Book Review - Notes from the Dog

Notes from the Dog by Gary Paulsen

Finn does not like to talk to people. His only goal for this summer vacation is to read as many books as possible and talk to fewer than twelve people. He does not want to talk to more than twelve people, including his own father, grandfather, and his friend Matthew. He sometimes stumbles over his words and doesn’t want to make a fool of himself. That changes dramatically when he meets Johanna, the new next door neighbor. She changes all of his plans for the summer. Find out what she does by reading Notes from the Dog by Gary Paulsen.

This was an excellent book about growing up and getting involved. Like most of Paulsen’s books, it is very interesting and a quick read.

Book Review - Schooled

Schooled by Gordon Korman

Have you ever met anyone who you thought was from a different world or time period? That is Capricorn Anderson – he has grown up on a commune and is suddenly forced into modern day society. All he has ever known is the commune and his grandmother. They grow their own food, he is homeschooled, and he has never really met anyone else. When his grandmother gets hurt and needs to stay in the hospital for an extended time, Capricorn is forced to live with a foster family and go to a real middle school. No one understands him and he is a prime target for bullies.

This was a great story about school and the odd-man out. Capricorn is a likeable character.