Patina (Track, #2)

Patina by Jason Reynolds
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really liked the first book in this series, Ghost. (My review is at www,maxsonbattlebooks.blogspot.com). That one was a definite 4 stars. This book is just not quite as good as that one. We have some of the same characters, especially the kids from the track team, but Patina and her little sister Maddie own the pages of this book. The sisters have an unusual story. They live with their Uncle Tony and his wife, who they affectionately refer to as Momly. But, their real mom is very much in the picture. She has diabetes and other serious illnesses, and so they don't live with her, but visit her every weekend and text every day. Patina is dealing with a new school, bratty girls, and trying to be the best track star ever. I felt the dialogue was not quite real, almost forced. I think it's a good pick for girls (and boys) who enjoy track, or just like to read about kids who are dealing with some stressful issues. This is an easy read for middle schoolers.


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Solo

Solo by Kwame Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved The Crossover, and so I eagerly jumped into this book. Blade is the son of a has-been musical superstar, and he looks at his father's antics, including drugs and booze, as so childish, and so not what his life will be about. Blade is very much in love with Chapel, but her parents have forbidden the relationship, because of Blade's notorious family. When Blade discovers that he was adopted, he sets out to Ghana to find his birth mother. This book is funny, sad, and filled with old song lyrics. It is a fast read, and absolutely fits the 8th grade to high school library. It is written in the same style as The Crossover, free verse, which makes it great for reluctant readers.


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Beyond the Bright Sea

Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was interested in the setting of this book, as it takes place in the Elizabeth Islands, which are close to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. This story takes place in the early 20th century, and I wish I could say that I loved this story, I didn't, but I liked it. This is the story of a young girl named Crow, who was found in a boat washed up on an island close to Cuttyhunk. Crow is happy living with Osh, the man who found her, but she is very curious as to who her parents were, and why they gave her up, putting her out to sea. Who would risk a baby's life like that? We discover the island of Penekese, where years ago people who had Hanson's disease, (leprosy) were sent to live and die. Miss Maggie and Osh are great adult characters, and there is a mystery to be solved. This book is well written, with lots of descriptions, and you really feel the salt and wind. It is not that easy a read, but is worth it if you have the stamina.


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