librarianryan's reviews
6364 reviews

Jimmy's Elbow by James Kochalka

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lighthearted slow-paced

2.0

This book is odd. It’s like a boy with no friends who’s using his imagination to keep himself active. His best friend is his elbow, who sometimes comes to life and flies off his body. He also has an American toy and a toy he says his American (but is not) and it’s a very big deal.  For whatever reason the character reminds me of Trump with his long red tie in the weird hair. It’s his insistence on America American America. This book is just all over the place. It was written by a kid wasting time in class, which is exactly why young readers will probably like it.
Keep Trucking by Raven Howell

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lighthearted slow-paced

3.0

 
This book looks at various types of trucks and what they do. It has a simple rhyming pattern and is a very simple book. The story isn’t the greatest, but the illustrations are fun. Some pages are better than others which puts this book steadily in the middle. I’m not sure it’s one of those books that would be picked up frequently unless you happen to own it. Especially if the truck book bin also contains Good Night Good night construction site. 
The Puzzle Piece: A Children's Book About Authenticity and Self-Love by Andrea Mendoza-Vasconez

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informative lighthearted medium-paced

3.0

 
This book is exactly what is imagined from the cover. It teaches children that they are a puzzle peace in this world and that everyone is different and has an exact place they fit in. That if they’re feeling out of sorts or unfocused or like they just don’t belong it’s probably because they’re trying to fit themselves into the wrong puzzle location. The metaphor is not bad. The author does a good job of making it make sense for a younger audience. The illustrations are soft and dreamlike, and kids will like this book. It is a little heavy handed so I’m not sure if it’s a “read more than once” book, but it wasn’t bad. 
The Moth Keeper by K. O'Neill

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reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

 
Is the darkness something to be afraid of? Is it a life giving force? Is it a life stealing force? That is the question within these pages? Anya is the newest moth keeper. It is her job nightly take the moths to a place they can glow and become strong pollinators to the tree that keeps her society alive, and then put them to sleep again for the night. It’s lonely. She lives in a society that lives by night but has always to feel the sun on her face. She does get that chance but then argues within herself what is right? What is wrong? And is it OK to be afraid of the dark. This was an interesting book. It leaves one with a lot to think about. The illustrations are beautiful and fit the story quite well. Story is easy to read and will be loved by many. 
Something is Killing the Children, Vol. 7 by James Tynion IV

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dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

 
And New Mexico is probably over. Another child is gone, and this series continues. It’s one tons of awards because it deserves it. This book is a bloody good time and book 8 can’t come fast enough. 
Something is Killing the Children Vol. 6 by James Tynion IV

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dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

 
This story picks up right where it left off. There in New Mexico and Erica’s with a new person and for some reason there’s a kid that can hear her stuffed animal. Of course, not only is her organization after her there is a super monster that can transform to look like other humans on the chase as well. This book flows well with the rest of the series and I can’t wait to read book 7. 
How to Catch a Unicorn by Alice Walstead

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adventurous funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

 
This was a cute graphic novel. It is typical of the series. That’s neither good nor bad. It’s a quick jump for graphic novel leaders with adorable illustration and a friendship between the dog and a dragon that makes for a grand time. 
Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

 
Have you ever wondered what would happen if Scooby-Doo wandered into a Lovecraft novel? Then wonder no more because here it is. We can tell this book is based around the idea of the Scooby-Doo cartoons of the 70s. The kids solved a mystery of the lake creature but now it’s 13 years later, their adults, and they think they got it wrong. Their lives haven’t been the happy go Lucky joy you get from the animated cartoon. They’ve been hard and real. On is in an asylum, the studious member is not so studious anymore, and the dumb one isn’t dumb and isn’t who you think it is. And let’s not forget how special our pretty jock was. The way the author takes the idea of these characters in a whole new direction in new light makes for a very entertaining story. Yes, there is a dog but instead of a great dane and it’s a Weimaraner, and the very last sentence was a great read. The ideas all come together to make a fine thrilling novel. A little bit horror, a little bit nostalgia, but a whole lot of fun. After all, if it weren’t for these meddling kids who else would save the world. 
I Am a Tornado by Drew Beckmeyer

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2.0

 
People clean and get ready for spring after all it’s called spring cleaning.  The clouds also must make ready for plenty of rain and water to bring on the growing season. This book was fine, but I found it more annoying than anything. I’m not sure if it’s too chipper or just the mood I’m in. It was fine but just fine. 
Misty the Cloud: The Thing About Spring by Dylan Dreyer

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informative lighthearted slow-paced

3.0

 
People clean and get ready for spring after all it’s called spring cleaning.  The clouds also must make ready for plenty of rain and water to bring on the growing season. This book was fine, but I found it more annoying than anything. I’m not sure if it’s too chipper or just the mood I’m in. It was fine but just fine.