Kelley Hicken

This was not in my typical range of genres, but wow.

I think the cover is amazing. The writing was easy to engage in. The characters struggles instantly grabbed me. I burned through this story in a single sitting because I couldn't stop. Thank goodness it's not a long book.

This is not an issue-driven, make-a-social-statement story. And gratefully so. At its heart, this is a book about people making the best of hard situations, and learning to trust/love again. I suppose the story rang especially true because the author is a foster/adoption parent, and I found myself wondering how many of the moments in the book were based exactly off real-life experiences. Themes of being different and learning how to accept oneself really hit home for me. I also found myself pondering how difficult it must be when you feel homeless or struggle with relationships of trust. We've all been there to a degree.

I suppose that's one of the things I loved most--it made me reexamine life. (Without any preaching.) I came away looking at people and the world differently. It also made me see other cultures with a greater degree of appreciation. After finishing, I wanted to be more patient and kind, even with the people who press the limits.

So that's it. Want a quick story that will move you and give true insight into the reality of adoption? How about one that will make you a better person? How about one that will have you looking at life through a new filter? Definitely give this one a try.

Content Warning: This is a completely clean read.… (altro)

Yet another amazing book that makes me anxious to start the new school year! I know my 2nd grade students will love this book as much as I do! i Can already hear them responding to me, as I read, with "He sniffed and he snuffed. He snorted and wheezed. He coughed and he hacked, and then came the sneeze...Ah...ahh....ahhhchuuu!" It will also generate lots of discussion on empathy and how we treat our friends. The sing-song and rhyme make it so much fun to read aloud (can you tell I have already been practicing)! So descriptive! "when a tingling, tickling, itching arose", in my mind that perfectly describes the feeling one gets during the ah..ahh! Lot's of wonderful letter patterns too. I can see even my struggling readers enjoy this book on their own in no time. Now I must go and see if I can find more amazing books by Kelley Hicken. Wait, one more thing...I think every allergist should have this book in their waiting area, because I am sure the kids will love hearing it as much as the adults can have fun reading it to them!… (altro)