Picture Book Review: Our Favorite Day of the Week

 

On the way to school, Musa learns that his friend's favorite day of the week is Tuesday. He shares that his favorite day of the week is Wednesday. As more friends join the group of walkers, they learn about everyone's favorite day. 

I love how everyone has a different reason for their favorite day from spending time with grandmothers to religion. I love how their teacher surprises them with her choice. This book will have the reader think about what their favorite day of the week is and why. 

* Book sent for review

Picture Book Wednesday: Leena Mo, CEO

Leena hates shoveling - so she invents a robot to shovel for her. But what happens when all her neighbors want one too. Will she be able to make enough?

A super cute story about inventing and creating a business. I love how she gets her friends involved. Such an inspired book!  

Review: More to the Story

Jameela's excited when the newspaper advisor picks up as the new feature editor for the school newspaper. More than anything, Jameela wants to be an award winning journalist just like her grandfather.

But seventh grade is proving to be difficult. First her father's job takes him away from the family for six months. Then a draft of her article is printed instead of the real article - causing a new friend embarrassment.  The last straw is the news of her sister's illness.

Suddenly nothing matters and everything worries Jameela. She longs for life to return to normal.

My Thoughts: I love Little Women, so I was more than happy when this ARC came in the mail. And I loved this book; it perfectly captures the feel of Little Women - from the family dynamics, to the friendship with the boy, to Jameela's writing. Jameela's family is Muslim American. Ali, a family friend, arrives from England. I love their conversations about the differences between the two countries. I loved the bits about the newspaper. I loved Bisma's storytime and how that turned out. Of course, I cried at the ending. This book is such a heartwarming read.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendation: Strongly recommended for your school and public libraries.

Review: Amina's Voice

Amina hates the spotlight; she has a hard time projecting her voice. Even though she loves music, Amina would rather stay in the background. But she at the age when everything starts to change.

Her best friend is just about to become a US Citizen and she's thinking of changing her name. Soojin wants a more American name. Amina can't imagine calling her best friend by another name. Emily starts hanging around both girls. Amina isn't interested in Emily's friendship but Soojin befriends her.

Amina's uncle is coming to stay with them for a time. He's stricter than her parents. His ideas make Amina nervous - especially the ones about music.

Music soothes Amina's soul. With all the changes in her life, it's the one thing that gives her joy. Especially after someone vandalizes their mosque. Can she use music to help her and other heal?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved Amina's struggle to find her voice and her courage. I enjoyed the family dynamics. I really loved the Oregon Trail game - brings me right back to my childhood. I liked the food descriptions and the family celebrations. My heart broke when the mosque was vandalized. But I loved how the community came together to help. I really enjoyed the friendship moments between Soojin and Amina and the new friendship with Emily. 

Cover Thoughts: I love the colors. Enticing.
Source: My Library
Fun Fact: I read this for the shortlist of the Middle Grade Cybils Awards.

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for both school and public libraries!

Review: The Gauntlet

They're celebrating Farah's birthday. Because of a move, she hasn't seen her two best friends in a while. They head upstairs to try to escape her younger brother. Her aunt left her a birthday present. When they unwrap it, they find the strangest game they've ever seen: The Gauntlet of Blood and Sand.

Before they realize what happened, her younger brother vanishes into the game. They go in after him, knowing they must beat the game or be trapped inside forever. 

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. I loved the Middle Eastern flair. I loved how the friends had to come together to save Farah's little brother. Of course I loved the description of food. And the board gaming. I loved reading about the puzzles and the challenges they had to solve. I enjoyed the characters (especially the giant lizards) in the game who wanted to help them and get out of the game itself. The world building was amazingly good; I loved the descriptions. The action and the danger pulled the story along making me not want to put the book down. 

Cover Thoughts: Really Great
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have for both middle school and public libraries