A refreshing change from most YA and dystopian fiction where the protagonist seemed more grounded in her world, which is an odd thing to say about a book where the characters increasing sense of unreality leads her to discover the truth about who she is, and less angsty about friends, crushes, etc. I think her obsessive pursuit for the truth is what gives me this feeling.
Zita is plucky, daring, loyal, caring and a fabulous comic for young girls. The story and art are perfect.
An interesting story that took me back to my childhood, reminding me of my experience reading "The Forgotton Door" by Alexander Key though not as satisfying. I was uncertain about and somewhat uncomfortable with the christian element to the story, not sure if the intent was to support religious beliefs or more to observe and report on. I also felt that the Tucker was more of an observer and less a participant in the story. I approached this book as young adult fiction but think middle school readers would enjoy this book more than young adults.
Short slice of life coming of age novel that is well written and avoids over complicating or over explaining things. An amazing amount of depth, character and emotion, in such a brief book.
I enjoyed the personal revelations on Japanese culture but found the author's complaining tone frustrating.
A lyrical and beautifully illustrated narrative of a young girl who must travel out of her neighborhood and across the city to attend her soccer games, leaving behind her beloved Auntie who must work on soccer days. She sees an opportunity and finds the nerve to make a change and bring together the two things she loves the most.
Part motivational self help and part history book it opens with a lengthy discussion on the behavioral patterns of successful women that I could have done without. The individual biographies of the 17 women were at times very interesting.
A young military cadet struggles to find the strength and courage to prove her worth and boy does she ever. A wonderful debut that kept me up way past my bedtime and has me squealing for a sequel.
The amazing dioramas illustrating the book are the first thing that grabs your eye but then the words and the message seeps into your senses, that we are nature and like seasons, our bodies are constantly changing and evolving, that we are all of the earth, we are stardust.
Overall, I liked the book though it took quite awhile for me to be fully engaged in the story. In the first 1/3 of the book, the writing style left me feeling ambivalent about the main character, Sophie, with not enough insight into what motivated her.
I'm not a big zombie fan but really liked this book and felt it had a good sense of place with great details. I do think it should have been limited to 3 POV and had an issue with the ending but will be reading the next book.
I normally find books in verse a struggle but this flowed so beautifully and the poems were wonderful and so visual.
If the ending had paid off on the promise of the beginning, it would have been four stars. Plus, some plot issues. Still really good and a fun read.
A great introduction to Japanese cooking and the quiet lifestyle of the Japanese farming communities, foods, and lifestyle.