Review: Keep it Together Keiko Carter

Keiko's about to start seventh grade, but she's not excited about all the changes happening. Her mom just went back to work full time. She wanted to join new clubs with her friends, but they don't have the same interests.

One of her best friends is concerned with finding boyfriends and attending the big fall dance. Her other best friend is interested in writing and the newspaper. And maybe one particular boy.

Suddenly Keiko's best friends aren't talking to each other. She's stuck in the middle, trying to hold everything together. But nothing seems to be working. Should she follow her heart or her desire to keep everything the same?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book and I'm so happy there's a companion novel coming. I felt terrible for Keiko as she navigated through all the changes in her life. But I also admired her for trying to make everyone happy and then for making herself happy. I liked her relationship with Carter. I loved both the dogs. There was the slight romance for two of the friends. And so much friend drama, but I loved the way everything turned out. There are a few instances of racism towards Keiko, which she handles. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. Of course this book made me crave chocolate - and to reach out to my friends. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public library

Blog Tour: Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business

Coming Soon: 

A powerful new chapter book series about a Korean-American girl learning how to share and celebrate her culture! 

Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business

by Lyla Lee, illustrated by Dung Ho

Meet Mindy Kim: the plucky protagonist of a new chapter book series that is like Fresh off the Boat meets Junie B. Jones. Mindy Kim tackles the everyday experience of millions of Asian-American kids—sorely underrepresented in chapter books—with tenacity and heart.

Mindy Kim speaks directly to Korean-American kids who have never seen themselves 

on the page, inviting readers to both express their cultural identity with pride, and celebrate identities unlike their own.

 Mindy’s first day of school goes awry in MINDY KIM AND THE YUMMY SEAWEED BUSINESS (Aladdin | On Sale 1/14/20). Mindy’s grateful when her new friend Sally is able to make her initially unpopular dried seaweed snacks seem totally delicious to her new classmates. But when someone tries to sabotage Sally and Mindy’s Yummy Seaweed Business, Mindy wonders if she’ll ever fit in. Starting a new school is hard for any kid, but for Mindy, who finds herself at a school without any kids who look like her for the first time, starting anew means finding the courage to stay true to oneself even when it seems like no one can understand. Kirkus Reviews gave this “lovingly authentic debut” a star, raving that “Lee takes on a number of issues with a new school, microagressions, friendships, and grief, and she manages to artfully balance it all.”

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I felt bad for Mindy as she tries to navigate a new school far away from home on top of dealing with her grief from her mother's death.  I like how she shares her seaweed snacks with the class (And how it gets a little bit out of hand). I loved her father and their relationship. There's so much packed into this charming story. I'm looking forward to many more Mindy adventures.

*  I also love how Mindy' adventures were based upon the author's life (A Korean-American girl starting at a new school in a predominately white neighborhood.) 

* Lunar New Year is on Janaury 25th, the perfect time to read the second book

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
LYLA LEE is a writer of many things. After working various jobs in Hollywood and studying psychology and cinematic arts at USC, she now lives in Dallas, Texas. When she is not writing, she is teaching, watching Korean dramas and other TV shows, and eating all kinds of good food. Visit her online at lylaleebooks.com and on Twitter and Instagram at @literarylyla.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
DUNG HO was born and raised in Hue, Vietnam, where she studied graphic design at the Hue University College of Arts. After graduating, she worked in the design and advertising industries before discovering a great passion for illustration and picture books and becoming a freelance illustrator. Currently, she lives and works in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. Ho draws inspiration from nature and the interaction between people and nature and especially loves to draw children. When not drawing, she enjoys cooking and watching movies. Visit her online at dungho.me and on Instagram @dunghanhho.

Up Next:

Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade

In MINDY KIM AND THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PARADE (Aladdin | On Sale 1/14/20), it’s Mindy’s first Lunar New Year without her mom and she’s determined to enjoy the day. When Mindy decides to make traditional Korean New Year food to celebrate, things don’t go according to plan. But with the help of her family and friends, Mindy finds a way to celebrate her old traditions and create new ones along the way, discovering that she can find her own way of being Korean-American.

This series is for every new kid, every kid missing a parent, every kid picking themselves up after facing a challenge—but it’s vital that Mindy isn’t just any kid. Korean-American author Lyla Lee writes Mindy from her own experience as the new kid at a predominately white school.

Book Info:

MINDY KIM AND THE YUMMY SEAWEED BUSINESS by Lyla Lee, illustrated by Dung Ho

Aladdin ♦ January 14, 2020 ♦ Ages 6-9 ♦ 96 pages

HC ISBN: 9781534440098 ♦ PBK ISBN: 9781534440074 ♦ $16.99 (HC)/$5.99 (PBK)

MINDY KIM AND THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PARADE by Lyla Lee, illustrated by Dung Ho ♦ Aladdin

Aladdin ♦ January 14, 2020 ♦ Ages 6-9 ♦ 96 pages

HC ISBN: 9781534440111 ♦ PBK ISBN: 9781534440104 ♦ $16.99 (HC)/$5.99 (PBK)

Picture Book Wednesday: Building Books

Katie loves to build - anytime anywhere. 

Owen likes to read - anytime anywhere.

They both insist their way is best until a librarian forces them to try reading and building.

And she's right. Katie also loves reading and Owen also loves building. They can do both - together.  Of course I loved this book, it's about discovery the love of reading and it takes place in a library. It's the Perfect combination. The message is sweet, the illustrations are great, and I love that the two main characters end up having fun together. 

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

Review: All About Mia

Even though Mia wears a t-shirt that says it's all about her, it rarely is. Even when her perfect sister messes up big time, everything turns out rosy. Mia just can't catch a break.

So she lives life her way - messy. And unapologetic until she gets into real trouble. What happens when everything you touch becomes ruined?

My Thoughts:  This was hailed as a YA Bridget Jones - which meant I had to read it. I was so excited to get it at BEA. I really enjoyed this read, although I wanted to shake Mia at points (like her parents and tell her to grow up.) But I also think that's my adult viewpoint. I think it would be different reading it during your teen years. I liked Mia's family and how they interacted. I loved her relationship with her friends. Mia's super outgoing, which sometimes got her into trouble, but I also admired. Plus, it's set in England!

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Source: BEA Arc

Library Recommendation: This one might be hard for public schools as there is drinking and sex, but it's otherwise a great read. Get this for your public libraries.

Review: Girl out of Water

Anise can't wait to spend the last summer before senior year hanging out with her friends and surfing. She feels most at home by the ocean, so much so that she isn't considering leaving for college. But when her aunt is in a serious accident, her father decides that they will both spend the summer in Nebraska helping out.

Anise isn't pleased with this situation.She's going to miss so much time with her friends and the waves. Sure, she wants to be good and help take care of her cousins, but she also wants her own summer.

Taking care of three kids isn't easy, but luckily their town has a skate park where they hang out most days. Anise gets suckered into learning how to skate with a bet from Lincoln. Could skating help her overcome her loneliness and make the time go by?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved the surfing and the skating parts. I enjoyed watching Anise struggle while she tried to not follow in the footsteps of her mother who leaves everyone behind. I loved her moments with Lincoln (a diverse character). I really liked her moments with her cousins - both the twins and Emery. I like that both Lincoln and Anise had baggage but they were able to look past it. i like how they were able to tell each other the truth about themselves. A great summer romance with family and friendship drama while trying to figure out your path in life. 

Cover Thoughts: Great - I get it more after reading the book
Source: ARC sent for review.
Library Recommendation: A great book for your library - sporty romance.

Graphic Novel Review: Brave

Jensen looks at middle school like a video game - one he's losing. Jensen has big dreams, but his reality isn't great. He's failing math, he doesn't have any real friends, and he's the target of major bullying.  He just wants things to get better and for maybe someone to save him a seat at lunch or someone to need his help with something.

My Thoughts: I just want to give Jensen a hug. I hate that he has no real friends and the people who he hangs out with him pick on him too. I love how he became brave and how people helped him understand the difference between friendship. I like the cast of characters and how passionate they are about their art, the newspaper, reading, or science. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: BEA book (signed)

* I really hope there are more books coming in this series because I love them both. And I want to know more about the characters. 

Library Recommendation: Get both of them for your public and school libraries! Your middle graders will gobble these up!

Tween Tuesday Review: End of the Earth

* Book 3 in the SPIES trilogy *

The School for SPIES is in serious trouble after their last failed mission and betrayal. The students are scattered, the school is burned down, and Max is in serious trouble. He's turned to the dark side, on orders from Hantai Annie.

Now Mrs. Frost wants to legally adopt him and keep him at LOTUS. Max just needs to find evidence against her and then he can plot his escape. But the fortress might be more security than he can handle.

Can Max uncover the whereabouts of his friends and bring down his enemies before LOTUS wins - forever?

My Thoughts: The ending of this trilogy was action packed with lots of danger, action, and plot twists. I liked learning more about LOTUS - their players and their headquarters. I liked the shift in perspectives. I loved how everything came together. I really enjoyed this trilogy.

Cover Thoughts: Cool
Source: my Library

Final Thoughts: Perfect trilogy for tween readers who love action books, thrillers, and spy stories. Plus there's a side of friendship, finally belonging, family drama, and a dash of romance.

Tween Tuesday Review: Moving Target

Cassie is in Rome with her father. One day, he pulls her out of school with no explanation. Then they are attacked and her father is severely injured. He's holding on to a deadly secret.

He tells her the name of one person she can trust.

Instead, she goes to her best friend. They find her there, so she turns towards her father's friend where she finally uncovers answers.

Ancient blood runs through her veins that allows her to wield the Spear of Destiny. This weapon has the power to change the future. The spear has been lost - until Cassie uncovers it. Now two secret organizations want both the power and Cassie.

Cassie doesn't trust either of them - but can she survive on her own with help from her friends?

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book. It grabbed me from the very beginning. I loved the action and the danger. I loved Cassie turning to her friend and a new friend Asher. I love how together they searched for the clues. I found the two societies a little confusing and I didn't understand how they were different and what they stood for. I hope to get more of a sense in the next book. I loved the two twists at the end.

Cover Thoughts: Cool
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Christina Diaz Gonzalez created a Da Vinci Code for Tweens with lots of action and danger keeping your turning the pages quickly. I'm eager to read more of Cassie's story.

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: