Book Review: 'Tree of Cranes' by Allen Say

✰✰✰✰✰ Faraway in Japan, a little boy breaks the rules. He knows he will be in trouble. When he returns home, he expects his mother to be waiting for him. Instead she ignores him. Is she really so angry she won't even talk to him? After a hot bath and a hot lunch, the little boy is sent to bed. Confused and hurt, he worries about his mother who seems so distant. Why is she acting so strangely?

Soon his mom returns with silver paper cranes, a little tree, and candles. Today is a very special day in the land where his mother grew up. It is Christmas. In the soft glow of candlelight, the little boy shares this special day of peace and love with his mother as she remembers her faraway home.

The Bottom Line: This sentimental tale celebrates the merging of two cultures. Say's gentle words combined with beautiful, soft watercolors highlights a time of peace, love, and hope as a mother shares a treasured tradition with her child. Highly recommended holiday reading for kids ages 4 - 8.

Details: Tree of Cranes written & illustrated by Allen Say. Hardcover picture book published by Houghton Mifflin Company in 1991. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-395-52024-6 

Book Review: 'Runaway Dreidel!' by Lesléa Newman

✰✰✰✰½ When a little boy plays with his shiny new dreidel on Chanukah, something magical happens. It keeps spinning and there’s no stopping it. It spins across the floor, along the hall, and out the door. The little boy and his family and friends join in the chase, but the dreidel is simply too fast. Where is it going? Will it ever stop? Check out this holiday tale and join in the fun.

The Bottom Line: Children of all ages will love this rhyming, holiday tale. Told in the style of The Night Before Christmas, this easy to read picture book is sure to be a seasonal classic. Illustrated in mixed media of oil paint and cut paper, the illustrations are comical and engaging. Highly recommended holiday reading with your little one.

Details: Runaway Dreidel! Written by Lesléa Newman & illustrated by Kyrsten Brooker. Hardcover picture book published by Henry Holt and Company in 2002. Unpaged. ISBN: 0-8050-6237-8 

Book Review: 'Over the River and Through the Wood' by L. Maria Child

✰✰✰✰ A family sets off for Grandfather's house for a holiday feast. Along the way they encounter crisp air and drifted snow as they travel over the river and through the wood. The dogs bark, and the bells ring. The journey seems slow as the children can't wait, but they arrive just in time for the Thanksgiving feast and pumpkin pie.

The Bottom Line: This beautifully illustrated edition features  nostalgic watercolor, gouache, and pencil paintings. It contains the full-length version of the beloved poem and an interesting note about the author. Enthusiastically recommended for holiday reading.

Details: Over the River and Through the Wood: The New England Boy's Song About Thanksgiving Day written by L. Maria Child & illustrated by Matt Tavares. Hardcover picture book published by Candlewick Press in 2011. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-7636-2790-4  

Book Review: 'Triangle: The Fire That Changed America' by David von Drehle

✰✰✰✰½ Travel back in time to a fine spring day in 1911. It was a Saturday, the end of the work week, and payday. The workers of the Triangle Waist Company were eager to collect their pay and head out with their friends. As workers waited by the only open exit, a fire broke out on the eighth floor. Within minutes the top three stories of the building were consumed by flame. Employees had just minutes, sometimes seconds, to make a decision. Choices were limited and the wrong choice was fatal. 

When the blaze was finally extinguished, 146 workers were dead. The city of New York began to ask, "Who was to blame?" What followed was a courtroom spectacle. Eventually, from the ashes of death, new reforms rose. This is a riveting look at a forgotten piece of history.

The Bottom Line: This compelling read reconstructs the worst workplace disaster in New York City until the events of 9/11. Once you pick this up, you won't be able to put it down. Highly recommended for history buffs, college students, architects, and politicians. Note: Sensitive readers may want to skip over the graphic descriptions of the fire and the victims.

Book Club Notes: Our group met for a fast-paced and emotional discussion. At 4.75 stars on a scale from 1 - 5, this was one of the better reads for this year. We enjoyed the writing style. The author seamlessly wove together topics of immigration, history, suffrage, unions, workplace safety, and politics. One member noted that there was something for everyone in this book. Another liked the informative, engaging style; it reminded her a "Dickens-like" era. The book also gave the reader a sense of the culture of the era. Plus, it was interesting to note how history seems to repeat itself again and again.

This discussion was supplemented with information from Cornell University, short video from the History channel, and questions from Reading Group Guides and an AP U.S. History Class.

Details: Triangle: The Fire That Changed America by David von Drehle. Paperback published by Grove Press in 2004, reprint edition. 352 p. ISBN: 978-0-8021-4151-4

Book Review: 'Friday Night Lights' by H. G. Bissinger

✰✰✰✰½ It’s Friday night in the late ’80s, and the town of Odessa, Texas is deserted. Where has everyone gone? Chances are they went to the Permian High School football game. Follow the 1988 Permian Panthers as they face the ups and downs of a tough season including injuries, losses, and controversy.

With a steep tradition of winning, the young men on the team face incredible pressure to be perfect and deliver what everyone wants – another state championship. In an odd twist straight out of a movie, it could all end in a three-way coin toss. In a town that is larger than life, these young men will face the biggest challenge of theirs. Win or lose, this is the stuff of dreams and memories.

The Bottom Line: Sports fans will want to check out this pager-turner that inspired the movie and the TV series. With a main focus on sports, this book also takes a look at education, American culture, local history, economics, and politics. The updated version is just as riveting as it was when it was first published and features a look at where the young men are twenty-five years later. Still relevant today, “Friday Night Lights” will keep you on the edge of your seat as you read (or reread) this classic sports story. Highly recommended for sports fans, educators, parents, students, and history buffs.

Book Club Notes: Although this group had a small turnout, the discussion about race, sports, and education was very animated. The book emphasized the importance of athletics over education time and again. There was also more concern about economic issues in the book than in the movie. Both the book and the movie feature racial tension with the book using strong language.  

Additionally, we spent some time discussing the obvious differences between the movie and the book. For example, McDougal isn’t even featured in the film, and the portrayal of Winchell’s mother in the move is not accurate.

Overall, we rated the book 4.5 on a scale from 1 – 5. We liked the journalistic writing style, and highly recommend both the book and the movie. Book clubs can find a Reading Group Guide here. Also, to supplement the discussion, here are more current articles of what the players are up to now: Article 1 and Article 2.

Details: Friday Night Lights: A Town, a team, and a dream by H. G. Bissinger. 25th Anniversary edition paperback published by Da Capo Press in 2015. 413 p. ISBN: 978-0-306-82420-3 

Book Review: 'Night of the Pumpkinheads' by Michael J. Rosen

✰✰✰✰✰ The pumpkinheads are tired of sitting on porches while kids dressed up in Halloween costumes have all the fun year after year. They just aren't going to take it any more. So this year the pumpkinheads set out to transform themselves into scary creatures to frighten the children instead. With a swarm of bees, giant dinosaurs, gargantuan spiders, and slime, the pumpkinheads are sure to be a scary hit. Or will they? It seems the pumpkinheads are in for a big surprise.

The Bottom Line: Master carver Hugh McMahon lends his talents to his first children's book. The result is a visual treat. You'll never see pumpkins the same way once you've read this book. Highly recommended for kids in grade school. Also, enthusiastically recommended for crafters looking for new ideas and inspiration. It includes instructions for carving a pumpkin and a recipe for roasted pumpkin seeds too. Yum!

Details: Night of the Pumpkinheads written by Michael J. Rosen with pumpkin carvings by Hugh McMahon. Hardcover picture book published by Dial Books for Young Readers in 2011. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-8037-3452-4

Book Review: 'The Turnkey of Highgate Cemetery' by Allison Rushby

✰✰✰✰ Twelve-year-old Flossie Birdwhistle may have thought death meant peaceful rest, but she was wrong. She has a job in the afterlife, a very important job. As turnkey of London's Highgate Cemetery, she cares for all the souls buried there making sure they are content and at rest. Unfortunately, this is especially difficult during World War II.

When Flossie happens to spot the ghost of a German soldier, she has a feeling it is up to no good. It's only a matter of time before she uncovers a plot that could jeopardize both her cemetery and all of England. Flossie and her ghost friends must find a way to save both and set things right before it is too late.

The Bottom Line: This Gothic mystery for middle grade readers is a delight to read. Filled with relatable characters, a bit of history, and a dash of the supernatural, this quick read takes the reader on many twists and turns. Highly recommended for middle grade and YA readers looking for a slightly dark, but engaging mystery. I hope there are more books to follow.

Details: The Turnkey of Highgate Cemetery by Allison Rushby. Hardcover published by Candlewick Press in 2018. 256 p. ISBN: 978-0-7636-9685-6 NOTE:  I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'The Runaway Pumpkin' by Kevin Lewis

✰✰✰✰✰ Join the rollicking fun as a giant pumpkin is set loose and wreaks havoc on a family farm. As it makes its getaway, the pumpkin bumps along ‘round and ‘round. What will they do? Lucky for everyone, Poppa knows the answer to their problem.

The Bottom Line: This humorous, rhyming story is perfect for reading aloud. Kids ages PreK – Grade 1 will want to join in the fun. The comical, colorful illustrations make this a great pick for story time. Highly recommended for libraries and schools.

Details: The Runaway Pumpkin written by Kevin Lewis & illustrated by S.D. Schindler. Hardcover picture book published by Orchard Books in 2003. 32 p. ISBN: 0-439-43974-4 

Book Review: 'The Magic Pumpkin' by Bill Martin Jr.

✰✰✰½  The perfect pumpkin is chosen to be a guard on Halloween night. It is given eyes, a nose, and a grinning mouth, and it came to life with candlelight. It seems the jack-o'-lantern was up to no good though. So just like that, the magic disappeared in a puff of smoke.

The Bottom Line: Lee’s whimsical illustrations bring this seasonal story to life. Read this tale of mischief and magic with little ones ages 4 – 6.

Details: The Magic Pumpkin written by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault & illustrated by Robert J. Lee. Hardcover picture book published by Henry Holt & Company in 1989. 32 p. ISBN: 0-8050-1134-X 

Book Review: 'The Dark Missions of Edgar Brim' by Shane Peacock

✰✰✰½  Edgar Brim is an orphan who has suffered from night terrors for as long as he can remember. Things only get worse when his guardian sends him to a school for boys on The Highlands of Scotland. Life at school is miserable for Edgar until a new student arrives. Tiger is everything Edgar isn't. Tiger is brave and athletic. The two soon become fast friends, but as graduation nears, tragedy strikes and secrets are revealed. With guidance from a trusted teacher, Edgar and his friends set off on a dark, supernatural mission that leads them to the Royal Lyceum Theatre in London. Here Edgar will have to confront the very terrors that have haunted him his entire life. And just when Edgar and his friends think they are in the clear, a surprise twist sets the stage for the second installment of the trilogy. 

The Bottom Line: From the author of the Boy Sherlock Holmes series comes a new Gothic trilogy for teens. Readers will identify with the characters as they struggle to face both their fears and awkward social angst. Although parts of the book drag at times, there are plenty of thrills, mystery, and creepy moments to keep you turning the pages. The book also highlights themes of teamwork and friendship. Recommended for teens and adults who enjoy Gothic literature, horror, and the supernatural. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.

Details: The Dark Missions of Edgar Brim by Shane Peacock. Paperback edition published by Penguin Teen in 2018. 368 p. ISBN: 978-0-7352-6311-6 NOTE:  I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'The Strange and Deadly Portraits of Bryony Gray' by E. Latimer

✰✰✰½ Bryony Gray is not your average thirteen-year-old girl. She is a gifted artist. With no parents around, her aunt and uncle take full advantage of her gift by locking her up in the attic and forcing her paint. When clients begin to go missing, rumors about Bryony begin to swirl. It seems that everyone knows about Bryony's family, but Bryony herself. As she struggles to break free from the tight grip of her aunt and uncle, something mysterious happens. Bryony's portraits take on a life of their own and terrorize the city of London. With the help of the brother and sister duo from next door, Bryony tries to reign in her paintings before time runs out. Will Bryony and her friends be successful? Only time will tell.

The Bottom Line: This historical adventure is a fast-paced read. There are lots of challenges that the main character and her friends must tackle together. Like most teens, Bryony just wants to be fit in and have friends, but sometimes just being ordinary is a challenge in itself. Kids will relate to the awkwardness of just trying to be yourself. Recommended for both young adults and adults who enjoy a little bit of horror or paranormal in their historical mysteries.

Details: The Strange and Deadly Portraits of Bryony Gray by E. Latimer. Hardcover published by Tundra Books in 2018. 336 p. ISBN: 978-1-101-91928-6 NOTE:  I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'Boo, Bunny!' by Kathryn O. Galbraith

✰✰✰✰½ One shy bunny sets out on a dark Halloween night. The noises all around are frightening. Just when the timid bunny is about to run away, a new friend is made. Together, paw in paw, they bravely knock on a door and shout, "Trick or Treat!" Will they receive a trick or a treat? Pick up a copy of this festive Halloween book to find out.     

The Bottom Line: This sweet tale of friendship overcoming shyness is perfect for tots who are a bit afraid to go trick-or-treating. The simple, large text with rhyming words is easy to read for beginning readers. Mack's colorful acrylic illustrations are expressive, sweet, and just a tiny bit spooky. This is the perfect pick for story time or to read alone with your child. Highly recommended for kids ages 3 - 6.

Details: Boo, Bunny! written by Kathryn O. Galbraith & illustrated by Jeff Mack. Hardcover picture book published by Harcourt, Inc. in 2008. 40 p. ISBN: 978-0-15-216246-7

Book Review: 'The Day the World Came to Town' by Jim DeFede

✰✰✰✰✰ When U.S. airspace was closed due to the events of September 11, 2001, pilots were diverted elsewhere. Thirty-eight jetliners were forced to land in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland Canada. Many of the passengers had no idea where they were.

Gander had seen better days, but the community rallied together, and the townspeople didn’t hesitate to help. Gander responded with everything they had: food, towels, clothes, rides, and hugs. Many even welcomed the displaced passengers into their own homes to take showers or just have some quiet time. This is the extraordinary true story of the generosity of complete strangers and the lasting friendships they forged during a trying time in American history.

The Bottom Line: This quick, inspirational read highlights a lesser known story of the events of 9/11. The lengths Gander and surrounding communities went to in order to make the displaced passengers feel welcome is both memorable and heartwarming. This tale of the kindness of strangers is proof that there is still good in the world. Highly recommended for readers of history and nonfiction.

Book Club Notes: This was by far our most highly rated book of the year. Book Club members gave it an average of 4.75 stars. We appreciated that the book was written in small sections. Through the book, we were allowed to see a different side of humanity. The actions of the people in Newfoundland were filled with compassion and caring. This book is enlightening and inspirational. All too often we hear about all the bad in the world; however, this book highlights what is good. Highly recommended for book clubs. Also, highly recommended for high schools and colleges. 

Since I could not find a reading guide or list of book club discussion questions, I created the following sets of questions: 

The Day of the Attack: 

• Do you remember where you were when you first heard about the terrorist acts on 9/11? What were your initial reactions? How did these reactions change as the day want on? How was it different for us living in the Midwest compared to people living closer to the attacks?
•  Were you watching TV that day? What role did the media play in the way viewers reacted to the attacks? At the time, what were some of the images that made an impression on you?
•  When Mineta ordered the planes down, “…the US was effectively passing the potential threat posed by these planes onto” Canada…Despite the risk, Canada didn’t hesitate. 6 Discuss. Do you think this was fair?
• On P. 19, DeFede talks about Captain Knoth. As he waited for instruction, he wondered about the people on his plane. How would you have felt as a pilot or flight attendant? What would you have told your passengers? How would you have felt as a passenger?
• On p. 61, DeFede writes about one of the passengers studying her fellow passengers and wondering: What does a terrorist look like? She didn’t know. Think about the word “terrorist” for a moment. What images/stereotypes come to mind? Where do these stereotypes come from? How do we break down these stereotypes? 

Gander: 

• Has anyone visited Gander?
• Discuss the culture of Gander. How does it differ from yours? Is anyone from a small town?
• Discuss the importance of Gander in getting the planes down quickly & safely.
• Are there any stories that stood out? Please share specific quotes or passages.
• Some passengers craved news, others wanted to avoid it. Discuss.
• Would you invite strangers into your home? Why or why not?
• Discuss the Screeching-In ceremony in Chapter 17. Does your family or hometown have special celebrations? If so, tell us about them.
• After all the passengers left, the people of Gander turned down a party. Why? How do you think the people of Gander felt after everything was over? Discuss the Newfie way. (Chap. 19) 

Returning Home: 

• Everyone has a different way of coping with stress. When it came time to get back on the planes, “…there was genuine fear among the flight crews,…” 173 Consider the events of 9/11 & imagine having to get back on a plane. How would you have felt? How would you have handled it?
• In Chapter 15 when the Lopers discover that their flight is not going back to the U.S. as planned, but returning to Germany, they decide to drive. They had to figure out their own way home. What would you have done?
• The chairman of Hugo Boss, Baldessarini could have gone home on a private jet. Instead he returned with his fellow passengers. He said,”… flying home while the others were left behind would have been an act of betrayal of everything that had happened over the last 72 hours. He would go when the others went…He was in this until the end.” 194 Discuss his reasoning. What would you have done?
• Do you feel differently after these events when you fly? Do you still fly? Do you feel safe? 

The Legacy of 9/11: 

• Discuss some of the other stories from 9/11.
• How did life in America change after 9/11? Who was most affected by these changes?
• Did the story make you question any of your own beliefs?
• How did the events of September 11 bring out both the “worst” & the “best” in people?
• Have the events of 9/11 changed your daily lives in a positive way? In a negative way?
• What is the legacy of 9/11? What does it mean to live in a post-9/11 world?
• Would you change any of the policies or laws that have been put in place since 9/11? 

About the author & the book: 

• Why did the author open the book the way he did? (the adoption story) 
• Is the author’s background reflected in the book? Discuss the writing style. This was the author’s first book. Was the writing accessible to readers at large? 
• What is original about this book? How is it different from other books? 
• What was the author’s attitude towards his subject. How do you think the author was changed by the experience of writing the book. 
• What did you think about the title of the book? Why was it titled that way? Can you think of an alternative title? 
• What’s the overall message the author is trying to convey? 

Wrap-up: 

• For the person who chose the book, why did you select it? 
• Did you know anything about this event prior to reading this book? 
• What preconceived notions did you have about 9/11 before reading this book? Did these change after reading the book? 
• Did you learn something new? If so, what was it? If not, how did the author fail? 
• Did you learn anything new about yourself as you read the book? Please share. 
• Do the issues raised in this book affect your life now? In the future? How so? 
• Did this book broaden your perspective of the world? In what way? 
• Has reading this book changed your opinion of person or events? 
• FYI – There is a Broadway musical called “Come From Away.” Do you think it would make a good movie? Who would you pick to direct & star in it? 
• Rate the book from 1 – 5. What are the book’s strengths and weaknesses? Would you recommend this book to readers who don’t read nonfiction? Why? 

[NOTE: These questions are for personal use in book clubs. Please credit this site. Thank you!]

Details: The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander Newfoundland by Jim DeFede. Paperback published by William Morrow in 2002. 244 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-055971-7