January Book Report #1
The Wednesday Wars: Gary D.Schmidt – A humorous book that follows Holling Hoodhood, seventh grader and future architect/owner of Hoodhood and Associates, as he passes Wednesday afternoons with his teacher, Mrs. Baker, because he is the only Presbyterian student. The rest of the class is attending religious services, either Jewish or Christian, and so Holling gets off on the wrong foot with Mrs. Baker from day one. But through their interactions, revolving around manual labor at first, then Shakespeare, and finally baseball, Holling and Mrs. Baker come to know and understand each other better.
The book is funny, especially at the outset, but the tone is often inconsistent. Sometimes it was a very believable seventh grader and sometimes it was clearly the author speaking. It also lacked general direction. It really is a character study, one year in the life of a seventh grader during the 1967–68 school year.
Ages 12-14
I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More: Karen Beaumont – This is an adorable book about a little boy who just loves to paint. So much so that when his mother forbids it, takes his paints away and stores them high in a closet, he manages to get them down. He continues to paint every inch of his body, working his way from top till bottom, promising ‘I ain’t gonna paint no more’ each step of the way. Until finally, he runs out of paint! The kids loved this one. Very colorful and the boy has such adorable expressions.
Engelbert Sneem and his Dream Vacuum Machine: Mr. Daniel Postgate – Discovered by the 2nd Gen Librarian, this book reminded me of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas… except it’s a hook-nosed man who steals dreams and rides away by aid of dragon. Great for 2nd / 3rd graders.
Clementine and The Talented Clementine: Sara Pennypacker - I adore Clementine: her point of view, her curiosity, but above all her empathy. This is what sets her apart (and in my opinion, above) characters like Junie B. Jones. I am so glad I happened by these books. They brightened my week.
