CM Magazine has reviewed two of Alison Lohans’ recent books, Dog Alert and Germy Johnson’s Piano War.
About Germy Johnson:
Germy Johnson’s Piano War, by Alison Lohans
Germy Johnson’s Piano War is a fun story about a boy dealing with a less-than-ideal situation. J.J. is a little stubborn, very creative, and ultimately, he pushes through and accepts the lessons he has because he knows he is not a quitter. This book is a fairly fast read, at only 64 pages, and the quick nature of the plot makes this book great for reluctant readers or for a read aloud.
Zoe’s story is told directly; there is no stopping to muse upon the plot points that could be weighed down with “teachable moments” or life lessons. Great for new independent readers, the direct nature of the book is one of the major strengths of Dog Alert as Lohans seems to understand the need to allow readers the opportunity to form their own opinions rather than telling them what to take away from Zoe’s story.
Author: Alison Lohans
Publisher: Pearson (New Zealand) 2011
Series: Nitty Gritty Novel Series 0
ISBN 978-1442-5413-6-8
Zoe is accustomed to getting around in her wheelchair and doesn’t let her disability hold her back. However, when her family moves to remote northern Saskatchewan everything becomes impossibly hard. Worse yet, she must come to grips with her fear of dogs – and there are plenty of dogs running loose….
Saskatchewan Children's Writers' Round Robin 