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.