Review: Gilded Girl

 

Emma Harris is late to learning about magic. But her father drops her off at Miss Posterity's Academy for Practical Magic where she hopefully has time to catch up before the kindling ritual. Emma's father spares no expense for his father. As such, she becomes a favorite amongst the other students.

Until, an accident claims the life of her father. Now penniless, Emma's forced to work at the school. Gone are her fancy clothes and belonging. Gone is her comfortable room and days filled with lessons. Now she's a scullery maid and shares a room with Izzy.

Emma can tell that Izzy's not thrilled at having to show her the ropes. But gradually they begin to talk. Izzy lets it slip that she's not interested in having here magic eliminated because she's not from the higher society. She means to perform the kindling ritual. But, she'll need Emma's help to complete the task. Emma's not sure she wants to. However, reluctantly, they come up with a plan. And they cross their fingers that everything comes out they way they need it to...

My Thoughts: This delightful novel is The Little Princess meets magic. It's charming. I loved the bits about magic and learning about the kindling ritual with Izzy and Emma. I loved how Emma learned more about the world - but I also wanted to give her a great big hug. I really loved the house dragon, the way the house moves rooms, the library, Emma's new friend Tom and his family, and of course, the magic. This novel touches on true friendship, class and society, snobbery and bullies, and kindness. And I loved the ending - simply magical. This book soothed my heart and made me believe in goodness in the world again.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for school and public libraries.

And I'm ever so happy there's a follow up book out next year!

Board Books (8): Dinosuars

We just bought a bunch of new board books for our library.

I'll be talking about a few favorites over the next couple months

This week, it's all about dinosaurs and reptiles:

Baby Dinosaurs - a touch a feel book. It's a cute little book with different textures and dinosaurs.

Clever and funny. I like how this one asks questions of the readers. The last page has a look and find.

This stacked book compares dinosaurs to animals and objects like tents or a ladder on a fire truck. Lots of great information here. The last page has dinosaur bone statues.

A touch and feel book that contains lots of animal facts. I love the touch and feel, especially the frog's tongue. 

Graphic Novel Review: Pizazz

OK, so this book is half graphic novel and illustrated book and half novel.

But it will appeal to graphic novel readers, so I'm going with it.

Pizazz is a Superhero who hates her power, her name, and her costume. She wishes she could be cool - especially when her parents move and she has to attend a new school. Her sister is thriving, but Pizazz is...Not.

Then she's given a role - Eco Monitor. At first, she thinks the role will be easy. But then Ivy comes to her with a problem - there's a park that's set to be demolished for a parking garage. Ivy's very upset. Together, they try to come up with a plan to save the park.

But creating change and awareness is hard. And everything they try seems to blow up in their faces.

Can Pizazz figure out how to save the park in time?

My Thoughts:

Superhero  

Friendship Drama 

Concern about the Environment  

Family Drama 

Bullies 

Snark 

Fun illustrations 

Saving the World 

As you can see, this book, has it all.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: Recommended for your school and public libraries. 

Middle Grade Review: Winterborne Home for Mayhem and Mystery

 

April thought everything was fixed and everyone would be happy. But life isn't a fairy tale. Secrets have a way to coming out. And when April accidentally puts herself on the front page of the paper - trouble starts following them around.

The orphans all know that Gabriel is a vigilante - but it seems he's not the only one. When he becomes involved in a case, April only wants to help. But she makes a bigger mess out of everything.

Now there's no one to take care of them. And someone will stop at nothing to gain control over them and the family fortune.

My Thoughts: Another fantastic novel in this world. I really hope there are more Winterborne books coming. I love these characters and their adventures. I loved Gabriel's grumpiness. I loved all the action and the danger and the mystery. Most of all, I simply enjoyed spending more time with these characters. 

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

Review: One of Us is Lying

 

Five high school students arrive in detention. One of them never leaves the room alive. He's also responsible for the school's gossip site - a site that's showcased a lot of student secrets. The other four have secrets that they didn't wanted posted. Could one of them have killed them to keep their secret safe?

My Thoughts: This is one of those books you read in one sitting because you HAVE to know what happened. It was really good. However, I wasn't a huge fan of the twist. I did enjoy getting to know the characters and their secrets. I'm curious about the next book. The tagline Breakfast Club meets Gossip Girl is spot on. And this would make a great Netflix movie.

Cover Thoughts: Good

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your YA collection.

Picture Book Wednesday: Bear Can't Wait

Bear is throwing a party, but time is moving SO Slowly! He's having a hard time waiting.

Tomorrow is my half birthday, so this was a great day to talk about the newest BEAR book. I love this series. And waiting for something special is really hard. I loved how bear's friends came together to celebrate - even though it didn't go as planned. Another great addition to this charming series.

My Thoughts: Highly recommended for your picture book collection

*Book sent for review

Top Ten Tuesday: Book Wishes

 This week's topic is all about book wishes. I have to be honest, I've been terrible at reading ARCs lately. There's never enough time to read all the books I want to read. That being said, here are 10 books I would love the chance to read early.

The start of a new series plus a Christmas book = sold!

Christmas and YA - so here for it. I wish there were more Christmas books in YA published. So excited for this one!

I loved the first two books in this series

Always happy to read more from Jennifer Lynn Barnes - but can't wait to read this book!

Love royals

Donuts and Romance!

Love Little Women - this looks fantastic!

Loved the first two books!

Will read anything Sarah writes!

Ice Dancing with Olympic goals and romance!

Are any of these on your list?