Review: American Panda

At 17, Mei's brains have gotten her into college early. But according to her mother, it's never to early to start thinking about marriage. Mei's parents have her whole future mapped out for her: She's going to be a doctor (never mind that she's a germaphobe), she's going to marry a Taiwanese boy (never mind that the boy she likes is Japanese), and she's not going to talk with brother again (never mind that she misses him).

Mei's newfound freedom makes it hard to understand why her parents still hold on so tightly to their culture and to her. As soon as she starts to disagree, their relationship becomes strained. Can Mei trust her own judgement or will she do as they wish?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one - although it hit me straight in the feels. My parents were really strict and some of the moments here hit a little TOO close to home for me.  I loved the dancing moments! I loved the descriptions of food and all the eating that happened during the book. I really enjoyed the moments between Mei and her brother. This book gave me all the feels. It tugged at my heartstrings, was heartwrenching and hopeful, sad and happy. I'm eager to read what Gloria Chao writes next.

Cover Thoughts: Cute!
Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public libraries.

Upcoming Review: From Twinkle, With Love

Twinkle believes if she could date her longtime crush Neil, her life would infinity improve. Her best friend would enjoy her company again, people would listen to the stories she wants to tell, and she wouldn't be invisible.

As an aspiring filmmaker, Twinkle has a small YouTube channel, but longs to make it big. She wants to crush glass ceilings.

When Neil's twin brother approaches her with an idea to create a movie together for Midsummer Night Arts Festival - Twinkle can't help but agree. It's even better when Maddie agrees to star in the movie. Now Twinkle can do what she loves while hanging out again with her bff. Maybe this movie will help catapult Twinkle into a new life - the one where she's not invisible and people want to talk with her.

My Thoughts: I adored When Dimple Met Rishi and needed this book. When it came in a box of librarian preview books, I squealed and then rushed home to read it. And it was everything I imagined it would be. I loved it; I'll read anything that Sandhya Menon writes.

I loved that Twinkle wrote letters to famous lady filmmakers. I love how she was determined to make it in the film industry and how she started her career off with a bang. I felt terrible for Twinkle and how her friendship with Maddie fizzled. I loved her closeness with Dadi. I loved her growing friendship with Sahil and how they opened up to each other and understood each other. I didn't always agree with her choices but I love how the book ended. 

Cover Thoughts: Brilliant
Source: ARC sent for review
Release Date: May 22nd

Library Recommendation: A must have book for high 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!

Picture Book Review: Ada Twist, Scientist

Ada's curiosity makes her question Everything! Her favorite question WHY sometimes gets her into trouble.

My Thoughts: Loved this one too. I adore this series of characters who explore the world and their place in it. I love how Ada questions everything. I love how her parents encourage her questions (not always by writing on the wall). I like how she observed the world. I love that her first word was WHY? I love how she doesn't give up, but puzzles out the answer. I like how she experiments on the family cat and that's she's placed in the thinking chair afterwards. But not even that stops her. Great pictures. Fantastic Story. Perfect for encouraging young minds.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Perfect for ALL libraries and required reading for schools.

Mysterious Saturday Review: The Great Shelby Holmes

John Watson, an Army brat moves into a new building where he meets Shelby Holmes. At first he isn't too sure about her, but right now she's the only person he knows. He asks to tag along on her walk with her dog.

They run into a school mate of Shelby's who is devastated because her dog has gone missing. Shelby takes the case and allows John to tag along. Can they solve the case?

My Thoughts: Honestly, the name and the cover sold me on this book (not to mention the author.) I was pleasantly surprised when I realized the narrator wasn't Shelby Holmes, but John Watson. I loved seeing the neighborhood through his eyes when he walked with Shelby. I loved his initial meeting with Shelby and how she grew on him. They make an unlikely pair, but they're refreshing. I enjoyed the case and meeting the family. I like John's mother and how she isn't sure that Shelby is the best person for John to befriend. I liked her backstory too. Plus the illustrations are charming. I can't wait to read more about this pair.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Perfect for both middle school and public libraries - highly recommended. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Diverse Characters

This week's topic is diverse characters. So here's my list of 10 books featuring diverse characters that I'm hoping to read soon!

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish

 

A bit younger:

Review: An Ember in the Ashes

Soldiers come into Laia's home, looking for her brother. He has a book of drawings that he's determined to keep hidden. When he tells Laia to run, she does, knowing that she's leaving him behind. Her grandparents died and her brother's taken into custody.

Ashamed of her inability to act that night she offers up her services in exchange for her brother's freedom. She goes undercover in the Commandant's household.

It's the most dangerous thing Laia has ever done and it could be the death of her if she doesn't play her cards right. She runs into Elias, who's going through a series of tests to crown the next leader.

No one knows that Elias has been questioning his loyalty lately. He isn't ready to give up everything, but he's getting closer.

Their paths cross and they can either help each other or their friendship could be the end of both of them.

My Thoughts: I really really enjoyed this book and I'm so happy there's a sequel in the works. 

Ok, yes, the book was violent - with several references to women/girls being raped, the commander has a history of violence, and there's that whole battle scene that's just heartbreaking. And it's not gratuitous - its in their world. 

I loved the strong women - women who risked everything for a cause, women who ruled their world, and women who defied the odds to make themselves stand out. 

I loved the lies, the secrets, and the relationships between everyone. It made the book all the more intriguing. 

I liked learning about the Scholars and the rebels. I liked learning about the soldiers and their life. 

I liked the choices the characters had to chose between duty, family, loyalty, and their own interests. 

All in all, I devoured this book and I've been thinking about it ever since.

Cover Thoughts: Pretty Good
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Wonderful fantasy debut that will rock your world. Grab it now!

Review: Endangered

Panda has a HUGE secret that no one knows - not even her best friend. She's the person behind the website that takes people down a notch or two.

They're not nice people and she has no problem exposing their dirty secrets.

But now someone knows HER secrets. Unless she plays a game, that person will expose her to the world. Panda's worked really hard to become invisible in the walls of high school. She's not interested in being in the spotlight again.

But she might not have a choice as the game becomes dangerous.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book for several reasons.
* The main character's love of photography (I loved learning more about getting the good shots
* Panda's blog of exposing people made this book a thoughtful read, especially after her last post had severe consequences. I'm glad that I wasn't in middle school or high school in the age of social media.
* While I'm not a fan of some of Panda's choices, she had the best of intentions. 
* I love thrillers for teens and this lived up to it  with the action and danger and cryptic notes (even though I did have an inkling of the bad guy before)
* I like how the end played out with her parents and the police and how she finally understood her role in everything
* Panda is bi-racial

Cover Thoughts: Perfect, I love the way the main character is captured in the camera lens.
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: A fantastically entertaining read that will keep you turning the pages