Mitosis (Reckoners #1.5) by Brandon Sanderson

If you liked "Steelheart" then you'll be satisfied with this 35 page eBook that continues where book one left off with the Reckoners defeating the enemy. The city of Newcago shows citizens leery of their newfound freedom and pessimistic that another epic will take over the Newcago. Their peace is short-lived when Mitosis comes to town. He not only wants to rule it but he wants to kill David. A true David and Goliath battle ensues full of action and fun.

While Sanderson is a master at world-building, you really need to read book one to understand the characters and what is going on. The dark story is lightened by humor giving it that right mix that made me unable to put it down. The message of working together in order to defeat a seemingly invincible tyrant in order to live in freedom is a common theme, but I like how Sanderson makes it fresh. The awful lyrics David sings to distract the Epic are quite funny. A clear story arc that is well-written with interesting characters.

4 Smileys

The Julian Chapter: A Wonder Story (ebook) by R.J. Palacio

I appreciate that the author attempted to round out the character Julian from her book, Wonder. He is the bully and is one-dimensional in the story. While an explanation is given, it lacked authenticity for me. I appreciated the attempt to show parents that were loving, but misguided in their parenting of Julian. I just didn't buy his character. The end had more power than the beginning and pulling in the Holocaust as an example of bullies is very powerful. Some might find the message too didactic. Palacio is good at manipulating emotions and she does it in this short story too. While I liked it, I know I will forget it in the future. My students seem to like it.