Review: Off the Record

 

Josie is a writer - a really good one. She's been a journalist for years, but now she's won an amazing competition. She's going to follow the press tour for a big blockbuster movie and write a celebrity profile on the young movie star. 

Josie's really excited about this opportunity. She gets to travel to big cities and meet movie stars. What could be better?

Than one of the movie stars tells her a secret. A big secret. A secret that she wants Josie to write about. At first, Josie is not sure. But the more she thinks about it and the more she hears, she wants to help. There's a director in Hollywood who is preying on young women. They can't speak up alone, but with Josie's help, they just might be able to expose them. Josie's not sure she's the best person to write the article. But she definitely wants justice for these young people.

My Thoughts: I really loved this powerful #MeToo novel, I love books about Hollywood and this one had a slightly different take than the usual books. But it was a great take. I loved Josie - from her writing abilities to her determination to her interview questions. I loved her moments with Marcus. I enjoyed their getting to know each other. But I also loved Josie questioning his morals - even though that went sideways on her. I loved her moments with actresses. I loved the ending and how everything worked out - lots of anxious moments there. A fantastic feminist read. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it

Source My library

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

On Your Radar: Don't Judge Me (46)

Title: Don't Judge Me

Author: Lisa Schroeder

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Release Date: November 10, 2020

Reasons It Should Be On Your Radar:

* Feminist Read

* School Dress Codes

* Toxic Masculinity

* Friendship

* Secrets

* Popular People

* Female Power Party

* Finding Your Voice

** ACR sent for review 

Library Recommendation: 

A must have book for your school and public libraries.

A great book to start off discussions about feminism, toxic masculinity, and finding the courage to speak up.

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Feminist Read: Michigan Vs The Boys

When the girl's school hockey team is cut due to lack of funding, Michigan isn't sure what to do. She's busted her butt for years.  She doesn't want to stop playing but she's not sure about any other options. Even though the high school cut the team, Michigan's still hopes to play in college. But when a crazy idea occurs to her - to try out for the boy's team - she goes for it.

And she makes it.

But she never thought about what would happen after she made it.
She never thought about the coach's sexist behavior. She never thought about the harassment and pranks her fellow teammates would play on her. And she never imagined she's be the star of the team.

But what happens when everything becomes so much worse than she imagined? At what point should Michigan speak up?

My Thoughts: I loved this book but it also made me seethe with anger. I Hated the boys on the hockey team. I hated the coach. I wanted justice and revenge so very badly. My heart broke for Michigan and all that she went through. The ending was nicely done. I loved the idea of the girl's hockey team with friends supporting each other. I enjoyed Michigan's relationship with Jack. I really loved Trent (her brother) and their relationship. I loved Meghan and how she looked up to Michigan. I couldn't put this book down, I Had to find out what happened and if those boys would get what they deserved. I want another book about Michigan STAT! 

And this is a debut. I'm excited to see Carrie S. Allen writes next.

Cover Thoughts: Awesome
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: A must have book for school and public libraries.

Review: Maybe He Just Likes You

When Mila receives an unwanted hug from a boy, she doesn't think too much about it. But the next day, things change. There's another hug. Comments. Knowing glances.  Mila doesn't know what's happening, but she's not happy.

As things get worse, she's not sure who to talk to. Her friends don't seem to understand. She tries to talk to the boys, but they don't stop their actions. No where seems safe.

At least, she has two weeks of karate lessons at the gym. That seems to help, but once the free classes are over, Mila's mom can't afford to send her to class.

Mila isn't sure what to do. She's only sure that she feels uncomfortable and wants it to stop. How can she make things better?

My Thoughts: Wow - this was one powerful book. I couldn't put it down. The chapters are short and pull your right along. I felt terrible for Mila - for the unwanted attention, for the hardships of her home life, and for her friends not understanding. I just wanted to give her a giant hug and tell her everything was going to be ok. I loved the ending. I loved how she took action, even though it ruined things, she finally found her voice. I loved that the teacher looked beyond everything and understood and dealt with the situation. A really well done story for the #MeToo world - because it does start young. And girls need to figure out how to deal with unwanted attention. I can't say enough about this book.

This book should be required reading for all middle grade students and this book should be talked about at length among the teachers, students, and everyone who works in a school. 

Cover Thoughts: Good
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A MUST HAVE book for your school and public libraries.

Why I Now Talk Politics

I didn't used to talk politics; I didn't even know much about them. I've been a registered Democrat my entire voting career and I did always vote. There used to be only two issues that I required candidates to think my way on: Roe V. Wade and library funding. I didn't mind crossing party lines every now and then if I felt the candidate was better on the other side.

Honestly, most of the time I believed I was choosing between the lesser of two evils and it came down to which old white man felt the same I did on those two issues.

I didn't talk about my political views - even within my family. Because of course politics can be a messy discussion and can lead down the dark rabbit hole.

But then I grew up and I started to care more and understand more. And now I have a long laundry list of ideals that need to be matched if I'm going to support a candidate.

I'm still deeply concerned with Roe V. Wade, equality for women, equal pay...

But I'm also concerned with inclusivity: Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ rights, fairness for everyone.

Taxing the rich to make our country better

Ending poverty - no child in our country should be going to bed hungry.

Support the veterans and their families

Better justice system

Be a decent human being and have an understanding of how politics work

Of course fund libraries and education is still there, but it's taken a little bit of back seat to these other requirements.

So now I talk politics on Twitter because ever since 45, you have to. You have to talk to get through the day. You have to talk to know that you're not alone.

And if you're wondering why I'm a book blogger/librarian talking about politics on my blog - well, politics doesn't stop at the door. The #MeToo movement swept through both Kid Lit and the YA world leaving behind men I will never read again or showcase either here on the blog or in the library.

And I'm done being polite about it.