Bootleg: Murder Moonshine and the Lawless Year of Prohibition

Bootleg: Murder, Moonshine, and the Lawless Years of Prohibition by Karen Blumenthal

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


An in depth look at prohibition; the reasons for it and why it went horribly wrong. Recommend for upper middle school and high school students.



View all my reviews

Dead End in Norvelt

Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Jack Gantos writes a semi-autobiographical tale about growing up in the Midwest, being grounded all summer and writing obituaries for all of the old people who dropping like flies. Laugh out loud funny!



View all my reviews

Drawing from Memory

Drawing from Memory by Allen Say

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Allen Say only wanted to be an artist when he was growing up in Japan but his father didn't think that was a respectable profession. Without his father knowing, he got an apprenticeship with a famous author. Mr. Say is now a fulltime award winning author and illustrator.



View all my reviews

Saint Louis Armstrong Beach

Saint Louis Armstrong Beach by Brenda Woods

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Saint lives in New Orleans along with his parents and his dog, Shadow. During Hurricane Katrina - he becomes separated from his parents and returns home. He and Shadow take refuge with his neighbor, Miz Moran. A good introduction to Katrina, but many issues were barely addressed - if at all.



View all my reviews