Graphic Novel Review: Lovely Recipe

Sofia's struggling with her future. It's her last year of high school and her friends are excited to leave home for college. Sofia doesn't have the grades for it. She's sad at the idea of missing her friends, especially since her mother works all the time and never has time for her. Ever since her grandmother died, Sofia and her mother haven't been close. 

Sofia comes up with the idea to cook something from the family cookbook. Maybe the memories will bring her mother back to her. The only problem? She can't cook. 

Sofia stumbles across her classmate working at restaurant and has a brilliant idea. Maybe Anna Marie can teach her how to cook. It's worth a try!

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel. I felt badly for Sofia as she struggled to find connections. I loved the cooking moments - the disasters, the successes, and the family recipes. I really liked Anna Marie's family - especially her grandfather. I appreciated how college wasn't an immediate conclusion for either Sofia or Anna Marie. It's hard to know what you want to do at such a young age. I think it's realistic not to know. I liked how the book included the senior year moments. I loved how the relationship between Sofia and Anna Marie evolved. And that ending was fantastic.

Cover Thoughts:
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great graphic novel that's perfect for those kids not sure of their future. 

Middle Grade Review: Perfect Revenge

* Book 4 in the Saddlehill Academy series * 

Abby was shocked to learn that Ava and Olivia are attending Saddlehill Academy. They seem excited to befriend her and happy to join the team. But things might not be all that they seem.

Abby's too busy worrying about her grades to deal with more team drama. If her grades don't improve in the next few weeks, her father will pull her from the riding team. Abby will be devastated if that happens, especially as she's waiting for word on the clinic from Sasha Silvers and Heather Fox.

My Thoughts: I love this series for the horses, the drama, the friendships, and the romance. Abby and Mila spend more time together in this book and couldn't be cuter. Even though I don't like the reasons, I love how the team starts coming together. I loved seeing Abby and Emery at their house and more family time due to Thanksgiving. I really love learning about the characters from the Canterwood Crest series. The drama in this book ends on a wicked Canterwood cliff-hanger. I need more books in this series! 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect. I love these covers

Source: Book sent for review

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

I'm chatting with the author later this week, be sure to check back in! 

Pride Books: Favorites

Just a few favorite Middle Grade and YA books for Pride Month:

Middle Grade Books:

Teen Books:

Graphic Novels:

And one new adult:

What other suggestions do you have for me based on these favorites?

Graphic Novel Review: Camp Prodigy

Tate went to a concert where the violist didn't come out. But that night, Tate was looking for the bathroom and heard music. They were inspired that night. But they need a lot of work to get to that level.

There's a musical camp that Tate's excited to attend. They are surprised when the concert soloist is also attending the camp. Eli agrees to give Tate some pointers if Eli doesn't out her status. 

Tate's determined to improve their musical skills.

My Thoughts: This is a sweet graphic novel about hard work, friendship, and music.  There's a side story about Tate wanting to come out to their family. This graphic novel is perfect for summer with the camp theme. In the camp there were moments of hard work and stress, but there were also musicians who also wanted to have fun. It's all about that balance. A great friendship graphic novel. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library graphic novel collection. 

Middle Grade Review: Falling Hard

 

* Book 3 in the Saddlehill Academy series *

Abby and her teammates are finding their way back to being a team after the drama from the last book! They're not in the clear with their instructor yet, but they are making progress. They do have to apologize to everyone.

Once that's finished, they can go back to focusing on the upcoming shows, especially one at Canterwood Crest! Since it's near Halloween, there will be a spooky element. 

Even better, they learn about a clinic being run by the Sasha Silver. It's very competitive, but Abby dreams of winning a spot. 

Abby's struggling with all the pressure from riding, creating the perfect video for the clinic, and fixing things with her friends. They seem to be getting along just fine without her and excluding her from their hangouts. It gives her a pit in her stomach and makes her doubt everything - even the feelings she has for Mila. 

Will Abby find her balance again?

My Thoughts: Once I finally got my hands on this book, I tore through it! I loved every second of it. I loved the friendship drama and how everything turned out. I loved going back to Canterwood Crest. Even more, I loved catching up with old favorite characters from that series. There's a lot of drama in this series that keeps me turning the pages quickly. I love the friendships and the descriptions of everything. I really really want to attend Saddlehill Academy. I loved the Halloween and fall portions of this story - especially the costumes. It seems like so much fun! Also, I loved how Jessica Burkhart writes about representation and how it matters! 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: Purchased

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

Picture Book Review: You Need to Chill

 

A little girl answers questions about her brother Bill.

This is a family story about a brother who transitioned to become a sister.

All the kids are asking about Bill.

It's handled in a very cute way with rhyming and saying that everyone needs to chill (Think Taylor Swift You Need to Calm Down vibes)

Picture Book Review: Rainbow Parade

Mommy, Momma, and Emily head to the pride parade. It's their first time. Emily isn't sure what to expect. They wait and wait and wait until finally the parade comes by. And it's wonderful! But could Emily be brave enough to join the parade?

My Thoughts: I loved this picture book - there's so much going on here. Lots of pride and joy. I love the message of being brave and holding on to pride all year round! A wonderful story to share. 

Cover Thoughts: Rainbow filled!
Library Recommendation: A must have picture book for your library collection

Picture Book Review: Miss Rita, Mystery Reader

Tori's father is the mystery reader at school today - but he's going in his later ego - Miss Rita. Tori helps him get ready with make-up and clothes and most importantly sparkles! Tori hopes that everyone will love Miss Rita, just as much as she does.

A fantastic story about draq queen storytime, being yourself, and sparkles. I love the message that Sparkling is serious business. I love how everyone participates in the story time. And I love the dad jokes. This book has great illustrations. It's perfect for reading all year round, but obviously also during Pride Month.

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your library's collection.

Picture Book Wednesday: Calvin

Calvin has always been a boy - even if he was born a girl. He faces telling his family - who are super supportive. They shop for new clothes and take him for a new haircut. He's nervous about starting school but with support, he's able to be himself.

An important story that showcases support, being yourself, and letting all the what-if questions melt away. Calvin has a great friends and family. 

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

Picture Book Wednesday: Stich by Stitch

A beautiful poem that shares the history of the AIDS quilt. This book is touching and inspiring. 

And be sure to read the back matter. While this book is perfect for Pride month, it's obviously a book to read all year round too.

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

Pride Month: Book Videos

I've made some videos for my library, check them out. See if your library has some of these books. If not, you can always ask for them to purchase them.

Get Booked:

Get Booked 2:

Children's Books: