Middle Grade Review: Tear This Down

Freya has always loved her hometown; but everything changes on the first history assignment in seventh grade. When researching primary documents, Freya discovers that the founding father of the town was sexist. He didn't believe that women should vote or go to school. Reading his words anger Freya. She no longer believes he's worthy of the town respect. In fact, maybe they should tear his statue down in the middle of the town. When Freya and a new friend share their idea, not everyone supports them. In fact, some people are downright rude. Not even her parents think it's a good idea...

My Thoughts: I really loved this book - it also made me really angry (in the best possible way). I loved how Freya had opinions on everything: from the books read in class to crafting classes. I really admired how Freya stood up for her beliefs; she was determined to share them and not be quiet.  I wasn't that brave at her age. I felt bad for Freya. I wanted to give her a giant hug. I loved her new friendship with Callie.  I loved how Freya researched more and found Suffragists in the town's history. Of course I loved Mai, the librarian who helped them find resources and shared ideas. I loved how this book ended; I can't say too much without spoilers... 

Barbara Dee is one of my favorite middle grade writers. I can't wait to see what she writes next. 

Cover Thoughts: Amazing.

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public library.

Picture Book Review: The Interpreter

Cecilia has two jobs - one to be a kid and one to be an interpreter for her parents when they need help translating Spanish to English. Cecilia loves soccer and wants to play with her friends, but she doesn't always have the time to play. 

This is such an important story for families and shares the importance to help each other. But it also talks about the importance of too much help - where the child needs to be the child. Everyone needs to be understood and helped. 

Vacation Photos: Seattle

Last week, we visited my college best friends who live near Seattle.

Here are some photos:

Happy to be with friends

Always love the mountains 

Bakery #1

Bakery goodies

On the bench

Mosiac Art

Resin Art

Some gallery Art that I adored

Lunch

Window Art

Jenga - a little more ruthless than I expected. 

Goodies from bakery #2

A pretty tree

Outside a bakery #3- where I'm eating a Peanut Butter Cookie

A snowy adventure 

Loving the sunshine and the snow

So pretty

It was such a great trip!

Review: Beg, Borrow, or Steal

 

* Book 3 in the When in Rome series * 

Emily loves teaching, but this summer, she's letting loose. Her nemesis moves next door. He's working on renovating the house, but Emily makes it difficult. She's not thrilled about him moving back to town. She declares him persona non grata to the townsfolk. Jack's always charmed everyone, but he understands that the town is loyal to Emily. They run into each other all over town. The more time they spend together, the more their chemistry shows. Could they just need a little flip?

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I felt so bad for Emily for all that she had been through. I wanted to give her a giant hug. I loved the banter between Emily and Jack. I loved Jack's support about her writing career. I didn't want to put this book down. I'm so looking forward to the last book in this series. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A must have series for your library

Mini Review: If You Can Hear This

1. A girl moves to town

2. She struggles to fit in

3. A Teacher who helped her goes missing

4. She pushes the AV Club (who doesn't do much) to investigate

5. They become friends

6. They dig up a lot of dirt

7. They make the authorities investigate

I did really enjoy this book - but I wasn't a huge fan of the ending. I loved the moments with Posey and the AV Club - she had a lot of ideas! There were a lot of twists and turns that kept me turning the pages quickly. I read this on an airplane, and it was the perfect book to keep my mind engaged.

Picture Book Review: A Terrible Place for a Nest

Juno and his mom have to move. They find a next on a gate. Juno knows that it's no place for a bird's nest.

I really liked this book; the bird and the boy are both trying to find themselves. Juno is having a hard time at school. He accidentally scares the birds. The nest falls and Juno lets his sadness free. I love how they research the birds to try to help them. This is a sweet story about emotions, learning, and finding your place. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Books Set in a Different Country

 This week's topic is a books you didn't finish. I'm changing up the topic not because I don't DNF books but because I don't want to make any authors feel bad. 

Instead, I'm sharing books set in a different country -some favorites and some that I can't wait to read. 

Books I'm Looking Forward to Reading:

Just a few Favorites:

Have you read any of these? What's your favorite book set in a different country?

Middle Grade Review: Spy Ski School

* Book 4 in the Spy School series * 

During winter vacation, Ben's been called up on a mission. He's been activated with a few friends from school. He's supposed to infiltrate a skiing group and befriend Jessica Shang. If he can get close to her, maybe we can figure out her father's secrets.

Jessica's father has rented out the entire hotel. The only way to get close to her is through a ski class. Since it's for beginners, it's lucky that Ben's never skied before. Jessica's father doesn't want anyone getting close to his daughter. He's always showing up at the worst time for Ben. Will Ben ever figure out his secrets?

My Thoughts: I really enjoy this series. I love the fact that Ben's friend from home followed him to the ski slopes and accidentally inserted himself in the mission. I can't wait to see what happens next between these two friends. I enjoyed the moments between Ben and Erica. I really liked how Erica wasn't great at skiing - as she is at everything else. It was kind of refreshing. Another fun addition to this action-packed series. 

Cover Thoughts: Fun

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your graphic novel collection!

TBR Check-in: Winter

Since we just shared our Spring TBR, I'm taking a look at what I read from my Winter list.

I read 5 - which isn't great but not terrible either.

I have a couple of books checked out from the library that I'm hoping to read soon. And The Crash has a million holds at the library and I'm waiting for this one. 

How did you do?

Graphic Novel: Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum

* First in a new series *

Detective Stanely retired - yesterday. But a letter of importance was dropped in his mail slot as he was eating his pancakes. The letter asked for his help at the museum. He isn't sure if he should go, but somewhat reluctantly, he does.

When he arrives at the museum, everything is in chaos. Nothing goes according to plan, but he's not about to let that stop him from solving the case. 

My Thoughts: This Children's Graphic Novel was a so much fun - I appreciated it. I really liked Detective Stanley and his no-nonsense approach. I liked how the mystery played out. The illustrations are charming. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.

Although I confess, I would not eat pancakes cold!

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library's graphic novel collection

Review: What's Next

 

As a huge West Wing fan, I was thrilled to see this book coming out.

I love that the authors were two actors on the show.

I loved that they talked with so many of the cast and crew.

Yes, this is a long book, but it also felt like a short read.

There were some casting secrets and show secrets.

I loved how much they talked about the atmosphere of the set and why it was that way.

I love how they talked about filming and how it all worked.

I thought it was really interesting that the show was supposed to end a different way. 

I like how they talked about how everyone's involved in charity events and how they used their celebrity power for good. 

Reading this book makes me want to re-watch the entire series, even though I just did that last year.

There are so many great moments to this show, it's hard for me to pick favorites. 

I kind of wished they did a spin-off with the new President. 

Did you watch this show?

Happy First Day of Spring

Happy First Day of Spring!

The sap is sure to be running! 

How is syrup made?

This book is a very simple way of explaining how syrup is made - from the very beginning.

Great for a read-aloud.

What is your favorite type of pancake?

Picture Book Wednesday: Leena Mo, CEO

Leena hates shoveling - so she invents a robot to shovel for her. But what happens when all her neighbors want one too. Will she be able to make enough?

A super cute story about inventing and creating a business. I love how she gets her friends involved. Such an inspired book!  

Top Ten Tuesday: Spring TBR

 This week's topic is our Spring TBR lists - for me that's the months of April, May, and June.

Kids:

Middle Grade:

YA:

Graphic Novel:

Adult:

Have you read any of these? Do you have other recommendations for me?