Lisa GraffReseñas

Independent Reading Level: Grades: 2-5

Lots of nods to previous time travel tales in the YA world. I liked McKinley a lot and enjoyed her adventures in the past where she gets the chance to see her parents (and other adults in her life) when they were just her age. Nice resolutions.

It's 2018 in Gap Bend, Pennsylvania, and McKinley is preparing her costume for the annual Time Hop: this year, they're celebrating 1993. But then McKinley's system-obsessed father, William, says she can't go to the fashion show because she has to stay home with Grandma Bev, when McKinley knows she can handle it all just fine - she McKinley and Grandma Bev go to the Time Hop. But McKinley's dad shows up and there's a big scene; McKinley runs to the bathroom, and emerges...in 1993. When realization dawns, she searches for her best friend Meg's mom Jackie, who told her she can come to her for help any time.

Over the course of a week in 1993, McKinley gets to know the 12-year-old versions of Jackie, Jackie's future husband Ron, and "Billy" (William), all while trying to avoid cranky Mr. Jones - who, Jackie discovers, traveled back in time himself. In fact, Jackie's research turns up several potential time travelers in their town. McKinley wrestles with the idea of change: Will her actions in the past change the future (her present)? Can she change other people, or herself? McKinley is especially worried about Meg: they fought right before McKinley time traveled to 1993, and McKinley is scared that her actions in 1993 will somehow erase Meg from 2018. When McKinley does return from 1993's 1930s-themed Time Hop, she and adult Jackie debrief on the way to Meg's FACTS competition.

A perfectly executed middle grade time travel book. Each chapter title references a 1990s song (A Playlist for 1993).

Quotes

C.R.A.B.S.: Count your blessings, Right your wrongs, Assess your neighbors, Better your world, Shake up your routine (8)

Quotes

But there was something very different about knowing a thing and experiencing it. (194)½

Very cute story. Told from the main character, a boy with a learning disability. I think students could learn a lot from in on how to treat others. I learned a lot from it as well. Hearing his interpretation of things his teachers and parents said and did was very insightful. A good reminder that all children are special. A little easy for 7th graders, but good for 3rd-6th.

Many characters' stories are tangled up into this hairy knot of a novel. Among the kids, there's Cady, an orphan and a Talented baker of cakes; Zane, a troublemaker with a Talent for spitting; Marigold, a responsible girl trying to find her Talent; and little Will, who is always getting lost. The cast of adults includes the grumpy, villainous Owner of the Lost Luggage Emporium; the sweet matchmaker Jennifer Mallory; an old lady known only as "V;" the mysterious Toby; the even more mysterious man in the gray suit; and Marigold, Zane and Will's mother Mrs. Asher. Phew! I said there were A LOT of characters.

A Tangle of Knots is about a world mostly similar to the real one, except people are either Talented or Fair. The Fair are basically normal people (like Muggles), the Talented possess one special ability (sometimes normal stuff like knitting, sometimes magical stuff like floating).

This book works like a bunch of little mysteries that can only be solved when the characters connections are untangled. What is the Owner looking for? What's so special about Mrs. Asher's hairpin? Will Marigold find her Talent, or is she just Fair? Can Miss Mallory match Cady with her perfect adopted family? Is having a Talent a gift or a curse?

This is definitely a jigsaw puzzle of a book that will keep readers turning the pages to find out how it all fits together. Will they be totally satisfied by the ending? Maybe, maybe not. I was a little disappointed that the man in the gray suit remained completely unexplained--was he God or what?. But as a consolation, the books includes lots of delicious-sounding cake recipes to try. Recommended for fans of [b:Savvy|2133795|Savvy (Savvy, #1)|Ingrid Law|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347849557s/2133795.jpg|2596626], quirky mysteries, magical realism, and (of course) cake.

As for its Newbery chances, I can't see this as a serious contender. Though the plot is interesting and twisty, the setting, themes and characters are given short shrift. This is more a crowd-pleaser than awe-inspiring.

First sentences: In most ways, Gap Bend, Pennsylvania, was just like any other small town.

Premise/plot: Gap Bend, Pennsylvania, has a tradition of hosting a 'Time Hop' community event. McKinley O'Dair is super excited. This year the Time Hop will be celebrating all things 1993. She realizes--foreshadowing--that 1993 was the year her father was her age.

After an explosive argument with her father--in which she runs away at the Time Hop--she finds herself traveling back in time. She's IN the "real" 1993. Her father is her own age. And she is clueless as to how to return to 2018.

My thoughts: I wanted to love, love, love this one. I didn't love it. I will try to share why I personally didn't love this one so that you can make up your own mind as to if this is one you'd be interested in picking up and reading for yourself.

What I liked: I liked the premise of time travel. I LOVE the premise of time travel. I seek out time travel books like they're candy. I was super excited about the premise of this one. The fact that she'd be able to "get to know" her father when he was her own age was intriguing. It had potential.

The chapter titles are song titles. I wasn't familiar with most of these songs, but, it could make a good side project for those that love music OR that love quests in general. Not having listened to these songs, I'm not sure if the song lyrics themselves have anything at all to do--themes? tones?--with the plot of the book. Perhaps they do. Maybe they don't. I will say that the characters themselves don't really talk music--artists, songs--all that often (if at all). (And when they do bring up a song title, I *think* it was a song actually released in 1997. Granted, perhaps the Backstreet Boys only covered "Hey Mr DJ Keep Playing That Song". But any internet search showed that the Backstreet Boys as the artist and the 1997 as the year it released.)

What I didn't like: I found almost all the characters (except McKinley's grandma) insufferable. I truly found them so incredibly annoying and obnoxious. The characters in 2018 and the characters in 1993--both were so unlikable that even the premise of time travel didn't really keep me loving the book. McKinley, our main character, was SO full of it. I just couldn't stand her smugness. And I don't think she was purposefully written to be smug. She wasn't the only annoying character, but, she was the one readers never got away from.

One thing that definitely bothered me was that every single character was disrespectful, rude, unkind, bully-ish. All the conversations McKinley and Jackie had in the past were SO rude and obnoxious. The way they treated others. The way they treated each other.

I also didn't like the fact that the fashion descriptions felt a LOT more like mid-to-late 1990s--than 1993. Again, every adult who lived through the nineties might have a different recollection of the details. So perhaps it's just me that thinks it's a tiny bit off. You can decide for yourself. Maybe 1993 was all about Doc Martens, silver spaghetti strap dresses, white baby doll tees, lace choker necklaces, butterfly clips, and denim vests. I wouldn't let the fashion descriptions keep you from picking up the book. If that was the only thing that annoyed me--slightly--I would still have enjoyed the book. It was mainly the characters being annoying. Again--totally subjective.

This was recommended to my son and I as a good listen for a drive. Turns out, it was a bit too young for him (at 15), but I listened to it myself. A pretty good listen, but I'm not going to rate it, since not only is it not my demographic, but I don't even have a kid in this demographic anymore.

Various fruits are used to explain the change in size during a pregnancy and ending with a beautiful baby.

When Jared Richards died of an undiagnosed heart condition it shattered his younger sister Annie’s world. She lives in a state of constant worry and anxiety where a mosquito bite or an upset stomach signals horrendous and fatal medical conditions. She wears a bike helmet when riding in the car and ace bandages on her ankles to avoid sprains and everyone around her gives her the “dead brother” look when they try to explain that she really is safe. She doesn’t know what safe is anymore and she is pretty certain that no one else does either.

This summer with her brother’s birthday looming and her anxiety overshadowing her life, she and her parents must find a way to move forward. With the help of a new neighbor, she may just be able to find a way back to the living.

This book is heartbreaking in so many ways. Annie is desperate to find some control over her world and her friends and family want to help even their own worlds are spiraling out control. I loved the connection between Mrs. Finch and Annie, a bond that could offer healing to both of them. I loved how Annie's friends never gave up on her despite all that had been going on. All the characters in this story were refreshingly authentic. When dealing with a subject such as this, it is always too easy to fall into archetypes and caricatures. I especially loved the use of Charlotte’s Web to make the point of an ever-changing world where life goes on after death.

This book may be a lot to handle for a child who has lost a family member, but it would make for a great discussion tool for most kids ages 5-13. It is a wonderful story.

2010 Caudill Award nominee. About a 10-year old boy who is a dwarf. His life is changing though when his mom announces that she is pregnant.

Recommended Ages: Gr.

Plot Summary: Francine has proven herself behind the scenes in Media Club and now she wants the chance to be on screen. When another club member nominates Kansas, the new kid, she is upset. In order to settle the tie, Miss Sparks agrees to let the kids figure it out however they want, which means a dare war, since Kansas randomly said he was the king of dares moments earlier. Things progress quickly. It's a close race. Who will win?

Setting:

Characters:
Kansas Bloom -
Francine Halata -
Donald - Francine's dad
Cecily - Francine's mom
Miss Sparks - media club teacher, very hands off

Recurring Themes: divorce, bravery, knowing what you want, determination

Controversial Issues: some of the dares seemed a little harsh

Personal Thoughts: I usually love Lisa Graff books but I didn't love this one. The dares didn't seem fair or justified and the idea of dares deciding the next newscaster ("approved" by the teacher) seemed totally far-fetched.

Genre: realistic fiction

Pacing: medium
Characters: ok
Frame:
Storyline:

Activity:

This was a well-done realistic fiction novel with difficult themes: guilt, anger issues, and depression. It may not be for ever reader, but I think most kids who got into Wonder would appreciate the main character, Trent's complex nature. Or at least they would get it.

I had some issues with characterizations that read cliche or forced: the teacher was such a parody of herself. I eventually liked that she and Trent hit it off but it felt an obligatory plot device at moments. Also, the fathers ( both seemed like repressed alpha - males ), especially Trent's dad, were strangely aloof and characters who I didn't feel like I really got to know. Maybe if they were more central, I would have felt better about them overall.
I did enjoy the brother relationships, and their dynamic was believable. At times I could have sworn the author was projecting Holden Caulfield's voice on Trent, and that felt strained. Also, would Annie truly want to be near this family after what happened. That character motivation was unclear. Good read for fans of young characters surmounting difficult times and navigating their own emotional self- awareness in overcoming obstacles and personal conflict.

Overall, a good solid realistic fiction read.

This was a well-done realistic fiction novel with difficult themes: guilt, anger issues, and depression. It may not be for ever reader, but I think most kids who got into Wonder would appreciate the main character, Trent's complex nature. Or at least they would get it.

I had some issues with characterizations that read cliche or forced: the teacher was such a parody of herself. I eventually liked that she and Trent hit it off but it felt an obligatory plot device at moments. Also, the fathers ( both seemed like repressed alpha - males ), especially Trent's dad, were strangely aloof and characters who I didn't feel like I really got to know. Maybe if they were more central, I would have felt better about them overall.
I did enjoy the brother relationships, and their dynamic was believable. At times I could have sworn the author was projecting Holden Caulfield's voice on Trent, and that felt strained. Also, would Annie truly want to be near this family after what happened. That character motivation was unclear. Good read for fans of young characters surmounting difficult times and navigating their own emotional self- awareness in overcoming obstacles and personal conflict.

Overall, a good solid realistic fiction read.

Not what I was expecting. Some of the plot was a little out there but the emotions are there so I'll allow it.

A Tangle of Knots is the story of a world where some people have "talents," while others don't. There is very little world building in this fantasy, which leaves the reader questioning how and why some people have talents while others don't. With no real protagonist in this story, readers are left trying to follow a large variety of characters with multiple problems and perspectives. Sometimes it is hard to tell who to root for in the story. Several themes are delivered, but there really isn't enough story to truly develop any of them. Even though this story is a mystery, the clues and suspects are difficult to follow. Overall, this was a frustratingly difficult book to understand and enjoy. Not recommended.

This review also found at The Children's Book and Media Review run by Brigham Young University.

Trent’s world is shattered when he accidentally kills a kick with a hockey puck because of the kid’s previously unknown health-conditions. Even months after the accident, Trent feels alone and can’t handle playing sports anymore. His one connection to people his age after he quits sports is his new friend, Fallon. They watch movies together and she tries to convince him to draw the different stories about her mysterious scar, but she won’t tell him how she actually got it. Trent struggles with his dad, his family, his temper, and school as he tries to figure out how to cope with what happened to him.

At its heart, Lost in the Sun is about a kid who is hurting and needs people to help him deal with that. Sometimes his parents’ responses to their son is discouraging, but the way one of his teachers is willing to help him put his life back together is encouraging. The book is emotional while the reader observes Trent making bad decisions because of how much he is hurting. The ending in many ways destroys some of the best parts of a book by pretending to explain a major issue that keeps returning in the book, but then cutting it off without an explanation. In spite of the ending, it is a great read because of the realistic characters showing how difficult it can be to deal with tragedy.

Children's fiction/realistic fiction. Albie struggles in school and is picked on by his classmates (incidentally, he's also half-Korean and has a Kazakh friend, but the book is not about diversity). He may not be the smartest boy, but he does know about kindness, and fortunately he has several people who care about him. #everydaydiversity

children's middlegrade fiction (main character is in 6th grade). realistic fiction--school, coping with extreme guilt over an accidental death, anger management, divorced families. Another heartfelt winner from Lisa Graff.

Children's fiction (4th-6th or even as a readaloud to/with 1st-3rd); lightweight magic and a bit of sweet suspense. The publisher's description will tell you that Graff has expertly "woven together" these characters' stories in a delightful mix of adventure, mystery, and cake recipes, and that is for the most part an accurate description. I enjoyed this tale, reading it through in one sitting, and could easily see it as a children's/child-and-parent book club selection--though there are a good 9-10 characters to keep track of, the author has made it easy to do so, and I could really see kids taking to the concepts of having special Talents such as floating or whistling (or being one of the un-Talented Fair) and debating which cake recipe(s) they want to try.

Funny and cute! We loved all the characters.

unconditional love

Soooo I didn't know this was a companion novel, and I see a number of reviewers all: read [b: Tangle of Knots|15780279|A Tangle of Knots|Lisa Graff|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1359234306s/15780279.jpg|21495195] first. But whatever, I didn't have any trouble getting into the world or understanding the rules of the talents, so I think it's fine to read this first. Or only. Because let's be real, I have a million things to read, so I'm probably never going back to the first one.

Anyway, this was a wonderful look at siblings and decisions they make and lies they tell, with lots of heart and really pretty writing. It's got mystery and adventure and magic and summer camp. I loved the characters, and I really enjoyed the audiobook narrator's singing. If you're in the mood for a great summer read, I'd pick this one up. Plus it's got delicious sounding beverage recipes throughout, and I'm super excited to make some this summer!

Cute book with lots of great press, but I couldn't get into it. The gimmicky graphics were distracting and I never got to the point where I was invested in the implausible plot or the outcome. Little inconsistencies bothered me (a 5-page report is a 12-page report a minute later), and repeatedly reading that Buttons was "the world's greatest cat" got irritating. It's a CT Nutmeg nominee, though, so I'll add it to our school library and see what the kids think. They may have a different view of it.