- Michael Ames
- Jun 28, 2019
Walter Lavender Jr. has a talent for finding lost things. However, he can’t seem to find his own most important lost thing--his father. When a precious possession goes missing from their family dessert shop, sucking away the magic and the customers, Walter knows his skills are necessary to save the business. He sets out with his dog Milton in an uncharacteristically brave mission to find the missing Book.
Along the way, Walter finds many things. He finds new places, new people, and new insights about himself. Also, Walter find friends. This beautifully written tale is full of whimsy and discovery. Walter is an endearing character and his journey keeps readers cheering along the way. Written for a young adult audience, this story will appeal to readers who love poetic description and a hint of mystery and magic. It might be a fun family read aloud or a good road trip audiobook.
Recommended ages--10 and up
- Michael Ames
- Jun 28, 2019
Once again, Jeff Zentner creates quirky, teen characters who are witty and delightful. The romance stays clean and appropriate. The story is comical, but also profound. And who can pass up a book with such a marvelous title? Zentner made this book more of a comedy than his others. Some of the scenes are wacky, but they fit perfectly with the characters’ personalities.
Josie and Delia host a local TV show called Midnite Matinee where they review awful, low-budget horror films. It’s crazy, but they have a following. People even send letters. However, senior year is coming to an end and Josie has a great opportunity in another city. Delia wants to hold onto the show and to Josie, because ever since her father left, Delia struggles with feeling abandoned. Their struggles make a powerful story about friendship, growing up, moving on, and finding your own future.
Recommended ages--13 and up
- Michael Ames
- May 13, 2019
For as long as she can remember, Spensa has wanted to be a starfighter pilot. She has oriented her entire life to succeed in Flight School. However, when the time finally comes, Spensa meets more obstacles than she ever expected. After her father is branded a coward for leaving formation during the famous Battle of Alta, Spensa is marked guilty by association. Can she overcome the false assumptions and show her true strength while protecting the people and civilization she loves?
As usual, Sanderson does an excellent job with character development and world building. I’m not a big science fiction fan, but I quite enjoyed Skyward and look forward to the next book in the series. This is a great book for readers who love action and adventure as well as for readers who enjoy character interaction. It is an added bonus for readers who love all things space, spaceships, and galactic battles. Clean and appropriate for tween readers, but intriguing enough for older audiences as well.
Recommended ages--12 and up