Picture Book Review: Falling Star

One star waits to grant wishes, but it takes a toll on the star and the star falls. The star isn't sure what to do anymore or who to be.

So many emotions is this book! It's a great book to talk about change and failure and success. Sometimes life changes things in ways people can't imagine. This book carries that message across beautifully. 

* Book sent for review

Review: Stuff Kids Should Know

 

Contents of this book are cooler than they appear.

From the masterminds responsible for the beloved, award-winning podcast, Stuff You Should Know , comes a gut-busting and brain-bursting nonfiction book for young readers.

You know the deal. There's Language Arts, Math, Science and History. You have the color-coded folders and notebooks; you know the material. The classic subjects. But why isn't there a Stuff That Knocks Your Socks Off class, or Random Facts To Rock Your World?

Well, luckily, with Stuff Kids Should Know , an incomplete compendium of only the most interesting topics, you will find fascinating stories and facts that will melt your mind! From demolition derbies to Mr. Potato Head to the history of facial hair, this book is full of funny, surprising information that sparks curiosity and reveals the magic of knowledge.

For Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, the founders of the massively popular podcast Stuff You Should Know , the everyday world can be extraordinary when you dig a little deeper into the “whys” and the “hows”. With plenty of clever insights, silly illustrations, and an array of topics, this book digs deeper into stuff we all wish we knew more about. After all, who thought a rock would be a good idea for a pet? Well, let’s find out… (Summary from the publisher)

My Thoughts: This is a fun book for nonfiction readers. I loved learning more about Mr. Potato Head and Do(ugh)nuts. Yes, I'm craving a do(ugh)nut right now. This book has lots of humor, footnotes, and interesting facts. It would make a great gift for your nonfiction reader or someone who's very curious about all the things. 

Cover Thoughts: Fun

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendations: Highly recommended for your library collection.

Mini Review: Finding Mr Brightside

Their parents had an affair and died together in a car crash - now Abram and Juliette get to know each other and realize they might be perfect for each other.

The Good:
Dual points of view
Slowly revealing the details that lead to the deaths of their parental units
More meat to the story than the cover lets on
Smart quirky characters who were supportive of each other (not always supportive to everyone else) and sometimes unlikable


The Bad:
I think I would have liked them better as friends
The vacation moments with his parent's friends threw me for a loop

Final Thoughts: A solid read exploring grief and finding romance in unexpected places.

One last thought: This book reminded me of another book so much - but I can't put my finger on it - any ideas? Not necessarily the plot but the tone.

Source: ARC for review

Upcoming Review: I'll Meet You There

Skylar can't wait to leave her hometown behind and spread her wings. She's headed to art school and she couldn't be happier.

Until her mother goes in a downward spiral and looses her job. Skylar tries to get through to her mother, but she's stuck in a deep depression and nothing works. Could her future plans be in jeopardy?

The only person who can take her mind off her troubles is Josh - a marine veteran who just returned home after losing his leg. Together they attempt to weather the ups and downs of their small town.

My Thoughts: I loved this book. It made me feel EVERYTHING. I felt horrible for Skylar - being stuck in a rut and desperately trying to escape. I felt horrible for her relationship with her mom - and growing up too fast and for having to play the role of the parent herself. I loved her creative outlet and her collages. I cheered her on as she fought for her freedom and her escape to create a better life for herself.

I loved her relationship with Josh - how they were drawn to each other, how they were friends first, and how the sexual tension built until you just wanted to them to kiss already.

I loved Josh - he was dealing with so much from coming back home. Not just his time away and how it changed him but how he was left to get away and was stuck back where he started. I felt horrible for him dealing with his sense of loss and survivors guilt. 

This book was inspired by the author's life and I"m so glad she shared her family's story with us. It was touching, heartbreaking, and hopeful all at the same time.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Sent for Review
Release Date: February Third
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Overall Thoughts: This is one of those books that people having talking about for ages. Believe the hype and get yourself a copy of this book. You won't  be sorry.