Middle Grade Monday: Cincinnati Lee, Curse Breaker

Cincinnati Lee's family is cursed.

It all started with her great-great-great Grandfather. He "discovered" lots of artifacts for museums. But the artifacts weren't his to take. Now Cincinnati believes if she could return the items, she could break the family curse. But it's not going to be easy.

When she learns about the Spear of Destiny, she believes she might have found a way. But she's not the only one after the spear. And she'll have to solve the clues to discover its location. Maybe her new friends can help her...

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved Cincinnati's beliefs - that artifacts should not be stolen. I admired her determination. I loved her two friends - and the struggles they had. There's a great nod to Indiana Jones, which was funny. I enjoyed Cincinnati's relationship with her mother. This book had lots of action and lots of danger and a whole lot of fun. I hope there's a sequel coming to this one. 

Cover Thoughts: Loved it

Why I Read This Book: The cover sold me but also, I loved the premise

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library

Hand this to Reader: who like action and adventure stories - especially those who enjoy the Rick Riordan Presents line 

Middle Grade Review: Princess Protection Program

Sleeping Beauty awakens when the prince kisses her, but she's not thrilled about the kiss. She leaps up and runs off. She instantly gets transported to a boarding school for Princesses. There, they are safe from their stories.

Some of the fairy tales have horrible stories. This school attempts to keep all the princesses safe. The first night she arrives, she notices two girls sneak out of the school. She follows them to a pizza shop. There Rosamund becomes friends with Sienna and Rana.

Breaking the rules has consequences, Sienna gets sucked back into her story. Rosamund has so many questions. No one wants to answer her questions, but she notices that something strange is going on.  Can she figure out what's going?

My Thoughts: This took me a little bit to get into this book - but once I did, I was hooked. I loved seeing all the Princesses. This is a great feminist story. I loved the big question of the book: can someone change their story. Some fun moments: pizza is magical and unicorns are entertaining. I loved the moments of sisterhood and friendship. Of course, cleaning is the worst. This is the start of a new series - I'm looking forward to the next book! 

Cover thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: This is such a fun book and will be easy to give readers.  

Picture Book Wednesday: Finding Things

A ball is found, which leads to a series of events.

This is a sweet story about finding the perfect items that all work together. This is a fun way to learn about sequence. This would be a fun storytime read. 

Middle Grade Review: Ink Girls

Cinzia is the printer's apprentice. Mestra Aronne is determined to publish a story that will anger the ruling family. Even though the story is true; the guards come for both of them in the middle of the night. Cinzia manages to escape. She runs into Elena - she's part of the ruling noble family. Elena thinks she can help Cinzia. Together, they can discover the proof Mestra Aronne has and bring it to the family. With Elena on her side, Cinzia hopes they can save her found family. But will the city support her?

My Thoughts: I loved this graphic novel! There's action, danger, found family, and fighting for good. A group of girls, who wouldn't normally be friends, find each other and fight to change the world. Just one girl has a hard time changing the world, but together, they seem almost unstoppable. A great feminist graphic novel. There's a rumor that this is book one - here's hoping this is true, because I want more Ink Girls! 

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic

Source: my Library

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

Picture Book Review: First Apple Pie

Amelia Bedelia is famous for her apple pies - this is the story of her first pie, which saves the day.

I love these new adventures of Amelia Bedelia as a kid. It's lovely to see her with the same personality traits for a different generation. Plus, this is a fun fall book about leaves, apples, and pie. 

Library Recommendation: A great fall book for your collection - and a lovely series for your picture book collection.

Picture Book Review: Pignic

The pigs are having a picnic - but will everything go to plan?

This cute story is all about friends helping each other and staying positive through disappointments. It's a sweet tale with fabulous watercolor illustrations.  And it's perfect for sharing. 

On Your Radar (2)

Title: Eliza and Her Monsters
Author: Francesca Zappia
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Publication Date: May 30, 2017

Why It Should Be On Your Radar:
Web comics

Online Friendships

Awkward Girl

New Boy in School

Secrets

Note Passing

Romance

Fandoms

Siblings

Dreams

Artwork

Fanfiction

Picture Book Review: I Do Not Like Al's Hat

Herb loves most thins about being a magician's rabbit, but he does not like being pulled from Al's hat by his ears. It hurts. He decides he's had enough and goes searching for a new job. In the want ads, he finds a girl name Sophie looking for a pet rabbit and decides to try it out. Could he be a pet and a friend to Sophie?

Cute! I love how Herb went searching for a better job. I like the importance of being happy and friendship in this story. The artwork is adorable. 

Review: Mistwood

Isabel has no memories - she only remembers the Prince chasing her through the forest. Once she allows his to capture her, she goes with him back to his castle.

He's looking for her protection - as the Shifter. She's supposed to be able to turn into anything: cat, wolf, bird, mist...while having super human strength and the speed of superman.

She has none of these things. Isabel can't even shift once she reaches the castle walls. She doesn't know what to do, except to hide her true self and attempt to gather knowledge.

Someone is after the Prince, someone who doesn't want him taking the crown. However, once she begins to untangle the truth behind her own memories and her past, she begins to have doubts. She knows the Prince isn't telling her the whole truth. What is he hiding from her and why?

Now as danger fast approaches, Isabel will be forced to chose between her past and her future.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this read, although I found it a bit confusing at first. I loved all the twists and turns and the danger. I loved uncovering the truth along with Isabel.

The Cover: Spooky - really great

Source: My library