Blog Tour: Supergirl

I'm so excited for this, I adore Supergirl! So of course I was thrilled to interview the author. Be sure to check back next week when I'll be giving away a copy of the book!!!

If you could choose a superhero power, what would it be?

Mariko Tamaki: Flight plus the ability to throw some sort of energy field (which I would like to be blue) would help me sleep better at night.

JR: Is it more fun to write the hero or the villain of the story? Why?

MT: Whoever is funnier is generally more fun to write, which could be the villain or the hero, because funny is insight and insight is interesting.  

JR:  Do you have a favorite female role model? Did you give Supergirl any of her qualities?

MT:  I have MANY female role models.  I have OODLES of them, including women I have known personally and a rotating cast of artists and writers and athletes and activists who inspire me every day.  And yes. Supergirl is smart and responsible, which lines her up with many of the smart and responsible women in my life, who have pushed ME to be smarter and more responsible.  

JR: Do you think a hero can have it all (family/friends/romance/job)?

MT: I think it’s hard for anyone to have it all, because to be especially committed to something tends to take away from other things.   I think if you’re a hero you’re kind of naturally giving up your time to anyone who needs your help, in some pretty extreme and time consuming situations, which would naturally take away from being able to be there for friends and family.  I’m sure heroes miss a lot of birthday parties.

JR: What's Supergirl's best quality?

MT: I heard this podcast once about what makes a hero, about the kind of hero for whom saving someone else isn’t something they think about, it’s just something they do. At her core, Supergirl is a hero.  She will never hesitate to save someone. It will always, I think, be as natural to her as breathing. Which is an incredible responsibility, but also, her destiny.

Picture Book Review: Rescue & Jessica

Rescue was being trained - he thought he would help people who couldn't see. But he met Jessica, a woman who lost her legs during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Together they make quite the pair.

This picture book was adorable with the dual perspectives from Rescue and Jessica. This picture book biography tugs at the heartstrings while inspiring the reader. The pair learns to work together for the best outcome. The soft illustrations give this book a cozy feel while reading about a tough subject matter and heartwarming story. 

Library Recommendation: This is a must have book for schools and public libraries.

Top Ten Tuesday: World Building

This week's topic is book worlds. While I'm more of a character reading, I do love a great world building book. Here are a few of my favorites.

- meme from That Artsy Reader Girl


Favorites


Recent Favorites

Review: The Diva Cooks up a Storm

* Book 11 in the Domestic Diva series *

Before a social event, one of Sophie's acquaintances reveals he thinks he's being poisoned. He asked her advice. At a pop-up gourmet party, Sophie witnesses the same friend in a series of awkward social interactions. When he turns up dead later that night, Sophie knows something fishy is happening. Everyone's pointing the finger at someone else, but someone's lying. Can Sophie uncover the truth?

My Thoughts: I'm so glad this series is back; I've missed it. I loved reading my old friends and seeing what they were up to again. As usual, I enjoyed the moments between Sophie and Natasha. I felt terrible for Hollis's family and what all of them went through.  I loved the aftermath of the storm and how everyone came together to eat. I love the bit in the library and the romance. I liked trying to unravel all the secrets and lies told in this one, the ending kept me guessing. So looking forward to the next book in this fun series!

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: ARC sent for review
Release Date: This book comes out tomorrow, so you don't have to wait for it!
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your cozy section, especially where this series is popular.

Blooper Photos

A photo shoot? You can't be serious...

I might have to hide

Oh wait, what's that over there

Shy...

I really don't like having my picture taken.

I wonder what this sign tastes like...

Nope, better not.

Maybe just a nibble

They won't notice one little bite...right?

Attack!

Middle Grade Review: Switched

* Book 4 in the Fairy Tale Reform School series *

Gilly's still not thrilled with her schooling situation, she loves the new school idea. But she's not happy with one of her new teachers. Plus her sister is still missing.  She's finding it hard to concentrate when all she wants to do is save the day - again.

Even though the royal court swears they will take care of it, there is no news. Should Gilly strike out on her own and figure things out?

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I loved the addition of the new royal family - the librarian and her husband. I loved learning about the library, it sounded amazing. I really liked A.G. and how Gilly helped her realize her true potential but also fit into the school. I felt terrible for Gilly for most of the book. I can't wait to see where the new spin-off series goes, because there are questions I need answered!

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this series for your school and public libraries.

Middle Grade Review: Tricked

* Book 3 in the Fairy Tale Reform School series *

Gilly's graduated Fairy Tale Reform School, but nothing feels the same now that she's home. She hates cobbler school. She misses her friends. Something must change.

When she hears that Rumplestiltskin has taken over the school and made it worse, she's concerned. When Anna, her younger sister, gets taken to the school, Gilly wants to help her. But Anna seems content with her two new friends Hansel and Gretel.

Gilly decides she must act and save her sister. She gets herself thrown back into FTRS along with a few good friends. But this time, things are very different. Can she save the school once again?

My Thoughts: I really liked this book - I liked how Gilly felt responsible for Anna and attempted to help her. I was happy seeing all my old favorite characters. The news ones, especially the magical animal pets, added some humor to the story. I enjoyed the Stiltskin Squad and their trickster habits. I loved the quest and how that worked out. I enjoyed meeting Little Red Riding Hood. The ending was lovely, luckily I had the next book in the series to read immediately afterwards.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A great series for school and public libraries, especially where mixed up fairy tales are popular. This series is an easy hand sell.

Picture Book Review: Who Says Women Can't be Computer Programmers?

The story of Ada Lovelace, the woman recognized as the first computer programmer.

I loved this book. It was fascinating, particularly the end notes. 

I love the illustrations.

I love Ada's intelligence and how her mother wasn't a fan of her imaginative side and tried to block it. Instead, her daughter learned plenty of math. However, she used both to unlock her full potential.

Another great picture book about women pushing boundaries and not holding themselves back. A must have book for school and public libraries.

Top Ten Tuesday: Character Names

This week's topic is character names. I'm going to share some of the rejected names for our youngest pup. I like to name our pups after literary characters. Here are some that we talked about.

- meme from That Artsy Reader Girl

We first thought we were getting a boy dog:

Castle

Beckett


Ayra


Ghost


Hermoine


Anne

Once we heard my boss (same puppy family) named her dog Darcy, we thought more Austen names:

Jane

Knightley

Lizzie

But we finally settled on Emma

Review: Not if I Save Your First

Maddie thought she and Logan would be best friends forever, until an incident drove them thousands of miles apart. Maddie still wrote to Logan, but he never wrote back. Eventually, she realizes she was almost alone in the world - until one day ten years later when he showed up on her doorstep.

Maddie's spent the last ten years in the Alaskan wilderness. She's  annoyed and angry with her former best friend and she wants answers. What she doesn't expect is for him to follow her when she's doing her chores.

She doesn't expect a man to come out of nowhere and attack her. Sure Logan's the President's son and he's a valuable target, but they shouldn't have found him here. Now she's the only one who can save him. Even if she wants to kill him herself.

My Thoughts: I loved this book and was so glad to read it. I'm a HUGE Ally Carter fan. I loved Maddie's toughness, but also how she was in tough with her girly side (bedazzled hatchet anyone?). I loved the danger and the action - both the wilderness and from the bad guys. I loved the letters from Maddie and how she kept asking him about them, asking him to explain what happened to her. I couldn't put this book down, which isn't unusual for an Ally Carter book. She writes the perfect blend of romance, humor, danger, and action.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public libraries - it's a must have.

Review A Quick Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns

Archie, a non-binary artist, gets irritated when people misgender them. He's teaming up with his straight white friend, Tristan, to talk about it. They share their thoughts and feelings on the matter and explain why asking people for their pronouns is the right thing to do. And of course why it's important to use the right pronoun.

My Thoughts: The world is changing and it's hard for some people to understand and learn about others. But this book makes it easy and now there aren't any excuses. Share this book widely and don't be a jerk about anyone's identity. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: ARC sent for review
Release Date: June 12th
Library Recommendation: A must have book for school and public libraries.

Graphic Novel Review: Prince and the Dressmaker

Prince Sebastian has a secret and he's not willing to share it. There are days when he likes being a prince and there are days when he likes dressing in dresses. When he spies a dress created by Frances, he tracks her downs and offers her a job as his personal seamstress. 

Frances can't believe her good fortune; she loves creating and designing dresses. 

Soon the two become great friends. But Sebastian's secret is hard to keep when Frances has the opportunity to meet her role model. Keeping the Prince's secret means keeping her identity a secret as well.

My Thoughts: I really loved this graphic novel; I didn't want it to end. I loved the art work. I loved the fashion. I loved the friendship between Frances and Sebastian. I felt bad for both of them dealing with this secret and trying to live in the palace. I loved Sebastian's parents. Believe the hype about this graphic novel because it's true!

Cover Thoughts: Adorable.

Source: my Library

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for all public libraries!

Review: Marley Dias Gets it Done

Marley Dias spreads her knowledge about making the world a better place through activism. She's only in high school but already she's made a difference and she's not done yet.

My Thoughts: Marley Dias is amazing. I loved this book - it's smart and funny. Plus it really makes you want to become an activist. I love the photographs of her - and her love for fashion. This book is inspirational; there's so much information in here. Marley talks about how to use social media for good, the difference between volunteering and activism, how to use the power of adults to help a cause, and how and why she started her project.  She's certainly someone to admire and someone to watch.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Great for school and public libraries - this one is a must have for your shelves.

Picture Book Review: Girl Running

This is story of Bobbi Gibb - the first woman to run in the Boston Marathon.

This book was SO inspiring - it actually made me want to run. I loved the solidarity with the male runners (not the officials). I loved how she broke the mold and other female runners followed. This book gave me all the feels.

A must have for your public and school libraries.

Top Ten Tuesday: Bikes

This week's topic is a freebie, so I'm sharing covers with bikes on them. They're quaint and draw my eye to the cover. I hope this is becoming a trend. Do you find these covers appealing?

- meme from That Artsy Reader Girl