Monday, March 21, 2022

Review: Finding Her Edge

 


Adriana Russo is figure skating royalty.

With gold-medalist parents, and her older sister headed to the Olympics, all she wants is to live up to the family name and stand atop the ice dance podium at the Junior World Championships. But fame doesn’t always mean fortune, and their legendary skating rink is struggling under the weight of her dad’s lavish lifestyle. The only thing keeping it afloat is a deal to host the rest of the Junior Worlds team before they leave for France.

That means training on the same ice as her first crush, Freddie, the partner she left when her growth spurt outpaced his. For the past two years, he’s barely acknowledged her existence, and she can’t even blame him for it.

When the family’s finances take another unexpected hit, losing the rink seems inevitable until her partner, Brayden, suggests they let the world believe what many have suspected: that their intense chemistry isn’t contained to the ice. Fans and sponsors alike take the bait, but keeping up the charade is harder than she ever imagined. And training alongside Freddie makes it worse, especially when pretending with Brayden starts to feel very real.

As the biggest competition of her life draws closer and her family’s legacy hangs in the balance, Adriana is caught between her past and present, between the golden future she’s worked so hard for, and the one she gave up long ago.
 - summary from the publisher


My Thoughts: OK, it's hard to talk about this one. Because I loved it so much. I'm a big fan of figure skating but I confess, I don't know much about ice dancing. This book made me want to learn more about it! I loved the Adrianna. I loved how this was a Persuasion re-telling (and it was SO good!). I loved the angst between all the partners. I loved the love triangle (which is not something I say often). I really liked how Adriana came from a family of skaters, but how she made her own mark on the sport. I like how she held everything and everyone together. Such a great book, I didn't want it to end. I can't wait to see what Jennifer Iacopelli writes next! She's quickly become a favorite author of mine. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable 
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public libraries. 

Ice Skating Books: Check out this list

Sunday, March 20, 2022

Picture Book Review: Love

 



This is not your normal picture book, but a gorgeous pop-up book. It's about families and Love. 

The illustrations are amazing, and you'll want to pour over them. And make them move, of course. This book makes a delightful gift.

* Book sent for review

Saturday, March 19, 2022

JR Books: Parker Books

 


I love the Parker picture books. I was really happy to see Parker JR (junior reader) books.

Parker Dresses Up: What happens when your siblings and their imagination hijack dress-up. It becomes even better!

Your Friend, Parker: Parker and her family go on vacation. She sends letters back to her friend to keep her updated about all their adventures. 

These books are lots of fun - about friendship, family, imagination, and sharing

I do hope there are more Parker books in the works!

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your school and public libraries.

Friday, March 18, 2022

Mini Review: House of Sky and Breath

 




This one is a mini review because it's hard to talk about the book without spoilers.

There's a LOT that goes on in this book.

It does have the usual Sarah J Maas elements:
Friendship, banter, smart heroine, danger, action, lots of trouble, secrets, double crossing, traps, snark, romance, and that twist you never see coming.

That last twist blew my mind.

So first, I'm a huge fan of the author. I will read whatever she writes. But I know that I need a large chunk of time to read these books. Because once I start, I'm not going to want to stop. Her books are addicting! 

A must have series for your public library's adult fantasy collection.

* Book sent for review

While this list is for the COURT series, these similar reads hold true

Thursday, March 17, 2022

Happy St. Patrick's Day



 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Here are some fun books for your library's collection.

Board Books:
Friends celebrate the traditions of St. Patrick's Day. 


This is to the tune of Itsy-Bitsy Spider. A cute friendship story with bright colors and sweet illustrations.


A great introduction to St. Patrick's Day traditions with great photos.

Parents share their love for their kids with St. Patrick's Day theme. 

I love this picture book series. The cutouts are cute, and the illustrations are adorable. The message about families and love is perfect and sweet. 


Picture Books:
Claire and her brother are desperately trying to catch the leprechaun. Will their traps work?

A fun STEAM story that ties in St. Patrick's Day.



The 12 Days of St. Patrick's Day - based off the Christmas song. 

Lots of fun, great pictures, and diverse characters. 

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Picture Book Wednesday: Women's History Month Books (3)



Here are a few picture book biographies which are highly recommended for your school and public library's collection. 


Mary Katharine led a fascinating life - and she's someone I've never heard of. She worked for her brother running his newspapers. One of which printed the Declaration of Independence - along with her name.

This was a fascinating book about Mary Katharine Goddard. She's not mentioned often in history, but she played a powerful role. She ran articles about the colonists and revolutionists. She crossed boundaries. The author's note was informative. Reading this book makes me want to learn more about Mary Katharine. 



Harriet loved hats, especially with feathers. But when she realized those beautiful feathers killed birds, she decided to take action. She and her friends started boycotting feathered hats. They listened to bird lectures, organized a society to protect birds, and met John James Audubon, who painted birds. 

A really interesting story about Harriet Lawrence Hemenway (I had not heard of her either) - and the foundation of the Audubon Society. I loved this society's founding story - all due to fashion. Small ideas can grow into large movements and help change the world. 

* book sent for review


Aretha Franklin's famous song shared hope with the Civil Rights movement, the Women's movement, and marches today. 

I've been a fan Aretha Franklin's song since I first heard it. It's such a fun song to sing. And I enjoyed learning the history behind it and how it made other people happy and hopeful too. 

 

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Top Ten Tuesday: Spring TBR

 This week's topic is Spring TBR list. For me, that's books coming out in April, May, or June.



Children's and Middle Grade:
 

  

 

 

 

 

 

YA:
 

 

 


 

 



Adult:

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 
 


Any of these on your list too?