This book had me thinking! I found the Egyptian history to be fascinating and information on being a death doula enlightening. I won't forget this booThis book had me thinking! I found the Egyptian history to be fascinating and information on being a death doula enlightening. I won't forget this book any time soon. Lots to digest. I read several sections over again, not because they were challenging to understand, but because I wanted to absorb it, ponder what was said. I'm really glad I read this! Thank you to my dear friend, Kelly, for gifting it to me. (Check out https://www.whatyoushouldread.com Podcast!)...more
I found Beni's War to be deeply moving as Beni tries to come to terms with the Yom Kippur War. Tammar does a beautiful job portraying the "human" sideI found Beni's War to be deeply moving as Beni tries to come to terms with the Yom Kippur War. Tammar does a beautiful job portraying the "human" side of war and how it impacts families. This novel was written for middle graders, but don't let the target age keep your from reading this. I was moved to tears and when I finished I told my husband, "You have to read this."
The writing draws you into the story. The research shines through and brings to light the ordinary people who were pulled into a war and that terror it brings. I love how Tammar talked about the Egyptian families and brought a message of peace to a full circle.
Powerful, emotional, heartbreaking and heartfelt story about WWII, the Holocaust, and the Jews who fled to Shanghai. That autAn outstanding audiobook.
Powerful, emotional, heartbreaking and heartfelt story about WWII, the Holocaust, and the Jews who fled to Shanghai. That author's note was incredible!
This should be a part of everyone's library, especially if you have small children at home. What a beautiful message to instill courage and find innerThis should be a part of everyone's library, especially if you have small children at home. What a beautiful message to instill courage and find inner strength, to confront fears and overcome them. A great book to discuss as a family. It's filled with love and hope.
I loved this mother-daughters memoir written by Liz (daughter) and Nancy (mom) about sister/daughter Gwen's quest for Olympic gold in the women's triaI loved this mother-daughters memoir written by Liz (daughter) and Nancy (mom) about sister/daughter Gwen's quest for Olympic gold in the women's triathlon. The alternating POVs held my attention. It's a beautiful story of family coming together in a loving, supportive way, cheering on the humble Gwen. There's heartbreak, romance, pain, failures, glory! I teared up a number of times.
This is an inspiring story and a window into a world few of us will ever experience. One thing is for sure, Liz, Nancy, and Gwen's quest and success will stay with me for a very long time. Brava! ...more
I've read a lot of young adult novels, but have never seen a character like Prudence Barnett. She's a perfectionist, judgmental, awkward, smart, challI've read a lot of young adult novels, but have never seen a character like Prudence Barnett. She's a perfectionist, judgmental, awkward, smart, challenging. Grades are everything to her, and when she and her biology partner, Quint, end up with a less than satisfactory grade, Prudence is out to rectify that.
Instant Karma is an illuminating journey on what is and isn't deserved from a karmic perspective. Does the universe dole out justice? Not only is there a lot to learn and digest by the characters, but there's also a lot of food for thought to absorb for readers—or in my case, listeners. I loved how Marissa centered this story around an animal rescue center. I love that Prudence's family owns a record shop, and I love that she has lots of siblings. Most of all, I love Prudence and Quint. Prudence grows a lot as a person, recognizing her strengths and also coming to recognize that her judgments, words, and actions aren't always as kind as she'd like them to be. There's a great message here.
This was a fun, heartfelt, wonderful book filled with some cosmic magic. Definitely recommend!...more
This beautifully written and illustrated picture book tells the story of how Mr. Pulitzer's plea to raise funds to erect Lady Liberty will be an inspiThis beautifully written and illustrated picture book tells the story of how Mr. Pulitzer's plea to raise funds to erect Lady Liberty will be an inspiration to children. It shows how THEIR contributions matter and can have a lasting impact on this world. Many themes can be discussed with this book: liberty, freedom, immigration, fundraising, empowerment are just a few.
Can dreams predict the future? A bittersweet story well worth the read. I'm so glad to have discovered Colleen Oakley and look forward to reading her Can dreams predict the future? A bittersweet story well worth the read. I'm so glad to have discovered Colleen Oakley and look forward to reading her other books...more
I will never tire of this series or my favorite adult series fiction couple—Eve Dallas and Roarke. Can't wait for the next one!I will never tire of this series or my favorite adult series fiction couple—Eve Dallas and Roarke. Can't wait for the next one!...more
I learned so much about comic book history! I am certain others, like me, didn't know the deep connection Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Captain AmericaI learned so much about comic book history! I am certain others, like me, didn't know the deep connection Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Captain America, The Hulk, and so, so, so many more have to their Jewish creators. Loved it. ...more
An impactful and important book about the way our country treated people with disabilities, in this case a child who became deaf because of an illnessAn impactful and important book about the way our country treated people with disabilities, in this case a child who became deaf because of an illness. Highly recommend this novel done in free verse poetry. ...more
No child should have to endure the tortuous heartbreak from being separated from a parent because they're undocumented. No parent should know this paiNo child should have to endure the tortuous heartbreak from being separated from a parent because they're undocumented. No parent should know this pain. We need laws to change in this country. Read this important MG novel. ...more
So powerful. Highly recommend this graphic novel, especially for teens who might not read the original book, but would respond to these impactful illuSo powerful. Highly recommend this graphic novel, especially for teens who might not read the original book, but would respond to these impactful illustrations....more
A powerful, impactful novel that deals with important tough issues of alcoholism, guilt, loss, family, and abuse. So powerful and hard to put down, JeA powerful, impactful novel that deals with important tough issues of alcoholism, guilt, loss, family, and abuse. So powerful and hard to put down, Jean Baxter shows the complexities of alcoholism and the emotional, physical, and spiritual toll it takes on a family.
Definitely recommend for teens and adults. ...more
What line would you take and how would you respond if someone you care about has the polar opposite of your values?
This short book packs a lot of puncWhat line would you take and how would you respond if someone you care about has the polar opposite of your values?
This short book packs a lot of punch and will keep you turning the pages. High school seniors Alli and Brandon seem so right for each other, but then a school shooting puts them on opposite sides of the issue of gun control. Alli's dad was robbed at gunpoint and Brandon and his dad are avid hunters. His parents are also proud to have served in the U.S. Army and are pro NRA.
Weiss does an impressive job at addressing this polarizing issue. Can Alli and Brandon find common ground? You'll have to read CROSSING LINES to find out!...more
I choked up several times reading this beautiful middle grade book. Perfect for reluctant readers, this novel conveys a very important message on gendI choked up several times reading this beautiful middle grade book. Perfect for reluctant readers, this novel conveys a very important message on gender bias, taking on social norms for activities that are deemed for girls and for boys. I'd love to see this shared in classrooms, read to students out loud.
FRTC, but definitely put this on your MUST READ list!...more
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