Mood Board: You Had Me @ Hello World

While this book was a romance, it dealt with a lot of heavy moments.

Abuse

Being kicked out of home

Escape

Finding a path for yourself

Rescuing your family

Following your passion

Standing up for yourself

Saying no to people

None of that is easy, but all of that is in this book.

It was a good book, but the ending was a little bit rushed. I wish there was another chapter or two.

 

Review: Cruel Summer

 

Their freshman year of high school is over and big summer plans are in the works:

TS is going to London with her posh girlfriend Gemma. Only, she doesn't realize just how posh Gemma really is or how rude her family can be.

Tay is performing with her band and hopefully getting an opening spot, if everyone in the band can agree on their set list.

Teffy is happy with her boyfriend, but once she tells her parents, the secret will be out. Is she ready for more people to know about them?

Taylor is heading to summer camp, but unfortunately so is her ex-boyfriend. What goes from a happy summer quickly becomes horrific....

My Thoughts: The sequel to Love Stories is just as drama filled as the first book. There is plenty of love for Taylor Swift, friendship drama, and romance. I love how these friends support each other through thick and thin. I didn't want to put this book down. I hope there are more in the works about this friend group.

And Easter Egg: Whispering Pines camp in from Jen Calonita's (The Taylor's 0.5) book:

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Must have books for your school and public library for your Taylor Swift fans.

Picture Book Review: MousterWorks

 

Two mice and their grandmother visit a museum and see lots of famous paintings. But none of them have any cheese and poor Pepin is hungry. 

The two mice are hidden in each work of art, making this book one to pour over the gorgeous illustrations. 

The author has a website, with more information about the pictures chosen, her art process, and the mice. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Book Quotes

 This week's topic us favorite lines. I have a few:

I thought I had a few more, but it's clear I need to make some more.

Middle Grade Review: Treasure of Ocean Parkway

* Book 2 in the series *

Thea discovers a clue hidden in a closet in her apartment. She knows exactly who should help her solve it - the podcasters from her apartment building. She finds Roya and Amin and pitches them the idea, a new mystery for their next podcast.

The clue is a treasure hunt from her grandfather. Her dad won't talk about him; they don't have a good relationship. Currently her grandfather lives in a home for people with dementia. The clues are supposed to lead to a treasure within the apartment building. 

Can they solve the clues and find the treasure or is it lost forever?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this sequel. I felt bad for Thea as she was lonely without her sister for company and she barely saw her parents.  I love that she gave from a long time of artists. I love how she became friends with Roya and Amin over the course of figuring out the puzzles. I love how the puzzles here related to the building and also art. Amin's train contest was a fun side story. I love how they set this up for another book in the series. I hope there are several more in the works. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Why I Read This One: I loved the first book - and the combination of mysteries and podcasts

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your middle grade collections.

Plant a Seed: Teen Summer Reading (3)

This is the final post for SUMMER READING ideas. 

Previously I shared flower crafts and nature crafts

This week is all about the books.

Middle Grade Books:

Teen Books:

Hope you enjoyed this series and that it was useful to you.

Picture Book Review: The Humble Pie

Pie is humble - he doesn't need to be in the spotlight. His friend Cake loves the spotlight. But when they are teamed up for a project, Pie gets annoyed. Can he have a difficult conversation with his friend? Will his friend still like him?

This is such a great book for those kids who don't love the limelight. Sometimes you do want to be recognized for your work. But there is a fine line. Pie walks this line well, but he challenges himself a little bit.