Review: This Way Home

Elijah's a god on the basketball court. During the summer before his senior year of high school, he's determined to win the three on three tournament with his two best friends. Together, they can out play anyone.

When Michael comes to them with  new shoes, Dylan and Elijah can't believe their good fortune - especially when Michael swears they come without ties.

Elijah wants to win and he wants that prize money. But at what cost? Between avoiding the gangs of Baltimore and leaving this city behind through basketball, Elijah has plans for the future. Right now his plans include winning and holding down his summer job.

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this book - read it in one sitting. I loved the basketball scenes - it made me want to go shoot hoops. 

I really liked the banter between the three friends. I loved the moments between Banks and Elijah. 

That ending really surprised me - I didn't see it coming. It made me sad, but it also made me think about the entire book. Part of me wanted to go back and read it again.

Cover Thoughts: It's hard to see the basketball on the book - I wish it was easier to see.
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Teens will dig this book

Teen Program Ideas: Teen Tech Week

Teen Tech Week is fast approaching, so I thought I'd throw out a few ideas - all from pinterest

Be sure also to check out the official page

Robot Building

Heat Activated Slime

Lego Bridge Challenge 

For the Community (for the kid's room inside the library or a place in the community). Have teens create a road way for kids to play with cars.

Roadway

Mysterious Saturday Review: Death is Like a Box of Chocolates

* First Book in a Series * 

Michelle and Erica got roped into hosting the Great Fudge Cook-off - partly to promote the town and partly to promote their combine chocolate and bookstore business.

When a body is discovered inside the shop with a chocolate stuffed in the victim's mouth - everything could change in a heartbeat.

Michelle's worried that her shop won't last and that her business customers will cancel their orders. Just as she's finally found herself, she faces losing everything.

Michelle starts looking into the murder in order to get her life back on track.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this mystery with the small town charm, the chocolate and bookstore business, the friendships, and the potential romance. I loved learning more about Michelle and her chocolate making - this book made my mouth water. I craved chocolate while reading it (who wouldn't). I liked both Michelle and Erica's brothers and I'm interested in learning more about them. I really enjoyed the Great Fudge Cook-off and how it came together. I'm looking forward to learning more about these characters. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: If you're looking for a fun mystery with lots of chocolate and great friends, look no further. 

About Me: Dogs

One of my resolutions this year (and to be honest almost every year) is to talk more about myself on the blog. Me in a nutshell: I'm a Librarian. I'm a blogger. I'm a reader. Here's a little bit about me outside the bookish world.

When I was a kid, I desperately wanted a dog. I used to ask for one all the time. Instead, I got dog stuffed animals, which I loved, but it wasn't the real deal. Finally when I was heading into middle school, my parents gave in. We got a Shetland Sheep dog (just like a family friend's dog Jack who used to shake paws). I helped pick her out. She crawled into my lap and it was love at first sight.

Isn't she the cutest?

She would wake me up in the morning by racing up the stairs and jumping on the side of my bed, barking until I reached my hand down to put her. 

I taught her tricks. She loved playing ball. She loved food. She would wait at the edge of the driveway for me to come home from school. She always knew when I was coming - unless I was at practice. 

She hated the word college. Her tail would droop and she would get cranky. 

 She was the perfect dog. 

She died after I was gone from the house. My parents got a new dog (same breed) Ivy. Here she is in a fun Christmas photo. 

Isn't she adorable?

She's cute, but I didn't spend too much time with her as a puppy and then I got a dog. She wasn't thrilled about sharing the house with another dog. Ivy isn't one for cuddling too much, but she does love food and she loves to play.

And then there's my playful dog who isn't a puppy any more, but acts like one (especially on days like today when it snows)

He's a good sport about taking funny pictures. He loved going for long walks - his nose leads him everywhere. He loves sleeping and snuggling (even when we read)

He loves smelling books. He's super curious and he knows a fair amount of tricks. He loves having his belly rubbed. He has the most expressive eyes.

He can be a bit of a handful. He gets super excited around new people - jumps all over them. He's also a bed hog. 

But I love him dearly.

Having a dog is the best thing in the world. They're always happy to see you. Hugging my crazy dog makes me feel better, especially when I'm sad. I'm not sure I could ever not have a dog. I often think about getting another one, but I'm not sure my puppy wants to share the house. 

My Grandfather and Me

21 years ago today, we lost my grandfather very suddenly. I was a freshman in high school and I was devastated. February 5th is always a hard day, but today I'm going to take time for the happy memories over the sadness and gaping hole in my heart.

This is one of my favorite pictures of my sister and I with our grandparents.

You can read the rest of my post from last year here about what I remember most about him. 

Adult Review: Rogue Not Taken

 * Book 1 in the Scandal and Scoundrel series *

Lady Sophie Talbot is different than she sisters; she isn't fond of the tabloid gossip detailing their every move. In fact, up until now, she's stayed out of the limelight. But when her sister's husband does something unforgivable, she must act.

Now she's embarrassed and wants to escape the party. She ends up fleeing the scene on the back of a carriage. Only the carriage isn't going where she expected. Now she's in a worse mess with no way out.

What will happen when she's discovered?

My Thoughts: I'm a huge fan of Sarah MacLean's and this book made me so so happy to read. It was hilarious. I loved the banter between Sophie and King. They got into serious scrapes, but they always managed a way out of the them. I loved the idea of owning a bookstore away from town. Oh, and that library scene reminded me of Beauty and the Beast. Of course I loved it. You can't help but love a bookish heroine. Strawberry tarts. Hedge Mazes. I really liked Sophie's sisters and can't wait to see what happens next with the Talbot family. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming - I like the blue
Source: My Library

Final Thought: You never want to miss a Sarah MacLean book, they're too good!

February Book Display Ideas

Welcome to a New Year. Winter has hit, but it still doesn't feel like winter here in New England. Still, any weather is great for reading and discovering new books. One of things I miss about being a YA Librarian is making displays. So I thought maybe I'd write up a few posts about display ideas and create a monthly blog post.

February is:

Black History Month

Display Ideas: Fiction/Nonfiction titles featuring characters from history

Great American Pie Month

Display Ideas: Characters who love pie

Canned Food Month

Display Ideas: Dystopian novels

Book List: Think of this one and build from there

National Wedding Month

Display Idea: Characters in weddings

Dates Include:

Feb 7th - Superbowl Sunday

Display Ideas: Football Field

Book Lists: Check out my previous football post for more ideas

Feb 11: Make a Friend Day

Display Ideas: Friendship Books

Feb 14: Valentine's Day

Display Ideas: Blind Date with a Book / Romance theme books

Book Lists: Older Romance List to help get you started

Feb 20: Love Your Pet Day

Display Ideas: Characters with pets

Booklist: Favorite cats

Feb 28: Oscars

Display Ideas: Books with Pretty Dresses

Passive Program Idea: Have your teens vote on the dress they would wear to the Oscars