Graphic Novel Review: Chickenpox

 

Abby's friends decide they want to hang at her house - for once. They think that being surrounded by her four siblings will be fun. Abby's always looking for ways to escape the chaos of her family. The day turns out as Abby expects - her siblings ruin the fun and drive her nuts. The next day her friends are talking negatively about her - saying she acted immaturely. Abby's not sure what to do, but the next day one of her friends is home sick with the chicken pox. 

Two weeks later, Abby and all her siblings also come down with the chicken pox. They are forced to quarantine together for up to ten days. Abby can't imagine anything worse. The house is noisy and everyone is fighting. Her dad has to leave for a business trip, making her the only one that can help their mom. Abby doesn't want to be responsible for her siblings. 

My Thoughts: This was a really fun read. I felt terrible for everyone in the house. Being sick is the worst, especially afterwards when you're feeling better but you're stuck in quarantine. I only have one sister and I can't imagine have three more. Even though most of the book took place during the sickness period - there's still lots of friendship drama and family drama. This is a quick read; I read it in one sitting because I wanted to know what happened. I did like how everything turned out.

Cover Thoughts: Captures the mood of the book

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your graphic novel school or public library collection

Picture Book Wednesday: Wildest Dreams

A picture book biography of Taylor Swift 

This biography showcases much of her childhood and early days. There isn't as much about her older years in terms of biographical moments. But there are nods to her songs and albums. This book talks about her love for fans and her political choices. But my favorite part is how it shares that she has so many stories left to tell. This book has gorgeous soft illustrations. 

This is a perfect read for any Swiftie.

A must have book for your school and public library's collection 

Summer Reading Kids (2): Color Your World

Last week, I shared rainbow craft ideas.

Today, I'm sharing a mix of program ideas - all from Pinterest

STEAM:

Marble Run

Dominos - how big can you make this? 

Can it go all the way through the library?

Transfer Art 

Paper Sculpture - ok this says Christmas tree, but if you use different colors, it can become anything!

Reading Challenge:

Read the rainbow

Craft:

Ocean Scene

Change this from Autumn to summer and it works! 

All the Circles

Summer Art

Balloons

Mosiac art

Paint Night for Kids
We do this for adults and teens at the library. I think I might try one for kids.

This is an easy one to do...

Come back next week for more summer reading program ideas...

Review: Love & Lattes

 

Anna's super happy to be accepted into the Arrowmile labs, especially since she lied on her application about her age. If she works super hard this summer, everything will fall into place for her. She's trying hard not think of the horrible girls she lived with in college. She's trying not to think of the family vacation she's missing this summer. She's trying not to think about that guy she met at the pub, whom she kissed, who turned out to the be the son of the founder of Arrowmile labs!

It doesn't really matter that she can't stop thinking about Lloyd, he clearly isn't spending time thinking about her. In fact, he acts like he's never met her. There are moments during their interactions that Anna spies a glimpse of the boy she hung out with that night, but all too often, that's the not the person he presents to the world.  Anna's not about to blow up this opportunity of a life time for some guy...but those feelings could be very real.

My Thoughts: This is * technically * a New Adult book as the main characters are in college. I really enjoyed this book - and the message of letting go and being in the present. Anna works really hard - too hard sometimes that she forgets to stop and take in the moment. She's hyper-focused on what's next. I like that she allowed herself to spend more time with her friend friends and with LLoyd.  I wanted to know more about what they actually did at Arrowmile labs - did they design scooters? That was my take-away from it. It felt like this internship was a massive opportunity, but I didn't really understand what the company did or why it was so important. I did like the moments in the office. And of course the moments between Anna and Lloyd - the snark and the banter. I loved the coffeehouse/cake date. I liked getting to know Lloyd's brother too. This was a such a fun summer romance with the enemies to lovers trope. 

Cover Thoughts: SO CUTE!

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great book for your public library's collection

Blog Tour: Brewed With Love

Brewed with Love - out January 14

About the Book:

Plant witch Sage Bishop intends to run her family’s apothecary one day. The doors just have to stay open until she can take over from her nana. That’s why she spends all her time perfecting a tonic that’ll put Bishop Brews on the map.

She certainly doesn’t need their latest hire—and her ex–best friend—Ximena Reyes causing any distractions. Alas, at the first sight of Ximena’s cheeky smile, Sage flees the shop, allowing someone to break into Bishop Brews and steal the tonic she’s been tinkering with, one that wipes their high school cheer captain’s memory.

With Bishop Brews now at risk of being shut down, Sage reluctantly partners with Ximena to find the culprit. As the mystery deepens, so do pesky old feelings. Their first kiss and Ximena’s subsequent ghosting keep replaying in Sage’s mind. Will she be able to resist Ximena’s charm, or will she let it work its magic for a second chance at love?

My Thoughts: I just started this book and so far it's delightful. I'm excited to see where this book goes. I love that Sage is forced to spend time with her ex-best friend and crush. To be honest, I was hooked from the very beginning.  It's one of those books that once you pick it up, you won't want to put it down. So set aside a chunk of time to devour this one! 

About the Author:

Shelly Page is a young adult contemporary fantasy romance and horror writer. By day, she’s a practicing attorney representing homeless LGBTQ+ youth. By night, she’s writing stories about love, magic, and mystery—all with the hope of providing genuine representation for queer readers of color. Shelly lives in Los Angeles with her dog, Toby, and a collection of half-dead plants. Brewed With Love is her debut novel. She can be found online at shellypage.com or @shelly_p_writes.

Follow the Tour: 

January 13th — Jill's Book Blog

January 14th — Candid Cover

January 15th — Utopia State of Mind

January 16th — YA Book Nerd

January 17th — Confessions of a YA Reader

Grand Prize Giveaway:

- 5 winners will receive a finished copy of Brewed With Love by Shelly Page

- We will select the winners and ship directly

- The giveaway starts at 12:01am ET on January 13th and ends January 26th at 11:59pm ET

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Picture Book Wednesday: Knight Owl and Early Bird

Early Bird is super excited to meet Knight Owl. But Knight Owl is tired after keeping watch all night. Early Bird wants to talk so early that Knight Owl asks him to go away.

This is a cute story about friendship, opposites in people, and determination. The illustrations are rich with color.  This is a new favorite! 

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Goals

 This week's topic is bookish goals for the year

Reading:

Goodreads Challenge: 235 books (Children's, YA, and Adult)

500 picture books and board books

Blogging:

350 blog posts

Middle Grade Mondays - highlight more middle grade reads (continue)

reach 3 million blog hits 

Cross-posting more on Social Media

Being better on Book-stagram 

More author interviews

Conferences:

Attend CLA (not as a presenter)

Attend ALA Annual - exhibits

What are your reading/blogging goals?

P.S. I did ok on last year's goals.