FINISHED:
Springstubb, Tricia. (2017). Cody and the Rules of Life. Somerville, MA: Candlewick.

[In this third installment of the Cody series, Cody learns that sometimes it’s not SO bad to break the rules.  After taking her brother Wyatt’s prized new bike for a ride without his permission and nicking some of the paint, the bike is stolen and Cody puts the blame on a couple of kids in the neighborhood who are economically challenged, eventually making things right by aiding Wyatt in its return.  And, after her first sleepover, Cody (reluctantly) agrees to let her host, Pearl, borrow her beloved Gremlin toy, but Cody quickly regrets her decision when Pearl doesn’t seem to want to give Gremlin back, even going so far as to “steal” Gremlin from Pearl’s backpack.  Springstubb’s style of writing doesn’t talk down to its audience, retaining a sophistication and emotional insight through its third person narration, and realistically portrays the ins and outs of her characters and their situations while always remaining funny and engaging.  Wheeler’s occasional art depicts Cody’s neighborhood and school as relatively diverse, while helping to break up the breezy text for those beginning chapter book readers whose eyes might need a break or some visual context clues.  This is a perfect series for those readers who are ready for something more challenging after working their way through the Ivy and Bean (Chronicle, 2006) titles.]

STARTED:
Neuvel, Sylvain. (2016). Sleeping Giants. New York: Del Rey/Penguin Random House.

[An adult book!]

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