Dissenter on the Bench: Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Life & Work - Victoria Ortiz

Dissenter on the Bench: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Life and Work by Victoria Ortiz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This wasn't a book so much about her dissents. It was more a biography of her life with her life experiences (sometimes loosely) linked to some of the cases she sat for (some that she was a dissenter but others not).
The organization was wonky to me in this book and parts were redundant. That makes me lean more towards 2 stars. But I did enjoy learning more about her and her path to the Supreme Court.

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Pay Attention, Carter Jones - Gary D. Schmidt

Pay Attention, Carter Jones by Gary D. Schmidt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Jones home is a bit crazy most days. That is, until The Butler shows up to take charge. But he has more lessons to teach than anyone expects.
I really enjoyed this book. It was entertaining to read yet still tackled some pretty big issues. Definitely a great addition to any upper elementary or middle school bookshelf.
I, however, still have no understanding of cricket despite the information given at the start of each chapter. :)

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The One and Only Ivan - Katherine Applegate

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Ivan charmed me from page 2 with "his" steller human insight. He's funny. And the short, stream of consciousness chapters were just what I was needing for my reading life right now.
Love that it was based on a true story too.

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The Goose Girl - Shannon Hale

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Princess Ani knows that as Crown Princess she's destined to be queen...until that all changes.
I really enjoyed this book. Can't wait to do a read aloud with my kiddos. Princess, action and adventure, strong characters. It's a good one. And apparently the first in a series. I'll be reading the next one.

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Wolf Hollow - Lauren Wolk

Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk


2017 Newbery Honor Winner

I’m working my way (very slowly) through the Newbery Award winners. The winner in 2017, The Girl Who Drank the Moon, didn’t really appeal to me. Since Wolf Hollow was also a Golden Sower (Nebraska) state award for 2018, I thought I’d give it a try. And I’m so glad I did.
This middle grade novel deals appropriately with weighty themes of bullying, PTSD, prejudice, lying, and more. Annabelle is a young girl growing up with her multi-generational family on their farm. They have a peaceful existence until Betty comes to town. She sees Annabelle as an easy target, and things escalate from there.
I loved how the story was written. The prose was wonderful. The dialogue was appropriate for each character. Beautifully done. I can easily see how it has won awards.


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Flora & Ulysses - Kate DiCamillo

Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

A freak vacuum accident leaves the squirrel, Ulysses, with super strength and smarts. Flora is his self-appointed sidekick and protector.

So I made a goal of reading the Newberry winner for each year. Of the ones I read as a child and before making this goal as an adult, I remember liking them all. And the first few I read for this challenge, I enjoyed. Which made this one even more disappointing. Flora was disrespectful and annoying. The repetition of things got on my nerves. Granted, I only made it to Chapter 26 (about 35% through the book), so maybe there is redemption for the book in the end. Hopefully? I mean, it did win a Newberry in 2014. But I'm not willing to invest more reading time in finding out.

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Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories - RJ Palacio

Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories by R.J. Palacio
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is a companion to Wonder and explores three Wonder characters' individual stories. While Auggie is mentioned in the stories, he doesn't really have a big role in any of them.
I was especially interested in Julian's story. It did not disappoint.
The middle story is from the perspective of Auggie's childhood friend, Chris. I think it gives a good perspective on the changing nature of friendships in general.
The final story is Charlotte's and focuses on how people are multidimensional.
Overall, it was an interesting read.

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The War I Finally Won - Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the follow up book to the 2016 Newberry Honor Book, the War That Saved My Life.
I liked revisiting Ada and her brother, Jamie. To observe their struggles and their triumphs. There was a lot of character growth in Ada this time around.
However, there was an underlying tone to the book that didn't sit right with me. I can't quite put my finger on it. But that made it a 3 instead of a 4.

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