IF YOU'RE READING THIS by Trent Reedy

Mike Wilson's dad was killed in the war in Afghanistan when Mike was a boy. Now he's almost 16, and he has a lot of questions. His life has been difficult and platitudes about how his dad was a "hero" are empty when Mike doesn't know how his dad died. Then the letters start coming - letters Mike's dad wrote to him from Afghanistan in anticipation of Mike's 16th birthday and offering advice and challenges in case his dad never made it home.

This was lovely. Mike is a great character - hard working, responsibly, with deep questions. He's trying to figure out life without his dad around and with his mom facing her own struggles. I've never been part of a family walking through deployment or losing a loved one to war, but the description seemed reasonable and realistic. The story is intense and emotional but not so detailed as to be too much for teen readers. Themes include racial tension, a budding romance, bullying, team, identity, family and responsibility.

4.5 out of 5 stars
AR Reading level of 4.6
AR Interest level of Middle Grade + (Middle school and up)

* I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher for free in the hope that I would review it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t believe in passing on negative reviews. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Graphic Novel Week: TOMMYSAURUS REX and CARDBOARD by Doug TenNapel

In Tommysaurus Rex, a boy's dog dies, and his parents send him to stay with his grandfather while he recovers from his loss. The boy, Ely, finds a TRex who acts a lot like his dog, Tommy. A bully causes trouble for the boy and for Tommysaurus Rex. 

In Cardboard, a dad who is down on his luck buys a cardboard box for his son's birthday gift. The cardboard is magic. Whatever they build comes to life. But they don't follow the magic rules and things go horribly out of control. There is a bully in this story as well.

Both of these graphic novels are great. The stories and art are very well done. I thought Tommysaurus was extremely touching and the ending was excellent. Cardboard was also very good, but darker than Tommysaurus. I think Cardboard is a better fit for middle school than for elementary school, so I am adding Tommysaurus to my library and recommending Cardboard to older readers.

4 out of 5 stars for both.

AR reading level of 2.0 for Tommysaurus. Cardboard has a reading level of 2.2 with AR.