Mood Board: Mirror Mirror

It's the last book in the series for Abby and her brother Jonah.

I don't want to say too much about it because SPOILERS.

However, I love how it ended.

 

Middle Grade Review: The Ribbon Skirt

Anang isn't a boy or a girl. They are a two-spirit or nonbinary. They want to make a ribbon skirt for the powwow. They don't want people to treat them differently; not every in the tribe is welcoming about their two spirit-ness. Even someone Anang considered a friend.

They ask the spirits for help. The turtles show up and help. Anang takes it as a sign that they should wear the skirt. 

My Thoughts: This was a really interesting book as it combined so many pieces. The author is from the same tribe as Anang - and is also a two-spirit person. I felt so bad for them and wanted to wrap them in a hug. I love the way the spirits were woven into the books. The illustrations are lovely. I love how the skirt turned out. 

The back matter is fantastic: glossary, histories, two-spirit information, and a recipe.

Cover Thoughts: Sweet

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library's collection. 

Graphic Novel Review: Fresh Start

Ollie's used to moving (her dad is a diplomat) and creating a fresh start - which is great when you make a fool out of yourself. But it's also hard to keep friends when you're always moving. 

Ollie loves anime - particularly Quill. As she gets to know her classmates, she realizes that she might have judged them too soon. There are several who love anime - just like her. 

As she starts putting down roots, could everything be ripped away from her?

My Thoughts: This book was super cute. There was a lot of drama: friendship and family. Ollie's parents and her younger sister don't get along. Trouble bubbles up in the family. I love the addition of the hedgie. I really loved how the friendships developed - past and present. The illustrations are adorable. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

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

BookTok: Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

This book is great for fans of:

Single mother and daughter. They own a coffee shop

mixed with:

a big chain coffee shop moves in across the street from the local shop 

More thoughts:

@yabooknerdlibrarian A great YA book for fall! Perfect for fans of #gilmoregirls and #youvegotmail - it might make you want to bake! #fallvibes #booktok #yabooktok #psl @IreadYA ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

Graphic Novel Review: Claudia and the Bad Joke

Practical jokes start sweeping through Stoneybrook and the baby-sitters are NOT amused. Especially after Claudia falls off a swing and breaks her leg. She can't help wondering what would have happened if she had broken her arm instead. Could this accident change her mind about being in the club?

My Thoughts: I've never been a fan of practical jokes - I would not have been as patient as these baby-sitters. I don't blame Claudia for second-guessing her choice, but obviously the club would not be the same without her. I love reading these stories again. I'm so happy they've caught the attention of another generation of readers.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

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

 

Review: Liar Liar

 

* Book 16 in the Whatever After series * 

Jonah and Abby are dropped into the tale of Pinocchio. They're supposed to help the Blue Fairy make sure that Pinocchio goes to school. But he isn't interested in school, even though he says he will. Abby can tell because his nose grows. Now she has to figure out how to make things right.

My Thoughts: I adore this series. I really enjoyed this story, which is impressive because I'm not a huge fan of Pinocchio. But I did love the friendship moments. I actually liked Penny in this book. I did enjoy the fact that Abby's nose grew too when she lied. It did help her use her communication skills. I can't wait for more adventures. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendations: This is a must have series for your school and public library

Rockstar Book Tour: Beastly Beauty

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the BEASTLY BEAUTY  by Jennifer Donnelly Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 About the Book:

Title: BEASTLY BEAUTY

Author: Jennifer Donnelly

Pub. Date: May 7, 2024

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 336

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/BEASTLY-BEAUTY

*"A dreamy, sublimely written tale." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

From New York Times bestselling, award-winning author Jennifer Donnelly comes a revolutionary, gender-swapped retelling of Beauty and the Beast that will forever change how you think about beauty, power, and what it really means to follow your heart.

What makes a girl "beastly?" Is it having too much ambition? Being too proud? Taking up too much space? Or is it just wanting something, anything, too badly?

That's the problem Arabella faces when she makes her debut in society. Her parents want her to be sweet and compliant so she can marry well, but try as she might, Arabella can't extinguish the fire burning inside her -- the source of her deepest wishes, her wildest dreams.

When an attempt to suppress her emotions tragically backfires, a mysterious figure punishes Arabella with a curse, dooming her and everyone she cares about, trapping them in the castle. As the years pass, Arabella abandons hope. The curse is her fault -- after all, there's nothing more "beastly" than a girl who expresses her anger -- and the only way to break it is to find a boy who loves her for her true self: a cruel task for a girl who's been told she's impossible to love.

When a handsome thief named Beau makes his way into the castle, the captive servants are thrilled, convinced he is the one to break the curse. But Beau -- spooked by the castle's strange and forbidding ladies-in-waiting, and by the malevolent presence that stalks its corridors at night -- only wants to escape. He learned long ago that love is only an illusion. If Beau and Arabella have any hope of breaking the curse, they must learn to trust their wounded hearts, and realize that the cruelest prisons of all are the ones we build for ourselves.

  My Thoughts: I do love Jennifer Donnelly's books. This was a different twist on the Beauty and the Beast story. I admit, I took me a little bit to get into it. I really liked the architecture moments. This was a really clever book. I do wish there had been a list of names because my brain doesn't work like that. There were lots of twists that I didn't see coming. The descriptions of the book were fantastic.  I loved how this book talked about female emotions and how powerful they are. I loved the message of this book - and the ending. 

About Jennifer:

Jennifer Donnelly is the author of A Northern Light, which was awarded a Printz Honor and a Carnegie Medal; Revolution (named a Best Book by Amazon, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, and the Chicago Public Library, and nominated for a Carnegie Medal); the Deep Blue series; and many other books for young readers, including Lost in a Book, which spent more than 20 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. She lives in New York's Hudson Valley.

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon

Meet Jennifer! 

Giveaway Details: 

1 winner will receive a finished copy of BEASTLY BEAUTY, US Only.

Ends June 4^th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the Tour:

Week Three:

5/19/2024	Triquetra Reviews	Review/IG Post
5/20/2024	Country Mamas With Kids	Review/IG Post
5/21/2024	@bookish_aly_cat	IG Review/TikTok Post
5/21/2024	@dreaminginpages	IG Review
5/22/2024	nerdophiles	Review
5/23/2024	A Backwards Story	Review/IG Post
5/23/2024	YA Book Nerd	Review/IG Post
5/24/2024	@jaimes_mystical_library	IG Review
5/25/2024	@celiamcmahonreads	IG Review

Picture Book Wednesday: The Reflection in Me

A person chats with themselves in the mirror - and they are VERY complimentary. They like themselves.

It's never too early to start practicing self-care. There's so much negativity in the world, that it's important to remember to be kind to yourself. Starting off every day with what you like about yourself is a perfect way to start the day. And of course, the illustrations are from the marvelous Peter H. Reynolds. This is a great book to share with everyone! 

* F&G sent for review

 

Review: Top Story

 

* Book 5 in the Front Desk series *

Mia and Lupe are spending winter break in San Fransico. Mia will be attending a prestigious journalism internship and Lupe will be attending the math championships. Both have high expectations for their time there. But Mia does hope they get to enjoy themselves too.

Mia isn't loving her internship. She's eager to make her mark, but all her stories keep getting rejected. Lupe starts thinking about SATs and skipping high school and going straight to college. Jason and Hank arrive to help cook a big banquet for the place they are staying. Jason has a crush on a new acquaintance. Mia isn't happy about that. She starts to examine her own feelings. 

My Thoughts: I love this series. I love Mia and how she uses words as both her weapon and her love language. My heart broke for her and her new friends and all they endured at the internship. But I love how they rallied and how they tackled a new challenge. I loved the additional new characters and seeing old favorites. I loved the addition of Comma. I loved learning more about their new community and how they all came together. Another wonderful addition to this series. I hope it continues for many more books. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Library Commendation: A must have series for your public and school library's collection. 

Blog Tour: The Liars Society

 

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the THE LIAR'S SOCIETY by Alyson Gerber Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About The Book:
Title: THE LIAR'S SOCIETY
Author: Alyson Gerber
Pub. Date: February 6, 2024
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Pages: 304
Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/THE-LIARS-SOCIETY

 The Inheritance Games and One of Us is Lying for middle grade -- beloved author Alyson Gerber's new series is an unforgettable mystery featuring a secret society, a mysterious island, and dangerous family secrets.

Weatherby is a fish out of water. When she lands a scholarship to the prestigious Boston School, she’s excited to be in the same world as her dad, whom she’s never met, and make real friends. But Weatherby has a secret she’ll risk everything to protect, one that could destroy her new life.

Every member of Jack’s wealthy and privileged family has made their mark at the Boston School. Everyone, that is, except for Jack, who is entirely mediocre. He’s desperate to prove his worth to his influential father. But Jack has a secret of his own . . . one with the power to ruin everything.

When the money for their school trip to a private island―exclusive to Boston students―is stolen, Jack and Weatherby are invited to play a high-stakes game and solve the mystery of the missing money. If they win, they’ll be selected to join the oldest, most powerful secret society in the world―and they’ll be Boston royalty forever. If they lose . . . well, they better not lose.

Beloved author Alyson Gerber crafts an unforgettable mystery that asks―are some secrets and lies impossible to overcome?

My Thoughts: This is the start of a new series and I really enjoyed it. I loved watching Weatherby adjust to a new school and new friends. I enjoyed her banter with Jack - especially as it grew to friendship. I loved the sailing moments. I enjoyed watching the family secrets unfold. I'm so looking forward to the next book in the series! 

 

About Alyson Gerber:

Alyson Gerber is the author of The Liars Society series and the critically acclaimed novels Focused, Braced, and Taking Up Space. A former marketing director, Alyson earned her MFA in creative writing at the New School. She grew up in New England and now lives in New York City with her family. Follow her @AlysonGerber and at alysongerber.com

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

Follow the Tour:

2/18/2024	@enthuse_reader	IG Review/TikTok Post
2/19/2024	YA Book Nerd	Review/IG Post
2/20/2024	The Momma Spot	Review
2/21/2024	@thepagelady	IG Review
2/22/2024	Country Mamas With Kids	Review/IG Post
2/23/2024	Kim's Book Reviews and Writing Aha's	Review/IG Post
2/24/2024	@katherinebichler	TikTok Post

Giveaway Details:
1 winner will receive a finished copy of THE LIAR'S SOCIETY, US Only.
Ends March 7th, midnight EST

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BookTok: Search and Rescue

 

@yabooknerdlibrarian 5 things about the September 11th book which takes place at the Pentagon. #booktok #childrensbook #kidlit ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

5 Things: Room to Dream

I'm such a fan of this series. I fell a little bit behind, but I'm catching up! There's so much to love about Mia and her saga, but these 5 things are my favorite!

If you haven't read this series, I highly recommend it. 

 

Review: Abby in Neverland

 

* Special Edition Number 3 in the Whatever After series * 

Jonah is having a sleepover and Abby is having a rough night. But then a boy appears in her window looking for his shadow. She declines, but moments later she sees her brother and his friends flying through the air. Abby has no choice but to follow them. 

Abby doesn't love Neverland like Jonah and his friends. She's the oldest and all the responsibility falls on her. She's worried about Maryrose and her health. She's worries about getting back home without their mother noticing. And she's annoyed at Tink's behavior. 

But what she doesn't realize is - there's a reason she's in Neverland. Peter was told to bring her. That can only mean one thing, her nemesis is here...

My Thoughts: I really liked this book - even though I'm not a huge fan of the Peter Pan story. I love the idea of flying and of course I loved Abby's happy reason to flying, I adored the Taylor Swift references. I liked the moments between Maryrose and Tink. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic

Source: My Library

Library Recommendations: A must have series for your school or public library collection

Bookstagram (13)

Graphic Novel Review

I've been waiting to read this graphic novel for a while. 

And it did not disappoint. 

It's about a group of kids who meet in the cafeteria for community service hours. 

They are not friends - yet. But as the time goes by, they discover a secret and they come together to help someone else. 

A Breakfast Club type graphic novel

 

BookTok: Sweet and Sour

@yabooknerdlibrarian Put Sweet and Sour by Debbi Michiko Florence on your radar! This is a great middle grade summer book about friendship! #booktok #booktalk #upcomingbooks #librariansoftiktok #friendshipbook ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

* ARC sent for review.

** Debbie's books are awesome if you haven't read them yet

Graphic Novel Review: Miss Quinces

 

All Sue wants to do is spend time at camp with her friends and create graphic novel art. But her parents never let her have any fun. Instead, they are going to visit family in Honduras. To her horror, there is also no cell service/internet. But there is LOTS of family.

It gets worse. 

Her mom announces that she's throwing Sue a surprise quinceañera. Sue hates being the center of attention. She's really upset about this - especially since nothing is her style. How will she survive?

My Thoughts: I really loved this graphic novel. I loved the big family and the relationship Sue had with her Abuelita. I loved all the noisy moments and the quiet ones. I loved Sue's nerdy love for comic books and creating art. Life throws obstacles in your way, but Sue made them work for her. A great graphic novel that was hard to put down. 

Cover Thoughts: Funny

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for school and public libraries.

Review: Pizza My Heart

 

Maya's not happy that her family is moving from New York City to Pennsylvania. She hates leaving her best friend behind. Maya can't believe it when her parents say she can't join the art club which means one afternoon a week.

Instead, she's forced to help out at the store making deliveries on her bike daily. Maya can't believe she has to give up her dreams for her parents' dreams. She's so frustrated but talking to her parents doesn't help. 

She's determined to find a way to join the art club and enter the art competition. Her new friend Devin might be able to help her. But her new frenemy Justin might ruin everything. Can Maya find a way to help her family and compete in the art show?

My Thoughts: This was a really fun novel which of course made me crave pizza. I loved the art moments in the book where different characters worked on different projects with various mediums. I really liked seeing Maya's piece come together. I felt badly for Maya and all the upheaval in her life, but I liked the way everything turned out.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for school and public libraries. 

Middle Grade Review: Batch Made in Heaven

 

Mina can't wait for the school's mentorship program to start -especially once she lands her dream internship at the local bakery. She can't wait to show off her baking skills and help create recipes. But before she arrives, she exchanges words with the baker's son.

Ben made it clear he does not want her at his family store. They don't need her help. And he might do everything in his power to get her to quit, Mina can't believe it. She's even more upset when she realizes the owner doesn't know anything about the program. He didn't choose her, his assistant did. 

They need help on social media - not baking. But Mina catches a strange vibe from the store. She's not sure, what's happening behind closed doors, but she's hoping to make a difference.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I liked how Mina and Ben found their footing and began to understand each other. I loved the baking moments - those were mouthwatering and made me want to get into the kitchen to bake. I also loved the friendship moments - and honest conversations. There were a lot of honest conversations that needed to be had. And they were really well done. I liked the mention of pressure, especially on younger folk. It sparked the connection between allowed to be a kid and forced to grow up quickly. Another fantastic read from Suzanne Nelson

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library.

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

On Your Radar: Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai (48)

Title: Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai

Author: Debbi Michiko Florence

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Release Date: August 3, 2021

Reasons It Should Be On Your Radar:

* Friendship

* Talking about Feelings

*Broadway Diner

* Milkshakes

* Writing for Newspaper

* Investigating

* Taking a Risk

* Opening Your Heart

* Keiko Carter

I loved Keep It Together, Keiko Carter and was over the moon to hear about Jenna's story. And the companion story was everything I wanted it to be!

* ARC sent for review

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

While you're waiting, take a look at these books.