Book Review: Nat Enough by Maria Scrivan

Title: Nath Enough

Author: Maria Scrivan

Genre: Realistic Fiction - Graphic Novel

About the book:

Natalie has never felt that she's enough -- athletic enough, stylish enough, or talented enough. And on the first day of middle school, Natalie discovers that things are worse than she thought -- now she's not even cool enough for her best friend, Lily! As Natalie tries to get her best friend back, she learns more about her true self and natural talents. If Natalie can focus on who she is rather than who she isn't, then she might realize she's more than enough, just the way she is.

Thoughts

This was a nice little book! I like how it was very relatable. I think everyone has a time that they lose friends for a variety of reasons. In Nat's case it's because her old friend chose to follow someone else and turn away from Nat. Although I'm not sure she was a great friend to begin with - she never seemed to do what Nat wanted.

But beyond that I love how it looked at being proud of who you are what what you like. It's hard to remember that sometimes. Nat's new friends remind her of this all the time - that she's great just like she is. But it take Nat awhile to accept that herself.

The graphics or great and easy to follow. I actually have trouble with some graphic novels, but the more simplistic drawings in this one made it easy to read.

Over-all: great book! I'm glad I picked it up.

Book Trailer: The Clean Getaway by Nic Stone

I love book trailers! 

They are a great way to get introduced to a new book or series. 

Check out this one!

The Clean Getaway by Nic Stone

How to Go on an Unplanned Road Trip with Your Grandma:

* Grab a Suitcase: Prepacked from the big spring break trip that got CANCELLED.

* Fasten Your Seatbelt: G'ma's never conventional, so this trip won't be either.

* Use the Green Book: G'ma's most treasured possession. It holds, history, memories, and most important, the way home.

What Not to Bring:

* A Cell Phone: Avoid contact with Dad at all costs. Even when G'ma starts acting stranger than usual.

Set against the backdrop of the segregation history of the American South, take a trip with New York Times bestselling Nic Stone and an eleven-year-old boy who is about to discover the world hasn't always been a welcoming place for kids like him, and things aren't always what they seem--his G'ma included.

Although this is a middle grade and Dear Martin was young adult, I think many kids who loved Dear Martin will give this one a try. It sounds really good! 

Book Trailer Tuesday: Words on Fire by Jennifer A. Nielsen

I love book trailers!  

They are a great way to get introduced to a new book or series.
Check out this one!

Words on Fire byJennifer A. Nielsen

Danger is never far from Audra's family farm in Lithuania. She always avoids the occupying Russian Cossack soldiers, who insist that everyone must become Russian -- they have banned Lithuanian books, religion, culture, and even the language. But Audra knows her parents are involved in something secret and perilous.

When Cossacks arrive abruptly at their door, Audra's parents insist that she flee, taking with her an important package and instructions for where to deliver it. But escape means abandoning her parents to a terrible fate.

As Audra embarks on a journey to deliver the mysterious package, she faces unimaginable risks, and soon she becomes caught up in a growing resistance movement. Can joining the underground network of book smugglers give Audra a chance to rescue her parents?

Audiobook Review: Children of Exile by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Title: Children of Exile

Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix

Narrator: Erin Moon

For the past twelve years, adults called “Freds” have raised Rosi, her younger brother Bobo, and the other children of their town, saying it is too dangerous for them to stay with their parents, but now they are all being sent back. Since Rosi is the oldest, all the younger kids are looking to her with questions she doesn’t have the answers to. She’d always trusted the Freds completely, but now she’s not so sure.

And their home is nothing like she’d expected, like nothing the Freds had prepared them for. Will Rosi and the other kids be able to adjust to their new reality? 

One sentence review: I was very intrigued throughout the whole thing wondering exactly what was going on. 

Longer thoughts: I've been reading books by Haddix for a long time starting with Among the Hidden. I found a copy of the audiobook of this one at Half Price Books, so I thought I'd give it a try as well. I really enjoyed it. Well, most of it. From the start, I was super curious about what was going on with the whole situation. Why were Rosi and all the other kids with the Freds to begin with? What were the Freds? And then when they went back to their families what was going on with the place their parents were??? I really really wanted to know. And then I had no clue who I could really trust. Could I trust her real parents? Could I trust the Freds? Could I trust anyone!?  I love books like that, so this one was really right up my alley. 

Rosi was a great character. She was brave and strong. Yes a bit naive, but she learned fast and grew a lot as a character. I couldn't help but cheer for her!

I will note that the ending deflated me a tiny bit. I do want to read the rest of the series, but I was a little disappointed it went that way. 

Best stick-with-you image: The description of her real parent's house. I could completely see it. 

Thoughts on the audiobook: The narrator did a great job.  Loved how she read the story!