Middle Grade Review: The Trouble with Sunshine

 

Dorani lives her life boldly. She's been sent to the principal's office for bringing a banned book, Anne Frank's Diary. She called her mother to meet her, but her mother never shows up. Instead, she dies on the side of the road. It's just been Dorani and her mother. Her estranged aunt shows up and takes Dorani home. 

Dorani's used to the city life as she lives in Miami. Her aunt lives on a ranch in the middle of no where - in Wyoming. Her aunt is used to caring for horses, not children. On the first day, Dorani gets locked out of the house and finds the barn.

Inside the barn, there a horse who is also grieving. Sunshine lost her family too. Dorani hasn't been around horses before, she Sunshine is easy to talk to. Sunshine responds to her. Can they use each other to help heal themselves?

My Thoughts: I felt so bad for Dorani - she felt that it was her fault her mother died. She was ripped away from her hometown, her friends and family to live in a place that's wildly different. I wanted to give her a hug. I love how she and her aunt struggled to find their connections. I loved how Dorani made friends and how she stood up for them in her new school. The new school assumed that she didn't speak English - which is not cool, but I admired how she handled it. I love how things turned out. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Why I read this: Honestly, the cover sold me. I love horse books

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school or public library.

Hand this book to: Horse girls but also any student who needs a warm hug

Nonfiction Review: A Meerkat Diary

 

Suzi Eszterhas shares her journey as a photographer of wildlife. She's sharing photos and moments of her day. 

There's a lot of information here and amazing photographs. I love how Suzi and her team followed one family and watched the pups. I learned how they spend their day - eating and looking for food and playing. I love how Suzi and her team gave the pups nicknames. The pictures are so cute! There were some moments of danger and some moments of aww. 

If you like animals, this is on you won't want to miss. 

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your public and school library 

Middle Grade Review: Crushing It

 

Mel's the captain of her soccer team - and they are so close to going back to the championship game. Last year, they lost the game. It crushed Mel. She's not sure why the team made her Captain this year, but as the games get more intense, the team starts falling apart. It's up to Mel to get them back on track. But there's a lot going on with her team.

Tory's having a hard time at home. Her mother's remarried and barely has any time for her. Just when Tory thinks she's found an ally in her step-brother, he joins the Army. And she's crushing over a girl she met online. 

Tory's not one to share her feelings and it's clear something is very wrong with her. Her best friend Chloe is frustrated that Tory won't talk to her. 

Mel's having trouble with her best friend Rima. Rima's running for student-body President and she doesn't have time for Mel. She's so focused on the election that she doesn't see that Mel is struggling. Mel also doesn't like some comments Rima's been making about her lately. Is there a reason they are still friends?

Will all the drama off the field, can they come together on the field?

My Thoughts: This debut crushed it! There's so much in this sports book: all the DRAMA (friendship, family, romance, and school), a little romance, poetry, and public speaking. I didn't want this to end. Middle school friendships are hard, and this book captured all of it. I loved the sports parts and the question of what makes a good captain. I love how everything turned out. Looking forward to whatever Erin Becker writes next! 

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have sports book for your school and public library collection.

Review: Finally Seen

 

Lina lives in China with her grandmother while her mother, father, and younger sister live in America. Her parents have always told her they will send for her...one day. And that day has come. But their life is nothing like the life from the post cards.

Things are hard in America. Her father is rarely home. He works all the time. His boss is terrible. Her mother and sister have created an Etsy shop for bath bombs. They are trying to help generate money for the back rent that's due. 

Lina isn't sure where she fits into their world. She struggles at school and at home. But at school, she has a friend in the librarian. She eats lunch in the library and soon she's reading graphic novels. Her English isn't perfect, but it's getting better. If only everything else would fall into place...

My Thoughts: I'm a huge Kelly Yang fan. I loved this book - for so many reasons. I loved the family story - where Lina struggled to understand this strange world. My heart went out to Lina for all her struggles, but also all her determination. I loved the bath bombs and how the family created them together and sold them on Etsy. I enjoyed watching her get to know her sister Millie. Lina looked to Millie for both advice and sometimes what not to do. I loved her relationship with the school librarian. I loved all the mentions of graphic novels. I loved how Lina spoke up for banned books and how she refused to back down. She's such a strong character. I really admired her.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: book sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public library collection.

Also, check out the fun TikTok my co-worker (Also a Kelly Yang fan) and I made. 

Review: New From Here

 

Knox and his family are living in Hong Kong but Covid is spreading. Knox's parents are scared. Knox, his mom, his sister, and his brother move back to California. They leave behind their dog and their father - who has to stay behind for work.

They hate splitting up the family, but Knox's mom is sure the virus won't come to America.

But it does. 

And everything is so hard for Knox and his family. Separated from their father, navigating a new school, trying to make new friends, dealing with racist comments, and trying to adjust. 

My Thoughts: My heart hurt for Knox and his struggles. This book made me laugh and tear up. I enjoyed reading about Knox and his siblings. They did get into a fair amount of scrapes. Normally, I wouldn't read about the covid virus but I love Kelly Yang. She wrote about it in a heartwarming way that will be perfect for upcoming readers who might not have understood the seriousness of the pandemic. This will be a historical fiction book for years to come. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A must have book in your school and public library collection 

Blog Tour: The Rumor Game

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the THE RUMOR GAME by Dhonielle Clayton & Sona Charaipotra Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. 

About The Book:

Title: THE RUMOR GAME

Authors: Dhonielle Clayton and Sona Charaipotra

Pub. Date: March 1, 2022

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 480

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, BandN, iBooks(audiobook), Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

All it takes is one spark to start a blaze.

At Foxham Prep, a posh private school for the children of DC’s elite, a single rumor has the power to ruin a life.

Nobody knows that better than Bryn. She used to have it all—the perfect boyfriend, a bright future in politics, and even popularity, thanks to her best friend, cheer captain Cora. Then one mistake sparked a scandal that burned it all to the ground.

Now it’s the start of a new school year and the spotlight has shifted: It’s geeky Georgie, newly hot after a summer makeover, whose name is on everyone’s lips. When a rumor ignites, Georgie rockets up the school’s social hierarchy, pitting her and Cora against each other. It grants her Foxham stardom . . . but it also makes her a target.

As the rumors grow and morph, blazing like wildfire through the school’s social media, all three girls’ lives begin to unravel. But one person close to the drama has the power to stop the gossip in its tracks. The question is—do they even want to?

From Dhonielle Clayton and Sona Charaipotra, authors of the Tiny Pretty Things duology (now a Netflix series), comes the edge-of-your-seat social thriller everyone will be talking about.

Author Quote:

"A juicy, elegant, absolutely flawless thriller with a twist. It's the diverse Gossip Girl we've been waiting for!"―Tiffany D. Jackson, New York Times best-selling author of Grown and White Smoke

 My Review: This book was hard to read and harder to put down. There were so many twists and turns that I needed to read more to find out what happened. At the same time, it was hard to read because the characters were so terrible - catty, petty, manipulative, and so so toxic. The boys were horrific, but the girls were terrible too. It made me never want to be popular or ever go back to high school. It was an intriguing look into an elite school with social media. So much is packed into this book: slut-shaming, fatphobia, sexual assault, rape, and bullying (so much bullying). And who are your friends? In this book, it's so hard to tell. I agree about the above quote - it is a diverse Gossip Girl - but I would also add a comparison to One of Us is Lying. 

* A MUST HAVE book for Public Libraries * Awesome Cover * Book sent for review

About Dhonielle Clayton:

Dhonielle Clayton is the New York Times best-selling author of the Belles series, The Mirror: Shattered Midnight, and the coauthor of Blackout and the Tiny Pretty Things duology, now a Netflix original series. She hails from the Washington, DC, suburbs on the Maryland side. She taught secondary school for several years, and is a former elementary and middle school librarian. She is COO of the non-profit We Need Diverse Books, and president of Cake Creative, an IP story kitchen dedicated to diverse representation. She’s an avid traveler, and always on the hunt for magic and mischief. Up next: The Marvellers, her middle grade fantasy debut. You can find her on social media @brownbookworm.

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

About Sona Charaipotra:

Sona Charaipotra is the author of Symptoms of a Heartbreak and How Maya Got Fierce, and coauthor of the Tiny Pretty Things duology, now a Netflix original series. She earned her master’s in screenwriting from NYU and an MFA in creative writing from the New School. A working journalist, Sona has held editorial roles at People, TeenPeople, ABCNews.com, MSN, and most recently, the Barnes & Noble Teen Blog (RIP), and contributed to publications from the New York Times to TeenVogue. She is a former We Need Diverse Books board member, and co-founder of CAKE Literary, a boutique book packager focused on high-concept diverse titles. Find her on the web talking about books, Bollywood movies, and chai.

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Pinterest | Goodreads | BookBub

 

 Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE RUMOR GAME, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the Tour:

Week Two:

3/6/2022	The book review crew	Review/IG Post
3/7/2022	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt/IG Post
3/8/2022	@coffeesipsandreads	Review/IG Post
3/9/2022	Excuse Me, I’m Reading	Review
3/10/2022	Eye-Rolling Demigod's Book Blog	Review/IG Post
3/11/2022	YA Book Nerd	Review/IG Post
3/12/2022	onemoreexclamation	Review/IG Post

Picture Book Wednesday: Aaron Slater Illustrator

Aaron loves listening to stories, but he struggles with reading. It takes him a long time to get comfortable with reading - years. He also has a hard time writing. But he can tell an amazing story. He can't write his story - but he can draw it.

My Thoughts: I love the Aaron uses his art to help tell a story. And while reading and writing is hard for him, he keeps working at them both. I loved how his teacher saw his art for the assignment and praised him. A wonderful book that shows us how people learn differently and not at the same pace as others. A great book to showcase empathy and to discuss how learning happens differently for everyone. Another great addition to this charming series.

Art inside: Really great. I loved how the story came alive on the page

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public library collections

Picture Book Wednesday: Saturday at the Food Pantry

 

Molly and her mother are going shopping at the food pantry because everyone needs help sometimes. Molly spies a friend from school, but her friend isn't happy to see her. Caitlin doesn't want anyone to know she and her grandmother need help. Soon Molly's drawing pictures for people standing in line and Caitlin helps. It brightens the mood for people until they can shop for food.

My Thoughts: I really loved this book - it tugs at the heartstrings. Molly's super sweet. She asks thoughtful questions about the rules at the food bank.  I loved the line that everyone needs help sometimes because it's so true. This is a smart thoughtful book that's sure to spark lots of conversation and empathy.  There's a note at the back of the book for adults and caregivers. 

* I don't want to say maybe we can normalize going to the food pantry (Because no one should have to go to bed hungry.) But maybe we can take the negative connotations away from it. Especially in these times, everyone needs help in some form.

** Our local food pantry has a Facebook page and a list of the most need items that week. I bet yours does too. 

Source: My Library

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

Review: Violets are Blue

 

Twelve-year-old Wren loves makeup—special effect makeup, to be exact. When she is experimenting with new looks, Wren can create a different version of herself. A girl who isn’t in a sort-of-best friendship with someone who seems like she hates her. A girl whose parents aren’t divorced and doesn’t have to learn to like her new stepmom.

So, when Wren and her mom move to a new town for a fresh start, she is cautiously optimistic. And things seem to fall into place when Wren meets potential friends and gets selected as the makeup artist for her school’s upcoming production of Wicked.

Only, Wren’s mom isn’t doing so well. She’s taking a lot of naps, starts snapping at Wren for no reason, and always seems to be sick. And what’s worse, Wren keeps getting hints that things aren’t going well at her new job at the hospital, where her mom is a nurse. And after an opening night disaster leads to a heartbreaking discovery, Wren realizes that her mother has a serious problem—a problem that can’t be wiped away or covered up.

After all the progress she’s made, can Wren start over again with her devastating new normal? And will she ever be able to heal the broken trust with her mom?  - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I loved this one. Over the past few years, Barbara Dee has become an auto-read for me and an auto-buy author for the library. Her books hit home and they cover important topics. This was was super cool with the plot line about special effects make-up and social media. I loved the bits about friendship, finding your voice, and standing up for yourself. I felt terrible for Wren and wanted to give her a great big hug. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it - but you have to read the book in order for it to make sense. 

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A Must Have book for school and public libraries. 

Children's Book Review: Mindy Kim and the Trip to Korea

 

Mindy Kim, her father, and his girlfriend are all traveling to South Korea to visit Mindy's grandparents (her deceased mother's parents). It's the first time Mindy's traveled to Korea and she's so excited. But she's nervous too. What if she doesn't fit in with her cousins? What if her grandparents don't like Julie? Julie and Mindy decide to attempt cooking a Korean dish as a thank you - but cooking can prove challenging when the ingredients are in a different language. Mindy just wants everyone to like each other and be happy together.  

My Thoughts: I love this series and it was so fun traveling with Mindy. I love how she bonded with her family - even though they didn't always know how to communicate. I love the foodie moments and the tourist ones too.  I liked the addition of Julie to the trip and seeing Julie and Mindy interact. The illustrations are super cute! I hope there are many more books to come in this charming series.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: This series is a must have your school and public libraries.

Review: Ground Zero

 

Suspended for fighting at school, Brandon must go with his father to work. But this day changes his life. It's September 11th and his father works at a restaurant at the top of the Twin Towers. Brandon sneaks off to purchase a toy for his friend when he gets trapped in the elevator. 

He's finally able to escape but he realizes there's something not right with the building. Brandon fights to get back to his father. But the way is blocked. Everyone is scared and no one understands what's happening. Brandon encounters a man he met on the elevator that morning. They stick together and hope to find a way out of the building.

My Thoughts: This date is one of those moments in time where you remember where you were. This book wasn't easy to read, but it was a great read. I love how Alan Gratz weaves stories together and twists the plots at the end. Of course this book made me tear up. It showcases the horror of the day but it also asks really important questions.

Cover Thoughts: Wow

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Must have book for your school and public library

Middle Grade Review: Charlie Thorne and the Lost City

Book 2 in the Charlie Thorne Series

Charlie Thorne's living on a small island on the Galapagos Islands. She's not exactly hiding but she's certainly been laying low. When a stranger asks her for help, she realizes it's the end of her time there. The stranger wants her help decoding a message left by Charles Darwin about a great treasure.

Charlie's interested in learning more, but she's not surprised when the stranger double crosses her. Luckily, Charlie always has a back-up plan. This time in the form of her CIA agent half-brother.

She pushes him to help her find the treasure. What changed Charles Darwin so much during his travels?

My Thoughts: Another fun Charlie Thorne book packed full of action, danger, and secrets. I love how Charlie's the smartest person in the room. She looks at all the options. I enjoyed the trek through the jungle - and I'm glad I didn't have to experience it in person. This book tackled the topic of evolution in an interesting manner. I can't wait to read more Charlie Thorne books.

Cover Thoughts: Action packed

Source: My Library

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

Picture Book Wednesday: Power of One

 

Words have the power to hurt, but even one person can make the smallest difference. One person can change someone's day. And one person can influence others to act the same.

This is a sweet story about words, kindness, and the power of one good deed. The illustrations are amazing. I loved the message at the end of the book - Planting Seeds of Kindness in your Community. Plus the recommended reading list and websites are a great addition to this book.

With the pandemic last year, I think Planting Seeds of Kindness in your Community is a great way to start off the new year. What can you do this year to spread kindness? I know I will be thinking of ways to help others.

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

Review: Three Keys

Mia is back and even though her life is better- it's still hard. While the hotel belongs to them now, business is up and then down. Not all the investors are happy. Some might want their money back. Sixth grade isn't like fifth grade. Mia's teacher isn't a kindred spirit; she's a stickler for rules. 

Several of the kids in Mia's class are worried about the immigration law that's proposed. If it passes, it will change everything. The more Mia talks to people, the more she learns about racism and the unfairness of the world. Can she smooth the road for herself, her family, and her friends? She's not sure, but she's going to try.

My Thoughts: I was so happy to spend more time with the characters from The Front Desk. I loved this sequel. It tackled really important issues that worry kids and adults alike. I had a hard time reading it, but at the same time, I couldn't put the book down. Mia is smart, determined, and brave. You can't help but root for her.

Cover Thoughts: Great

Source: My library

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

Graphic Novel Review: Twins

 

Maureen and Francine are best friends - and twins. They do everything together. But when they start middle school, Francine starts pulling away. She doesn't want to be seen as twins; she wants to be her own individual. She starts going by Fran. Fran joins clubs and makes new friends. She also doesn't want to dress the same anymore. And she's going to run for Class President. 

Maureen's having a hard time adjusting to middle school. She's not in the same classes as her sister. It's stressing her out. Maureen's in Cadet Corps instead of gym. While she's used to being at the top of her class, she's not in tuned with the cadet drills. Her teacher suggests she try out for a leadership position and run for office for extra credit. After a major fight with her sister, Maureen signs up to run for Class President.

Now the twins are running against each other. Their parents want to support both of them and make sure they're running clean campaigns. But what happens when you know your opponent's secrets?

My Thoughts: I loved this graphic novel! I felt bad for both girls. Maureen didn't want anything to change and had a hard time with learning her twin did. Fran wanted to become her own person and not be in Maureen's shadow. While both of them hurt each other, I'm glad how things turned out. Confidence played a huge part of this book - and it's really hard to be confident in middle school when you're still learning and everything is changing so quickly. Both girls had great ideas on how to make their mark on the school and to make the school a better place. I loved the art work - the colors were bright and fun. I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens next!

Cover Thoughts: Fierce!

Source: My library

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

Picture Book Review: I am One

One person has the power of make a great deal of difference.

I loved this book's message. It's so inspiring. And of course the art work is fantastic. This team is amazing.

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public library

Review: Something to Talk About

When Hollywood writer Jo takes her assistant to an awards show, the pair's photograph sparks dating rumors.

At first Emma things the rumors are annoying but that they won't last.  Paparazzi find her house, she's getting calls from reporters, and her family isn't quite sure what to believe. But the rumors persist and everything starts to change.

Emma's never thought about her boss before in that way, but once the rumors start, it's hard not to look at Jo differently. The two of them are becoming closer - something in between co-workers and friends.

With Emma's time working for Jo coming to a close, would it be a good time to start a romance?

My Thoughts: I've been longing to read this since I first heard about it. I was under the impression that this was a fake dating story - it's not. But it is a Slow Burn Hollywood Romance. And it was really really good. I love Hollywood stories - this one was a little bit different in the fact that neither of the main characters was an actress. I loved reading about the other side to Hollywood. I loved the idea that Jo came up with to help women in the field, I really want to read/know more about that project. I didn't want this book to end - and I hope for more stories set in this world so we can see some favorite characters again! This is Meryl Wilsner's debut novel - and I'm eagerly looking forward to her next book.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My library.
Library Recommendation: A must have for public libraries and their romance collection. 

Graphic Novel Review: ACT

Sixth grade means things will be different. Olive's excited about the class field trip, but afterwards she learns that not everyone can afford the field trips. Those students have to stay behind. Olive doesn't believe that's right. 

When she hears about the election for student council, she realizes that she has a chance to make a difference. But that's not the only injustice that she hears. Soon Olive has a list of ideas to make the school better.

To bad her opponents only want better snacks. They don't care about the school. As the election draws closer, Olive and her friends have different views. Will the election tear them apart?

My Thoughts: I really loved this addition to the series. I loved Olive learning more about the inner workings of the school. I loved that students shared their troubles with her. I felt bad for her about her friendship hardships, but I loved how she wanted to make a difference. And that she knew she could make a different. I enjoyed how everything turned out. I wonder if this book might spark some reader's political interest.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

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

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

Picture Book Wednesday: Be You!

You are awesome just the way you are!

I love the message from this book. Peter H Reynolds is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. It's a sweet book that celebrates uniqueness and everything that makes you, you. The art is sweet. This picture book just makes you feel cozy inside.

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