Top Ten Tuesday: Spring TBR

 This week we are sharing are Spring TBR list - for me that's books coming out April, May, and June

Middle Grade and Kids:

 

Graphic Novels:

YA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adult:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Currently Reading and Loving:

Any of these books on your list too?

Review: Bones of Birka

 I did take an archeology course in college in upstate New York. We had a site where we dug for Native American artifacts. I loved it. So, when the offer came in to review this book, I jumped at the chance. I don't know much about Vikings, except for the common knowledge, but now I'm eager to learn more. 

How many female Viking warriors does it take to make a fact?

When archaeologist Dr. Charlotte Hedenstierna-Jonson discovers that the bones contained in the most significant Viking warrior grave ever opened are in fact female, she and her team upend centuries of historically accepted conclusions and ignite a furious debate around the reality of female Viking warriors and the role of gender in both ancient and modern times.

In The Bones of Birka, author C. M. Surrisi introduces young readers to the events that led up to this discovery and the impact it has had on scientists’ and historians’ views of gender roles in ancient societies and today. This is the inside account of the Birka warrior grave Bj 581 archaeological endeavor, including all of the dreams, setbacks, frustrations, excitement, politics, and personalities that went into this history-changing discovery.

The finding has raised crucial questions about research bias, academic dialogue, and gender identity. - summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I admit this isn't my usual read. I don't generally read a lot of nonfiction - unless it's a craft/cook book or pop culture book. I liked this one. It was more scientific rather than narrative nonfiction - but it was really interesting.

It followed a logical timeline. I liked the questions it raised due to the gender reveal of the Viking grave. I loved how they explored the reactions around the world upon learning the bones were female - and how that changed some people's opinion of the grave and the Viking Culture. It does make you think...

* Book sent for review

Fresh Fiction Reviews (14)

 

I've read and reviewed several books for Fresh Fiction recently:

"Page-Turning Historical Fiction"

"So much to love about this witty historical romance!"

"Page Turning Thriller"

"Paris Fashion can be Dangerous"

"A Wedding to Die For"

"Love and Books"

Teen Summer Reading Program (3)

 

The past two weeks we talked about craft programs:

Week 1

Week 2

This week we're talking about food programs.

This is how we do them at my library- they are for both kids and teens.

And yes, we are still doing them virtual because it's easier and we connect with more people this way.

Themed Ideas:

Community Gardens:

Lawn Mowing (A Good deed)

I would use twizzlers instead of straws...

Community BBQ Grill:

Community BBQ Hamburgers:

Community Workers:

Fun Food Ideas:

Ice Cream Marshmallow Cones 

Spaghetti and Meatball Cupcakes:

If You Like... Books and Movies

 I watched a few movies recently that reminded me of some great books so I thought I'd share:

Graphic Nove Review: Mindy Makes Some Space

 

Best friends Mindy Kim, Gabby Jordan, and Priya Gupta are back in business! After a few ups and downs, their dog-walking business is booming and the girls are closer than ever. It's a dream come true!

But for Mindy, things at home are beginning to feel like a bit of a nightmare. Her mom just started dating someone, which has Mindy feeling like the odd one out. For as long as she can remember, it's been just the two of them and she doesn't want that to change. (So what if her mom's boyfriend has a cute pet cat, and all of Mindy's friends seem to think he's pretty cool?)

And things only get worse when a new student named Hazel arrives in class and seems totally into joining PAWS. Sharing her mom feels bad enough, so there's no way Mindy's is going to share her best friends and her business, too! But when Mindy's stubbornness starts to hurt everyone around her, will she be able to overcome her fears and learn that change doesn't have to be a cat-tastrophe? - summary from the publisher 

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. But apparently, I didn't read the first book. Oops. Going to go back and read that one ASAP. I did feel like I was forgetting things, but I wasn't lost. The second book was a cute story - everything was tough for Mindy. Her relationship with her mom is changing now that her mom has a boyfriend. Her relationship with her friends are changing as they are becoming closer with Hazel. Hazel's in a wheelchair and there were moments where the main characters realized how inaccessible houses were for Trick or Treating or for dog walking. It's always hard to add a new friend to a friend group. I felt bad for Mindy, I just wanted to wrap her up in a hug. She felt so left out in all areas of her life. She started communicating with her friends and finally let go of her anger. She learned to accept the changes in her life.  

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

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

Picture Book Wednesday: Namaste is a Greeting

 

Namaste means so many things.

This is a beautiful story with a great message and charming illustrations. Without many words, this book makes a great read-aloud. It's also perfect for the summer reading theme All Together Now.

A must have picture book for your library collection!

Top Ten Tuesday: Authors

 This week's topic is authors or bookish people I'd like to meet. 

We've done this topic a few times. I've been lucky to meet several authors. 

This post is about authors. This post is about bookstores.

And here are the authors I'd love to meet across age groups and genres:

Jessica Burkhart

Ann M Martin

Jennifer Estep

Jasimine Guillory

Erin Soderberg Downing 

Sophie Jordan

Kelly Yang

Lyla Lee

Christina Soontornvat

Lauren Castillo 

Review: This is How I Roll

 

Sana and her family moved so her father could own his own restaurant. Sana loves to cook but her father, who owns a restaurant, doesn't like her messing up the kitchen. She tries everything she knows to get his attention - but he's very busy. 

Now she's in the same town with her cousin, her best friend. Sana thought she was going to be spending the summer with her cousin doing art projects and cooking on the sly. But when her cousin gets a last-minute spot at a summer camp, Sana's at a loss.

Luckily, she meets Koji. While her cousin isn't Koji's biggest fan, Sana really likes him. Koji takes Sana home to meet his mother. Sana connects with Mrs. Yamada. They end up cooking together. But Sana isn't telling the truth about any of her relationships...

My Thoughts: Another winner for Debbi Michiki Florence - this book is super cute. I felt bad for Sana - she has a hard relationship with her parents. They all seem to have a communication problem. They don't seem to include her in decisions - even sharing what's going on. Sana often finds out details from her cousin. 

It's always hard navigating middle school - friendships, crushes, and mean girls. I love the relationship between Sana and Mrs. Yamada. Of course, I love all the food moments. They made my mouth water. I love how Koji and Sana decide to create cute cooking videos. The ending is super cute. Lots to love in this middle grade adventure. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

Library Recommendations: Highly recommended for your library's collection. 

Bedtime Picture and Board Books

 

Just a few recent additions to the library with bedtime books:

Leo's had a busy day and know it's time for bed.

This is a sweet board book about Leo's bedtime routine - complete with bath time, snuggles, and a story. The illustrations are charming. One to read over and over again. A beautiful addition to this series.

As the moon rises, the animals know it's time for bed.

This is a sweet story about how animals know it's time for bed. I love the talk about all the habitats. I love the soft squishy moon. I love the wonderful illustrations. Another book to read over and over again. 

10 kisses before bedtime for all the kiddos.

This is a sweet story about all different types of families - and everyone gets kisses before bedtime. It's also a touch and feel book - lots of textures here. 

Lily is ready for bed - but Milo isn't.

He has so many things to do before going to sleep. It's fun watching Milo get ready for bed and help him choose when he has a hard time making decisions. 

Sleepy Sheepy is NOT tired!

The poor parents aren't quite sure what to do with this non-sleepy sheep. This is a funny story that will resonate with parents and kiddos. 

Teen Summer Reading Program (2): We are Stronger Together

Last week I shared some Teen craft ideas that could be used for a Friendship theme. 

If you missed it, check it out. 

Here are more craft ideas. 

Friendship Bracelets: 

Yes, you can make these with kids - but the teens can make more elaborate ones. 

Bookmarks:

You can leave them in books around the library or they can keep them

Mini Terrariums:

Washi Tape Picture Frames:

Origami Stars:

You can write a sweet message inside

Flower Hearts:

These are posted for Valentine's Day, but they can be used anytime. Teens could make these more elaborate also.

Come back next week for some food program ideas!

BookTok: Sweet Valley Twins

I used to love the Sweet Valley High books, so I was happy to see this graphic novel adaptation.

And it was mostly good...

 

@yabooknerdlibrarian What happens when you grow apart from your twin and start to become your own person??? #sweetvalleyhigh #sweetvalleytwins #graphicnovels #nostalgia #booktok #librariansoftiktok #twins ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

Reviews: Children's Biographies

 We have two biography series that are popular at my library - Who Was/Is and She Persisted. With a new book order, a bunch came in. Here are my thoughts:

This was good - I loved how detailed the younger years were and how Maya Lin got her first big break. However, I would have liked more details pictures of her creations after the Vietnam Memorial. That seemed a little glossed over to me. 

This was a great read - not enough time spent on the Celtics (but I'm just picky because I bleed green). I enjoyed how this covered more than just basketball for Shaq. 

I'm a huge fan of Michelangelo's work - he's one of my favorite artists. This is a great biography of his struggles, his art, and politics of the time. 

I really enjoyed getting to know more about Diana Taurasi and her awesome skills at basketball. I only wished I had seen her play in person...

I enjoyed learning more about Alex Trebeck - especially his time before Jeopardy! and the other games he hosted and of course his moment with Queen Elizabeth. 

I confess I didn't know anything about Wilma Mankiller, but know I do! She's an impressive woman who has helped the Cherokee Nation. 

A little look into the life of the first Black woman on the Supreme Court. I enjoyed reading about her moment with Obama. 

* These two series are must have books for your school and public library collections.

Picture Book Wednesday: Old Friends

Marjorie doesn't have any friends her age - her interests are not the same as the other kids. She desperately wishes for a friend. One day, she finds a place that lists all her interests - but it's the senior center. But is she too young?

A funny and sweet story about a young girl finding friends at the senior center. I love the idea that you can find friends anywhere. And it's sweet how they all have the same interests and share their talents.