#Review: (The) Junkyard Wonders by Patricia Polacco #AtoZBlogChallenge #J #specialneeds

My summary:
When young Trisha finds out her class at the new school is known as "The Junkyard," she is devastated. She moved from her old town so she wouldn't be in a special class anymore! But then she meets her teacher, the quirky and invincible Mrs. Peterson, and her classmates, an oddly brilliant group of students each with his or her own unique talent. And it is here in The Junkyard that Trisha learns the true meaning of genius, and that this group of misfits are, in fact, wonders, all of them.

My review:
The Junkyard Wonders is a sweet tale about a group of kids who are tossed aside by society. They are nicknamed "The Junkyard Kids". They are bullied by the "normal" kids and seen as less.

Written in first person, each character is described in detail, first beginning with what makes them "special" but then what makes them superb! Together, along with an amazing teacher, who sees their potential, they rise together to become and do something great. Written within the pages is great parental support.

The characters come alive with colorful illustrations and show their mannerisms in a fun, pleasant way. I loved these kids and the talents that each had. There is a bit of sadness that happens about the middle of the book but that sadness fuels the children to continue on.

My favorite part of this book is the very last page. It tells what happens to each of these kids and what they go on to do. Oh, didn't I tell you? This book is based on a real live event that the author experienced. Yes, she was one of the kids!

This is well worth reading and should be on book shelves everywhere.

5 stars.

Disclosure: I obtained a copy of this book from my local library. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~M.M. aka Naila Moon

#Review: Tucky Jo and Little Heart by Patricia Polacco

Summary:
Tucky Jo was known as the “kid from Kentucky” when he enlisted in the army at age fifteen. Being the youngest recruit in the Pacific during World War II was tough. But he finds a friend in a little girl who helps him soothe his bug bites, and he gets to know her family and gives them some of his rations. Although the little girl doesn’t speak English, Tucky Jo and Little Heart share the language of kindness. Many years later, Tucky Jo and Little Heart meet again, and an act of kindness is returned when it’s needed the most in this touching picture book based on a true story.

My review:
This is the sweetest, most heart felt, children's book I have come across. This is the story of an act of kindness done during a time of tribulation, that test time and space.

There were a few men of time period that were truly way too young to be fighting in a war. Here the reader sees a young man's kindness over what is a terrible surroundings. He takes a huge chance by befriending this young girl and heartbreak will follow, in the end, it was worth it. 

I loved that his friendship with this small girl would eventually grow to be something big and save not one life but two.

This book is a true story and highly recommended. 5 stars!

Disclosure: I picked up a copy of this book from my local library. The view expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~M.M. aka Naila Moon

Where to find the author:

Amazon
Goodreads