Book Reviews

A brief word on some books I have been reading lately...

Wringer by Jerry Spinelli - 229 pages - In Palmer's town, boys spend their whole life eagerly awaiting their 10th birthday and their chance to be a wringer at the annual pigeon shoot. Can Palmer keep his newly earned popularity AND his carefully hidden secret? Or will he have to choose between his beliefs and those of everyone around him? This Newberry Award winning book spotlights one child's courage and independence against a violent and bloody tradition.
I really liked this story, especially the reality with which Palmer is portrayed. It could be a great starting point for a discussion about being yourself and making your own decisions. Recommended for Ages 9-12 Read more reviews here.

Hitler's Daughter by Jackie French - Alternating between a rainy bus stop in present day Australia and an isolated farmhouse in 1940's Germany, a young girl entertains her friends with a tale. Although the story inspires Mark to ask many important questions about family and conscience, he knows that it is all just made up. Right?
Although I found the writing to be uninspired, I was unable to put it down. Mark's questions ("Why did Hitler hate the Jews so much?" "Dad, what would you do if I was a chainsaw murderer?" "What if everyone thought the really bad person was right?") were MY questions. Even if this book doesn't give all the answers, it does provide a vehicle for talking about it. Recommended for Ages 9-12 Read more reviews here.

Soldier Mom by Alice Mead - Twelve year old Jasmyn is shocked to find out that her mom, a member of the United States Reserves, has been called up for duty. With only her mom's boyfriend to help her look after her little brother, Jasmyn struggles to balance chores, basketball and friends, all the time wondering how her mom could leave them.
I particularly like this as a tool for children with parents currently overseas. Many children have parents in this situation, and reading this book will show them that they are not alone. And for kids, that is the most important thing. I also liked how it dealt with the conflict between Jasmyn and the mother's boyfriend. Recommended for Ages 9-12 Read more reviews here.