at Borders. I read two young adult novels by the author, Pete Hautman. Godless was a book I enjoyed, but I was more ambivalent toward Invisible.
The Prop is about Peeky, a middle-aged woman who works as a prop player at a Tucson Indian casino. A prop player is someone employed by the casino to prop up the action at a poker table when players leave and the game is shorthanded. Peeky enjoys her work and is successful at it. Things begin to change when she shares in a jackpot meant for someone else in a fixed game. Even though she suspects it was fixed, she feels she is due for some luck and that it is the job of the security staff to catch the cheaters.
Following the fixed game, Peeky is playing at the casino when four men wearing clown costumes burst into the card room with guns. The robbery quickly goes bad, as four people end up dead, although the robbers make off with over one million dollars. Peeky is disheartened to realize that one of the robbers is her boyfriend, Buddy, but she chooses not to reveal this fact to the authorities or her bosses at the casino.
In addition, Peeky's son-in-law Eduardo comes to her with the news that her daughter, Jaymie, is addicted to crack. Jaymie has been stealing money from Peeky to support her habit, and has now disappeared. Peeky and Eduardo become involved with lowlifes as they go in search of Jaymie.
Meanwhile, the reclusive founder of the casino comes to Peeky looking for help with the direction of the casino and with the robbery. He admires her way of reading people, the same quality that makes her successful at poker. Although he realizes she has not always been up front with him, he sees her as the only person who can help unravel the mysteries of what goes on at the casino. She agrees to become his eyes and ears, as she also tries to unravel the mysteries of exactly who her boyfriend is and what to do about her daughter.
I went into this book looking for something like Carl Hiaasen's writing, and while I noticed similarities, it wasn't quite as absurd. Maybe it is because it is hard to measure up to Hiaasen's depictions of Florida. Anyway, the story itself was engaging, with an interesting mix of unusual characters populating the casino. I was not very interested in the poker scenes, as I know nothing about Texas hold'em, but others might be more appreciative. As a mystery, it was enjoyable as a whole.
Rating: ****
The Prop is about Peeky, a middle-aged woman who works as a prop player at a Tucson Indian casino. A prop player is someone employed by the casino to prop up the action at a poker table when players leave and the game is shorthanded. Peeky enjoys her work and is successful at it. Things begin to change when she shares in a jackpot meant for someone else in a fixed game. Even though she suspects it was fixed, she feels she is due for some luck and that it is the job of the security staff to catch the cheaters.
Following the fixed game, Peeky is playing at the casino when four men wearing clown costumes burst into the card room with guns. The robbery quickly goes bad, as four people end up dead, although the robbers make off with over one million dollars. Peeky is disheartened to realize that one of the robbers is her boyfriend, Buddy, but she chooses not to reveal this fact to the authorities or her bosses at the casino.
In addition, Peeky's son-in-law Eduardo comes to her with the news that her daughter, Jaymie, is addicted to crack. Jaymie has been stealing money from Peeky to support her habit, and has now disappeared. Peeky and Eduardo become involved with lowlifes as they go in search of Jaymie.
Meanwhile, the reclusive founder of the casino comes to Peeky looking for help with the direction of the casino and with the robbery. He admires her way of reading people, the same quality that makes her successful at poker. Although he realizes she has not always been up front with him, he sees her as the only person who can help unravel the mysteries of what goes on at the casino. She agrees to become his eyes and ears, as she also tries to unravel the mysteries of exactly who her boyfriend is and what to do about her daughter.
I went into this book looking for something like Carl Hiaasen's writing, and while I noticed similarities, it wasn't quite as absurd. Maybe it is because it is hard to measure up to Hiaasen's depictions of Florida. Anyway, the story itself was engaging, with an interesting mix of unusual characters populating the casino. I was not very interested in the poker scenes, as I know nothing about Texas hold'em, but others might be more appreciative. As a mystery, it was enjoyable as a whole.
Rating: ****
#11: Found
Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix is book 1 of a planned trilogy. I first learned about Haddix from her popular Shadow Children series, which are full of action. Found also fits this criterion, as it was a book I had trouble putting down.
The main character in Found is 13-year-old Jonah. He was adopted as a baby and lives with his parents and sister in Ohio. One day, he is outside playing basketball with a friend Chip when he receives a strange note in the mail in an envelope with no return address. It reads, "You are one of the missing." He thinks it is a joke, although it disturbs him a bit, so he keeps playing.
Later, Jonah and his family are eating dinner, when a frantic Chip comes to the door looking for Jonah. He received the same note as Jonah, and after talking to his parents, was astonished to learn that he was adopted.
Soon, Jonah and Chip each receive a second note along the lines of "They're coming to get you." Chip wants to investigate, but Jonah is very reluctant to help, so he enlists the help of Jonah's sister, Katherine. Their work leads to an FBI agent, a list of other kids, and a woman named Angela DuPre who relays a story about a mysterious plane full of babies and time travel.
The book culminates when Jonah is invited to attend a local conference for adopted children and their families. He brings Katherine and Chip along, and they realize that nearly every child on the list they found is at the conference. The kids are separated from their parents to go on a hike to a secluded location where they learn the unbelievable truth about their adoptions. I don't want to say any more and give it away.
Found is an enthralling blend of adventure and science fiction. Haddix keeps the story moving with a series of small mysteries that have resolutions leading to other mysteries. Jonah, Katherine and Chip are clever, but not unrealistically so, and have to work together to solve problems. The ending was surprising to me but left me eagerly anticipating the second book. I will definitely be recommending this to some of my students.
Rating: *****
The main character in Found is 13-year-old Jonah. He was adopted as a baby and lives with his parents and sister in Ohio. One day, he is outside playing basketball with a friend Chip when he receives a strange note in the mail in an envelope with no return address. It reads, "You are one of the missing." He thinks it is a joke, although it disturbs him a bit, so he keeps playing.
Later, Jonah and his family are eating dinner, when a frantic Chip comes to the door looking for Jonah. He received the same note as Jonah, and after talking to his parents, was astonished to learn that he was adopted.
Soon, Jonah and Chip each receive a second note along the lines of "They're coming to get you." Chip wants to investigate, but Jonah is very reluctant to help, so he enlists the help of Jonah's sister, Katherine. Their work leads to an FBI agent, a list of other kids, and a woman named Angela DuPre who relays a story about a mysterious plane full of babies and time travel.
The book culminates when Jonah is invited to attend a local conference for adopted children and their families. He brings Katherine and Chip along, and they realize that nearly every child on the list they found is at the conference. The kids are separated from their parents to go on a hike to a secluded location where they learn the unbelievable truth about their adoptions. I don't want to say any more and give it away.
Found is an enthralling blend of adventure and science fiction. Haddix keeps the story moving with a series of small mysteries that have resolutions leading to other mysteries. Jonah, Katherine and Chip are clever, but not unrealistically so, and have to work together to solve problems. The ending was surprising to me but left me eagerly anticipating the second book. I will definitely be recommending this to some of my students.
Rating: *****
Saturday, January 10, 2009
#10: The Divide
The Divide, by Elizabeth Kay, is the first book in a trilogy. Felix, a 13-year-old from London, suffers from a heart defect, which has limited his ability to do things that a normal kid could do. His heart is in danger of failing at any time, especially if he overexerts himself, so his parents have taken him to Costa Rica to enjoy himself. While hiking to the Continental Divide, Felix faints and is transported to a magical world on the other side of The Divide. Many things are the opposite of what Felix's world is like. For example, elephants and humans are thought to be mythical creatures, while elves, pixies and brownies roam around freely. Also, things are done using magic, in contrast to the science that Felix is used to.
Felix meets Betony, a "tangle-child," (an elf-like creature). Betony agrees to help Felix to try to find a magical cure for his heart condition. Meanwhile, Betony's older sister and brother encounter Snakeweed, a japegrin (pixie) who is a pharmaceutical entrepreneur. Unfortunately, his remedies are unsuccessful, but he still tries to sell them. Snakeweed finds out about Felix and desires to learn about his scientific knowledge so that he can profit from it. As a result, Felix and Betony also have to evade Snakeweed and his henchmen as they search for the cure.
The Divide presents a conflict of good vs. evil, with many good creatures coming to the aid of Felix, and certain evil creatures working with Snakeweed. The author also makes some interesting commentary about the effects of technology and development on a society (Felix compares the magical society to what he has learned about in history) and the environment (discussing how a decline in the population of one species affects others), among other topics.
The Divide has good pacing, and moves along quickly. I did find myself frequently flipping to Felix's guide to the magical creatures, but the author did a great job coming up with creative beasts like the worrit (a funny-looking dog that kills its prey by constantly telling jokes and causing the prey to laugh to death). The book also ends with a cliffhanger of sorts, so I am looking forward to reading the second one.
Rating: *****
Felix meets Betony, a "tangle-child," (an elf-like creature). Betony agrees to help Felix to try to find a magical cure for his heart condition. Meanwhile, Betony's older sister and brother encounter Snakeweed, a japegrin (pixie) who is a pharmaceutical entrepreneur. Unfortunately, his remedies are unsuccessful, but he still tries to sell them. Snakeweed finds out about Felix and desires to learn about his scientific knowledge so that he can profit from it. As a result, Felix and Betony also have to evade Snakeweed and his henchmen as they search for the cure.
The Divide presents a conflict of good vs. evil, with many good creatures coming to the aid of Felix, and certain evil creatures working with Snakeweed. The author also makes some interesting commentary about the effects of technology and development on a society (Felix compares the magical society to what he has learned about in history) and the environment (discussing how a decline in the population of one species affects others), among other topics.
The Divide has good pacing, and moves along quickly. I did find myself frequently flipping to Felix's guide to the magical creatures, but the author did a great job coming up with creative beasts like the worrit (a funny-looking dog that kills its prey by constantly telling jokes and causing the prey to laugh to death). The book also ends with a cliffhanger of sorts, so I am looking forward to reading the second one.
Rating: *****
Thursday, January 8, 2009
#9: Thank You for Smoking
I watched the movie Thank You for Smoking a couple years ago and found it amusing. The novel from which it was based, by Christopher Buckley, is similarly amusing as a satire of the tobacco industry, product marketing and Washington politics.
Nick Naylor is a spokesman for the tobacco industry. His main job is to try to debunk or marginalize all of the scientific reports and negative press about cigarettes and keep people smoking. His answer when people question him about the morality of what he is doing is that it pays the mortgage, even though his ex-wife is reaping that particular benefit. Naylor is friends with similar spokespeople from the alcohol and firearms industries, and they meet frequently for lunches, nicknaming themselves the Merchants of Death (MOD) Squad.
Naylor is on the verge of being fired by his new boss when he books a gig on Oprah. He gains notoriety when he points out that a government official is trying to exploit a young cancer patient, making the official look like the bad guy. After this showing, Naylor is summoned directly to North Carolina to meet with The Captain, the head of a large tobacco company. The Captain is pleased with him and immediately gives him a huge raise and job security.
The Oprah appearance also gains Naylor the attention of enemies. He receives death threats, and is eventually accosted, kidnapped, and plastered with nicotine patches. The doctors say that the only reason he survived is because as a smoker, he has developed a level of tolerance to nicotine. The bosses encourage him to use this information to promote the benefits of smoking. However, he finds that his heart is less set on his job.
Additionally, the FBI begins investigating Naylor's kidnapping. Based on evidence, they arrest him for faking his kidnapping. Realizing he has been set up, he enlists the MOD Squad to help him figure out who the perpetrators were and exact revenge.
While somewhat far-fetched, the plot is very entertaining. As I was reading, I had to chuckle at some of the ridiculous actions of the characters, that are sadly based on reality. The novel does a great job of poking fun at an industry that has for years used deceitful marketing practices to keep itself going strong.
Overall, Thank You For Smoking a fast-paced, relatively short book that many people would enjoy.
Rating: ****
Nick Naylor is a spokesman for the tobacco industry. His main job is to try to debunk or marginalize all of the scientific reports and negative press about cigarettes and keep people smoking. His answer when people question him about the morality of what he is doing is that it pays the mortgage, even though his ex-wife is reaping that particular benefit. Naylor is friends with similar spokespeople from the alcohol and firearms industries, and they meet frequently for lunches, nicknaming themselves the Merchants of Death (MOD) Squad.
Naylor is on the verge of being fired by his new boss when he books a gig on Oprah. He gains notoriety when he points out that a government official is trying to exploit a young cancer patient, making the official look like the bad guy. After this showing, Naylor is summoned directly to North Carolina to meet with The Captain, the head of a large tobacco company. The Captain is pleased with him and immediately gives him a huge raise and job security.
The Oprah appearance also gains Naylor the attention of enemies. He receives death threats, and is eventually accosted, kidnapped, and plastered with nicotine patches. The doctors say that the only reason he survived is because as a smoker, he has developed a level of tolerance to nicotine. The bosses encourage him to use this information to promote the benefits of smoking. However, he finds that his heart is less set on his job.
Additionally, the FBI begins investigating Naylor's kidnapping. Based on evidence, they arrest him for faking his kidnapping. Realizing he has been set up, he enlists the MOD Squad to help him figure out who the perpetrators were and exact revenge.
While somewhat far-fetched, the plot is very entertaining. As I was reading, I had to chuckle at some of the ridiculous actions of the characters, that are sadly based on reality. The novel does a great job of poking fun at an industry that has for years used deceitful marketing practices to keep itself going strong.
Overall, Thank You For Smoking a fast-paced, relatively short book that many people would enjoy.
Rating: ****
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
#8: The Bonfire of the Vanities
The Bonfire of the Vanities is the second Tom Wolfe book that I have read. The first was I Am Charlotte Simmons, which although flawed, I enjoyed. Still, this book (along with two other Wolfe titles) sat on my shelf for quite a while, intimidating me due to its thickness, as I like books that I can read through quickly. When I finally began reading this one, I found that in spite of its length, I was able to proceed quickly.
The Bonfire of the Vanities is the story of three men. Sherman McCoy is a high-salaried bond trader living with his wife and daughter in a Park Avenue apartment. In spite of his job and status, he finds himself worrying about money as it flows out as quickly as it comes in. His obsession is being a "Master of the Universe." Sherman is also romantically involved with Maria Ruskin, the young wife of an elderly businessman.
Larry Kramer is an assistant district attorney working in the Bronx. He also lives his wife and young child, but his conditions are much different. His tiny apartment would fit into McCoy's living room. Kramer experiences a combination of envy and disdain toward other lawyers with high-paying jobs at big firms, as he would like their salaries, but feels he is on the moral high road as he helps serve the public.
Finally, there is Peter Fallow, an alcoholic British journalist for a tabloid. Fallow has been down on his luck, and his main goal each day is to find ways to get free meals. Fallow tries to dupe his boss into thinking he is being productive, and also desires a lifestyle beyond his means.
The thread that ties the three characters together begins when McCoy and his mistress are involved in an accident where he may have hit someone while driving in the Bronx at night. He is conflicted over whether to report it, while his mistress says to forget about it as they don't know if anything actually happened. It turns out that they hit a young black man from the projects who was living a clean lifestyle, leaving him in a coma. Community leaders put pressure on the police and legal system to go after the perpetrator. Fallow is the reporter who breaks the story, while Kramer is the ADA in charge of prosecuting the case. When witnesses lead the investigation back to McCoy, the case becomes about race and social class.
In telling this story, the author presents a vivid description of New York during the 1980's. Having never been there, I can't judge whether this description is accurate, but it added a lot to the story. Also, the characters are very well fleshed out. Each has his own flaws and virtues, which evolve over time. The arrogant McCoy and the idealistic Kramer from the beginning are definitely depicted differently at the conclusion.
Overall, this was a well-written novel, and I will be dusting off and reading A Man in Full and The Right Stuff (eventually).
Rating: ****
The Bonfire of the Vanities is the story of three men. Sherman McCoy is a high-salaried bond trader living with his wife and daughter in a Park Avenue apartment. In spite of his job and status, he finds himself worrying about money as it flows out as quickly as it comes in. His obsession is being a "Master of the Universe." Sherman is also romantically involved with Maria Ruskin, the young wife of an elderly businessman.
Larry Kramer is an assistant district attorney working in the Bronx. He also lives his wife and young child, but his conditions are much different. His tiny apartment would fit into McCoy's living room. Kramer experiences a combination of envy and disdain toward other lawyers with high-paying jobs at big firms, as he would like their salaries, but feels he is on the moral high road as he helps serve the public.
Finally, there is Peter Fallow, an alcoholic British journalist for a tabloid. Fallow has been down on his luck, and his main goal each day is to find ways to get free meals. Fallow tries to dupe his boss into thinking he is being productive, and also desires a lifestyle beyond his means.
The thread that ties the three characters together begins when McCoy and his mistress are involved in an accident where he may have hit someone while driving in the Bronx at night. He is conflicted over whether to report it, while his mistress says to forget about it as they don't know if anything actually happened. It turns out that they hit a young black man from the projects who was living a clean lifestyle, leaving him in a coma. Community leaders put pressure on the police and legal system to go after the perpetrator. Fallow is the reporter who breaks the story, while Kramer is the ADA in charge of prosecuting the case. When witnesses lead the investigation back to McCoy, the case becomes about race and social class.
In telling this story, the author presents a vivid description of New York during the 1980's. Having never been there, I can't judge whether this description is accurate, but it added a lot to the story. Also, the characters are very well fleshed out. Each has his own flaws and virtues, which evolve over time. The arrogant McCoy and the idealistic Kramer from the beginning are definitely depicted differently at the conclusion.
Overall, this was a well-written novel, and I will be dusting off and reading A Man in Full and The Right Stuff (eventually).
Rating: ****
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