Kids of Appetite by David Arnold

Kids of Appetite by David Arnold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Read this wonderful book of quirky kids banding together, loved it just as much as Arnold's first book, Mosquitoland. Arnold's Kids of Appetite brings together sad teen Vic, who lost his father two years ago to cancer, lives with a facial paralysis disease that earns him daily jeers, pity, and alienation, and a mom who seems to be moving on with her life. As Vic takes off with his father's urn, he comes face to face with a group of kids (Kids of Appetite) who become his lifeline while falling in love with Madeleine, who may just may need more help than them all. I loved the tight bonds Vic forms with Mad, Baz and his brother, Zus and foul-mouthed Coco as they unite to find the meaning of the contents found in the urn as well as their time spent being interviewed by the police (great way to present this story - police interrogation, deciphering clues in urn, living together at the florist shop). I adored the perfect life & love Vic's parents instilled in him, while crafting all of the Kids of Appetited (loved the KOA bracelets!!!) as heroes in their many multiple aching, truthful, painful selves. Highly recommended must read; teens will enjoy the intense bonds between these 5 kids who show resilience, care, & loyalty in their saga.

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Wonder by RJ Palacio

Wonder by R.J. Palacio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wonder is a must read for all! Auggie is a 5th grader who has been home schooled and is now going to enter middle school for the first time. Auggie is no ordinary child, he has been hit with 2 bad genes that have deformed his face and the resulting operations have not corrected his deformed face. But Auggie has a wonderful family, a mother, father, and sister and dog, Daisy, who proclaim their love daily. The author hits home through different characters that Auggie's face will always elicit responses from screams,shudders, horror and panic. But this book is uplifting and with each chapter and character, Auggie finds an inner strength, friends and champions to combat those who disparage him, bully him or just plain ignore him. You will root for his sister, Olivia and her fierce love. You will cheer for his parents, funny dad and sympathetic mom and especially their dog, Daisy who provides licks and warmth as she sleeps with Auggie, as they honestly deal with Auggie's lot in life. You will love Auggie's English teacher,Mr. Browne's and his precepts that help shape his students. Jack Will and Summer, prove to be Auggie's best friends, but their road to friendship is not easy, but it is steadfast. Students, teachers and parents, you will be inspired by Auggie and all that this book can teach us about the simple things and ourselves. Highly recommended!

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