What's Mrs U Reading Now?

The Candymakers by Wendy Mass! One of my favorite authors (and nearby Jersey native) has a way with storytelling. First, who doesn't love candy? I'm quite curious to see what she does with this story.

Soccerland

"Soccerland" by Beth Choat is a terrific sports story for girls. I don't know much about soccer, but the basics, and still thoroughly enjoyed the story of Flora's experiences at the International Sports Academy.

From School Library Journal

Gr 5-8–Flora Dupre loves soccer, and before her mom died of cancer, she made a promise that one day she was going to play for the U.S. Women's National Team. She dominates the team at her secondary school, but she is not being challenged, and she longs to play with more seasoned players than those in her little Maine town. She gets her chance when her coach tells her that she has been invited to Colorado for a two-week National Team Identification Camp, where she quickly finds out that things are quite different in the big leagues. The head coach seems to have it in for her with constant criticism; a clique of mean girls makes fun of her large stature; and she feels very alone in the pool of 100 girls who are just as determined as she is to get one of the few spots on the Under-15 national team. Choat's background in sports journalism is obvious. While soccer action takes precedence over any deep character development, readers will enjoy following Flora's new friendships, budding romance, and changing relationship with her father. Themes of sportsmanship and the mental and physical aspects of training are subtly woven into the story line.

There are a lot of sports-minded females at Cavallini. I hope they will give this book a chance. It celebrates the great values of an athlete in the most positive way.

Eggs Over Evie

"Eggs Over Evie" by Alison Jackson is a great realistic fiction story about divorce, new families, and finding your own personal passion.

“Evie’s narration is emotionally perceptive without being sappy, and the emphasis on roles and relationships yields solid character development that serves to move the story forward. Each chapter is followed by a recipe, and the cooking frame adds organization and appeal to the story.”—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, RECOMMENDED

Twelve-year-old Evie Carson lives with her mom. In an apartment across the lake, Evie’s celebrity-chef dad is starting a new life with his young second wife, Angie, who’s expecting twins. To make matters worse, Evie’s dad has custody of the beloved family dog. Navigating her new family situation is difficult, and Evie turns to her love of cooking as a way to stay connected to her father. Through cooking classes, Evie finds an unexpected friend in Corey, whose eccentric aunt Shanti might be able to make everyone a little happier. Evie learns to look outside herself, help others, and make friends where she never thought she could (she also learns to make a pretty darn good soufflé!).

I highly recommend this book to fans of realistic fiction, kids going through their own family upheaval, or anyone who likes to cook!