Review: Freakling

Freakling by Lana Krumwiede
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I like the idea of this book. The author creates a very interesting world where people use the power of their mind (psi) to do almost everything physical. Everyone without psi is banished.

The plot was predictable and the writing was uneven. I wish I counted the number of times the word psi was used. It would make a great drinking game, but became very monotonous to read.

This book is clearly the lead in to a series. If the big ideas stay the same, and the writing improves this could be a good series for the sci-fi/dystopian young adult reader.

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Review: The Many Worlds of Albie Bright

The Many Worlds of Albie Bright by Christopher Edge
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Albie Bright is the child of brilliant scientists. He's even named after two brilliant scientists Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking. His mom is a quantum physicist, and his dad is a TV scientist (think a combination of Bill Nye and Neil DeGrasse Tyson). His mom has recently died of cancer and Albie misses her terribly. His dad deals with this by travelling even more and this leaves Albie mostly alone. One aspect of his mom's work was discovering whether there might be "parallel universes". Albie is sure there must be AND he's sure he can find his mom in one of them. All he needs is a cardboard box, his mom's laptop, and a banana. (That's right, a banana!)

I loved all the science in this book. I loved seeing how we might be the same, yet different in other situations. The first third of the book was very slow. It mostly consisted of Albie being sad. I almost quit this book, but once I got past the first third of the book, I was rewarded with a gem of a read.

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Review: On Two Feet and Wings

On Two Feet and Wings by Abbas Kazerooni
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a story of bravery and resourcefulness. Abbas Kazerooni was only 9 years old when he fled Iran. It was a matter of leave or be forced into the army. He expected to travel to Turkey with his mother. His father would not be allowed to leave the country. At the airport as Abbas and his mother are about to board their plane, she is pulled aside and not allowed to leave. Abbas continues to Turkey - alone - as a nine year old boy. He doesn't speak the language, know anyone, have anywhere to stay. This is his remarkable journey. What makes this story even more remarkable is that it is a true story.

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End of the Year - Annual Report

It's been a busy year in the library.  Our numbers and engagement are higher and livelier than ever.  One of the things I love the most about my job (or my calling!) is helping the boys find joy through literature. 

This afternoon a teacher brought his class of 4th graders to the library during their study hall period.  It's a Friday and the boys typically don't have homework on Fridays so study hall is a moot point.  When one of the boys asked about study hall and learned being in the library was study hall he responded with a, "best study hall ever!" comment.  This will carry me through the weekend.

Here's a look at our library this year.