Two for One!
One book for Facetime and one for middle grade kids who say they don’t like to read.
First,
Dexter Bexley and the Big Blue Beastie
by Jon Stewart
Maybe the author, Jon Stewart, didn’t intend to write about bullies, but that’s how I read it. Dexter, the perfect name for someone being bullied, knocks himself out entertaining the Big blue Beastie. He has to, because the BBB is bored, and when he’s bored…he’s hungry! What I liked about this book was the fact the BBB has to look inside himself to find out what he really needs, which is, a friend.
Next,
Sea of Trolls
By Nancy Farmer
Shape-shifters, berserkers and trolls! A girl Viking fiercer than any warrior and a farm boy filled with magic he has yet to tame. They go on a quest to Jötunheimr, where they must battle monsters and the dark parts of their selves.
(Hmm, I think I have a theme going with these 2 books.)
I have now read every book by Nancy Farmer and am awed by the worlds she creates.
No surprise that she’s won…the National Book Award, been a Newbery Honor winner three times, and a Printz Honor winner (and more).
when I worked at Anderson’s Bookshop in the kids’ section. You probably think that I love anything that has the topics of “poop" and “fart.” Now you can add to my quirks that I find hilarious anything with a dog using the toilet (not as a drinking fountain). I read it to 2 kids who collectively have an attention span of three minutes,unless,of course, they are laughing hysterically. (For reluctant readers and listeners, age 4-11)
