https://padlet.com/ealafl24/58qmwpyb0649pvv6 Includes detailed reviews for all of the books I was able to read for my Personal Reading Project. en-us 2023-03-27 07:41:48 UTC 2023-03-31 02:20:48 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f4d5.png ealafl24 https://padlet.com/ealafl24/58qmwpyb0649pvv6/wish/2532677710 Right off the bat, this book was adorable and engaging, even as an adult reader. We are introduced to Wednesday, who is also referred to as Walia throughout the book, and her support dog, Woof. These two make a mighty detective team, operating from an old boat in their backyard.

Wednesday has a strong voice that reads like a believable child. Her interactions with Woof and her family and neighbours further cements her as a narrator that children will relate to. Her comments and observations are quirky and even got a couple of laughs from me. Take, for example, this line from the third chapter:

"Her long, black eyelashes quiver like spider legs. Woof looks afraid. He does not like spiders or quivery black eyelashes that look like spiders."

The author makes good use of comedic timing to assure that even caretakers reading the book to a child will find the reading experience enjoyable. For example, Wednesday boasting about how she's been a detective for a long, long time... Two whole months.

This book is also incredibly diverse and features a lovable cast of characters from all walks of life. Wednesday herself is an excellent example of good disability representation, as she deals with juvenile arthritis, and even though sometimes she pushes herself too far and gets hurt, she learns to accept the support of her family and friends, as well as Woof, who is shown to be very protective and caring towards her, as her support dog.

I was surprised to find I even teared up at the end, when Wednesday admits that she was afraid of disappointing her grandfather, who then assures her that she could never disappoint him. The moment was emotional and impactful, while still keeping that believable child's voice.

Overall, I rated this book 4/5, but keep in mind that I am an adult reader who has lost some of my excitement and whimsy with age. A child reading this would be sure to enjoy it, for all the points that I mentioned above, but also because it's just a fun adventure story. For an early reader who loves mysteries and adventure (I myself even wanted to be Harriet the Spy as a kid, so I understand), this is sure to be a home run.

[Finished]]]> 2023-03-27 07:46:02 UTC https://padlet.com/ealafl24/58qmwpyb0649pvv6/wish/2532677710 ealafl24 https://padlet.com/ealafl24/58qmwpyb0649pvv6/wish/2532678768 The writing in this book was delectable from the very beginning. Kuang's prose jumps off the page and makes you want to keep reading to the end, even if it's just so that you can admire how beautiful the words are.

[Currently Reading]]]> 2023-03-27 07:47:02 UTC https://padlet.com/ealafl24/58qmwpyb0649pvv6/wish/2532678768 ealafl24 https://padlet.com/ealafl24/58qmwpyb0649pvv6/wish/2532680286 [Currently Reading]]]> 2023-03-27 07:48:16 UTC https://padlet.com/ealafl24/58qmwpyb0649pvv6/wish/2532680286 ealafl24 https://padlet.com/ealafl24/58qmwpyb0649pvv6/wish/2532683095 [Not Started]]]> 2023-03-27 07:50:41 UTC https://padlet.com/ealafl24/58qmwpyb0649pvv6/wish/2532683095 ealafl24 https://padlet.com/ealafl24/58qmwpyb0649pvv6/wish/2532684365 [Not Started]]]> 2023-03-27 07:51:48 UTC https://padlet.com/ealafl24/58qmwpyb0649pvv6/wish/2532684365