Blue Heron

I have read this book about 4 times in my life, once when I was in about middle school, once in my twenties, and once in my thirties (there may have been another time that I am forgetting). Each time I read it I not only get a sense of peace, but I understand that message(s) behind the book:love wit......more

I first read this book with my 4th grade class. It left such an impact on me that when I remembered it recently, I had to go for a re-read. The introspective narrator is a delight, and suits the pace of the summer vacation we're reading about. Though this is an easily-digestible children's book, the......more

A good look at our environment from the point of view of a young girl coming of age and visiting w/Her father and new wife. I would put this book alongside "The Lorax" and Rachel Carson, "Silent Spring". Also "The Snow Falcon" and the one about the girl/boy w/lived and was helped by a Badger. I have s......more

I have mentioned before that Avi can be hit or miss with me and this one was primarily a miss. The characters were never developed and the protagonist is really the only one in the book who is not an idiot. That idea always bothers me. Even the characters who barely make an appearance are idiots. It......more

(From the dusty shelf) This one had more to it than I was expecting....the protagonist's dad is not only lying about some very important things (his employment status, his health) but he's also a world-class jerk. His very young second wife (stepmother to the main character) ends up being the person......more