Middle Grade Review: Wrong Friend

One day, Charise and Casey are best friends. It didn't matter that Casey was older. But the next day, Casey ghosts Charise. Charise is heartbroken. She needs a new best friend ASAP. 

My Thoughts: Friendship break-up books are super hard to read, but they're super important. And it's hard making new friends. I wanted to give Charise a hug; she needs one. I do like how Charise tries new things - some stick and some don't. I liked the addition of Charise's grandmother and how their relationship progressed. Another winner from Frist Second

Cover Thoughts: Perfection

Source: My Library

Give this to: Readers who love Real Friends from Shannon Hale 

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your graphic novel collection

Picture Book Review: I Cannot Draw a Bicycle

Horse really wants a bicycle drawn, but it seems to be impossible. There are many shapes that can be drawn. But they haven't actually seen a bicycle. How will it work out?

This is a funny book about drawing and friendship. The ending is delightful. 

* There are items that I can not draw but wish too.

** An F&G was sent for review

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your school and public library collection. 

Tween Reads: Next Best Junior Chef

 * Book 1 *

Tate, Rae, Caroline, and Oliver compete to become the best junior chef. Rae makes a terrible first impression. Oliver wants to be the king of calm. Tate acted young and really nervous. Caroline wants to befriend Rae.

The contestants battle through field trips, mini challenges, and the competition. Of course by the end of the week, one contestant is eliminated.

All of them want to win the challenge, but who will survive?

My Thoughts: Great for kids who love cooking/baking reality shows. And I have to confess, their skills are better than mine. I really liked the interviews in between chapters - it made the book feel more like a reality TV show, that was captured really well. Plus the illustrations are cute. 

The perspectives switched, giving a rounded view of the event.
I love the bit about Tate's father. That made me tear up a bit. I really liked how the girls became good friends, even though they're competing against each other.

I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Really Cute
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Great for school libraries (both middle school and elementary school) and perfect for public libraries. This one will have an audience with those who like food, like baking or cooking, like reality TV, or like drama.