Showing posts with label Danna Smith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Danna Smith. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Picture Book Review: Thanksgiving Books



While this isn't strictly a Thanksgiving book - as it does go through the seasons of the year, it has a lovely message about being thankful. Of course, I love the bit about being thankful for parents who read stories and the bookstore love. I love the art in this book - it's so creative. What a charming book.

Bright colors, diverse characters, and a great message make this book a winner. Words of thanks aren't always required - sometimes an action is better. 


* These books were sent for review, and both make great additions to your library's collection. 


What are you thankful for?

Monday, August 29, 2022

Review: The Complete Book of Aspen

 


Aspen's father recently died- leaving a huge whole in her heart. Eight months later, her mom emerges from her grief and begins to live again. When her best friend gives her a DNA test to take because Sophie's obsessed with science, Aspen doesn't think twice.

Until her mom starts acting strange about it. And then the results come back. Aspen's relieved she doesn't have the cancer gene. But then she notices that there's not one drop of Italian blood in her DNA. Instead, she's Greek. But her father's ancestry is well known. 

There has to be some mistake.

Now Aspen's desperate to know who her father is - but her mom's not talking.

My Thoughts: This novel in verse sucked me in and didn't let go. I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed the concrete poems (poems in shapes) that mixed with regular poems. I felt terrible for Aspen as she struggled to uncover her identity - from her fights with her mother, her not so great boyfriend, and her friend who was dealing with her own family drama. A fun and fast read!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendation: Recommended for your school and public libraries