Libraries Rock: Summer Reading for Kids (3)

I'm still tweaking some ideas for summer reading - Kids this time. 

These look fun to me especially for younger kids:

Making up a song:

Song Cubes:

Instrument Petting Zoo:

Review: Wedding Date

Alexa meets Drew in an elevator at a hotel - that shuts power when the power goes off. They start chatting. She's there to meet her sister and celebrate a milestone achievement. He's there to attend the wedding of his ex-girlfriend and good friend. In a moment of craziness, he acts her to be his date and fake girlfriend to the wedding. And she says yes. They have a great weekend together, but all to soon he's leaving. Could this weekend be the start of something much more?

My Thoughts: I've been waiting for ages to read this book - it had a bunch of holds on it at the library. I kept hearing so much buzz about it. And the buzz wasn't wrong - it was delightful. I loved the meet cute. I loved that Alexa was smart, strong, and spoke her mind. I love how she didn't hide talking about being Black and how she called Drew out on his privileged life. I loved the moments between the sisters - even though they were difficult at times. I loved that both Drew and Alexa were so passionate about their jobs. I really liked Carlos. Of course I enjoyed the pop culture references - especially Anne of Green Gables. I love how they ate all the time - it made me hungry! For a debut novel, Jasmine Guillory knocked it out of the park; I can't wait for her next book which also looks amazing.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A must have for public libraries

Review: Raspberry Danish Murder

* Book 22 in the Hannah Swensen series *

After the cliff hanger in the last book, Hannah's still alone with no idea where her new husband could have vanished. With Thanksgiving drawing near, the cold is coming back to Minnesota. Hannah's trying to distract herself with work - and it's helping.

When her sister's friend and her husband's assistant dies on video, Hannah's more that interested in solving the murder. She also can't help but think the murder victim might have been her husband instead.

My Thoughts: I really like this series - reading one of these books always makes my mouth water and I want to bake something wonderful.  I felt terrible for Hannah, how she had to deal with her new husband's vanishing. I'm curious to see where that plot point goes given all the new discoveries this book and that cliff hanger ending making me want the next book immediately. I enjoyed seeing old favorite characters. I enjoyed watching the mystery unfold, though the murderer wasn't a surprise to me. Another fun book in this series.

Cover Thoughts: Delicious
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A Great series for public libraries.

Picture Book Review: Princess Hair

All Princesses wear crowns - but their hair isn't the same underneath.

A really cute story about the differences and diversity of black hair - and their proud of their differences and proud of their hair. The illustrations are adorable.

A must have book for both school and public libraries.

Top Ten Tuesday: Fictional Libraries I Want to Visit

I'm changing up this week's top ten because it's National Library Week, so I'm talking about Libraries in books.

Of course this is the first library the comes to mind!

And obviously the second!

Other libraries in no particular order:

And I don't know, but it seems like a superhero library would be amazing!

Happy National Library Week!

It's National Library Week!

I'm hoping that everyone goes out to visit their public library this week.

 If you don't have a card, please get one.

And then check out a handful (or more) of books or other items.

Attend a program while you're there - check out the newsletter for all the details.

Both having a card and checking out items really helps your library grow. We use those statistics to ask for more money for books. We can't get more money for books if the circulation is decreasing (and we're on a nation wide decreasing trend). 

Did you know:

Libraries offer tons of programs all year round, but especially in the summer.

Libraries often have discounted tickets to local museums that you can check out.
We work with community organizations to help support the town/city

We are not places of quiet

We have tons of programs for people of ALL ages, not just story times.

We have a variety of programs to match the community: game clubs, food programs, local history, and so much more.

We're NOT just about books but of course we like books.

If you haven't been to your local library in a while, this week is the perfect time to stop in and say hello!

Review: my First Book of Hockey

Introduction to the game of hockey - the rules, the equipment, and how the game is played

My Thoughts: This book is perfect for a child learning about hockey. The test is limited, but very informative. The pictures combines with the illustrations are great. The cartoon text adds humor to the book. An excellent way to learn about the sport.

Libraries Rock: Summer Reading for Kids (2)

I'm still tweaking some ideas for summer reading - Kids this time.

These look fun to me:

Fun Decorations:

Backstage Passes:

Record Craft:

Speaker Craft:

Romance Review: Duchess Deal

* First in a new series *

Emma storms the Duke's home wanting to be paid for the hideous dress she made his ex-fiancé. She deserves to be paid for her time and the payment is the only thing that will keep the roof over her head.

The Duke's former fiancé left him due to the scars he endured during the war. He revolted her. But this time he has a plan, a plan for Emma. He needs an heir and a willing bride.

Emma can't believe the Duke made her an offer of marriage - even if it does have conditions. Emma knows that she's nobody's idea of a duchess, but she has a few conditions of her own. She doesn't want a fake marriage; she wants something more.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this  book - it made me chuckle more than a few times. I loved Emma and her no nonsense ways. I loved that she didn't back down from the Duke. I loved her pet names for the Duke and how they made him react. I loved Breeches. . Of course I loved the She was warned, but nevertheless, she persisted line. I loved how she was seamstress and wanted to help her customer from reliving her previous fate. She was strong, determined, and smart. I loved the Duke - and his monster walks and how he helped others. I like how he visited Emma's father. I adored his sidekick. I loved Emma's friends and their quirks. I hope the other books are about them finding their happily ever after. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Source: From my Library
Fun Fact: I thought this was a Beauty and the Beast story, but I read on a blog that it was based on Deadpool.

Library Recommendation: Recommended for public library romance sections

Upcoming Review: From Twinkle, With Love

Twinkle believes if she could date her longtime crush Neil, her life would infinity improve. Her best friend would enjoy her company again, people would listen to the stories she wants to tell, and she wouldn't be invisible.

As an aspiring filmmaker, Twinkle has a small YouTube channel, but longs to make it big. She wants to crush glass ceilings.

When Neil's twin brother approaches her with an idea to create a movie together for Midsummer Night Arts Festival - Twinkle can't help but agree. It's even better when Maddie agrees to star in the movie. Now Twinkle can do what she loves while hanging out again with her bff. Maybe this movie will help catapult Twinkle into a new life - the one where she's not invisible and people want to talk with her.

My Thoughts: I adored When Dimple Met Rishi and needed this book. When it came in a box of librarian preview books, I squealed and then rushed home to read it. And it was everything I imagined it would be. I loved it; I'll read anything that Sandhya Menon writes.

I loved that Twinkle wrote letters to famous lady filmmakers. I love how she was determined to make it in the film industry and how she started her career off with a bang. I felt terrible for Twinkle and how her friendship with Maddie fizzled. I loved her closeness with Dadi. I loved her growing friendship with Sahil and how they opened up to each other and understood each other. I didn't always agree with her choices but I love how the book ended. 

Cover Thoughts: Brilliant
Source: ARC sent for review
Release Date: May 22nd

Library Recommendation: A must have book for high school and public libraries

Picture Book Review: Love the World

What do you love about the world? Todd Parr shares a great message with this book.

There are so many ways to love the world: through your community with a food drive, through politics by taking a stand, through nature with kindness, and through school with art. The illustrations are of course amazing and diverse. This book is a fantastic celebration of love that's easy to share and talk about with little ones.

A must have picture book for school and public libraries.

Blog Tour:The Fall of Grace

Grace's junior year is turning into her best year yet. She's set to make honor roll, her print from photography class might win a national contest, and her crush just asked her to prom.

Then the bottom falls out. News breaks that the investment fund her mom runs is a scam and her mother is a thief. Now, instead of friends, the FBI is at her door. Grace is damaged goods.

Millions of dollars are unaccounted for, and everyone wants to know where all the money went. Can she find it and clear her mother's name?

The key to repairing her shattered life seems to lie in a place deep in the wilderness, and Grace sets out, her identity hidden, determined to find it.

But she isn't alone.

Sam Rivers, a mysterious loner from school, is on her trail and wants to know exactly what secrets she uncovers. As the pair travels into the wilds, Grace realizes she must risk everything on the dark, twisted path to the truth.

I can't wait to read this one, I've loved Matter of Heart and Die for You. I'm excited to be hosting this blog tour and chatting with Amy. So here we go! Hope you enjoy it. And stay tuned for a chance to win a copy of the book! Otherwise the book comes out next week (April 10th).

Chatting with the author Amy Fellner Dominy:

Introduce us to Grace and her mother, Janelle.

Grace is 17, an aspiring photographer who prides herself in finding beauty in the world. Her mother is one of her favorite subjects. Janelle Pierce is glamorous, sophisticated and ambitious—she raised Grace all by herself while building a successful financial business. Grace loves her mom more than anything, and she knows her mother loves her. A mother always loves her daughter. Doesn’t she?

What would be your elevator pitch for The Fall of Grace?

The Fall of Grace is an adventure-suspense-survival-road-trip-romance.

What sparked the idea of writing The Fall of Grace?

It started with Bernie Madoff. I followed the story of the Ponzi scheme he ran—the biggest financial fraud ever that destroyed thousands of lives. I couldn’t imagine how someone could do that. Then I read that one of his sons committed suicide. That stuck with me—the thought of a child discovering that their parent was a monster. What would that be like? The shame. The sense of betrayal. And what about guilt by association? How would you survive that? 

Fast forward a few months.

A flash of a scene came to me: A girl getting on a bus, carrying a knife and a backpack with her father’s ashes in it. She’s desperate. She’s on a journey. She’s hated. Where is she going? What is she looking for?

That image eventually lead me to The Fall of Grace, and a first scene where a girl is at the bus station, carrying a knife and a backpack. She’s desperate. She’s on a journey. She’s hated. The issues with a father became issues with a mother who was not yet dead…but perhaps dying.

Ultimately, it became a book about family and trust. About how we go on when the people who should love us the most, betray us.

Did you do any research for this book? If so, how did you go about it and why did you feel it was necessary to do so?

As the book began to take shape, I knew I was going to have to do a lot of research.  There were so many things I knew nothing about—photography, strokes and comas, the FBI, financial crimes (or financial anything.) The one thing I thought would be easy was the hiking part. Wrong! Even though I’m a hiker, I needed to be familiar with a specific hiking trail. That meant researching mountain trails. Once I settled on Blue Lakes in Colorado, I had to do the hike myself, following Grace and Sam’s path—including taking a wrong turn.

I actually like the research part because I’m learning about interesting things. I about got myself arrested taking pictures of the US Marshals office (not a good idea), but it was very cool meeting with a Federal Prosecutor. The things I learned helped shape the book and I hope that comes through on the page.  

 
Photography plays a crucial role in the book. Are you a photographer yourself? If not, why did you choose this particular talent for Grace—and Sam?

I’ve always loved photography though I didn’t know much about it other than “point and shoot.” Doing the research was fun but I also discovered there’s a lot of math to it. I struggled to understand f/stops and apertures.

I really wanted them to be photographers because it fit with the greater themes. Grace prides herself on seeing truth in the lens of her camera—but she doesn’t see the truth of her mother. It got me thinking about what do people hide from us—what do we hide from others? I also loved that photography is about the balance of light and shadow. It felt like a perfect fit because Grace and Sam are both dealing with the fact that this is true of people, too.

What was most challenging part of writing THE FALL OF GRACE? Why?

This book goes back and forth between two different time periods. It starts in August, when Grace is leaving town and cuts back to May, when the first news about Grace’s mother comes to light. Weaving in details from two different timelines turned out to work really well, but it was much harder than I expected. Remind me never to do that again. J

The title is perfect. Did you know what you were going to call the book immediately, or did the title come later in the process?

When I started this book, the main character’s name was Eva. I ended up having to change it because, well, I have a weird thing for vowel names. I didn’t realize it until I looked at the names of all my main characters. Ellie (OyMG); Tatum (Audition & Subtraction—this is the one book where my daughter named the character); Abby (A Matter of Heart); Emma (Die for You).  Starting to see a pattern here? So I realized I couldn’t do Eva. Even after I’d come up with Grace, I’d titled the book Half a Step from Heaven. It was my editor who suggested The Fall of Grace. (Thank you, Krista!)

Share a bit about you with us. Have you always wanted to be a writer? What kinds of books do you enjoy reading? What are your hobbies? What is your go to book/music/movie recommendation of the moment?

I’ve been writing since I was a kid—probably because I loved reading so much that I wanted to make up stories of my own. I’ll read anything if the characters draw me in—I’ve had to stop saying I don’t read Sci Fi or horror or thrillers. I read about people I care about whatever the setting and situation (and whether they’re actual people or not.) 

When I’m not writing or reading, I want to be outside. I play tennis and golf. I run, hike, and bike. Pretty much anything that doesn’t require snow or speed—I’m a wimp who is always cold.

Book of the moment: I just re-read Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. Amazing!

Have you been betrayed? If so, how did you come to terms with it—or the person who betrayed you?

I never thought of it as a betrayal—not until I wrote this book. But I always had an uneasy relationship with my stepmother who raised me. I had an idea in my head of what a mother-daughter relationship was supposed to be. I read about them every year on Mother’s Day when I went to buy a card at the store. And as much as I wanted a loving mom, I didn’t have that with my stepmother. It’s something I struggled with. They say writing can be therapy, and I think that’s part of what drew me to this story. Grace thinks she has a loving relationship with her mom, but discovers that perhaps she never really did. How does she come to terms with that? How do any of us handle imperfect family relationships? After all, these are the people who are supposed to love us the most. In writing this story and letting Grace and Sam work through those questions, it allowed me to do the same. Without giving away the ending, I hope this is a journey that will help readers who grapple with the same issues.

Where can readers find you online?

Instagram is my new favorite hangout: amydominy. Look for me there! I’m also on Twitter (@amydominy), Goodreads, and Facebook (amyfellnerdominyauthor.)

Book Excerpt :

   

Cecily leads the way to the small waiting area outside the ICU doors. My heart thrums with a quiet happiness in the middle of all this fear. Gabe is here. 

I find him sitting in the waiting area. His head is back against the wall, his long legs stretched in front of him. Belatedly, I smooth a hand over my hair and say, “Gabe, hi.” 

He turns to me, the expression on his face so strange my steps falter. “Hey, Grace.” Then he stands and I see that he’s not alone on the bench. 

“This is my dad,” Gabe adds. His eyes shift, careful not to meet mine. 

His dad? My training kicks in and I nod as he stands beside Gabe. 

“Hello, Mr. Woods.” He’s handsome—tall and blond. I see where Gabe gets his looks. 

“How is your mother?” Mr. Woods asks. 

“Not very good. She’s had a stroke.” I try to catch Gabe’s eye, but he’s got his hands stuffed in his jeans pockets and his gaze trained on a sign that says no visitors after 9:00 p.m. I feel like I’m missing something. Like I’ve turned on the TV in the middle of a movie. 

Mr. Woods steps forward. “Well, we’re very concerned. I realize this isn’t the best time, but there are reports.” 

Gabe is still staring at the sign. 

I look to Cecily and she asks the question for me. “What reports?” 

“About the Family Fund.” Mr. Woods hooks his thumbs in the pockets of his pressed khakis. “We’ve invested, along with many others in this community. Because of Gabe’s connection to you, Grace, we recently increased our commitment.” 

Money? He’s here because of money. My head is shaking and I can’t seem to close my mouth. “I should get back,” I finally manage, my voice cool. “Thank you for stopping by.” 

Mr. Woods’s face blotches red. “You’re her daughter. You must know something.”

Doesn't that sound good? You can enter to win your own copy!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Aru Shah and the End of Time

* First in a new series *

Aru doesn't have the easiest home life; her mother travels frequently. She does have a great imagination which she uses frequently. The kids at school don't appreciate her untruthfulness. They demand to see the cursed lamp. Aru's been told never to light it; it will bring destruction upon the world. But she doesn't believe it, until she lights the lamp.

Everyone around her freezes and a God is summoned. Except he's a disgraced God and therefore a pigeon. He takes Aru to meet her soul sister, one who can help her save the world. Together the three of them head off to see the Council of Guardians. But in the past, the heroes of the world have been 5 brothers. The council asks Aru and Mini to prove themselves as Pandava descendants.

Only then will they be allowed to journey to the Kingdom of Death, find the three keys, recover the weapons, and defeat the Sleeper. If they do this, they might have a chance at saving the world from the God of Destruction - but they have a limited amount of time to achieve their goals.

My Thoughts: This is the start of a four book series from Rick Riordan's new publishing line. And it's quite good. Lots of action, danger, and plot twists. I love Aru's imagination and how she uses in it in their quest. I love her interactions with Mini and how they go from strangers to sisters. I loved the pop-culture references and humor. I loved learning more about Hindu mythology. I enjoyed learning more about both girls' lives - how Mini was a little more prepared, but how they thought her brother would be the hero and how Aru wasn't prepared at all and her mother was super busy. I loved how they fought like sisters but came to understand each other. I love the twist where the Pandava descendants are girls instead of boys. I really liked how karma came into play here and the question about if people can change. I love too that first impressions aren't always accurate.  I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have for school and public libraries.

Blooper photos

Emma is now One! 

Here are some pictures of her and her lovely hat (which she hated)

Where's my cake?

Oh, I like that song. * Sings along*

What do you mean I have to wear this hat?

Ok, I guess I'm ready for my close-up

I'm not sure about this birthday thing.

Thanks for the yummy treat!

See you next year.

Libraries Rock: Summer Reading for Kids (1)

I'm still tweaking some ideas for summer reading - Kids this time.

These look fun to me:

Microphone

Boombox Craft on Paper:

Boombox Craft 3D:

Guitar Decorating:

Review: Hockey: then to wow

A history of hockey.

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. Confession: I know almost nothing about hockey, so it was enjoyable to learn about the history of the sport. I loved the photographs, the trivia, and the layout of the book. It's a great overview of the game.

I only wish there had been more mention of women in the sport. There was a two page spread of great women players, but there were opportunities throughout the book for more mentions.

Hockey fans young and old will enjoy this book. 

Romance Review: About that Kiss

* Book 5 in the Heartbreaker Bay series *

Joe and Kylie kiss one night outside a bar. He can't stop thinking about it. That's all it could be - but then she shows up in his office needing a favor.

Someone stole a wooden carving her Grandfather made for her - one of the few things she has left from him. They're taunting her with it, holding it hostage - until she verifies two carved pieces are her grandfather's work at an auction house. One of them looks very similar, the other is definitely not his work. She can't attach her name to it. So she asks Joe for help in tracking down the piece, but she insists on accompanying him.

As they cross names off her list, their time together makes their feelings grow. Could there be something beyond kissing?

My Thoughts: I love this series - and this book was amazingly book. I loved how the penguin meant everything to Kylie. I loved learning more about her and her woodworking abilities. She's one tough cookie. I love her disguises. I love the banter between her and Joe. I love how she insisted on tagging along as her interrogated people. Of course they had amazing chemistry. Plus I loved seeing the gang and how things have worked out with all of them. Another winner to this series and luckily book 6 is coming in September! 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Buy all books from Jill Shalvis.

Picture Book Review: Game of Gnomes

The Winter Games are coming and Ginger can't help be excited about competing. But she adds a little something unique to each of the events - and gets disqualified. When the day needs saving, her unique skills might be just the thing needed. 

I loved Ginger. She had her own style of doing things - differently. I love how she thought outside of the box. I love her red untamable hair. A fun story with great illustrations all about being different and changing the opinion of those around you.

Review: Dragon Overnight

* Book 4 in Upside Down Magic series *

Nory and her friends are going on an overnight field trip for the first time ever - to Dragon Haven. Not only do they get to hang out together, but they get to see dragons up close and personal. They can't wait to get there.

Unfortunately - there's another school joining them. Nory's heart sinks when she realizes it's her father's school and that he's also there with his students. Her father's strict with his students and they can do magic properly.

Nory's worried the other students might laugh at her and her friends because their magic isn't the same. But most of the student seem to enjoy their variations of magic. They might even become friends with them...

My Thoughts: Another cute edition to this series - I love how Nory's magic isn't the same as everyone else's. I love how the other students made new friends and shared their differences. I would love going on an overnight to a dragon haven - so I loved tagging along with Nory and her friends. I enjoyed the moments she had with her father and their frank conversation. I admired her for stepping up. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Cover Thoughts: Cute and matches the others really well.
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Great for public and school libraries - grab up this series for the action, the magic, and the empathy.

Teen Summer Reading Program: Libraries Rock Books

Gathering up some musical fiction for lists for the summer. This is not everything, but it's a start. There are a couple covers I can see in my mind, but can't remember the titles. If you know of more, add them in the comments please!

Out in April: