Happy National Library Week!

Today is take action for libraries day.

So, I'm here to ask you:

When was the last time you visited your library? Checked out an item? Attended a program?

Libraries have SO MUCH to offer everyone!

Here's a little bit about my library usage.

I'm the best and worst library patron.

Currently I have:

102 books checked out (several of these are for storytime and library programs)

15 books on hold 

Both of these are kind of average. I check out a lot of books. 

While I read a lot of books, I don't always get to read everything I check out. 

Try to visit your library soon! It really does help.

Picture Book Review: Raise Your Hand

 

Alice answers a question in class but gets the answer wrong. She's embarrassed and when the teacher asks the next question, she knows the answer. But she doesn't raise her hand. Other girls don't raise their hands and decides to come up with an idea. How can they make girls feel more confident?

This is such an important topic - girls not raising their hands in school and girls losing their confidence. I love the message that no one is right all the time. Everyone is wrong sometimes, but that doesn't mean that you stop trying. It's such an encouraging story. This is a must have book for your school or public library.

Top Ten Tuesday: Spring Covers

 This week's topic is all about Spring covers: gardens, flowers, and more.

Read:

Want to read:

Have you read of these?

Middle Grade Review: How to Draw a Secret

 

Cindy loves art; she's excited when her art teacher shares an art contest. But the assignment is all about family. Cindy's family is broken. Her father's been living in Taiwan. Her parents are separated, but she's not supposed to tell anyone. When her grandmother dies, her mothers and sisters travel to Taiwan.

There she struggles to learn about her family - why her parents separated and why her father disappeared. No one wants to talk about it. She's stuck in her art project until she can uncover answers.

My Thoughts: I felt so bad for Cindy. I wanted to wrap her up in a hug. She wanted to share her feelings with her friends, but she wasn't allowed to. I love how she, her sisters, and her mom explored Taiwan. They had such a great time eating food and being together. I loved how she explored her art contest assignment. I loved the illustrations. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A great graphic novel for your school and public library's collection

Picture Book Review: Black Joy

 

Jaden's neighborhood has a worn down brick wall. Jaden wants to revitalize the wall. He sees love everywhere. Everyone wants to make their mark on the wall. 

I love how this book takes art and makes it a community event. I love how this book talks about the different ways to love each other - and especially yourself. The mural looks amazing and full of love. What a great message! 

Picture Book Review: Where are You Bronte?

Bronte lived a good life with his human who loved him. When Bronte died, Tomie missed him.

Review: This is a lovely story about death and grief and life. The illustrations are charming. 

I love how many there are in the book. This is a simple story but it's full of heart. 

* Book sent for review

** Book published May 6, 2025

Library Recommendation: A must have picture book for your library's collection.

 It's terribly heartbreaking losing your dog. I lost mine a few years back and I miss him every day.

I was lucky enough to meet Tomie dePaola. He took a picture with me and signed a book. 

Romance Review: The Spy and I

 

Dove is mistaken for her sister and her whole world changes instantly. She's an excellent hacker that just happened to quote a movie line back to a man in a restaurant. He has a briefcase with intel. Within minutes, he's killed. Someone pushes Dove out the door. 

Mendez claims to be her sister's partner. Madison works for the CIA but she's been missing. Mendez poses as a reporter to get close to Dove to see if she knows the whereabouts of her sister. Now they're both stuck trying to unravel a mess of a situation. 

Dove's thrown into the deep end, as she looks similar to her sister. She can pose for Madison if the contacts haven't met yet. Nothing seems to go ask planed - including her developing feelings for Mendez.

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. It was the perfect blend of spies, action, and romance. There was lots of action and danger and plot twists. I loved the hacking bits - especially the Taylor Swift shout out! I'm very much looking forward to the next book. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute!

Source: Purchased

Library Recommendation: A fantastic romantic thriller for your public library's romance collection

Picture Book Review: Pride Books

Just a few books about pride

Talks about the joy of being free to celebrate yourself and what it feels like when you can't. I love the message that the colors are full of love. 

This book asks lots of questions and is the perfect place to start a conversation. There is a note for caregivers at the back of the book. 

The community is gathering for a feast - and Molly is grateful for so many things. 

The people in the community make her feel love and welcomed and she returns the favor. There is an author's note that talks about LGBTQIA in the Native American community

Little Chick is noticing that there are different types of family. The school note says one mom or one dad and sibling can walk them on their first day of school. Little Chick walks alone because they have two moms. 

This was a charming picture book about families and how they can look different but all the love is still there. 

Review: It's a Love/Skate Relationship

 

Charlie Porter had the shot that would tie the game - when a cheap shot ruins her plans. After the game, the guy comes out at her again. This time she punches him and accidentally starts a brawl. At school, she loses her scholarship. She's forced to attend the local high school - with the same bullies from the fight. Charlie's also forced to pay for the damages; she's working off the payments are the rink.

There she runs into Alexa. She's a figure skater with Olympic dreams, but her partner sprained his ankle in the fight. Alexa's mother, her coach, thinks that Charlie could step in for Frankie. She reluctantly agrees. Alexa and Charlie can't stand each other. They bicker at every opportunity. Charlie's struggling to find her footing at figure skating. 

Can Charlie survive the worst year of her life?

My Thoughts: 

If you've seen the Cutting Edge, this is the book for you. 

It has the same ideas - the banter and the learning to figure skate.

It also has a great friendship and great family. I loved Charlie's father and brother. I felt bad for her about her mom. 

The jock bullies made me angry.

I didn't want this book to end. It was amazing. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A Fantastic sports lesbian romance - highly recommended for your school and public library's collection. 

Picture Book Wednesday: Etta Extraordinaire

Etta's school is hosting a talent show and she's determined to take part in it. But she's a little nervous about it. She practices all week, but when the big day arrives, will she be able to shine?

This was a great story about facing your fears. She loves dressing the part and acting like a huge star. I love the message about practice and hard work and being brave. The illustrations are charming. This is a magical book.

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Books

 This week's topic is books you'd be a fool not to read. Here are recent five star reads, I've read recently. 

Have you read any of these? What's your last 5 star read?

Middle Grade Review: Tear This Down

Freya has always loved her hometown; but everything changes on the first history assignment in seventh grade. When researching primary documents, Freya discovers that the founding father of the town was sexist. He didn't believe that women should vote or go to school. Reading his words anger Freya. She no longer believes he's worthy of the town respect. In fact, maybe they should tear his statue down in the middle of the town. When Freya and a new friend share their idea, not everyone supports them. In fact, some people are downright rude. Not even her parents think it's a good idea...

My Thoughts: I really loved this book - it also made me really angry (in the best possible way). I loved how Freya had opinions on everything: from the books read in class to crafting classes. I really admired how Freya stood up for her beliefs; she was determined to share them and not be quiet.  I wasn't that brave at her age. I felt bad for Freya. I wanted to give her a giant hug. I loved her new friendship with Callie.  I loved how Freya researched more and found Suffragists in the town's history. Of course I loved Mai, the librarian who helped them find resources and shared ideas. I loved how this book ended; I can't say too much without spoilers... 

Barbara Dee is one of my favorite middle grade writers. I can't wait to see what she writes next. 

Cover Thoughts: Amazing.

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public library.

Picture Book Review: The Interpreter

Cecilia has two jobs - one to be a kid and one to be an interpreter for her parents when they need help translating Spanish to English. Cecilia loves soccer and wants to play with her friends, but she doesn't always have the time to play. 

This is such an important story for families and shares the importance to help each other. But it also talks about the importance of too much help - where the child needs to be the child. Everyone needs to be understood and helped. 

Vacation Photos: Seattle

Last week, we visited my college best friends who live near Seattle.

Here are some photos:

Happy to be with friends

Always love the mountains 

Bakery #1

Bakery goodies

On the bench

Mosiac Art

Resin Art

Some gallery Art that I adored

Lunch

Window Art

Jenga - a little more ruthless than I expected. 

Goodies from bakery #2

A pretty tree

Outside a bakery #3- where I'm eating a Peanut Butter Cookie

A snowy adventure 

Loving the sunshine and the snow

So pretty

It was such a great trip!