Middle Grade Monday: Facing Feelings

Two years ago, Raina Telgemeier had an exhibition at The Ohio State University's Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum. This book is a book exhibit of her career (so far). There are interviews, cover creations shared, how and who shaped her art, and more.

My Thoughts: I LOVED this book. I'm such a fan of Raina Telgemeier's graphic novels. I was so happy when I discovered this book. I loved learning all the "secrets" of her life, her art, and herself. 

There's an illustration and comment about writing in her first grade journal. And I loved that because I have a similar memory. I loved seeing her early works and photographs from her life. To be honest, I didn't know much about Raina Telgemeier and now I do.

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic

Source: My Library

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

* While this is a nonfiction book, I'm adding it to our graphic novel collection, where readers will find her graphic novels. 

On Your Radar: Guts (29)

Title: Guts

Author:  Raina Telgemeier

Publisher: Scholastic Books

Release Date: September 10, 2019

Why it Should Be On Your Radar: 
* Raina Telgemeier
* Mental Heath
* Worried
* Anxious
* Puke
* Navigating School
* Therapist
* Coping Skills
* Friendship
* Being Normal
* Memoir 

This one is perfect for those readers who worry and are anxious. It's nice to know they are not alone. Everyone and their mom is going to want to read this because of the author, I hope it allows for some great discussions among friends. 

* BEA Arc

Books I'm Dying to Read: September Edition

As fall begins, so do the really big publishing months! With the cooling weather, reading on the couch is a perfect way to spend a couple of hours. Plus Christmas books are starting to come out! 

The Book I've been waiting to read for the past year! I'll devote a day to read this one.

Some fun looking picture books: cookies, dragons, and capitals - oh my!

Lots of great looking middle grade, including one on Shelby Holmes, Jennifer Weiner's middle grade debut and so much more. I just love the covers.

Contemporary YA books

Fantasy novels

And of course the start of Christmas books!

Graphic Novel Review: Smile

Raina wants to be normal, but it's hard to imagine after falling on the ground and knocking out her front teeth. She feels terrible and hates the way she looks. Plus she has tons of dental reconstruction to get through.

Add in friends who aren't so nice and the awkward times of middle school. It's no wonder Raina doesn't have much to smile about these days.

My Thoughts: A great story - but a little hard to read at times. I didn't have it that bad, but I had several years of braces, retainers, and headgear. My heart went out to Raina. She struggled hard through the middle school years, but I love how she found herself a better group of friends and started to branch out.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
 Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: I'm a little behind the times on reading this book, but it was worth the wait. Super great graphic novel.

Series Love: Baby-Sitter Club

My library has these graphic novel adaptations of the Baby-Sitter's Club and I LOVE them! I remember the plots, the moments, and some of the lines from the original books. I devoured the books when I was in 4th and 5th grade, but didn't end up reading them all. And now I want to go back and find out what happened. 

Does anyone know why the graphic novel series skips some of the books?

The graphics novels are perfect. The story lines are the same and the art leaps off the page. As usual the drama and the friendship move the story along. I really hope there are more books in the series in the works!