Review: It's a Love/Skate Relationship

 

Charlie Porter had the shot that would tie the game - when a cheap shot ruins her plans. After the game, the guy comes out at her again. This time she punches him and accidentally starts a brawl. At school, she loses her scholarship. She's forced to attend the local high school - with the same bullies from the fight. Charlie's also forced to pay for the damages; she's working off the payments are the rink.

There she runs into Alexa. She's a figure skater with Olympic dreams, but her partner sprained his ankle in the fight. Alexa's mother, her coach, thinks that Charlie could step in for Frankie. She reluctantly agrees. Alexa and Charlie can't stand each other. They bicker at every opportunity. Charlie's struggling to find her footing at figure skating. 

Can Charlie survive the worst year of her life?

My Thoughts: 

If you've seen the Cutting Edge, this is the book for you. 

It has the same ideas - the banter and the learning to figure skate.

It also has a great friendship and great family. I loved Charlie's father and brother. I felt bad for her about her mom. 

The jock bullies made me angry.

I didn't want this book to end. It was amazing. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A Fantastic sports lesbian romance - highly recommended for your school and public library's collection. 

Picture Book Wednesday: Etta Extraordinaire

Etta's school is hosting a talent show and she's determined to take part in it. But she's a little nervous about it. She practices all week, but when the big day arrives, will she be able to shine?

This was a great story about facing your fears. She loves dressing the part and acting like a huge star. I love the message about practice and hard work and being brave. The illustrations are charming. This is a magical book.

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Books

 This week's topic is books you'd be a fool not to read. Here are recent five star reads, I've read recently. 

Have you read any of these? What's your last 5 star read?

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