The Eyes & the Impossible by Dave Eggers

The 2024 Newbery winner is The Eyes & the Impossible by Dave Eggers. I just finished reading it and it made me laugh out loud several times. If you like books about animals who converse like humans, you might enjoy reading this out loud to your class.

It's about an art loving dog and a bunch of his animal friends who live in a park. They have all kinds of adventures, but the main theme is that they need each other to work together and solve their problems. One scene has a group of raccoons trying to create a diversion as part of their plan. They attack one of the park ranger's vehicles and are jumping up and down on it to set the alarm off, and then urinating on it while standing on the roof. All while the humans are running around the car saying, "Oh my God!, Oh My God!, OH MY GOD! The raccoons have gone nuts!"

Also as a little perk, all "the illustrations are classical paintings by artists long departed".

By Mrs. Castro

Inkling by Kenneth Oppel

Inkling by Kenneth Oppel is a fictional book set in the present about a family that is facing troubles in school and at work. The son of Mr. Rylance, Ethan, is the artist for a group project with his friends because his dad is an artist, but he isn’t a very good artist and can only draw stick men. While his dad might be an artist, he hasn’t drawn anything in a very long period of time, due to him not having any ideas and him being very sad from his wife’s death. Then one night, a “strange” creature appears, which has the potential to help Ethan and his dad with all the trouble they are facing.

This book reminds me of a book called “Wizard for Hire”, where two people that start off without knowing anything about each other end up being friends. Most kids can relate to this book because it shows that you might be chosen to do something in a group project because your family is good at it, but you might not be good at doing it. Other people can relate to losing family members at a young age. My favorite character is Inkling.

Review by a block of cheese

 

The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney

The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney tells a story using poetry. Amira is a twelve year old girl living in South Darfur, Africa. She lives simply and happily with her Muma, Dando and little sister, Leila on their family farm. She loves to draw pictures with a stick in the sandy soil. Unfortunately, the peace will not last as her family gets caught up in a war that Amira can not understand. She must flee with the last of her village as she leaves her family home in ashes.

The story begins in 2003 and brings the conflicts between fighting factions in Africa to a personal, understandable level for students. Amira's story will help develop empathy in anyone who reads it. Although it is a story of fiction, the topics covered in the book; death, war, grief, refugee camps, and loss are very real. This would be an ideal read aloud with students. Plan on sharing Amira's drawings with your document camera. It is a story of war and hardship, but also a story of family and ultimately hope. RICBA nominee 2016

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place by E.L. Konigsburg

The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place by E.L. Konigsburg is a story about a 12 year old girl named Margaret Rose.  When we first meet Margaret she is at summer camp.  Margaret is bullied and picked on at camp until her Uncles come to her rescue. What Margaret does not know is her Uncles have been dealing with some bullies of their own, and they're going to need Margaret's help just as much as she needed their help.  I really liked this book.  Margaret is such a gutsy strong character I could not help cheering her on.  I could tell you more about this book, but in Margaret's own words, "I prefer not to."  ; )  I guess you'll have to read it for yourself!

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Framed by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Framed by Frank Cottrell Boyce is a story that mixes family, cars and art.  The main character's name is Dylan and he lives in a small town that could be called a dead-end.  His family runs a gas station, but they run into financial trouble because the people that live in the town are moving away for more excitement and opportunities elsewhere.  Dylan's family is falling apart and things are looking bleak until almost by accident, Dylan manages to rejuvenate the town.  Read the book to find out how he does it.