Review of Railway Jack: The True Story of an Amazing Baboon by KT Johnston

Jim was a South African railway inspector in the late 1800s who lost his legs in an accident while at work. Unable to perform all his tasks with his disability but desperate to keep his job, Jim discovered a brilliant solution, a baboon named Jack. Jim trained Jack to help him both at home and at the depot. But when the railway authorities and the public discovered a monkey on the job, Jack and Jim had to work together to convince everyone that they made a great team. This inspiring true story celebrates the history of service animals and a devoted friendship.

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**My thoughts**
I love historical fiction, and this one was definitely a story that I had never heard before. Back in the late 1800s in South Africa, a man named Jim lost his legs in an accident while working on train track repairs. He still needed to work, so he was trained to be a signalman, moving trains to their proper tracks. One day, he comes across a man who had a baboon as an assistant, and strikes a deal to purchase Jack. What follows is an amazing story of how Jack the baboon becomes an imperative service animal and helper to Jim. It is truly incredible what this baboon was able to learn how to do. And the deep friendship and connection between Jim and Jack is beautiful. I'm so glad to have learned a new story.

Following the story, the author talks about how she went about researching the story, which I appreciate as a teacher. The history buff in me loves the real photographs of the real Jim and Jack. Then there is a section that gets into more educational aspects, such as a description of primates, a history of service animals, a glossary of terms, and a list of internet resources for further exploration. Discussion questions can be used in the classroom, or for fun for the independent reader who may like to think about what he has just read. I think it would definitely make a great addition to a classroom library and could lead to all kinds of research projects. I give it 4 1/2 stars.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Adventures From My World Vol. 1 Story by Julie Averbach

Adventures From My World

Adventures From My World is a special needs sibling support comic book. It portrays typical situations that arise in a household when one family member has special challenges. As a comic book, the material is visually appealing and accessible to all age groups. The goal of the book is to help siblings to express their emotions.

Available to purchase from

AdventuresFromMyWorld.com

This is a not-for-profit book with any profits going to charities that support individuals with special needs.

Follow along on Instagram:

@adventuresfmw

Post about your adventures with your sibling or AFMW: #adventuresfmw

Photo shows Petterson Oliveira, Vanessa Solis, Dov Smiley and Julie Averbach at the expanded launch of Adventures From My World on May 22, 2016 at Satellite Comics and Games in Chatham, NJ.

Julie is a high school student in Millburn, NJ. Petterson Oliveira, Vanessa Solis and Dov Smiley are all graduates of The Kubert School in Dover, NJ.

Review of 'xoxoxo (Stories About Melissa #2)' by Bethany Lopez

Blurb:

Melissa has learned a lot since her freshman year began, but it isn't over yet! Her world is about to change again with the birth of her new sibling, and she has to figure out how she will adjust to being the eldest of five kids. She, Jess, and Jimmy are inseparable, and she is having a fantastic time although she can't help but miss Brian as she tries to learn how to deal with his relationship with Layla. Everything seems to be happening at once and that is when she is introduced to Ben Campbell, a senior at Dearborn High, who becomes an interesting distraction as he helps her deal with the new developments in her life.

**My thoughts**

This second installment in the series is an even faster read than the first one. I am still a fan of Melissa and her tell-all style in her journal. It's about six months since she left us in Ta Ta For Now and her whole world is about to change. Her mother has been ill during this entire pregnancy, and the new baby is going to completely change all of their lives in a way that they never imagined. Without giving away the details, I have to say thank you to Bethany Lopez for this little plot twist, because it isn't one that you often see in books. I can see a lot coming up in the future with this storyline.

Melissa's little sister Megan is definitely going through some serious hormonal changes and is even more annoying. Yet Melissa keeps looking out for her, as all good big sisters should do for their younger siblings.  

Melissa continues to learn more about friendship and young love as she wraps up her first year in high school. I love all of the references to places that they go, because I grew up about an hour or so south of Dearborn, in Toledo, OH. The lifestyle and the scenery and so many of the references feel like home to me. 

Just as after reading the first book, I am looking forward to the next installment. 

Buy links

Amazon \ Barnes & Noble \ Kobo

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.