Every once in awhile I read a book I like so much that even when I'm finished reading, it is hard to return it...because I don't want it to be over. The novel,
Tall Story, was like that for me.
A very unique story told from the alternating perspectives of Bernanrdo and Andi, a brother and sister, who get acquainted for the first time in their lives, when Bernardo finally gets his paperwork approved to move from his homeland of the Phillipines, where he has been staying with his aunt and uncle, to London with his mother, stepfather, and younger sister.
Because of his 8 feet tall staure, Bernardo is believed by the local villagers to have the powers of a legendary giant. He leaves for London secretly, as people believe he is protecting them from earthquakes and other misfortune.
Andi, who loves basketball but is very disappointed that her new school only has a boys' team, is doubly frustrated when the boys' team is thrilled to have Bernardo on their team because of his height, even though he can barely play.
Meanwhile, Bernardo and Andi's mother, a nurse, is extremely worried about Bernardo's extreme height, realizing that he likely has as serious health condition.
This story is full of heart and an interesting plot line--and you really feel like you get to know both the characters so well...with the alternating chapters from their points of view. I think this would also make a great book to read-aloud.
I just read a cleverly written chapter book:
The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale by Carmen Agra Deedy & Randall Wright.
Pip is an unusual mouse with an unusual talent: he can read, thanks to time spent with Nell, the daughter of the owners of the
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese shop, where Pip and many, many mice live because of the cheese-making talents of the cook there.
Pip meets Skilley, a cat with an unusual appetite: he does not hunt or eat mice....he prefers cheese, so Pip convinces the mice to strike a bargain where Skilley pretends to serve as a mouse-catcher for the shop, so they won't get a REAL mouse-catching cat.
Throw in an injured raven from the famous "Tower of London" ravens who is hidden upstairs, an evil mice-hungry cat named Pinch, comic relief as the author Charles Dickens sits in the shop attempting to write his classic,
Tale of Two Cities, AND great pencil sketches throughout the chapter book by Barry Moser, and you have a great story that would be fun for a family or teacher to read-aloud, or for kids to read on their own.
