The Agony of Bun O’Keefe by Heather Smith Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) When Bun O’Keefe’s mother (a hoarder) tells her to “Get out!” Bun does. Homeless and not sure what to do or where to go, Bun approaches a busker/musician who, charmed by Bun’s quirky character, takes her under his wing and back to his temporary lodgings. Bun goes on to charm his housemates with her forthrightness and they form a … Read more
Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman Realistic Fiction * * * Stars (Pretty good) Kiko Himura (half-Japanese) is hoping to get into the art school of her dreams – Prism – in New York. She can’t wait to leave home, where her self-obsessed mother makes her and her siblings miserable. But she doesn’t get in. And her uncle, who sexually abused her, is moving in with them. As she grasps at the straws of her future, … Read more
Love and Other Foreign Words by Erin McCahan Realistic Fiction Romance * * * * Stars (Great!) Josie is part of a close-knit family who understand her even if they don’t always speak the same language. Josie is pretty particular about her likes and dislikes and when her older sister brings home her fiancé, Geoff, she takes an immediate dislike to him. He is SO obnoxious – talks far too much, makes ridiculous assumptions about … Read more
The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller Realistic Fiction * * * Stars (Pretty good) Natalie is in 7th grade and she has a goofy science teacher who really wants his students to love science as much as he does. Natalie has a hard time taking him seriously, but she’s having trouble taking anything seriously right now, as her mother has fallen into a depression and won’t come out of her room. Natalie doesn’t … Read more
I Funny I Funny #1 by James Patterson Realistic Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) A boy named Rafe Katchadorian always wanted to share his jokes with other people, but he always got bullied by these kids because he is in a wheelchair. So, he sneaked into New York City to learn about a stand-up comedian contest. Then, he successfully became Long Island’s funniest comedian! I loved this book because it … Read more
Throne of Glass Throne of Glass #1 by Sarah J. Maas Adventure Fantasy Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) This book series completely blew me away. I am currently reading the fourth book in this series, and the story, writing, and character development keep getting better and better. The story follows Celeana Sardothian, a teenage assassin, in her journey overcoming many obstacles. I don’t want to give anything away! The story is … Read more
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir Adventure Fantasy Mystery Romance Science Fiction Thriller Review #1 * * * * .5 Stars (Great!) An Ember in the Ashes is a great book that I would definitely recommend to anyone. No matter what genre you prefer, you will enjoy this book. This book has the crazy imagination of science fiction books. It has the emotion found in romance books. It has the mystery that keeps … Read more
An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson Fantasy Fair Folk Romance * * * * Stars (Great!) Isobel, a human girl living in Whimsy, a human settlement within the bounds of the Fair Folk, is only seventeen, but she is a master of her Craft – painting – and fair folk are always seeking her out to paint their portraits. When she learns that the autumn prince, Rook, is returning, specifically to commission a painting … Read more
Halfway Normal by Barbara Dee Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Norah Levy is in remission (she had leukemia) and is returning to school (7th grade) after being out sick for 2 years. Although her academics are in good shape thanks to her tutor, her friendships and social life are kind of in turmoil. Almost everyone treats Norah like she’s still sick – her guidance counselor won’t even say the word “cancer” in … Read more
Guinness World Records 2017 Non-fiction Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) I love seeing all the weird, dangerous, and just plain outstanding things people do! Seeing all this is fascinating and really motivates someone to do something great!