VVMBookBlog

Hitler’s Canary by Sandi Toksvis

This is another book on WWII. The narrator, Bamse, of this story is a young man who wants to help with the war efforts as his country, Denmark, is being invaded by the Germans. His older brother has already taken part of the Danish Resistance. Many people living in Denmark are confused at what actions to take. Some ignore the Germans. Some try to fight against the Germans. Some protect their Jewish neighbors. Some readily give up their Jewish neighbors. Bamse and his family make difficult decisions that change their lives. Before the war his family was involved in the theater and everything seemed to be a play (unrealistic). As the war continues the family must face the reality brought with the German invaders and their dislike of the Jewish people. To make matters more complicated, Bamse’s best friend is a Jew.

The title of this book is important because Denmark is called Hitler’s Canary by the British because the Danish people are in a cage and sing anything Hitler wants. The Danes were a peaceful people before the war and tried to remain peaceful during the war. As with many books about WWII, Hitler’s Canary shows how war affects families. This is the first book WWII book I’ve read with the setting of Denmark. I liked this book because it showed how important youth were to the war efforts.

Dirtbike Daredevils by Pam Withers

Jake and Peter have the ideal job for 15 year olds who love dirtbikes. They are guides for a dirtbike trail outfitter. Not only do they get to ride dirtbikes and hang out, they also have a boss who used to be a motocross champion. He gives them extra time to ride their bikes and gives them rides to competitions. Although Jake and Peter work together as a team they each have their strengths. Peter loves to do freestyle yet doesn’t do the best job taking care of his bike. Maintenace is Jake’s strength, but he doesn’t ride the best. Both learn the importance of all aspects of dirtbikes. Another twist to the story has to do with Dana (a female ranch hand). She is a master of freestyle and even practices with old mattresses in an empty swimming pool. Her problem seems to be with drugs as the boys watch her put a needle into her arm. Both boys decide to keep it quiet until it affects her biking or her work with the animals. This is a great book for adventure lovers and fans of the XGames.

Have you seen those daytime TV shows where the “bad” kids are sent off to behavior “boot camps?” If you ever wondered what happens to kids when they get there, you’ll want to read this book.

Garrett is 15 and has just been kidnapped by “transporters” who are driving him to Lake Harmony, someplace in New York.  When he gets there, after he goes through the first of what becomes continuous mental and physical abuse, he meets the group of boys assigned to his “family” called Dignity.  They are mostly a group of bullies with drug and other behavior problems, who have learned to exist in Lake Harmony by following the often corrupt orders of the adult leaders, and beating up on the newer, weaker members of their group.

Garrett believes from the start, realizing that there is no way out and no way to contact anyone including his parents, that he doesn’t belong in this place.  While his “crime” is hard to defend–dating his former math teacher, other conditions in his life give him reason to question his parents’ rules and their efforts to control his life.  But then he manages to meet two other inmates, Sarah and Pauly, who also don’t belong there and need to find a way out…soon.

Lots of scenes of violence and abuse that just make you angry as you read.  The story is based on a series of actual stories that are included in the bibliography at the end of the book.  This would be a great topic to research for the 8th grade persuasive essay project.  Some things just don’t seem right!

By the author of “Give a Boy a Gun.”

To everyone’s surprise, suddenly formerly-very-popular Sophie Stein and forever-very-loser Robin Murphy are an item.  In fact, Robin is such a loser that his last name–Murphy–is just another name for “loser” in their 9th grade class.  Both are very artistic and understand there are more important things in life than popularity.  Robin is invited to audit a Harvard college art class and for the first time experiences acceptance among his fellow students for who he is, his sense of humor, and his talent. (Although his age is still a secret!)  Robin also, however, sees how hard it is on Sophie to have her friends turn on her, and decides he has to do something to make it right.

This is a sequel to What My Mother Doesn’t Know where Sophie was trying to find her “Mr. Right.” This time we see the story from the boy’s point-of-view and hear his thoughts on “the beautiful Sophie.” Written in short free-verse form, it’s a fast, satisfying read.