During Bloggiesta I saw the sign-up for Lydia’s “Cross-Bloggination” and being the person I am, just couldn’t resist. What can I say? I love the book blogging community, sharing the books I love with others and of course, The Lost Entwife! So, thank you Lydia!
For a bit of background to those of you who haven’t yet stopped by There’s A Book, my site is primarily all about Children’s, Middle Grade and Young Adult books. From my desires to share the books I discovered for my 3 year old-reading-son, and now also 1 year old daughter, came There’s A Book. I found it difficult as a new parent to venture into a bookstore or library and pick “the” book that would make an impression on my son and knew I couldn’t be alone in those feelings. So, because of that, not only do I review Children’s books from my own viewpoint, but also from both of my children, The Turkeybird and Littlebug, as well. Hopefully by doing so, I help parents to make the “right” choices for their own children as well as books they will enjoy in their spare time.
This month I’m highlighting two books. One, I loved and the other my sweet Turkeybird can’t go a single day without reading.
The Turkeybird’s obsession: Robot Zot by Jon Scieszka and illustrated by David Shannon
Currently…well, for some time now actually the Turkeybird has been obsessed with robots. So, after having the opportunity to see David Shannon speak at the LA Times Festival of Books and learning of his new book Robot Zot, I knew I had to get it.
The story is all about a small, very small, robot “Robot Zot” who decides to invade earth beginning with one giant kitchen and all its appliances. In a very hilarious way the small robot attacks each of the appliances, from the toaster to the blender, and soon finds his true adversary. The home’s sweet dog who doesn’t quite understand how he is getting blamed for the now very large mess in the kitchen.
If you have a little guy or girl who loves robots or even David Shannon’s other book series, No David!, then you should definitely pick this one up. The Turkeybird has now had this book for close to a month and has yet to go a single day without reading it. It’s that good.
My choice: In Mike We Trust by P.E. Ryan
Recently I had the opportunity to take part in the Nerds Heart YA tournament and was given the task of judging between this book and another that had made it to my round. This has quickly become one of my favorite reads this year, though it’s not one I would have normally picked up. Not because it’s a GLBT themed book, but primarily because it focuses most of the story around the main character’s Con-Man Uncle, Mike. In the end, I am so glad I was able to read this amazing book.
What I find normally with books with a religious, GLBT or similar theme is that the author feels the responsibility to “teach” you about the lifestyle itself. Because of the time in which I grew up, the vast majority of my friends were very diverse and from many different walks of life. Not that I know everything there is to know about every ethnicity, religious background or lifestyle out there. I just don’t feel I need a “step-by-step lesson” on these lifestyles, but I do want the character’s story. Which if done well, seems to lend itself to learning more about the lifestyle without trying.
In Mike We Trust was exactly this for me. A story about a boy who had lost his father and is now dealing with many difficult life decisions. Including one that involves his father’s only living brother, Uncle Mike, who tries to draw him into a life of lies without regret. The theme of lies runs deep in the story and is more of the story’s purpose than Garth’s lifestyle choice. Although, his choice to hide from his lifestyle in public definitely plays into the theme. It was a beautiful story that I could hardly put down and am glad to recommend to anyone looking for a great young adult book.
Thank you again, Lydia, for presenting this wonderful opportunity and sharing a little bit about There’s A Book with your readers! I can’t wait for next month!
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Be sure to visit the other Cross-Bloggination posts as well!
