This week we're spotlighting a few of our favorite book reviews from 2013. We tossed a coin, and Fairday went first! Now it is my turn. Here's my first pick for a book you shouldn't miss. Tomorrow, we'll find out which book Marcus liked best. ~ L
Sugar
Mae Cole has to overcome so many things in life. Her father, whom she calls Mr.
Leeland, is a gambler, and her mom must try to make ends meet. The one place she
loves to be is school. Sugar’s teacher, Mr. Bennett, really inspires her. Her
writing takes off while she's in his class, and it's an outlet that helps her to
sort out her emotions. Sugar tries to appreciate life and thinks things will
work out until her mother can’t pay their bills, and they lose their house. They
move in with some relatives for a couple of weeks and then to a shelter. It
seems family only wants you for so long when you are homeless. Now Sugar has to
go to a new school and, most of the time, her mother needs mothering. Sugar has
to act like an adult. Each day she thinks about how hard her life is, but she
finds the strength inside herself to face each day. When Sugar’s mom has a
breakdown and the police are called, Sugar’s life becomes even more uncertain.
Thank goodness for Lexie and Mac who take her in as a foster child. Living away
from her mom is a big change. Will Lexie and Mac prove themselves to Sugar? Will
Sugar ever be able to live with her mom again? How will Sugar stay positive in
the face of so much uncertainty? You must read this heartwarming story to see
how everything works out and to learn to appreciate what you have in
life.
The wonderful Claudine from CarryUsOff
Books introduced me to Almost Home by Joan Bauer. I am so glad I
didn't miss it! What a story! Sugar is so full of positive energy that I wish I
knew her and could help to shield her from the world. Not that she needs it, she
finds strength from within. Still, she deserves to have a life with a lot less
stress. Each day she tries to look for the positive and is thankful for the
people who come into her life, no matter what lesson they teach her. Her dog,
Shush, comes to her accidentally, but Sugar finds creative ways to take care of
him. Shush sure does help those around him. I felt bad for Sugar that she had to
grow up so soon. No child should know what it is like to be homeless or have to
parent their parent. Her attitude inspired me. I also loved the thank you notes
she wrote throughout the book. When I learned about her painting doors to make
the world a brighter place- I wanted to paint my door! How fun! This is a story
I recommend to kids in grades three and up. Adults will love this story, too.
Without a doubt this is a book you don’t want to miss! I look forward to reading
more from this author!
Has
anyone else read Almost Home? Or have you read another book by Joan
Bauer? We would love to hear your thoughts!
Happy
Reading!
~L
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I just want to stare at the adorable puppy on that cover!
ReplyDeleteShush is a cutie! :) ~L
DeleteWhat Kelly said! I've never come across this book before, but that cover is simply adorable! Sugar sounds like someone I would like to meet. I'll be sure to check this out now. :) Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSam- Shush is an adorable dog and Sugar is a strong and inspiring main character. A book that will tug at your heart and give you hope. :) ~L
DeleteSounds like a sweet book. I so love the sweet puppy on the cover.
ReplyDeleteNatalie- It is a book with lots of ups and downs, but determination and not giving up are they key to Sugar's survival. Luckily, she has her sweet dog, Shush, to help her through everything. :) ~L
DeleteI haven't read this, but it looks irresistible.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year.
Medeia- It is a great read- one you won't want to put down. Sugar will stay with you after you are done. :) Happy New Year! ~L
DeleteAlmost Home sounds like a book I MUST OWN! I've heard about it somewhere else and you brought it back into my memory. Thanks! That's one thing blogger pals do best! *wink*
ReplyDeleteHappiest of New Years to you!
Robyn- Glad to bring Almost Home back to your memory! It is a book that shouldn't be missed. You will love Sugar and her dog, Shush. :) Thanks for stopping by and Happy New Year! ~L
DeleteThis sounds wonderful and I will add it to my list. I love when a book grabs you like this one did :)
ReplyDeleteKimba- Isn't that awesome? :) Enjoy! ~L
DeleteI can't believe I hadn't heard of this before! This one sounds wonderful! I was just reading an article about a homeless girl in NYC and her family and how they live, etc and was thinking it would make a really good book with more of a story. I'll have to add this one to my list!
ReplyDeleteCandace- Based on the article you just read I think you will fall in love with this story. My heart really went out to Sugar and kids like her. Not having a place to call home can't be easy. Reading this book makes you want to go out and be a better person. :) Thanks for stopping by. ~L
DeleteI love that you are reviewing these! It's a great reminder!
ReplyDeletePatty- Thanks! Reminders are always good. :) ~L
DeleteThis is such a great review!
ReplyDeletewww.modernworld4.blogspot.com
Thanks, Gina! :) ~L
DeleteThat does indeed seem a wonderful story. And besides, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar is nodding her approval.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the New Year and a new hope.
Gary :)
Gary- Well- Penny is super smart! She knows a good story when she sees one. :)
DeleteHappy New Year to you! ~L
I remember you writing about this one. How can a book go wrong when it's so cute -- with kids and a puppy! Adorable. :-D
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!!
Lexa- Book with kids and puppies are usually a great mix. :) ~L
DeleteThis is the cutest cover. Ever. I NEED that puppy!! Adorable! This is a fantastic review of what sounds like an awesome yet sad book! Thanks for the wonderful post!! <3
ReplyDelete~Katertot @ A Belle's Tales
Katertot- It is a cute cover! Shush is adorable. :) It is a great book- sad, but it gives you hope, too. Sugar has a tough life. Thanks for stopping by!
Delete~L
Great write-up!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Thanks, Nas! Happy New Year to you, too. :) ~L
DeleteThe puppy already has my heart. Obviously a must read.
ReplyDeleteLee- I think you will love this one! A great read! :) ~L
DeleteI'm so happy 'Almost Home' made it to your list of favourites! Sugar really deserves a lot less stress and it's quite sad that some children are forced to grow up faster than they are supposed to because the adults (parents, mainly) in their lives are in crumbles.
ReplyDeleteClaudine- I really feel for kids like Sugar. Childhood should be enjoyed and stretched out. She spends her childhood worrying about where to sleep, go to the bathroom, and how she will basically survive the day. Her mom could make things easier, but she needs to first figure out what it means to be an adult and overcome the obstacles in her way. Thanks so much for recommending "Almost Home". :) ~L
DeleteMy daughter read that book and just loved it. I had never heard of it until she just picked it up randomly at the bookstore one day and decided she was going to read it that night. She didn't put it down until it was finished.
ReplyDeleteCurled Up By the Fire- How awesome that your daughter read this book! It is awesome. I read it in one sitting too. The author has a great style and the main character has a unique voice and story. I hope you get a chance to read it. :) ~L
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