It's been a different year for sure, but today is our anniversary. I can't imagine spending this year with anyone else.
I've read so many picture books this year. And so many great ones. There have been some that made me smile, some that tugged at my heartstrings, and some that inspired me.
I read picture books for two reason:
1. Because they're great reads and I love looking at the illustrations
2. Because of my job.
Here are some of my favorite reads this year!
It's hard picking just 10 out of almost 700, but I'll try
Jabari Tries
The Power of Her Pen
There are a bunch of books I've read recently that I haven't had the time to review, so I'll do several mini reviews for them. Enjoy!
Twisty book with short chapters that I did not want to put down.
Mary has to start a new school. She overhears girls talking about a boy - a boy who's known for playing the field. Mary steps in to "save" this girl from heartache and ends up with new friends. She shares all that she learns about the world - from books. But...things don't work out the way she planned.
An enjoyable read about friendship, books, and first love.
Pepper and her father travel to their great Aunt's house for the summer. Pepper overhears something strange and becomes certain her great aunt was murdered for her fortune and her aunt knows something she's not saying. She sets out to prove it.
A fun children's book with spying, danger, and a fun friendship.
Read also the Amelia Six and the Wig in the Window.
Heartstopper volumes 1 and 2Charlie and Nick sit next to each other in class. They start talking and soon become friends. When Nick sees Charlie running - he invites his new friend to join the rugby team. Charlie isn't really sporty, but he decides to give it a try. He's not great at rugby, but he's happy to hang out more with Nick. The two of them become close friends. Charlie begins to wish there was something more between them, but he knows that Nick is straight.
Since the holidays are just around the corner, this is the last gift idea of the season.
Pinky is tired of family thinking she makes poor choices. Just once she would like their approval - the way they approve of Dolly. When a fire breaks out on their shared summer property, Pinky's mom immediately suspects her. It's just one more fight in a long line of arguments. Pinky denies the accusation and than accidentally blurts out that she would be in the barn with a boy because she has the perfect boyfriend - even one that her mother would approve.With her mother's interest peaked, Pinky scrambles to find a boyfriend. She knows the perfect candidate - and his summer plans just happen to have fallen through. Even though they're not really friends, together they form an agreement to spend the summer together fake dating.But the more time they spend together, the more Pinky and Samir begin to understand each other. Even though they drive each other crazy, could it be for the best?
When Abby's best friend Lucy calls for a favor - Abby can't say no. Lucy's grandmother fell and broke her arm. She needs someone to stay with her while Lucy finishes up her job before she can come home for the holidays. It's perfect timing for Abby, who is just finishing up one job before she and her son move to a new city.When she arrives, she realizes that Lucy's brother has rearranged his schedule and is now back in town. Ethan is thrilled that his grandmother is home alone in such a big house. Now that Abby's there, he's off the hook.But the house needs to be decorated for events. Ethan gets pulled into helping and also spending time with Abby and her son. The more time he spends with them, the more he wishes that she wasn't moving to another town.
This week's topic is our Winter TBR lists. I count winter as books published in January - February- and March. And as usual, I have a large list. However, I do need more middle grade and graphic novels.
Mia is back and even though her life is better- it's still hard. While the hotel belongs to them now, business is up and then down. Not all the investors are happy. Some might want their money back. Sixth grade isn't like fifth grade. Mia's teacher isn't a kindred spirit; she's a stickler for rules.Several of the kids in Mia's class are worried about the immigration law that's proposed. If it passes, it will change everything. The more Mia talks to people, the more she learns about racism and the unfairness of the world. Can she smooth the road for herself, her family, and her friends? She's not sure, but she's going to try.
My Thoughts: I was so happy to spend more time with the characters from The Front Desk. I loved this sequel. It tackled really important issues that worry kids and adults alike. I had a hard time reading it, but at the same time, I couldn't put the book down. Mia is smart, determined, and brave. You can't help but root for her.
Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public libraries.
Since the holidays will be here before you know it, I thought I would share some cute gift ideas.
The Christmas Songs Book Tag is from That Artsy Reader Girl's A Bookish Little Christmas!
I'm limiting this to books I've read this year!
6. “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”: Your favorite book/kind of book to read during the holidays.
