Review: Mindy Kim Big Sister

 

* Book 11 in the Mindy Kim series * 

Mindy Kim's stepmom - Julie is pregnant. The baby is arriving any moment. They want the gender of the baby to be surprised. Mindy isn't sure what to expect. She's been the only child for so long. She asks her friends for advice.

Once the baby arrives, things are hard. The baby cries all the time. But Mindy isn't sure how to help. She wants to play with her brother, but he's too small for most interactions. Can she be the best big sister?

My Thoughts: I love this series. I love Mindy's big heart. I love how she wants to help but isn't sure how. I love how she seeks advice from her friends. The solution she comes up with is super cute. I can't wait to read more about Mindy and her new brother. I hope this series continues for a long time. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have series for your school or public library.

Picture Book Review: Help Wanted One Rooster

The farm animals are falling asleep. They need a rooster to help them. They have some interviews lined up. But none of the other animals can make the rooster noise. Can they find someone to help?

My Thoughts: This was a funny picture book. There's a lot to unpack in this book in terms of animals around the farm and their jobs. The animals are spending their time with hobbies. I love how everything came together. The ending is funny, and it sets the book up for s sequel. 

 Perfect for your public or school library's collection.

Top Ten Tuesday: Assigned Reading

 This week's topic is assigned reading - from school. School was a long time ago. But let's dig in.

I took an AP English class in high school. It was horrible. I hated everything we read. And didn't understand most of it.

I'm not sure if this was the exact book. But I think so.

Didn't understand anything about this book.

Earlier in High School:

I loved this one.

I know everyone loves this book. But it was a meh for me.

I thought this one was important.

I know there were others - I also think the Merchant of Venice.

I've never liked Shakespeare - although I love several modern adaptations of his works:

10 Things I Hate About You

She's the Man

Lion King

Not sure if this was college or high school:

I liked it - a bit sad, but good.

A bunch of college reads:

Loved it! Visited Edith Wharton's home some years back. She was fascinating. 

I took a Jane Austen course in college - while studying in Bath. We read all six novels. I had read them before but still enjoyed them. My favorites are: Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, and Emma. Although I really do like Sense and Sensibility. 

I loved this one - such great imagery. I hated Mr. Rochester though. Still do

Have you read any of these? Agree? Disagree?

Middle Grade Review: Sink or Swim

Ty's headed off to camp with his best friends. His cast just came off his arm and it should be a great summer. But it's not because:

1. Anxiety rears its ugly head

2. Body Issues - not being able to swim changed his body

3. Friendship drama 

But there's also:

1. Building a Boat

2. Making new friends

3. RPG moments

This graphic novel has a lot to unpack, but it's also really good. I loved how there are good moments and bad moments. I liked the depiction of anxiety. And it was really brave of Ty to ask for help. I love that the counselor didn't know what to say, but came back with more information. I think that's an important piece - everyone's learning and now one has all the answers. 

KidLit for Kamala

 I'm part of the KidLit for Kamala group.

A bunch of us, myself included, have written essays about why we are voting for Harris.

Here's a look at mine:

You can read all of the essays and mine here.

Vacation Photos: Seattle

 

This is the third and last photo post of our trip in September.

This post is the pictures are hiking at Glacier National Park and Banff National Park.

Here we are resting as we visit friends near Seattle:

Just a baby Wallaby - we went to a Wallaby and Kangaroo farm where we learned so much about the babies 

This female kangaroo reminded me of Knightley

A lovely cherry pie! 

We visited the Kataluna Horse Rescue Farm and I brushed this pretty horse

Look how beautiful!

Some more horses on the farm

More horses

Me and Rylee! My pup away from home.

BookTok: Love off the Record

 

This was such a fun read. It's a long read, but I didn't want this book to end.

Although there were some cringe moments....

@yabooknerdlibrarian Do you read books from #booktok - this was recommended to me and I’m so glad it was! I loved it! #youvegotmail #yabooktok #college #newspaper #romancebooks @Simon Teen #Inverted ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚