The End of the World

The End of the World by Andrew Biss

This is kind of a bizarre little novel, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's kind of hard to tell what's going on (though I had my suspicions), but it is not unpleasant. It's a fun quick read, and very well written. ( )

Freud and Jung: Years of Friendship, Years of Loss…

Freud and Jung: Years of Friendship, Years of Loss… by Linda Donn

This book reads like fiction, something I always appreciate in non-fiction. You also really feel like you've been in Freud and Jung's heads, and really get to know their personality. Excellent.

The Wild Soccer Bunch, Book 2, Diego the Tornado

The Wild Soccer Bunch, Book 2, Diego the Tornado by Joachim Masannek

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I think kids who like soccer will really get into this book, and it had some very well-written parts. However the adults were portrayed strangely to me. Maybe it's just how Diego and his friends see them, but with the exception of Diego's mom, they seemed one-dimensional and somewhat impulsive. The book is written as if Diego is just talking, which can be charming, but something seemed lacking.
Overall I think this is a good first chapter book for a seven or eight year old soccer fan, but I wasn't floored by it.



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The Fences Between Us: The Diary of Piper Davis, Seattle, Washington, 1941 (Dear America)The Fences Between Us: The Diary of Piper Davis, Seattle, Washington, 1941

The Fences Between Us: The Diary of Piper Davis, Seattle, Washington, 1941 by Kirby Larson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I think a big difference in the success of a children's book is how likable the main character is. Piper Davis is very likable. She is compassionate, generous, and charming. I also appreciate kid's books that are willing to tell the truth about tricky subjects, such as propaganda.
Piper is realistic. She doesn't go crusading for her friend Betty, but does gradually grow more sure of her opinions.



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The Stairway to Heaven

The Stairway to Heaven by Therese Zrihen-Dvir

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book is an interesting philosophical treatise based on a true story involving a terrorist attack in Israel. This book shows how terrorism effects all members of a society, and the various attitudes that arise therefrom. I feel much more understanding of the culture of Israel as well.



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My Name Is Not Alexander

My Name Is Not Alexander by Jennifer Fosberry

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book is delightful. The illustrations are very detailed, yet they sort of look as if they have been drawn with crayons. The story is educational, but also fun as it will encourage kids to use their imagination, whether about real people or not. There is a section in the back describing the feats of all the people Alexander pretends to be, including Daddy. This is done very well, straightforward and not "dumbed down". This book also ends with Alexander just being Alexander. I think this is great as kids should know that they are awesome just by themselves.



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