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

Middle Grade Review: North for the Winter

Virginia and her father are moving just days before Christmas. Virigina's mother died and she feels like she's also lost her father. After an accident that involves a flat tired, Virigina flees the car because she spies...something in the woods. There she finds a reindeer.

She accidentally takes the reindeer's compass. Without the compass, the reindeer can't find Santa. Virginia needs help. A neighbor asks if she wants a tour of the town. Benny and Virigina might be the only hope to save Christmas. 

My Thoughts: This was such a fun graphic novel. I love that it's based off a story from 1955 when a young boy called the military asking for Santa Claus. The military began tracking Santa Claus after that moment. I loved how Benny and Virginia became fast friends. I felt terrible for Virginia for the death her mom and her absent father. I love how everything turned out. This is a magical graphic novel all about hope, friendship, and the magic of Christmas. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A magical graphic novel all about Christmas. 

Graphic Novel Review: Mixed-Up

Stella and her two best friends are really excited for 5th grade. But before long, Stella's drowning in work. Worse, her favorite fandom just launched a computer game, but you have to read the manual for all the tips and tricks. Reading is hard for Stella. She doesn't need more work.

She stops playing the game. She stops talking to her friends because all these want to do is talk about the game. She's too embarrassed to tell them about her struggles. 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel. I loved how the friends had a fandom they shared. I felt bad for Stella and her reading struggles, but I love that she got help. I think this is a very important message for readers - reading can be hard and it's ok to struggle and its ok to ask for help. I love the illustrations and that one of the characters looks like the author! 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Book sent for review

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

Middle Grade Graphic Novel Review: Mia and Friends

Mia Hamm became the face of Women's Soccer - this graphic novel shares her story: from the first moment she touched a soccer ball to the 1999 Women's World Cup final. 

She (and her teammates) inspired a generation of women. She didn't give up; her work ethic was amazing.

I love how this graphic novel shares the history of that women's soccer team, and how they exploded into popularity. They made women's soccer exciting.

    

There are two pieces after the story ends:

1. update on players today

2. how the women fought for a won equal pay (honestly, this could have been its own graphic novel)

It's important to see the history so we can see how far we have come. 

BookTok: Lunar New Year Love Story

I was super excited to have this book sent for review! 

And here's my review for BookTok

 

@yabooknerdlibrarian You will want to put this one in your reading list! Thank First Second for the review cooy! #lunarnewyear #graphicnovel #yabook #booktok #lovestory ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

Graphic Novel Review: Hungry Ghosts

No one knows Valerie's secret - not even her best friend Jordan. Valerie's mom is always talking about tasting food, Valerie's weight, and the importance of not eating. It's no wonder that Valerie has an eating disorder.

She's bulimic and has been for years. But no one has noticed. Being thin is important to Valerie because 1) thin is better and 2) she's an obedient daughter.

But something devastating happens and it causes Valerie to take a good long look at herself. 

My Thoughts: This was a sad but powerful graphic novel. I felt terrible for Valerie. She dealt with a lot of emotional trauma from her mother - which led to her terrible relationship with food. I'm surprised no one discovered her secret. I enjoyed the friendship between Valerie and Jordan - especially how they talked about everything. I admire Valerie's decision about choosing herself. That's not an easy choice to make. 

Cover Thoughts: Intriguing. 

Source: My library

Library Recommendations: A powerful book that's a must have for your library's collection

Graphic Novel Review: Horse Trouble

 

Kate loves horses and riding. She'll do anything to spend more time with horse - including working on her riding barn. She's not rich like some of the other girls. The same girls who look down their nose at Kate. But she's not about to let them stop her.

She's also not about to let a few falls stop her either. She's determined to be the best rider ever - and maybe advance a level.

However, she's also worried about her weight, her friends, liking boys, and growing up. It's a lot to worry about, but luckily, she has horses to help.

My Thoughts: I really loved this graphic novel - I've never grown out of that horse loving phase and this made me want to ride horses. I felt for Kate - for all the drama and all the emotions. I loved her determination and her willingness to get back on the horse and to try new things!

Cover Thoughts: This was a funny part of the book

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library.

Graphic Novel Review: Friends Forever

* Book 3 in the Friends series *

Shannon's in 8th grade and now has a solid group of friends. But she's still anxious and insecure. Shannon's figuring out how to be happy, how to be herself, and how to feel "normal."

My Thoughts: I adore this series - it's so thought provoking. Because Shannon goes through tough times. Middle school really is the worst. There are SO many feelings in middle school.  Friendship drama is so hard. Feeling insecure is terrible. It's hard figuring out boys. This book is heart wrenching and sad but also hopeful. I hope that this series continues through high school.

And this illustrations are amazingly good.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: This is a must have series for your school and public libraries.

Graphic Novel Review: Dragon Hoops

Dragon Hoops follows one California team as they chance the state championship title. They've been chasing the title for years and have gotten to the title game several times...but have come up short each time.

Gene Yang's never been a jock. He's more of a nerd and that has stayed true from his high school days to his teaching days.  When he attempts to find the subject for his new book, he thinks this might be the perfect story to tell.

My Thoughts: And it is. I'm a basketball fan. I played basketball, I watch basketball, and I love reading about basketball. So I knew that I was going to love this book. I loved how the history of basketball was interwoven with the story. I loved learning about the players on the team. I also love stories about the underdogs. It's the story of dreams, hope, and hard work.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect. I love the little bumps on the cover. Genius.

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for high school libraries and public libraries.

Graphic Novel Review: Go with the Flow

Three best friends take the new girl under her wing when she has a period mishap. When they discover there aren't any period supplies in the bathroom, they become irritated. Then they demand change.

My Thoughts: I loved this graphic novel for so many reasons. I loved that the author didn't shy away from period issues, she talked openly about the different kids of periods, the cramps, the terrible feeling, and how no one wants to know anything about periods. It's a great feminist graphic novel about bodies, friendship, and all that drama that comes with being in high school. I loved blogs, letters, protests as the girls tried to take on the high school administration. And the art work was amazing too.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have for schools and public libraries. 

Graphic Novel Review: Kitten Construction Company

So far there are only two books in the Kitten Construction Company series. In the first book, Marmalade wants to build things. But people keep underestimating her abilities because she's a cute kitten. Annoyed, she teams up with other cats and they prove themselves to the city.

In the second book, the kittens are asked to build a bridge. Forgetting that they hate water, Marmalade takes the job. When she's forced to work with the dogs, she treats them badly. Until she realizes that that's the way people treated her. She fixes her mistake and the two join forces to create a wonderful bridge.

I really enjoyed these books. The kittens might be adorable, but they just want to get the job done. I love the message about underestimating people and treating others the way you'd like to be treated. The illustrations are super cute. I loved the picture illustrations. I do hope there are more books to follow!

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great series for your school or public library. Hand these out to your animal loving kids or STEAM loving kids.

Graphic Novel Review: Pumpkinheads

Since their freshman year of high school, Deja and Josiah spend their fall (September 1st thru Halloween) working together at the pumpkin Patch. Together they oversee the Succotash Hut.  Each year, for two months they're best friends. After Halloween, they go their separate ways.

But now it's Halloween night, their senior year. It's their last night together. Deja has a plan for them to have an adventure. She wants to try all the snacks. She wants Josiah to talk with the girl he's been crushing over for three years. She wants them to have a night to remember. 

My Thoughts: I really loved this graphic novel. I loved the story. I loved the art. I loved that the events took place in just one night. I loved spending time in the pumpkin patch - it made me want to visit. It's a sweet story about friendship, romance, making every moment count, not having regrets, and taking chances.

It's also the perfect book to read over Halloween!

I would love to see this team pair up again - maybe for a Christmas/Winter story.

Library Recommendation: A must have graphic novel for your school and public libraries.

Deja and Josiah are seasonal best friends.

Every autumn, all through high school, they’ve worked together at the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world. (Not many people know that the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world is in Omaha, Nebraska, but it definitely is.) They say good-bye every Halloween, and they’re reunited every September 1.

But this Halloween is different—Josiah and Deja are finally seniors, and this is their last season at the pumpkin patch. Their last shift together. Their last good-bye.

Josiah’s ready to spend the whole night feeling melancholy about it. Deja isn’t ready to let him. She’s got a plan: What if—instead of moping and the usual slinging lima beans down at the Succotash Hut—they went out with a bang? They could see all the sights! Taste all the snacks! And Josiah could finally talk to that cute girl he’s been mooning over for three years . . .

What if their last shift was an adventure? Deja and Josiah are seasonal best friends.

Every autumn, all through high school, they’ve worked together at the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world. (Not many people know that the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world is in Omaha, Nebraska, but it definitely is.) They say good-bye every Halloween, and they’re reunited every September 1.

But this Halloween is different—Josiah and Deja are finally seniors, and this is their last season at the pumpkin patch. Their last shift together. Their last good-bye.

Josiah’s ready to spend the whole night feeling melancholy about it. Deja isn’t ready to let him. She’s got a plan: What if—instead of moping and the usual slinging lima beans down at the Succotash Hut—they went out with a bang? They could see all the sights! Taste all the snacks! And Josiah could finally talk to that cute girl he’s been mooning over for three years . . .

What if their last shift was an adventure?

On Your Radar: Stargazing (30)

Title: Stargazing

Author: Jen Wang
Publisher: First Second
Release Date: September 10, 2019

Why it Should Be On Your Radar: 
* Kindness
* Music
* New friendship
* Different families
* Beliefs
* Jealousy
* Based on the author's life events

Another great graphic novel from Jen Wang.
Source: BEA arc 19

Graphic Novel Review: Bloom

Ari wants to move to the city with his band to see if they can make it. His father won't let him leave the family bakery. It's struggling and he needs Ari's help. Ari hates working at the bakery. He's desperate to find someone to take his place so he can live out his dream. Ari finds Hector who loves baking. But the more time he spends with Hector the more he doesn't want to leave.

My Thoughts: I loved this graphic novel - for the romance and for the bakery. I loved watching Hector and Ari develop a friendship and then something more. I loved their moments in the bakery. I love how they worked together. 

Reading Recommendation: Read this one if you liked Check, Please.

Graphic Novel Review: Check Please

Helloooo, Internet Land. Bitty here!

Y’all... I might not be ready for this. I may be a former junior figure skating champion, vlogger extraordinaire, and very talented amateur pâtissier, but being a freshman on the Samwell University hockey team is a whole new challenge. It’s nothing like co-ed club hockey back in Georgia! First of all? There’s checking. And then, there is Jack—our very attractive but moody captain. (Summary from the publisher)

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel. I'd been hearing about it for AGES and I'm so glad I got the chance to read it. Here's what I liked about it:
Pies
Hockey
Friendships
College
Vlog
Embarrassing Parents 
Bitty
Jack
And that ending!

I want more immediately!


Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library

Blog Tour: Spill Zone

Book News:

New paperback design for book 1

Newly released book 2

Duology is now complete.

Ten Reasons to Read it:

1. Photographs

2. Sisters

3. Secrets

4. Creepy Dolls

5. Breaking the Rules

6. Betrayals

7. Danger

8. Bike Riding

9. Plot Twists

10. Addison 

I enjoyed reading these books and the second book answered more questions. I'm a little disappointed there won't be a third because there could be more books. I raced through the books in one sitting, because I needed answers. And they were not the ones I was expecting. I really loved Addison - her fierceness and determination made me admire her. I also enjoyed how she needed to protect her sister. The moments between the sisters made me smile. Plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat.

About the Author: Scott Westerfeld

Scott Westerfeld is a New York Times bestselling author of YA. He was born in the Texas and now lives in Sydney and New York City. In 2001, Westerfeld married fellow author Justine Larbalestier.

He is best know for the Uglies and Leviathan series, and his next book, Afterworlds, comes out September 23, 2014.

His book Evolution's Darling was a New York Times Notable Book, and won a Special Citation for the 2000 Philip K. Dick Award. So Yesterday won a Victorian Premier's Award and both Leviathan and Midnighters 1: The Secret Hour won Aurealis Awards. Peeps and Uglies were both named as Best Books for Young Adults 2006 by the American Library Association.

I've met Scott Westerfeld a few times.

About the Illustrator: Alex Puvilland

Having grown up in France in the eighties, Alexandre Puvilland may have mad cow disease and holes in his brain. He might also be perfectly normal.

Alexandre lives in San Francisco with his ridiculously talented wife LeUyen Pham and their no less spectacular sons Leo and Adrien.

Graphic Novel Review: Scarlett Hart Monster Hunter

Scarlett hunts monsters - for her job. She's carrying on the work her parents did before her - with the help of her butler. Because she's underage, the authorities refuse to allow her the job. She has ways of getting around them - that is until her archnemesis decides to take matters into his own hands. If caught, Scarlett could lose everything. But she's not ready to back down.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel. I loved the monster hunting. I loved the mystery of what happened to Scarlett's parents. I really adored the relationship between Scarlett and Napoleon, the butler. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Cover Thoughts: Super Fun
Source: My Library

Graphic Novel Review: Prince and the Dressmaker

Prince Sebastian has a secret and he's not willing to share it. There are days when he likes being a prince and there are days when he likes dressing in dresses. When he spies a dress created by Frances, he tracks her downs and offers her a job as his personal seamstress. 

Frances can't believe her good fortune; she loves creating and designing dresses. 

Soon the two become great friends. But Sebastian's secret is hard to keep when Frances has the opportunity to meet her role model. Keeping the Prince's secret means keeping her identity a secret as well.

My Thoughts: I really loved this graphic novel; I didn't want it to end. I loved the art work. I loved the fashion. I loved the friendship between Frances and Sebastian. I felt bad for both of them dealing with this secret and trying to live in the palace. I loved Sebastian's parents. Believe the hype about this graphic novel because it's true!

Cover Thoughts: Adorable.

Source: my Library

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for all public libraries!

Graphic Novel Review: Cucumber Quest

An evil queen wants to take over the world. The night before Cucumber's supposed to leave for school, a letter arrives from his father asking him to save the world. Cucumber doesn't have the skills nor the desire to save the world. He wants to be left in peace so he can go to school. Unfortunately, his mother decides otherwise. Luckily for him, Almond (his sister) accompanies him. She's far more suited to the task - in fact she saves his life. Can they save the world together?

I enjoyed this book. I loved Almond's take charge attitude and how Cucumber really didn't want to go save the world. He wanted to send his sister instead because she would be better than him. The art work is charming, the banter is cute, and the story is fun.  Plus who doesn't want to visit a place called the Doughnut Kingdom? I'm eager for the next installment.

Graphic Novel Review: Time Machine

Delia has an opportunity to spend the summer at a Time Traveling Museum as an intern, but she'll have to beat out five other applicants. Even though they're supposed to be competing against each other, they form a friendship, helping each other out of tight spots. Could they really only pick just one of them?

My Thoughts: This is the first in a new series and I loved it. I'm here for more. I loved how the different applicants for the internship were from different time periods. I love how they worked together, even against their better judgement at times. I love how they had their skills of expertise. I enjoyed the traveling through time and learning about time tears. It would be fascinating to see other time periods - for me it would Renaissance Italy and Regency England. Looking forward to seeing what happens next!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your middle grade collections - both school and public libraries!