Upcoming Review: When My Sister Started Kissing

Claire and Abigail have been going to their cabin every summer -but this year it's different. This year, Pam, their new pregnant step-mother is joining them and their mother's things have been moved from the cabin. Clarie's not sure what to expect, but she's not looking forward to this summer, especially with her sister acting strange and a new baby arriving.

Her sister's wants to be called Abi now. She's sneaking out to meet her new friends. She doesn't want to spend the beach days with her sister. Instead she wants to hang out with Broc. Claire isn't ready for boys just yet, but she does want to be included. How can she make sure her family isn't leaving her behind?

My Thoughts: When My Sister Started Kissing is a novel in verse told through the perspectives of Claire, Abi, and the lake. I love the play of the verses - and how certain poems have different messages. I love that the lake had a perspective. I loved the sister angle - it was perfect with one sister growing older and pulling away and the younger sister clinging to the past. I love how their two paths came back together. I liked the new traditions and how their family is changing. A fantastic middle grade novel about sisters, change, and growing up.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: ARC sent for review
Release Date: March 14th

Library Recommendation: Get this one for your middle graders - both in schools and public libraries

Random Acts of Kindness Week

February 12 - February 18 is Random Acts of Kindness Week 

WHAT:            17^th Annual Random Acts of Kindness Week

WHEN:            Sunday, Feb. 12, – Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017

WHERE:         Random Acts of Kindness Week is observed worldwide.

HOW:            Commit to participating in 2017 RAK Week by signing up at www.randomactsof.us and either add a challenge to the Kindness Generator or pledge to take part in a kindness challenge established by another person, educator or organization. Use #RAKWeek2017 on social networks to spread the word. 

Go here for more info: https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-ideas or watch this video and then get started:

I LOVE this!
Let's turn the world Kind
Especially after these last few weeks, we all could use a little kindness.
What will you do this week?

Summer Reading: Build a Better World Program Ideas (3)

I know it's February, but summer will be here before you know. Deadlines are looming for performers and/or community magazines. I've started pulling together ideas on Pinterest. I'm planning to concentrate on building activities and STEAM programs. But Pinterest as so many great ideas that it's hard to choose. So I'm sharing my Pinterest finds. I hope you find them useful.

More Building Projects:

A Tiny House

A Giant Maze

A Quidditch Field

A Robot

Mini Golf Course

Adult Review: How the Duke Was Won

* Book 1 in a series *

Charlene Beckett wishes life for her had been different. She wants to make sure her sister's life is different. She'd do anything for her sister. So when her father's wife asks for a favor in return for payment, Charlene doesn't hesitate. She's supposed to pretend to her her titled half sister and win the hand of a Duke.

This Duke has no interest in marriage,but now that he has the title, he needs a wife and an heir. Then he can go about his business in outside of England. He invites 4 proper ladies into his home and from there he will choose his bride.

Charlene doesn't have the training of a Lady, but she catches the Duke's eye with her strange behavior. She can't hide her passion for the less fortune during their conversations. As Charlene begins to understand the Duke, the more she likes him. She needs to win for her sake, but she hopes she can find happiness without him.

My Thoughts: I adored Charlene. I loved her fierceness, her determination, her loyalty, and her outspokenness. I love how she befriended the competition. I love hoe she protected her sister and cared for Flor (the Duke's illegitimate daughter). Flor added some comic relief to the book with her antics. She's adorable. I love how Charlene cared about social justice and how she worked for it. James was kind in his dealings with the ladies (mostly) but in the rest of the his life, he had no patience for most things. His conversations with Charlene made him pause and examine his life - and made him a better person as a result. Looking forward to reading about his friends and the trouble they get into. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Recommended for public libraries

Snow day!

It's snowing out there which makes this the perfect day to hunker down with books and hot chocolate!!!!

Stay safe out there!

Picture Book Review

The Science Behind series features
Superman's Flight, Superman's Sight, Superman's Speed, Batman's Ground Vehicles, Batman's Uniform, Batman's Flying Machines, and Batman's Tools

These books are super fun, with short chapters, lots of pictures, fun facts, and a glossary they tackle  questions on kids' minds and relate them to the real work. Perfect for learning about science and engineering, these books will be a hit. 

While they are technically, nonfiction, I'm placing them in our favorites Superhero bin because I think they will circulate more there.

I only hope they make more in the series with Wonder Woman, Batgirl, and more. 

Library Recommendation: Buy these now for your library!

Tween Tuesday Review: Supergirl at Super Hero High

 * Book 2 in the DC Super Hero Girls series *

Supergirl has recently discovered her powers. She leaves the Kent farm to attend Super Hero High School. But she feels lonely and out of place. She has a hard time controlling her powers.

She learns that someone is trying to open the travel tubes locked away inside the school. A team of students investigates. Supergirl wishes she was part of the investigation.

Supergirl wants so much to belong, but if she can't control her powers, she'll end up hurting her friends. When the time comes will all the extra practice make her be able to control her powers enough to help her friends?

My Thoughts: I love that superheroes are having a moment and that at least in books, female superheroes are getting a lot of love. I felt terrible for Supergirl - trying to acclimate to earth, trying to get used to her powers, and trying to fit in at a new school. She lost everything when she left her home planet, but gained things too. I loved her friendship with Batgirl. I like how she looked up to Wonder Woman. I love her determination. I loved how she stood up for her costume, explaining why it meant so much to her. a fun read with lots of action and lots of girl power!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for public and school libraries.