Review: Love, Penelope

Penelope is about to become a big sister. She's super excited. She can't wait to share the world with her new sibling. Her moms give her a journal so she can start writing to the baby. Penelope writes about her secret crush, things she loves (Warriors basketball), lying to her teacher, friendship drama, and so much more.

My Thoughts: At first, I didn't understand why this book was set in 2014-2015 but then the narrative took a turn. And it was amazing. I got it. And I loved it. I loved how Penelope loved basketball (even if it was the Warriors). I loved the friendship moments - both the good and the bad, but more importantly how they worked things out. I loved Penelope's two moms and the family dynamic. Obviously I didn't like Rick, but he was an important part of the story. I loved the letters to You (the not yet born sibling). I really enjoyed this read. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation:  A great read for your library and perfect for a Pride display!

BEA Tips and Tricks

A few years ago, I wrote up a bunch of tips and tricks.

Here they are:

2013 Tips:

Last Minute Tips

Food Ideas and How to get around the bag rule

Your Pitch: why you're important to talk to

Making your lists

2014 Tips:

One Week Way: Get your face out there!

Dos and Don'ts

On letting go of your plans

And here's my face. Say Hi if you see me :)

Debut Review: We Hunt the Flame

People lived because she killed.
People died because he lived.
Zafira is the Hunter, disguising herself as a man when she braves the cursed forest of the Arz to feed her people. Nasir is the Prince of Death, assassinating those foolish enough to defy his autocratic father, the king. If Zafira was exposed as a girl, all of her achievements would be rejected; if Nasir displayed his compassion, his father would punish him in the most brutal of ways.

Both are legends in the kingdom of Arawiya—but neither wants to be.

When Zafira embarks on a quest to uncover a lost artifact that can restore magic to her suffering world and stop the Arz, Nasir is sent by the king on a similar mission: retrieve the artifact and kill the Hunter. But an ancient evil stirs as their journey unfolds—and the prize they seek may pose a threat greater than either can imagine. - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I've been wanting to read this book since Hafsah announced it! We've been social media friends for a long time and I was SO happy to see her book published. 

And of course, it's amazingly good. And it just became a NYT best seller! 

There's so much I love about this book. I love how the Hunter is a female and she takes care of her people. I love the newly formed friendships - even though they are tense at times. My heart broke for Nasir. So many pieces of the story are tropes and more I adore: assassins, enemies to lovers, feminism, banter and snark, high fantasy, magic, and fight scenes. I loved the plot twists and turns that I never saw coming. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Cover Thoughts:
Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendation: A must have for school and public libraries

Review: The Lovely and the Lost

Kira's childhood nightmares come back full force when she and her new family are asked to help look for a child in the woods. Kira was once found by the search and rescue dogs. She knows what it's like to be out in the forest alone - doing whatever it takes to survive.

Now, Kira wants to find the child. She's do whatever it takes. When her mother side lines her, she becomes irritated.  She starts digging into the past, searching for something that will help. But what she uncovers will change everything.

My Thoughts: I love Jennifer Lynn Barnes' books. I couldn't put this one down. I loved the combination of the mystery of the missing girl combined with the search and rescue team. I loved the dog characters and learning more about search and rescue training. I loved Kira and how she had trouble dealing with people. I loved her relationships with Free and Jude. They supported each other and understood each other. I loved the moments between Cady and Kira. Lots of great moments between them. I loved the action and the danger, but most of all, I loved Kira. I'd like to give her a hug - but I know she'd hate that.

Cover Thoughts: Intriguing. I love the way the clouds float inside the words.
Source: ARC
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public libraries

Picture Book Wednesday: I'm New Here

Three children move to a new place.

A sweet book as these children find their place with some help from new friends after struggling with language. A great message for any class with a new student. Nice illustrations. 

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for both your school and public libraries. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Book Pairings

This week I'm going rogue with the topic. I'm pairing nonfiction books with fiction books - both of which I've read recently.

Shoot Shootings and the aftermath

Basketball  and playing for the NBA

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Find and seek - dogs and humans

Making the World a better place - through science

Terrible relationships that leave scars

All about weather

Clearly I need to read more nonfiction. What books would you pair together?

On Vacation

Last week, we went to Florida to visit family. And it was so relaxing. 

Here are a few pictures:

A fun clock tower in Daytona

Daytona Pier

Mini Golf

Volcano Bay - a really fun water park

Dessert one night

Found in Daytona flea market 

Also at the flea market - perfect for a beach house

S'mores Martini