Picture Book Review: Let's Meet Taylor

Happy Taylor Swift Day to all who celebrate!

This picture book biography is the story of Taylor Swift.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this picture book biography. I learned something from this story. The illustrations are super cute. I love how friendship bracelets made it into the book. This book is super cute for any young fan. Although I confess, I enjoyed this one too. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have picture book for your school or public library

* this book would make the perfect holiday gift

Review: Every Time You Hear That Song

 

When country music legend Decklee Cassel dies, her televised funeral unveils the much talked about time capsule. It's supposed to have all kinds of pictures, a full album, and so many memories. But when it's opened, the capsule is empty. Instead Decklee sends her fans on a scavenger hunt to find the hidden memories.

Darren Purchase has always loved Decklee Cassel. She and her mom spend hours singing her songs. She's determined to uncover the treasures left behind. Stuck in a small town that she can't wait to leave behind, Darren doesn't have many friends. She does convince a co-worker to drive her the first stop. If they win the prize, she could leave this town in the dust, and he could open a restaurant. 

My Thoughts: This was a great book. I love how it moved back and forth between present day and Decklee making her mark in the country world. She sacrificed so much for stardom. She was terrible, but I felt sorry for her. I loved the idea of the scavenger hunt and having fans search for items. I love how Darren and Kendall became friends during the trip. I liked the idea of escaping a small town - that makes sense to me. But I did also love how it played out. I enjoyed the twist; I did not see that coming.

Cover Thoughts: ok

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great book for your collection

Graphic Novel Review: Camp Prodigy

Tate went to a concert where the violist didn't come out. But that night, Tate was looking for the bathroom and heard music. They were inspired that night. But they need a lot of work to get to that level.

There's a musical camp that Tate's excited to attend. They are surprised when the concert soloist is also attending the camp. Eli agrees to give Tate some pointers if Eli doesn't out her status. 

Tate's determined to improve their musical skills.

My Thoughts: This is a sweet graphic novel about hard work, friendship, and music.  There's a side story about Tate wanting to come out to their family. This graphic novel is perfect for summer with the camp theme. In the camp there were moments of hard work and stress, but there were also musicians who also wanted to have fun. It's all about that balance. A great friendship graphic novel. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: Book sent for review

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

Romance Review: When in Rome

 

Rae Rose, the Princess of Pop, needs a break. She leaves for tour in a couple weeks. Her manager keeps pushing her; she has interviews lined up. But she really just needs a break. She's always been an Audrey Hepburn fan; she pulls up the nearest Rome. 

Rome as in Roman Holiday. When she arrives in the small town, her car dies. She accepts the help from a stranger until her car can be fixed. This small town turns out to be exactly what she needs to clear her mind and to get excited about singing again.

Here, the townspeople treat her like just a normal person. She's able to relax, let go, and take a long took at her life. 

My Thoughts: Noah's grumpy - she's sunshine and it just works. Amelia (Rae) is the biggest pop star on the planet - not unlike Taylor Swift. But she's not in charge of her life. She has people who want everything from her and she desperately needs a break. I love the small town of Rome. All the people in the town are charming. I love Noah and his sisters. I laughed a lot reading this one. I loved how everything turned out. I can't wait to read more about this charming town and the people it. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute but it doesn't make the book.

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A fantastic romance novel - highly recommended for your romance section. 

PIcture Book Review: Dreams

Against the odds and despite bullies, the main character achieves her dream of becoming a singer. Author Jessie Chris is an up and coming singer through Disney Radio Country

Dreams carries a great message about making your dreams come true through determination, hard work, and persistence. 

* this book was sent for review

On Your Radar (17)

Title:  You'd Be Mine

Author:  Erin Hahn

Publisher: Wednesday Books 

Publication Date: April 2, 2019

Why it Should be on Your Radar:

* Country Music
* Song Lyrics
* Romance
* Friendship
* Family
* Fame
* Music Label
* Family Legends
* Living Your Dream
* Dual Perspectives
* Drugs and Alcohol
* Grief


Perfect for the Taylor Swift fan who dreams of singing in front of thousands of people.