Hereville

Graphic novel + Jewish girl + troll + witch+ meteorite = this book

I am reading ahead for my Young Adult (YA) lit class this semester. Graphic novels are  an important format in this area, so I have several  ahead of me. This one was a surprise.

Mirka is a Jewish girl with a stepmother. No, it's not like Cinderella at all. This is actually the second novel of this series. Mirka is plagued by a  meteorite that was changed into a doppelganger by a witch. It is fantasy in the modern time. While Mirka struggles with this new "her" that is taking over her life, she keeps it a secret from her stepmother and father. With help from her sisters and a friend, she is able to overcome a really hard situation. The story is peppered with Yiddish terms that are explained at the bottom of the page for those who don't know what they mean. The illustrations are very "Avatar the Last Air Bender" in style. Mirka's Judaism is central to her character and her actions. The importance of faith practices, family, and reverence is clearly illustrated in a respectful manner. It is a great point of view that is underrepresented in children's literature.

This quick read for an adult would be a nice little sit down read for any young reader. It is perfectly appropriate for readers of any age who understand the importance of honesty and being yourself. If I'm being stereotypical, girls will most likely gravitate to the emotion of being replaced. and boys will enjoy the fighting and sarcasm.

Overall, it's a fun story with memorable characters.

Just for the Grown Ups

I have read some grown up books, too. To squash an ugly rumor (started by me): I don't JUST read kid stuff. Here is what I've read in the last few weeks that is intended for the more mature reader.

This is my favorite of this set. Told from the dog's point of view, the reader gets a story of love, redemption, and some really good advice. Maybe it hit home because Enzo (the dog) is older with hip problems and my dog is as well. Maybe I just liked the idea that dogs, if they had the right mouth set up, could talk. Whatever the reason, this is a good read that had me cheering for the underdog!

The biography of a smart, funny woman. I don't have to agree with her to appreciate the interesting pieces of her life that she shares. Written in chapters that could stand alone, this is a quick read that had me laughing out loud while people walked by shaking their heads at me, the crazy woman with a Nook out in a waterpark. And yes, she is that funny.

Eh, this one was a waste of time for me. I kept reading because somewhere deep down I am an optimist who hoped it would get better. It was a sale item, so I don't feel cheated. Skip it unless you want to read a disjointed story with a  questionable timeline about a selfish girl-woman who refuses to look outside of herself.  Not many redeeming moments here. Oh, it's about grief, and getting fat because you feel guilty, and poorly run summer camps.

Pure fun in the style of Stephanie Plum and Janet E's other quirky characters. Mix a tough FBI agent with a handsome, charming con man. Add some completely unbelievable plot lines with witty conversation. It's a fun summer read. Perfect for poolside and after the kids go to bed.

Some books for middle readers and beyond

I am slowly wading through my TBR (To Be Read) pile and have hit a string of YA books. They are as different from each other as can be.

A Tale Dark & Grimm is a modern fairy tale in the old Grimm Brothers style, meaning it is harsh and gross and the princesses are not the stars. It is a telling of Hansel and Gretel with an interesting twist. This is a winner for readers who love some guts, gore, and blood. Lots of blood. The story is pretty good once you wade through the gross factor. The narrator is interactive with the reader, giving advice and his/her opinion along the way. Young readers will need some vocabulary support but middle grade readers will have no trouble.

This is another middle grade, reluctant boy reader book. There is mystery and doodles, family, friends, and lessons learned. My Life as a Book is the start of a series with engaging characters and strong family connections. Honestly, I skipped the middle chapters and picked it up at the end and don't feel like I missed much. I have, but haven't read the next book, My Life as a Skateboard. If anyone wants it, let me know!

I almost put this one down, and I'm glad I didn't. Precious Bones is a historical fiction set in post WW2 Florida. It is a murder mystery with a good twist. The beginning was slow for me. I literally got bogged down in the swamp of description and slow-no action. Just as I was about ready to chunk it into the "ain't nobody got time for that" pile, I decided to go one more chapter. I am glad I finished it, but think this is not a good young or middle reader book unless a reader finds it interesting. The deep themes of family and friendship, effects of war, poverty, and trust will fly right over anyone but a mature reader. While the main characters are preteens, it doesn't strike me as one most preteens would enjoy.