Book Review: 'Spare Parts' by Joshua Davis

✰✰✰✰½ Four teenagers, who live with the constant threat of deportation, two dedicated teachers, and one simple, underwater robot come together in this inspiring story of street smarts, ingenuity, courage, teamwork, and unlikely friendship. These kids didn’t have a choice in coming to America; their parents brought them in the hopes of living a better life. As they grew up, these kids identify as American and remember very little about their lives in Mexico, and yet America isn’t eager to claim them.

Faced with stereotypes and misperceptions about immigrants, these four teens beat the odds and outperformed some of the most privileged students in the country to win a prestigious robotics competition. More importantly, these teens garnered respect from their peers and brought national attention to the plight of many children who were brought to this country illegally by their parents. This is their story, one of hope and struggle.

The Bottom Line: This inspiring tale makes discussing tough topics like immigration approachable. Written in short chapters, this is a quick read. The author makes the topics of technology and robotics easily understandable. Highly recommended reading for students in and teachers of high school and college. Also of interest to those in politics, science, and technology.

Book Club Notes: This book turned out to be a surprise hit with our group. It was written in approachable language, and chapters were small. The book created an open dialogue for a respectful discussion about some hot topics like immigration. We noted that there are many layers to the immigration dilemma. For example, should children who are brought to the U.S. illegally be treated the same as the adults who made the decision for them? Although we did not have any solutions to current immigration issues, we are more aware of the situation and able to converse about it. Although this book was published ten years ago, it remains current today.

Many in our group were naturally drawn to the story of Oscar Vazquez. Thank you, Oscar, for your service to America.

The movie was enjoyable for entertainment purposes. While the movie did a good job of maintaining the themes of the book, it did take certain creative liberties. We discussed the differences in the movie ending versus the book. Overall, on a scale of 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest, the book rated 4.6 and the movie 4.5! Highly recommended for everyone.

Discussion questions are readily available online at Reading Group Guides, Teach with Movies, and the Kansas State University faculty guide. 

Details: Spare Parts: Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and the Battle for the American Dream by Joshua Davis. Paperback published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux in 2014. 224 p. ISBN: 978-0-374-53498-1 

Book Review: 'The Pug Who Wanted to be a Bunny' by Bella Swift

✰✰✰✰ Peggy the pug is getting a new sibling just in time for Easter. The new sibling is cute, soft, and cuddly. Everyone in the family is excited, except Peggy. Peggy is used to getting a whole lot of attention, and now she’s playing second fiddle to a bunny! In fact, the newcomer is so adorable, Peggy decides to become a bunny too. Can Peggy convince everyone she’s just as cute as the new pet? Or will Easter end in disaster? Hop on over to the library and check out this cute tale.

The Bottom Line: This delightful, gentle, easy-to-read tale reminds readers that there’s more than enough love to go around in a family. Each member holds an unique spot in a family; no competition is needed. This is Book #3 in The Pug Who Wanted To Be series. Enthusiastically recommended for middle grade readers experiencing sibling rivalry.

Details: The Pug Who Wanted to be a Bunny by Bella Swift. Hardcover published by Aladdin in 2022. 160 p. ISBN: 9781534486850 

Book Review: 'The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story' by Diane Ackerman

✰✰✰✰½ Antonina Zabinski loved living and working at the Warsaw Zoo. Described as a housewife, a mother, and a zookeeper, Antonina's magical life in the Warsaw Zoo was everything she dreamed of until the Germans invaded Poland in 1939.

As fear descended upon Poland, Antonina’s husband, Jan, couldn’t let people or animals suffer and wanted to help as many Jews as possible. Together, the couple devised a plan using the zoo as camouflage to hide people. 

Overseeing daily life at the zoo was Antonina’s job. A woman of opposites: empathy and bravery, innocence and fierce protector, Antonina kept their Guests hidden and safe. She never revealed her fears or made anyone feel unworthy. Remarkably courageous and dedicated, Antonina wove a web of lies and managed to keep everyone fed.

As they confronted many challenges along the way, the Zabinskis were a bright light in the darkness of war.

The Bottom Line: What makes this book different from some other books about the Holocaust is the focus on compassion and self-sacrifice. The Zabinski family were in a special position to help others despite the personal risks involved. 

As a naturalist, author Diane Ackerman brings an unique perspective to her writing, which helps her convey relationships between organisms and their environment. Besides telling the story of the Zabinski family and their heroic actions, this book also includes the stories about other historical figures during that time.

Highly recommended as significant reading for those interested in understanding history, war, human behavior, and animal behavior.

Book Club Notes: Overall our group enjoyed the book far more than the movie. Although the movie was cast well, there was too much fiction added to a story that is already suspenseful and heroic. As far as ratings go, on a scale of 1 - 5, the book garnered an average of 4.75, while the movie barely averaged 3. Recommended for book clubs interested in history, biography, World War II, and inspiration. As a bonus, discussion questions are plentiful online.

Details: The Zookeeper’s Wife: A War Story by Diane Ackerman. Paperback published by W. W. Norton & Company in 2007. 368 p. ISBN: 978-0-393-33306-0 

Happy New Year! Welcome 2024!

Wishing everyone a belated Happy New Year. 2024 is going to be the BEST year yet. Change is in the air, and it’s time to try new things. Although I will continue to write book reviews as time permits, I have begun a new journey teaching art. As far as the types of books I am reading this year, my goal includes adding more nonfiction books with a focus on self-awareness and self-improvement. I hope you join me on this journey of self-discovery and creativity. Have a Blessed New Year!

[Note: The free animated clip art is available here.]

Book Review: 'A Joyful Christmas' by James Ransome

✰✰✰✰✰ This beautiful treasury is one that you will want to have on your bookshelf for years to come. It is divided into two parts: Soul and Heart, with a bridge story about the history of Christmas. Selections include both new stories as well as classics along with spiritual themes. This book takes a look at what makes Christmas special to so many. Also, this compilation of stories, songs and poems focus on the historical significance of this Christian holiday.

The Bottom Line: This Christmas treasury features a little of everything: songs, poems, and stories old and new. With beautiful, seasonal illustrations, this book is sure to be enjoyed by the young and the young at heart. Highly recommended holiday reading throughout the season.

Details: A Joyful Christmas: A Treasury of New and Classic Songs, Poems, and Stories for the Holiday collected and illustrated by James Ransome. Hardcover picture book published by Henry Holt and Co. in 2010. 80 p. ISBN: 978-0-8050-6621-0  

Book Review: 'The Ninth Night' by Erica S. Perl

✰✰✰✰½ When a moving company temporarily misplaces a box of treasured holiday items, a family makes the best of it. Without their family menorah, Hanukkah candles, latkes, gelt, and wrapping paper, the eight days of Hanukkah are nice, but yet don’t quite feel like Hanukkah. Nevertheless, new neighbors help out the best they can by sharing birthday candles and french fries. Inspired by the helper candle, the shamash, the family decides to thank their new friends and neighbors on the ninth day with a special celebration.

The Bottom Line: This clever story of friendship and sharing invites the reader to start a new tradition after reading this picture book. Kober’s humorous illustrations are engaging and fun. Highly recommended holiday reading for storytime for kids ages 4 -8.

Details: The Ninth Night of Hanukkah written by Erica S. Perl & illustrated by Shahar Kober. Picture book published by Sterling Children’s Books in 2020. 40 p. ISBN: 978-1-4549-4088-3

Book Review: 'A Turkey for Thanksgiving' by Eve Bunting

✰✰✰✰✰  Thanksgiving is best when shared with friends. As Mr. Moose sets out chairs for Mr. & Mrs. Goat, Rabbit, Sheep, and Porcupine, Mrs. Moose reflects that it would be nice to have a real turkey for Thanksgiving. Mr. Moose sets out immediately to find one. With the help of his friends, Mr. Moose finally spots Turkey down by the river.  Alarmed, Turkey tries to make his escape, but alas, he is too fat. As Mr. Moose marches Turkey back to the house, Turkey knows he is doomed. He's in for a surprise though when Mrs. Moose sets her eyes on him. 

The Bottom Line: This seasonal tale if perfect for a holiday story time. With a surprise twist ending, this endearing picture book celebrates friendship. Illustrated in full-color watercolors in a pleasing autumnal palette, this picture book is a classic. Enthusiastically recommended holiday reading for families with little ones ages 4 - 7. 

Details: A Turkey for Thanksgiving written by Eve Bunting & illustrated by Diane de Groat. Hardcover picture book published by Clarion Books in 1991. 32 p. ISBN: 0-89919-793-0