The Lion of Mars Science Fiction Survival Tween * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Bell lives in a small compound on Mars along with a group of other Americans – scientists, researchers, etc. – who all contribute to their community to keep things running, growing, working. He and some of the older kids are curious about the other settlements on Mars (France, Germany, etc.), but their interest is firmly rebuffed by their Commander who … Read more
Aster and the Accidental Magic book #1 by Thom Pico and Karensac Adventure Fantasy Graphic Novel Tween * * * * Stars (Great!) Aster is not super thrilled when her parents move them from the city to a small mountain town so Aster’s mother can continue work on her robo-birds (that will save them all from the enormous crow migration that’s about to take place). After she meets a mysterious old lady shepherd who gives … Read more
Learn about women who have made (or are making) history, and vote for the Most Influential Woman this March. Schedule: Nominate an influential woman – Nominations are now closed! March 6 – 12: 1st Round of voting – The votes are in! These women will advance to Round 2: Malala Yousafzai, Oprah Winfrey, Harriet Tubman, Frida Kahlo, Dolly Parton, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Serena Williams, and Jane Goodall. March 13 – 19: 2nd Round of voting … Read more
Oh, Theodore By Susan Katz Illustrated by Stacey Schuett Picture book Poetry * * * Stars (Pretty good) This book of connected poems tells the story of a boy and his guinea pig, Theodore, incorporating really well the guinea pig nature (all their noises and behaviors), Theodore’s unique personality, the care he requires, and the friendship/love that develops between the boy and his peeg. Gets my Wheek! of approval! Reviewed by YA Librarian
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez Mystery Realistic Fiction (older teens) * * * Stars (Pretty good) When Julia’s (pronounced the Mexican/Spanish way – Who-lee-uh) older sister Olga is killed in a terrible accident, her whole family falls apart, becoming more dysfunctional (is that even possible?) than it was before. Julia, already suffering from depression and anxiety, and her mother deal with their individual pain by lashing out at one … Read more
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Kit (Katherine) Tyler’s grandfather has died. So she packs her bags, and heads off to join her aunt and uncle. But when she gets there, the customs are too strict, her dresses are considered “frivolous,” and her uncle is less than welcoming. Also, a certain boy named William is courting her, but does her heart … Read more
Full Out by Monica Aldama Nonfiction Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) This book gives the background of Monica Aldama’s life leading up to her career coaching the Navarro College cheerleading team and its popularity after the Netflix original, “Cheer,” was released. She includes tips and tricks she picked up on throughout life that influenced her decisions and leadership. I really enjoyed how she explained the things she learned and experienced, and connected … Read more
Making Bombs for Hitler by Marsha Skrypuch Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) In this book, a story is told of a young girl who was taken into a concentration camp, away from her grandparents, by the Nazis. While in the camps with her sister, she is given many tasks to do. I personally really enjoy stuff about WWII and this book made it easier to understand at a younger … Read more
The Last to Die by Kelly Garrett Mystery Thriller Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) A teenage girl and her friend create a “game” to steal and break into each other’s houses that can be replaced. The teenage girl, Harper Jacobs, deals with a lot of family struggles and uses these break-ins as a coping mechanism. After overusing these criminal actions, someone shows up dead. I really enjoyed how well this book … Read more
Just Roll with It written by Lee Durfey-Lavoie illustrated by Veronica Agarwal Graphic Novel Realistic Fiction Tween, grades 4-8 * * * Stars (Pretty good) Maggie is starting 6th grade and she’s anxious about making friends and making the transition to middle school. She has some coping mechanisms/rituals that she uses to help her feel more calm and in control – like rolling a d20 (20-sided die) to help her make decisions (or predict how … Read more