When We Were Vikings by Andrew David MacDonald

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. It will published January 28, 2020, by Simon & Schuster Canada.

Preorder this book!

I guarantee that you need to make space in your heart for Zelda and her tribe.

Zelda is a twenty-one year old who lives with her older brother, Gert. Their dead mother drank while pregnant with both of them. Gert was okay, but Zelda has symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome. Gert does his best to look after both of them. However, to get them away from their evil Uncle Richard, he had to borrow money from a gang leader. He’s supposed to be going to college, but is now in deep trouble with the gang.

Zelda is obsessed with Vikings. From them she finds her role models. She is determined to live her life according to those ancient Norse warriors. Protecting her tribe is integral to their principles. When she realizes that Gert needs to pay off their debt to the gang, she manages to get a part time job in the library to help out. Her further attempts to rescue him take her into dangerous territory.

Luckily Zelda has some phenomenal people supporting her. There’s Annie, (AK47) Gert's ex girlfriend; Zelda's therapist, Dr. Laird; the people at the community centre; and Carol, her boss at the library.

I loved all the supportive adults in this novel, but especially AK47 who understands how to explain things to Zelda. There is some straight talking here that goes into great detail about sex. Zelda has a boyfriend, Marxy, who she is planning on having sex with. Unfortunately, he has a somewhat overbearing mother. This whole section is brilliant and to be honest, I wish I'd had someone like AK47 to mentor me when I was younger.

Zelda narrates this story. Her voice is pure joy. Even when she isn’t fully aware of what’s happening, readers can infer the (often terrifying) realities of her situation. There is humour - some aspects were laugh out loud hilarious. At other times I wept. By the end I was a sobbing mess.

This is a beautifully written debut novel. My favourite quote in the entire book is, "Sometimes the most important things don't fit on lists."

Don't Miss this Book!

Where the Heart Is by Jo Knowles

Publication date: April 2, 2019 by Candlewick

I was lucky enough to get to read this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

There is a lot going on in this new novel by Jo Knowles. Much of it will rip your heart out before letting it begin to mend. It had me bawling my eyes out at times – for Rachel, for her family and almost, for a pig.

Rachel, her younger sister, Ivy, and their parents have lived on Bittersweet Farm for as long as Rachel can remember. Circumstances beyond all their control: their mother losing her teacher librarian job because of school cutbacks, and their father's real estate sales dropping, mean they are facing foreclosure.

In order to help out at home Rachel ends up working on the neighbour’s hobby farm while they are on vacation. When everything else in her life seems to be falling apart, it’s her connection with these animals that seems to ground her.

Rachel’s best friend Micah wants their relationship to become more than just friends, but Rachel doesn’t feel that way about him. She’s not sure she can feel that way about a boy at all. When she makes a stupid mistake at a party to test this, it looks like she might have destroyed their friendship just when she needs it most.

I searched for a book like this one for my library collection for ages. This coming of age novel introduces us to Rachel, an ideal queer girl for elementary school readers. She is pondering her sexual identity, but nothing sexual happens in this book. I appreciate that there might be something more in her new relationship with Cybil, but it is only a possibility. I like the conversation between the two of them that reveals that their classroom teacher and environment is inclusive of everyone. I like that while Rachel's sexuality is important, it’s not the most significant part of this novel. Mostly I love that Rachel is a character students will be able to connect to and imagine as a friend.

As a teacher librarian myself, I was devastated to read of Rachel mother’s job loss. I was surprised that she didn’t just move into another teaching position which is what would happen here in my province of BC. it's actually what has happened to teacher librarians in many areas due to educational cutbacks and lack of staffing. I appreciate Jo Knowles bringing the issue to our consciousness, even if it is never resolved satisfactorily.

Thank you Jo Knowles for another brilliant book. I ask for nothing more in a novel than characters I can connect to. You have succeeded in pulling it off again. I love your people and can't help but wonder what the future will bring for them.

Were I still in charge of a library, I would preorder this book. If you haven't already done this, get on it will you!

If you can't wait for the April release date, you might be satisfied reading See You at Harry's, Still a Work in Progress or one of the authors many other fabulous reads.

#IMWAYR October 15, 2018

#IMWAYR time again, when readers share what they have been reading and find out what others have been up to in the past week. Kathryn hosts the adult version of this meme at Book Date. Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers host the kidlit rendition. Whatever you are looking forward to in your next great read, these are fabulous places to start your search.

Today I'm sharing two weeks of reading because last week we were celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving. I couldn't get it together with all the food preparation. We feasted on the usual turkey and trimmings but added a kimchi dish this year to celebrate our Korean daughter in law and some of her friends who came for dinner. 

Other than that and reading, I've been subbing in school libraries and working on another quilt. Cutting out all the different sized pieces turned out to be the most challenging aspect to it, although I admit that squaring it up is turning out to be more difficult than I anticipated. I might just send it off to be quilted as it is and trim it later. I'm also in the middle of planning another couple of quilts. There are many new babies in our world. 

BLOG POSTS

Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier

Tilly and the Crazy Eights by Monique Gray Smith

Out of the Ice: How Climate Change is Revealing the Past by Clair Eamer & Drew Shannon (Illustrator)

PICTURE BOOKS

4 stars

I Hate Everyone by Naomi Danis & Cinta Arribas (Illustrator)

This book reveals the complicated feelings of a young child at her birthday party. When I read these kinds of books I always try to make connections to my own life and the children I know. I live with a toddler and see this tension between the need for closeness and the desire to have things their way. Even though she can't explain what's going on, we try to reflect her feelings back to her. I wish I had had this book when I brought my second child home from the hospital. It makes my heart ache to see how this book captures my older son's conflict. 

Give this book to parents of young children. 

My daughter in law just told me it reminded her of herself at 14, so maybe just give it to parents with children at all ages. 

5 stars

Jerome by Heart by Thomas Scotto & Olivier Tallec (Illustrator)

Raphael loves his friend Jerome unabashedly. This book pays homage to these kinds of close friendships.

It's beautifully written and translated.

"But she never says anything about how warm his smile is. She doesn't seem to notice that I have a secret hideout there, where I feel protected by Jerome's two eyes."

Olivier Tallec's illustrations have a warm tenderness that captures this relationship.

This is a feel good book, but there is also a bit of tension in the parent's inability to fully understand how and why Jerome is so important to Raphael.

4 stars

You're Finally Here! by Mélanie Watt

I read this one at work this week. What can I say? It's Mélanie Watt so it's hilarious. As someone who hates to wait, I feel much compassion for this overwrought bunny.

5 stars

Orca Chief by Roy Henry Vickers & Robert Budd

This beautifully illustrated book reminds all of us to be mindful of the world around us. It shows us how connected we are to the rest of the planet and to give thanks for what we get from it.

3 stars

Beyond the Pond by Joseph Kuefler

A boy dives deep into a pond and discovers an unimaginable world on the other side. Upon his return home, he sees his ordinary world isn’t so ordinary after all.

3 stars

In the Middle of Fall by Kevin Henkes & Laura Dronzek (Illustrator)

Gorgeous illustrations take the reader through the beginning to the end of fall.

4 stars

Moon Glowing by Elizabeth Partridge & Joan Paley (Illustrator)

The art in this is just stunning! With simple poetic text, it shows animals getting ready for winter. At the back of the book is a page of information about each of these animals. I and the kindergarten class I read this to, had fun transforming ourselves into the animals and preparing for fall. 

4 stars

Sun by Sam Usher

I love the granddad grandson duo in this series of books about weather. Here they head off for a picnic on a scorching hot day. Poor Granddad has to take a lot of rests, but they still have a fabulous adventure. The way Usher shows the sun getting hotter and hotter is brilliant. The picture of the cover here doesn’t show the glitter on the actual cover that makes it sparkle and shine.

GRAPHIC

4 stars

Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova

I liked this a lot even if i do have problems with parts. I can't help but wonder where staff are when bullying takes place and why something isn't done about it. That said, I liked the way two feuding school clubs were forced to come together to save themselves. I also loved the artwork and appreciated all the information in the back matter about Chmakova's working process.

4 stars

Peanut Butter and Jelly by Ben Clanton

Jelly finally convinces Narwhal to try a taste of peanut butter cookie, and ends up on an out of control peanut butter eating binge. Like the other Peanut Butter and Jelly books, there is plenty of humour, sweetness and even some scientific facts. While this isn't my favourite of the series, I adore the puns on the back cover!

5 stars

The Broken Vow (Spill Zone #2) by Scott Westerfeld, Alex Puvilland (Artist) & Hilary Sycamore (Colorist)

I’ve been waiting for this book for what seems like forever. Spill Zone 1 won the Cybil teen graphic award last year. I expect this will be a contender this year.

It continues where the last one ended. Addie has collected dust from the spill zone to sell, but touching it changed her. Don Jae, a North Korean teen, has also been touched by the zone and has super powers. When Lexa, Addie’s sister is taken over by a being and is being stalked by another from the zone, it’s up to them to save her.

The colours in this are gorgeous! It’s emotional and exciting with a complex storyline and compelling characters. Now I have to wait for the next one! I hate waiting.

NONFICTION PICTURE BOOKS

3 stars

Ada Lovelace by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara & Zafouko Yamamoto (Illustrations)

This very simple biography of Ada Lovelace has charming illustrations. The additional information about her life at the end rescues it from being too simple.

4 stars

The Mushroom Fan Club by Elise Gravel

This delightful book will teach young readers a lot about mushrooms! The illustrations are fun and the text is simple. It's perfect for this time of year when mushrooms are popping up everywhere.

3 stars

Out of the Ice: How Climate Change Is Revealing the Past by Claire Eamer & Drew Shannon (Illustrations)

This is more than a picture book. It is a solid information book about glacial archaeology. There are plenty of text features. My complaint is that at no time do they come close to addressing the serious ramifications of climate change.

NOVELS

4 stars

Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier

Jonathan Auxier sure can write. This novel looks at the plight of chimney sweeps in Victorian England. It's got a bit of a Dickensian feel, but it includes a loveable golem.

5 stars

Tilly and the Crazy Eights by Monique Gray Smith (for adults)

Tilly and a group of indigenous elders head out on a road trip to Albuquerque for the world's biggest Powwow. It ends up being a coming of age novel for the older crowd. Sure it's loaded with laughter and tenderness, but there is also loss, heartache and romance. A lot of learning and growing takes place. Each of them has issues to grapple with. Not the least are their histories of residential schools. I ended up weepy at numerous points in this book.

Ultimately it's a heartwarming feel good read about a group of people who are survivors. What more can you want?

NONFICTION

4 stars

A Short History of Progress by Ronald Wright

I finished this one up for a book club and then we had to change our date. I hope I remember what it was all about by the time we meet. I seriously doubt that is possible. Wright takes us through the rise and fall of civilizations across time. I found it fascinating and depressing. Ultimately he brings us to a place where we have to face that we here now are repeating the same patterns as humans from earlier times, only this time we are destroying the entire planet, not just one part of it.

CURRENTLY

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk is the audiobook I have on the go. I'm reading Louisiana's Way Home by Kate DiCamillo as an ARC on my device.

UP NEXT

I have no idea, although I hope to dig into the pile of library books that I have here. I will start reading Crush, another graphic novel by Svetlana Chmakova.

PROGRESS ON MY READING GOALS

#MustReadIn2018 21/25

#MustReadNFIn2018 8/12 1 in progress

25 Books by Canadian Indigenous Authors 20/25

Goodreads Reading Challenge 349/333

Tyson Hesse's Diesel Ignition

Diandra (Dee) Diesel’s father, Tungston Diesel, disappeared years ago in a raid by the Teppan, a nation of birdmen, who are their archenemies. On her 18th birthday, she will inherit control of Peacetowne, the airship colony she calls home. She looks forward to taking over ownership, but has not learned anything about running it. She is brilliantly lazy with no awareness of her latent superpowers other than that she creates a lot of static electricity.

The day before her birthday Dee finds a machine made by the Teppan. She manages to start it without knowing how. When the birdmen come looking for it, Dee and her robot escape, but Peacetowne is destroyed. She thinks she saw her missing father on the Teppan vessel.

When Dee crash lands in a wasteland on solid ground she is rescued from vicious coyotes by her brother Bull who she has not seen in years. The two of them come up with a plan to destroy the Teppan who have headquarters in Stableburg, Bull’s city. If they survive that they plan to warn the Gass people of the Teppan plans, see if they can find the ruins of Peacetowne, and rescue Tungston Diesel.

There are a number of things I liked about this book. 

Gorgeous illustrations loaded with details reveal fabulous worlds. Action scenes are vibrant and powerful. Bright oranges, reds and yellows contrast with dark greys, greens and blues.  Emotion is fully realized on the different individual faces. The witty repartee and humour of the text makes the reading fun. It is populated with mostly multifaceted characters who grow and develop as the story progresses. Irresponsible and selfish, Dee Diesel is not at first a sympathetic character. Thankfully, by the end of the book, she has matured somewhat. I even came to grudgingly admire her.

I appreciated the complexity of the relationships between the different groups. While the Teppan are considered enemies, we learn that they were irreparably damaged by chemical warfare in a previous conflict.

I do have a number of quibbles with this and for me at least, they are not inconsequential. First, the font is so small I had to go and find my reading glasses, (although to be fair, this is a reality for all the graphic novels I am reading these days.) Second, while I appreciate the strength of Dee and Cap, who pilots Peacetowne, I do not like the Barbie doll shaped bodies of these two young women. Finally, the trope of conflict between the only two women in the novel just irritates the heck out of me.

While the novel ends with a satisfying conclusion, there are still plenty of questions to be resolved in sequels. I can’t help but wonder if Tungsten Diesel is working for the Teppan voluntarily or involuntarily. How many of Peacetowne’s residents, if any, survived the crash. I might have to read the sequel to find out.

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