Picture Book Review: Go, Wilma, Go

The Summer Olympics are starting today. Here's a biography about one of the biggest track stars 

Wilma Rudolph won three gold medals in the 1960 Olympics. In Europe, people weren't separate by race. But back home, black and white people were segregated. When the town wanted to host a day in her honor, Wilma would only participate if everyone was invited. She used her voice to speak for equality. 

Olympicians are amazing - they can inspire us on and off the field. Wilma Rudolph was one of those people. This book doesn't focus on the sports part of her life, but how she helped push equality for Black people. I love how this book talked about the differences between America and Europe in terms of segregation. There is an author's note that includes more information about Wilma Rudolph and you segregation. 

* This book was sent for review 

Top Ten Tuesday: Debut Novels

 This week's topic is sharing Debut Novels that I've loved.

have you read any of these too?

Blog Tour: Summertime Sillies Blog Tour

Are you in need of some laughs?

Then look no further than these two books:

Sweet and Sour are neighbors and the complete opposite. But they might have more in common than they think.

Herbet and his family move to a neighborhood full of people for their mom's job. But Herbet is the only one in his family who likes to snack on people...

* Books sent for review

Joke:

Why do pickles wear glasses?
They’re legally brined.

 

Movie Review: Young Woman and the Sea

 

This week, I watched Young Woman and the Sea on Disney+ and it was amazing.

This movie grabbed me right from the start. 

It features Daisy Ridley as Gertrude Ederle. After several women from their neighborhood died during when a ferry caught on fire because they couldn't swim, Trudy's mother decided that her daughters would learn how to swim.

Trudy loved it. From the start, her determination propelled her forward. She wanted to earn a free hot dog. Her mother found a coach for her and her sisters. Trudy didn't have the skill set, but she practiced and shocked everyone during her first race.

Trudy wanted more from life. She didn't want to get married and work in her father's butcher shop. She had bigger dreams. 

But when those dreams turned into disappointment, she had to find a new dream.

My Thoughts:

I loved this movie.

It made me tear up several times. Good sports movies always do TBH.

I loved the relationship between Trudy and her sister Meg.

I loved Trudy's mother - she was determined to help her daughters.

I really enjoyed Trudy's childhood coach.

I loved the radio moments - everyone gathered around the radio and the whole neighborhood listening. 

There were some tense moments in this one. 

It also made me angry at the injustice of it all. 

It did not make me want to swim though! 

I highly recommend this movie.

Vacation Photos: Nantucket

A long weekend trip to Nantucket visiting with family:

My favorite street has so many pretty houses! 

So many pretty flowers! 

Delicious Seafood

New Paints!

Reading at the beach

Brownie Bite from the bakery

Classic Nantucket pictures

The beach

Sand dunes

The water was nice

On the bike ride into town

More flowers

Flower sculpture 

Flowers and bikes

More Flowers

outside the library

So many beautiful sights! We had such a relaxing time. It was nice to get away!

Booklist: Summer Olympics

 

The games start today!

Who will you be watching?

I'm partial watching to Gymnastics, Basketball, Track and Field, and Swimming

Catch up on some books while you wait for your favorite sport(s):

Happy Reading and Happy Watching! 

Christmas in July: Home for the Holidays

Three sisters open a letter from their estranged aunt asking them to come visit her for Christmas. They used to spend magical moments at Juniper Inn. The letter came at time in their lives where they need each other and a distraction.

Dahlia will be alone for Christmas as her ex-husband and his girlfriend are taking the children to Paris. Magnolia and her husband are having trouble conceiving and fought about it. Magnolia's not sure they can come back from the hurtful things that were said. Rose is engaged, but her mother-in-law to be is a high society woman who bulldozes over her son and has many expectations. Rose is afraid that she will lose herself in the marriage. 

Could a Christmas together help the sisters move forward in their lives?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book; I didn't want it to end. I love how the sisters reconnected and remembered their childhood memories. There were sweet and funny moments. I couldn't help but root for the three sisters and their aunt. I love how everything worked out and I'm really happy there's another book (already out) to read. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it

Source: Gifted

Sequel:

Picture Book Review: Rescue Cat

Life wasn't always easy for Butterscotch! But she's been rescued. Even though she's scared sometimes, she makes a choice to be brave and help another animal in trouble.

I loved how Butterscotch was brave even though she was scared. She wanted to help someone else in trouble and she did. She can do anything if she puts her mind to it!

* Book sent for review

 

Picture Book Wednesday: Christmas Books

Just a few fun Christmas books

How can you make sure you're on the Nice list? Trick an elf into showing you the list.

This book reminds me of the How to Catch books - it rhymes, there's a craft to go along with the story, and it's lots of fun. 

One family has a magical Christmas with family and traditions (including cookies and cocoa.) It's the most magical time of year. 

I love the illustrations in this book. 

* Book sent for review

This one will have you wishing for snow to play in! Little Mo experiences his first snowfall and his first encounter with dinosaurs.

This is sure to be a hit with readers who love the snow and dinosaurs

* Book sent for review

** Not a Christmas book, but winter story

Pup is teaching Dragon all about Santa and Elves. They attempt to catch Santa or his helper, but they're always just one step behind... Will they end up on the naughty list?

This is a fun adventure graphic novel full of funny moments and friendship. 

* Graphic novel sent for review 

Top Ten Tuesday: Holiday Romances

 This week, I'm sharing holiday romances that I can't wait to read! 

Did I miss any coming out this year? I never seem to get to all of them, so I do have a backlog of books to read too.

Any of these on your list?