YA Book Review: Between Two Skies by Joanne O' Sullivan

Between Two Skies by Joanne O'Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A re-blog from my review on Kidliterati 
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Between Two Skies, takes place as Hurricane Katrina hits Louisiana, tearing families apart. The currents of loss and abandonment and heartbreak and the struggle that come with the destruction make this book impossible to put down.

Evangeline Riley, named after the heroine in the Longfellow poem, is about to turn sweet sixteen, and she loves Bayou Perdu, LA. The water is a part of her. Always eager to help her father, a shrimper, she longs for a life here, forever, her fairy-tale land -- a tiny secret place, where Louisiana takes its last breath before plunging into the Gulf of Mexico. Barges from all over the world glide up the Mississippi on their way to New Orleans.

The birds, the fish, the skies and sea, the tiny village of trailers, shrimpers, oystermen, and orange growers are lush and visceral, the setting its own character. The reader won’t want to leave, Bayou Perdu either. The cultural tapestry of the residents is rich and enlivening, warm and inviting. Evangeline’s mother runs a popular local diner. Her drama queen sister looks forward to attending LSU in the fall. And Mamere, her namesake, and confidant, lives with them in Bayou Perdu, dispensing nuggets of wisdom.

But a hurricane is coming. Many think there’s nothing to fear, want to wait it out. With the increasing threat, Evangeline separates from all she’s ever known, and her best friends, Kendra and Danielle, who may not have evacuated with her mother in time. And Tru, the mysterious boy in the pork pie hat, she saved from the skinny water.

After much deliberation, the family takes up residence with Evangeline’s aunt in Georgia and the girls enroll in school. Where they become “refugees”. It’s very different from what Evangeline’s family is used to, and no one is happy. But it’ll be some time before they’re allowed back in Louisiana.

A beautiful story of insurmountable loss and abandonment among the chaos as we remember this historical tragedy. The characters dreams and struggles come to life, and the story is unforgettable. There are surprises and wonder in this deftly woven tale. Expect tears.

Release date: Apr 25, 2017, Candlewick Press




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MG Book Review: Vilonia Beebe Takes Charge by Kristin L. Gray

Vilonia Beebe Takes Charge by Kristin L. Gray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I received an ARC for an honest review. 

Fourth-grader, Vilonia, Vi for short, started out in the world four times smaller than the largemouth bass hanging in her daddy’s shop. That was almost ten years ago.

Now that her mother has taken ill since Nana passed away, Vilonia must forge ahead. With a reputation for taking in destitute creatures, she spots a poster that might help her mother not feel depressed anymore.

"The most powerful antidepressant has 4 paws and a tail. 555-PETS."

And her favorite book, Because of Winn-Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo, is her inspiration to begin The Great Pet Campaign.

Meanwhile, Momma hasn’t written a single obituary for the newspaper since Nana died. (Or Nana’s) She’ll be replaced if she doesn’t write something soon, and why Vilonia steps in to help. No one would know it was Vilonia writing the county obits.

But there’s no way her father will agree to a dog. Even with the pet fund, she’s saved. Her mother is in no condition to handle any extra work. Vilonia would just have to prove how responsible she really was and she needed to find the right dog to convince her dad.

When her brother finds out her secret, he and her BFF, Ava Claire, work together to help Vilonia and wind up in a little trouble.

There’s a lot of love in this story. Vilonia holds her family together while working to bring Ray Charles home. The premature shelter dog she fell in love with. She knows it will help her mother with her "Infinite Sadness". And it will help Vilonia. Once she proves how responsible she is.

An endearing story for any child, who has ever dreamt of bringing home a dog, and the adventures that prove what you’re willing to endure for what you love. Vilonia is fearless in her pursuit.


Expected publication: March 7th 2017 by Paula Wiseman Books.

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MG Book Review: BRACED by Alyson Gerber

Braced by Alyson Gerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A repost from my review on the Kidliterati Blog.

“Sometimes it’s easier to pretend to be someone else, especially when who you really are makes you feel sad.”

Twelve-year-old Rachel Brooks learns she must wear a back brace for scoliosis as her mother did, or risk a complicated surgery, in this intimate and heartfelt story.

At school, Coach Howard has just placed her forward on the team, (she’s that good) and while Rachel loves soccer more than anything, the brace now controls her life. If she misses another practice for a last-minute doctor’s appointment, she won’t make the A team. If she can maneuver like she used to, wearing the brace.

Reluctant to tell BFFs at first, Frannie and Hazel, both on the soccer team, support her. Determined like no one’s business, Rachel works to strengthen her moves on the field, so she’s not cut from the team. But the kids at school are whispering and Rachel feels like a freak wearing the brace. Can she trust her friends?

Rachel finds power through asking for what she wants. She finds her voice to speak out when something bothers her. This empowers Rachel. It empowers the reader. I loved Rachel’s voice her emotions are real and raw. Although I’ve never worn a back brace, this book comforted me. Who hasn’t felt like an outsider? Or felt different than others?

The dynamic between Rachel and her mother, the emotion from their struggle wearing the brace, and their delicate relationship, felt very real and personal. Written from the author’s experience of scoliosis, she takes us on a journey with Rachel, who must face a new normal. A place where not giving up, and speaking out when something bothers you, rule.

Debut Author, March 28th, 2017 by Scholastic Press

“The first contemporary novel about a disorder that bends the lives of ten percent of all teenagers: scoliosis.”




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Women's March 2017 in New York City

More than one million people protested around the world last Saturday over Trump’s policies. In New York City alone, we had upwards of 400, 000 stand up to the Trump Regime. Have you seen the crowds! It’s a beautiful thing.

Hundreds of cities across our planet rose up against fascism, against hate, and stood up for Civil Rights, for Women’s rights, for Science, for the Arts, for Education, for LGBT, for POC, for clean water, and air we can actually breathe.

We stand together. STRONG.

After the deep anxiety and fear, marching in a crowd of like-minded people put some of those fears to rest. What an empowering experience. Unprecedented numbers!

WE RISE! 

There are MORE of US than you GOP, Republicans!             Love Wins!     

Enjoy the photos and rest assured WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER!

We Need GUN LAWS! 

Me, blowing the whistle. 

In front of Dag Hammarskjold Plaza

The gathering at 9 AM. 

Spirit Leader morphed into an Information Agent.

Early morning crowds.

Looking North on Second Ave. 

The end of the line. At the Tower (of Sauron) 

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We're Stronger Together … and you’d better watch out!

Inauguration Essays: History Will Be Written By The People.

Saturday I march.

I march for me. I march for my children. I march for those who cannot.

For women.

For the children

For those who have been victimized by the actions and words of PEOTUS.

This “election” was NOT normal. 

A predator-in-chief offers nothing for our country, aside for the example of how women should be treated.

How to start a war.

How to disrespect and insult disabled people.

How to hurt people of color.

How NOT to be a citizen of the people.

How to turn families against one another.

The People of the United States of America demand fairness and justice for ALL.

All races. All religion. All beliefs.

We want a PEOTUS who wasn’t bailed out of bankruptcy by Russia, and in turn become a pawn and a traitor to the American people.

A PEOTUS who doesn’t want to strip the United States of OUR democracy! It belongs to US.

Or strip us of our HEALTH CARE. 

What has this Administration NOT tried to TAKE AWAY from the American People, from our children?

A PEOTUS who doesn’t understand the simple equation that investing in our CHILDREN leads to a brighter, richer, more advanced future for EVERYONE, is not wise, or thinking of the future. Not a wise investor.

Or believe climate change isn’t happening. He doesn’t believe in FACTS … or Science. 

This administration only understands investment that directly lines their pockets. (By pillaging your Health Care, and Art Foundation, etc.)

From Trump’s failed and bailed out businesses – we can expect a bankrupt USA in months.  

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That’s what he does.  That’s his example.    RISE UP! 

Michael Moore leading the march to TT in NYC on Jan. 19, 201

** See Scott Dworkin #TrumpLeaks on Twitter.  @funder 

The old days ...  

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The Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse Link: How to Break It.

 Recovery Pride sent this post to share on my blog. I hope it proves useful. 

A dangerous duo that can create long-term issues, passed down from parents to children are domestic violence and substance abuse.  Domestic violence is not directly caused by substance abuse, but it has played a big role as a common factor among abusers.  Their victims have also shown a higher frequency to turn to substance abuse to distance themselves from pain or memories during the abusive relationship or in the aftermath.  The prevalence of children later abusing drugs or alcohol also rises after being exposed to domestic violence. 

 The Cost of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence within a home threatens the physical safety and mental stability of everyone inside.  When the abuser uses drugs or alcohol as a way to excuse themselves or manipulate weaker members of the family, the cycle of abuse grows.

Most spouses or partners stay with their abusers due to feelings of helplessness, fear, or the threat of violence to themselves or others.  A coping mechanism they may choose might be drugs or alcohol to dull the pain.   Drug or alcohol dependency may make it more difficult for the victim to leave the abusive relationship and seek help.

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Domestic violence is something that usually increases in frequency and severity over time, in the same way substance abuse would.  Growing up in an abusive household can put children at a greater risk of trauma, the possibility of turning to substance abuse, and getting involved in their own abusive relationship later in life. 

What To Do

Treatment for a domestic violence situation is tricky.  The abuser and victims are not likely to come up with useful solutions for themselves, especially when substance abuse is involved, so help and support will need to come from outside their household.  The abused partner and children should be taken somewhere safe to get away from the domestic violence abuser.  Treatment staff need to care for any substance abuse problems that the victims may be suffering from along with domestic violence abuse injuries and trauma.  Support and validation is imperative to empower them to take charge of their recovery.

Treatment for the domestic violence abuser could be more difficult to manage.  Batterers often use alcohol or drugs as an excuse for violent behavior or to dull the guilt they might feel from it. So just getting treatment for substance abuse will not end anger and violence.  Many blame their behavior on being drunk or under the influence to avoid taking responsibility for their own actions. Taking responsibility for those actions is the only path to rehabilitation for the domestic violence abuser.

Extended domestic violence care and support is in more short supply than substance abuse support groups.   Unfortunately, there is not much collaboration between the differing care groups for better treatment options that could rehabilitate substance abusing domestic violence batterers. 

The best option is to seek specialist support  to address long term issues and habits that need to be evaluated.  Past victimization, anger, and violent behavior need to be treated side by side with substance abuse issues during the recovery process. The cycle of domestic violence and substance abuse can be broken if all facets of the problem are addressed.

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