Book Review: Gossamer by Lois Lowry

Gossameris a short somewhat paranormal story of Littlest One, a dream giver, who is learning how to do her job. She has a touch light as gossamer, but can her dream-giving help a little boy in serious trouble?

Things I Liked:
I thought the story was really sweet. The idea of little creatures bringing us dreams from our memories was beautiful. I also thought it was a good balance of things that are light and pretty and the heavier, harder things in life. A nice book for younger kids who might be dealing with difficult home matters. John is only 8 years old, but he already has an understanding of some of the cruelties the world offers. The older woman who is foster parent to John is really my favorite - because of how she deals with John.

Things I Didn't Like:
This book definitely doesn't have the same power as her other books, but it is a sweet story. It was a little light on character development. It isn't really a character-driven story (a little too short for that) but I felt kind of disconnected from them.

Read-alikes:
The Magicians Elephant by Kate DiCamillo
For style (not content) try other Lois Lowry books, The Giverand Messenger

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
John's memories are pretty scary and a bit violent

Overall rating: ***

Book Review: Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Wintergirlsis the gripping story of Lia, an anorexic girl who struggles with control after her best friend Cassie dies alone in a hotel room. She left thirty-three messages for Lia before she died. And now Lia deals with the grief and responsibility she feels - all while maintaining control at the very least over her own body.

Things I Liked:
Wow. Really, Anderson writes stuff that is hard to read - stuff that really makes you sit down and think. I am sure this book will speaks to people who struggle with eating disorders. I've never had an eating disorder, but as a woman, I have dealt with my own body image issues. This book looks at these things without flinching. You get right into the mind of Lia and see just what she thinks and why. Control. Strength. Power. All of these things play a huge part in Lia's disorder. This book is hard to read. Hard to put down. Impossible to forget.

Things I Didn't Like:
I really didn't like hearing about some of these things. I really didn't want to see some of what happened. But, I'm glad I did. I got a small glimpse of what it's like.

Read-alikes:
Read Speak by Anderson - iconic YA about difficult issues
Anything by Chris Crutcher - I've read Whale Talk
Also reminded me (not topic wise) of Monsterby Walter Dean Myers
*all of these are mature books - probably best suited for older teens*

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@#
moderate amount of them

mrg-factor: X
some things mentioned - nothing described

v-factor: ->->->
not regular violence, but some cutting and other frightening images

Overall rating: ***

Not sure how to rate this one. I didn't "like" it, but it was very powerful...if you do ratings how do you indicate this?

Book Review: The First Part Last by Angela Johnson

The First Part Lastis a short book, but really packs a punch. Alternating between "then" and "now" it looks at the struggles of a teenage father raising his baby daughter Feather alone. It is beautifully tender and also very real - exploring Bobby's conflicted feelings about fatherhood and his shortened youth.

Things I Liked:
The writing was beautiful. I really loved getting this look at how a teenage father feels. I was touched at his feelings for his daughter and also at the tender side of Bobby and his buddies. These tough guys soften up around Feather and I love that. I also thought it very balanced in its depiction - Bobby loves his daughter, but also feels just how hard, how limiting, how sleep-depriving this experience is - especially while he's still in high school.

Things I Didn't Like:
I really can't think of much for this. I kinda wish I'd known more about Nia, the mother, but it is clearly intended as a book about the father.

Read-alikes:
I haven't read a lot of stuff like this, but I did enjoy the classic YA Mr. and Mrs. Bo Jo Jonesby Ann Head about teenage parenthood

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@#$
plenty throughout
mrg-factor: X
innuendo, but not descriptive
v-factor: none

Overall rating: ****