Picture Book Review: If Animals Loved Books

The illustrations are charming in this book loving story. The ending is perfect. I'm not sure which animal is the cutest; they are all adorable. It might be the puppies and storytime. Or it could be....

You will have to read this book and decide for yourself. 

* Book sent for review 

Middle Grade Review: Tegan and Sara

Tegan and Sara are twins. They just moved and are now starting middle school in a new place. Both are anxious and worried about making new friends. It takes a while for them to navigate the waters. As they start having different friends for the first time in their lives, they start to form their own identities. 

My Thoughts: Confession: I don't really know who Tegan and Sara are IRL, but I do love twin stories (Thank you Sweet Valley High). But this made me do a little research on the sisters and wow. I loved how they were growing into their own identities - even if that meant sometimes growing apart. I did have trouble telling the twins apart - but that's more of a me problem. However, I was glad when one cut her hair shorter.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great graphic novel for your school and public library's collection.  

Picture Book Review: Miss Rita, Mystery Reader

Tori's father is the mystery reader at school today - but he's going in his later ego - Miss Rita. Tori helps him get ready with make-up and clothes and most importantly sparkles! Tori hopes that everyone will love Miss Rita, just as much as she does.

A fantastic story about draq queen storytime, being yourself, and sparkles. I love the message that Sparkling is serious business. I love how everyone participates in the story time. And I love the dad jokes. This book has great illustrations. It's perfect for reading all year round, but obviously also during Pride Month.

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your library's collection.

Tween Tuesday Review: Where You'll Find Me

Right before eighth grade, Anna's life changed. Her best friend dumped her to hang out with the more popular girls and her mom attempted suicide. Anna's the one that found her.

Now she's living with her father, his new wife, and their baby. Anna's not sure who to talk to about her life.

She starts eating lunch with other outsiders. The more time she spends with the misfits, the more she realizes she's one of them.

After hanging out with them, maybe she'll be able to find herself again.

My Thoughts: I would never ever go back to middle school. Anna's at the age, where everything she does is uncool. My heart went out to her as she struggled hard with the problems in her life without having a support system. I loved how she spent time with the misfits and eventually came to accept them as friends. I love how they owned their differences and how they had fun together. I liked how Anna's relationship evolved with her family.

I devoured this book and didn't want it to end. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: Purchased
Fun Fact: I got my copy of the book signed at an author event. Read about it here.

Final Thoughts: This one should be in every library - grab it up and read it first though. 

Review: Struck

* Comes out May 8th*

Destruction hits LA with an earthquake. Mia and her family are trying to escape from the harsh aftermath. Mia and her brother attend school only for the rations at the end of the day.

Their mother isn't well. She's a shell of her former self. Mia's trying to keep the family together. She's not happy when someone at school discovers her secret.

Mia's drawn to lightning. It's struck her over and over again and her body's covered with red scars. The lightning gives her power.

Now other people recognize her power and Mia's caught in a deadly struggle between two organization who claim they need her help. Mia could be the destruction of the earth or she could be the salvation. Mia's sure she doesn't want to be anyone's instrument, but will she have a choice?

My Thoughts: I loved the idea of the lightning as power and a weapon. It was a unique idea to me. I loved the forbidden love angle and Jeremy. He was intense, shy, nerdy, and determined. I liked Mia for her snark, her reservations, her loyalty to her family, and her strength. I liked the two cults - both interesting in their own way and both scary. The ending was intense, tying up the loose ends, but leaving room for more of Mia's story. (A quick check on Goodreads tells me that this book is Struck #1). A great debut with drama, cults, romance, and the possible destruction of the world.


Cover Thoughts: Great! I love the lightning and the scars.


Source: the publisher


Challenge: Debut Author Challenge 2012


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