May and June Reads
For May we read Bob by Wendy Mass.
It’s been five years since Livy and her family have visited Livy’s grandmother in Australia. Now that she’s back, Livy has the feeling she’s forgotten something really, really important about Gran’s house.
It turns out she’s right.
Bob, a short, greenish creature dressed in a chicken suit, didn’t forget Livy, or her promise. He’s been waiting five years for her to come back, hiding in a closet like she told him to. He can’t remember who―or what―he is, where he came from, or if he even has a family. But five years ago Livy promised she would help him find his way back home. Now it’s time to keep that promise.
Clue by clue, Livy and Bob will unravel the mystery of where Bob comes from, and discover the kind of magic that lasts forever.
This was a sweet read. The more details needed of it as an adult, I missed, but as a child reading this about friendship and imagination it is done very well. There is a lot of missing background information, however I think the actual main story is what is important. I think kids will relate quite well to it.
Front Desk by Kelly Yang for June
Number 1: She lives in a motel, not a big house. Every day, while her immigrant parents clean the rooms, ten-year-old Mia manages the front desk of the Calivista Motel and tends to its guests.
Number 2: Her parents hide immigrants. And if the mean motel owner, Mr. Yao, finds out they’ve been letting them stay in the empty rooms for free, the Tangs will be doomed.
Number 3: She wants to be a writer. But how can she when her mom thinks she should stick to math because English is not her first language?
It will take all of Mia’s courage, kindness, and hard work to get through this year. Will she be able to hold on to her job, help the immigrants and guests, escape Mr. Yao, and go for her dreams?
I very much enjoyed this book. I could relate to her character and her environment. I also could relate to being lost in a book as opposed to engaging in recess and all that drama. I highly recommend reading this book. It is so timely and creates such knowledge and empathy. I will be recommending it to teachers and kids alike.
