Review: A Week in Winter

A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In some ways, this book reminds me of the YA/older child book One Whole and Perfect Day by Judith Clarke. It has a lot of interwoven plot lines that finish together with a mostly happy ending. I wouldn't say it is excellent writing, but it is a comforting read, if you can keep all of the characters straight.

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Review: Armadilly Chili

Armadilly Chili by Helen Ketteman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

If I were still teaching, especially in the lower grades, I would certainly add this book to a unit on re-writing folk tales. This is basically The Little Red Hen, translocated to the SouthWest. It would be an interesting book to read along with The Little Red Hen and then have the students write their own take-off version: Marie the Moose's Mousse, Aspic for Astronauts, whatever. Very colorful illustrations.

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Review: Waiting for Winter

Waiting for Winter by Sebastian Meschenmoser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nice story. Appealing illustrations. Worthwhile.

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Review: The Prince and the Dressmaker

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Another graphic novel. I am not sure why I keep checking these out, when I know they aren't my favorites. I guess it is because of friends' recommendations.

Well, I didn't hate this one. There is at least some personal development, even with minor characters, which is good. And the two main characters are interesting. I am not terribly fond of the art work, but that is just me.

I am going to have to look for something that would designate books as graphic novels on my library search engine.

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Review: Awkward

Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have finally found a few graphic novels that I enjoy and this is one. The difference here is not only is there a strong story line, but there is also enough going on that you can see some real character development. Some of the characters are still caricatures (e.g., the art club sponsor), but since they are minor characters, it just adds a bit of humor and doesn't really detract. Enjoyable.

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