Nancy Kenny's Reading Blog

Maizy Chen’s Last Chance is a realistic fictional story written by Lisa Yee.  The story follows Maizy Chen, a 12 year old girl who travels with her mother to Last Chance, Minnesota to see her grandparents Oma and Opa, because Opa is sick. Synopsis: As the story begins, Maizy is less than excited about the prospect of spending the entire summer in Last Chance. Maizy spends the summer with her grandparents at their restaurant The Golden Palace.  Opa tells Maizy all about his grandfather, “Lucky”.  Lucky immigrated to San Francisco to make money to send back to his family in China.  Eventually, Lucky comes to Minnesota.  He begins working at The Golden Palace, and eventually, with hard work, becomes the owner. Although Opa was not a “paper son”, he explains the concept of paper sons to Maizy. Eager to dive into the history of the paper sons, Maizy reaches out to a researcher. Together, they attempt to learn more about these individuals.   Opa explains to Maizy...

Do you love ghost stories? History meets ghost story in How I Became a Ghost. How I Became a Ghost by Tim Tingle is the first book in a trilogy. The story is narrated by a ten year old Choctaw boy named Isaac. How I Became a Ghost takes place on The Trail of Tears, at a time when  Native Americans were forced to leave their homes in Mississippi and relocate to land now called Arkansas and Oklahoma. Tingle, a Choctaw native, captivates readers with an engaging story which depicts resiliency, identity, and interweaves the supernatural, which is a part of Choctaw culture. Synopsis: I saac lives with his family on the edge of a swamp in Mississippi.  On the first page, Isaac tells readers that he will become a ghost, and that he can see the future.  Isaac forewarns readers that knowing what the future holds may not be all that they would think it is.  For example, in one of Isaac's premonitions, he witnesses an elderly Choctaw couple engulfed in flames. Shortly there...

Dig dinosaurs?  In Digging for Bird Dinosaurs , Nic Bishop takes us on a journey in his exploration of the avian dinosaur world.  Set in Madagascar, the story details the life of a paleontologist on an expedition to find dinosaur bones.   Synopsis: Bishop brings the reader into the world of paleontology, uncovering the remarkable connections between modern birds and their ancient relatives. The cover, featuring images of dinosaur fossils and excavation tools, immediately sparks the imagination and sets the tone for an adventure into the past. The book provides a vivid and detailed account of the painstaking process of discovering and studying these fascinating creatures.  Bishop gives the reader insight into the daily existence of paleontologists at work.  He details a life that is not quite as glamorous as young dinosaur lovers may imagine.  Bishop incorporates tales from the paleontologists featured as well as details about their discoveries that m...

Jason Reynolds' Long Way Down takes readers on a haunting journey through life on urban streets and aftermath of gun violence. With its unique poetry verse-style storytelling, this story goes deep into the complexities of grief, revenge, and the cycle of violence that is plaguing urban communities. Synopsis: Set in a neighborhood ruled by street codes, retaliation,  and violence, the story follows fifteen-year-old Will as he grapples with the sudden loss of his brother Shawn, gunned down in their own neighborhood. Consumed by anger and grief, Will is determined to seek revenge, following the unspoken rules that demand retribution for his brother's death. As he steps into the elevator of his building with his brother's gun tucked into his waistband, Will embarks on a journey that forces him to confront his deepest fears and reconsider his notions of justice and loyalty.  My Takeaway:   Although this type of storytelling is new to me. Reynolds' use of verse propels the ...

  Jerry Pinkney's "The Lion and the Mouse," is a stunningly illustrated adaptation of Aesop's classic fable. The story revolves around an unexpected friendship that develops between a mighty lion and a small mouse, showcasing the powerful impact of kindness and courage. This timeless tale is not only a feast for the eyes but also a testament to the profound impact of friendship and courage. Synopsis: The story begins in the African savannah, with the imposing lion, who becomes ensnared in a hunter's net. Despite his strength, the lion finds himself vulnerable and helpless. Along comes the tiny mouse, who, purely by chance, comes across the trapped lion. Demonstrating incredible bravery, the mouse gnaws through the ropes, freeing the lion from the net. Initially skeptical, the lion is astonished by the mouse's act of courage and kindness. The fable beautifully illustrates the idea that even the mightiest beings can benefit from the help of the smallest, emphas...

If You Plant a Seed By: Kadir Nelson The book's cover catches the reader’s eye, offering a glimpse into the vibrant and colorful world Nelson has crafted. The artwork is not only visually appealing but also serves as a perfect complement to the concise text, enhancing the overall experience for the reader as well as the message.  Synopsis: In "If You Plant a Seed," Nelson takes readers on a journey where a few small seeds of kindness blossom into something much more significant. The story unfolds in a garden where a rabbit and a mouse learn valuable lessons about the rewards of sharing and cooperation. Nelson uses the literal idea of planting seeds as a means for the future reward of food as a metaphor to illustrate the idea of planting seeds of kindness and empathy for a rewarding future. The beautifully described scenes are not just engaging for children but also carry a profound message that will resonate with readers of all ages. Nelson delivers this powerful messag...

The Other Side                          by Jacqueline Woodson Synopsis:  The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson is a children's book that tells the story of two girls, Annie and Clover, who live on opposite sides of a fence that divides their town. The girls' friendship develops despite the segregation and prejudice that exists between their communities. My Takeaways:   I was imm ediately struck by the way The Other Side is told from Clover’s point of view, which gives the reader deep insight and understanding into what her thoughts and feelings are, helping the reader connect with her and empathize with her need to make a connection with Annie. As the story unfolds, we see Annie and Clover’s relationship evolve from a curiosity, to a tentative connection, and finally to a true friendship.  The girls’ friendship demonstrates a  bravery within the girls to go against societal norms.  Thro...

  Nana Akua Goes to School by Tricia Elam Walker https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/52783249 Synopsis:   This story about a girl named Zura takes place in her grade school classroom, as they get ready for Grandparents Day.  Zura is apprehensive about Nana Akua attending, as she is fearful that her classmates will be unkind to Nana Akua because she has tribal markings on her face that her parents gave her as a child in West Africa.  My Takeaways:  There are so many things to love about this book.  The writing is full of figurative language, which would help to paint a vivid picture in the mind of a young reader.  One example I liked in particular was when Zura mentioned that Nana Akua is her favorite person and that even though her feet do not reach the ground as she is sitting at the table she is “as tall as the giant playground slide”.   However, the illustrations also do an excellent job of showcasing the events and characters in the story...