Middle Grade Book Review: My Not-So-Great French Escape by Cliff Burke

Thank you to netgalley for providing me with a free digital uncorrected proof of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Title: My Not-So-Great French Escape

Author: Cliff Burke

Publisher: Harper Collins Children’s Books, Clarion Books

Publication Date: April 25, 2023

Book Description:

When Rylan’s best friend ditches him for the cool kids, Rylan thinks a summer spent working on a French farm will be the perfect chance to reconnect. But he doesn’t count on his long-lost father showing up. This funny, touching novel is perfect for fans of Gary D. Schmidt and John David Anderson.

Rylan O’Hare has been drifting apart from his best friend, Wilder, for months. Wilder’s family became mega-rich when his mom invented an app that reminds people to drink water, and now he barely has time for Rylan. So when Wilder invites Rylan to join him at a summer farming program in France (all expenses paid), Rylan see it as a chance to repair the friendship. Not only that, but he’ll get to learn French, milk goats, and eat lots (and lots) of cheese.

But before they take off, Rylan’s mom drops a bomb: His dad (whom he hasn’t spoken to since he was three) lives in France, too, and he wants to meet.

Between being swarmed by bees, pooped on by pigeons, and sprayed with goat milk, Rylan’s great French escape isn’t quite what he thought it would be. Even worse, Wilder ditches him for some cool French kids he meets along the way. And Rylan still can’t decide whether or not he should actually meet his father.

But somewhere in all the chaos, Rylan begins to find his way, and he realizes that sometimes you have to release old expectations to discover new destinations.

My Thoughts:

The premise of this story is not new. A kid reluctantly is sent away for a summer program and gets a new outlook on life. A couple of things make this story unique, though. First, I thought it was a realistic portrayal of adolescent behavior and how their friendships evolve. Second, the message differed from the usual themes of second chances and forgiveness. While there was an element of that, it emphasizes that you should surround yourself with the people that will support you. This is a message I don’t think young people hear enough. I did feel that the plot was a little rushed, and plot points could have been more developed in some spots. But, as a whole, it is an excellent middle grade read.

3.5 stars

March 7, 2023

Bookish People I’d Like to Meet

1Jenny Colgan: Since I read her first book, I have been convinced that Jenny Colgan and I should be friends. Her characters love baking and books, and she is a strong supporter of teachers.

2-5 Booktube Besties: Amanda @TheCurlyReader, Krista @BooksAndJams, Sarah @SarahsNightstand and Lindsey @lindseyslittlelibrary4300. I love their individual channels, and especially enjoy their Christmas book exchange videos.

6 Rick Riordan I love his sense of humor and would love to delve into his knowledge of mythology.

7 & 8 Jane Austen and Laura Ingalls Wilder- I tried to stick to living people, but couldn’t leave these two off the list

9 Oprah- Even though she’s not directly in the book business, her book club did so much to promote reading

10 John Newberry and Randolph Caldecott- I would love to hear their thoughts on the winners of the two most significant awards in children’s literature

March 7, 2023

Picture Book Review: The Little Books of the Little Brontes

Thank you to netgalley for providing me with a free digital advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Little Books of the Little Brontes

Author: Sara O’Leary

Illustrator: Briony May Smith

Publisher: Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books

Publication Date: October 17, 2023

Book Description:

Many years ago, the four motherless children of the Brontë family — Charlotte, Branwell, Emily, and Anne — lived in a windswept house by the moors with their father. Although their lives were often filled with sadness and their world was only as large as the distance they could walk, their INNER worlds were bound only by their imaginations. Hungry for stories, these children devoured novels and poetry, history, and fables. And with the gift of a group of toy soldiers, they were inspired to make their own stories and their own tiny books . . . a passion that would last them a lifetime.

A moving and atmospheric story about the power of imagination, the joy of storytelling and the love of books, The Little Books of the Little Brontës will enchant both those who love these literary sisters and those who are learning about them for the first time. Includes an author’s note, timeline of the Brontës’ lives and a fun craft with instructions on creating your own little book.

My Thoughts:

This tells the story of the Bronte siblings before they were famous writers. Kids do not need to know their work (Jane Eyre is one of my favorite books, but I won’t be recommending to any 5-7 year olds) to appreciate the story. The siblings lose their mother and two older sisters at a very young age. This book is the story of how the power of storytelling helped them deal with the tragedies surrrounding them. The siblings shared stories and created their own little books. The end of the book also includes directions for kids to make their own little books. I am a firm believer that picture books are not just for kids. Any adult who likes classic literature would love this book.

The illustrations give the book a classic feel and reminded me of the works of Chris VanAllsburg.

March 7, 2023

Throw Back Thursday Book Review: Enchanted Inc. by Shanna Swendson

Welcome back to my weekly feature where I look at back at some of my favorite books that I read before starting the blog.

Today’s Book: Enchanted, Inc. by Shanna Swendson

Publication Date: May 31, 2005

Date Read: July 19, 2011

My Rating: 4 stars

Favorite Quote:

“Any man who would deny you dessert isn’t worth having.”

― Shanna Swendson, Enchanted, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Katie Chandler had always heard that New York is a weird and wonderful place, but this small-town Texas gal had no idea how weird until she moved there. Everywhere she goes, she sees something worth gawking at and Katie is afraid she’s a little too normal to make a splash in the big city. Working for an ogre of a boss doesn’t help.

Then, seemingly out of the blue, Katie gets a job offer from Magic, Spells, and Illusions, Inc., a company that provides tricks of the trade to the magic community. For MSI, Katie’s ordinariness is an asset.

Lacking any bit of magic, she can easily spot a fake spell, catch hidden clauses in competitor’s contracts, and detect magically disguised intruders. Suddenly, average Katie is very special indeed.

She quickly learns that office politics are even more complicated when your new boss is a real ogre, and you have a crush on the sexy, shy, ultra powerful head of the R&D department, who is so busy fighting an evil competitor threatening to sell black magic on the street that he seems barely to notice Katie. Now it’s up to Katie to pull off the impossible: save the world and–hopefully–live happily ever after.

My Thoughts:

The premise of this book is unique. Most of us have just enough magic inside us for spells that hide the truth to work on us. But, Katie doesn’t have a drop of magic, and is immune to spells. This is exactly what Enchanted Inc. needs. The magical community is under attack, and they need someone who won’t be fooled by devious enchantments.

This is such a fun series. I chose to write about Enchanted Inc. book since it’s first in the series, but I think the later books are even better. Owen is one of my all-time favorite romantic leads. He is one of the most powerful wizards in the world, but out of fear for his potential, the magical community raised him to be insecure and shy. So, he is the perfect combination of powerful and sweet. The side characters are just as delightful. My favorites being Merlin (yes that Merlin) and Sam the gargoyle.

March 5, 2023

Throw Back Thursday Book Review: Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie

This is week two of my new blog feature where I review books I read prior to starting the blog.

Today’s Book: Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie

Publication date: January 1, 2004

Date Read: May 8, 2009

My Rating: 5 Stars

Favorite Quote:

“Your cat just got cat hair on me.” “It’s only fair,” Min said. “Your suit just got expensive suit lint on him.”
― Jennifer Crusie, Bet Me

Goodreads Synopsis:

Minerva Dobbs knows that happily-ever-after is a fairy tale, especially with a man who asked her to dinner to win a bet. Even if he is gorgeous and successful Calvin Morrisey. Cal knows commitment is impossible, especially with a woman as cranky as Min Dobbs. Even if she does wear great shoes and keeps him on his toes. When they say good-bye at the end of their evening, they cut their losses and agree never to see each other again.

But Fate has other plans, and it’s not long before Min and Cal meet again. Soon, they’re dealing with a jealous ex-boyfriend, Krispy Kreme donuts, a determined psychologist, chaos theory, a freakishly intelligent cat, Chicken Marsala, and more risky propositions than either of them ever dreamed of. Including the biggest gamble of all—true love.

My Thoughts:

This was one of the first books I discovered on goodreads. It was number one on a list of contemporary romances. It’s been fourteen years since I read Bet Me, and nearly twenty since it was published. It’s still the book I use as the standard for all other humorous contemporary romances. I was shocked to see how long ago I read it, because so many of the scenes are still so clear to me. This book is so funny, yet the romance is touching. Years later, there are still scenes that melt my heart just thinking about them. I love it when characters show small gestures that make them perfect for each other, like when Cal pulls a spoon out of his jacket for MIn’s ice cream.

March 2, 2023

My Favorite Read of February 2023: The Happily Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez

“This was just a season, and there’s beauty in all seasons. Even if you are looking forward to the next one.”

Abby Jimenez, The Happy Ever After Playlist

Goodreads Synopsis:

Two years after losing her fiancé, Sloan Monroe still can’t seem to get her life back on track. But one trouble-making pup with a “take me home” look in his eyes is about to change everything. With her new pet by her side, Sloan finally starts to feel more like herself. Then, after weeks of unanswered texts, Tucker’s owner reaches out. He’s a musician on tour in Australia. And bottom line: He wants Tucker back.

Well, Sloan’s not about to give up her dog without a fight. As their flirty texts turn into long calls, Sloan can’t deny a connection. There’s no telling what could happen when they meet in person. The question is: With his music career on the rise, how long will Jason really stick around? And is it possible for Sloan to survive another heartbreak?

My Thoughts:

I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this book. I really liked Sloan and Brandon’s relationship in The Friend Zone and his death felt unnecessaary to the plot (I later learned that Jimenez wrote this book first and went back and wrote The Friend Zone). While the relationship between Sloan and Jason moved quickly, it still respected Sloan’s history. Even thought Jason was all-in from the beginning, he understood that Sloan would need some time. At times I found the drama frustrating, but I think it was realistic to what it would be like to be in a relationship with someone in the public eye.

What I liked about this book:

Even though Jason helped pull Sloan out of her grief, it was clear that Sloan had found her own strength
Tucker: the dog knows what he wants and how to get it
Jason is the perfect combination for a modern romantic hero: Hot Rock Star and Sweet dog-lover
Balance of humor and serious scenes

March 1, 2023