Top Ten Tuesday: 1/2 of the year

 This week's topic is books most anticipated during the first half of the year. I haven't done too much research to what's coming out and I do have several books for review already. 

I'll do a middle grade post next week....

Teen:

Always, anything from Meg Cabot. But this is the series that changed by life, so I'm excited to read the graphic novel version

Love Sarah Dessen - so happy to have a new book from her

Love books about royals

Escape Room thriller

It might be time for me to get back into fantasy again....

Adult:

I'm not sure if this is the real date, but I've been waiting for this book for years

Katherine Center is becoming an auto-read author for me

Another summer auto-read author

More royal reads

I haven't been reading much regency romance lately and I miss it. Plus I love this author. 

Any of these on your list too?

Middle Grade Review: Big Book of Who: Rising Stars

 

The set up: there is a question asked about each athlete

Each answer has a 1 to 2 page spread with picture and mini biography

The book is broke into sections: Next Generation, Phenoms, Record Breakers, Trailblazers, and Trendsetters 

There is a lot of information tucked into these pages, making it perfect for any sports fan. 

* this had many women athletes - except for Simone Biles.

Picture Book Review: Over and Under the Coral Reef

 

 A child and father take a swim in the ocean; the father points out all kinds of amazing things. 

They see so much under the water. There's so much to see; it seems like a magical day.  The illustrations here are beautiful; lovely to our over. There's an author note that talks about coral reefs and how to help protect them. There's a list in the back of the book about all the animals showcased in this book and tiny blurb of information on each one. There are also some suggestions for further reading. This is the 4th book in this Over and Under series and each of them is fantastic. Perfect for older readers.

A must have book for your school or public library collection.

Plant a Seed: Kids Summer Reading (1)

 This summer, we're doing the Plant a Story, Read for our theme. Mostly because we've done     Dino-vember for years and it's hard to come up with more ideas. Plant a Story seemed easier for us. Right now, we could use a little easy. It's time to start planning.

Here are a few ideas from Pinterest:

Dragonfly Painting

Paper Flowers

More paper flowers

Pipe cleaner flowers

Flowers behind a gate

Sunflower (can also create other flowers and use dotters for the middle)

Flower wreath

Design your own bouquet

Create a nest

Fairy House

Check back next week for more summer reading program ideas! 

Review: The Cuffing Game

 

Mia Yoon wants to make a show for her college all about crushes. But her initial idea doesn't get off the ground. Instead, she brainstorms how to make it better with her nemesis. She isn't thrilled with the idea of changing the storytime about crushes to a reality dating show but...it does work.

The show gets greenlit for winter break. Mia, her crew, and the contestants (including Noah) travel to a winter wonderland. There she oversees the entire production. But what happens if she falls for one of the contestants...

My Thoughts: As they are in college - this is technically a new adult book. But it works as a YA book. I loved this book. Even though I don't watch much reality TV (Bake Off is my favorite), I love reading about it. I loved how this is from the perspective of the producer/host and not a contestant. What a fun twist on Pride and Prejudice! 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

 Why I read it: retelling of Pride and Prejudice + reality TV show

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library

Review: The Bridesmaid

 

The Kensington invites you to the wedding to the season...

It's a three-day affair. However, on the day of the dry run, one of the bridesmaids is found murdered.  Holly Stone forces her way into the mix so she can uncover the truth. But she isn't prepared for ALL the secrets or the lifestyle of the rich and famous. 

Someone doesn't want this wedding to happen. 

My Thoughts: I couldn't put this book down. There were so many twists and turns. I tore through this novel. I can't say too much without spoilers, but reading it was like watching a train wreck. You couldn't look away. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your public library

 Hand this book to: Readers who love Freida McFadden 

Picture Book Wednesday: Dawn

Spending the morning by the pond with its animal visitors and nature companions.

This is a beautiful book! The illustrations are soft and gorgeous. There aren't too many words, but the words perfectly match the pictures. There's a lot going on in this book - there's lots to talk about and lots to share.

A must have for your school and public library collections.