Jake Drake, Bully Buster, by Andrew Clements
39/60 | Started 05.30.25 • Finished 08.22.25 | 5 stars
"This book is about a boy named Jake Drake. And he was a bully magnet until 2nd grade, where instead of being called Jake Drake Bully Magnet, he was called Jake Drake Bully Buster. Jake found out that his bully Link was just a normal kid. My favorite part was that their project went well."
Carolyn, age 8
The Country of the Blind, by Andrew Leland
38/60 | Started 08.04.25 • Finished 08.15.25 | 4 stars
A fascinating look at one man's experience of going blind, while also relaying the history of blindness in America. Leland skillfully weaves his own personal experience with political movements, social "accommodations", and scientific research. I picked this up because I heard him on a podcast interview and was really drawn to his use of language and story. There was one bit about abortion in which I think he made great arguments for pro-life but ended up on the pro-choice side. It was a bit odd. But other than that, I really enjoyed this one.
Homer Price, by Robert McCloskey
37/60 | Started 05.19.25 • Finished 08.13.25 | 5 stars
Took us a while to read this one because we started before school was over and then didn't pick it back up... all that said, these are very amusing stories with quirky characters and general shenanigans. Accompanied by Robert McCloskey's delightful illustrations. 10/10 would recommend - Carolyn loved it.