Middle Grade Review: Outside

Razzi knows she's never supposed to go outside, but it doesn't make her curious about things. It's not safe. Ollie tried going outside and he died.

But sometimes you have to break the rules...

My Thoughts: This book was interesting - it burrowed deep under my skin. It's given me a LOT to think about. There are a lot of pieces here and the whole picture slowly begins to take shape. There were a couple pieces that I didn't understand, but that didn't stop my enjoyment of the book. I couldn't put this book down; I had to figure out what happened. 

Cover Thoughts: Enticing, but not part of the book

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your school or public library collection.

Middle Grade Monday: Sunny Figures it Out

* Book 6 in the Sunny series *

Sunny and Tony enjoy spending time together. Sunny's friend Deb has ideas on how dating is done and how the boys should behave. Sunny and Tony try out her advice, but it feels wrong. Is there a right way to date?

My Thoughts: Yes, this is historical fiction for middle grade readers, but the dating moments are too funny. Deb is very opinionated and shares her thoughts freely. I love the romance books that Sunny reads. Both Sunny and her mother struggle with finding their place and I love that they're going through this together and supporting each other. It's funny reading stories about the lack of technology: passing notes and landlines. I loved how this one ended. The Sunny graphic novels are fantastic reads that deal with universal topics that kids are still figuring out today.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

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

Graphic Novel Review: Babymouse

Babymouse has always been insecure of her curly whiskers. If only they were straight. Life would be so much better. After a dream, she discovered what it would really be like...

My Thoughts: I'm a huge fan of Babymouse - I'm so happy she's back in graphic novel form. I'm really hoping that it causes readers to discover her earlier books. It's great to see so many old friends - from the locker to Babymouse's friends, and even her enemies. I loved the message in this book - that everyone has insecurities about their body - but only you really fixate on them. This is a book about friendship, body image, and surviving school. It's funny and thoughtful. Plus, the art is super cute. Can't wait for more Babymouse adventures!

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A delightful series that's highly recommended for your school and public library

Top Ten Tuesday Spin-off

 This week's topic was all about books from the past. I shared a TikTok video of my YA reads, here are my middle grade reads and my adult reads. 

Middle Grade Reads:

I read several Babymouse graphic novels, the Sleuth or Dare trilogy, the On the Run series, and was addicted to the Canterwood Crest series. (PS. if you were too, there's a spin-off series coming soonish)

Adult Books:

I read all the Bridgerton books, thanks to someone in the Sarah MacLean line at BEA, started by adoration of Jill Shalvis books, loved the Shana Galen series, and was still big into cozies.

It was super fun going down memory lane!

What books do you remember reading 10 years ago?

On Your Radar: Sunny Rolls the Dice (31)

Title: Sunny Rolls the Dice

Author: Jennifer Holm

Illustrator: Matt Holm

Publisher: Graphix

Release Date: October 1, 2019

Why It Should Be On Your Radar: 

* What is Cool

* Navigating Middle School

* Dungeons and Dragons

* Fashion

* Friendships

* Being True to Yourself

* Great Art

Another fun book in this series from this sister/brother duo

** BEA Arc 2019

Blog Tour: The Evil Princess vs The Brave Knight

About the Book:

Title: THE EVIL PRINCESS VS THE BRAVE KNIGHT
Author: Jennifer L. Holm,  Matthew Holm (Illustrations)
Pub. Date: August 6, 2019
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 40
Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B and N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD

For every parent tired of telling their kids to PLEASE JUST GET ALONG, this hilarious and imaginative new picture book--from the beloved creators of Babymouse--is here to help. Sort of.

Meet the Evil Princess and the Brave Knight. She casts terrible spells, while he fights dragons. He rescues cats in distress, while she makes mischief. No wonder there isn't much peace in this kingdom! But is the Evil Princess really so evil? And is the Brave Knight truly as chivalrous as he seems? Children and parents will laugh at seeing familiar family dynamics play out in this charming and imaginative new story.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this story about siblings and how they didn't or did get along. It was funny, entertaining, and very on point. I loved how the evil princess was evil - but you can't be evil by yourself. I loved how the brave knight was brave and then he wasn't. It's also hard being brave by yourself. But together, the pair became their true selves. I enjoyed the mirror. I loved how the cat played a huge role. It reminded me of my days growing up with my sister and out cat. A fantastic book with wonderful illustrations that will delight readers of all ages. This is a must have book for both school and public libraries!

The inspiration behind the manky cat

About Jennifer: 

Jennifer L. Holm is a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling children's author and the recipient of three Newbery Honors for her novels OUR ONLY MAY AMELIA, PENNY FROM HEAVEN, and TURTLE IN PARADISE. Jennifer collaborates with her brother, Matthew Holm, on two graphic novel series -- the Eisner Award-winning Babymouse series and the bestselling Squish series. Her new novel is THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH. She lives in California with her husband and two children.

Website | Twitter | Facebook |  Goodreads 

About Matthew: 

MATTHEW HOLM is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of more than 40 books for children. He is the co-creator (with his sister, Jennifer) of a number of graphic novels, including the BABYMOUSE and SQUISH series from Random House Children’s Books and SUNNY SIDE UP from Scholastic Graphix. He also co-wrote and illustrated the middle-grade novel MARVIN AND THE MOTHS with Jonathan Follett. He currently lives with his wife in New York's Hudson Valley.

Website | Twitter |  Goodreads 

Check out the rest of the Tour:

Week Two:

8/5/2019- The Pages Inbetween - Review

8/6/2019- Novel Novice- Review

8/7/2019- Nerdophiles- Review

8/8/2019- Book-Keeping- Review

8/9/2019- Two points of interest- Review

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE EVIL PRINCESS VS THE BRAVE KNIGHT, US Only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Graphic Novel Review: Swing it, Sunny!

Sunny's starting middle school and despite what she keeps telling her Grandfather, things are not fine. But she's determined to make the best of things and to be happy.

Especially when she sees her brother again and she finds that he's changed. Will he and Sunny be able to have a normal relationship again?

My Thoughts: Set in the 70s, this graphic novel is all heart. I love the setting and how it influences things - like TV dinners! Sunny's going through such a rough time and she's in middle school (the hardest year.) My heart aches for her, but I loved the ending and it's hopefulness. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: BEA Arc
Release Date: September 12, 2017

Review: Lights, Camera, Middle School!

Now in middle school, Babymouse joins the film club. She wants a shot at being famous. The club will be making a film. But the club can't decide on what type of movie to make: romance, drama, or detective. Babymouse wants to combine them all and make an epic film.

For her contribution in getting everyone on board, the club adviser awards her the role of Director. Plus since it's her vision, Babeymouse gets to write the screenplay.

Excited about the prospect, Babymouse goes hog wild creating her vision. But she forgot to think about what her vision will mean for everyone else. Can they really shoot a scene in Paris? What about those elephants? How big is their moving making budget anyways?

My Thoughts: Alternating between text and graphic novel panels, Babymouse hasn't changed much. Sure she's older, but she's the still lovable mouse who has problems with her whiskers, trouble with her locker, and gets carried away. I loved watching Babymouse struggle to figure out how to make the movie. I love how her friends and club members took their roles seriously. Of course Babymouse lets her power go to her head, but it's funny and sweet when it all works out. I adore Babymouse and can't wait to read more about her middle school drama.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Scoop this one up, your readers will thank you. 

Graphic Novel Review: Babymouse Goes for the Gold

 * Babymouse #20 *

Babymouse has BIG dreams! She wants to win gold, so she joins the swimming team. But it's more work than she thought. She's not great at swimming. And the gold doesn't seem to be in her future. Will she quit or commit herself to working hard?

My Thoughts: I LOVE Babymouse. This one is great for summer reading program this year (and of course the Olympics). Another fun read. I love how she fits together with the team (even after she lets them down).

Cover Thoughts: Perfection
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A must have series for all graphic novel collections

Final Thoughts: Pure gold!

Books I'm Dying to Read: August Edition

Books I can't wait to get my hands on:

Murder in the Paperback Parlor: I really enjoyed the first book of the series - so looking forward to more.

Fudging the Books: the 4th book in series that features pirate week in the small town of Crystal Cove

Better Homes and Corpses: First in a new series in a decorating mystery

Never Always Sometimes: After years of following the never rules, BFFs will attempt to break them all  

From Where I Watch You: Kara wants to escape the world where her family tore everything apart. Baking might be the answer. But someone watching her doesn't want to let her go. 

Eight Grade is Making Me Sick: New from Jennifer L Holm - in a part scrapbook and part graphic novel

Goodbye Stranger: Three friends hope to tackle 7th grade - together

The Most Most Likely To: I love her books, can't wait to read this companion to My Life Next Door (which I loved)

Chasing Secrets: A medical mystery in San Francisco during the Gilded Age

Galaxy Pirates: First in a new trilogy of Pirates!

Con Academy: What happens when you meet a fellow con artists? The biggest con ever...

Trouble is a Friend of Mine: Her new hometown just might grown on her...

I Will Chomp You!: Sounds super fun as a monster protects his cakes from the reader

The Day the Crayons Came Home: Another Crayon book!!!

Lure of the Moonflower: The last of the Pink Carnation series - fantastic spy/romance series

Maid of Wonder: The third book in the companion series set in Elizabethan England with spy ladies-in-waiting - featuring psychic skills.

The Veil: A new series from Chloe Neill with supernatural powers and a deadly secret

Malice at the Palace: The latest mystery featuring Lady Georgiana on assignment for the Queen.

Dead House: Mixed media thriller

Legacy of Kings: a new high fantasy series with Alexander the Great

If You Only Knew:  the new Kristan Higgins book!