Summary: Jordan wants to go to art school, but his mom is convinced Riverdale Academy Day School will provide him with the best opportunities for his future. The exclusive private school, with little diversity, is a whole new culture for Jordan. He struggles to balance two worlds while staying true to himself. My Thoughts: Many... Continue Reading →
Middle Grade Book of the Week: The War with Grandpa by Robert Kimmel Smith
Summary Peter loves his grandfather and is happy that he will be moving in with the family. Until he finds out it means giving up his room. He thinks Grandpa will give up the room if he plays a few pranks. Instead, Grandpa declares war. My Thoughts This classic from the 1980's was made into... Continue Reading →
Middle Grade Book of the Week: Area 51 Files written by Julie Buxbaum and illustrated by Lavanya Naiou
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review. Publication Date: September 13, 2022. Summary: When Skye's grandmother moves to a retirement community, Skye is not allowed to go with her. Instead, she is sent to live with her Uncle Anish in Area 51. Yes, that Area... Continue Reading →
My Favorite Read of August 2022
โLibraries are like a net, there to catch those of us in danger of falling through the cracks.โ Freya Sampson, The Last Chance Library Goodreads Synopsis June Jones emerges from her shell to fight for her beloved local library, and through the efforts and support of an eclectic group of library patrons, she discovers life-changing friendships... Continue Reading →
Middle Grade Book of the Week: What We Found in the Sofa and How it Saved the World by Henry Clark
Summary: When River, Freak, and Fiona discover a mysterious sofa sitting at their bus stop, their search for loose change produces a rare zucchini-colored crayon. Little do they know this peculiar treasure is about to launch them into the middle of a plot to conquer the world! The kids' only hope is to trap the... Continue Reading →
Book Review: Thumb Fire Desire by Carol Nickles
I received a free ebook copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Description In the Spring of 1881, indigent seamstress Ginny Dahlke arrives in one of the earliest Polish American settlementsโParisville, Michigan. Deemed charmless and awkward by her mean-spirited sister-in-law, Ginny disparages her chance of securing love. But sought-after widowed... Continue Reading →
Middle Grade Book of the Week: The Unteachables by Gordon Korman
Summary Kiana is spending two months with her father and "stepmonster" while her mother films a movie. On the way to register for her new school her baby brother gets sick and her stepmother rushes off to the doctors before she can register Kiana for classes. Due to a mix-up at that office she ends... Continue Reading →
Middle Grade Book of the Week: Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead
Summary After his father loses his job, Georges' family moves to a Brooklyn apartment building. The first day there he notices an invitation to join a spy club. He thinks it's a joke, but then he meets Safer and his sister, Candy. Safer pulls Georges into a mission to spy on their mysterious neighbor, Mr.... Continue Reading →
Middle Grade Book of the Week: Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Summary When a ship carrying robots crashes on a deserted island, most of the machines are destroyed. Otters from the island find one still intact, and inadvertently activate it. Knowing no other life, the robot, Roz, learns through observing the animals. At first, they think she's a monster, but as they get to know her... Continue Reading →
Middle Grade Book of the Week: Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine.
This is really my book from last week, but I did not finish in time. Hoping to squeeze in another one in the next few days so I'm back on schedule. Summary It's 1958 and Little Rock, Arkansas is divided over the issue of desegregation. As the book opens Marlee Nisbett is more concerned with... Continue Reading →