“Antsy Does Time,” by Neal Shusterman

“Antsy Does Time,” by Neal Shusterman is a fascinating novel that mixes incredible humor with some surprisingly deep insights and evocative passages.

The main character is Antsy Bonano, who was first introduced in Neal Shusterman’s book “The Schwa Was Here”. Just like before Antsy Bonano has lots of ideas. The only problem is that nothing ever turns out quite like he planned it to. The plot is introduced in Antsy’s simple, honest voice:

“It was a dumb idea, but one of those dumb ideas that accidentally turns out to the brilliant—which, I’ve come to realize, is much worse than being dumb.” Read the rest »

“The Schwa Was Here,” by Neal Shusterman

“The Schwa Was Here,” by Neal Shusterman is a fascinating novel about a boy who is “functionally invisible.”

The Schwa is a kid that most people overlook. It’s not that he’s physically invisible, but there’s something strange about him that makes people fail to see him. When Anthony Bonano discovers this unique characteristic he sees possibilities.

First he and The Schwa do a series of risky tests. Amazingly people fail to notice him, even if he is doing something ridiculous such as wearing an orange sombrero and a cat costume and singing “God Bless America” in the boy’s bathroom. Read the rest »

“Here’s How I See It-Here’s How It Is” by Heather Henson

“Here’s How I See It-Here’s How It Is” by Heather Henson is a wonderful story about a girl who works at her father’s summer theater and dreams of being a famous actor someday.

The entire book is laid out in relatively brief chapters which are in turn divided into two sections: one entitled “Here’s How I See It” another entitled “Here’s How It Is.” The main character is a young girl who goes by the nickname Junebug. Junebug and her family have always been close to theater. Her father once performed on Broadway, but now he runs a small open air summer theater in the middle of a field. Read the rest »

“Red Cap,” by G. Clifton Wisler

“Red Cap,” by G. Clifton Wisler is a historical fiction novel based on the life of a boy who lived during the American Civil War.

At the age of thirteen Ransom left home against his family’s wishes to join the Civil War. At first the Union Army wouldn’t accept him, but after lying about his age Ransom was finally accepted into the army as a drummer boy.

“Red Cap” does a good job of showing the reasons why most young boys left home to join the Civil War. Most of the youngsters around Ransom joined the army just to get away from home or to be with their friends. None of them are prepared for the reality of war. Read the rest »

“Diamonds in the Shadow,” by Caroline B. Cooney

“Diamonds in the Shadow,” by Caroline B. Cooney is a young adult novel about an American family who takes in a group of African refugees with a dangerous secret past.

Jared Finch is not in the least bit thrilled about his parent’s plan to sponsor four African refugees, a mother and father and two children. The way Jared sees it, if his parents and their church committee want to go to all that work they can do so, but he doesn’t have to help. To make matters worse, the apartment that the committee had planned to house the refugees in fell through, so now the refugees will be living with Jared and his family until they can find other accommodations. Read the rest »