Book Review: The Berry Pickers

The Berry Pickers 

by Amanda Peters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Excellent characters. Believable real-life situations and challenges. Wonderful Indigenous representation.
Even thought The Berry Pickers is outside my norm for typical books I select; I still enjoyed it. This is a ‘book club’ like pick (which I usually avoid). As it’s an Indigenous story I wanted to read it. I’m glad I did. There is a lot that can be unpacked here; not least of which is perhaps why parents, children, and teenagers all keep secrets from one another. If everyone could be more honest and ask questions safely (no matter the topic) I think we’d all be better off.
While the overall story lags at times; especially when it’s Norma’s POV. The Berry Pickers is still a good contemporary literature book. It has depth, believability, and you’ll likely want some Kleenex nearby near the end.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book review: Jake the Growling Dog

Jake the Growling Dog 

by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a bit of a weird one as it appears to be a republish, under a slightly different name, with updated illustrations and text. Regardless it’s still quite cute. About a dog named Jake (based on a real dog!) who growls and scares everyone around him. Ironically my own pup, a pitbull mix rescue, likes to growl when he plays with other dogs and sometimes they are scared off. So to say I loved the premise would be an understatement.
One section of the story was a bit odd to me. The animal that helps others see Jake for who he is (a sweet pup who wants to play and isn’t scary) is a squirrel. Now I don’t know how much you know about dogs and squirrels but this is an odd choice given most dogs pen-chance for chasing squirrels. It might have been better had our helpful animal been a deer, owl, or an animal Jake would be less likely to chase and win against? For thus I have knocked down one star as I just find it too implausible for a squirrel to be the one to calm (and help) a dog.
Overall however this is cute! Perfect for a child who looks different from the other children and feels left out.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: Who Owns the Clouds

Who Owns the Clouds? 

by Mario Brassard
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This graphic novel is poignant and sad. No child should ever have to experience any part of war, directly or indirectly.
Unfortunately for me I found this a bit too esoteric. I knew going in what to expect (I thought) but it still felt a bit too intangible. I realize this is partially on purpose; but if you put this in the hands of a teen they probably wouldn’t get it without analysis or discussion with a teacher/adult. Thus for me this is a big downfall.
Not to say that it isn’t a critical subject, as it is. Or that it isn’t a good attempt to convey a difficult subject, as it is. Most importantly, if it works for some then that’s great. It just didn’t resonate for me in the way I was hoping for.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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