TFK Kid Reporters Natalie Chen and Gabrielle Hurd review two of summer's most exciting new books.
Book Title: My Year in the Middle
Author: Lila Quintero Weaver
Reviewed by: TFK Kid Reporter Natalie Chen
Genre: Historical Fiction
Number of pages: 288
What’s the basic story line?
In Red Grove, Alabama, in the 1970s, kids in Lu Olivera’s sixth-grade classroom sit separated by race: white kids on one side, black kids on the other. Lu, who is an immigrant from Argentina, sits in the middle. She likes to run, and dreams of becoming the fastest girl in her school. Lu makes a new friend: an African-American girl named Belinda Gresham. But with tensions growing among her friends and a governor’s election dividing her class even more, Lu learns about racial prejudice firsthand. Ultimately, she will have to learn what she believes in and how to stand up for what’s right.
Are the characters believable?
The characters in My Year in the Middle are highly believable because the author, Lila Quintero Weaver, bases this book on personal experiences. The characters embody how middle school students in Alabama would act in the ’70s, when racism was very present. The readers grow attached to the different characters and their personalities.
Who would like this book?
People of all ages would love this book, but I would particularly recommend it for fifth and sixth graders. Kids can relate to the main character and learn about life in the American South during the ’70s, while also reading an intriguing story.
On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, how would you rate this book?
On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate My Year in the Middle an 8. It was captivating and engaging. While the book is fictional, the problems in the story represent real problems that took place in the ’70s. But the book is still interesting and lighthearted. I felt myself growing attached to the different characters and feeling the emotions they experience. I also really loved the ending. I would love to read another book by Lila Quintero Weaver!
Book Title: The Button War
Author: Avi
Reviewed by: TFK Kid Reporter Gabrielle Hurd
Genre: Historical Fiction
Number of pages: 240
What’s the basic story line?
Patryk and his friends live in a small Polish village occupied by the Russian army during World War I. When the Germans drop a bomb on the schoolhouse and invade, Patryk and his friends face even more boredom and danger. That is when Patryk’s friend Jurek comes up with a daring game. Whoever steals the best button from a soldier’s uniform wins and is declared the button king. What at first seems like a fun activity takes suspenseful and violent turns.
Are the characters believable?
All of the characters are pretty believable. But Jurek’s personality is a little on edge. He has major issues with losing and will go to the extreme to make sure he gets what he wants. I think readers will relate to at least one of the characters.
Who would like this book?
I think any fans of historical fiction or suspense will enjoy this book. It’s not a difficult book to read, and there is definitely a lot of drama.
On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, how would you rate this book?
I would rate The Button War a 7 or an 8. It’s a great story and everything connects, but a couple of times I had to reread passages that didn’t quite make sense to me right
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