Monthly Archives: December 2017

Vanilla by Billy Merrell

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Vanilla by: Billy Merrell

Vanilla by: Billy Merrell

The book Vanilla by Billy Merrell is beautifully written and have quickly become one of my favorites. The story follows two high school boys, Vanilla and Hunter, who have been in love since middle school. Their relationship is based first on friendship and later on romantic feelings. Although things have progressed physically over time, Hunter is ready for much more than Vanilla is ready to give. The two are struggling in their relationship for the first time; both are emotionally invested and have feeling of love for one another, but Vanilla continually backs away from sex any time the two discuss it or get close to trying – ultimately causing a rift between the two. Written in verse, Vanilla, will appeal to reluctant readers because of the lyrical nature and the unusual formatting, it makes for a very quick read. Ultimately, Vanilla allows readers to watch as the characters struggle with their own sense of self-discovery. Anyone looking to add diverse reads to their collection should consider Vanilla a must-have.

The Ghost of Graylock

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Neil and Bree are sent to stay with their Aunt in upstate New York.  Neil wants to be a ghost hunter so he is excited with the transition to his Aunt’s house. Within walking distance of their new home is an abandoned psychiatric hospital.  The hospital closed more than a decade ago after three mysterious drownings and the  suicide of an accused night nurse. But when the two kids, along with their two new friends, break into the building they encounter mysterious events that cannot be explained. In the days after their visit to the abandoned hospital, Neil and Bree are plagued by horrific visions and nightly visits from a ghost.

As time goes on, they begin to realize that the ghost is one of the drowning victims who wants to bring her murderer to justice. The further the four get to uncovering clues, the more apparent it becomes that Nurse Janet has been unjustly accused and the real murderer is intent on making sure that the truth is never brought to light. Short chapters with cliff-hanger endings and several twists and turns in the plot will ensure that the pages turn quickly.

Jasper John Dooley: Public Library Enemy #1

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Mayhem ensues when Jasper gets his library book wet and dad decides that drying it in the oven would be a good idea.

Jasper is back for another fun beginning chapter book story. This is the sixth book in a series that follows Jasper on his comical adventures. With loving help from his parents he manages to navigate the bumps of early elementary and learn a few life lessons along the way.

A good transitional beginning chapter book that children will enjoy.
Lexile level 570 / guided reading level M grades 2/3

Dingus

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It is almost summer break and fifth grader, Henry, isn’t looking forward to it at all.  His best friend Max is going off to Chess camp leaving Henry with no one to hang out with. However, even if Max weren’t going to camp, Henry might still be alone.  Max and Henry have been friends since Kindergarten, but this year their friendship is strained by Max’s new circle of friends and life in general. Henry feels lost and confused which expresses itself as anger towards Max. Henry begins to realize that sometimes you have to give a little to maintain a friendship.  Will Henry be able to do that?

A coming of age story that both boys and girls will enjoy and relate to.

The story would benefit from a few illustrations.