Middle Grade Review: Bea Mullins Takes a Shot

 

Bea Mullins had trouble with basketball. When gym is canceled, Bea needs to figure out a sports credit. She reluctantly joins the hockey team, secretly hoping they won't have enough girls to make the team. When the team start practicing, Bea isn't great at skating. She's nervous that she will make a fool of herself.

The first game doesn't go well; they're forced to play the best team in the league. Bea skates away from the puck, rather than embarrass herself further. She has a hard time passing the puck. Unfortunately, one of her classmates films their games. They create a video compellation of all their mistakes. Bea is so embarrassed, but the other girls lean into the videos, even creating some of their own. 

Gabi, a team member, starts helping Bea with her hockey skills. The hockey team doesn't have much funding, so they have to fundraise. Bea and her best friend Celia brainstorm ideas to help earn some cash. Could she find herself happy being on the hockey team?

My Thoughts: I loved this book; it was five-star read. I love girls sports books. This book was such a good read with all the drama: sports, friendship, and a little bit of romance. Bea's family were fun and supportive. I loved her Dad, and the hockey moments. I felt bad for Bea and how she struggled sharing her feelings. I understood her lack of enthusiasm for being on camera making a fool out of herself. I loved the romance between Bea and Gabi. This is Emily Deibert's debut novel and it was amazing. I can't wait to see what she writes next! 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

 Source: My Library

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

Women's Biographies

 Just a few biographies that are new to the library

I didn't know the Olivia Rodrigo was a Disney star. I heard her music - her first album - and became a fan. I liked learning more about her. 

I know of Sadie Sink from All Too Well - I enjoyed reading about how she got her start. I love that she played a young Queen Elizabeth on the stage. 

To be honest, I knew most of the information here. But I did not know about the jobs in between University and becoming royal. This short book is very informative and has lots of great pictures.

I really enjoyed watching Caitlin Clark's first WNBA season, so I was happy to read a biography. I loved reading about all her stats of awesomeness. I can't wait to see what other records she breaks.

All of four of these book showcase talented women. I'm always on the lookout for a good biography. 

Color Your World Book: Paint with Ploof

 

Ploof wants to paint a rainbow, but they need help.

This is not a board book, but it looks like one and it's sized like one. This interactive book is perfect for this year's summer reading theme.  It will be a great read-aloud.

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 

Happy National Library Week!

Today is take action for libraries day.

So, I'm here to ask you:

When was the last time you visited your library? Checked out an item? Attended a program?

Libraries have SO MUCH to offer everyone!

Here's a little bit about my library usage.

I'm the best and worst library patron.

Currently I have:

102 books checked out (several of these are for storytime and library programs)

15 books on hold 

Both of these are kind of average. I check out a lot of books. 

While I read a lot of books, I don't always get to read everything I check out. 

Try to visit your library soon! It really does help.

Picture Book Review: Raise Your Hand

 

Alice answers a question in class but gets the answer wrong. She's embarrassed and when the teacher asks the next question, she knows the answer. But she doesn't raise her hand. Other girls don't raise their hands and decides to come up with an idea. How can they make girls feel more confident?

This is such an important topic - girls not raising their hands in school and girls losing their confidence. I love the message that no one is right all the time. Everyone is wrong sometimes, but that doesn't mean that you stop trying. It's such an encouraging story. This is a must have book for your school or public library.

Top Ten Tuesday: Spring Covers

 This week's topic is all about Spring covers: gardens, flowers, and more.

Read:

Want to read:

Have you read of these?