Better Off Friends

Better Off Friends
Elizabeth Eulberg

My rating: ★★★

ISBN: 9780545551458
Publisher: Point
Date of publication: February 25, 2014
Age: Grades 7 - 11
Genre: Romance

Themes: best friends, family, popularity, relationships

Macallan and Levi really are best of friends--they hang out after school, their families are really close, and they share a ton of inside jokes. They date other people and still banter as buddies. But as they progress into their high school years, can the really remain such? People assume they're together, they have trouble paying attention to their dates, and maybe...maybe Levi is developing some feelings. Could he convince Macallan that she should give it a shot? Or will it cost them their friendship?

Cute and clean and funny. Everything a good romance needs, right? It didn't really stand out in any one way or another. I did feel like the ending kept on dragging ("oh my gosh, really, they're still avoiding it") but I also didn't want to put it down. Also, it definitely sends the message that guys and girls can't really be best friends without it developing into something. Which I think is a little silly, but that's personal bias. In the end: yeah, it's good. Read it if you want.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

The 10 Best Gifts for Die-Hard Readers

We've already determined the traits of a Die-Hard Reader, and so I've created a list of gifts that should be given to such a person. Inspired by Buzzfeed's list, I've found 10 awesome bookish items that is sure to win over any book lover.

Brown Girl Dreaming

Brown Girl Dreaming
Jacqueline Woodson

My rating: ★★★★★

ISBN: 9780399252518
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen
Date of publication: August 28, 2014
Age: Grades 5 and up
Genre: Poetry, Nonfiction

Themes: race, home, identity, memoir

Growing up in both South Carolina and New York as an African American in the 1960s, Jacqueline Woodson had a unique experience as a child. This memoir delivers her evolving perspective of her two homes as she became aware of segregation and bigotry, as well as the growing Civil Rights Movement. But also, it is a journey of self-discovery; she learns to express herself through the telling of stories, and through writing, as she faces challenges and heartbreak. This expression, of course, is the reason she is giving this memoir.

I don't even know why I'm reviewing this, when it is so clear everyone has the same review: this book is BEAUTIFUL. It is deeply personal, yet eloquent. The poetry is succinct, yet paints a vivid picture of each scene. If I could write, I wish it was like this. Woodson is able to communicate her memories in a way that appeals to both kids and adults: it's clear, emotional, and deeply moving. It incorporates national history with personal history in a fascinating way. I love it. I love this book and I want everyone to read it.

On a completely biased standpoint, this era of American history is what I studied in college, so anything about that time is always a favorite of mine. But this...even more so. This is a perfect combination of my love of history and middle-grade books. So it's a winner in my mind.

But on a totally non-biased standpoint, it very well may be the next Newbery. Complex poetry, historical insight, a personal memoir...this book will last through history. This is what our grandkids will be reading in school. I truly think so. Now go. Go and read it. And step into the shoes of an African American girl in the era of change.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Storytime: Friends

This storytime was for a preschool-aged group at my library.