Review: Fallen Academy

 

Brielle Atwater isn't sure of much, but she knows a few things:

1. Having black wings is not normal.
2. Selling her soul to the demons was a mistake.
3. Lincoln Grey is the biggest *** she's ever met … but not falling in love with him might prove impossible.

When angels fell from the sky to war with the demons that ravaged Earth, their combined powers infected humanity. Now, the humans are assigned one of two fates, being either demon gifted or angel blessed.

After wings sprout from Brielle's back at her awakening ceremony, she's sure she's an angel blessed celestial. It's not until she sees black wings that she realizes something is terribly wrong. - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: This book reminded me of the earlier days of paranormal romances. I haven't read one in quite some time. I loved Brielle and Lincoln's banter. There were a lot of a great relationships in this book: romantic and friendship. There is lots of action and danger.  This was such an entertaining read. I didn't want this book to end. I'm looking forward to the next book. 

Cover Thoughts: Strong

Source: My Library

Why I Read This: The summary caught my eye

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your public libraries.

Hand this to: readers who love paranormal romances and advise them to clear their schedule

Graphic Novel Review: Creaky Acres

Nora loves horseback riding and competitions. She's devastated to learn that she's moving away - from her friends and her horse barn. Her new barn doesn't compete in horse shows. She isn't sure she likes her horse barn. The other riders aren't as serious. Can she find a home here?

My Thoughts: I really loved this graphic novel. Nora has a hard time adjusting to her new barn. But she does find a common ground with the other riders. I love the way they come together. I couldn't recommend this book enough. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Why I Read This: I'm still a horse girl at heart

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

Hand this book to: readers who love horses and new beginnings  

Picture Book Review: Archie Celebrates an Indian Wedding

 

Archie is helping make sure her Uncles wedding is just right. She's very busy, but her uncle gives her another job. She's supposed to help Emma, Aunt Julie's niece, have a good time. After all, weddings are supposed to be fun.

This is such a fun read with so many lovely moments. The illustrations are fantastic and so colorful. There's an afterword about Indian weddings and a glossary. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Book wishes

 This week's topic is book wishes. I'm going to talk about some upcoming books that I would love get my hands on: 

 

The Empyrean #4

Untitled

Bonus:

Not one library in my system has this one and it's so annoying!

Are you planning on reading any of these too?

Middle Grade Review: On Guard

Grace isn't excited about 7th grade, especially since she and her BFF ended their friendship. She's also stuck between her parents' divorce. Grace doesn't know how to connect to her mother. She lives most of the time with her father, but she's forced to spend time with her mother too.

Her father asks her to join a club. Grace isn't sure what club to join, but she has been watching the fencing club for a week while she eats lunch. There she meets a friend. Could she have found her place?

My Thoughts: This was a great graphic novel; I read it in one sitting. I felt so bad for Grace and the situation with her mom. I did like how things turned out. Her Dad was sweet and kind. I really liked Ash. This was a great sports graphic novel with lots of drama.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have book for school and public libraries

Hand this to: readers who like sports books and books about drama.

* This book comes out tomorrow

Clara Driscoll and her TIffany Girls

 Louis Tiffany didn't create the Tiffany lamps - Clara Driscoll did. Of course, because she's a woman, she wasn't given the credit for it. As time marched on, her contribution was forgotten until letters to her family were discovered. Now she's getting the recognition she deserves.

Here are a few books

For the kids:

Clara was an artist who led a team of 35 women to create works of art with glass for Tiffany. She used her love of flowers to create amazing lamps. 

This book has creations of the lamps within the illustrations

Clara lived in the country, but moved to the city for help earn money for her family. She missed the flowers and nature. They inspired her to create a work of art with the amazingly colored glass. She made lamps that were so beautiful. 

*Book sent for review

** Book is published on June 24 

And for adults:

I'm currently reading this one. And it's charming. Clara isn't the main character, but she is in the book. The main character is an artist who is a New Woman (meaning a feminist.) Flossie goes to work and moves away from home because she wants to keep the money she's earned instead of giving it to her father. She brings light to the boarding house - before they were all separate, but now they mingle together.

A beautiful lamp:

* Peony Table Lamp, c. 1902–10. Clara Wolcott Driscoll (American, 1861–1944), Tiffany Studios (America, New York, 1902–1932).

I love how Clara is getting her recognition - better late than ever. And her lamps are gorgeous! 

Review: Ex Marks the Spot

 

A swoony rivals-to-lovers romance . . .
Family secrets that can't stay buried . . .
A globe-spanning treasure hunt with puzzles to solve . . .

This latest YA novel by acclaimed writer Gloria Chao takes readers on a soaring adventure through love, loss, and the lively streets of Taiwan.

For Gemma's whole life, it has always been her and her mom against the world. As far as she knew, all her grandparents—and thus her ties to Taiwanese culture—were dead. Until one day when a mysterious man shows up at her door with two shocking the news that her grandfather has just recently passed, and the first clue to a treasure hunt that Gemma hopes will lead to her inheritance.

There's just one major problem: to complete the hunt, she has to go to her grandfather's home in Taiwan. And the only way she can get there is by asking her ex and biggest high-school rival, Xander, for help. But after swallowing her pride, Gemma finds herself halfway across the world, ready to unearth her life-changing prize. Soon Gemma discovers that the treasure hunt is about much more than money—it's about finally learning about her family, her cultural roots, and maybe even finding true love.

Filled with ingenious puzzles, a vibrant Taipei setting, and a delicious romance, Ex Marks the Spot is an exciting adventure by award-winning writer Gloria Chao, perfect for fans of Loveboat Taipei, The Inheritance Games, and Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes. - Summary from the publishers

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved the TARP program and having Gemma travel Taiwan. I loved how she and Xander unraveled the clues i nthe scavenger hunt. I loved how each clue brought her closer and at times further from her family. There were a lot of twists and turns. The banter between Gemma and Xander was spot on. This takes place directly after high school graduation. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great romance for your school and public library

Hand this to readers who enjoy armchair travel books

Review: Serge and Roscoe

 

Serge is retiring in three days. Roscoe is new to search and rescue, but he's in training. 

They are called up because of a forest fire. The two dogs are forced to be partners. Serge wants to get through the next few days. Roscoe wants to be the best and help everyone, even if that means breaking some rules.

Once they touch down on the fire, they learn a family is missing. Roscoe can smell the family and he heads towards them. He doesn't wait for Serge or their handler. Nothing goes as it's supposed to. Can they find the missing people and survive?

My Thoughts: This took me a minute to get into. While I really did love this book, there were two things that jarred me out of reading. First, the dogs talk to each other - like humans. Second, I didn't like the way Serge reprimanded Roscoe. But I really did enjoy the story. There was so much action and danger that I kept turning the pages because I needed to see what happened. This book did make me cry. * The ending was sweet. 

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic

Source: My Library

Why I read it: I love dog stories and survival stories

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public libraries

Hand it to: Kids who want action stories or animal stories. 

* Spoiler: Nothing bad happens to the dogs.

Picture Book Review: Social Justice Books

Just a couple about social justice:

Feelings are powerful motives - keep them close and let them fuel you.

A very inclusive book about being yourself and helping to make the world a better place. 

Another book about following your heart and making your dreams come true. Together we can make a difference.

I love the message of this book. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Summer Books

This week's topic is all about summer. Here are some books set in summer that I'm looking forward to reading.

Any of these on your list too? 

Middle Grade Review: The Trouble with Sunshine

 

Dorani lives her life boldly. She's been sent to the principal's office for bringing a banned book, Anne Frank's Diary. She called her mother to meet her, but her mother never shows up. Instead, she dies on the side of the road. It's just been Dorani and her mother. Her estranged aunt shows up and takes Dorani home. 

Dorani's used to the city life as she lives in Miami. Her aunt lives on a ranch in the middle of no where - in Wyoming. Her aunt is used to caring for horses, not children. On the first day, Dorani gets locked out of the house and finds the barn.

Inside the barn, there a horse who is also grieving. Sunshine lost her family too. Dorani hasn't been around horses before, she Sunshine is easy to talk to. Sunshine responds to her. Can they use each other to help heal themselves?

My Thoughts: I felt so bad for Dorani - she felt that it was her fault her mother died. She was ripped away from her hometown, her friends and family to live in a place that's wildly different. I wanted to give her a hug. I love how she and her aunt struggled to find their connections. I loved how Dorani made friends and how she stood up for them in her new school. The new school assumed that she didn't speak English - which is not cool, but I admired how she handled it. I love how things turned out. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Why I read this: Honestly, the cover sold me. I love horse books

Source: My Library

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

Hand this book to: Horse girls but also any student who needs a warm hug

Sun Bear or Dog

Sun Bears have a golden patch of fur on their chest

Sun Bears like to sunbathe 

Sun Bears have long tongues 

Dog or Sun Bear? You Decide: