Showing posts with label short stature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label short stature. Show all posts

Monday, January 2, 2023

Middle Grade Monday: Nothing is Little by Carmella VanVleet

Nothing is Little by Carmella VanVleet. 304 p. Holiday House, July, 2022. 97810823450114. (Review of finished purchased copy.)

Middle Grade Monday features Nothing is Little by Carmella VanVleet. Sixth grader Felix may be short in stature, but he's long in heart and humor. He often sports tee shirts with funny messages about being short. He doesn't even mind his nickname, Shortlock. He'd love to know more about his bio-dad, but his mom avoids those questions. He appreciates his stepfather, Paul, who is trying to make Felix feel included, but with a baby sister on the way, he can't help but feel like an outsider.

He joins the forensics club at school with his best friend and discovers he and his teammates are very good at solving mysteries and have a good chance of representing their school at a regional competition. Felix thinks this might be a good way to find his bio-dad. What is he willing to do in order to get there?

Felix is an appealing character. The plot is fast-paced, switching between school and forensics club to home scenes. Readers looking for a fresh and funny read will find much to like here.

Friday, January 16, 2015

Imani's Moon by JaNay Brown-Wood


Imani's Moon by JaNay Brown-Wood. Illustrated by Hazel Mitchell. unpgd. Charlesbridge Publisher, October, 2014. 9781934133576. (Finished copy courtesy of publisher for review.)

Imani is constantly teased by the members of her Maasai tribe for her short stature. What she lacks in height, she makes up for with determination and imagination thanks to her supportive mother who fuels Imani with stories each night. Tales of the moon goddess and Anansi sustain her and it is her heart's desire to touch the moon. As she tries and fails, the taunts do not diminish her intentions. Magical realism is deeply embedded in this lilting story. The bright, energetic illustrations are endearing and add to the sweetness of the story.