Book Reviews

PIONEER LIBRARY SYSTEM — CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW

Author: Ruth Ozeki Genre: Adult Fiction Pages: 548 Reviewer: Abby Curry, Moore Public Library

Dear reader, has a book ever called out to you? When roaming the library, has a book ever pulled you in and whispered, “Read me…” so that only you could hear? That is exactly what happened to me, an unsuspecting librarian, when I walked past Ruth Ozeki’s The Book of Form and Emptiness. Little did I know that books have voices and thoughts of their own, at least according to our main character, Benny Oh. Following a family tragedy, Benny and his mother, Annabelle, grapple with trauma in very different ways. Annabelle begins to develop a hoarding problem, unable to let go of the past while desperately trying to navigate her present, and to make matters worse, Benny starts to hear things. The voices he hears seem to come from all around him and slowly he realizes they are the voices of objects. Books, snow globes, and scissors, all crying out to be heard.

The Book of Form and Emptiness tells us a story of grief, trauma, and love. It examines the nature of our relationship with things and the nature of reality itself. If you listen closely, it might just whisper its secrets to you, too.

This title is available in print or as a downloadable eBook or eAudiobook. For more recommendations, stop by your local library or contact the Moore Public Library at 405.793.5100. For other library events and information visit pioneerlibrarysystem.org or download our handy PLS Connect App!

Aven Green Sleuthing Machine

Author: Dusti Bowling Illustrator: Gina Perry Publisher: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. Reviewer: Tania Lebron, Children’s Library Associate, SW OKC Library

Aven Green doesn’t look like the other third graders; she was born with no arms. She believes the cells that were supposed to make her arms went to her brain. Lucky for her, this means she is smarter than her peers. Aven doesn’t let this disability get in the way of anything, especially her investigating skills.

She can even take on two mysteries at once. Will Smitty the dog be found? Will the food thief be caught? Check out this book to find out!

Children will laugh out loud following the quick witted Aven and her mysteries. Illustrated with endearing characters and lifelike scenes, this chapter book is a must read. This is a hilarious story of a young girl who won’t let anything hold her back.

Aven Green Sleuthing Machine is geared toward children ages 6-8. You may find this book and its sequel Aven Green Baking Machine as an eBook through OverDrive or in the Children’s department of your local library. Please feel free to visit the Children’s desk or call us at 405.979.2200 with any questions. For other library events and information visit pioneerlibrarysystem.org or download the PLS Connect app!