Plant a Seed: Kids Summer Reading (1)

 This summer, we're doing the Plant a Story, Read for our theme. Mostly because we've done     Dino-vember for years and it's hard to come up with more ideas. Plant a Story seemed easier for us. Right now, we could use a little easy. It's time to start planning.

Here are a few ideas from Pinterest:

Dragonfly Painting

Paper Flowers

More paper flowers

Pipe cleaner flowers

Flowers behind a gate

Sunflower (can also create other flowers and use dotters for the middle)

Flower wreath

Design your own bouquet

Create a nest

Fairy House

Check back next week for more summer reading program ideas! 

Review: The Cuffing Game

 

Mia Yoon wants to make a show for her college all about crushes. But her initial idea doesn't get off the ground. Instead, she brainstorms how to make it better with her nemesis. She isn't thrilled with the idea of changing the storytime about crushes to a reality dating show but...it does work.

The show gets greenlit for winter break. Mia, her crew, and the contestants (including Noah) travel to a winter wonderland. There she oversees the entire production. But what happens if she falls for one of the contestants...

My Thoughts: As they are in college - this is technically a new adult book. But it works as a YA book. I loved this book. Even though I don't watch much reality TV (Bake Off is my favorite), I love reading about it. I loved how this is from the perspective of the producer/host and not a contestant. What a fun twist on Pride and Prejudice! 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

 Why I read it: retelling of Pride and Prejudice + reality TV show

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library

Review: The Bridesmaid

 

The Kensington invites you to the wedding to the season...

It's a three-day affair. However, on the day of the dry run, one of the bridesmaids is found murdered.  Holly Stone forces her way into the mix so she can uncover the truth. But she isn't prepared for ALL the secrets or the lifestyle of the rich and famous. 

Someone doesn't want this wedding to happen. 

My Thoughts: I couldn't put this book down. There were so many twists and turns. I tore through this novel. I can't say too much without spoilers, but reading it was like watching a train wreck. You couldn't look away. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your public library

 Hand this book to: Readers who love Freida McFadden 

Picture Book Wednesday: Dawn

Spending the morning by the pond with its animal visitors and nature companions.

This is a beautiful book! The illustrations are soft and gorgeous. There aren't too many words, but the words perfectly match the pictures. There's a lot going on in this book - there's lots to talk about and lots to share.

A must have for your school and public library collections.

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Reads of 2025

 This week is ALL about our favorite reads of 2025. I have so many favorites.

I already shared my 5 star middle grade reads - here.

I have a LOT of five-star reads last year. In trying to keep this list shorter, I left off a bunch that I really did love. 

Here are my top Teen and Adult Reads:

Teen:

Adult:

Did you read any of these too? Did you enjoy them?

Middle Grade Review: Outside

Razzi knows she's never supposed to go outside, but it doesn't make her curious about things. It's not safe. Ollie tried going outside and he died.

But sometimes you have to break the rules...

My Thoughts: This book was interesting - it burrowed deep under my skin. It's given me a LOT to think about. There are a lot of pieces here and the whole picture slowly begins to take shape. There were a couple pieces that I didn't understand, but that didn't stop my enjoyment of the book. I couldn't put this book down; I had to figure out what happened. 

Cover Thoughts: Enticing, but not part of the book

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your school or public library collection.

Picture Book Review: I've Got You

Anthony is always there for his little brother. They play together, Anthony teaches him, and Anthony comfort him. As time goes on, Rasheed becomes a big brother. And he does exactly what Anthony did for him.

This is a very sweet story about siblings and family. It made me tear up.