Bern's Bookcase: A Long Walk to Water Book Review

A Long Walk to Water 

is a poignant, touching story for all ages. 

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park is technically a middle grade book but in my opinion it is a story that everyone would benefit from reading. It's a short, quick read told as two alternating stories - that of a young girl Nya living in the Sudan in 2008 and a young man Salva from 1985. Both of their stories are unequivocally compelling, emotional and inspirational. 

Nya must walk hours each day to a far away well to simply get water for her family. Salva's story told in turn, is simply heart-wrenching. His village is attacked and he is separated from his family in the turmoil and chaos that follows. Salva's journey is fraught with loss and tragedy but also unwavering hope and courage. It was unimaginable to me to think about the horrors children face when they are displaced from their homes, separated from their families and forced to live in refugee camps. Salva's sheer will to survive was inspirational. I don't know how I'd cope in such a situation but his determination was admirable.  

I loved how these 2 seemingly unconnected stories intertwined poignantly in the end. For a such a short, quick read this book certainly makes an enormous impact. It is difficult not to feel empathy for these characters as we are touched by their stories. This is one story that I highly recommend reading & discussing with the children in your life.

Awesome Novels for 9-12 year olds

The Lil Divas have been reading lots of GREAT BOOKS. 

We knew we just had to share them with you. 

Why? 

These were books that they couldn't put down. 

Books that pulled them in and begged for just one more page. 

In other words, books that we have no doubt your 9-12 year old reader 

will enjoy just as much as we did! 

The One and Only Ivan

This book is the 2013 Newberry Medal winner and with good reason. Wow, did it tug at our heartstrings! Ivan is so endearing you almost forget you are reading a book about a silverback gorilla. You simply can't help but fall in love with this unassuming hero. Tears were shed as we read this book but it was worth it. They were the kind of tears you shed when you are invested in the characters and the story feels real to you - so real that you can't help but cry when they struggle and triumph. If you haven't already read this one - don't miss it! My suggestion - read it together so you can share the experience. 

 

The City of Ember

I am a big fan of YA fiction like The Hunger Games, Divergent and The Maze Runner. There's just something about a good post-apocalyptic storyline that draws me in. The City of Ember does not disappoint if you're looking for a similar type of read. The lights of Ember (a forgotten underground city/civilization) are dimming and Lina and Doon are worried about their diminishing resources. I don't want to spoil the book (or those that come after) so I won't give away the plot except to say that of course Lina and Doon must save the day. The journey they embark on will keep your readers turning the pages and be ready to get your hands on the rest of the series. You'll definitely want to find out what happens next! Also, there was a movie made of the story that you might want to check out AFTER you read the book of course. 

  

Rules

Rules was a 2007 Newberry Honor Book about 12yr. old Catherine and her 8yr. old autistic younger brother, David. It was a moving book about friendship, family and being different. It also offers a peek into a topic that most children won't know much about unless personally touched by autism in some way. It was open and honest and explored so many of the natural feelings that children face. The characters will definitely stay with you long after the last page has been read. 

 

Out of My Mind

If I'm being honest, this one I ordered for MYSELF to read. So, I decided that we should read it together. It's the story of Melody, a girl who can neither walk nor talk. Melody is a genius trapped in her own body due to cerebral palsy. She is a powerful character - I loved her! This is certainly the type of book that opens up dialogue and discussion about people with special needs. If only we had such clear insight into the minds of all those we meet. 

 

The Unwanteds

Yes, it's yet another dystopian novel but this one has some magical elements. What caught my attention and prompted me to buy the book was the tagline claiming it was a cross between Hunger Games and Harry Potter. How could I not pick it up? The basic storyline involves twins who are pit against each other when one is deemed wanted and the other is an unwanted.  The "unwanteds" are purged from society and face extinction upon arrival at the Death Farm. They are actually secreted away to a magical place called Artime where they are free and encouraged to be creative. In turn, the docile "wanteds" are kept within the society because they are rule followers. Of course, a battle between the two ensue. This was not our favorite read and be forewarned - it was a bit long, but it was enjoyable to read together. We'll definitely be reading the next book in the series. 

 

Stargirl

I adored Stargirl for being true to herself. She stands out amongst every other student at Mica Area HS. She is friendly, mysterious, self-confident and and does things her way regardless of what is considered popular. The story is told from the perspective of Leo - the boy she likes. We are faced with his struggle to fit in and be popular and his feelings for Stargirl. You can't help but both understand and loathe him because of how he treats Stargirl. It leaves lots of room for great discussion. One thing to beware of reading this book with younger children is that it does have some more mature themes (brief kiss, dating references, etc) as the characters are in high school but there was nothing inappropriate or that children don't see watching tv. 

 

Tuck Everlasting

This is such an enchanting story. Winnie Foster's life is boring and unexciting. Everyday is the same with her overprotective family. She longs to be free then she comes across the Tuck family. The Tucks drank from a magical spring and never age. They are rather stuck in time. While most of us think that we'd like not aging the story shows that life is indeed a cycle and it should move accordingly.  “Don’t be afraid of death; be afraid of an unlived life. You don't have to live forever, you just have to live.” The decision Winnie has to make (to drink or not to drink) is one we all feel like we make with her. Once you read the book, be sure to watch the movie!

  

Wonder 

This was one I read myself and was so blown away that I re-read it with the Lil Divas! I will start by saying that this book had me in tears. I LOVED Auggie! He is one of those characters that we are likely to never forget. This book truly grabs hold of you and won't let go. Auggie has a facial deformity so he has been homeschooled all his life but heads to public school for the first time in 5th grade. He is taunted and some people are just horribly cruel and heartless BUT he also makes the most wonderful friends. If you don't read any other books from this list - read this one! 

The Girl with the Silver Eyes

This is a perfect sci-fi book for young readers not ready to delve into older/longer sci-fi fiction. Katie is unlike other children so she is an outcast among her peers. She is extremely intelligent (gifted), has silver eyes and paranormal powers as a result of her mom drinking a strange liquid when pregnant. Katie uncovers there are other children just like her whose mothers also drank the strange liquid. Tired of feeling alone, she sets out to find the others that are like her. The story reinforces the lesson that we are all special.  Through Katie we see that we should be accepting of each other's differences because they are what make us unique. 

 

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy

If you enjoy stories with fairy tale elements this is one you won't want to miss. Ophelia discovers a boy locked in a museum by the Snow Queen for 300 years. He has been waiting for her. It's up to her to join the fight against evil to save the world only she doesn't even believe in magic.  The story's very well done. There were a few points where it dragged but overall, it was intriguing, well written and the characters are definitely endearing. 

  

Serafina and the Black Cloak

I love mysteries and it's not easy to find a good one in children's literature. Serafina and the Black Cloak was suspenseful, creepy and the kind of read that pulls you in and won't let go until you've (sadly) reached the last page.Children are disappearing at the Biltmore Estate and Serafina is sure that the black cloaked man she spotted is to blame. The book had wonderful twists & turns and was just dark enough to keep you on the edge of your seat but wanting to turn the pages to see what happens next. Serafina is definitely a character we hope to see more of in the future. 

 

Wish Girl

This was a beautiful story about friendship, growing up, life & death, family and more. Annie has cancer and is at an art camp via the Make-A-Wish foundation when she befriends Peter.   Peter is a loner while Annie is all about living life to the fullest. They make the perfect pair! This story gave us so much to talk about and we ALL enjoyed it. Annie grabbed hold of me - she's the kind of friend we all want for our children. 

 

Do you have any great "must read" books to share with us? 

We'd love to hear about them!  

Happy Reading,

Bern & The Little Divas

10 Graphic Novels for Girls (8 -12 Years Old)

The Oldest Diva is really into graphic novels but this was a genre I was not too familiar with. In my quest to keep her engaged with reading, I decided to delve in and see what had captivated her attention. In the process I found some highly engaging novels with captivating characters, amazing artwork and relatable plots.

Smile (& Sisters too!) by Raina Telgemeier - We adore Raina's graphic novels.  My 9 year old stumbled upon Sisters at a school book fair and was instantly drawn to it because 1.) It was about two sisters (definitely relatable!) and 2.) It was a graphic novel which is currently her favorite genre.  She has read both Smile and Sisters numerous times. Raina writes in a relatable and laugh out loud humorous manner.  I love that the sisters learn how important that they are to each other in Sisters and that Raina learns to embrace who she is, how she looks and what being a true friend means in Smile. We hope there is more to come!


The Baby-Sitters Club Graphix by Raina Telgemeier - I loved the Babysitters Club books when I was in elementary school. I was so excited to find them in graphic novel form by our fave author because I knew my daughter would be drawn in. I was 100% correct! She can't wait for more of these to be released and reads them as soon as they arrive in the mail.


Zita the Spacegirl Series by Ben Hatke - Zita's best friend is abducted by aliens and she must save him. These books are fun and captivating as we join Zita on her intergalactic adventures. Her adventures are filled with fantastical creatures, unique friends and lots of bravery.


Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson - Being 12 isn't easy, especially when your faced with best friend troubles, impending junior high and joining a junior roller derby league when you can barely skate.  Astrid has heart, spirit and determination. The book has lessons on friendship, being honest, working hard, perseverance and even the parent-child relationship. The story was realistic, humorous and heartfelt. This is Victoria Jamieson's debut novel and we look forward to seeing more from her in the near future.


El Deafo by Cece Bell - Cece suffers from hearing loss and must wear a hearing aid. She feels different, isolated and longs to simply fit in. The story chronicles her journey in an honest and relatable way. As a mom, I really liked that Cece was a strong character who ultimately learns that her disability was not a weakness.


Amulet Series by Kazu Kibuishi - Emily & Navin lose their father in a tragic accident and are forced to move into their deceased great-grandfather's house where they find a mysterious amulet and are thrust into a dangerous adventure to save their mother. These novels are a little dark and deal with some sensitive subject matter (parental death) but the art work is amazing and each novel delves a bit deeper into the characters and leaves you wanting you more.


Giants Beware! (The Chronicles of Claudette Series) by Jorge Aguirre - More than anything Claudette wants to be a giant slayer so she embarks on a quest to find a giant. Claudette is feisty, brave and not your "typical" girl which my daughter loved. The characters are relatable, the plot is engaging and the artwork enthralling. This is one that will be read again and again.


Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson - This one was handpicked by the Littlest Diva and initially met with resistance by the Old Diva because it was pink and featured unicorns. Well, Phoebe ultimately managed to worm her way into the hearts of both girls with her sarcasm, humor and quirkiness. In short, don't let all the pink fool you - this is more than just a cutesy book.


The Princeless Series by Jeremy Whitley - These are not your typical helpless princesses. They are brave, daring and adventurous. You'll get hooked and want to read more - we did!


Cleopatra in Space Series  by Mike Maihack - It's Cleopatra of Ancient Egypt BUT with a sci-fi twist. This Cleopatra gets zapped forward in time and onto a distant planet where she finds herself having to save the universe. Fun story, engaging characters (there are talking cats!) and awesome artwork. So far there are 2 novels in this series but we'll definitely be seeing more and we're looking forward to them.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on our list -

Have you read any of these graphic novels?

Do you have other graphic novels to recommend to us that we should add to our "must read" list?

Bern