Review: The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As good as most of the reviews are of this book, I did not fall under its spell.

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Review: Goodbye, Mr Hitler

Goodbye, Mr Hitler by Jackie French
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a powerful ending to the trilogy. It doesn't shy away from including some of the horrors of the Nazi regime, so it may be too much for younger and more sensitive teens. I have a slight issue with some of the resolution, which seemed a bit far fetched to me, but overall, the book has, as I said, a powerful impact.

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It was hard for me to accept that Frau Marks would absolutely know that Hitler had no children and that he would have adopted one with a birthmark and a limp. I am not sure it was necessary to have Heidi/Helga believe that she was just adopted, not a biological child. I wonder how this changes the story for adopted children. Do they feel less responsible for the acts of their parents, if they know they are adopted? Does it distance them from their adopted parents? Are biological children more responsible for the heinous acts of their parents?

Both Georg and Heidi adored Hitler. Both of them must accept that they are not their child selves and have learned different ways. Would it have been a less complete resolution if Heidi/Helga had simply had to accept that she knew Hitler as a father-figure, but that still did not mean that she had to accept responsibility for the rest of him.
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Review: Pink Is for Blobfish: Discovering the World's Perfectly Pink Animals

Pink Is for Blobfish: Discovering the World's Perfectly Pink Animals by Jess Keating
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very enjoyable light science book. The pictures of all of the pink animals are very engaging. It is a bit discouraging that so many of the animals are struggling with environmental challenges, but I am glad it is pointed out and not glossed over.

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Review: Gregor Mendel: The Friar Who Grew Peas

Gregor Mendel: The Friar Who Grew Peas by Cheryl Bardoe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If I were still teaching, I would add this to my collection of picture books for older students. It is a good introduction to the scientific method, as well as a very interesting introduction to how science was done years ago. An enjoyable and interesting read.

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