Review: The Great Shelby Holmes and the Coldest Case

* Book 3 in the Shelby Holmes series *

John Watson's blog has outed the duo crime solvers. A reporter waits for them one day after school. After the interview airs, someone comes looking for their help.

John Watson's about to get his wish - going undercover. But undercover work isn't all that it's cracked up to be. He has to pretend he's a figure skater and he can barely balance on skates. John also has to be at the rink at the crack of dawn to uncover a blackmailer.

These early mornings are cutting into his sleeping time, not to mention time for school work and his father's visit. He just hopes they can solve the case in time for the skating competition.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - particularly the moments on the ice. I loved learning more about skating and competition. I loved the secret coded language. I adored the references to The Cutting Edge. I loved the moments between John and his father. I really loved how Shelby tried to understand friendship because of her need for candy. I hope there will be plenty more books in this series to come. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Perfect for your school and public libraries. 

Graphic Novel Review: Spinning

Tillie has a love/hate relationship with skating. After she moves to Texas, her life changes. She still wakes up before dawn to practice her figure skating and arrives after school to practice her synchronized ice skating.

In moving and switching everything, Tillie feels lost in the ice skating world. She has to find new friends. She puts her energy into skating and excels, but she doesn't love it anymore. She can't bring herself to quit, but she's miserable, especially after her first girlfriend breaks up with her.

Can she find a way to be happy again?

My Thoughts: I devoured this book. I couldn't wait to see what happened to Tillie. I loved the skating world, even the terrible moments. I felt bad for Tillie as she went through the world miserable and questioning everything, not letting people get to close to her. I loved it when she found friendship, acceptance, and of course herself. The drawings were wonderful. I haven't read too many graphic novel memoirs, but if there anything like this, keep them coming. I'm eager to see what she does next!

I feel like this one is perfect for kids who might be too young for Shannon Hale's Real Friends, but could use a similar read.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Fun Fact: January is National Ice Skating Month. So for more novels about ice skating, check out this post from a few years ago.

Library Recommendation: Perfect for public libraries and middle school and high school libraries.

Review: Being Sloan Jacob

Sloan Emily Jacob can't deal with her family. She's also not happy to be going to figure skating camp, especially given that she purposely destroyed her career three years ago.

Sloan Devon Jacob has an anger problem and instead of getting benched at the beginning of next year (her senior year), she's chooses hockey camp.

The two girls meet at their hotel when they literally run into each other. In having the same name, their bags get mixed up. As they share dinner, trying to get over the luggage issue, Sloan Emily comes up with an idea to change places for the summer. As crazy as it seems, it just might work. Can they get through four weeks without getting caught?

My Thoughts: I loved this book - it reminded me of the Parent Trap minus the parental get together. I loved the dual perspective of hockey and figure skating. I love how the Sloans grew as they were trying to impersonate each other. The romance, the competition, and the family drama also added into my enjoyment.

Cover Thoughts: Cute, but I would have liked it to be on the ice
Source: My Library

If You Like...The Cutting Edge

If You Like… is a feature highlighting blogger recommendations for books, authors, TV shows, movies, and music based on the things you already know and love. This week’s post includes recommendations related to The Cutting Edge. Watch out for your toe pick.

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If you like The Cutting Edge, you might like…

I ADORE this movie. If you haven't seen it, check out the trailer. It includes one of my faovirte lines...the blindfold one!

Review: Sugar and Ice

Claire has so much going on her in her with her skating, coaching young skaters, school work, working on her family’s farm, and hanging out with her friends. One day all that changed when a famous Russian coach sees her skate the soul at the annual Maple Show. She lands a double toe loop, impressing him greatly.

He offers her a scholarship to skate at the school in Lake Placid for the summer.

She can’t believe it. Claire almost doesn’t take the scholarship. The drive is long. The maple sap is just starting to run, making it the busiest time of year on the farm. She’s afraid she’ll miss out on all the summer fun. Plus she’s terrified of competing.

Claire can’t let her fear dominate her life.

The camp isn’t what she expected. Claire loves skating. She loves the feel of the ice. She loves the way the music makes her move. She’s not expecting the crazy intense schedule. She’s not expecting sabotage from her teammates. She’s not expecting all the pressure from her coach.

Can she overcome all the odds and prove to herself to everyone?

My Thoughts: I was super excited to read this book as I love watching figure skating. It's something my mom and I used to do together. Watching the competitions, it does make you wonder what goes on behind the scenes. Sugar and Ice takes an entertaining in-depth look at the skating world – where mean girls, intense schedules, and self doubt fill the locker room. I enjoyed watching Claire’s transformation, her fight for her own place, and her struggle to find herself. The skating scenes transported me to the ice, right next to Claire. I loved those scenes the best and the book was fantastic!

Cover Thoughts: Sweet, Simple, and simply perfect.

Source: Reviewed for www.teensreadtoo.com