Waylon! One Awesome Thing

When I first saw this book, I immediately wanted to read it because I have a nephew named Waylon. I also had read Clementine and this book is written by the same author, Sara Pennypacker. Turns out, Clementine makes an appearance in this book, too. I believe it is the first in a series.

Waylon is a fourth grade science whiz. He has many ideas including human gills and teleportation. He even starts recording his ideas in a journal. He loves dogs and likes to be friends with everyone. However, things in Waylon's life start to change. Arlo Brody, a boy in Waylon's class, wants to group all the boys into two groups. Waylon would prefer to just be friends with everyone, except for the scary new kid, Baxter. At home, Waylon's sister is distancing herself from the rest of the family. Waylon just wants things to be like they used to be. Waylon's world feels out of control...but something happens that just might bring it all back together.

If you like characters like Clementine, Henry Ribsy and Hank Zipster, you might really enjoy Waylon!

The War That Saved My Life

When another teacher gave me this book, which was on my "to read" list, she said once I started it I would not be able to put it down. She was right. The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley was SO GOOD. It was a combination of historical fiction and family drama and tells the story of a young girl who discovers her own self-worth.

Ada has been kept inside a one-room flat by her mother because of her twisted foot. She watches the world go by outside of her city window and is emotionally abused and neglected by her mother. World War II is looming, and in preparation, children are sent out of the city and to the country to escape the expected bombs. When Ada's little brother Jamie is sent to the country to escape, Ada takes a huge chance...and escapes with him.

Ada and Jamie are reluctantly taken in by Susan Smith. Ada and Jamie discover the new world around them. Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, she begins to learn to read and she discovers all she does not know. Susan begins to love the children and the three of them form a family.

As the war comes closer to the village, Susan, Ada and Jamie prepare for the bombs and realize that the war might not be the thing that threatens to separate them.

I loved this story. Ada grows so much from the beginning to the end and it is amazing to see her progress. This book is very well-written and I would highly recommend it!