Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim intrigued me from my first glimpse as I love Project Runway as well as anything Mulan inspired. This story of a sewing competition is thrilling to read as the main character competes under a fraudulent identity, and I enjoyed her passion and the care she provides for her family. What I didn’t love was the rest of the book after the competition is over, as the story changes dramatically after only a third of the way through. I must say I was disappointed in this one since I had such high hopes for it. Continue reading
Category: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Review: Someday by David Levithan
Someday by David Levithan is such a gift to fans of the first two books in the series. This third book in the Every Day series takes the story into a new direction and digs deeper into what it means to be human. The characters are interesting and the political aspects that are woven into the plot give the series an updated point of view. Continue reading
Book vs. Movie: Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Wonder is a one-of-a-kind book that deals with bullying in a way that is honest, raw, and eye-opening. I haven’t read many middle grade novels in quite a while, and I have to admit that this is the first one that brought big tears to my eyes. The writing is crisp and witty, and the multiple perspectives really help to give the reader a deep understanding of all the sides to the story. Amazingly, the movie is just as wonderful, and although it is a condensed version of the original, it maintains the original themes that Palacio has inspired her readers with. Continue reading