Mason Buttle is More Than Good Enough

When I read the jacket of Good Enough, I was more than intrigued. It sounded like a little bit of mystery, a little bit of teen drama, and a healthy dose of discussion about a serious mental health issue. However, I found it lacking in every category. The story was mildly interesting, and the main character had strong character traits, but it really ended up being repetitive and lacking in depth. 
Mason Buttle, however, was an interesting read filled with complex characters and an interesting story line. One of my colleagues said "it had a Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime kind of vibe.  I loved Mason as a character and the mystery will be an easy sell,", and I think that sums up the appeal of the book. It was highly readable and I think it would garner a lot of interest, especially in the grade 6-8 crowd. 
Kerri and the Westminster team

Patron Saints of Nothing vs. We'll Fly Away

Although I enjoyed both books, ultimately I enjoyed Patron Saints of Nothing more. I felt it was a compelling story that intrigued me enough to do some research, both on who the author actually was and also what was really happening in the Philippines. I think many students can relate to the struggle of finding their own identity within the expectations of family traditions and being true to themselves. For that reason my vote goes to the Patron Saints of Nothing. 

ABM Final Votes- 8 Patron Saints of Nothing , 2 We'll Fly Away 

Mason pulls out the win!

An underdog story takes the win.   Many members of the team found Mason a captivating character with charm to spare.  Others commented on his resilience and the eclectic mix of characters that were developed throughout the story.  There were some votes for Good Enough as the theme of being not "good enough" was something that many readers could identify with.  However, there were questions about the character development and whether the topic of eating disorders would appeal to only a select group of readers.  So... drum roll please.... our group (Kym, Cathy, Andrea, Amanda, Shelley, Gail, Linda, Colin and Maureen) although divided in our pick, chose Mason Buttle as the winner of this battle.

Moon Rising on an Octopus

 

Two strong contenders. Either could be a zombie pick.

Two desperate families, both with absent fathers. Two teenagers in impossible situations.

Did Ed do it? We mostly believe his story. Does it matter? It's his brother Joe's tale

While most of our students can't identify with the level of poverty Zoe faces, her family struggles do hit a bit closer to home than Joe's. Can you believe Zoe's mother? She made us angry, and when you're emotional, you know it's an impactful book. More kids could likely connect to this one than Moonrise; most of us will never be visitors on death row. Maybe that's part of the reason we need to read it though; it offers a unique perspective far beyond our own experiences, especially in Canada.

Although it was close, we have a slight preference for The Benefits of Being an Octopus. We'd also be more likely to recommend it to our students.

Renee, Dianne, Megan
Ottewell Junior High

Ghost Boys and The Prince and the Dressmaker

I saw Emmett Till this week at the grocery store

Eve L. Ewing 

looking over the plums, one by one
lifting each to his eyes and
turning it slowly, a little earth,
checking the smooth skin for pockmarks
and rot, or signs of unkind days or people,
then sliding them gently into the plastic.
whistling softly, reaching with a slim, woolen arm
into the cart, he first balanced them over the wire
before realizing the danger of bruising
and lifting them back out, cradling them
in the crook of his elbow until
something harder could take that bottom space.
I knew him from his hat, one of those
fine porkpie numbers they used to sell
on Roosevelt Road. it had lost its feather but
he had carefully folded a dollar bill
and slid it between the ribbon and the felt
and it stood at attention. he wore his money.
upright and strong, he was already to the checkout
by the time I caught up with him. I called out his name
and he spun like a dancer, candy bar in hand,
looked at me quizzically for a moment before
remembering my face. he smiled. well
hello young lady
       hello, so chilly today
       should have worn my warm coat like you
yes so cool for August in Chicago
       how are things going for you
oh he sighed and put the candy on the belt
it goes, it goes.

Ghost Boys for the win.

Octopus for Harry Ainlay

This was a difficult choice for our team at Harry Ainlay. Both novels were engaging, however, The Benefits of Being An Octopus won.

Moonrise
This novel will impact readers on various levels. It was an emotional read on many levels: family relationships; poverty; advocating for a brother; the criminal justice system; and the complex idea of hope. The issues we faced in our discussions was the accessibility of the text and the plausibility of the death penalty in a murder with reasonable doubt. We know the author is shedding light on the faults of the criminal justice system. Could that exploration and narrative be stronger? More plausible? Yes and it should be.

Octopus
This novel is accessible to middle year readers. Various topics are approached with nuance, empathy, and integrity. Complex issues arise from this text which make the reader think of their stance and the complexity of the issue. The metaphor of a young girl who takes on a parent role was so fitting as many of the children in our classrooms can relate.

Moonrise vs. The Benefits of Being an Octopus

Audiobook vs hard copy of a  book can , at time, make a difference!
Checking out EPL as soon as I got my titles, I quickly took out the audio version of Octopus, and hated it. Perhaps it is due to me trying to distract myself on the treadmill while listening, but I just could not buy in to the characters, or the plot. The reading level was low, perhaps appealing to grade 4/5 and I can't see my Junior High students sticking through the muck of this book! However, as time goes, my audio copy returned and eventually, I resorted to the hard copy. Through reading the final few chapters on my own, I liked the story and characters a bit more but sadly, I quickly realized that although sad and desperate, Zoey's life will never improve with such negative mentors around her. Even those that should be in her corner, disappoint. Her mother, in an abusive relationship, finally makes one good decision but I was already too far gone in my dislike of all the characters to change my mind. I want to feel bad for Zoey, I really do, but her story is just simply too negative to vote this one through (and yes I know this is a reality for many students/ kids but perhaps my real life students have all my sympathy right now in their struggles)!

Now onto the good stuff!
Moonrise was such a pleasant read. Dealing with the date of your brother's execution while he sits on  death row is unimaginable; dealing with an innocent brother on death row is unforgivable. In this heartbreaking story, the reader is taken on a journey with the protagonist to spend time with the brother he barely knows before his impending death. Knowing you' re going to lose someone that you are finally getting to know and that all hope, no matter what you or any one does, is fruitless, grips the reader's attention from the beginning and keeps you hanging on in hopes of redemption. A lovely story, although truly sorrowful, the plot is relevant, appealing, and new.

~Jan Reimer readers