This was the ultimate middle grade comfort book. In it, we meet Jamie, a middle schooler who made an unfortunate choice that landed her in the libraryThis was the ultimate middle grade comfort book. In it, we meet Jamie, a middle schooler who made an unfortunate choice that landed her in the library as a volunteer for the entire summer. Initially dreading the experience and even fantasizing the library might close so she could have her summer back, Jamie ultimately changes her tune as she develops relationships with the library staff and comes to see the patrons in a new light. And as she joins the fight to save the library, she ultimately finds a new version of herself in the process. This heart-warming, huggable book reminds us we can always reinvent ourselves and find a new path with patience, friendship and acceptance of all versions of ourselves. ...more
I was thoroughly captivated by this book. For so long through the pandemic, we were forced to say no to everything. And even though the world is returI was thoroughly captivated by this book. For so long through the pandemic, we were forced to say no to everything. And even though the world is returning to normal, I still find myself saying no where I should be saying yes. This book was a stunning (and laugh-out-loud funny!) reminder of how pushing ourselves past our comfort zones is exactly what we need to do so we can find out who we are, what we are capable of and what’s waiting on the other side of yes. I’ll read this again and again and again. ...more
It wasn’t Christmas-time and it wasn’t even Christmas in July, but that did not stop me from devouring this book once I knew it existed. I love all ofIt wasn’t Christmas-time and it wasn’t even Christmas in July, but that did not stop me from devouring this book once I knew it existed. I love all of Jenny Colgan’s bookshop books and this book was no exception. In it, we meet Carmen, a twenty-something year old woman recently laid off from her job around Christmastime. With no other option available, she takes her sister’s offer to live in her basement and work for Mr. McCredie, an older gentleman who’ll lose his bookstore unless Carmen can help him turn it around. Filled with books, family, romance and yes, Christmas, this book checked all the comfort boxes for me. ...more
I struggle to make peace with food. I have A LOT of diet restrictions because of some health challenges and that has caused a complicated relationshipI struggle to make peace with food. I have A LOT of diet restrictions because of some health challenges and that has caused a complicated relationship with food. This book was recommended to shift my stance toward how I eat and to appreciate food for what it is. It was filled with information and science, something I appreciate because when I know the why behind something, I can get on board much easier. I skimmed through some of the sections that did not apply to me, but the sections that did were spot on and gave me a new perspective to think about, along with a clear plan for changing my mindset, too. If you need to change your attitude toward food, then I’d add this book to your toolkit....more
Finding Perfect was the perfect name for this book: it’s the perfect middle grade novel and spoke right to my heart. Twelve-year-old Molly is dealing Finding Perfect was the perfect name for this book: it’s the perfect middle grade novel and spoke right to my heart. Twelve-year-old Molly is dealing with a lot: her parents recently separated and her mother moved to Canada for a year to work. She’s hoping that winning her school’s poetry slam will bring her mother back home to celebrate at the big banquet. But as time passes, Molly is having a harder time dealing with the stresses in her life and new habits take over: counting, washing, organizing and measuring compete for her attention and start to win. As Molly starts to unravel, she finally realizes that telling someone, somehow, is the only thing left to do. I wish this book was available for my childhood self, but it helped heal the adult version, too. ...more
I love novels that capture the complexities of real families and don’t shy away from the hard stuff. This book certainly fits the bill. Moving back anI love novels that capture the complexities of real families and don’t shy away from the hard stuff. This book certainly fits the bill. Moving back and forth from past to present, we come to know Eleanor Bennett and her family, a family torn apart by misunderstandings, hurt feelings and fear. And while we might think we have all the time we need to make things right, Eleanor passes away before her children, Benny and Byron, can reunite as a whole family again. But she leaves behind her treasured Caribbean black cake along with hours of audio recordings sharing history that should have been shared years ago. This information instantly alters their lives forever and might just reunite them for good, too. ...more
Well, she has done it again. I was so enamored with Colgan’s The Bookshop on the Corner that I’ve had dreams of my own mobile bookshop ever since. AndWell, she has done it again. I was so enamored with Colgan’s The Bookshop on the Corner that I’ve had dreams of my own mobile bookshop ever since. And now, in this book, I’m continuing to live out that dream. While not a true sequel, Colgan brings us back to Nina and Lennox’s lives through Zoe, a young single mother trying to survive on her own with a child who chooses not to speak. She takes on the au pair role for the mysterious Urquart family and runs Nina’s book bus while she is on bedrest during her pregnancy. Just as Nina changed her own life in the first book with books, fresh air and kindness, Zoe finds herself, her son finds his voice and she just might find love, too. ...more
I had no idea this book was set incredibly close to my hometown when I downloaded this advanced reader’s copy, but knowing the area closely made it feI had no idea this book was set incredibly close to my hometown when I downloaded this advanced reader’s copy, but knowing the area closely made it feel that much more intimate. This story follows two eighth grade students who seemingly are complete opposites, but have much more in common than they think. Clara and Jamie end up being paired together to debate a particular natural disaster: the Tambora volcano eruption. Through their journey, we learn about Clara’s father stranded in Puerto Rico after a recent hurricane and Jamie’s brother recently home from active duty in Afghanistan, the secret struggles that bind them together. And while the debate was the main event in this story, I found myself more fascinated by the family dynamics at play and the connections to the other side characters. Overall, I learned a lot about this particular natural disaster, the ways we can all get involved and just how complicated families can be....more
They are not for everyone, but I do love reading stories where I have a hunch about how everything will work out in the end. And this book gave me exaThey are not for everyone, but I do love reading stories where I have a hunch about how everything will work out in the end. And this book gave me exactly that. Poppy and Alex are complete opposites, but long-time best friends, who vacation together every summer. Until one vacation changed it all. Weaving between vacations past and present, readers learn what makes both Poppy and Alex tick, what they really want out of life and if the risk to get it is worth taking. This is the perfect book to get lost inside of. ...more
This was a delightful book with a powerful ecology lesson, too. Anstee introduces us to Shelby and Watts, a fox and badger who love learning new factsThis was a delightful book with a powerful ecology lesson, too. Anstee introduces us to Shelby and Watts, a fox and badger who love learning new facts and solving mysteries. Tasked with the job of figuring out where all the shells have gone so Fred the Hermit Crab can grow into a new shell, they set off to solve the mystery. They meet new animals along the way, take important notes in their notebook and ultimately, solve the lesson with their inferring skills. This graphic novel not only hooks readers in with the bright illustrations, it teaches pretty interesting facts along the way (Did you know Sea Cucumbers breathe through their butt?!) and fosters inferencing skills, too. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. ...more
This epistolary novel will have you yearning to break out your old-fashioned note cards and get writing. I promise. It all begins when Joan, a young aThis epistolary novel will have you yearning to break out your old-fashioned note cards and get writing. I promise. It all begins when Joan, a young aspiring writer writes to her long-time mentor, Imogene with gratitude for her inspiration and a pouch of saffron as a token of her appreciation. This single letter starts a long distance friendship bound by their love of words and delicious food. Their new connection helps them experience new ideas and flavors and opens their eyes to new possibilities in their own lives, too. Joan said it best: the less we cement ourselves to our certainties, the fuller our lives can be. This book showcased how we can do just that through writing, food, friendship and love. ...more
This was an incredibly timely book to read given the crisis in Ukraine right now, making it all the more powerful and touching. The book follows threeThis was an incredibly timely book to read given the crisis in Ukraine right now, making it all the more powerful and touching. The book follows three generations of women as they grapple with family, love, loss, war, separation and the ties that bind. The story first begins with Lyaksandro, a father who makes heart-wrenchingly difficult decisions filled with deceit that impacts generations to come. Next, we meet Lyaksandro’s wife Ivanna as she tries to survive Soviet Ukraine with her young daughter, Yevtsye. We learn Yevtsye’s story as she breaks free from her mother’s beliefs, yet hangs onto their relationship as she attempts to build a new life for herself after Ukraine’s independence. And ultimately, we meet Ionna, Yevtsye’s daughter, as she struggles to find her own way, yet stay connected to her family as once again, Ukraine is torn apart. Readers will instantly bond with the characters, become entrenched in the story and likely ponder what comes next for the family AND for today’s Ukraine, too. ...more
Twelve-year-old Suzy taught me a thing or two about dreaming big, outgrowing our boundaries and reaching for something more without letting go. In thiTwelve-year-old Suzy taught me a thing or two about dreaming big, outgrowing our boundaries and reaching for something more without letting go. In this story, we meet Suzy and her family as they live the farming life in Michigan long ago. While everyone else is satisfied with living at home for all of their days, Suzy is not. She has a dream for something bigger: to see the world. Itching to find a way to make it happen, she starts working with her Uncle on Madame Marantette’s farm, a former celebrity with a world-renowned circus. Completely unexpected, but also completely meant to be, Suzy learns to ride an ostrich to help Madame Marantette earn a world record. And it turns out that this is exactly what Suzy needs to discover her dreams and grab onto them with her vice-like grip. Suzy is a small girl with a big mind of her own, taking risks and demonstrating the kind of grit we all need to stay true to ourselves. ...more
Whether we articulate it or not, I think most of us would agree that we want to be heard and to know our voice matters. Amina, a middle schooler, is nWhether we articulate it or not, I think most of us would agree that we want to be heard and to know our voice matters. Amina, a middle schooler, is not so sure that hers does. Her friends are changing, her family is changing and an act of violence against her mosque sends her reeling. But she keeps it all bottled inside until her feelings are too big to contain. And that’s when things start to change as Amina slowly realizes that she can and should use her voice to stay true to who she is and share her gifts with others. This is an inspiring book about family, friendship, love and the ties that bind a community together. ...more
I heard about this book on a podcast and immediately went to grab it from my local library (after waiting for all the others who had done the same befI heard about this book on a podcast and immediately went to grab it from my local library (after waiting for all the others who had done the same before me). When I finally got my hands on it, I went all in. Honestly, I feel like this is a book that could transform lives if the pages are truly lived and not just read. Admittedly, there was a lot of information here and at times, it was hard for me to internalize it all and think it through. But I was fascinated by the mind-body connection presented here as it perfectly explained so much of what I myself have been experiencing AND it gave me concrete ideas to make life better. I personally loved the journaling and breathing techniques and simply rest better knowing I have more control over how I feel than I thought....more
Well, Olive has my heart again. As with the first book in this series, Olive Kitteridge, I was immediately drawn into the multiple characters’ lives, Well, Olive has my heart again. As with the first book in this series, Olive Kitteridge, I was immediately drawn into the multiple characters’ lives, how they were woven together and how the formidable Olive Kitteridge was connected to them all. But this book was different. In this book, readers get a much more detailed, complex and insightful look into Olive’s life and the questions she’s grappling with as she ages. Yes, we meet multiple characters that make us think, make us question our own lives and even gasp with wonder or horror, but each is a bit more tightly connected to Olive, or at least it feels that way. I struggled with this book again towards the end, not because I was trying to keep track of all the critical characters, but because I was seeing elements of myself and my family throughout the pages as if Olive were helping me learn life lessons when she wished she learned them, too. Yes, this book has my heart....more
I read this book AFTER reading the sequel: My Own Lightning. I was so struck by the writing and the story that I went right out to read the first bookI read this book AFTER reading the sequel: My Own Lightning. I was so struck by the writing and the story that I went right out to read the first book. And oh, my heart. This book has my heart. Wolk introduces us to Annabelle and her family, a hardworking, kind extended family living in Wolf Hollow. When Annabelle starts being bullied by Betty, a troubled girl now living with her grandparents, a terrible chain of events begins that cannot be undone. But in the midst of tragedy, Annabelle learns of the assumptions we make about others, the hard choices we have to make and the risks we might take to do what is right. I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time: about Annabelle, about Betty and especially about Toby. And I’ll likely re-read the sequel, too, now that I know more and can take away more from the story that continues. ...more
This book was exactly what my middle grade reading heart needed: a collection of hopeful and inspiring stories from my favorite authors: Karina Yan GlThis book was exactly what my middle grade reading heart needed: a collection of hopeful and inspiring stories from my favorite authors: Karina Yan Glaser, Veera Hiranandani, Gordon Korman and Pam Muñoz Ryan, just to name a few. Each author told a story of hope from a time in their own lives from learning life lessons in a restaurant, deciding what it meant to be a ‘cool kid’ and learning book publishing lessons in the seventh grade. Every middle school reader needs to read this book. No, wait. EVERY reader needs to read this book as my adult heart desperately needs these messages of hope, too. It’s the perfect book for anytime reading, but it’s especially perfect for coming-out-of-a-pandemic reading. ...more
This book made me work. But in a good way, of course. Strout introduces readers to thirteen different characters and their rich, unique stories, chaptThis book made me work. But in a good way, of course. Strout introduces readers to thirteen different characters and their rich, unique stories, chapter by chapter. The common tie that binds them together? Olive Kitteridge, a formidable woman with a big personality. Throughout the book, we learn about each of the thirteen characters living in Olive’s town and their own secret struggles and challenges, struggles that many readers can relate to. But we also see how Olive is connected to each of them. In some cases, the connection is small and in others, it’s much larger. But as each chapter passes, we not only gain a better understanding of the townspeople themselves, but of Olive, too. These insights are touching, emotional and in some cases, hard to handle, but they are there for us to learn from all the same. I can’t wait to start the second book: Olive, Again. ...more
I devoured this book. Once I started, I simply could not put it down. I love books that alternate between character perspectives, yet weave them togetI devoured this book. Once I started, I simply could not put it down. I love books that alternate between character perspectives, yet weave them together beautifully throughout the pages. This book did just that. Forman introduces us to Freya, Harun and Nathaniel, three teenagers who converge in an unexpected way under a bride in New York City. Each character has their own story to tell, but they are connected together with a common mindset: they’ve lost their way. Together, they discover who they are and are brave enough to share that truth with others. What results is an unexpected friendship that fuels each of them to love themselves enough to keep going. Together....more
I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of this book and as soon as I can get my hands on a physical copy, I will. I need to read, experience and I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of this book and as soon as I can get my hands on a physical copy, I will. I need to read, experience and live with this beautiful book written in verse again. Lowell introduces us to Lacey and her family, a family literally kept hostage in their home by an abusive father for many years. Propelled by a frightening chain of events, Lacey’s mother finds the courage to leave with the help of family and Lacey is suddenly thrust into a new, unrecognizable life. She moves cautiously with her father’s words haunting her mind yet the pull of art and nature invites her forward into new experiences and opportunities. Lowell so beautifully captures this frightening and heartbreaking time with a sense of hope and unquestionable love. It’s heart-breakingly beautiful....more
When I hug a book after I’m done reading, it means something. I hugged this book. Pooley gave us a glimpse into the real lives of seemingly unconnecteWhen I hug a book after I’m done reading, it means something. I hugged this book. Pooley gave us a glimpse into the real lives of seemingly unconnected people who dared to tell their truth and change their life because of it. It all starts when Julian, a very lonely elderly man makes a bold decision to tell his story on the page and then leave the notebook in a public place for others to read and share their own. The Authenticity Project notebook finds its way into the lives of Monica, Hazard, Riley, Alice and Lizzie and each add their own truth, linking them together first through the notebook and then, in their real lives. This is a beautiful story of life, loss, loneliness, love, longing and most importantly, the power of writing to change our lives. ...more
I love books about books. And I love epistolary novels. So when I found this book, I thought I hit the jackpot blending my two bookish loves together.I love books about books. And I love epistolary novels. So when I found this book, I thought I hit the jackpot blending my two bookish loves together. Truly, I did love the format. Told in a mix of email exchanges, social media posts and private journal entries, we enter the life of Fawn Birchell, a middle-aged used bookseller in Philadelphia. Page by page, we uncover more about her life, her work and the kind of person she is. That’s where this book fell short for me. I just couldn’t rally around this character no matter how hard I tried. She‘s struggling to leave a difficult childhood behind and keep her business afloat, things that I could understand. But HOW she does that was foreign to me: lying, stealing and using her words in ways that I could just not fathom, but did find oddly humorous. I’m glad I read it, but also glad to leave Fawn behind, even though she came around in the end. ...more
Well, this was a VERY unexpected book. Very. I am always seeking out books that can help me with what I do not understand or have not experienced for Well, this was a VERY unexpected book. Very. I am always seeking out books that can help me with what I do not understand or have not experienced for myself. I learn through story and this book provided a compelling story that will take space in my reading heart for a while. Lukoff introduces us to Annabelle, a sixth grade student in a small town hoping for a bit of excitement in her final year of elementary school. And excitement she gets: a new friend, a family shocker, a new identity for herself and a realization that the world does not work in favor of all who live in it. This book explores gender and gender identity in a way that children (and adults) can understand and embrace. Gone are the linear categories and labels in favor of simply knowing who you are and celebrating that is enough. Ah, this book....more
How can a book be so lyrically beautiful and hauntingly terrifying at the same time? And no, this isn’t a murder mystery or a horror novel. It’s a stuHow can a book be so lyrically beautiful and hauntingly terrifying at the same time? And no, this isn’t a murder mystery or a horror novel. It’s a stunning account of a young Syrian couple torn apart by an untimely travel ban on the very day their son is born. Told in alternating perspectives, past to present, we learn so much: of family and of love, of freedom and the pursuit of it, of fear and unwelcomeness. I was torn in so many directions as I read this book, lucky enough to be experiencing them on the page and not in real life. This made me look at the world differently, of MY world differently and question all I thought I knew about what America stands for. You can’t get this understanding from an official document or news coverage. You can only get it through reading the story of those living an experience unlike your own. This book embodies the power of reading and I’m forever changed by it. ...more
I love when a book can take me to another time and place so completely that I’m a bit disoriented when I finally look up. And I especially love when II love when a book can take me to another time and place so completely that I’m a bit disoriented when I finally look up. And I especially love when I can escape to another time and place while still learning lessons that can positively impact my life today. My Own Lightning by Lauren Wolk gave me both of these things and so much more. Wolk introduces us to Annabelle, a young girl who is recovering from a traumatic event and is struck by lightning on her way home in a summer storm during the era of World War II. She’s mysteriously saved by an anonymous hero and soon discovers she’s developed heightened senses and a new understanding of animals. She uses these skills to find lost dogs, save hurt dogs and better connect with the humans they are connected with, too. She uses her newfound knowledge to come to terms with the recent difficulties she’s experienced and learn about the complex world around her. This book envelopes readers into a different time and invites them to put their assumptions aside and get to know people for who they really are. Annabelle may be young, but she taught this adult a thing or two....more
I have never read a book that impacted me on such a visceral level before. Close, but not this hard. Moriarty brings us into the lives of the Delaney I have never read a book that impacted me on such a visceral level before. Close, but not this hard. Moriarty brings us into the lives of the Delaney family: Stan, Joy and their 4 tall, athletic and very different children. When Joy suddenly goes missing, the family tries to put the pieces together of what happened. Weaving back and forth between then and now, family member to family member, we learn of the intricacies of Joy and Stan’s marriage, the unique personalities of all four children and the childhood events that shaped them and how much someone can take of their own lives before they fight back. Oh, this book. I saw myself in so many ways, ways that forced me to really think about the relationships I have and how I choose to grow them. I was thrown for a loop every other chapter and was beside myself when I closed the last page. I still haven’t picked up another book. ...more
I really cannot believe I haven’t read this book until now. My teenagers are currently reading this book in their English class and I wanted to read iI really cannot believe I haven’t read this book until now. My teenagers are currently reading this book in their English class and I wanted to read it alongside them so we could talk about the powerful content inside the pages. Oh, this book. Melinda tells her story of heartache to her readers, but never seems to find her voice to speak out on what she needs to say. Caught in the middle of a conflicted family, dealing with friends that have become enemies and enduring a horrifying experience alone, Melinda struggles to find her worth AND her voice. But with the help of art and a budding belief in herself, she slowly finds herself, her worth and her chance to speak. Everyone should read this book. ...more
How could anyone not like a book about chocolate chip cookies, especially when it embodies a beautiful story of family and fresh starts? Amos introducHow could anyone not like a book about chocolate chip cookies, especially when it embodies a beautiful story of family and fresh starts? Amos introduces us to Ellis Johnson and his father as they embark on the adventure of opening a chocolate chip cookie shop on Sunset Boulevard in 1976. Ellis’s family is newly divorced and while his mother is off taking time for herself, Ellis spends his summer with his father and grandmother preparing to open the shop. Even though Ellis was not exactly keen on the idea, he learns (through a lot of trial and error) what he is capable of and what the true spirit of family means. I loved this book for the story, for the complex connections among family and for the lessons it taught me to chase after my dreams by keeping our big goals in mind. Now, I’m off to buy some Famous Amos cookies. =) ...more
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