Book Talk

Book Review – Zeroboxer

zeroboxer

Image from Goodreads.com

Zeroboxer by Fonda Lee actually surprised me.  I wasn’t quite sure I would enjoy this book, but I really did.  I should mention, it is a Missouri Gateway Nominee from MASL for 2017-2108.

The story begins with the introduction of the main character, Carr ‘the raptor’ Luka.  Carr is a Zeroboxer.  This seems to be similar to our MMA, but done in Zero Gravity.  Carr is a rising star in the Zeroboxing world.  Young and talented.  He lives on Mars, which has been colonized, though he started out on Earth.  After an impressive fight, Carr is officially signed by the Zero Gravity Fighting Association, which assigns him his own “brandhelm,” Risha, a Martian colonist.  Brandhelms manage the brand and the marketing.  Risha helps to increase Carr’s popularity.  But, like many sports, there is a criminal element that the fighters don’t always know about.  Carr gets wrapped up in it unwittingly.  He has to decide if he wants to be the champ, or will be put ethics first.

This book is one I can highly recommend.  It definitely lends itself to the boy reader, but girls won’t be disappointed, even if they are not much of a sports person.  There is everything from sports to science and genetics, and even some romance.  It is a great book overall.

Book Talk – The Invisible Boy

17140549The Invisible Boy, by Trudy Ludwig and illustrated by Patrice Barton, is a picture book that is currently on the MASL Show-Me Readers nominee list for 2015-2016.

This book is about Brian.  Brian is a quiet, somewhat shy student.  He likes to draw, and doesn’t display a need for attention to himself.  This, however, makes him almost forgotten, almost invisible.

That is, until a new student, Justin, comes to his class.  Justin is able to “see” Brian, when no one else would.

This book is a great book to teach about including everyone in the class, not just those who are loud, or pushy, or otherwise noticeable.

I personally connected with this story because I was one of those “invisible” children.  I know what it is like to be the quiet, shy one in class, to not raise your hand, to hope not to be called on.  This book connected with me, and hopefully it will with you as well.

Image from Goodreads.com.