Graphic Novel Review: Brave

Jensen looks at middle school like a video game - one he's losing. Jensen has big dreams, but his reality isn't great. He's failing math, he doesn't have any real friends, and he's the target of major bullying.  He just wants things to get better and for maybe someone to save him a seat at lunch or someone to need his help with something.

My Thoughts: I just want to give Jensen a hug. I hate that he has no real friends and the people who he hangs out with him pick on him too. I love how he became brave and how people helped him understand the difference between friendship. I like the cast of characters and how passionate they are about their art, the newspaper, reading, or science. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: BEA book (signed)

* I really hope there are more books coming in this series because I love them both. And I want to know more about the characters. 

Library Recommendation: Get both of them for your public and school libraries! Your middle graders will gobble these up!

Review: Keep Holding On

Noelle's life is no picnic.

Her mom's made it clear that Noelle ruined her life. She barely talks to Noelle, except to complain about her life. She certainly isn't interested in Noelle's life.


Noelle tries to keep her head down, hoping that everything will turn out OK. She hates that people laugh at her. She hates having to scrape together lunch - sometimes just a lettuce and condiments sandwich.


She has her best friend to help her make it through the day. She has a secret crush, who makes her day by talking to her. Can she find the strength in herself to keep holding on?

My Thoughts: I can't say I loved reading this book, because it's not a happy book. It's a book that makes you think, a book that stays with you long after you've finished it. It's a book you wish every teen would read and talk about.

Keep Holding On is a powerful novel about bullies, neglect, and the hardships of high school. I couldn't put it down. I cried over it. My heart broke for Noelle, but I admired her too.

Cover Thoughts: I like it, but it doesn't match the seriousness of book
Source: BEA

Adult Review: Catching Fireflies

*book 9 in the Steel Magnolia series*

High school teacher Laura Reed notices that one of students has been skipping class. She's almost positive that something serious is happening in Misty's life. When she tries to connect with the teen, Misty bolts.


Misty's trying to find a solution to a very bad bullying situation. When she attempts to get a doctor's note for school, he forces her to share her thoughts with an adult. He threatens to tell her parents if she doesn't. Misty's parents are going through a divorce. Her mother's in her world world of deny and heartache and her father's never home.


Misty shares a small portion on the truth with Miss Reed. It's enough to make Miss Reed even more concerned. Misty doesn't reveal the name of her bully. Miss Reed contacts Dr J.C. Fullerton once Misty admits that he's forcing her to say something. Together the two of them vow to make things right for Misty again. Can they stop the bullying before it destroys her?

My Thoughts: This is a heartbreaking novel, but a very important novel. I think it's the perfect read for mothers and daughters in high school. My heart broke for Misty and all her troubles. I admired her strength. I admired Katie for standing up for her friend and standing by her.  I liked how the teachers came together to help solve the problem, instead of ignoring the issue.

The romance was cute, I liked the banter between J.C. and Laura. I liked how neither of them wanted a relationship, but fell into it anyways. The gossips among town always makes me laugh. The small town feel reminds me of Stars Hollow.

As usual with this series, I couldn't put this book down!

Cover Thoughts: Pretty
Source: Netgalley

Similar Teen Read: Keep Holding On