Review: Little Leaders

Mini biographies of 40 African American Women who broke boundaries and achieved greatness.

There's a mix of women everyone's heard of and some lesser known (but no less important) women.

My Thoughts: I adored this book - for the variety of women and the knowledge it shared. But mostly I loved it for the art work. Vashti Harrison art work is stunning. I can't wait to see what she does next and I'm so happy more Little Leader books are in the works.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Library Recommendation: A must have for school and public libraries!

Top Ten Tuesday: Re-reads

This week's topic is all about re-reads. I confess I don't re-read very often. But I would like to. Mostly I just don't have enough time to read all the new things let alone the older things. Sometimes for work I get to re-read something. Or if a favorite series has a new book coming out and it's been years since I read that series. It's rare for me. But here are some books I'd like to settle down with again.

 - meme from That Artsy Reader Girl

We re-read most of the series for work, but didn't get to the last one.

Two more books are coming out in this series.

Just to get ready for the new mini series

It's been years, but maybe it's time for a Jane Austen re-read.

A childhood favorite

Book Prevewied: Bigfoot Seek and Find

There's a four book seek and find challenge series coming out this year about Bigfoot. Two will be out in the Spring: Bigfoot Visits the Big Cities of the World and Bigfoot Goes on Vacation. Two more will join those in the fall: Bigfoot Goes Back in Time and Bigfoot Spotted at World Famous Landmarks.

I was sent a sample of these books and they are really fun. Seek and Find books go out really well at my library. I imagine that the appeal of Bigfoot will make these books popular.

They have the usually two page spread where you look for Bigfoot and other items. Each book will have 10 spreads with more than 500 items to find.

But what's unusual are the pages afterwards talking about the cities in Bigfoot Visits the Big Cities of the World. The page here talks about Paris detailing famous landmarks, fun facts about the city, and more. 

Teen Summer Reading Program: Libraries Rock

I haven't finished narrowing down all my programs for summer yet for teens, but here are some ideas I'm kicking around based on the theme this year.

CD Art

More CD Art

Ear Bud Holder

Duct Tape Ear Bud Case

Sunglasses Holder (so you don't get recognized)

Romance Review: Beyond Scandal and Desire

* First book in a new series *

Mick Trewlove desires revenge against the father who never acknowledged him - the Duke. He's written letters but they've all gone unanswered. Now he's taking revenge against his worthless son - the one who likes to gamble. Mick's also going to ruin his son's intended fiancé. Soon he'll be the one holding all the cards.

Lady Aslyn Hastings has know that she will marry Kip, she loves him after all. He seems luke warm about the idea. When the meet a man in the gardens, Aslyn finds herself drawn to him in away she's never been drawn to Kip. The more time she spends with him the less time she wants to spend with Kip. The rose colored glasses have come off and she's seeing Kip in a whole new light. Could she be willing to put her life into the hands of a man who isn't a gentleman?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this novel. I love Mick and his family, especially his interactions with his sisters. I can't wait to read more about them. I loved this stolen moments with Lady Asyln and how they changed him. I liked learning about how he made his fortune and how he brought his family along with him. The twist at the end was one I did not see coming and it was good!

Cover Thoughts: Love that dress
Source: ARC sent for Review from Avon Addicts
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your public library.

Graphic Novel Review: Time Machine

Delia has an opportunity to spend the summer at a Time Traveling Museum as an intern, but she'll have to beat out five other applicants. Even though they're supposed to be competing against each other, they form a friendship, helping each other out of tight spots. Could they really only pick just one of them?

My Thoughts: This is the first in a new series and I loved it. I'm here for more. I loved how the different applicants for the internship were from different time periods. I love how they worked together, even against their better judgement at times. I love how they had their skills of expertise. I enjoyed the traveling through time and learning about time tears. It would be fascinating to see other time periods - for me it would Renaissance Italy and Regency England. Looking forward to seeing what happens next!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your middle grade collections - both school and public libraries!

Review: Every Dog Has His Day

* Book 3 in the Bluff Point series *

Zach's been single since he had his heart broken years ago. He's not looking for anything serious - ever. But two girls knock on his door to rescue their kitten and his whole world changes.  Their kitten's stuck on his roof. Of course, he agrees to help him. He doesn't realize that their mother is Jessie - the woman who yelled at him last week and whom he can't stopping thinking about. After he meets the girls, there's no going back. They all become friends; the more time Zach spends with them, the more he loses his heart to them - and their mother.

Chaos is a fitting name for the kitten.  Jessie's trying to hold everything together as a single mother. Her ex did a number on her. She's not willing to let go of her independence. But when she witnesses Zach with her girls, things shift a little. After a blizzard cements their bond, Jessie realizes she wouldn't mind seeing more of Zach either - and not just because he's good with her girls.

Could the bachelor really be wanting to settle down? And would Jessie let him into their lives permanently?

My Thoughts: I find the cupcake series delicious, the library series charming and the hat series lovely - but this series by Jenn McKinley is my favorite. Once I start these books, I can't put them down; they're addicting. I love the large group of friends and seeing them again. I loved Gracie and Maddie - they were adorable, sassy, and mischievous. They really did steal the book. Their moments with Zach were precious.  Chaos and Rufus were also charming. I loved the moments between Jessie and Zach. I enjoyed Jessie and her time with her new women friends. The blizzard might have been my favorite part of the book - very cozy. Another magical read in this series and I'm so happy there are more books planned!

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Get this series for your public libraries

Picture Book Review: Grandma's Purse

Grandma Mimi is coming to visit - and of course she's bringing along her magical purse. It has everything she needs in it like candy, something to make her feel fancy, and make-up. Best of all, she has a surprise for her granddaughter.

Oh, I Loved this book. I loved the bond between the granddaughter and the grandmother. It made me miss my grandmother. I loved how talked about all the items in the purse and how it made them feel. I loved the ending.  The illustrations are super cute too.

This book is delightful and should find a home in every school and public library.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books Checked Out from the Library

This week I'm going rogue with my own topic. I have tons of books checked out from the library. I'm the best and the worst library patron. Most of the books I have checked out, I plan on using for story times later this year. But here are 10 that I can't wait to read!)

 - meme from That Artsy Reader Girl

Isn't that a great looking set of books. The only trouble I have it which one to choose first!

Movie Review: Black Panther

We went to see this yesterday and it was amazing.

It's a bit different from the other Marvel movies, which makes it stand out more.

There weren't any cameos from any Avengers, which I was a bit surprised by.

Stan Lee

There were twists I didn't see coming.

The message was great

I enjoyed the romance

I adored Princess Shuri - she was brilliant, sassy, and up for adventure. I loved the way she teased her brother.

The females were powerful, which I loved.
I adored the all female special army that protected the King led by Okoye

Wakanda was amazing

The after credits scenes (I can't wait to see how that one plays out)

I hope there are more Black Panther movies in the works!

Go see this movie - you won't regret it!

Mini Review: Battle of the Labyrinth

Percy Jackson and his friends are still trying to save the world and stop a war between the Titans and the Olympians.

The Good:
The Friendships
Rachel
The Action
The Danger
The Fight at Camp
Paul meeting Percy's Dad
Pan
Percy's trust issues

The Bad:
There's only one more book after this!

I read this book for our Year of Percy Jackson Book Club at the library. I'm so glad we picked this series because I read the first three when they came out but the fourth one escape me and then too much time had past and I forgot everything that came before. It's hard for me to re-read books because my TBR pile is HUGE. So I'm thankful for being able to finish up this series.

Middle Grade Review: Armstrong and Charlie

Neither Charlie nor Armstrong are looking forward to sixth grade. Charlie's friends are all going to different schools while Armstrong's part of a new experiment, being bused to an all white school. At first, they hate each other, making each other miserable and getting in trouble with the teachers. But the more they're thrown together, the more they begin to understand each other.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. It tugged at the heart strings as I felt for each boy. I loved their families - and how they made these two boys come together. I like how the boys pranked each other but also how they saw how the other lives. It helped cement their friendship. I loved Mr. Khalil; he was tough but fair. A great historical novel about being different yet the same and perfect for discussions.

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: My Library
Read for: Cybils Award
Library Recommendation: Get this for both school and public libraries!

Review: It's Hard Out Here for a Duke

* Book 4 in the Keeping up with Cavendishes series *

James's world turned upside down when he discovered he's the new Duke of Durham. But he hasn't warmed up to the idea. He hasn't gotten to London yet and in his mind, until he does, it isn't true. He's not ready for it, which is why he's in the pub where he meets an intriguing woman. He spends the night with her, saddened that she left before he awoke. Without her name, it's doubtful he'll ever see her again.

But his luck is better than that; she's part of his household. She's the duchess's companion. As the new Duke attempts to learn societal rules, she's there teaching him and his sister. They share secret looks and whispered conversations. James wants her by her side, but she knows the Duke can never marry someone like her and she's not about to become a mistress. Does he have to chose between his heart and his duty?

My Thoughts: This is the final book in the series that I simply adored. I loved the Duke's relationship with his sisters. I loved how they teased each other, how they talked together, and how they stuck together. I enjoyed the stolen moments between James and Meredith. I love how the series ended.

Cover Thoughts: Fun
Source: Purchased at an Avon author event

Library Recommendation: A must have series for public libraries' romance section.

Picture Book Review: Trailblazers

The story of Raven Wilkinson  - the first African American woman to dance for a major ballet company.

The title says it all: a wonderful tale about her courage, determination, and race. I loved learning about her love of dancing. She struggled but achieved so much. I love that she's the inspiration for Misty Copeland (who wrote the forward). I love the pictures of the two of them at the end. A powerful book to share with anyone, but especially those who love dancing!

Romance Authors

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope you have a great day!

For me Valentine's Day is all about books and chocolate.

Of course the books are romance books. Here are my go-to Romance authors and my most read authors. They simply make my day better and I'm glad to read anything they write.

Thank you to:

Meg Cabot

Debbie Macomber

Sherryl Woods

Susan Mallery

Jill Shalvis

Julia Quinn

Kristan Higgins

Sarah Morgan

Sarah MacLean

Sophie Kinsella

Shana Galen

Top Ten Tuesday: Friendship Books

This week's topic is about love and since it falls on Galentine's Day, I'm choosing the love of friends. My post mixes some old favorites with some new favorites! Enjoy.

 - meme from That Artsy Reader Girl

Review: Nightfall

* Book 6 in the Keeper of the Lost City series *

Sophie's parents have been taken, but her sister remains behind as she was able to stay hidden from the elves. Now Sophie's ready to do whatever it takes to rescue them - even if it means joining forces with their enemies. With so many questions to answer, Sophie's frustration grows as time ticks away. Luckily, she has more than enough to occupy her time, but time for her parents is running out....

My Thoughts: Oh my god, I Love this series! I love the friendships, the action, the danger, the banter between the characters, learning more and more about the elvin world, and Sophie's sister.  Another magical chapter in this series. And of course that makes me need to next book ASAP!

Cover thoughts: Love it - captures the moment in the book
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: If this series isn't in your school and public libraries - what are you waiting for? Get it now!

Review: Restart

To say Chase isn't the nicest person is a huge understatement; he's downright mean. Or at least he used to be. After falling off the roof and hitting his head, Chase doesn't remember anything. He's not sure why people cower in front of him at school or why his friends act like Neanderthals.

It's not hard to guess that he used to be the biggest bully in school - but he's changed. As Chase navigates the halls of middle school, he becomes interested in things besides football, which he can't play due to his head injury. He joins the video club, under protest of some of the members.

Chase's new actions gain him new friends but leave his old friends feeling neglected. Could this be a permanent change?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved the premise. I liked the story told from perspectives of Chase and those he bullied. I liked watching Chase and Mr. Solway build a relationship. I really liked Chase's interactions with others from his friends to victims of his past bullying. I felt the other characters were brave and trusting. I don't know if I could be that trusting. The ending seems a tiny bit unrealistic, but it was a nice touch. I hated Chase's downfall, but enjoyed him struggle past it. Another hit for Gordon Korman.

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: My Library
Read for: Cybils' short list

Library Recommendation: A must have for all public and school libraries.

Graphic Novel Review: Big Bad Fox

The Fox desperately wants to get into the hen house for the eggs, but the hens thwart his attempts. After a rough day, he meets a wolf in the woods. The wolf's been trying to teach the fox how to be scary, but it's simply not working.

The wolf can't approach the farm without raising the alarm, so her convinces the fox to steal the eggs from the hen. When the chicks hatch, the wolf and the fox will have a tasty meal.

Except when the chick hatch, they think the fox is their mother; they become attached. They're a nuisance, but over time the fox becomes attached to them.

As the start growing, the wolf becomes impatient. He wants his meal. The fox is going to have to outwit him and it's not going to be easy.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel - it was funny and entertaining. I love how the fox tries to outsmart everyone, but it never seems to work out for him. I loved the chicks. I loved the games they played. It made me think of the Despicable Me movies with Gru and the three girls. I love how everything during out. The small illustrations make it easy to read quickly and I kept turning the pages because I wanted to see what trouble the fox would get into next!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public library.

Picture Book Review: Maya Angelou

A short biography of Maya Angelou which talked about her happiness with books and words. Especially after she overcame her troubled childhood. The fun illustrations make the story pop with a smart successful woman who has dreams and hopes for both herself and the world. This is a great early biography for readers. Grab this one for your school and public libraries.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books on the TBR

This week's topic is books that have been on the TBR for a long time, but that I still mean to read. Oh man, I have lots of these. There's just not enough time in the world to read All the Books!

 - meme from That Artsy Reader Girl

Have you read any of these?