The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers

The Eyes and the Impossible: by Dave Eggers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book, plot, and the animals, especially Johannes, who runs so very fast, and reports to the leaders and has many friends who help him in his duties- this is a book middle grade children, YA & adults will all enjoy! The pictures are beautiful as well!

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The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera

The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awesomely narrated by Frankie Corzo; Petra uses English and Spanish, her grandmother's folktales, the great folktales of the world, and her ingenuity and bravery to thwart the evil collective she has woken up to. All that Petra was told would happen as her family and special chosen others journey in a sleep state to a new planet are gone when she wakes up to a whole new world. There is a lot going on in this dystopian sci fi journey but listening to it as Petra's life as Zeta 1 unfolds was gripping & suspenseful with the beauty, honesty and reality in Petra's dreams and family stories. I loved many of the characters, Petra's guts, and her dogged determination to find a world where she might bring/tell her storytelling and folktales.

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Dicey's Song (Tillerman Family #2) by Cynthia Voigt

Dicey's Song by Cynthia Voigt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh boy, what a wonderful, tough read- I read this wonderful 1982 Newbery Award winner as part of August #yearofya 1980s & 19190s books (written in or about). Dicey has toughly survived bringing her brothers to her grandmother's house after her mother has disappeared and left them alone. Voigt's characters from Dicey to her grandmother and her family (Maybeth, Sam and James) and her friends (Jeff & Mina & teachers) were real, powerful, and people I loved knowing as I read this book. Dicey and her Grandmother are tough nuts; they are harsh in their responses to others, have a difficult time expressing themselves but fierce in their care and protection of family and friends. I liked the mention of Sears Roebuck as a store and James' mention of dyslexia as he tried to help his sister Maybeth be successful in school. This is a searingly honest look at family, both the resilience and fragility, and the lengths these characters will go to to keep each other safe, happy. and loved.

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