Review: Restart

To say Chase isn't the nicest person is a huge understatement; he's downright mean. Or at least he used to be. After falling off the roof and hitting his head, Chase doesn't remember anything. He's not sure why people cower in front of him at school or why his friends act like Neanderthals.

It's not hard to guess that he used to be the biggest bully in school - but he's changed. As Chase navigates the halls of middle school, he becomes interested in things besides football, which he can't play due to his head injury. He joins the video club, under protest of some of the members.

Chase's new actions gain him new friends but leave his old friends feeling neglected. Could this be a permanent change?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved the premise. I liked the story told from perspectives of Chase and those he bullied. I liked watching Chase and Mr. Solway build a relationship. I really liked Chase's interactions with others from his friends to victims of his past bullying. I felt the other characters were brave and trusting. I don't know if I could be that trusting. The ending seems a tiny bit unrealistic, but it was a nice touch. I hated Chase's downfall, but enjoyed him struggle past it. Another hit for Gordon Korman.

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: My Library
Read for: Cybils' short list

Library Recommendation: A must have for all public and school libraries.

Review: The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora

Arturo can't wait for summer - until a business developer moves into town and threatens to ruin everything.

He's working at his family restaurant a few days a week; he's proud of the restaurant. And he's proud of his family.

The new developer wants to create a mega apartment building, complete with shops, entertainment, and restaurants. He cares nothing about the small family business.

When Arturo learns that the restaurant is in serious trouble, he becomes determined to save it.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. I loved Arturo's big family and how they argued, laughed, and loved. I loved all the talk about food and the restaurant bits. I loved how his family and friends tried to save the restaurant - from the protests to the town meeting. I really loved his grandmother. Lots of family, friendship, and food mixed together for one enticing read.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My library
Read for the Cybils Middle Grade Award
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public library

Review: Glory O'Brien's History of the Future

Glory isn't sure of her future even though she's graduating from high school. Her mom killed herself when Glory was four and Glory still feels lost.

One night she and her BFF drink beer mixed with a special ingredient. The next day, Glory can see glimpses of the future when she looks at someone.

The future isn't impressive - in fact it's downright terrifying and depressing.

My Thoughts: I couldn't put this book down - it was terrifying, fascinating, and disturbing. It's a nightmare situation where women's rights no longer exist through a horrifying look at government. 

I loved learning more about Glory - her thoughts, her feelings, and how she tried to find herself in both the past and the future. I loved learning about photography - from the pictures she took and the pictures she found that her mother had taken.

I like how Glory tried to understand her mother and her final choice. I like how she took care of her father, but also how she ultimately took him outside his comfort zone. 

I like how friendship was portrayed - at times it was everything and at times there were nothing. I wasn't a huge fan of Ellie - I found her shallow and selfish. Although I did feel bad for her living in a cult and not having much freedom. I like how the friendship worked itself out.

This book would be perfect for a book discussion - so many things to talk about with feminism, suicide, friendship, judging people, and family. 

Cover Thoughts: It works
Source: My Library
Fun Fact: I read it as a Cybil judge

Overall Thoughts: A Smart book about the future, views on women, and how terrifying the future can seem when changing just a one law. This book kept me thinking long after I closed the pages.