Middle Grade Review: Renegade Reporters

 

Ash and her friends used to lead the school news team. But that was last year - before they made a video of their teacher that went viral. Now, Ash is forced to watch her nemesis report the news. She doesn't think he's doing a very good job of it.

Ash and her friends decide to start their own news channel - outside of school. Convincing their parents is hard enough but coming up with news stories proves to be a little harder. Luckily, a story comes to them. And it jump starts their channel. 

Then they stumble onto a big lead, and it changes everything. Lots of research and planning goes into their next report, but the company they're going to blow the whistle on isn't making it easy. It's the same company that provides the software for the school and sponsors the news program. Ash and her friends are determined to report the truth about the company - even after the company targets them. 

My Thoughts: I really loved this book for several reasons. First the reporting and desire to share news. I loved how Ash, Maya, and Brielle didn't shy away from the truth - even after things got hard. I loved their research and reading their reports. I enjoyed Ash's interactions with Harry - especially how things worked out. Ash's family was great and added in some humor. I enjoyed the conversation about privacy and think it's an important message to share. I would love to read more about these characters in a sequel... 

Cover Thoughts: Awesome

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for school and public libraries.

Other Reporter Books (YA)

Bookstagram:

Teen Summer Reading (4): Books

 

  (If you missed the Children's Programs, it's here)

My Pinterest Account

The library's account (which has way more)

Oceans of Possibilities for Teens:

We've talked about art programs and craft programs and food programs the past few weeks.

We do weekly Foodie Fun programs in the summer.

This week, we're talking about books!

Swimming Books:

 

Surfing Books:

 

Environmental Protection Books:

 

Summer Romances:

 

 

 

 

 

Oldies But Goodies in Summer Romance:

 

Hope you enjoyed the Summer Reading Themed Series!

Picture Book Review: Farm Lullaby

 

It's bedtime on the farm and everyone is going to sleep. 

This book has lots of animals, rich language, and sweet illustrations. It's the perfect read to make you sleepy just before bed.

Book List: Camps

While my library isn't doing the summer reading program theme of camp, I thought it would be fun to take a look at some camp books.

Pictured:

Camp by Kayla Miller (Not my favorite in the series)

LumberJanes series by Noelle Stevenson

Chiggers by Hope Larson

Things I Can't Forget by Miranda Kenneally

Just a Boy and a Girl in a Little Canoe by Sarah Mlynowski (Reviewed for SLJ)

Honor Girl by Maggie Thrash

Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita

You Have a Match by Emma Lord

Five Summers by Una LaMarche 

Not Pictured:

Camp by L.C. Rosen

No Place Like Here by Christina June

Nothing Happened by Molly Horton Booth

Hope and Other Punch Lines by Julie Buxbaum

Mother-Daughter Book Camp by Heather Vogel Fredrick

Season of You and Me by Robin Constantine 

Being Sloan Jacob by Lauren Morrill

Goddess Boot Camp by Tera Lynn Childs

Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis

Wildfire by Rodman Philbrick

Secrets of Camp Whatever by Chris Grine

Children's Books

Secret Cookie Club by Martha Freeman

Picture Books

And my childhood favorite:

Review: Made in Manhattan

 

Violet is a snob and a people pleaser. When her honorary grandmother asks her to help out, deep down she knows she will. Even if the task is helping Edith's newly discovered grandson become one of society's elite. 

Cain isn't interested in a make-over. He's not even sure he wants to fun the family company. But he's not running for the hills either. Cain is willing to take things step by step while giving Violet a hard time.

Violet's not one to back down from a challenge. But the more time she spends with Cain, the more she begins to realize that she likes him...just the way he is.

My Thoughts: I loved this reverse My Fair Lady story. I really liked how both characters made each other better and expanded each other's views. Two names I'm forgetting - the dog and Violet's best friend. I loved Cain's interaction with the dog. I loved Violet's best friend prodding Violet to go outside her comfort zone. I loved the banter between Cain and Violet. Cain was so grumpy through most of the book that he reminded me of Roy Kent from Ted Lasso. Another great read from Lauren Layne.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your public library's romance collection.

A mood board I made for the book after reading:

Picture Book Wednesday: Black Joy Picture Books

 

Yes, it is Black History Month where we showcase books about Black children but share these all year round. 

I talked about historical books last week. And this week I'm sharing books about Black Joy that celebrate their culture and heritage. 

Twins, Ava and Alexis are putting on a fashion show. But they have different ideas of fashion...

A fun book about being the same but different, fashion influences, and the power of a pinky promise. 

Parker is back! (And she also has some JR books too!) Parker is taking dance classes and she loves it. But it's not all fun, it's hard work too. She has to practice lots, especially before the recital. Sometimes practice means missing out on things with her siblings.

I love the Parker books. This one has a couple great messages about working work, practicing, believing in yourself, the power of family, and being a good friend.

One day after being stuck inside, a sister and brother listen to the advice from their grandmother. And their whole world changes. Lift your arms, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and believe in a thing.

This is a companion picture book to The Day You Begin (which is in this book as an Easter Egg). I love how the siblings discover new things and share knowledge. The illustrations here are gorgeous. 

Daddies share their love in language of playing and learning together. They share knowledge through their heroes, and they share their dreams.

A fantastic family book celebrating Dads and all that they do. Perfect also for Father's Day. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Duologies

 This week's topic is all about duologies - 2 books with the same main character.

Duologies I've Read and Loved

* I still need to read We Free the Stars