The Trouble with May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm

This book is Young Adult Fiction but I am not sure if it is Historical Fiction or not. Some of the stories and things that happen in the book are from Jennifer Holm’s great grandfather. There is a little bit of history in it but, mostly it is a great spellbinding story.

This is the sequel to “Our Only May Amelia.” This book doesn’t lose any of the flow of the previous book. Just like “Our Only May Amelia” the author doesn’t distinguish conversation from any other part of the book. There are no quotes. It makes one really have to think about if it is conversation or just one of May Amelia’s thoughts but, I think it is one of the things that makes this book unique.

This book has the same wonderful characters as the last book, plus a few more. It is a book that still infuriates a bit when things unjustly happen to May Amelia. Yet, the book has warmth and love too. It’s all about living in a family where things don’t always go as expected. It’s where injustices happen. It’s where love abounds. I was impressed with this book and liked it every bit as much as the first one.

Hoarders, the by Jean Stringam

Amazing kids...just AMAZING!!!

This is a book about two boys, Cheyenne and Joaquin Walker.  Joaquin sounds like Walking when you say it and so his name is Walking Walker.  I thought that was a pretty fun name.  There's a lot about this book that I really, really liked.  These two boys are very worried that they will not have any food in the future.  So they start saving food in their backpacks and hiding the backpacks.  One week their mom will shop and the next week there will be no food in the house.  Their Aunt Amy helps them with advice and feeding them when she is around but that isn't nearly enough.  The book has twists and turns that I just loved.  It ends in a place that I did not foresee.  I love it when a book can surprise me like that.

One of my favorite things is about two characters in the book that were twins.  Their family called them all sorts of things like: Ketchup & Mustard, Salt & Pepper, Ham & Cheese, Stars & Stripes, Bread & Butter etc.  Each time they were referred to they had a different name.  I liked that and wondered what they would be called next.  That just made the story so fun.

I would highly recommend this quick, fun, well written book.  It is an amazing book!

If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period by Gennifer Choldenko

I like the way this book is written. There are two characters’ views: Kirsten and Walk. The chapters go back and forth in that person’s point of view. Kirsten and Walk go to the same school. Walk is black and Kirsten is white. Kirsten has a friend named Rory that is acting a bit different this year and she struggles with her weight. Her parents are fighting a lot, too. Walk got a scholarship to the school and works really hard to do his best. His mom has high expectations of him. This story follows them as they meet and learn about life. This is a story that tugs the heart. It surprising some of the turns it makes. I highly recommend this book.

Notes From a Liar and Her Dog by Gennifer Choldenko

This book is great. I think it has a little attitude that kids will relate to. I like it especially because as I kept reading I started understanding why the girl had an attitude and why she lied. This book has a definite lesson that hits to the very soul and teaches excellent values. I like Ant (short for Antonia) MacPherson and her little dog named Pistachio. I like what Ant learns about herself and about the adults around her. I think the adults around her even learn a thing or two.

Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko

I liked this book every bit as much as the first. At the conclusion of last book, Moose finds a note from Al Capone saying "Done." Moose knows what that means. Al Capone helped Moose get his sister into a special school.

In this book, another note is found and it is clear that it is Moose's turn to pay back Al Capone.

There is a little bit of romance going on in this book as well as adventure and nail biting suspense.

I really enjoyed the Author's notes at the end too. Some of the real stories there are worth the read by themselves. Alcatraz is an intriguing place and I thoroughly enjoyed this fun adventure.

Unlike the first book, there are not the uncomfortable, blushing moments. I like that A LOT!

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

Okay, if I were to only read inside the cover I would have never read this book. She talks of private parts right off. I think this inside cover is to attract those who may be a reluctant reader. The book doesn't have a lot more parts like that, but there is a naked scene, that made me uncomfortable. But, that was a reality to be aware of.

That being said, I loved this book. It deserves the Newbery Honor Award. It is intriguing to learn about Alcatraz and Al Capone, the prisoner. I enjoyed the author's notes at the end. Whether I realized it or not, I learned things about this famous prison.

I was also really interested in Moose's sister's problems. She covers Autism beautifully and with compassion. It helped me feel grateful that those with Autism seem more understood now-a-days. There is still room for improvement in today's world though.

I was able to listen as the author talked to a bunch of teachers and librarians and I was impressed to learn that her sister had the same type of problems. She talks with understanding and a knowledge of being there. I found the theme that we love those with Autism and they do much better to be beautiful.

It is a wonderful book and I couldn't put it down. I love the characters. I'd recommend this any day.