Review: Opposite of Innocent

Lily has a crush - and he's finally returning after two years away. Maybe he'll notice how much she's changed. She's grown; she's now 14. Luke isn't some random guy. She's over the moon when she learns he'll be staying with them for a bit. Could he be interested in her too?

My Thoughts: This novel is verse was hard to read because of the subject matter, but it's an important story. Luke isn't just your average crush. He's her father's best friend and twice her age. There's a thriller of a older man finding you attractive that gives you a rush as a teenager. 

This is a first love story that's icky.

Lily begins a relationship with Luke. He pressures her. She's naïve but looses her innocence and begins to understand what he friends have been telling her all along.  
I loved the ending.  It's a powerful story.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for both public and school libraries - there are teen girls who will need this book.

Reasons to Read: History of Jane Doe

While Brugerville's past is sprinkled with interesting moments, Ray's present isn't that interesting. Until Jane Doe comes to town and everything changes. 

Reasons to Read This Book:

If you like weird history (Green Cows)

If you like books with dual timelines

If you like John Green's books

If you like books that give you all the feels

If you feel that you don't belong

Review: Who in the world is Carmen Sandiego?

Carmen Sandiego knows nothing about her past. She grew up on an island that's home to a school. For the first eighteen years of her life, she never left the island - but that was before she learned the truth and everything changed.

Now she's a criminal mastermind; always ahead of anyone trying to capture her. When she runs into an old friend on a train, we learn how she became a world class thief. But how did she learn it all?

My Thoughts: I really liked this book; it brought me back to my childhood. I played the computer game often. I really enjoyed learning about Carmen's back story - and why she steals. The school was interesting - as was her failures. I loved learning why she dresses the way she does and why she steals the items she takes.  Plus I'm even more curious about the Netflix show now...

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public libraries.

Picture Book Review: I Walk with Vanessa

Vanessa's getting bullied. One girl sees this happening and at first she isn't sure how to help. But then an idea strikes her.

A wordless picture book about friendship, bullies, standing together, being kind, and with a sweet message. There's parent information in the back of the book to help jump start a conversation about bullies.

An excellent book for school and public libraries.

Top Ten Tuesday: Rainy Day Reads

This week is all about books to read on a rainy day. There's nothing better than settling in on the couch with a cozy blanket curled up with a dog or two at your feet while you enjoy a great book.

I don't re-read a lot of books, but here are some that I would like to re-read on a cold rainy day.

and the last book is whatever book I have from the library that I'm dying to read.

Review: Deepest Blue

Mayara's wedding day has arrived. But during the festivities, a storm hits the island. Mayara uses her power to stop the spirits from destroying everyone and everything she loves. In that moment, she reveals herself. Now the Silent Ones have come to take her for testing.

Mayara tries to escape, but eventually she's caught. Now she's fighting for her life and the hope that she can she her husband again. In order to do so, she must survive a month on the island filled with spirits. Whoever survives becomes an heir to the Queen.

Mayara doesn't want to win, but she doesn't want to die either...

My Thoughts: Set in the same world as the Queens of Renthia series, this book takes places on the islands. I really enjoyed this book - for the power struggles, for the rebellion, for the love story, and for the action. I love Mayara's determination and her ability to break all the rules. I loved Kelo's art. I loved their relationship and how they fought to find each other again - one day. Another great addition to this series! 

Cover Thoughts:
Source: Book sent for review
Library Recommendation: Grab this book for your public libraries.

Book List: Flight

Wilbur Wright at the controls of the damaged Wright Flyer, on the ground after an unsuccessful trial on December 14, 1903, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. - Library of Congress

This year, I traveled to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. We went to the Wright Brothers' museum and it was fascinating. I loved that the brothers were inspired by their mother!

Wilbur Wright was born April 16, 1867, so in honor of his birthday, here are some books about flight: