Just because she can't control her movements, is in a wheelchair, and can't talk, everyone thinks that Melody is not smart. Her teachers and classmates believe that her brain is handicapped as well. But Melody hears and understands everything--she has millions of words, thoughts, and ideas locked in her mind with no way out. Until one day when she gets a miraculous device, similar to a super computer, that finally allows her to "talk." Finally, Melody can speak up for herself and be heard. But soon Melody learns that being able to speak might be the easy part about interacting with her classmates. Find out what happens when Melody joins her school's quiz team and shows everyone what she really knows--and not everyone is happy about it. I recommend this book to readers who like stories about overcoming obstacles, success stories, kids with disabilities, and books like Wonder. This book made me laugh, cry, and celebrate right along with Melody. It is one of the best books I've read in 2014. I give this amazing book 5 out of 5 stars!
The lives of two 8-year-old girls, Wren and Darra, change forever when Darra's father steals a minivan and does not realize that Wren is hiding inside. Written in verse, this book moves quickly and takes the reader along as Wren figures out how to escape the minivan inside Darra's locked garage without being discovered. Years later, the two girls meet again by chance at a summer camp. Find out what happens when Wren and Darra confront each other about their shared past. I recommend this book to readers who like suspense, family drama, and books in verse; readers who liked Girl, Stolen, will also enjoy this similar but different story. I give it 5 out of 5 stars!
Thanks to getting back to school, my blog has been on hiatus. I'm hoping to be back to a more regular schedule...
This book is categorized as Science Fiction because it involves time travel, but it takes place mostly in current time which makes it a good crossover book for students considering sci fi. The main character Prenna travels "back" in time to 2010 and the story takes place in 2014. The future where Prenna comes from basically takes all of our current worst fears and makes them true and magnified: an enormous food shortage, a major epidemic without a cure, and the worst effects of global warming. Prenna and a group travelers come back in time in hopes of a better life, and to also "fix" the problems that resulted in this horrible world. However, Prenna and the travelers are forced to follow strict rules about how they can interact with time natives, or the people who have not traveled back in time. The most serious rule of all is no physical contact, or falling in love, with a time native. Prenna abides by the rules until she meets Ethan. Then everything changes and Prenna challenges every belief that holds her community together. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy science fiction, survival stories, action/suspense, and books such as the Divergent or Legend series. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars!
