I'm Ok by Patti Kim: Book Review

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review.

Ever since Ok's dad died, he and his mom have struggled to make ends meet. As the man of the house, Ok feels a big responsibility to help her out. Though he would love to win the cash prize at his school's talent show, Ok realizes he lacks in the talent department. Instead he hatches a plan to start his own hair braiding business. With a few library books and a little practice, Ok is ready.

While he dreams of making big money, the reality is the girls at school can't pay Ok much. To make matters worse the strange girl, Mickey McDonald blackmails him and in doing so inserts herself into an unwitting friendship. The class bully, Asa, also gives OK unwanted attention. If that weren't bad enough, Deacon Koh of the First Korean Full Gospel Church starts dating Ok's mom.

It's enough to make OK want to get away. He hatches an escape plan but will it work?

Quirky humor helps lighten the load of heavy grief. Readers can't help but feel for Ok and will relate to the other characters as well.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster (Oct. 9, 2018)

ISBN: 9781534419292

Ages 10 & up

Waiting for Augusta by Jessica Lawson: Book Review

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Book received at no charge in exchange review.

It's been a month since Benjamin Putter's father passed away. It's hard for an eleven-year-old to describe what it feels like to lose a loved one but Benjamin is convinced the lump he feels in his throat is a golf ball caused by his loss. If that isn't enough, he hears his father's voice coming from his urn imploring him to scatter his ashes on the 18th hole of the famous Augusta National golf course. He has no idea how he's going to get there but he knows he must.

As he begins his journey, Benjamin meets up with a spunky girl named Noni who is determined to travel with him. Together they face obstacles that seem insurmountable. They also face the ugly inner demons of lingering racism and have to come to terms with what they see and hear as opposed to how they feel.

Strong writing and plot pacing make for a poignant and heart warming story. However, young readers may be turned off by the heart breaking subject matter. While it's written for middle grade, it may be too deep and unsettling for the younger end age group.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers (May 10, 2016)

Pages: 336 hardcover

ISBN-13: 978-1481448390

Ages: 8-12

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