Books I've Read in 2020: 91-95

623 words

5 minute read

 91.

Genre: Children's Fiction

Disability Representation: No.

Rating: 4/4 (LOVED it!)

Excerpt of GoodReads Summary:  Meet the World’s Funniest Kindergartner—Junie B. Jones! There’s going to be a pet day at school, only guess what? No dogs allowed! And that’s the only kind of pet Junie B. has! If Mother and Daddy won’t buy her a new pet, Junie B. will just have to find one on her own. Like maybe a jar of ants. Or a wiggly worm. Or—could it be—something even better?

What I Thought:   I was all about Junie B. and her quest to find the right pet to bring for pet day, but especially her distaste for Noodle the earthworm and telling the fish Grandma Miller caught that it was a "chubby guy!"  As always, I love her penchant for creative solutions and it makes me happy to see her supported and loved in what she wants to do.

***

92.

Genre: Fantasy

Disability Representation: No.

Rating: 1/4 (It was OK)

Excerpt of GoodReads Summary: Harry Potter is midway through his training as a wizard and his coming of age. Harry wants to get away from the pernicious Dursleys and go to the International Quidditch Cup with Hermione, Ron, and the Weasleys. He wants to dream about Cho Chang, his crush (and maybe do more than dream). He wants to find out about the mysterious event that's supposed to take place at Hogwarts this year, an event involving two other rival schools of magic, and a competition that hasn't happened for hundreds of years. He wants to be a normal, fourteen-year-old wizard. But unfortunately for Harry Potter, he's not normal - even by wizarding standards.

What I Thought:   I enjoyed this one decidedly less this time (I think, having read the whole series now, I know what's coming...and that sucked any enjoyment regarding the current book right out of it for me.)

***

93.

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction

Disability Representation: Yes, but awful.

Rating: 0/4 (Never again.)

Excerpt of GoodReads Summary: Ellie’s a girl who tells it like it is. That surprises some people, who see a kid in a wheelchair and think she’s going to be all sunshine and cuddles. The thing is, Ellie has big dreams: She might be eating Stouffer’s for dinner, but one day she’s going to be a professional baker. If she’s not writing fan letters to her favorite celebrity chefs, she’s practicing recipes on her well-meaning, if overworked, mother.

What I Thought: Just read the thread. 

***

94.

Genre: Children's Fiction

Disability Representation: No.

Rating: 2/4 (Liked it.)

Excerpt of GoodReads Summary:  Meet the World’s Funniest Kindergartner—Junie B. Jones! Junie B.’s aunt Flo is getting married. What a perfect chance for her to show everyone how grown-up she is! Too bad she wasn’t picked to be the flower girl in the wedding so she could really show off. But surely Junie B. can still find some way to get everyone’s attention.

What I Thought:   Junie B. at the wedding was pretty cute.

***

95.

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction

Disability Representation: Yes.  CP, trauma, selective mutism

Rating: Not sure if it's fair of me to rate my own writing...maybe if some of you read it, you can give me and idea of how you'd rate it?

Summary:  Nine year old twins, Jesse and Lexie Martin, have just moved to a new neighborhood, and away from their cousins and grandparents.  Soon, it's clear, the move is the least of their worries.

What I Thought: Again...maybe those of you who read it can leave a rating / a comment by going to We Belong and leaving one (or a rating, if you'd rather in the comments section.)

***

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We Belong: Chapter 39

558 words

4 minute read

SURPRISE!

(Lexie)

It’s almost the end of the summer.  Jesse and I are making the most of it by spending as much time as we can playing outside.  Today, it’s raining, though.  So, today, we’re up to our elbows in flour, making Oatmeal Scotchies, which are oatmeal butterscotch chip cookies.

Dad’s helping, thank goodness, so I know they’re going to be good.

He’s in charge of the mixer, because it takes so much energy.  And Jesse and I add things in when Dad says the last things are mixed enough.

(The butterscotch chips smell amazing.  If you haven’t smelled them before, you should.)

Mom’s at work, and Seth is napping.

Well, Mom was at work.  

I hear a key turn in the lock.

“We’re in here, honey!” Dad bellows.  His usual volume is loud.  I hope Seth keeps sleeping.

Mom comes into the kitchen carrying a big box with a giant bow on top.

“Found this on the front steps,” she says, breathing hard.

“What is it?” Jesse asks, washing and drying his hands in a hurry.  I’m right behind him, trying to hurry, but it slows me down.  

No one rushes me.  It’s nice.

“I don’t know.  Come and see, when you’re done.  Take your time,” Mom urges.  

Finally, I make it over to Mom and the box, and Jesse.  

“Did it come with a note?” Dad asks, curious.

“It says, To: Lexie and Jesse Martin," Mom reads in wonder, smiling at us.

Jesse and I look at each other.  We can’t help smiling, too.  We love surprises.  (And smiling.)

Jesse and I both sit in chairs and Mom sets the box between us. We count to three and lift the lid off...and find a soft tan golden retriever puppy inside!

[Image: A golden retriever puppy]

“Ohhhh…” I squeak.

Mom lifts out the puppy and hands it to me to hold.  It licks me on the cheek.

“Is it a boy or a girl?” Jesse checks.

“She’s a girl,” Mom confirms.

I hold the squirming puppy out for Jesse. He gathers her up.  She kisses him, too.

“You’re just like a teddy bear,” Jesse says softly.

“That’s what I thought, too!” I say back, so happy I might burst.

“Teddy Bear Martin.  Sounds like a good name to me,” Dad says.

Teddy barks.

I look at Jesse.  He grins back at me.  I know we’re thinking the same thing:

Teddy will fit right in.

Jesse passes the puppy back to me, and I almost can’t keep hold of her.  She’s so soft and wiggly.  

I think I might be dreaming.  But I’m awake in my real life.  It’s even better than dreaming!

As Teddy licks me on the face, I cuddle her, and think about Jesse’s words to me, way back when we first moved to Maple Street.

“Terrible things happen to kids who move,” he’d said.

“Yeah, sometimes,” I say out loud.  Then, I think about baking cookies with Dad, about Emma coming into our lives...and about Teddy.  I smile to myself:  “But so do wonderful things.”

Return to the Table of Contents

Questions for Discussion:

Have you ever gotten a surprise that you loved, like Lexie and Jesse?  What was it?

Who was your favorite character in We Belong?  

What was your favorite part?

***

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We Belong: Chapter 38

449 words

4 minute read

NOT EMBARRASSED

(Lexie)

The next time all the cousins get together at Sophia’s cabin, I’m nervous.  Sophia wants everyone to go swimming.  Jesse and I aren’t in casts anymore, but we're not really comfortable in a swimsuits now, having so many scars.

Plus, I can’t swim.  Neither can Jesse.

Shane can.  Sophia can. Even Connor can.  Seth is still learning.

“Okay, everybody in the secret club, over here!” Sophia’s hollering.  She, Shane and Connor are in the lake.  Jesse and I are on the shore.  Far away from Sophia.  The way we like it.

I lock eyes with Jesse.  “Go.  I know you want to,” I say.

“No,” he says, quiet.  “I don’t want to.  I don’t want to be in a secret club that doesn’t accept both of us.”

I blink.  “Oh.  Are you sure?”

“Positive,” Jesse insists.

We talk to each other on the shore until Sophia splashes over.  “Hey!  Did you not hear me?  I said everybody in the secret club come over!”

I glance at Jesse.  Then speak up: “Jesse heard, he just doesn’t wanna go.  We don’t wanna be in a club like that.  One that doesn’t accept people for who they are.”

“Me neither,” Shane says, joining Jesse and me on the shore.

“Me neither,” Connor echoes, sitting beside us, too.

Sophia’s mouth drops open in a perfect O.  “Seth!” she demands.  “Be in my secret club!”

“No, thank you,” Seth says, playing with his toys.  “I’ll play with my nice family.”

Sophia gets all red in the face and stomps in the cabin.

It’s the biggest surprise ever when Emma joins all of us at the picnic table, and says, “Hi, guys!  What are you up to?”

“Where did you come from?” I blurt.

“I picked her up on my way,” Mom passes along.  (I remember Mom had to work later.  Jesse, Seth and I couldn’t wait and we went with Dad earlier.)

“It’s amazing that you’re here,” I tell Emma.

“Yeah,” Jesse agrees.

“You got crutches like my sister,” Seth says, beaming.

“I guess so,” Emma nods.

We compare.  And it’s the best feeling not to be the only one anymore.

I find a box turtle and Jesse rescues it up onto the table for us all to study.

[Image: A cute tiny turtle being held in someone's hand]

It’s a good day.

Because nobody’s embarrassed.

Because I can just be me.

Return to the Table of Contents

Question for Discussion:

Have you ever felt totally at ease like Lexie does at the end of this chapter?  Like you can just be yourself?  Where were you?  Who were you with?

***

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Books I've Read in 2020: 86-90

 566 words

4 minute read

86.

Genre: Children's > Picture Books

Disability Representation: No.

Rating: 4/4 (LOVED it!)

Excerpt of GoodReads Summary: There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it's how you look or talk, or where you're from; maybe it's what you eat, or something just as random. It's not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it.

What I Thought: WOW!  I loved this one.  If you get a chance you should definitely check it out.  (Available on Bookmarks on Netflix, if you can't get the book another way.)

***

87.

Genre: Children's > Picture Books

Disability Representation: No.

Rating: 2/4 (LOVED it!)

Excerpt of GoodReads Summary: Antiracist Baby introduces the youngest readers and the grown-ups in their lives to the concept and power of antiracism. Providing the language necessary to begin critical conversations at the earliest age, Antiracist Baby is the perfect gift for readers of all ages dedicated to forming a just society.

What I Thought: This was very different.  The messages were really good, though.

***

88.

Genre: Children's > Picture Books

Disability Representation: Yes (one wheelchair-user pictured.)

Rating: 3/4 (Really liked it!)

Excerpt of GoodReads Summary: On August 28, 1963, a remarkable event took place--more than 250,000 people gathered in our nation's capital to participate in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The march began at the Washington Monument and ended with a rally at the Lincoln Memorial, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic "I Have a Dream" speech, advocating racial harmony. Many words have been written about that day, but few so delicate and powerful as those presented here by award-winning author and illustrator Shane W. Evans. When combined with his simple yet compelling illustrations, the thrill of the day is brought to life for even the youngest reader to experience.

What I Thought: I really liked this book.  It was super effective and the art made it clear that it was historical.  

***

89.

Genre: Children's Fiction

Disability Representation: No.

Rating: 3/4 (Really liked it)

Excerpt of GoodReads Summary: What's the bestest job ever? A beauty shop guy, that's what! And Junie B. Jones is going to be one when she grows up. But first she needs a little practice. And a few volunteers. Like her bunny slippers. And her dog. And maybe even...herself? Is Junie B. on her way to a great new career? Or is she about to have the worst hair day ever?

What I Thought: I'm not gonna lie.  This one was super enjoyable.  I loved the focus on Junie B. herself and her problem-solving skills.  I loved how understanding Mrs. was.

***

90.

Genre: Nonfiction

Disability Representation: Yes (CP.)

Rating: 2/4 (Liked it)

Excerpt of GoodReads Summary:  In fairy tales, happy endings are the norm—as long as you're beautiful and walk on two legs. After all, the ogre never gets the princess. And since fairy tales are the foundational myths of our culture, how can a girl with a disability ever think she'll have a happy ending?

What I Thought: This book was a bit dense for me, a casual Disney fairytale lover.  But I'm always glad to read books by authors with CP and I'm glad I read it.  Check out my Twitter thread on Disfigured for more thoughts.  

***

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We Belong: Chapter 37

300 words

2 minute read

DO YOU LOVE US?

(Lexie)

It’s taken Mom a few minutes to get all settled in a chair between Jesse and me.  Finally, she asks, “What’s up, buttercups?”

By now, I’ve almost lost my courage.  But Jesse hasn’t.

“Lexie wants to know if you’re disappointed in us?” he asks, looking at her like he’s searching her.

Mom blinks.  “What?  With what?”

“With our surgery…” I admit.  “I heard you crying and telling uncle Craig that you just expected more and it’s been so hard…  Mom, we’re working as hard as we can,” I insist.  “I promise.”

“Oh, honey.  I know you are,” Mom says.  “I was talking to uncle Craig about something else.  Something that didn’t have anything to do with you and Jesse.”

“Like what?” I ask, skeptical.

“My friends back home,” Mom tells her, surprising both of us. 

“Your bowling friends?” Jesse asks.

“Right,” Mom nods.  “They haven’t been keeping in touch as much now and that disappointed me.  I expected more from them.  I know you two are always doing your best.”

“Do you love us?” I check.  Sometimes I know Mom does, and sometimes I’m not sure.  So, I have to ask.

[Image: Three decorative hearts - one big and two small]

“I love you both so much, you wouldn’t believe it,” Mom promises, kissing them both on the heads.

I breathe out a big sigh of relief.

“Thanks so much for talking to them,” Mom says to Emma.  “We should have you over sometime,” she invites.

Jesse and I both cheer.

Return to the Table of Contents

Question for Discussion:

Have you ever felt like Lexie?  Like sometimes you know your parent loves you and sometimes you have to check to see if it's true?  

***

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Books I've Read in 2020: 81-85

397 words

3 minute read

81.

Genre:  Children's > Picture Books

Disability Representation: No.

Rating: 4/4 (LOVED it!)

Excerpt of GoodReads Summary: Join the fun as a baby boy discovers the unique features that make his face so special in Pretty Brown Face.

What I Thought: SUCH an important book for the babies.  I loved it.

***

82.

Genre: Children's > Picture Books

Disability Representation: Yes (one boy in a wheelchair!)

Rating: 4/4 (LOVED it!)

Excerpt of GoodReads Summary: This book is filled with all the things little brown boys love.

What I Thought: Great illustrations and an important story!

***

83.

Genre: Children's > Picture Books

Disability Representation: No.

Rating: 4/4 (LOVED it!)

Excerpt of GoodReads Summary: In her debut picture book, Misty Copeland tells the story of a young girl--an every girl--whose confidence is fragile and who is questioning her own ability to reach the heights that Misty has reached. Misty encourages this young girl's faith in herself and shows her exactly how, through hard work and dedication, she too can become Firebird.

What I Thought: As a dance fan, I LOVED this one!

***

84.

Genre: Children's > Picture Books

Disability Representation: No.

Rating: 1/4 (It was OK)

Excerpt of GoodReads Summary: Julius Lester says, "I write because our lives are stories. If enough of those stories are told, then perhaps we will begin to see that our lives are the same story. The differences are merely in the details." Now Mr. Lester shares his own story as he explores what makes each of us special. Karen Barbour's dramatic, vibrant paintings speak to the heart of Lester's unique vision, truly a celebration of all of us.

What I Thought: Hearing this read aloud, I found I could not tell what was text from the book and what was commentary.

***

85.

Genre: Children's Fiction

Disability Representation: No.

Rating: 2/4 (Liked it)

Excerpt of GoodReads Summary: Meet the World’s Funniest Kindergartner—Junie B. Jones! Lucille is having a sleepover party—at her richie nanna’s big giant house! Grace and Junie B. can’t wait to see all the rich stuff in that place. Sleeping over at the nanna’s is sure to be a dream come true! ’Cause what could possibly go wrong?

What I Thought: This was a pretty enjoyable one!  Junie B. was extra funny and I love all the grandma love.

***

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Books I've Read in 2020: 76-80

580 words

5 minute read

76.

Genre:  Middle Grade Fiction

Disability Representation: No.

Rating: 1/4 (It was OK)

Excerpt of GoodReads Summary: Luke Martinez, one of the BSC's newest charges, acts like he doesn't trust his sitters. He's definitely hiding something from them, and he seems afraid to let anyone discover his secret. But Mary Anne and the BSC plan to do just that. They think Luke's secret holds the answer to a mysterious fire at his house...and information that could help stop a mean developer from taking over Stoneybrook. Can they win Luke's trust before it is too late?

What I Thought: I wasn't a super big fan of this book.  I was expecting the silent witness to be more...silent, I guess?  I'm a big fan of a good procedural but this book seemed quite heavy on the info and sort of read like the author had a bunch of puzzle pieces and was going to make darn sure they all fit together...even though their protagonists are 11 and 13 years old...and unlikely to jump to every single one of the right conclusions...

***

77.

Genre:  Children's > Picture Books

Disability Representation: No.

Rating: 4/4 (LOVED it!)

Excerpt of GoodReads Summary: The barbershop is where the magic happens. Boys go in as lumps of clay and, with princely robes draped around their shoulders, a dab of cool shaving cream on their foreheads, and a slow, steady cut, they become royalty. That crisp yet subtle line makes boys sharper, more visible, more aware of every great thing that could happen to them when they look good: lesser grades turn into As; girls take notice; even a mother's hug gets a little tighter. Everyone notices.

What I Thought: This is just...I don't think I've ever read a book like this.  It feels very important, and I really loved it.

***

78.

Genre:  Children's > Picture Books

Disability Representation: No.

Rating: 4/4 (LOVED it!)

Excerpt of GoodReads Summary: Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.

What I Thought: I've wanted to read this book forever, and it did not disappoint.  Such an important story about identity and beauty.  Moving.  Stunning.  And beautifully illustrated.

***

79.

Genre:  Children's > Picture Books

Disability Representation: No.

Rating: 2/4 (Liked it)

Excerpt of GoodReads Summary: The book goes through 26 girls, A to Z, whose accomplishments should motivate and inspire not only black girls but all girls to change the world.

What I Thought: This was a great book  - simple and straightforward - a great way to let kids know about Black women and girls and their accomplishments.

***

80.

Genre:  Children's > Picture Books

Disability Representation: No.

Rating: 2/4 (Liked it!)

Excerpt of GoodReads Summary: I Am Perfectly Designed is an exuberant celebration of loving who you are, exactly as you are, from Karamo Brown, the Culture Expert of Netflix's hit series Queer Eye. In this empowering ode to modern families, a boy and his father take a joyful walk through the city, discovering all the ways in which they are perfectly designed for each other.

What I Thought: This was a sweet story about a father and son getting to know each other and sharing experiences together.

***

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