Jingwen isn't happy that his family moved to a new country; he feels like he's landed on Mars. He doesn't speak the language and misses home terribly. His mom works all the time and he's stuck watching his little brother most nights.
Finally, they come up with a plan to make themselves feel better - baking the cakes their father was going to use in their bakery. But Jingwen's only eleven and he's not supposed to use the oven. They bake the cakes in secret, but has the secrets pile up, so do all the lies.
My Thoughts: I went into this book thinking it was a graphic novel. And it is partly, but it's mostly prose mixed with graphic elements. I really liked this book, but it was really sad at points which I also wasn't expecting. I enjoyed the brotherly relationship - both the sweet moments and the annoying ones. I loved how the boys made (And ate) the cakes. I liked how Jingwen struggled to make friends. But mostly I just wanted to wrap Jingwen up in a giant hug and tell him things will get better. Of course I wanted to bake all thing things (and eat them) while reading this book.
Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A great book for school and public libraries - for the friendship, moving to a new country, and navigating life after the death of a parent.
Kenny wants to save the world, but it only happens on paper. In real life, he's being bullied at school. When he tries to act tougher, that's when the trouble starts.
He starts lying to his Grandmother, getting in trouble at school, and worrying about what's going to happen next.
Is he in way over his head, or can he come up with a plan to smooth everything over?
My Thoughts: I enjoyed this novel with some graphic novel panels interspersed. I liked that Kenny lived with his grandmother and she instilled good manners in him. She has a great big heart and old fashioned believes, which makes her perfect. I like how she wanted the best for Kenny.
I like how Kenny and his friend were interested in Chess.
I like how the neighborhood wasn't the best and that the book touched on bullies, drugs, and fostering kids. Everyone should have the best chance that they can have - and Kenny's grandmother helps him fight for a chance. I like how the parents stood up for the school principal, how they required their school to be better, and how they didn't take no for an answer. I like how they inspired Kenny to do the right thing, the hard thing, in front of everyone.
Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Sent for Review
Final Thoughts: A novel about being the best version of yourself and standing tall, even if others around you aren't doing their part.
