Review: In the Blood

 

Tessa was abandoned at the fire station when she was a baby. She's never known anything about her birth parents and always wondered. Not that her adoptive parents aren't great, but it just feels like a part of her is missing. 

When she turns 18, her best friend gives her an ancestry kit, hoping that Tessa will find some answers. She never imagines what she'll uncover and how that will change everything.

My Thoughts: I really love April Henry and was thrilled to have an ARC of her latest book. I love how Tessa's school work in science class mirrored her testing. I loved Tessa's friendship with El and her growing relationship with Victor. I loved the alternative perspectives. On the mystery side, I loved learning details about the Portland Phantom - from the documentary excerpts and the police officers working the case. I liked the perspective of the killer and learning details from him.  This one was a creepy addictive read that I didn't want to put down (classic April Henry) 

Cover Thoughts: Creepy -but good!

Source: ARC sent for review

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

* Book comes out May 12 (Tuesday)

Picture Book Review: The Apprenticeship of Andrew Wyeth

 

This book showcases the early years of Andrew Wyeth as he forms his painting style.

I confess, I didn't know much about Andrew Wyeth if anything. This was an interesting book and it did make me do a bit of research after reading it. I find it fascinating that his father was an illustrator. Several of his siblings were also painters. I do like it when picture books make me curious enough about the subject to do more research. I loved the illustrations in this book. 

Review: When We Go Missing

 

What if you found evidence of a crime, but no one believed you?

Seventeen-year-old Willow always has a camera around her neck. She volunteers as a photographer at Finding Home animal shelter. When Willow stumbles upon a lost camera memory card, it’s filled with hundreds of photos of teenage girls. Some are smiling, others unaware, and a few seem terrified.

The police tell her taking photos in public isn’t a crime. But Willow can’t seem to let it go, especially after she finds her own photo on the card. Willow teams up with new volunteer Dare to figure out what happened to the girls. - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. It's creepy and had me turning the pages. Although I did have to stop when it got too close to bedtime, so I wouldn't have nightmares. I loved the time at the shelter with the animals and watching the behind-the-scenes moments. I felt bad for Dare for what he went through (and I'm still coming to terms with it.) I feel for Willow with her home life situation. This book was so fantastic.

Cover Thoughts: Eye-catching

Source: My Library

Why I read this book: The author

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library

Hand this book to: thriller readers and animal lovers

* There is an animal death, which happens before the story takes place.

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! 

Review: Stay Dead

 

Milan's father died in a car accident. Milan believes that it's her fault. Her mother took over her father's Senate seat. Milan was shipped off to boarding school. She was kicked out of that boarding school and currently she's being kicked out of yet another boarding school.  

Her mother's jet is stopping to pick her up on the way to an event near their hometown. But a bomb causes the jet's wing to break away from the plane. The pilot attempts to land the plane, but it crashes on the side of a mountain. Fire ripped through the plane. But just before, Milan escapes with her mother.

Her mother has internal injuries. She uses all her energy to tell Milan the truth about the past. Her father didn't die in an accident. The plane crash wasn't an accident. Her mom gives Milan instructions on what to do next. 

For Milan, it means getting off the mountain in the middle of winter and making the trek home. But she can't trust anyone. 

My Thoughts: Ever since learning about this book, I've wanted to read it. And it did not disappoint. Someone said you needed to clear your afternoon to read this because you were not going to put it down. They were right. I didn't want this book to end. Lots of action and danger here. It's one-half mystery and one-half survival story. If this isn't in your TBR pile, add it immediately.

Cover Thoughts: Great

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have thriller for your YA section in school and public libraries. 

Review: Girl Forgotten

 

Piper is new to town when she stumbles across a gravestone. Layla died twenty years ago, when she was Piper's age. A quick internet search reveals that she was murdered and that the case is unsolved. When Piper learns that her school requires a senior project, she decides to create a podcast based on the murder.

She learns the ins and outs of podcasting from a new friend. But not everyone is happy as she digs up old information and new rumors. She opens up new wounds and someone wants her to stop. Piper receives threatening letters, but she's too curious to stop digging. 

My Thoughts: A great thriller. I did not want to put this book down. I did figure out the murdered, but it took me a while. I really enjoyed the podcasting pieces - from learning about podcasting to reading the transcripts. I loved the friendship develop between Piper and Jonas. I've read several of April Henry books and I've loved them all. 

Cover Thoughts: I like it

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your library

If you're a podcast fan, check out this list of podcasting books 

Picture Book Review: Knight Owl

 

Owl has a big dream - he dreams of becoming a knight. But can he become a knight with his size limitations?

A great book about making your big dreams come true, working hard, and taking advantage of your strengths. I loved the moments with the dragon and the pizza!  The illustrations are lovely. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to share it with others.

Library recommendation: Highly Recommended for your school and public library

Mini Review: Cool Creations in 35 Pieces

 The Good: A fantastic idea. I loved the variety of the creations from robots to animals to cities to furniture. I loved the creations - while it was a hard job picking out some favorites, I did it and they include: Space Shark, Intergalactic Capital, Electric Guitar, Camera, Steam Engine, Oogly, and Shocked Bunny. Great photos, funny names, and helpful instructions. There are not instructions for all of them, but figuring out how to build the other pieces is part of the fun. An interactive book that could provide hours of entertainment!

The Bad: I have an urge to build things with Lego and I have none in the house. A trip to the store might be in order.

Library Idea: Hold a Lego program and give everyone the same pieces. Have them all build something around a centered theme. Take pictures of all the various creations.

Source: Sent for Review