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Elmo Loves ABCs

Games and Education

(0 Ratings) Rate It

App

This is an app full of games, activities, and videos that will help teach your child about letters,...

Sarah (7800 KP) rated We Need to Talk About Kevin in Books

Feb 15, 2018

Haunting

This is truly a harrowing read. This isn’t surprising considering the subject matter, but what I was surprised at is how much this book sucked me in and made me carry on reading.

The plot itself is unusual but sadly in a situation that is far too common nowadays. The story mechanism itself is interesting, and Eva writing letters to her ex-husband discussing Kevin, his life and her views on him really helps drip feed us everything we need to know just to keep us hooked. It makes you keep reading to get the full picture of Kevin’s life. Slowly building up to the event itself that are mentioned, but never discussed in detail, until right at the end. A story told by just one character is potentially dangerous, but this works really well. Yes at times the letters become a bit rambling and pretentious, but to me this is how Eva’s mind and personality are meant to come across. And the ending itself, after getting through however many pages, it is not a disappointment. It’s even safe to say I was shocked at the ending, it was in part unexpected and this has really made this book for me. It stands out.

Yes it’s a haunting read and definitely not a lighthearted one, but this is one that will really stick with you.

Kudos

Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated P.S. I Miss You in Books

Jun 14, 2018

P.S. I Miss You

Jen Petro-Roy | 2018 | Children, Contemporary, LGBTQ+

8.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

P.S. I Miss You by Jen Petro-Roy is a captivating and authentic story of a young girl as she writes letters to her sister about the issues of their lives. Evie's voice drives the action in a way that feels real and true, with the urgency and intensity of a young woman opening her heart to her older sister and confidante.

This beautiful, moving story celebrates the deep connection between sisters. Evie's letters to her older sister Cilla, sent away by conservative Catholic parents after becoming pregnant in high school, give such a detailed glimpse into the life and mind of the seventh grade protagonist. Evie's admiration for Cilla shines throughout, as well as the way she sees herself as akin to her sister -- is she a sinner in her parents' eyes, too, because she has a crush on her female friend, June? I loved following along as Evie turns over so many deep questions in her mind. I yearned for Cilla and Evie's parents to reconsider their strongly held beliefs and become more compassionate, yet their portrayal is unfortunately true to life in this very polarized historical moment we find ourselves in.

I received an ARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and Feiwel & Friends via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I give this book 5/5 stars.

Kudos

Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Poppy (Poppy, #1) in Books

Jun 18, 2018

Poppy by Mary Hooper is a sweet novel. The book gives a look at the lives of English nurses of World War One who took care of soldiers who wounded where their injuries were to the extent that caused the soldier to be returned home. Poppy shows World War One in a fresh and touching perspective.

Poppy takes a look at some of the less talked aspects of war. The book foxes on returned soldier who had facial injuries leaving them disfigured and cause damage to themselves to get away from the fighting and being strong. The topics discussed are series and sensitive issues but the author, Mary Hooper, does a great job of addressing and dealing with the issues in Poppy.

One aspect I enjoyed was the letters that were interspersed throughout the story. The letters brought the voice of the character into the story. I felt the story was an enjoyable and quite touching. They writing style flows well and was easy to slip into the story. It was great to see the novel tackle some of the less well-known aspects of the First World War and I only hope the second book does the same.

I give this story 4/5 stars.

I received this book from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books via Netgalley in exchange of a honest review.