Type
Booksnthreads (19 KP) rated Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood in Books
Jun 14, 2018
As a white, middle class American, most of my education about colonialism and the resulting systemic and institutionalized racism and poverty have come from my own efforts to broaden my understanding. The more I learn, the more I am appalled not only by the realities themselves but also by the huge missing gap in my American education.
Trevor Noah's Born a Crime provides incredible insight into apartheid in South Africa as well as it's lasting effect, even after it "ended." I was already a bit of a fan of Noah's humor and political commentary, and his memoir is not a disappointment. He tackles big issues with a sense of humor that does not in any way minimize those issues.
Trevor Noah's Born a Crime provides incredible insight into apartheid in South Africa as well as it's lasting effect, even after it "ended." I was already a bit of a fan of Noah's humor and political commentary, and his memoir is not a disappointment. He tackles big issues with a sense of humor that does not in any way minimize those issues.
Booksnthreads (19 KP) rated Uglies (Uglies, #1) in Books
Jun 6, 2018
I really enjoyed this novel and am still a bit surprised that it still hasn't been made into a movie. I thought the concept was pretty creative, and this first novel in particular was well told.
On the other hand, I do feel that the series drops off a bit in the subsequent books. They all connect seamlessly, and the stories are all satisfying, just not as engaging as some of its contemporary YA novels.
On the other hand, I do feel that the series drops off a bit in the subsequent books. They all connect seamlessly, and the stories are all satisfying, just not as engaging as some of its contemporary YA novels.
Booksnthreads (19 KP) rated Doctor Who: Time Lord Fairy Tales in Books
Jun 5, 2018
I love fairy tales, and I love Doctor Who, so this book was absolutely perfect. It's also a wonderful combination of retold familiar tales and original stories that are in the vein of fairy tales.
I found it fun that in most stories, I could clearly identify which Doctor was appearing in that story. I also appreciated that he is often not the main character.
It was so much fun to read that it was over far too quickly.
I found it fun that in most stories, I could clearly identify which Doctor was appearing in that story. I also appreciated that he is often not the main character.
It was so much fun to read that it was over far too quickly.
Napoli makes Norse mythology incredibly accessible, not only for young readers but also us older readers who don't have the time or inclination to wade through the tangled tapestry that is Norse mythology. The stories are engaging and help readers understand the characters, their key traits, and the major storylines associated with them. The illustrations are lovely as well.
Booksnthreads (19 KP) rated A Night Divided in Books
Jun 5, 2018
This isn't the type of book that will keep you up all night until you finish it, but it's still a really interesting look at a time that my students are young enough to truly consider "history". The main character is really likable, and I think that young readers would be able to relate to her.
Booksnthreads (19 KP) rated The Atomic City Girls in Books
Jun 5, 2018
This was an interesting read as it's a part of history that I don't often read about (i.e. the development of the atomic bomb during World War II). I liked the attempt to tell a variety character's experiences woven through a single plot, but it end up just not working for me. I felt a bit distant from all of the characters, some of which are actually unlikeable and never redeem themselves.
Booksnthreads (19 KP) rated Bud, Not Buddy in Books
Jun 5, 2018
My sixth grade students really enjoyed this novel, though they felt that the end really left them hanging. Bud is an adorable little character and while, as an experienced reader, some parts of the plot were a bit predictable for me, my students were utterly surprised by each twist and turn. A fun read.
Booksnthreads (19 KP) rated The Things a Brother Knows in Books
Jun 5, 2018
I really wanted to love this book. The topic of returning veterans from Afghanistan deserves a place in young adult literature. Unfortunately, The Things a Brother Knows has some significant weaknesses that overshadowed what should have been the meat of the story.
Reinhardt seems to feel the need to cater to adolescent hormones by throwing in a few unnecessarily suggestive scenes that really lend nothing to the plot. Is she afraid that teenagers won’t read her work otherwise? (In defense of suggestive scenes, I don’t typically have anything against them when they are integral to the story line. One look at my past reading lists should hint at that.)
In this case, the romantic relationships that develop in the story not only come off as improbably and entirely sudden, but personally, I feel they detract from the main plot line of a young man trying to reconnect with and understand his brother who has recently returned home from the war.
I will say, however, that I really do like how Reinhardt has dealt not only with the effects of war on returning soldiers, but also with the family dynamic. Not having any personal experience with this, all I can say is that from an outsider’s standpoint, the portrayals feel authentic. I also really appreciate how she manages to skirt the political issues of the war in favor of focusing on the human aspect.
Reinhardt seems to feel the need to cater to adolescent hormones by throwing in a few unnecessarily suggestive scenes that really lend nothing to the plot. Is she afraid that teenagers won’t read her work otherwise? (In defense of suggestive scenes, I don’t typically have anything against them when they are integral to the story line. One look at my past reading lists should hint at that.)
In this case, the romantic relationships that develop in the story not only come off as improbably and entirely sudden, but personally, I feel they detract from the main plot line of a young man trying to reconnect with and understand his brother who has recently returned home from the war.
I will say, however, that I really do like how Reinhardt has dealt not only with the effects of war on returning soldiers, but also with the family dynamic. Not having any personal experience with this, all I can say is that from an outsider’s standpoint, the portrayals feel authentic. I also really appreciate how she manages to skirt the political issues of the war in favor of focusing on the human aspect.
Following
Sheri Wright
(1 KP)
Total Bookworm
I love to read. Started Tolkien at 5 and have been hooked ever since. I have lost more books than...
Last Active: May 31, 2018
Chris Hooker
(419 KP)
Book Addict, cat lady, Beta Reader, and teacher
I am a freelance reader but since that does not pay the bills my day job is as a teacher. I will...
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Jason Lazarow
(1 KP)
Middle School Teacher
I am a middle school teacher and father of 2.
Last Active: Jun 3, 2018
Jennifer Lavoie
(0 KP)
Writer and teacher
Teacher and author, finished my MA in English literature. Currently studying Japanese and Mandarin.
Last Active: Mar 14, 2018
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Ashley McLemore
(2 KP)
Book fanatic extraordinaire
If I could make a living reading all day, I'd do it in a heartbeat! I'm a mom of three with an...
Last Active: Jun 5, 2018
Teresa Terry
(121 KP)
Book wormy
Mom of 3 toddlers. Disability retired with Multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia. ? ❤? Veteran. Book...
Last Active: Sep 1, 2018
