Upcoming Mini Review: Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between

Claire and Aidan have one last night together before they leave for college and everything changes. In this one night, they must answer the question concerning the future of their relationship - should they stay together or break up?

The Good:
I loved that the book took place mostly in the course of one night
I loved that we saw the town the important moments in their relationship
I loved that it tugged at my heartstrings - I laughed, I cried, and I finished the book happy.
I loved how the night unfolding
I loved the nostalgia of saying goodbye and being excited about the future.
I enjoyed the angst, the fights, and the memories made for one final night.

The Bad: More, I always want more from Jennifer E Smith because I adore her books

Final Thoughts: Another masterpiece from Jennifer E. Smith - add this one to your TBR list pronto! 

Also very happy to meet Jennifer E. Smith at BEA

Cover Thoughts: Love it! Matches the rest of her covers
Source: BEA book
Release Date: Look for this one in September

On My Hold List (104)

My Librarian friend Jess from I Read to Relax came up with a great idea.  It's to highlight the books on hold at the library. I usually have 20-40 items checked out at the library and another 20 items on hold. 

I haven't done this post in a while. Since coming back from BEA, I've decided that I need to change my reading habits. I need to start reading the ARCs and worry less about the library books for right now, except of course for the hot books coming out that I need immediately.

So my hold list has dropped to roughly 10 books.  Here are a few of them.

Wicked Charms: I Love Janet Evanovich. It's been a few years since the last WICKED book. I don't remember much from the book, but I know I enjoyed it.

Best Friend Next Door: When her BFF moves away and a new girl moves in, will she and Emme become friends? Looks super cute!

Nashville Season 1: Not a book, but maybe for a secret project and because I've heard it's a great show.

What are you waiting for?

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Topics

This week's topic is: My Ten Favorite Top Ten Topics We've Ever Done In The Past 5 Years.

I haven't been participating the whole time, but there are topic I LOVED. So here goes...

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish

Topics:

Childhood Favorites
Fictional Crushes (I might not have done this one, but I obviously have book boyfriends, who doesn't?)
Winter/Holiday Books (I swear I've done this one, but I can't find any. I read SO many Winter/Christmas books because I love them. I love October when they're released)
Fictional BFFs
Bookish Resolutions
Authors that deserve more recognition 
Beach Reads
Talking about TBR piles
Favorite Kick Ass Heroines
Bookish Bucketlist

Which ones do you like talking about?

Tween Tuesday Review: Upside Down Magic

Nory's family has perfect magical powers and she doesn't. She's about to take her admittance test to Sage Academy. The same school where he father oversees the school and her brother and sister attend.

She will attend there too if only she can control her magic.

When Nory attempts magic, something strange always seems to happen. It's not normal. The harder she tries and the more she fights for control, the worse it seems to get.

When she loses control during the test, she's forced to move in with her aunt and attend public school. She's beyond humiliated, especially when she's placed in the Upside Down Magic program. Will Nory ever get her magic under control?

My Thoughts: I really loved Nory - she was smart, brave, and sweet. I loved her out of control magic -the creatures she created made me laugh. Plus I loved what happened when she turned. My heart went out to her when she was cut off her from home life and her family life. I really liked Ms. Starr and her instructional teaching. I love her outside of the box thinking and how she wanted to make the school a positive environment for everyone. I loved learning about the other kids in the class - from their insecurities to their own brand of magic. I can't wait to read more in this series.

Cover Thoughts: Super Cute!
Source: Sent for Review/BEA book

Final Thoughts: This book is super cute; I LOVED everything about it. It's heartwarming story about being different and owning it! I can't wait to share it with my niece this summer. 

Look for this book at the end of September!

Review: Endangered

Panda has a HUGE secret that no one knows - not even her best friend. She's the person behind the website that takes people down a notch or two.

They're not nice people and she has no problem exposing their dirty secrets.

But now someone knows HER secrets. Unless she plays a game, that person will expose her to the world. Panda's worked really hard to become invisible in the walls of high school. She's not interested in being in the spotlight again.

But she might not have a choice as the game becomes dangerous.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book for several reasons.
* The main character's love of photography (I loved learning more about getting the good shots
* Panda's blog of exposing people made this book a thoughtful read, especially after her last post had severe consequences. I'm glad that I wasn't in middle school or high school in the age of social media.
* While I'm not a fan of some of Panda's choices, she had the best of intentions. 
* I love thrillers for teens and this lived up to it  with the action and danger and cryptic notes (even though I did have an inkling of the bad guy before)
* I like how the end played out with her parents and the police and how she finally understood her role in everything
* Panda is bi-racial

Cover Thoughts: Perfect, I love the way the main character is captured in the camera lens.
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: A fantastically entertaining read that will keep you turning the pages

Fall Program Ideas for Teens (1)

 I know that Summer Reading is just starting or has already started, but planning doesn't always take a back seat just because it's the busy season. So I thought I'd attempt to help and toss out a few ideas for fall - all from pinterest. Here are some fun looking accessories! 

Duct Tape Lanyard

Duct Tape Flower Pens or Pencils

Locker Magnets

Glitter Magnets

Percy Pack: What Percy Means to Me and a Special Contest

Can you believe it's been 10 years since Book 1 in The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan was published. Time flies.

I'm happy to be part of the Percy pack because of my history with the books. What does this mean? Well for the next six months, you'll occasionally see posts on Percy Jackson filled with news, re-reviews, and a cool giveaway.

I read and reviewed The Lightning Thief for a website that no longer exists. And I loved it! I remember getting a note in the mail and this shirt as thanks for reviewing. I had no idea how much I would come to cherish both. 

Shirt signed by Rick for me later

Remember that this was the original cover?

Meeting Rick

In 2009, I had the chance to finally meet Rick Riordan at a librarian event.

He was entertaining, enlightening, and charming. You check out some highlights of his presentation 
39 Clues just came out and he was willing to post for a read poster, which I created and hung in the library for years.

At the Library, we hosted a Mythology Bee program thanks to Disney-Hyperion for educational packet. The tweens at the library had a blast. We also used the Lightning Thief to launch our very successful 4th and 5th grade book club. 

Did You Know?

10^TH ANNIVERSARY ACTIVITY KIT

Available starting June 12^th, visit ReadRiordan.com to download a special 10th anniversary Percy Pack Activity Kit

SUMMER SPECIAL DEAL: JUNE 15 – JUNE 22

The perfect moment to get your friends hooked on the series you love! Or if you're like me, the perfect time for a re-read. On June 15^th, The Lightning Thief will be discounted to $.99 across all eBook accounts for one full week (6/15-6/22). It also includes a sneak peek chapter excerpt from Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, Book One: The Sword of Summer.

GIVEAWAY: You can win

Celebrate the 10^th Anniversary with a giveaway for your followers.

One (1) winner receives the complete Percy Jackson and the Olympians box set!

Open to US addresses only. Prizing provided by Disney-Hyperion.

a Rafflecopter giveaway