My Sister’s Big Fat Indian Wedding by Sajni Patel Realistic Fiction Romance Suspense * * * Stars (Pretty good) Zurika’s older sister has pulled out all the stops and is about to be married Bollywood style – a big, fat, Indian wedding, with singing, dancing, and all of the traditional trappings. Zurika is happy for her, don’t get her wrong, but she’s hoping to get into a prestigious musical program/college where she can develop her … Read more
Once More Upon a Time by Roshani Chokshi Fairytale Retelling Fantasy * * * * Stars (Great!) Here’s what happens after the official story of the Twelve Dancing Princesses comes to an end. One of the princesses meets and marries the love of her life, but before they have a chance to experience married bliss, Imelda is poisoned and when her new husband Ambrose vows to do anything to save her, the price is their … Read more
This July we are having a contest for teens (in grades 6-12) to recreate a famous artwork using props from home. We need examples! All you have to do is choose a masterpiece, recreate it with things you have around your house (people and pets can be included!). Then, submit a photo (or link to a photo) of the original masterpiece + one of your recreation using the form below. We’ll share the examples in … Read more
Soar by Joan Bauer Realistic Fiction Sports Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) Jeremiah is the world’s biggest baseball fan, but he cannot play the sport due to his heart condition. However, this doesn’t stop Jeremiah’s love for baseball. He decides to become a coach for the new town he just moved to. As scandals of his town’s team arise, Jeremiah is determined to bring his team back. I really liked Jeremiah’s determination … Read more
Wish by Barbara O’Connor Realistic Fiction Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) Eleven-year-old Charlie Reese hase been making a secret wish every day since she was in fourth grade. She gets sent to live with a family she barely knows and her hopes of her wish becoming true are now very unlikely. That is, until she meets a stray dog and a neighbor, Howard, who proves her wrong. I thought this was a … Read more
Just Mercy: A True Story of the Fight for Justice (adapted for young adults) by Bryan Stevenson Autobiography Criminal Justice Equal Rights LawNonfiction Thriller Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) A lawyer and social justice advocate Bryan Stevenson tells us the stories and experiences he goes through raising awareness to the social injustices of many he had as clients. I was absolutely devastated by the stories of the imprisoned who Bryan fought … Read more
Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter Realistic Fiction Romance Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) Maddie had a great life with her father in Washington until they moved to the middle of nowhere, Alaska. She missed her friend Logan deeply, but he never responded to her letters, so when he shows up six years later she wants to kill him. However, an assailant appears trying to kidnap Logan, so she … Read more
Kingdom of Ash Throne of Glass series, bk# 8 by Sarah J. Maas Adventure Fantasy Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) Captured by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must find a way to get out. When she finds her way out, she will then have to face and defeat the monsters and evil on the horizons. I felt that the ending was a bit rushed, but I still overall thought it was … Read more
Tower of Dawn Throne of Glass series, bk# 7 by Sarah J. Maas Adventure Fantasy Romance Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) Chaol and Nesryn arrive in the city of Antica to form an alliance with the Khagan of the Southern Continent. During their stay, chemistry between Yrene, a healer, and Chaol arises. I liked the chemistry between Chaol and Yrene. For older teens + adults.
Empire of Storms Throne of Glass series, bk. #6 by Sarah J. Maas Adventure Fantasy Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) Aelin now must fight with her friends in order to end the war that looms on the horizon. Monsters of the dark past come into their world and they must now defeat them. I enjoyed the romance between Aelin and Rowan. For older teens + adults.