Review: Ruby's Wish

Ruby's Wish by Shirin Yim Bridges

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This is an compelling introduction to some cultural differences that might actually interest kids of our dominant (American) culture. I was especially intrigued by the description of the household, with the patriarch and all of his descendants. It could make for some wide-ranging discussions with students about gender roles and differences in values. Thought-provoking.



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Review: Fish in a Tree

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



This book was compelling enough that I listened to the whole thing in two days and it is an encouraging look at a whole bunch of different kids who eventually learn to value each others strengths. I think kids will probably enjoy it and be able to see themselves in at least one of the characters.

There are, however, some things that make me a bit uncomfortable about it. Several of the characters seem like caricatures of certain types of kids: the brain, the girl bully, the outspoken confident kid. Even Ally herself, seems in some ways to be a caricature of dyslexic kids. And, the interactions sometimes border on the saccharine.

The narration is good, but adds to the saccharine feel of the story line. A bit too sweet to be real.



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Review: Seeds of Freedom: The Peaceful Integration of Huntsville, Alabama

Seeds of Freedom: The Peaceful Integration of Huntsville, Alabama by Hester Bass

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I wanted to like this book better than I did. It is an important addition to books set in the Civil Rights era. But it just doesn't feel very compelling. The focus is on a series of events, so there isn't the identification with major characters and their doings and there isn't the suspense leading up to a single event. I am glad Huntsville escaped some of the more serious violence, but it just felt a bit detached to me.

That said, quite a few of my relatives live in the Huntsville area and it was interesting to be from that perspective.



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Review: English as a Second Language

English as a Second Language by Megan Crane

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



This a fluff book that makes me very glad I am older and not worried about this sort of thing any more. It also makes me very grateful that I have a library to get books from, so that I don't have to feel guilty about paying money for them. That said, it is funny and accurate - if you're into younger adult (not young adult) angst.



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Review: Mrs. McCool and the Giant Cuhullin: An Irish Tale

Mrs. McCool and the Giant Cuhullin: An Irish Tale by Jessica Souhami

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



I admit that I am not very knowledgeable about folk tales and this may well be an excellent example of an Irish folk tale, but it leaves me a bit uncomfortable. The first thing I wonder is why all these characters have magic in just one finger. Which leads me to wonder, which finger? Why the thumb or the little finger? Would kids think about magic in another finger that is typically used for expression in the US?

The second thing I wonder is why Finn is so clueless and so afraid. Sucking his thumb? It just doesn't make sense to me. I do think the wife is clever, but why do the men have to be depicted as being so easily duped and ineffectual.

And the solution, biting off the magic finger, strikes me as a bit gross and violent.

Yes, this is humorous, but I would not choose this book as a read aloud for young kids.



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Review: The Journey Home, Stories of Compassion and Inspiration from AseraCare Hospice

The Journey Home, Stories of Compassion and Inspiration from AseraCare Hospice by John Ross

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This is not a book I set out to read, but my mother is 99 and has recently been accepted for hospice care. One of the caregivers at her nursing home gave me this book and I read it while sitting beside my mom in the nursing home. The book is not intended to give the financial or medical aspects of end of life care, although sometimes it touches on them, but it is more an affirmation that this is an important part of life and that it can be comforting and not just distressing. The biggest plus for me is that it is filled with people and their stories. Each story is a bit different, but they add up to a supportive whole. My mother has entered hospice care when she is very severely affected by dementia, so she can't make any of her own decisions. I have been making a lot of her care decisions for the past few years, as her health care and financial power of attorney. This book is a support for the more personal aspects of care - emotional and religious. I found it worthwhile and comforting.



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Review: Pack of Dorks

Pack of Dorks by Beth Vrabel

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Coming on the heels of the book I read yesterday[b:Wildlife|22907574|Wildlife|Fiona Wood|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1407833520s/22907574.jpg|18984490], this book seemed like deja vu. The themes of self-discovery, mean-girl "best friend", and finding a group of real friends were very similar. This book was written for a younger audience, though, so even though it starts out with an ill-considered kiss, that is the end of the sexual exploits. Also due to its younger audience, the book doesn't have the character depth of the previous one. The comparison is a bit unfair to Pack of Dorks, though, because it is actually a good story - and quite appropriate for the target age. Wildlife is definitely the more sophisticated, nuanced book, but it should be, since the audience is more mature readers.

One thing that was especially interesting to me was the inclusion of insight into the main character's own flaws. Rather that just pointing out the errors of other people's ways, she also acknowledges her own. Nice.

Minor gripe: I wish the author had managed to correct the MC's mistake in calling an epiphany a "litany".



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