Review: Secret Cookie Club

The four girls at summer camp don't get along until one night their counselor gets special permission for them to bake cookies together. They have so much fun making cookies and throughout the rest of the summer.

On the last day of camp, they're sad to leave one another. But they promise they will each mail off cookies to their new friends. Cookies that might make their troubles disappear...

My Thoughts: A sweet friendship story that's filled with drama and cookies. The book follows each other four girls as they each had trouble with friends, family, or school. A little note from a friend goes a long way. I loved how different the girls were from each other, but how they grew to become friends. I'm so looking forward to the next book in this series. And of course, I wanted to bake cookies and eat them after reading this one! 

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

Review: Match Me if You Can

Mia's friend Robyn has matchmaking skills, but she refuses to set Mia up with Vince. She knows they are not right for each other. But Mia refuses to believe that. She sneaks an email from Robyn's address to her crush.

Vince asks Mia out, causing a whole lot of problems in a domino effect:
Robyn finds out and becomes mad at Mia.
Robyn had another boy in mind for Mia.
That other boy is causing Mia to rethink everything...

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this book even though the bonds of friendship weren't as strong as I wanted them to be. Romance and high school is so hard. I really liked the newspaper and photography aspects of the story. I really liked the dates. As the reader, you can tell who's perfect for each other, even when the characters haven't figured it out yet. A strong debut that leaves me looking forward to Tiana Smith's next book.

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

Picture Book Review: Madeline Finn and the Shelter Dog

When Madeline Finn visits the shelter with her librarian friend, she sees dogs in need of love. Since she just got  a puppy herself, she can't adopt a dog. Maybe she can help the dogs find their forever home.

A wonderful story that tugged at my heartstrings and made me hug my two rescued pups. It's a story ripped form the headlines where kids go into shelters and read to the animals. It's a sweet wonderful message to share with wonderful illustrations. I can't wait to read more Madeline Finn books.

The only thing I wished for - was an afterwards to talk about how the reader can help.

Library Recommendations: Grab this one for your school and public libraries.

Top Ten Tuesday: Summer TBR

This week's topic is summer TBR - normally I have a huge list for this one, but we just did the 2nd half of the year and I added another romance list. So, this list is going to be for those BEA books that I picked up and can't wait to read, but also have to read this summer because they will be in our prize packs for the summer reading finale in August. Sometimes, it's nice having a deadline for reading...

Review: Good Enough

Riley's just been admitted to a recovery center for teens with eating disorders. Riley doesn't think she needs to be there. She certainly hates being told when to eat and how much to eat. If she eats too much, she'll gain weight. Gaining weight will make her slower in track. She can't afford to be slower. Riley does hate that everyone's mad at her. No one understands.

My Thoughts: It's hard to say I really liked this book because of the subject matter, but wow, was this book powerful. I didn't want to put it down. I loved how the book was Riley's journal and she detailed her moments in the recovery center - both the good and the bad. It was fascinating to read about her thought process and her understanding of events. I didn't like Riley's parents, but I did love her sister. 

The message about being good enough strikes a chord. We all have flaws; we all wish we were better at something. I'm so guilty of this. I need to be better at owning my skills and using them to the best of my ability. 

Jen Petro-Roy didn't pull any punches, because eat disorders aren't cured, they're managed. But the book ends with hope. 

Clearly this is an important topic that needs to be discussed openly. Our society values ideals that aren't realistic and are harmful, especially for girls and women. The author's note and resources will help readers. 

Cover Thoughts: Not a huge fan, but I understand it better after reading
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A must have for both school and public libraries

Pride Picture Book: Sewing the Rainbow

Gilbert Baker was born to sparkle, but his parents didn't understand him. He wanted to surround himself with a world filled with color and joy. As an adult, he created the world he imagined. And he spread that job - especially with the rainbow flag he and his friends created together. 

A really great introduction to Pride Month for several reasons. I love how happy he was when he could become himself and how he worked to spread that joy. A reader's note follows the story that gives a little bit more explanation. 

Romance in my TBR List (2)

Just a few adult romances I can't wait to read the second half of this year:

And Christmas/Holidays Ones (my jam!)

Romance TBR Check In

I was super excited to read these books and I read several of them:

Here are the ones I've read so far and I'm still looking forward to the other ones!

Currently reading:

Come back tomorrow to see the second half of the year's reading list!