Middle Grade Monday: Finally (by Wendy Mass)

Summary of Finally (by Wendy Mass):

Rory Swenson feels like everything in life is leading up to her 12^th birthday!  She has been preparing by saving items and notes that remind her of all the things her parents promised she could do when she was 12, like get a cell phone, wear make-up, and own a pet.  Now she has her list ready—but will her overprotective parents finally allow her fulfill all her wishes for independence and maturity?  As she accomplishes each task—big and small—it is just one disaster after another.  Rory is so eager to be “grown-up,” she is missing out on the joys of friends and family as well as allowing things to happen in their own time.  Fortunately, she realizes that these milestones do not define her or make her special.  Instead, she is growing into an adult with good character by the deeds she does for others and the wise choices she makes with her life.

Evaluation:

Finally is a kind of sequel to 11 Birthdays.  It stands on its own, but there are a few references to the former that make more sense if you have read it. The action occurs approximately one year later in the same town.  The main characters are different, but the main protagonists and some of the minor characters from the earlier novel have small roles in Finally.

I was drawn to Rory right away!  She has a genuine tween/teen voice.  I laughed in several places because she reminds me so much of my own daughter, who like Rory, thinks I am too strict, complains about my couponing, and is too anxious to grow up.  Rory, also, struggles with figuring out how she fits in with her peers. 

I also appreciated that overall Rory is not a sassy or disrespectful tween.  Her parents are actively involved in her life (sometimes more than she would like), and her family is relatively close (even though she sometimes gets embarrassed by them). 

My favorite part is the ending (which I will not spoil by giving the details).  Finally is really about figuring out who you are and determining what you want your life to be like.  There is a real positive message about how tweens/teens can begin to find that out.  It is not the superficial “grown up” things you do, but the choices you make in your daily life and relationships. 

I HIGHLY recommend Finally for ages 8-12. 

This post is linked up with Marvelous Middle Grade Monday at Ramblings of a Wanna Be Scribe. 

Picture Books: Birds and Independence

Spring is definitely here.  It really has been here since January!  We’ve barely had a cold day.  I am not complaining though!   With spring come books on animals and seasonal changes.  I have a couple books on birds today.  They are not directly about spring, but they could certainly fit since the activity of birth and leaving the nest often takes place during the season.

Blue the Bird on Flying (by Becky Due)   

Blue hatches from an egg and grows up.   He does not want to fly on his own though.  Instead, he rides on the backs of other birds.  Needless to say, his friendship circle dwindles because others get tired of carrying him around.  They move on to fly with other birds that are experiencing life to its fullest.  Blue decides to make friends with a bird flying by.  After jumping unannounced on the young bird’s back, they quickly begin to fall.  Before they can crash, Blue spreads his wings to carry the young bird to safety.   Blue realizes not only can he fly, but it is fun and exciting.   He travels to places he never dreamed existed. 

Blue the Bird on Flying is a metaphor to teach children the importance of growing up and becoming independent.  Sometimes the possibility of going off to kindergarten or spending the night at a friend’s house is scary.  If they never venture out, they will miss out on all the possibilities.   I also saw this book as a political and social parable.  When adults stop expecting others/the government to carry them around, they will gain independence, self-respect, and fulfilled dreams that are not possible with dependence.  This book has the possibility to translate to a wide array of ages and situations. 

If I Never Forever Endeavor (by Holly Meade)  

Following a similar situation as the aforementioned book, this selection is written in poetic form.  It begins with a young bird in his comfortable nest contemplating:

If in all of forever,

I never endeavor

to fly, I won’t know if I can. 

I won’t know if I can’t.

He looks down at the frightening distance to the ground.  Then, he imagines two possibilities:  failure or freedom.   Next, he pictures himself seeing the world or getting lost.  Safely in his nest, he decides to “forget the endeavor.”  But then, he sees other birds soaring and swooping through the sky.  Realizing how much he will miss out on, he leaves the nest.  He has some minor setbacks as he spreads his wings, but he soon learns to dip, glide, and fly gracefully through the sky.   The young bird finds another advantage to his new found freedom.  

The illustrations use the neutral and green colors of the forest to contrast nicely with the colorful birds.  The collage and watercolors work together well to create a nice texture and dimension.  I enjoyed the poetic text.  The theme is like Blue the Bird on Flying.   To get most out of life, you need to embrace all that you have been created to do and be.  Part of that journey is taking risks and learning independence. 

Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of Blue the Bird on Flying from the publishers in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone. 

Picture Book (Early Reader Series): Brownie & Pearl (Cynthia Rylant)

Brownie and Pearl, by Cynthia Rylant, is series perfect for early and new readers.  The main characters are Brownie (a little girl) and Pearl (her orange and black cat).  The adorable duo experience everyday life together, showing emerging independence.  The two-page spreads are usually limited to one scene in the experience of the book with 1-4 sentences, primarily made up of sight and foundational words for reading.  Here is an example:

Brownie likes the party.

She plays games.

She eats cake.

She eats ice cream.

One of my favorite parts of this series is the illustrations by Brian Biggs.  The characters are depicted in a sweet and lovable manner.  Brownie is always smiling and Pearl looks content and curious.  The colors are bright and colorful with lots of yellows, pinks, teals, and purples—colors most little girls love. 

Young girls, in particular, will be drawn to Brownie and Pearl’s adventures.  The sentence structure allows for early reading success.  The values of independence, optimism, curiosity, friendship, and kindness are shown throughout.  Here are a couple of the books I read:

Brownie and Pearl Hit the Hay   

Together they go through a typical bedtime routine:  bathing, dressing, and snacking.  Then, Brownie reads Pearl a book.  When it is time to “hit the hay,” they go up to bed with no fussing or delaying.  They curl up as a “happy little bed ball” and go to sleep.

Brownie and Pearl Step Out

Brownie and Pearl are invited to a birthday party.  Brownie feels nervous and shy as she walks to the birthday child’s door.  Pearl isn’t though.  She goes right in the kitty door, urging Brownie to knock.  When she overcomes her fear, she realizes everyone is excited she has arrived.  Brownie and Pearl have a fun time at the party. 

  

Brownie and Pearl Take a Dip

It is a hot, summer day.  Brownie and Pearl decide to cool off in the pool.  Brownie puts on her swimsuit while Pearl finds the beach ball.  Outside, they fill up a small kiddie pool.  They both splash around in the pool until they are nice and cool.  They finish off their fun laying out in the sun to dry off.