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

Lu by Jason Reynolds Book Review

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review

As co-captain of the Defenders, Lu shoulders the responsibility of leading the track team to their upcoming championship. But Lu faces his own hurdles before he can lead the team to a win.

Just before the big week, Lu finds out his mom is expecting a baby. While his mom struggles with morning sickness that lasts all day, Lu tries to help her with her business, stepping up as delivery boy. He faces inner turmoil at the discovery that his dad acquired his coach's Olympic gold in a less than moral way. Will he be able to convince his dad to return it?

Not only does Lu face hurdles with his parents but with himself as well. He can't seem to get over  the real hurdles on the track. Lu has poor eyesight caused by being an albino. When he loses a contact, the coach discovers he can barely see. The coach comes up with a brilliant idea to teach Lu how to get over the hurdles without the contacts.

In one of life's great lessons, Lu learns winning gold in life doesn't always mean on the track. Relatable characters mixed with a realistic look into middle class family life make a dazzling gold medal ending to Reynolds Track series.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publishing Information

Publisher: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books (October 23, 2018)

Series: Track (Book #4)

Pages 224

ISBN: 978-1481450249

Ages: 10 and up

Book Review: Double Vision Code Name 711 by F. T. Bradley

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 Linc Baker thought his work as a junior secret agent with Pandora had come to a close. He learns all too soon that Pandora isn't finished with him.

When Pandora receives a threat on the president's family from within their ranks, they assign Linc the task of keeping the president's daughter, Amy, out of harms way. When the latest Dangerous Double, Washington's coat,  winds up missing, Linc springs into action to help find it before it is acquired by the wrong person. According to legends, the coat will make the owner invincible and must be kept safe. Linc investigates the Culper Ring (America's first Revolutionary War spies) to try to find clues to the coat and its location.

Linc, the lively and likable protagonist, carries the adventure that is a reminiscent twist on the National Treasure movies. Young readers will likely miss the comparison to similar story lines and endear themselves to their new spy hero.

Rating:  Good to Recommended ***1/2

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Harper Collins (Oct. 15, 2013)

Ages: 8-12

ISBN-13: 9780062104403

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**I received an advanced reader's copy of no value from the publisher to facilitate my review.**