TBR Check-in: Spring

 This week's topic was Summer TBR list - which means, it's time to check how I did on my Spring Reading List.

Click here for my Spring list

I didn't do this right, because several of these books come out in June. So I haven't read that many.

Read and reviewed for Fresh Fiction

Read this cute graphic novel about friendship drama at a summer camp

Read this one - didn't love it like I'd hoped, but it was still good

Not the story I was expecting, but it was a great read. Review to come.

Loved it - review to come! 

Checked out from the library and hope to read soon:

Several other books on the list are on hold for me, so I'm waiting for them to come in. 

How did you do on your Spring reading?

Picture Book Review: The World Belonged to Us

Happy First Day of Summer!

 In Brooklyn in the summer, the kids had a blast playing outside all day log.

 This is such a fun picture book. The kids were so creative with their games and creating fun for themselves. I love the illustrations that remind me of the colors from the 1970s. This book was a great reminded to go outside and play! 

Picture Book Review: Juneteenth Alphabet

This is fantastic alphabet book that talks about the Blach history, Black culture, and how people celebrate the holiday today. 

This is a wonderfully informative book with a bright color palette making this a wonderful book for elementary school readers.

* A must have book for your school or public library's collection

Picture Book Wednesday: Dear Bookstore

One day, a girl wanders into a bookstore. Immediately, she feels at home. She's cozy in the bookstore. The books make her feel. Everything is magical and it stays that way as she grows up.

This is a heartwarming read about a girl who grow up and is still comforted by books in her favorite bookstore. I have many fond memories of spending time in bookstores and libraries. 

* The way this character feels about the bookstore, is the way I feel about libraries.

Do you have a place that comforts you like this?

Top Ten Tuesday: Summer TBR Pile

 This week's topic is our Summer TBR pile. Summer is always busy at work, so I feel like I read less. But there are some great books coming out that I can't wait to devour! 

Kids:

One of my favorite series! 

YA:

Haven't been reading much fantasy lately, but I miss it

Love books about codes

YA historical - London society!

Revenge story!

Graphic Novel:

This farm graphic novel series is super cute - middle grade

Adult:

Love this series

Second chance, enemies to lovers romance

Loved Spellshop - can't wait to read how it all started

Cinderella type romance

I will read anything this woman writes!

Big fan of the Worst Best Man

Sold: A You've Got Mail sports romance

Actress playing an author - what could go wrong?

This sounds amazing - plus it's Brigid's adult debut!

Second chance romance with music

Not really a series, but I love these adult Disney re-tellings

Any of these on your list too?

Middle Grade Review: The Beautiful Game

 

Valeria has an unusual life. She lives with her grandparents. She's in contact with her father, who rarely comes to visit. She's a soccer star; she plays on the boys' team. They've had a great season and they're heading to the play-offs. Her grandfather coaches the team. Some of the boys on the team are her best friends. 

But everything changes during a game when she gets her period. She misses much of the game as the blood seeps through her underwear and shorts. Her grandmother is out of the country visiting family. Her aunt is very sick. One of the parents helps her out, telling her want to do with the pad. The team loses the game.

Valeria is angry and sad. But she never would have believed they would kick her off the team. She's their best player. Also she's devastated that neither her grandfather nor her friends spoke up in her defense. She's heartbroken.

My Thoughts: I really loved this book.  I wanted to wrap Valeria up in a hug. She seemed so lost most of the time, but she's also prickly too. There were so many layers: family drama, period drama, friendship drama, sports drama, and becoming comfortable in your own skin. I really loved reading how Valeria (Magic) struggled her way through finding her place in the world with friendships, with her family, and with her soccer team. There's lots of soccer in this book, but it's mixed with plenty of drama to keep middle grade readers happy. 

Cover Thoughts: powerful

Source: My Library

Why I read it: I love girl sports books

Library Recommendation: A fantastic book with so many layers. This is a must have book for school and public libraries.

Hand this to: Readers who love sports and readers who love drama

Movie Review: The Fountain of Youth

We watched this the other night and I must say, for the most part it was a lot of fun.

My Thoughts:

1.  I loved John Krasinski

2. I loved the nod to Indiana Jones

3. the "Kiss" scene was hilarious

4. I loved that library

5. Natalie Portman was good - but her character was a little too stuffy and repetitive6

6. The ending was a little hokey

7. The chase scene was great

8. I love that they left it open for a sequel. 

9. It was a great blend of humor and action

10. I wish Stanley Tucci had more minutes 

I would watch more.

If you're looking for a lot of fun and a lot of action, I would recommend this movie

And it's the kind of movie my Dad would also love!