Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine, & a Miracle

First off let me say that this book is based on a true story. This story is about Major Brian Dennis and his experience in Iraq after meeting an unlikely friend. This friend was a wild dog, which he would name Nubs because of his ears. The pictures within the book or real pictures of Major Dennis' time in Iraq with Nubs. The story tells us about a dogs journey to stay with his friend; and how this journey would eventually lead him to a home far from the war-torn country that he new. I would say that this story could be for kids as young at 9 (but that the story may be better for older children). The pictures are not at all graphic; although the story is a bit emotional. As an adult, I was cheering on Nubs and crying when setbacks in the story occurred. Without giving to much away, I must say reading how Nubs traveled 70 miles across Iraq to find Major Dennis had me so moved. The devotion of Nubs who was really a wild dog was astounding.

If you know the love of a pet or have a respect for animals this book is for you. I think this book would be great to show children how a moment can change a life. It was by chance that Major Dennis would be Nubs but it was a friendship that would carry both of them on quite a journey. Please take the time to read this book because it is to amazing a book to fully describe.

Smiles to Go

This book is by Jerry Spinelli. I have read one of his books before so I knew that he was an excellent writer. However, they way he approached this book was much different. This book was written in a diary format from the main character's point of view. I have to say that I really did love this book. The lead character, Will, is a ninth grader who is a bit of a micro-manager. He is very type A and wants everything his way; so when things don't go as planned he can't help but to dwell on them. Yes, I will admit that I related to him right away. From his passion for science to his ability to plan things down to even the most minute detail, yep I was him. I was Will; and as the events of the book unfolded, I knew just how he was going to react because it was just how I would have reacted (especially back in high school). I will say that Will's life does have a moment that will change him forever. Although I will not tell you what it is, I will say it was something that I didn't see coming. It is this moment when I really see Will open his eyes to the world outside of his head. I know what that is like. As a micro-manager, I like to live within my own mind sometimes. It is safe there and I can plan every word of a conversation that way. It isn't until you step out side of your head though that you really see the world. I think this is what happens to Will. He finally sees reality.

I have to say that Jerry Spinelli, makes his characters realistic and that if a writer can do that and they don't need a lot of flash. I think that I became more engrossed in Will then I have in all the fantasy books I have read. This was the same way for the other book I read by this author. There are moments in the book such as deciding how to ask out someone that I think everyone can relate to and look back on. This book is great for fourth graders and up. But I think adults will like it most because they will remember being in the same types of situations wondering how will I ever survive. It is a great and easy read.