Middle Grade Review: The Taylors

 

Four girls meet in middle school (5th grade). Each of them is named Taylor - named our course after the greatest singer ever! Three of them have nicknames: Teffy, Tay-Tay, and TS. They bond over their love for their namesake. 

Soon, they start hanging out and quickly become a foursome. They desperately want to attend the ERAS tour when it comes to town, but the tickets are outrageously expensive. They start a friendship bracelet making business in hopes to raise enough money. The Taylors make a pact to go tother or not at all. Will their biggest wish come true?

My Thoughts: This is the first in a new series about these four best friends. I love how they came together in their own little meet-cute. I love how they start connecting and supporting each other. They help each other become better. There are some mean girl moments, lots of friendship drama, lots of Taylor Swift references, and many school moments. I love how everything tuned out for these friends. 

And the books continue with the girls four years later as they start high school:

Cover Thoughts: Adorable!

Source: My Library

Why I Read This: Taylor Swift and friendship and Jen Calonita 

Give this to: Readers who love Taylor Swift and friendship drama

Library Recommendation: A must have book in your school and public library for all our Swiftie Readers!

Middle Grade Review: Isle of Ever

 

Days after her twelfth birthday, Everly "Benny" Benedict learns she's the heir to a fortune! But to collect the inheritance, she first has to play—and win—a game. Following clues that her ancestor left, Benny must locate a small island that vanished long ago, according to legend.

She has only two weeks to play the game and find the island. If she's successful, she'll break a two-hundred-year-old curse. If she fails, the fortune will be forfeited. And if she's not careful, she'll cross paths with someone else who is after the island's secrets, and who will stop at nothing to get them. Because, as it turns out, there's far more than a fortune at stake. - summary from publisher

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. I loved how one letter changed Benny's life. I love how she experienced a new world - one with everything at her fingertips. I enjoyed watching her make friends and trying to figure out the clues. I loved exploring the town with them. I enjoyed the two timelines and the magic of everything. And that ending! I can't wait for book two to find out what happens next. 

Why I Read It: The Author but also puzzle books

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public library

Hand this book: to readers who like puzzles

** this is a middle grade book that reminds me of Jennifer Lynn Barnes' Inheritance Games

Book Tok: 12 to 22

If you like this movie:

you'll enjoy this book:

 Here's why:

@yabooknerdlibrarian If you’re a #Swiftie or a fan of 13 Going on 30 - this book is awesomesauce! #13goingon30 #booktok #middlegradebooks #influencer #amreading #halfbirthday ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

Book List: YA Books set in Hollywood

Last week, I talked about Hollywood books for Adults, so this week I'm talking about YA books. 

I love YA books set in Hollywood. It's one of my favorite buzz words.

Book List:

Secrets of My Hollywood Life by Jen Calonita

This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E Smith

Behind the Scenes by Dahlia Adler

Love Scene, Take Two by Alex Evansley

Something Real by Heather Demetrios

Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan

Books Not Pictured:

Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss by Kasie West

Lost in Hollywood by Cindy Callaghan (Middle Grade)

Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour

Famous in Love by Rebecca Serle

Teen Idol by Meg Cabot

The Daughters by Joanna Philbin

Now a Major Motion Picture by Cory McCarthy 

Spoiled by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

Off the Record by Camryn Garrett 

Geekerella by Ashely Poston

Review: Wished

* Book 5 in the Fairy Tale Reform School Series *

Gilly and her friends are prepping for the next attack from Rumpelstiltskin. In fact, that's all anyone at school can talk about. Maxine's sick of it; she wants people to be happy.

In fact, when she discovers a genie's lamp, that's exactly her first wish. Suddenly everyone's happy fun and no one is worried, except Gilly. Now everything's out of control. Everyone's worried about putting on a musical and no one is worried about the school's defense.

Maxine knows that it's too much, but she's so tired of everyone being miserable all the time that she refuses to break the spell. Can Gilly convince her before it's too late?

My Thoughts: Another fun book in this series. I enjoyed the genie plot - and how wishes never quite turn out the way people expect. It's fun seeing my favorite characters again. I loved that Gilly didn't let others talk her out of her career choice simply because of her past - and that she had a chance to experience the job herself. I'm intrigued about her family history. I can't wait to see where this story goes next!

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: High recommend this series for your school and public libraries.

Review: Misfits

* First in a new spin-off series *

Devin never really fit in - and she's not interested in attending Royal Academy. But she doesn't have a choice. Devin can talk to animals and she wants to work with them instead of learning how to dance, finding herself a prince, or learn how to become a damsel in distress.

In fact, she's so far from the damsel in distress, she helped saved the day from harpies, but managed to make the headmistress angry. She received her first strike against her.

A lady is supposed to wait for a prince to save her, not save herself and others. Devin believes there's something seriously wrong at the Royal Academy.

Tests are happening, but they don't feel like tests. Devin finds herself in the middle of a fight she doesn't understand and can't win.

My Thoughts: I loved Devin - for her feminist ways, for her ability to save herself and others. I admired her strength and determination - even in a world that didn't make sense for her. I loved her ways with animals and how she befriended and helped them. I liked the moments with her roommates - from their horror at her priorities to how they stood with her. I loved her fashion sense - pockets and pants. Of course there are mentions of other fairy tales. I can't wait to see where this story goes next.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable
Source: ARC from BEA
Library Recommendation: Grab this series for your school and public library!

BEA Recap in Photos

Last week was Book Expo America - or in other words, bookmania.

On Wednesday after arriving in New York, I attended two events.

Novl Tea at Little Brown.

And the SLJ Librarians' Dinner, which I don't have any pictures from, but it was lots of fun with CT Librarian friends and amazing authors. Also they signed books, meaning I didn't have to wait in line for them the next day.

Thursday and Friday were both packed full of authors, books, and bookish people. The pictures are not in any real order.

Ryan T. Higgins signing Bruce's Big Move. I love this picture book series. Santa Bruce comes out later this fall.

Jen Calonita signing Misfits, the spin-off series of Fairy Tale Reform School

Tony DiTerlizzi signing posters of The Broken Ornament, which comes out later this fall.

Jarrett J. Krosoczka signing Hey, Kiddo - his graphic novel memoir which is sad, but really really good. Also David Levithan, his editor, is there too.

The Queen with her corgis - just hanging out in the Scholastic Booth - promoting Spy Kids.

Shannon and Dean Hale signing Princess in Black and the Science Fair Scare

Jordan Matter signing his Born to Dance book, I love these pictures. He confessed that the real book is even better because they had to change some things around.

Brad Meltzer and Chris Eliopoulous signing I am Neil Armstrong.

Eoin Colfer signing Artemis Fowl (soon to be a movie)

Martina McBride signing a picture for her upcoming cookbook.

Jan Brett signing her newest book Snowy Nap. They handed out bags to match the cover of the book. So cute!

Mark Crilley drawing me a picture in his new drawing book

Brigid Kemmerer signing her upcoming book a Curse So Dark and Lonely

Spy School series stand.

Hanging out with Brad Meltzer again.

Also I met my #otspsecretsister that I'm gifting this time around!
Check us out on her Instagram page.

So there you have it, three days of fun in pictures.

Stay tuned for more about the books.

Middle Grade Review: Switched

* Book 4 in the Fairy Tale Reform School series *

Gilly's still not thrilled with her schooling situation, she loves the new school idea. But she's not happy with one of her new teachers. Plus her sister is still missing.  She's finding it hard to concentrate when all she wants to do is save the day - again.

Even though the royal court swears they will take care of it, there is no news. Should Gilly strike out on her own and figure things out?

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I loved the addition of the new royal family - the librarian and her husband. I loved learning about the library, it sounded amazing. I really liked A.G. and how Gilly helped her realize her true potential but also fit into the school. I felt terrible for Gilly for most of the book. I can't wait to see where the new spin-off series goes, because there are questions I need answered!

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this series for your school and public libraries.

Middle Grade Review: Tricked

* Book 3 in the Fairy Tale Reform School series *

Gilly's graduated Fairy Tale Reform School, but nothing feels the same now that she's home. She hates cobbler school. She misses her friends. Something must change.

When she hears that Rumplestiltskin has taken over the school and made it worse, she's concerned. When Anna, her younger sister, gets taken to the school, Gilly wants to help her. But Anna seems content with her two new friends Hansel and Gretel.

Gilly decides she must act and save her sister. She gets herself thrown back into FTRS along with a few good friends. But this time, things are very different. Can she save the school once again?

My Thoughts: I really liked this book - I liked how Gilly felt responsible for Anna and attempted to help her. I was happy seeing all my old favorite characters. The news ones, especially the magical animal pets, added some humor to the story. I enjoyed the Stiltskin Squad and their trickster habits. I loved the quest and how that worked out. I enjoyed meeting Little Red Riding Hood. The ending was lovely, luckily I had the next book in the series to read immediately afterwards.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A great series for school and public libraries, especially where mixed up fairy tales are popular. This series is an easy hand sell.

Review: Turn it Up

Lidia and Sydney aren't just best friends, they're the new co-captains of the Nightingales, the high school a cappella group. The group hasn't won a competition in years and Lidia and Sydney have big plans for this year; they can't wait.

One day before work, they plan to meet at a coffee shop. Lidia's a few minute late and when she arrives, she spies the boy she's been crushing over forever kissing her best friend. She flees.

And they don't talk about it, leaving the wounds to fester. They both handle it badly until Lidia blows up at the first Nightingales meeting. Their dirty laundry comes out. Will they let one boy affect the group?

My Thoughts: If you're a fan of Pitch Perfect, you're going to love this book. I felt badly for both girls as they struggled with their feelings. I loved the moments with the group singing - as they struggled to find their identity. I loved Julianna and how she overcame her stage fright and found her voice. I liked the pranks between the Kingfishers and the Nightingales. I loved Lidia's family and their singing moments. I enjoyed her dancing and her determination. I loved the moments with Jack, especially in the moments in the candy shop. I liked the moments between Griffin and Sydney. I really liked how the girls came back together and how they moved forward. 

Cover Thoughts: Super Cute
Souce: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendations: Grab this one for your schools and public library.

Tween Tuesday Review: Charmed

 * Book 2 in the Fairy Tale Reform School series *

Gilly's struggling with her new found fame after saving the school (with the help of her friends) - but the danger isn't over.

The Wicked One has a plan of her own. She wants to take over the kingdom, starting with the school. She's offering students the choice of joining her.

Gilly knows that she needs to keep her eye on things; something's not right. There's a mole inside the school. When she's asked to join the Royal Ladies in Waiting, Gilly has no interest, but maybe joining will give her some answers. Can Gilly and her friends save the kingdom again?

My Thoughts: Another fantastic story! I love Gilly and her friends, even though they fought for much of the book. I like how Gilly's head swelled a bit, but how she finally came back down to earth. I like the idea of the reluctant hero and how Gilly doesn't want to be a hero, but she's not about to sit on the side lines either. I love how she wants to take action against evil. I like the improvement in Gilly's family's life - how they had enough money for food and clothes.  I Loved Blackbeard. He was entertaining and a nice addiction to the already fun cast of characters.  A charming story; so looking forward to the next book in this series! 


Cover Thoughts: Really Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for all Children's Libraries - especially for patrons who can't get enough fairy tales!

VIP Battle of the Bands Blog Tour

Best Boy Bands by Jen Calonita

Author of the VIP series. Battle of the Bands, the second book, is out now.

I loved this book, you can read my review here.

Writing a middle grade series about a girl who gets to go on the road with her favorite boy band when her mom gets a job with them wasn't a stretch for me. It was my life-long dream for me. When I was Mackenzie's age, my bedroom walls were wallpapered with posters of New Kids on the Block. My drawers were filled with NKOTB t-shirts, and my bed had a New Kids comforter and sheet set. My heart though, only belonged to one band member, Joey McIntrye. I slept on a pillowcase with his face on it for years. 

When I grew up and got to interview Joey for my magazine, it was the first time I was ever really starstruck. I could barely speak. All I could think was: "We were imaginary married and now I'm sitting and talking to you." 

I was a bit more composed when I met my second favorite band, 'NSync. I loved getting to hang with the guys backstage before a few concerts to report on the shenanigans for work and I loved their music. Whenever the opportunity came up to do something with 'Nsync, I practically begged to be assigned the gig. I flew to Toronto to interview Joey Fatone and Lass Bass on the set of their movie, interviewed Joey on Broadway and got to hang with all the guys before concerts. 

One of my favorite pictures from my Teen People days is one of me with the guys (I still use it for school visits). If I had to list other bands I loved, none would come close to NKOTB or 'Nsync, but I did like Backstreet Boys, and I routinely run to One Direction tunes. I have a feeling once you fall for a boy band your heart always belongs to them. At least mine does. I can't wait to see which boy band my heart falls for next. 

Do you have a favorite boy band? Let us know in the comments! 

Tween Tuesday Review: VIP Battle of the Bands

 * Book 2 in the VIP series *

Mac is still living her dream and touring with her favorite band. Perfect Storm is on the rise and loving their time. They're recording some new music, including a song about Mac.

That is until a new up and coming band steals the song and records it first. Now the boys of Perfect Storm are angry and want revenge.

Because both bands are with the same studio, they're sent out on tour together. Of course this starts an all out war between the two bands. And it looks like perfect storm is going down from their behavior and all their most private secrets share with the public. Someone is clearly sabotaging them. Can Mac figure it out before the band breaks up?

My Thoughts: I loved the sequel. I loved getting to know the guys more. I loved the comics. Again the art was cool and Mac became more confidence on page. I felt bad for the guys as their world came apart and their secrets were shared. I can't imagine the pressure these guys must be under and how awful it would be to have your secrets spilled out into the world. No one made great choices here. I liked the vlogger angle and how the played out. A fantastically fun sequel and I can't wait to read more about Mac and her friends and the guys.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Sent for Review
Release Date: Out Today
Library Recommendation:  Highly recommended for tween collections, this one will fly off the shelves.

Books I'm Dying to Read: March Edition

With cooler weather, I'm looking forward to reading these books on the longer nights inside, maybe in front of the fire with some adult hot chocolate and a snuggling dog.

 
What You Always Wanted: High School theater romance
The Way I Used to be: Compared to Speak - debut novel
Tyranny of Petticoats: 15 Short Stories of girls who kick ass
Burning Glass: One girl can sense potential assassins and becomes very useful to the king
Lifeboat Clique: A party goes horribly wrong and now Denver is stuck in a boat with her ex-BFF

Map of Fates: Really Enjoyed Conspiracy of Us, looking forward to finding out more.

A Study in Charlotte: Descendants of Watson and Holmes framed for murder
Into the Dim: Time Traveler romance where she's trapped in the 12th century
The Girl Who Fell: Love isn't always fantastic - sometimes it hurts and it's wrong
In Real Life: Best friends meeting for the first time - what could possibly go wrong?
Leaving Season: Sounds like a heartbreaking love story

Girl in the Tower: Just read this - fantastic!
Classy Crooks Club: What happens when your grandmother's bridge club is a secretly a heist club?
Where You'll Find Me: Finding yourself in 8th grade isn't easy
Will Wilder: Excited about this Indiana Jones type book
Charmed: Loved the first book in this fairy tale series - can't wait to see how the battle shapes up
Isabel Feeney, Star Reporter: Middle Grace mystery set in the 1920s Chicago 

Nobody But You: Jacob returns to Cedar Ridge
Home on Apple Blossom Road: life in Icicle Falls proves difficult to former BFFs who jointly inherit something
Girl's Guide to Moving On: Mother and Daughter both start over together
Sleepless in Manhattan: Tackling a new company - with an old crush as your biggest client
Come on Closer: The baker finds love this in this small town romance series

I Kissed a Rogue: Brook gets his story!
Because of Miss Bridgerton: More in the Bridgerton family series!

Killer Reunion: Savannah returns home for her high school reunion - and becomes a murder suspect of her nemesis
NYPD Red 4: A murder and high stakes robbery has the big guns called in to work the case