VVMBookBlog

Cracker by Cynthia Kadohata

Cracker (short for firecracker) is a dog who is sent to Vietnam when his owner Willie is not longer able to keep the dog. Dogs were an important asset in the Vietnam war because of the sense of smell. This book shows the physical and emotional pain of war as Rick, Cracker’s handler, and Cracker go on many missions. As I read this book, I kept contemplating how the book would end. Would I appreciate the ending? I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in war and/or dogs. Another excellent book about dogs and the Vietnam war (conflict) is Letters to Wolfie.

The Boy Who Couldn’t Die by William Sleator

Although this book isn’t super scary, it’s definately creepy! It’s creepy in the sense that you want to keep reading to find out what is going to happen. Ken is sixteen years old and dealing with the reality of death since he just lost his friend in a car accident. For $50 Ken has the opportunity to make sure he never dies. The problem is that he basically needs to sell his soul. He soon realizes he also feels no pain. One example is when Ken is pummeled by a much larger boy, he doesn’t feel it. More problems arise (the first of many) when he also doesn’t feel extreme joy. Many of his dreams also become problematic (people die) which he realizes when he meets Sabine and learns more about his life, Zombies, and other evils.

Hidden Talents by David Lubar

Martin has been kicked out of several schools. It seems he doesn’t get along with teachers. The novel starts out with his bus ride to Edgeview, an alternative school which many feel is the end of the road. His start at Edgeview is questionable. Within the first day he meets Bloodbath (fitting name) and irritates several adults. Torchie and his group of friends (Flinch, Cheater, and Lucky) befriend Martin and let him in on their secret. Although Martin isn’t getting along with most (any?) of his teachers, he is learning about his new friends. An interesting discovery about these misfits becomes helpful at the end. They may even be able to save their school if they choose.

Hidden Talents is a fun read. Each of these characters has believable and unbelievable characteristics. Bloodbath is certainly believable as the school bully, and Martin has a unique way of “handling” him.

First book of the summer!

This book has some local connections. The author, Julie Schumacher, teaches English at the University of Minnesota and she lives with her family in St. Paul.

I can’t remember where I heard about this book, but someone gave me a heads up that it was good. And whoever that was, was right!

Thea (short for Theodora Elizabeth) is 12 1/2 and every summer she flies from her home in Minnesota to the New Jersey shore to stay with her grandparents and cousins in their house on the ocean. Things are different for her this year for several reasons. First, there are several extra cousins staying there, including her nosy 7-year-old cousin, Jocelyn. And, second, Thea is having some problems enjoying her time at the ocean because of some mysterious event that happened with her and her friend Gwen back in February.

At the airport, Thea’s mom sends her off with a nice journal and encourages Thea to use the journal to write down 100 “truths.” Thea’s been having problems telling the truth lately, and that doesn’t get any better in New Jersey where she realizes that other people there are also keeping secrets. And how can she help Jocelyn deal with her private worries that are showing up on her hands and body as itchy, infected skin.

Lots of suspense in this book as you find out truth-by-truth what happened with Thea back in February. And how does it feel to know there is something important–and serious–happening in your family, but no one is telling you?

I really liked this story. Both Thea and Jocelyn are characters you can latch onto and care about. I think this will be a book lots of students will enjoy. Now I need to find our copy of Grass Angel, another book by this same author.