Author: Barbara O'Connor
Scarlett hunts monsters - for her job. She's carrying on the work her parents did before her - with the help of her butler. Because she's underage, the authorities refuse to allow her the job. She has ways of getting around them - that is until her archnemesis decides to take matters into his own hands. If caught, Scarlett could lose everything. But she's not ready to back down.My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel. I loved the monster hunting. I loved the mystery of what happened to Scarlett's parents. I really adored the relationship between Scarlett and Napoleon, the butler. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
William doesn't fit into the fairy tale world. He keeps cooking the characters food and changing the story.
- meme from That Artsy Reader Girl
Juliet's parents are getting a divorce; she's moved with her mother and her sister to a beach town. Right off she meets Emma; the two girls become instant best friends. Emma's writing a message in a bottle and throwing it into the ocean. She has an extra bottle for Juliet.My Thoughts: I really love this book. I loved how Emma and Juliet became friends. I adored Emma's family - they were large and loud and wonderful. I loved their interaction - from their chore list to their helping people out. I really loved their ice cream shop. I wanted to eat ice cream along with the girls. I adored the bookmobile and the couple who ran it. I enjoyed the small town charm and how everyone knows everyone else (and their business). I loved the Starry Night Club. What a wonderful way to spread kindness and good cheer. I loved how the girls searched for people to help - even just little moments of kindness. We could all use a little more kindness. And a little kindness goes a long way. I too have paintings I'd like to live in. I felt bad for Juliet and her family - how sad they were at the changes in their lives. But sometimes change is for the best; this might be one of those times. While it doesn't take place in the summer, it has a summer novel feel with plenty of tugs at the heartstring, family and friendship drama, and hope. Another winner of a middle grade novel for Lisa Schroeder.
It isn't long before Juliet receives a message - one from someone who's gotten her bottle. The email asks if she wants to join a club - a club that grants wishes for people.
Juliet and Emma can't wait to make someone's dream come true - but who can they help? It can't be just a simple wish. Focusing on someone else's happiness allows Juliet's mind to focus on something other than her unhappiness.
Zorie and Lennon haven't been the same since the disaster of the homecoming dance. When Zorie agrees to go glam camping with her friend, she has no idea that Lennon (or boys) will be there. And she's not thrilled at the idea either. Her father hates his family and he's not shy about it.My Thoughts: I adored this book. I loved Lennon's moms. I loved the banter between Zorie and Lennon. I felt terrible for Zorie and learning about her father. I also hated her friends; they were terrible to leave her in the middle of nowhere. But I did love the adventure that came out of it. This book made me long to go hiking and see more of the outdoors, despite all the disasters that happened to them along the way. I loved that Zorie had a passion for the stars. Her astronomy friends were great. I didn't want this to end. I loved the romance, the stars, and the family dynamics. Another fantastic book by Jenn Bennett. I can't wait to read what she writes next!
Zorie and Lennon never really hashed out what happened the night that broke their relationship. But when the rest of the party ditches them in the middle of nowhere - they have more than enough time to address it. That is if they can make it out of the woods alive - after storms, wild animals, and getting lost.
Could their relationship be on the mend?
What's Manny going to do when someone is mean at lunch?Will he have the courage to say something?
- meme from That Artsy Reader Girl
Elle's in the seventh grade but a recent growth spurt has made her life miserable. She's nearly six feet tall already. Her basketball game's suffering because of her new height.My Thoughts: A fun middle grade - about sports, fitting in, and trying to be yourself. I really enjoyed the first book of this series and I'm looking forward to more. I felt terrible for Elle - being at that awkward stage in her life and being so tall. While I was never that tall, I was also tall for my age. Plus of course, I loved the basketball parts of the book. And who didn't hate being told what to do by the school. I love how that worked out.
She's also forced into a dance - a school tradition. She's so tall that she has a hard time dancing with the boys. She also can't find her rhythm. She's dreading the dance - from her lack of skills to her terrible partner to the dress she's forced to wear.
Why can't life be easy?
Author: Shannon and Dean Hale
Jarrett had a difficult childhood - his grandparents gained custody of him after his mom failed him too many times. As a heroic addict, she spent time in and out of jail. Jarrett's grandparents loved him, but they had their own issues too. He had no idea who is father was - until he sees his birth certificate in high school. But he does have a love for art and he's determined to prove himself.
Maddie's got her life planned out; she studies hard to earn a college scholarship. After a lackluster birthday, she buys a lottery ticket. She's shocked when she discovers she's won. All of a sudden her life changes; she's no longer concerned about money. She has enough to pay for college. She can give money to her parents and her brother. Maybe it will turn their luck around.My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I liked the study parties, especially the snacks. There were times when I wanted to yell at Maddie about her decision, but I like how it all played out. I loved the moments at the zoo. I adored Seth and his banter with Maddie. Of course this made me think of all the things I would do if I won the lottery. There are a lot of ideas!
She's also throwing money around by hosting a party on yacht one night, a clothing shopping spree, and a diamond necklace. Soon she's realizing that people are talking to her because of her money. Maddie's not sure who her real friends are after an article appears about her spending habits.
Her only solace is her job, working at the local zoo and hanging out with Seth, who doesn't know anything about her recent windfall. Sooner or later, she'll have to tell him. When she does, will everything change?