Picture Book Review: Because

A little goes to a musical event that changes the course of her entire life.

A wonderful picture book about how one event can change and influence your life. Because is a sweet and inspiring story with wonderful illustrations that showcases the power of music and ambition. This book would make a great conversation starter about the future. 

Mini Review: Battle of the Labyrinth

Percy Jackson and his friends are still trying to save the world and stop a war between the Titans and the Olympians.

The Good:
The Friendships
Rachel
The Action
The Danger
The Fight at Camp
Paul meeting Percy's Dad
Pan
Percy's trust issues

The Bad:
There's only one more book after this!

I read this book for our Year of Percy Jackson Book Club at the library. I'm so glad we picked this series because I read the first three when they came out but the fourth one escape me and then too much time had past and I forgot everything that came before. It's hard for me to re-read books because my TBR pile is HUGE. So I'm thankful for being able to finish up this series.

Tween Tuesday Review: Playing with Fire

Max has worn out his welcome with yet another foster family. As the last straw, this face worker places him in the Merry Sunshine Orphanage.

As Max begins a new chapter in his life, he hears that his father might still be alive. He'll do anything to break out of the orphanage and find him. He also becomes aware of the strangeness of his new home. First there are places off limits. Then there are the unusual classes he's forced to attend. Third, the field trips are not at all normal.

After one failed attempt to escape, he's forced to realize that the place he wants desperately to leave might be the only place safe for him.

My Thoughts: I felt so bad for Max. He had a rough time in life so far. Before he knows it, he's found himself a friend. He's unused to friendship and it takes him time and many mistakes to get the hang of it. I like how the people in the house - both the adults and the students show him what it means to be part of a family - especially when he needs it most. A heartwarming tale with lots of action, danger, and spy tricks. I can't wait for book 2.

Cover Thoughts: Excellent.
Source: My Library.

Tween Tuesday Review: Throne of Fire

The second book of the Kane Chronicles picks up three months after The Red Pyramid ends. The siblings and their associates attempt to break into a museum to locate the first part of the Book of Ra.

Unfortunately, the museum and the scroll are both heavily protected by curses, magical guards, and a high tech alarm system. They create massive damage to the museum and just barely escape with their lives. However, they obtain the first piece to the Book of Ra. They need to find and recover the other two pieces within four days time.

Carter and Sadie will use the Book of Ra to awaken the long retired Egyptian God, in hopes that he can save the world from the Chaos threatening to overtake it. The Gods and magicians start taking sides and Ra could be the world’s only hope.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this read - much more than the first book in the series. I'm not sure why that is - maybe it took me a little bit to acclimate myself to the new series. Normally I hate it when the narrator "talks" to the readers - but in this case, I think it works. I loved the danger, the drama, the snarkiness of Sadie, the humor, and the non-stop danger. I'm so looking forward to the last one in the trilogy!

Cover Thoughts: I like it - I love the light

Source: reviewed for VOYA

Review: Putting Makeup on Dead People

After her father’s death, Donna has simply been going through the motions in high school. She applies to college before she even knows what she wants to do with her life.

Donna isn’t happy; she hates that her family’s starting to move on. She hates knowing that she’ll never hear father laugh again. She hates that she's being left behind.

After a conversation with a mortician at a classmate’s wake, something shifts inside her.

Donna begins to find her confidence again after befriending the new girl in school. Liz seems to have all the right answers. She finally knows what she wants to do with her life. She wants to put makeup on dead people. She wants to help people find a way to get through the most awful time of their lives.

My Thoughts: This is not a book I would have picked up on my own, but I'm so glad I read it. I liked following Donna's path. She stood up for herself. She found her way. She branched out in her life. It's a little bit morbid. I love that it's an older book for YA - as it takes place during the last semester of high school and into Donna's further education. We need more books for this age - you can read my post here on my thoughts on YA and college. The book was funny, heart-wrenching, and an all around good read.

Cover Thoughts: Very different - eye catching - and a little creepy

Source: reviewing for VOYA

Spotted: Demonglass

Isn't it BEAUTIFUL?

I LOVED Hex Hall and I can't wait read this book!!!

It comes out next March!