Kids' Summer Reading Reviews: "Penny Dreadful"

"Penny Dreadful" by Laurel Snyder
2 out of 5 stars
grade level: 4th-7th??

I wasn't blown away by this author's first book, but gave her second book a chance anyway. The writing has not improved, and neither has the plot. I think I'm done with this author for multiple reasons.

Synopsis: Penelope is an only child in a well-to-do family. Her life is boring and she makes a wish for excitement - any kind of excitement. Her father, the president of a prosperous company, comes home one day to annouce he's quit his job...and wants to write a book. For several weeks he shuffles about in a bathrobe while the family's finances go from bad to worse. In fact, they're broke, and the parents end up stressing and fighting about this. Penelope is a confused and worried on-looker, wondering if this is really the excitement she wished for.

Their fortunes change when the mom receives word that she's inherited a house in a rural community. They put their mansion up for rent and move to the sticks, hoping for a change in fortune. Turns out they inherited a ton of debt as well; money worries multiply. Their "house" is actually a run-down conglomeration of houses all built onto each other, and according to the will, the tenants get to live there rent-free. Penelope changes her frou-frou name after being teased and befriends a loud-mouthed girl who is not ashamed of being dirty or poor. Several other friends surface, all of whom have issues of one sort, but they're content to change what they can and live with what they can't.

A hair-brained spelunking scheme to search for a legendary lost treasures turns up to be a bust, and Penny worries that her family - and the other families in the housing complex - will be evicted. In a last-minute turn of events, the other families ante up whatever they can to cover the current month's debt payment, and then they have a potluck picnic. The End.

To keep myself from ranting why I did NOT like this book, let me list a few reasons, rapid-fire:
1. horrid family relationships, children are disconnected/out of touch with their parents
2. the theme of money issues as presented is too deep/complex for kids to relate to
3. the author tosses in a very-pregnant mom who refers to Jenny, her "wife" - either kids will catch on that this is a lesbian relationship or they will be totally confused. This served no purpose in the story at all and is just yuck.
4. The only 2 dads in the story are weak leaders/self-absorbed or paranoid/over-controlling/clueless.
5. I felt like the focus of the plot changed about 3 times - and nothing was really resolved

This book was not even fun to read - tons of worry, hurt feelings, misunderstandings, sad parents, disappointments. I know there are kids who could relate to some aspects of the book, but overall it seemed like the author muddled and lost control of the plot by trying to make her story as politically correct as possible - which only adults get.

What I did like:
1. The illustrations were well done and lively.
2. the main character was not afraid to make friends with people unlike herself

Next I'll be reading a new historical fiction about John Calvin- by Douglas Bond. My brain needs something solid after this!

No Grays Allowed

Gray Flowers - Great lyrics paired with a sweet indie sound inspired me to do this painting.

Because we all need grays. 

detail

Twinkle twinkle

Found time to sit with my brushes again while the kiddos did their own paintings. My youngest is really into all things related to outer space, so I was inspired to paint the stars.

Kids' Summer Reading Reviews - "Up and Down the Scratchy Mountains"

Up and Down the Scratchy Mountains - Laurel Snyder
2nd-4th grade reading level
3 out of 5 stars

Lucy is a common milkmaid with an independent, firey temper. She also happens to be best friends with the prince, who is a bit of a weak-willed pushover. When the king decides it's time for the prince to find a suitable princess (hello?! He's only 12!), spending time with the very unsuitable Lucy is replaced with ruby-polishing and law-memorizing. Lucy suddenly feels angry and alone. She wishes she could talk to her mother about this, but she has been "gone" since Lucy was a tot. Father won't talk about her mother; neighbors sadly shake their heads and say little. In hopes that her mother might still be alive, Lucy goes up the mountain her mother came from to search for her. She doesn't find her mother there, but instead discovers the importance of true friendship amidst a crazy little town that is full of rules (rule-breaking is Lucy's specialty). In the end, we discover that her mother is in fact dead (completely burned up in a lightning strike, not even a gravestone to remember her by) and that the king is willing to bend the laws - justified as a "loophole" - so Lucy and the prince can get married (did I mention they're only 12?!).

OK, this was a fanciful, fun read, but the themes of "rule-bending" and rebellion that goes uncorrected raise a few flags for me. Both Lucy's and the prince's fathers are disconnected from their children's hearts, leaving them the desire to fend for themselves. Finding a spouse at such a young age is just foolishness. The story would've held together without the princess-hunting; the theme of friendship and loyalty are already there and could stand on their own. This is the author's first book - and it felt like a first book while reading it. The plot moves quickly, but the writing is not compelling. It's not bad, just not great. There are a lot of good points to discuss with my kids after reading this - especially how Lucy and the prince would've saved themselves a lot of grief and suffering if they had just talked about what was on their hearts with their fathers in the first place. How rules protect us, and when/if it is ok to go against those rules. I'm not a fan of books that portray overly-independent, rebellious children and disfunctional families, even if it does end "happily ever after."

Kids' Summer Reading Reviews - "Clarence Cochran, A Human Boy"

Summertime is a great break from school lessons, but the free time can cause the kids (and moms!) to go a bit stir crazy. Last year we created a fun reading incentive for our kids -it was such a success that we're doing it again this year. After every 1,000 pages, we'll treat that child to some ice cream. Oh, and they have to write a 1 page book review for each book, too (this helps me check that they're not skimming).

Of course, the problem with this is that I need to know what these books are about as well! So I guess I unwittingly enrolled myself in this reading program. But my loss is your gain. I'll post my reviews here on the blog - hopefully you'll find some fun summer reading for your family to enjoy.

Clarence Cochran, A Human Boy - William Loizeaux

2nd-4th grade reading level, 153 pgs.

4 out of 5 stars

Ever imagine what it would be like to be a bug? Or what it would be like for a bug to be a human? Clarence Cochran is your everyday cockroach, happily living in the kitchen of the Gilmartin family with his parents, brothers, and extended cockroach community. But one morning, Clarence awakes to find himself inexplicably transformed into a boy! His family and friends are shocked and shun him, with the exception of his tender-hearted mother. Yes, she gives comforting cockroach hugs and hears Clarence say his prayers after a long day of scampering about the kitchen, like any good mom would do. Before you get too grossed out, this book is the most heart-warming portrayal of cockroaches possible (is that possible?!). Just as he is starting to adjust to his new self, the Gilmartins discover the roaches and call the exterminator. Problems multiply, the colony panics, and a mass exodus is planned. Clarence takes a bold risk and uses his new-found human skills to embark on an adventure for survival. 

I loved everything about this book! It was so refreshing to find a book that boys will LOVE that isn't centered around pirates or sports teams. I giggled all the way through. This would be a great book to go along with an insect study unit, or an ecosystem study. There are lots of character qualities to talk about as well. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is the potential to see this as overly "eco-conscious". That is limited to one character for the most part. I see it as good fuel for discussion about our role as humans to care for the earth in light of the dominion mandate in Genesis.

Fiber Festival Bingo!

It's spring - that time of year when sheep are shorn and their wool is celebrated by so many fiber festivals across the country. I'm looking forward to attending the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival next weekend. Even if you're not into yarn, spinning, or knitting, these fiber festivals are sure to give you lots of great food and plenteous opportunities for people watching! My kids enjoyed the cider donuts and sheep dog trials at one festival. I always enjoy perusing countless booths of vendors selling all sorts of unique items (not just yarn!).

How about a little Fiber Festival Bingo? Print it out and take it along to hone your people-watching skills. Or keep the kids busy while you shop for yarn.  Don't know where to find a fiber fest? This list has hundreds!

Sharpie [Wednesday] ???

Wow - the weekend slipped past like a greased hog! A bit late for my Sharpie Sunday post, so here's a mid-week treat.