en-US Sat, 28 Jun 2025 09:06:43 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg 830051 32 Roberto Innocenti 1568461895 Ms. B 2 2017, historical Benno and the Night of the Broken Glass.]]> 4.18 1985
author: Roberto Innocenti
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.18
book published: 1985
rating: 2
read at: 2017/12/09
date added: 2025/06/28
shelves: 2017, historical
review:
Depressing, I imagine when this came out in the mid 1980s felt original. Now it just feels dark and bleak. If you are looking for a picture book to introduce and/or expose kids to the Holocaust, read Benno and the Night of the Broken Glass.
]]> 23443508 40 Adrienne Adams Ms. B 3 2016, picture 3.44
author: Adrienne Adams
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.44
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2016/03/03
date added: 2025/06/21
shelves: 2016, picture
review:
Dated version of the other Snow White story.
]]> 26240828
No one loves a mystery more than Elizabeth MacLeod, author of the award-winning Bones Never Lie and Royal Murder . In her newest book, she presents six compelling stories about some of the world’s most bewildering disappearances.

Readers will be captivated by such true tales as the Alcatraz prison break, where three dangerous convicts engineered a daring escape. Did they live to see freedom, or did they perish in the icy waters surrounding the prison? And will anyone ever know what happened to the captain and crew of the SS Mary Celeste? In 1872, it set out from New York for Genoa, Italy, but everyone on board disappeared for no apparent reason.

This irresistible combination of suspense and history also serves as an introduction to the advances in technology that may help discover what really happened in each unsolved mystery.

Filled with color photographs, sidebars, and maps, Vanished is the perfect book for kids who love mind-boggling mysteries.]]> 188 Elizabeth MacLeod 1554518172 Ms. B 2 2016, childrens, nonfiction 3.75 2016
author: Elizabeth MacLeod
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2016
rating: 2
read at: 2016/08/12
date added: 2025/06/12
shelves: 2016, childrens, nonfiction
review:
Without booktalking and promoting, the textbook format may turn off students who enjoy nonfiction, history and the unknown.
]]> 61686913 See how a skyscraper is built from the ground up in this new and updated edition of a classic from Gail Gibbons, the most popular science writer for kids in grades PreK-2.

From the architectural drawings to the foundation to ironworkers building 30 stories up, learn how skyscrapers are built step-by-step. This new edition includes the latest building techniques and has been vetted by an expert.

Author of over 120 nonfiction books for kids, including Tool Book and How a House is Built, and with hundreds of thousands of books sold, Gail Gibbons continues to bring science to kids in this inside look at skyscrapers.]]> 32 Gail Gibbons 0823452107 Ms. B 0 to-read 3.41 1986
author: Gail Gibbons
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.41
book published: 1986
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/30
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 56904343 A heartfelt and hopeful debut about a bird-loving autistic child whose family's special nest is in danger of falling apart.

Axel loves everything about birds, especially eagles. No one worries that an eagle will fly too far and not come home--a fact Axel wishes his mother understood. Deep down, Axel knows that his mother is like an osprey--the best of all bird mothers--but it's hard to remember that when she worries and keeps secrets about important things. His dad is more like a wild turkey, coming and going as he pleases. His dad's latest disappearance is the biggest mystery of all.

Despite all this, Axel loves his life--especially the time he spends with his friends observing the eagles' nest in the woods near his home. But when a tornado damages not only Axel's home but the eagles' nest, Axel's life is thrown into chaos. Suddenly his dad is back to help repair the damage, and Axel has to manage his dad's presence and his beloved birds' absence. Plus, his mom seems to be keeping even more secrets.

But Axel knows another important fact: an eagle's instincts let it soar. Axel must trust his own instincts to help heal his family and the nest he loves.]]> 400 Alison Green Myers 0593325672 Ms. B 3 2023, childrens, animal Axel enjoys watching birds. With the help of his family, neighbors who are like extended family and Dr. Martin, can Axel save an injured one? Meanwhile Axel's absent for the last few years Dad, Frank, is back. He and his Mom, Byrd, are getting along. Will his parents reunite? Does Axel even want Frank back in his life, can he trust him? Why did Frank leave the first time, will he leave again?
Axel is autistic which will make this story one of interest who is looking for a story with an autistic protagonist. With its themes of hope, this could also make a good book club read (The author includes additional including a discussion questions are included at the end of the book.) A
]]> 3.99 2021
author: Alison Green Myers
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2023/06/09
date added: 2025/04/04
shelves: 2023, childrens, animal
review:
Animal story + the meaning of hope with a little bit of Pokémon GO = this story.
Axel enjoys watching birds. With the help of his family, neighbors who are like extended family and Dr. Martin, can Axel save an injured one? Meanwhile Axel's absent for the last few years Dad, Frank, is back. He and his Mom, Byrd, are getting along. Will his parents reunite? Does Axel even want Frank back in his life, can he trust him? Why did Frank leave the first time, will he leave again?
Axel is autistic which will make this story one of interest who is looking for a story with an autistic protagonist. With its themes of hope, this could also make a good book club read (The author includes additional including a discussion questions are included at the end of the book.) A

]]> 11568002 Part 1: Meditations: Suitable for All Times During the Year (Originally published in 1767).
Part 2: Pious Reflections on Different Points of Spirituality (Originally published in 1773).
Part 3: Spiritual Treatises (Published at various times).

THIS volume contains the quintessence of the science of the saints. It gives a correct idea of the spirit, of the heart, and of the talent of Saint Alphonsus: one might say that in it his whole soul is poured out. The entire work is divided into three parts. In the first, we resume, under another form, the considerations on the eternal truths or the Last Things, treated at greater length in the preceding volume. The second part traces and paves the way that leads to divine love, or to sanctity and true happiness, and inspires us at the same time with the desire, the zeal, and the courage to undertake everything to reach this end. The third part transports us to the summit of the holy mountain, or Christian perfection, shows us in detail the mysteries of the interior life, and enables us to breathe its sweetest perfume. ? Some persons have objected that the writings of Saint Alphonsus contain many repetitions. This is true in regard to the ascetical works; but these repetitions are not useless. There is no question here of a study, a scientific work done for the sole purpose of exercising the mind. It is a food destined to give strength to the life of the soul. Each one takes for himself everyday the amount that agrees with his spiritual temperament. But let us hear what the author himself says in regard to this matter: "I entreat my readers not to grow weary if in those prayers they always find petitions for the grace of perseverance and the grace of divine love. For us, these are the two graces most necessary for the attainment of eternal salvation." 1 He also says: "One should not find it tiresome that I repeat the texts that I have already cited several times. . . . The authors of pernicious books, who treat of obscene things, reproduce even to satiety their impure sallies in order to inflame their imprudent readers with the fire of concupiscence; and should it not be permitted to me to repeat sacred texts that are most suitable to inflame souls with divine love ?" 2 Ah, let us never grow tired of reading and meditating on what the holy bishop has had the patience to write so many times for our benefit.]]> 510 Alfonso María de Liguori Ms. B 5 4.71 1886
author: Alfonso María de Liguori
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.71
book published: 1886
rating: 5
read at: 2020/03/11
date added: 2025/03/06
shelves: 2019, religion-spirituality, 2020, currently-reading, 2025, 2024
review:
Are you suffering, looking for something to challenge you during personal meditation or feeling spiritual dryness during your prayer time? This collection of writings from St. Alphonsus de Liguori may be the book for you. Originally published in 1886, his writings are still relevant today. They will challenge you, help you to find meaning in your suffering and aid you in persevering in your prayer life.
]]> 199531468
At critical times throughout Salvation History, God’s people have been invited to consecrate themselves. We are at one of those critical times in history, and consecrating ourselves, our families, our country, and indeed, the whole world to the Eucharist may make all the difference.

33 Days to Eucharistic Glory is the first ever Eucharistic Consecration. This unprecedented spiritual resource presents profound truths, astonishing historical facts, powerful practical examples, a daily virtue to adopt, extraordinary prayers, and inspiring stories—all in an easy-to-follow daily format.

Life is a pilgrimage. It is a sacred journey toward our eternal home with God. Learn what it means to be a pilgrim in a world that is constantly trying to reduce you to a tourist and consumer. Journey with Mother Teresa, John Paul II, Thérèse of Lisieux, Maximilian Kolbe, Thomas Aquinas, Sister Faustina, the Children of Fatima, and Mary the Mother of God to experience Jesus in the Eucharist like never before.

Prepare yourself for an explosion of grace in your life. Grace is the assistance God gives us to do what is good, true, noble, and right. And there is no better way to receive God’s grace than through the Eucharist. Over the next thirty-three days you will learn how these great saints and others lived in Eucharistic Glory.

This extraordinary spiritual guide will forever change the way you spend time with Jesus in the Eucharist.

THIS CONSECRATION IS AN INVITATION to dedicate yourself to God and make yourself 100 percent available to carry out His will on this earth. It is an act of unconditional surrender to Jesus in the Eucharist, an opportunity to set aside our distractions and selfishness, dedicate ourselves abundantly, wholeheartedly, and completely to the will of God, and promise to faithfully respond to God’s grace in our life.

In the Book of Exodus, after the incident with the golden calf, Moses realized that the people had lost their way, and so he called them together and

“Consecrate yourselves today to the Lord . . . that He may bestow upon you a blessing this day.”

In the First Book of Chronicles, after God chose his son Solomon to lead, David gave everything he had over to God and the people of Israel. And then he

“Who else among you will contribute generously and consecrate themselves to the Lord this day?”

In the Book of Joshua, God’s chosen people entered the Promised Land after wandering in the desert for forty years. Joshua asked the priests to carry the Ark of the Covenant before the people and

“Consecrate yourselves to the Lord, for tomorrow He will do wonders among you.”

For the Jewish people, the Ark of the Covenant was God’s dwelling place on earth, God’s presence among them. The Eucharist is God dwelling among us today. And so, today I say to you, with Moses, David, and Joshua . . . “Consecrate yourself today to the Lord . . . that He may bestow upon you a blessing this day.”

33 Days to Eucharistic Glory is the first guide to Eucharistic Consecration. Catholics have consecrated themselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to Saint Joseph, Saint Raphael, Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint Anne, the Holy Spirit, the Miraculous Medal, Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Mediatrix of All Grace, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Czestochowa, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Our Lady of Sorrows, and to the Holy Trinity.

I believe it is time we consecrated ourselves to Jesus in the Eucharist—it is time for a Eucharistic Consecration.]]> 224 Matthew Kelly 1635825326 Ms. B 0 4.63
author: Matthew Kelly
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.63
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/06
shelves: currently-reading, 2025, religion-spirituality, no, nonfiction
review:

]]> 301304 367 Pramoedya Ananta Toer 0140256350 Ms. B 3 4.14 1980
author: Pramoedya Ananta Toer
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.14
book published: 1980
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2025/03/06
shelves: 2010, adult, historical, fiction
review:

]]> 24770
But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to become a pretty. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world—and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally a choice: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. Tally's choice will change her world forever....]]> 425 Scott Westerfeld 0689865384 Ms. B 3 Pretties and complete this trilogy/series in 2022.
7/29/21 Book 1 in a trilogy that is meant to be read in order. Originally published in 2005, I can still remember how popular it was at the time.
When Tally turns 16, she will become a pretty. Life will be good; she'll be beautiful and there will be parties and fun all the time. Shortly before her birthday, she meets Shay who does not want to become a pretty and runs away. In a turn of events, Tally tracks Shay down and meets the Smokies. Where do Tally's loyalties lie? With her society in which she becomes a pretty or with the Smokies, a splinter group?
Written before The Hunger Games, give this one to dystopia fans looking for more. Or for those who are looking for books to discuss solutions for global ills; pollution, poverty, disease, and war.
]]> 3.85 2005
author: Scott Westerfeld
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2005
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/28
date added: 2025/02/28
shelves: 2021, ya, series, trilogy, dystopia, 2022, teen-book-club, 2025
review:
1/27/22 Now that I reread this, I really want to read Pretties and complete this trilogy/series in 2022.
7/29/21 Book 1 in a trilogy that is meant to be read in order. Originally published in 2005, I can still remember how popular it was at the time.
When Tally turns 16, she will become a pretty. Life will be good; she'll be beautiful and there will be parties and fun all the time. Shortly before her birthday, she meets Shay who does not want to become a pretty and runs away. In a turn of events, Tally tracks Shay down and meets the Smokies. Where do Tally's loyalties lie? With her society in which she becomes a pretty or with the Smokies, a splinter group?
Written before The Hunger Games, give this one to dystopia fans looking for more. Or for those who are looking for books to discuss solutions for global ills; pollution, poverty, disease, and war.

]]> 177721401 “The clever plot is anchored by Bunny and Clyde’s Hollywood gangster-speak, tongue-in-cheek dialogue, and groan-worthy puns, all of which will charm young readers. . . . Delightful.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Get ready for a wild ride with Bunny and Clyde! These by-the-rules buddies, a rabbit and a chipmunk, are sick and tired of being good. For once, they want to know what it’s like to be baddies—rotten to the core! They want thrills and excitement! But to get really good at being bad, they’re going to need some experience. What if the dastardly duo started returning library books late on purpose? Or borrowing markers without asking? Everyone knows it’s a swift downhill slide from there—as long as there’s an unprotected piggy bank in town! Unless, of course, their best attempts at mastering bad deeds are strangely misconstrued. Author Megan McDonald brings her quick wit and ear for dialogue, matched by Scott Nash’s deft animal characterizations, to a hilarious caper of criminal intentions gone awry.]]> 128 Megan McDonald 1536228737 Ms. B 0 3.63
author: Megan McDonald
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.63
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/28
shelves: currently-reading, 2025, childrens
review:

]]> 8530701 262 Nevil Shute 0307476979 Ms. B 0 2025, did-not-finish 4.30 1950
author: Nevil Shute
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.30
book published: 1950
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/28
shelves: 2025, did-not-finish
review:

]]> 31915216
Inspired by the years he spent playing bass in a band himself, The Haters is Jesse Andrews’s road trip adventure about a trio of jazz-camp escapees who, against every realistic expectation, become a band.

For Wes and his best friend, Corey, jazz camp turns out to be lame. It’s pretty much all dudes talking in Jazz Voice. But then they jam with Ash, a charismatic girl with an unusual sound, and the three just click. It’s three and a half hours of pure musical magic, and Ash makes a decision: They need to hit the road. Because the road, not summer camp, is where bands get good. Before Wes and Corey know it, they’re in Ash’s SUV heading south, and The Haters Summer of Hate Tour has begun.

In his second novel, Andrews again brings his brilliant and distinctive voice to YA, in the perfect book for music lovers, fans of The Commitments and High Fidelity, or anyone who has ever loved—and hated—a song or a band. This witty, funny coming-of-age novel is contemporary fiction at its best.]]> 336 Jesse Andrews 1419723707 Ms. B 0 3.33 2016
author: Jesse Andrews
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.33
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/28
shelves: ya, 2024, 2025, did-not-finish
review:

]]> 31932088 Today, Edgar Allan Poe is best remembered as a master of suspense and an early innovator in the genre of detective fiction, but Poe's first literary ambition was to be known as a poet. This stellar collection brings together some of his most accomplished works, including The Raven, Annabel Lee, and The Bells.

]]> Edgar Allan Poe 1620133954 Ms. B 0 3.00 1831
author: Edgar Allan Poe
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.00
book published: 1831
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/28
shelves: 2024, classics, 2025, did-not-finish
review:

]]> 50623864
Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world.

But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name.]]> 448 V.E. Schwab 0765387565 Ms. B 0 4.16 2020
author: V.E. Schwab
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/28
shelves: 2024, adult, book_club, did-not-finish
review:

]]> 123163415 40 Jory John 0063329514 Ms. B 3 2024, picture, 2025, series Food Group series that's fun for both children and their caregivers.]]> 4.22 2023
author: Jory John
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/28
date added: 2025/02/28
shelves: 2024, picture, 2025, series
review:
3.5 stars, winning isn't everything in this latest story in the popular Food Group series that's fun for both children and their caregivers.
]]> 190855049
Sami worries that the Eid al-Adha carnival won’t be as fun without Dede (his grandfather), who died recently. Sami’s grandmother sends him one of Dede’s ties, and Sami vows to never take it off.

After going to the mosque for Eid prayer, Sami’s family stop at the shelter where Baba and Anne volunteer. Can an unexpected encounter and a special gift help Sami change his mind about celebrating?

The gift of giving and putting yourself in someone else's shoes shines through in this engaging, poignant holiday story.]]> 32 M.O. Yuksel 1623542960 Ms. B 3 4.36
author: M.O. Yuksel
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.36
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/03/29
date added: 2025/02/19
shelves: holiday, 2024, picture, religion-spirituality
review:
If you're looking for a read aloud about Eid al Adha, this story about Sami and his family will work. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this title.
]]> 39320556 Adam Silvera reminds us that there’s no life without death and no love without loss in this devastating yet uplifting story about two people whose lives change over the course of one unforgettable day.

New York Times bestseller * 4 starred reviews * A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year * A Kirkus Best Book of the Year * A Booklist Editors' Choice of 2017 * A Bustle Best YA Novel of 2017 * A Paste Magazine Best YA Book of 2017 * A Book Riot Best Queer Book of 2017 * A Buzzfeed Best YA Book of the Year * A BookPage Best YA Book of the Year

On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They’re going to die today.

Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they’re both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There’s an app for that. It’s called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure—to live a lifetime in a single day.

In the tradition of Before I Fall and If I Stay, They Both Die at the End is a tour de force from acclaimed author Adam Silvera, whose debut, More Happy Than Not, the New York Times called “profound.”]]> 389 Adam Silvera 0062457802 Ms. B 0 to-read 3.83 2017
author: Adam Silvera
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/10
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 195660426
Whenever Mama says, “when I was a little girl in Taiwan, we had nothing,” Bao stops listening. Mama does not understand Bao, and Bao certainly does not understand Mama.

So when Bao desperately wants a doll—specifically, the beautiful, blonde All-American Artist Amanda doll that everyone else has—Bao takes matters into her own hands and steals Amanda from the store. After getting caught, Bao’s chest feels heavy like a giant rock. But gradually, the awkward silence between Bao and Mama shifts to honesty, and eventually, a deeper understanding of what binds them.

Inspired by the childhood of debut talent Bo Lu, this poignant picture book brings emotional layers to the story of a parent and child learning to connect with their heritage and each other.]]> 40 Bo Lu 1419769219 Ms. B 4 2025, picture If your looking for a picture book about stealing or one to replace the late 1980s Arnie and the Stolen Markers, this will work.]]> 4.35
author: Bo Lu
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.35
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/09
date added: 2025/02/09
shelves: 2025, picture
review:
When Bao isn't able to have a doll that she really wants, she takes matters into her own hands. It doesn't go well as she must return the doll. Bao already feels distant from her Mom who grew up in Taiwan with nothing. Will Bao's antics bring them closer together or create even more distance between them?
If your looking for a picture book about stealing or one to replace the late 1980s Arnie and the Stolen Markers, this will work.
]]> 211723648 A child learns to settle into a new home in this lyrical and stirring picture book perfect for fans of MEMORY JARS and EVELYN DEL REY IS MOVING AWAY.

Juno and his mom have just moved into a new home, and he hates everything about it - the new school, his new classmates, his new room.

Just outside his window, Juno notices a family of mourning doves have started a nest atop the fence, and they seem to be struggling to make it work, too. Sure enough, Juno concludes this new place is a terrible place to build a nest.

But, as winter turns to spring and the doves grow, so does Juno. And while this new place may be scary and sometimes lonely, they will all make it work, together.

Lyrical and hopeful, A Terrible Place for a Nest is a tender and uplifting tale about facing new experiences with empathy and courage.]]> 0 Sara Levine 1250383064 Ms. B 4 2025, picture If you're looking for a mentor text about homelessness or empathy, give this a try.]]> 4.25
author: Sara Levine
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.25
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/09
date added: 2025/02/09
shelves: 2025, picture
review:
Juno and his Mom adjust to their new home in this story that tugs at the heart. At first Juno does not like the new home nor does he like the mourning (morning) doves and their sad cooing sound. [spoilers removed]
If you're looking for a mentor text about homelessness or empathy, give this a try.
]]> 62341474 A Newbery Honor Book

"A hilarious, heartfelt triumph."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

From the singular imagination of National Book Award winner M. T. Anderson comes a magical adventure about a boy and his dog—or a dog and her boy—and a forest of wonders hidden in plain sight.

Clay has had his fill of home life. A global plague has brought the world to a screeching halt, and with little to look forward to but a summer of video-calling friends, vying with annoying sisters for the family computer, and tuning out his parents’ financial worries, he’s only too happy to retreat to the woods. From the moment the elegant little dog with the ornate collar appears like an apparition among the trees, Clay sees something uncanny in her. With this mysterious Elphinore as guide, he’ll glimpse ancient secrets folded all but invisibly into the forest. Each day the dog leads Clay down paths he never knew existed, deeper into the unknown. But they aren’t alone in their surreal adventures. There are traps and terrors in the woods, too, and if Clay isn’t careful, he might stray off the path and lose his way forever. Graced with evocative black-and-white illustrations by Junyi Wu, Elf Dog and Owl Head is heartfelt and exhilarating, wry and poignant, seamlessly merging the fantastic and the familiar in a tale both timely and timeless.]]> 240 M.T. Anderson 153622281X Ms. B 4 Not only a story about Clay, Elphinore and Amos, this is a story about Clay's own family. An unnamed disease (that may remind some of the early 2020s COVID pandemic) has forced everyone to stay home. Clay's mother has lost her job and his older sister DiRossi is a sullen and moody teenager upset with the world. When she finds out about Clay and Amos's friendship, will she become a friend or a foe?
Take the magic of Midsummer's Eve from Astrid Lindgren's The Children of Noisy Village and put it in a coming of age story like Holly Black's Doll Bones. Put it in a 2020s realistic fiction setting. Add a boy and his dog's adventures animal story, the science fiction of a few creatures from an other world within our own world (i.e. A World Below) and a few illustrations to get the perfect book to gift to a book loving, avid reading pre-tween or tween in your life. This is one that they may treasure in the years to come.]]> 3.87 2023
author: M.T. Anderson
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/07
date added: 2025/02/08
shelves: 2025, honor, childrens, animal, science-fiction
review:
What happens when Clay finds a dog he names Elphinore? At first timid, the two bond as Elphinore learns how fun life with a boy can be. As they play in the woods, Clay meets a new boy Amos [spoilers removed]. Amos knows some of Elphinore's secrets like who she belongs to and where she is from.
Not only a story about Clay, Elphinore and Amos, this is a story about Clay's own family. An unnamed disease (that may remind some of the early 2020s COVID pandemic) has forced everyone to stay home. Clay's mother has lost her job and his older sister DiRossi is a sullen and moody teenager upset with the world. When she finds out about Clay and Amos's friendship, will she become a friend or a foe?
Take the magic of Midsummer's Eve from Astrid Lindgren's The Children of Noisy Village and put it in a coming of age story like Holly Black's Doll Bones. Put it in a 2020s realistic fiction setting. Add a boy and his dog's adventures animal story, the science fiction of a few creatures from an other world within our own world (i.e. A World Below) and a few illustrations to get the perfect book to gift to a book loving, avid reading pre-tween or tween in your life. This is one that they may treasure in the years to come.
]]> 55004551 An extraordinary story inspired by the real Women’s Air Raid Defense, where an unlikely recruit and her sisters-in-arms forge their place in WWII history.

Daisy Wilder prefers the company of horses to people, bare feet and salt water to high heels and society parties. Then, in the dizzying aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Daisy enlists in a top secret program, replacing male soldiers in a war zone for the first time. Under fear of imminent invasion, the WARDs guide pilots into blacked-out airstrips and track unidentified planes across Pacific skies.  

But not everyone thinks the women are up to the job, and the new recruits must rise above their differences and work side by side despite the resistance and heartache they meet along the way. With America’s future on the line, Daisy is determined to prove herself worthy. And with the man she’s falling for out on the front lines, she cannot fail. From radar towers on remote mountaintops to flooded bomb shelters, she’ll need her new team when the stakes are highest. Because the most important battles are fought—and won—together.

This inspiring and uplifting tale of pioneering, unsung heroines vividly transports the reader to wartime Hawaii, where one woman’s call to duty leads her to find courage, strength and sisterhood. ]]> 368 Sara Ackerman 0778332047 Ms. B 3 4.00 2021
author: Sara Ackerman
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/08
date added: 2025/02/08
shelves: 2025, book_club, adult, historical
review:
Read for Book Club, this story of Daisy, Fluff, Lei, Betty and the other Rascals who were part of the Women's Air Raid Defense (WARD) during World War II is part romance and part historical fiction. If you're looking for historical romance or like anything related to women's lives during World War II, this is for you.
]]> 45015715
One day the geese begin to gossip. Before long they hatch a plan to leave the farm. Will life be perfect now?

A powerful modern-day fable for our times told with humour and warmth, and most importantly, hope. A story of building bridges not barriers, respect not resentment and of finding friendship, not fear.]]> 32 Smriti Prasadam-Halls 1783449098 Ms. B 3 2025, picture 4.04 2019
author: Smriti Prasadam-Halls
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2025/02/08
shelves: 2025, picture
review:
A cautionary tale about what happens when a group of geese and ducks ([spoilers removed]) separate themselves from the other farm animals. Things go from bad to worse to worse. Will the farm animals reconcile [spoilers removed]?
]]> 61779971 From two-time Newbery honor recipient Christina Soontornvat comes a compelling new young middle grade fantasy series for readers who love stories about animals, magic, and kids like them embracing their power to change the world.

Plum and her friends are traveling to the misty Bokati Island. There they will study with the mysterious Guardian Master Em, who is the keeper of the ancient forest there. The field trip comes just in time for Plum, who still can’t figure out why she’s so different from the other Novices on Lotus Island.

At first, Plum doesn’t know what to make of this quiet and sometimes gloomy place. But it doesn't take long to discover that Bokati is brimming with an incredible array of fascinating animals and plants.

When an unseen force begins to destroy the trees, putting the entire ecosystem at risk, Plum and her classmates must spring into action. Plum is determined to help, even though she's hiding secrets about her own Guardian powers from even her closest friends.]]> 160 Christina Soontornvat 1338759175 Ms. B 0 4.18
author: Christina Soontornvat
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.18
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves: 2025, school-stories, magic, series, childrens, currently-reading
review:

]]> 173956216
It's August 1999. For twelve-year-old Michael Rosario, life at Fox Run Apartments in Red Knot, Delaware, is as ordinary as ever—except for the looming Y2K crisis and his overwhelming crush on his fifteen-year-old babysitter, Gibby. But when a disoriented teenage boy named Ridge appears out of nowhere, Michael discovers there is more to life than stockpiling supplies and pining over Gibby.

It turns out that Ridge is carefree, confident, and bold, things Michael wishes he could be. Unlike Michael, however, Ridge isn’t where he belongs. When Ridge reveals that he’s the world’s first time traveler, Michael and Gibby are stunned but curious. As Ridge immerses himself in 1999—fascinated by microwaves, basketballs, and malls—Michael discovers that his new friend has a book that outlines the events of the next twenty years, and his curiosity morphs into something else: focused determination. Michael wants—no, needs—to get his hands on that book. How else can he prepare for the future? But how far is he willing to go to get it?]]> 272 Erin Entrada Kelly 0063337312 Ms. B 5 A Wrinkle in Time and the more recent When You Reach Me.
Could a 2025 Newberry Award be in its future? Only Ridge knows. ]]> 4.06 2024
author: Erin Entrada Kelly
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/08/17
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves: 2024, childrens, science-fiction, time-travel, newbery
review:
Loved this science fiction story set in 1999 about twelve year-old (prone to worrying) Michael and two older teen Gibby and another older teen Ridge who the two befriend when he travels back in time to their neighborhood. A perfect mix of a 1990s nostalgia story and classic children's science fiction like A Wrinkle in Time and the more recent When You Reach Me.
Could a 2025 Newberry Award be in its future? Only Ridge knows.
]]> 195660496
Tall. High as the clouds.
Strong as a horse’s back.
Like a cowboy.

In the early hours before dawn, a young girl and her father greet their horses and ride together through the waking city streets. As they trot along, Daddy tells cowboy stories filled with fun and community, friendship, discovery, and pride. Seeing her city from a new vantage point and feeling seen in a new way, the child discovers that she too is a cowboy—strong and confident in who she is.]]> 48 Stephanie Seales 1419760815 Ms. B 3 2024, picture, honor 4.16 2024
author: Stephanie Seales
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/21
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves: 2024, picture, honor
review:
If you thought cowboys no longer exist or only live on ranches on acres of land, check out this book. A young girl and her father arise early one morning to ride in what appears to be an urban environment.
]]> 205181039 A vibrant historical picture book about Tokyo's bicycle food deliverers, or demae, who balanced towering trays of steaming hot noodles on their shoulders while navigating crowded city streets.When the deliverymen set off in the morning, the children wait for the flicker of pedal and wheel. It's the demae-- delivery men-- setting off to deliver steaming trays of noodles to hungry customers all over the city. They are whizzing past other bicycles, soaring around curves, avoiding the black smoke of motorcycles. When the children see them, they want to be them. And so they practice with bowls of wobbling water stacked on trays. The day passes, and, finally, exhausted, the demae return home, to their families, and, yes, to steaming bowls of noodles.    This beautifully crafted, visually exciting story by a powerhouse author and illustrator team is sure to be adored by food lovers, young and old.]]> 40 Kyo Maclear 0593706099 Ms. B 3 2024, picture, honor 4.30 2024
author: Kyo Maclear
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/10
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves: 2024, picture, honor
review:
3.5 stars, I loved the premise of this story. Food delivery by bicycle. But not just take-out containers, the food deliverers in this story are carrying trays with ceramic bowls of noodles. And not just one tray like a waiter or waitress, they are carrying multiple orders at one time. This one might leave you in awe. Sometimes fact is stranger than fiction. This story also offers an example of how a community could reduce their carbon footprint and produce less waste.
]]> 200150490
When Jun moves from Hong Kong to America, the only words she knows are hello, thank you , I don’t know , and toilet . Her new school feels foreign and terrifying.

But when she opens her lunchbox to find her favorite meals—like bao, dumplings, and bok choy—she realizes home isn’t so far away after all.

Through lush art and spare dialogue, Cherry Mo’s breathtakingly beautiful debut picture book reminds readers that friendship and belonging can be found in every bite.]]> 40 Cherry Mo 0593661346 Ms. B 3 2024, picture, honor 10/20/24 This one reminded me a lot of Young Vo's Gibberish. In this mostly wordless picture book, a young girl can't understand the classmates around her and her attempts at English are not well received. [spoilers removed]]]> 4.57 2024
author: Cherry Mo
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.57
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/10/30
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves: 2024, picture, honor
review:
10/30/24 I am raising this one to 3.5 stars. I reread it as Mock Caldecott preview. Looking at it through a picture book lens, this is a beautiful story about the joy of sharing a meal and how food can connect us.
10/20/24 This one reminded me a lot of Young Vo's Gibberish. In this mostly wordless picture book, a young girl can't understand the classmates around her and her attempts at English are not well received. [spoilers removed]
]]> 182484333
Fern’s lived at the Ranch, an off-the-grid, sustainable community in upstate New York, since she was six. The work is hard, but Fern admires the Ranch's leader, Dr. Ben. So when Fern’s mother sneaks them away in the middle of the night and says Dr. Ben is dangerous, Fern doesn't believe it. She wants desperately to go back, but her mom just keeps driving.

Suddenly Fern is thrust into the treacherous, toxic, outside world. At first she thinks only about how to get home. She has a plan, but it will take time. As that time goes by, though, Fern realizes there are things she will miss from this place—the library, a friend from school, the ocean—and there are things she learned at the Ranch that are just...not true.

Now Fern will have to decide. How much is she willing to give up to return to the Ranch? Should she trust Dr. Ben’s vision for her life? Or listen to the growing feeling that she can live by her own rules?]]> 336 Kate O'Shaughnessy 0593650743 Ms. B 4 What if you were raised in a commune? What would happen if you left? Fern's (aka Frankie) Mom does exactly that, moving Fern across the United States from New York to California. Adjusting to life in a California beach town is nothing like Fern's previous life. No longer living in a sustainable and wellness focused community (no sugar, artificial additives, clothing made from natural fabrics, taking care of the environment), she's not sure what to do or not to do at school. Her Mom is changing too. Could returning to the community (aka commune) be the answer to Fern's problems or is it time for her to move on to a different kind of living? Who has her best interests at heart; Mom, Dr. Ben the leader of her old community, Eddie a girl from school, Babs her Mom's godmother, Mr. Carlson a teacher and kindred soul who shares her interests in taking care of and improving the environment or someone else?]]> 4.33 2024
author: Kate O'Shaughnessy
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/04/11
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves: 2024, vacation, middle-grades, childrens, honor
review:
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this title.
What if you were raised in a commune? What would happen if you left? Fern's (aka Frankie) Mom does exactly that, moving Fern across the United States from New York to California. Adjusting to life in a California beach town is nothing like Fern's previous life. No longer living in a sustainable and wellness focused community (no sugar, artificial additives, clothing made from natural fabrics, taking care of the environment), she's not sure what to do or not to do at school. Her Mom is changing too. Could returning to the community (aka commune) be the answer to Fern's problems or is it time for her to move on to a different kind of living? Who has her best interests at heart; Mom, Dr. Ben the leader of her old community, Eddie a girl from school, Babs her Mom's godmother, Mr. Carlson a teacher and kindred soul who shares her interests in taking care of and improving the environment or someone else?
]]> 173476164 Three women narrate a perilous wagon journey westward that could set them free—or cost them everything they have—in this intergenerational verse novel that explores the history of the Black homesteader movement.

1879, Mississippi. Young dreamer Lettie may have her head in the stars, but her body is on a covered wagon heading westward. Her father, Thomas, promises that Nebraska will be everything the family needs: an opportunity to claim the independence they’ve strived for over generations on their very own plot of land.
But Thomas’ hopes—and mouth—are bigger than his ability to follow through. With few supplies and even less money, the only thing that feels certain is danger.

Right after the war ended/and we were free/we believed/all of us did/that couldn’t nothing hurt us/the way master had when we were slaves/Couldn’t no one tell us/how to live/how to die.

Lettie, her mother, Sylvia, and young teacher Philomena are free from slavery—but bound by poverty, access to opportunity, and patriarchal social structures. Will these women survive the hardships of their journey? And as Thomas’ desire for control overpowers his common sense, will they truly be free once they get there?
Coretta Scott King Honor-winning author Lesa Cline-Ransome’s striking verse masterfully portrays an underrepresented historical era. Tackling powerful themes of autonomy and Black self-emancipation, Cline-Ransome offers readers an intimate look into the lives of three women and an expansive portrait of generations striving for their promised freedom.]]> 304 Lesa Cline-Ransome 0823450163 Ms. B 3 4.10 2024
author: Lesa Cline-Ransome
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/10/17
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves: 2024, childrens, historical, poetry, honor
review:
If you are expecting a story about what it might be like to be a young black person growing up in the frontier in the late 1800s, then this might not be the book for you. But if you are interested in what it might have been like for black pioneers to make the journey to the open frontier, then you will enjoy this historical novel in verse that is told mostly from young Lettie's viewpoint with occasional chapters from her mother, Sylvia who has more faith in God than her husband and Philomena, a young and independent black women. [spoilers removed]
]]> 219769441 Join Bonnie Bailey as she enters a magical, world-traveling Faire in this epic middle-grade fantasy about finding your own strength.

Thirteen-year-old Bonnie Bailey comes from a long line of beekeepers. But her family’s apiary is failing, and Bonnie and her mom need money fast if they have any chance of keeping it going. When a mysterious woman appears among the bee hives and offers Bonnie a job at a fair that's in town for one night only, Bonnie reluctantly takes a chance. But the Faire of Worlds isn’t a regular carnival—She’s a sentient, magical being who exists in a nomadic pocket reality. Her residents are people and creatures rescued from parallel dimensions of Earth. 
     Bonnie is swept into a world of unimaginable wonders and dangerous undercurrents. She tends a colony of giant bees, befriends a young cowboy who’s on the run for stealing eggs from flying turtles, and discovers that not everything at the Faire is as happy as it seems. When the Faire is threatened by dark forces, Bonnie faces an impossible return to the safety of her own reality or stay and fight to protect this fantastical world she has grown to love? With a cast of unforgettable characters and boundless fantastical curiosities, Bonnie Bailey and the Faire of Worlds will lure readers back again and again.

 ]]> 288 Ellie Kirk 1546007946 Ms. B 3 Circus Mirandus, The Magician's Elephant) with worlds full of magic and mayhem will enjoy this.
Thank you to for providing me with an advanced reader's copy of this title for review. ]]> 4.12
author: Ellie Kirk
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.12
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/06
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves: 2025, childrens, fantasy, magic
review:
3.5 stars, Bonnie enters the magical world of the Faire shortly after learning the family bee farm is on the brink of financial ruin. The Faire offers a solution but can she trust Abeo the manager of the Faire and Jack a cute young cowboy she meets? They keep begging her to stay and help the Faire while on furlough. She says she can't but they say she can. Which is it? [spoilers removed] Tweens who enjoy stories (i.e. Circus Mirandus, The Magician's Elephant) with worlds full of magic and mayhem will enjoy this.
Thank you to for providing me with an advanced reader's copy of this title for review.
]]> 195660469
Ameena feels invisible. It’s been that way since she started at her new school. But now there is another new girl in class. Ameena sees her brownness and her hijab, even though the other kids do not. Ameena wants to be her friend, but she can’t seem to find the right words or do the right things. Until one day, they find them “Assalamu Alaikum, Sister. Welcome.”]]> 40 Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow 1419767216 Ms. B 4 2025, picture 4.13
author: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.13
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/07
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves: 2025, picture
review:
Ameena is the new girl at school who spends most of her time alone. Then Sundus arrives, could she be the friend Ameena is looking for? [spoilers removed]
]]> 210563305 From the award-winning, bestselling author of Not If I Can Help It, a story about reaching across time to find the support you need against bullies, bad friends, and antisemitism.

Mason lives in 2023. His parents have just split up, and there's a guy at school who won't get off his case. As part of an assignment, he writes a letter to Albert Einstein and it ends up getting a little too personal. He throws the letter into his closet...

...and the next day he gets a letter back from a girl named Talia, who lives in 1987. She has problems of her own, including classmates who make jokes because she's Jewish. She thought her friends would have her back. But it ends up the only person she really has to talk to is... a random boy from the future?

In the tradition of such beloved novels as When You Reach Me and Save Me a Seat, Carolyn Mackler has written a funny, all-too-relatable story about finding the friend you need... even if that friends happens to live in another year.]]> 240 Carolyn Mackler 1338734210 Ms. B 3 If you like time travel stories like Lisa Graff's Rewind, the waking up in the future story 12 to 22: POV You Wake Up in the Future! or stories about overcoming bullying and/or antisemitism (i.e. Gordon Korman's Linked), you'll enjoy this.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book for an honest review. ]]> 4.19 2025
author: Carolyn Mackler
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/06
date added: 2025/02/06
shelves: 2025, time-travel, school-stories, childrens, middle-grades
review:
3.5 stars. Two twelve-year olds, one from present day (2023) and one from the past (1987) help each other deal with bullies at schools. Present day Mason deals with Steele, a classmate and former baseball teammate and 1987 Talia deals with Ed, a classmate who makes fun of her for being Jewish and draws swastikas and her older brother Jake who says she should hide her Judaism.
If you like time travel stories like Lisa Graff's Rewind, the waking up in the future story 12 to 22: POV You Wake Up in the Future! or stories about overcoming bullying and/or antisemitism (i.e. Gordon Korman's Linked), you'll enjoy this.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book for an honest review.
]]> 179546851
The Great Lakes—Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior—are five blue jewels set a bit off center in a belt across North America’s middle . Bordered by eight states and part of Canada, the Lakes hold 21% of the world's fresh water . How did these incredible lakes get there? And what can we do to preserve such a treasure?

Follow along as a drop of water in this enormous system and uncover its dramatic journey from lake to rive to lake, over Niagara Falls to lake and river again, and finally into the Atlantic Ocean.]]> 40 Barb Rosenstock 0593374355 Ms. B 3 picture, nonfiction, 2025 Paddle-to-the-Sea for the 21st century. Like the 1942 Caldecott Honor Paddle-to-the-Sea, this story shows how the Great Lakes are all related to each other. The last illustrations in the two stories are also quite similar, Paddle shows a young man in a canoe and this one shows two kids and a dog in a kayak. ]]> 4.22 2024
author: Barb Rosenstock
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/03
date added: 2025/02/03
shelves: picture, nonfiction, 2025
review:
Paddle-to-the-Sea for the 21st century. Like the 1942 Caldecott Honor Paddle-to-the-Sea, this story shows how the Great Lakes are all related to each other. The last illustrations in the two stories are also quite similar, Paddle shows a young man in a canoe and this one shows two kids and a dog in a kayak.
]]> 207567587
When Elisi paints a mural, Chooch helps. When Edutsi makes grape dumplings, Chooch helps. When oginalii gigs for crawdads, Chooch helps. When Sissy tries to make a clay pot, Chooch helps …

“Hlesdi!” Sissy yells. Quit it! Chooch bursts into tears. What follows is a tender family moment that will resonate with anyone who has welcomed a new little one to the fold. Chooch Helped is the story of an older sibling learning to make space for a new child, told with grace by Andrea L. Rogers and showing one Cherokee family immersing themselves in their cultural traditions.

"]]> 48 Andrea L. Rogers 1646144546 Ms. B 4 caldecott, 2025, picture 4.26
author: Andrea L. Rogers
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.26
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/03
date added: 2025/02/03
shelves: caldecott, 2025, picture
review:
Even though this wasn't on my Caldecott radar for 2025, it is a more than a worthy winner (IMO). I read it several times. The illustrations really do tell the story of the many ways Chooch tries to help his various family members. It is also a story about the relationship his older sister (who everyone calls Sissy) has with him. If you're looking for a story with just the right amount of feels or one to create empathy in your children or students, try this Caldecott winner.
]]> 198530988
Ariel and Tomah have lived in the city’s intertribal housing complex all their lives. But for both of them, this Dagwaagin (Autumn) season is different than any before.

From his bench outside the front door of his building, Tomah watches his community move around him. He is better at making people laugh than he is at schoolwork, but often it feels like his neighbor Ariel is the only one who really sees him, even in her sadness.

Ariel has always danced ballet because of her Auntie Bineshiinh and loves the way dance makes her feet hover above the ground like a bird. But ever since Auntie went missing, Ariel’s dancing doesn’t feel like flying.

As the seasons change and the cold of winter gives way to spring’s promise, Ariel and Tomah begin to change too as they learn to share the rhythms and stories they carry within themselves.

This first middle grade novel by Dawn Quigley is a tour de force. She is known for her American Indian Youth Literature Award–winning Jo Jo Makoons chapter book series and young adult novel Apple in the Middle.

Give Red Bird Danced to readers who love Jasmine Warga and Christine Day!]]> 176 Dawn Quigley 0063223627 Ms. B 3 2025, poetry, middle-grades 4.09 2024
author: Dawn Quigley
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/29
date added: 2025/02/02
shelves: 2025, poetry, middle-grades
review:
Dancing and storytelling to remember the #mmiw, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Told as a novel in verse and through the voices of Ariel and Tomah. If you like novel in verse or are looking for a story about the Ojibwe or Oibwa, give this a try.
]]> 198530947
Perfect for readers who love Rosie Revere, Engineer and Reina Ramos Works It Out.

Makeda is excited to bring Subway, the class guinea pig, home for the weekend. But Subway seems S-A-D—so Makeda and her friend Glory decide to make him an F-U-N new cage to cheer him up. But what if what is fun for Makeda is not fun for Subway?

This Level 2 I Can Read! book features an engaging story, longer sentences, and language play perfect for developing readers.]]> 32 Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich 0063217287 Ms. B 3 picture, 2025 3.81 2024
author: Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/02
date added: 2025/02/02
shelves: picture, 2025
review:
There's lots of creativity in this story about friends Makeda and Glory who makes all sorts of things for the class hamster, Subway as they attempt to find what makes him happy. If you're looking for a mentor text or read aloud that promotes imagination and problem solving, give this a try.
]]> 167075596 children 56 Daniel Walden Ms. B 3 3.00 1959
author: Daniel Walden
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.00
book published: 1959
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/02
date added: 2025/02/02
shelves: 2025, picture, classics, holiday
review:
Was this classic story about a nutcracker that comes to life and a young girl [spoilers removed] the one that started, "Was it a dream or was it real?" question?
]]> 61356492 A tale of unlikely heroes and myths is made real in this debut graphic novel series about a "bad" demon trying to find her place in the underworld. But she'll have to save it first!

Meesh is a bad demon. "Bad" meaning she always sees the good in those around her--which, strictly speaking, isn't how a demon is meant to feel or act.

Bullied by the other demons, twelve-year-old Meesh is more likely to be found poring over Fairy World's magazines and fangirling the fairy princesses. When disaster strikes and her family is threatened, Meesh must journey to the Fairy World to find a healing crystal that can save the underworld. And speak of the devil! She meets a fairy princess right away.

But things in the Fairy World aren't so perfect either. As Meesh makes surprising new friends and unites a band of outcasts--including her bully--she learns there's more to being a demon than being bad.

Sometimes the secret to real power is in loving yourself, faults and all.]]> 304 Michelle Lam 0593372867 Ms. B 3 series.]]> 3.99 2022
author: Michelle Lam
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/02
date added: 2025/02/02
shelves: 2025, graphic-novel-comic, series, childrens
review:
A demon and a fairy princess save the day to rescue those who have turned to stone because of poisonous lava. Young fantasy or graphic novel fans will enjoy this start of what appears to be a new series.
]]> 60758271 From two-time Newbery honor recipient Christina Soontornvat comes a compelling new young middle grade fantasy series for readers who love stories about animals, magic, and kids like them embracing their power to change the world.

Young Plum is shocked to discover that she’s been accepted to the Guardian Academy on Lotus Island, an elite school where kids learn how to transform into Guardians, magical creatures who are sworn to protect the natural world. The Guardian masters teach Plum and her friends how to communicate with animals and how to use meditation to strengthen their minds and bodies. All the kids also learn to fight, so they can protect the defenseless if needed.



To her dismay, Plum struggles at school. While her classmates begin to transform into amazing creatures, Plum can’t even seem to magic up a single feather! If she can’t embrace her inner animal form soon, she’ll have to leave school ― and lose the first group of real friends she’s ever known.]]> 151 Christina Soontornvat 1338759159 Ms. B 4 Simply because of the length of these stories, this is a series I plan to keep reading.]]> 4.14 2023
author: Christina Soontornvat
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/01
date added: 2025/02/02
shelves: 2025, magic, fantasy, school-stories
review:
A fantasy series for not quite tweens and tweens. If you are looking for a fantasy story that's not too long, this story about Plum who finds herself invited to Guardian Academy is perfect. She and her new friends attend classes to find out what they are; heart, hands or breath. Which will Plum be? Or is there something else in store for her future? What secrets do her other classmates have, especially Sam the rich kid and Rella who's been skipping classes?
Simply because of the length of these stories, this is a series I plan to keep reading.
]]> 220988552 thing. Something worthwhile. A passion. Ruby’s older sister plays the violin. Her brother is a chess champion. Ruby is a couch potato. While searching for her thing, Ruby sees a discarded antique dresser on the roadside and drags it home to refurbish. She gives the dresser a hot pink, shabby-chic makeover. She decides that refurbishing furniture is her thing. Then she learns something the dresser contains an ancient secret that leads her to unlikely friendships, zany situations, and encounters with a trickster called the Boss Cricket.
]]> 110 Julie Sampson Ms. B 3 Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book for an honest review.]]> 3.77
author: Julie Sampson
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.77
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/01
date added: 2025/02/01
shelves: 2025, childrens, science-fiction, magic
review:
Ruby discovers her thing in this short read that's a cross between realistic fiction and fantasy/science fiction. When Ruby decides her thing will be refurbishing furniture, she discovers that the old dresser she brings home from Mrs. Chan's has a spell on it. Will she be able to appease the crickets and creatures who are tied to the dresser [spoilers removed]? I am not sure what Sampson's plans are for the Inspire Island series, but if it is more stories about Ruby and/or her family members, I would read them. At only 116 pages, this would be an accessible book for almost tweens and tweens looking for a shorter chapter book to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book for an honest review.
]]> 195367870
A boy and his father go on a camping trip! Despite one disaster after another, in the end, father and son agree it was their best weekend ever!

Simple text and comic-book style illustrations support comprehension in this delightful book, ideal for first graders.

Like the father in the book, Joe Cepeda is of Hispanic heritage and he loves going camping with his son.

I Like to Read® Comics are perfect for kids who are challenged by or unengaged in reading, kids who love art, and the growing number of young comics fans. Filled with eye-catching art, humor, and terrific stories, these comics provide unique reading experiences for growing minds.

We hope that all new readers will say, “I like to read comics!”]]> 40 Joe Cepeda 0823453944 Ms. B 3 graphic-novel-comic, 2025 Campingland.]]> 3.74
author: Joe Cepeda
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.74
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/01
date added: 2025/02/01
shelves: graphic-novel-comic, 2025
review:
If you're looking for a graphic novel to fit with a camping related reading theme, this will work. A boy and his dad go camping [spoilers removed]. Even though it's not a graphic novel, a book with a similar theme and story is 2024's Campingland.
]]> 70585234
Pssst! Hey. I'm here to tell ya what the furniture police don't want you to know... Listen close. I'll explain everything.

Most people think couches are just for sitting, or maybe napping, and don't give it a second thought. But did you know couches can go berserk if you don't feed them a steady diet of coins, cell phones, and remote controls? And did you know some couches are grown on a farm? (Where do you think the term couch potato comes from?) Some come from two chairs who love each other very much, and some are actually aliens in disguise. And that's just the tip of the iceberg...

This laugh-out-loud send-up of conspiracy theories brings Adam Rubin's trademark zany humor together with the richly expressive artwork of Macanudo creator Liniers to explore the totally, completely true (really! maybe?) history of the world's most beloved—and misunderstood—item of furniture.]]> 48 Adam Rubin 0593619137 Ms. B 3 2025, picture 3.61
author: Adam Rubin
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.61
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/31
date added: 2025/02/01
shelves: 2025, picture
review:
An introduction to fake news for the young. [spoilers removed]
]]> 176442690
Phil has one rule about try everything at least once. Otherwise, how will you know what you like? His daughter Lil disagrees. She already knows what she likes—just bread and pasta with no sauce—and that’s all there is to it!

When the two go to a food truck festival, Phil tries introducing Lil to all kinds of delicious cuisine, but she doesn’t budge. Just when it looks like it’s going to be a very long day, an unexpected mustard accident changes everything.]]> 40 Phil Rosenthal 1665942630 Ms. B 3 2025, picture 4.03
author: Phil Rosenthal
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.03
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/31
date added: 2025/02/01
shelves: 2025, picture
review:
Foodie story that encourages children (and adults) to try new foods.
]]> 199797749
Bat, Cat, and Rat decide they need a vacation, but planning a trip is no picnic. Conflicts, compromise, and some well-meaning pranks ensue as prep work brings out the trio’s mischievous side.

In “Working,” Bat, Cat, and Rat discover their Vacation Jar is empty, and set off working odd jobs to save up funds. But Rat believes that all work and no play is no fun at all—and he knows just the way to fix that.

In “Choosing,” the trio can’t decide where to go on their vacation. Bat wants an adventure, Cat wants some R&R, and Rat just wants everyone to stop bickering about it.

In “Vacationing,” Rat takes the vacation planning into his own hands. Will he be able to come up with a compromise that makes everyone happy?

Bat, Cat, and Rat’s dynamic friendship and amusing antics are sure to have readers laughing.]]> 48 Ame Dyckman 1665930446 Ms. B 4 2025, picture, early-chapter Fox versus Fox and Towed by Toad. This is a delightful early chapter book about three good friends; bat, cat and rat [spoilers removed]. To add to the fun, view the YouTube of the author reading it. ]]> 3.78 2024
author: Ame Dyckman
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/28
date added: 2025/01/30
shelves: 2025, picture, early-chapter
review:
2025 winner; the Honor books were Fox versus Fox and Towed by Toad. This is a delightful early chapter book about three good friends; bat, cat and rat [spoilers removed]. To add to the fun, view the YouTube of the author reading it.
]]> 203164121
In the world of Elipsom, the ability to Call—or summon objects—is a coveted, crucial skill, revered among its people as both a powerful tool and an essential way to sustain life. But despite an elite family history, a phenom for an older sister, a best friend who is set to join the Council of Callers, and his mother's steely insistence that he learn to Call, Quin doesn't have the gift—an embarrassment made worse when his mother gets his sister to cheat for him on his Calling exam.

But everything changes in a moment of frustration when Quin, instead of summoning an object, makes something disappear. And what's more, he quickly discovers that the objects Callers bring into their world aren't conjured at all; they're whisked away from another world and a people who for years have had their lives slowly stolen from them.

Now Quin must team up with Allie, a girl who's determined to stop this unfair practice, and decide whether he should remain loyal to his family or betray them—and save the world.

In a story that explores some of the most crucial topics of our time—our relationship to consumerism, the exploitation of natural resources, colonialism, and the consequences of wanting more than we need—magic is sought, and truth is found.]]> 244 Kiah Thomas 1797228617 Ms. B 0 to-read 4.14 2022
author: Kiah Thomas
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/29
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 157981740
A mother and son hop on their bike for a ride through the neighborhood, joining friends and neighbors along the way. There are people on unicycles and tandem bikes, tricycles and recumbents—all kinds of bikes for all kinds of riders.

Before long, the bikes outnumber the cars and trucks, taking up more and more of the road until they form a parade of sorts, smiling and popping wheelies, ringing their bells, and celebrating the beautiful community they all share.]]> 40 Lucy Knisley 1984897195 Ms. B 3 2025, picture 3.82 2024
author: Lucy Knisley
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/27
date added: 2025/01/27
shelves: 2025, picture
review:
If you're looking for a picture book to share the joys of trail rides and group rides, this is it. What starts out as a picture book about a young child and parent going for a bike rider morphs into what reminds me of the group bike rides and bike tours I was part of in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
]]> 62691299
Interest level: Grades K-2 Reading level: Grades K-2]]> 32 Andrew Stark 1666395056 Ms. B 3 Liam Kingbird's Kingdom series. When Liam starts at a new school, one of his classmates says he looks like a lion. Is it a taunt or a compliment?]]> 3.85
author: Andrew Stark
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.85
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/27
date added: 2025/01/27
shelves: 2025, series, childrens, early-chapter
review:
Part of the Liam Kingbird's Kingdom series. When Liam starts at a new school, one of his classmates says he looks like a lion. Is it a taunt or a compliment?
]]> 60334336 32 Lisa M. Bolt Simons 1666354171 Ms. B 3 3.00
author: Lisa M. Bolt Simons
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/23
date added: 2025/01/27
shelves: series, nonfiction, childrens, 2025
review:
Part of the series from Capstone. Young DIYers (Do It Yourselvers) may enjoy this.
]]> 59406547
Bonjour! Today is Snailentine's Day, and Escargot is on his way to a party. Will his Snailentine be there? When he arrives, Escargot is a bit nervous and wants to hide in his shell. But in the end, he makes a surprising new friend in a fellow party guest.

From New York Times –bestselling author Dashka Slater and former Pixar animator Sydney Hanson, Love, Escargot is an irresistibly sweet and charming story about unexpected friendship, dealing with social anxiety, and Valentine’s Day fun. This hilarious and interactive addition to the award-winning Escargot series is the ideal read aloud for story time and animal lovers alike.

Love, Escargot is also available in as a board book for babies and toddlers ages 0-3.

Don’t miss Escargot’s other funny and heartwarming adventures for kids ages 4-6
● Escargot (also available as a board book for babies and toddlers ages 0-3)
● A Book for Escargot
● Escargot and the Search for Spring]]> 40 Dashka Slater 0374314268 Ms. B 3 4.15
author: Dashka Slater
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.15
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/27
date added: 2025/01/27
shelves: 2025, picture, holiday, series
review:
A Valentines book with French flair, will Escargot find his Snailentine? [spoilers removed]
]]> 59568519 In Hey, Bruce!, Bruce the bear experiences . . . well, whatever readers want him to.

Rupert, Thistle, and Nibbs, the fun-loving mice in Bruce's begrudgingly expansive family, guide readers on a quest for a fun reading experience, with Bruce the ever-reluctant star. As readers turn the page, flip the book, and follow the mice's increasingly silly instructions, Bruce is sent flying and tumbling—all as he looks right up the reader's nose! How will you interact with Bruce?

Bruce's life is what YOU, the reader, make it in this special interactive addition to the award-winning Mother Bruce series.




]]> 48 Ryan T. Higgins 1368084117 Ms. B 3 2025, picture, series Bruce story will work best when shared one to one between a caregiver and child. ]]> 4.26 2022
author: Ryan T. Higgins
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/27
date added: 2025/01/27
shelves: 2025, picture, series
review:
Even though there's plenty of slapstick humor and hijinks, this latest Bruce story will work best when shared one to one between a caregiver and child.
]]> 60833948
Anna Hunt may be the new girl at East Middle School, but she can already tell there’s something off about her eighth-grade class. Rachel Riley, who just last year was one of the most popular girls in school, has become a social outcast. But no one, including Rachel Riley herself, will tell Anna why. As a die-hard podcast enthusiast, Anna knows there’s always more to a story than meets the eye. So she decides to put her fact-seeking skills to the test and create her own podcast around the question that won’t stop running through her What happened to Rachel Riley? With the entire eighth grade working against her, Anna dives headfirst into the evidence. Clue after clue, the mystery widens, painting an even more complex story than Anna could have anticipated. But there’s one thing she’s certain about, if you’re going to ask a complicated question, you better be prepared for the fallout that may come with the answer. ]]> 352 Claire Swinarski 0063213095 Ms. B 3 2025, ya If you like realistic fiction stories like Maybe He Just Likes You or stories told through texts, emails, interviews, and more like To Night Owl from Dogfish, ttyl, or Posted, you'll enjoy this.]]> 4.18 2023
author: Claire Swinarski
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/26
date added: 2025/01/26
shelves: 2025, ya
review:
[spoilers removed]
If you like realistic fiction stories like Maybe He Just Likes You or stories told through texts, emails, interviews, and more like To Night Owl from Dogfish, ttyl, or Posted, you'll enjoy this.
]]> 177123491 An Esquire Best Memoir of 2024

A mesmerizing and hauntingly beautiful memoir about a Hmong family’s epic journey to safety told from the perspective of the author’s incredible mother who survived, and helped her family escape, against all odds.

Born in 1961 in war-torn Laos, Tswb’s childhood was marked by the violence of America’s Secret War and the CIA recruitment of the Hmong and other ethnic minorities into the lost cause. By the time Tswb was a teenager, the US had completely vacated Laos, and the country erupted into genocidal attacks on the Hmong people, who were labeled as traitors. Fearing for their lives, Tswb and her family left everything they knew behind and fled their village for the jungle.

Perpetually on the run and on the brink of starvation, Tswb eventually crossed paths with the man who would become her future husband. Leaving her own mother behind, she joined his family at a refugee camp, a choice that would haunt her for the rest of her life. Eventually becoming a mother herself, Tswb raised her daughters in a state of constant fear and hunger until they were able to emigrate to the US, where the determined couple enrolled in high school even though they were both nearly thirty, and worked grueling jobs to provide for their children.

Now, her daughter, Kao Kalia Yang, reveals her mother’s astonishing saga with tenderness and unvarnished clarity, giving voice to the countless resilient refugees who are often overlooked as one of the essential foundations of this country. Evocative, stirring, and unforgettable, Where Rivers Part is destined to become a classic.]]> 325 Kao Kalia Yang 1982185317 Ms. B 5 author1124669 and the publisher, , an imprint of Simon & Schuster for providing me with an advanced readers copy of this book I am sorry it took me so long to read it. I received an arc of it by the author in Fall 2023. I had loved Kao Kalia Yang's other family memoirs, The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir and The Song Poet: A Memoir of My Father. It was such a gift to receive a copy of this book from her. I was excited to read this one too and had good intentions of starting it ASAP. Good intentions turned into months. The book was published in March 2024 and I still hadn't started it. Late July came and I finally picked it up with the goal of reading a chapter a day since I was reading numerous other books at the same time. Once again good intentions failed me. I felt compelled to pick this up again a few nights ago. The third time was a charm. I finished reading over half the book in a matter of days.
After writing her own memoir and one for her father, Yang writes one for her mother. From her early days in Vietnam to being a young wife and refugee in Thailand to moving to the United States and becoming Hmong American; this is Tswb Muas's story. I enjoyed Part III the most where Twab talks about each of her children who I had been introduced to in The Late Homecomer. I loved revisiting them and learning more of their stories. I also enjoyed Part IV Return of the Refuge in which Tswb, her husband Npis and their three oldest children travel back to Vietnam. It was a perfect ending (IMO).
If you like memoirs, learning about ethnic minorities or #OwnVoices stories, this book is for you.]]> 4.45 2024
author: Kao Kalia Yang
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.45
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/25
date added: 2025/01/26
shelves: 2024, 2025, adult, biography-memoir
review:
Thank you to the author1124669 and the publisher, , an imprint of Simon & Schuster for providing me with an advanced readers copy of this book I am sorry it took me so long to read it. I received an arc of it by the author in Fall 2023. I had loved Kao Kalia Yang's other family memoirs, The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir and The Song Poet: A Memoir of My Father. It was such a gift to receive a copy of this book from her. I was excited to read this one too and had good intentions of starting it ASAP. Good intentions turned into months. The book was published in March 2024 and I still hadn't started it. Late July came and I finally picked it up with the goal of reading a chapter a day since I was reading numerous other books at the same time. Once again good intentions failed me. I felt compelled to pick this up again a few nights ago. The third time was a charm. I finished reading over half the book in a matter of days.
After writing her own memoir and one for her father, Yang writes one for her mother. From her early days in Vietnam to being a young wife and refugee in Thailand to moving to the United States and becoming Hmong American; this is Tswb Muas's story. I enjoyed Part III the most where Twab talks about each of her children who I had been introduced to in The Late Homecomer. I loved revisiting them and learning more of their stories. I also enjoyed Part IV Return of the Refuge in which Tswb, her husband Npis and their three oldest children travel back to Vietnam. It was a perfect ending (IMO).
If you like memoirs, learning about ethnic minorities or #OwnVoices stories, this book is for you.
]]> 57469283 24 Seb Davey 1801051259 Ms. B 3 2025, picture really happening in the illustrations. This is a cute interactive story for caregivers and preschoolers.]]> 3.74
author: Seb Davey
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.74
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/25
date added: 2025/01/25
shelves: 2025, picture
review:
Can you figure out who is eating Mikey's donuts before he does? I had to read this twice to see what was really happening in the illustrations. This is a cute interactive story for caregivers and preschoolers.
]]> 120746925
Meet High Top! He’s an enthusiastic, happy sneaker with an irrepressible zest for life. What could possibly be the harm in that? But when his actions inadvertently cause a cupcake mishap, result in a friend ending up in a puddle, and ruin another friend's precious painting, will he learn to slow down and think of others?]]> 32 Tom Lacey 1664300163 Ms. B 3 2025, picture 3.16
author: Tom Lacey
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.16
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/25
date added: 2025/01/25
shelves: 2025, picture
review:
What should you do if you make a mistake? High Top learns in this story that's full of shoe puns (fun). [spoilers removed]
]]> 62049739
No matter who you are or where you live, the Sun graces us all. It wakes us up, lights our breakfast tables, warms our play, lifts our moods, grows our food, and gives us life! From Madagascar to Thailand, Iran to the Netherlands, Brazil to Mali, each spread depicts children in a different country enjoying the universal benefits of the Sun. From sunup to sundown, this deceptively simple yet stunning picture book offers a wondrous sense of worldwide connection via the glowing star around which we orbit.]]> 32 Diana Ejaita 0593659856 Ms. B 3 2025, picture 3.40
author: Diana Ejaita
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.40
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/22
date added: 2025/01/24
shelves: 2025, picture
review:
3.5 stars. Travel around the world in the day.
]]> 177721420 Venturing out after dusk with her family, a child is eager to watch for the new moon that signals the start of Eid ul-Fitr celebrations in this charming picture-book debut.

Noura can’t wait for the sun to go down! With Ramadan and her first month of fasting almost over, she and Mama and Papa are headed to the hills for a moonsighting picnic. It would be truly special if Noura could catch a glimpse of the faint silvery crescent, something even her mother has never managed to do. If the moon stays hidden, that means one more long day before Noura can wear her sparkly new dress and the joyful Eid celebrations begin—bringing with them visits with friends, eating sweets, and painting henna on her hands. In a lighthearted introduction to Ramadan and Eid, this family-centered tale of anticipation under the stars pairs an inviting text from Zainab Khan with Nabila Adani’s vibrant illustrations, capturing everything from the bustle of a shared meal to the swirling magic of the night sky. Relevant terms, from food items to the Islamic lunar calendar, are explained in a glossary at the end.]]> 32 Zainab Khan 153622474X Ms. B 3 4.30
author: Zainab Khan
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.30
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/22
date added: 2025/01/22
shelves: 2025, picture, religion-spirituality, holiday
review:
4 stars for content, 3 stars for plotline. If you're curious about Eid or Eid ul-Fitr, this book is a good introduction to some of the customs and beliefs around it.
]]> 199927650 A tender picture book about grief and the many ways to offer comfort in sad times, from Newbery Honor-winner Kyle Lukoff.

When you see someone sad, it's only natural to want to cheer them up. But how? Some people like hugs but others don't. Sometimes a joke is more comforting than a card. How can you do the just-right-thing if you don't know what it is?

With its spare, poignant text and unexpectedly levitous illustrations, Just What to Do offers an important lesson about how to offer comfort to loved ones by setting aside your assumptions and following their lead.]]> 40 Kyle Lukoff 0593462947 Ms. B 4 picture, 2025 just another picture book about death and grieving, this one explores the different kinds of deaths we might experience and the different ways we can support others when they are grieving. If you're looking for a book to share with your students or children on how to support a friend or classmate that has recently experienced a death of some sort, share this one. ]]> 4.49
author: Kyle Lukoff
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.49
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/22
date added: 2025/01/22
shelves: picture, 2025
review:
Not just another picture book about death and grieving, this one explores the different kinds of deaths we might experience and the different ways we can support others when they are grieving. If you're looking for a book to share with your students or children on how to support a friend or classmate that has recently experienced a death of some sort, share this one.
]]> 211472824 A silly, imaginative story by the author of Never Let a Dinosaur Scribble and the Little Spot of Feelings series, Diane Alber!



It all started when I found this super cool lizard in the backyard...



When a little boy wishes that he had marshmallows and a dragon to toast them, he couldn't have known that the wish would come true! But what happens when the dragon can't breathe fire? Will he be able to cheer him up?



Kids will love this adorable story about friendship, dragons, and the power of imagination and play!]]> 32 Diane Alber 1546109927 Ms. B 3 2025, picture 3.46
author: Diane Alber
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.46
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/22
date added: 2025/01/22
shelves: 2025, picture
review:
3.5 stars. [spoilers removed] This was a cute story about a boy who wishes for a dragon and marshmallows only to find out that the dragon is unable to roast the marshmallows. Will the two be able to find a solution or compromise? If you're looking for a new read-aloud, this could work.
]]> 29056319 144 Caren Stelson 1467789038 Ms. B 4 Caren Stelson's shares Sachiko Yasui's story of what it was like to live through the bombing of Nagasaki in 1945 as a young child.
IMO, this is one of those important books that we should all read and share with the tween and teens in our lives. Less than 150 pages and with many photos and generous white space, it is an accessible book to most that will open up discussions of whether the dropping of a nuclear bomb to end World War II was justified. Lastly, it is a story to build empathy. Much like Hitler's Holocaust, remembering the United States of America's dropping of two bombs on Japan is an event that our young people and subsequent generations should know about. ]]> 4.24 2016
author: Caren Stelson
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/21
date added: 2025/01/22
shelves: 2025, ya, nonfiction, biography-memoir
review:
This is a book that was on my TBR (To Be Read) list for way too long. Now almost 8 years after it was first put on my TBR list and 9 years after it was originally published, I read it. Author Caren Stelson's shares Sachiko Yasui's story of what it was like to live through the bombing of Nagasaki in 1945 as a young child.
IMO, this is one of those important books that we should all read and share with the tween and teens in our lives. Less than 150 pages and with many photos and generous white space, it is an accessible book to most that will open up discussions of whether the dropping of a nuclear bomb to end World War II was justified. Lastly, it is a story to build empathy. Much like Hitler's Holocaust, remembering the United States of America's dropping of two bombs on Japan is an event that our young people and subsequent generations should know about.
]]> 60320872
Annette loved to dance and twirl and pirouette. But when she got sick and had to start wearing braces on her legs, Annette stopped dancing. Until, one day, her dad took her swimming. Annette could finally dance again—in the water! She water danced her way to England, where she performed water ballets, attempted daring dives, and competed in swim races. When she competed against men (and won!), she realized it wasn’t fair that women had to swim in full skirts, so she made her own swimsuit, and fought for the right to wear it.

Experience the journey of an independent and determined young woman, who swam, danced, dove, and designed so she could live her life feeling free.]]> 40 Katie Mazeika 1665903430 Ms. B 3 4.31
author: Katie Mazeika
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.31
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/21
date added: 2025/01/21
shelves: picture, 2025, biography-memoir
review:
Before which opened up the world of women's sports in the 1970s, there was Annette Kellerman who completed against men in swimming and designed a more modern and equitable swim costume in the early 1900s. Learn more about her in this picture book biography.
]]> 60320371
"Readers will enjoy learning about different cultures' dumpling traditions, and this book certainly celebrates culinary diversity." -- Kirkus Reviews

My nose leads me from my room, through the kitchen, and out of our apartment. Scents swirl in the stairwell of our building. I can smell garlic sautéing. Ginger simmering. Tomatoes stewing on a stovetop.

An apartment complex is having a dumpling festival, and all the kids are excited to watch and help each family cook up different versions of the delicious treats. From kreplach to khinkali and Johnny cakes to jiao zi, each household has its own way of making dumplings, uniquely hand-crafted and based upon their culture. As the children wrap, cook, and eat all the different types of dumplings, they learn how dumplings are the ultimate labor of love!

Underscoring the power of food to both bring us together and help us celebrate our differences, Our World of Dumplings is a rich story that shows the tender relationship between food and company and its natural ability to create a sense of community-and will leave you hungry for more!]]> 40 Francie Dekker 1499812345 Ms. B 3 2025, picture Everybody Cooks Rice and Everybody Bakes Bread. Like those books that shared breads and rice from different cultures, this one highlights the many kinds of dumplings throughout the world. For those who are hesitant to share this as a read aloud for fear of mispronouncing a word, there is a glossary in the back with pronunciations. ]]> 4.18
author: Francie Dekker
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.18
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/21
date added: 2025/01/21
shelves: 2025, picture
review:
This may remind some of a certain age of the early 1990s books, Everybody Cooks Rice and Everybody Bakes Bread. Like those books that shared breads and rice from different cultures, this one highlights the many kinds of dumplings throughout the world. For those who are hesitant to share this as a read aloud for fear of mispronouncing a word, there is a glossary in the back with pronunciations.
]]> 210563353 From New York Times bestselling author Gale Galligan comes a funny and vibrant semi-autobiographical middle-grade graphic novel about friendship and belonging.

Ollie Herisson's dad is a diplomat, which means her family moves around a lot. She has already lived in Singapore, Korea, France, and the United States. When Ollie starts at a new school, she doesn't worry about making a good impression because she knows that when her family inevitably moves again, she'll get a fresh start somewhere else. A complete reset. It doesn't matter if her classmates think she's weird for pretending that she lives in the world of an imagined anime, or if she makes an enemy out of the most popular girl in her class, or if she just does something hugely embarrassing! And it definitely doesn't matter that all her mom wants is for Ollie to be more of a proper Thai daughter.

But after moving from Germany to Virginia and having a mortifying first day at her new school, Ollie is shocked to learn that her parents are going to buy a house so that Ollie and her sister, Cat, can finish grade school in one place. Can Ollie figure out how to both be herself and make real friends when she can't run away from her life?]]> 288 Gale Galligan 1338045849 Ms. B 3 4.11
author: Gale Galligan
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.11
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/21
date added: 2025/01/21
shelves: 2025, graphic-novel-comic, school-stories, middle-grades
review:
Based on Gale Galligan's own life, young graphic novel fans who enjoy school stories, cosplay, manga/anime or any story that features young artists will want to give this a try. This is a story about how Ollie and her sister Cat adjust to a new school in Virginia after years of moving around from one international school to another. Even though Ollie is not a girly girl and may come across as 'different' to some, she finds herself making friends with other girls at her new school. Will the friendships last? What happens when you know no longer can forget your past by starting over at a new school again? And what about her sister Cat who despite being two years younger acts more like a teen than Ollie? Will the two sisters be able to find anything to bond about?
]]> 60417469 Aliens, sassy hedgehogs, and unexplained disappearances . . . Oh, my!

When Sky Patel-Baum is sent to live with her mysterious uncle, she didn't imagine she'd end up here: Area 51. A top-secret military base with a bajillion rules and so classified not even the President knows its secrets.

Also, it turns out the place is full of aliens. Lots and lots of aliens. But they prefer to be called Break Throughs, thank you very much.

As Sky sets out to explore her extraordinary new home with her pizza-obsessed pet hedgehog Spike, she meets her otherworldly next-door neighbor Elvis and his fluffy pup, Pickles. But something mysterious is afoot in Area 51. Some of the Break Throughs have gone missing... at the exact same time Sky arrived.

Where could they be? How can Sky and her uncle convince everyone they had nothing to do with the disappearance? And why does the macaroni and cheese at Area 51 Middle have eyeballs in it? New best friends Sky, Elvis, Spike, and Pickles try to crack the case, but the clock is ticking...]]> 304 Julie Buxbaum 059342946X Ms. B 3 The best part of this book was seeing how the illustrations and off-the-page comments of characters went along with the text to tell the story. Young readers and tweens who like humor, science fiction with aliens or school stories or fans of Judy Cox's Weird Stories from the Lonesome Cafe will want to give this a try.]]> 3.90 2022
author: Julie Buxbaum
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/18
date added: 2025/01/21
shelves: 2025, childrens, science-fiction, school-stories
review:
Funny at times, this a science fiction story about what it might be like to live with the aliens at the highly classified and top secret . After her grandmother is no longer able to care for her, Sky is sent to live with her uncle who is an agent for the Federal Bureau of Alien Investigations (FBAI) at Area 51. She makes friends and attends schools with other aliens. She and her new friend Elvis even solve a mystery when some of the Zostrammars, a life form that looks like bubbles, go missing.
The best part of this book was seeing how the illustrations and off-the-page comments of characters went along with the text to tell the story. Young readers and tweens who like humor, science fiction with aliens or school stories or fans of Judy Cox's Weird Stories from the Lonesome Cafe will want to give this a try.
]]> 57789630 368 John David Anderson 0062985973 Ms. B 5 2025, horror-scary, ya If you like suspense stories, Caroline B. Cooney's They Never Came Back or enjoyed Lois Duncan back in the day, give this a try. I know junior high me would have loved discovering this book.]]> 3.62 2022
author: John David Anderson
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/19
date added: 2025/01/21
shelves: 2025, horror-scary, ya
review:
More of a suspense story than a horror story. I couldn't stop turning the pages as I wanted to find out who or what was haunting Riley when she finds herself locked in a supply closet by classmates after school. Could it be that Riley deserved to be locked in that closet? She definitely has a few secrets of her own With a Dad who's away from home for work and a Mom who works late hours at a hospital, will anyone come back for her or find her before it's too late?
If you like suspense stories, Caroline B. Cooney's They Never Came Back or enjoyed Lois Duncan back in the day, give this a try. I know junior high me would have loved discovering this book.
]]> 190855067 A charming early reader in graphic form draws on the classic theme of friendship to show that being new—or different—doesn’t have to mean being lonely.

Pocketville is a small town, set in its ways, and the arrival of a stranger causes a stir. Monti the mole is stunned one morning to find Leo the lizard hogging his special reading rock. When Monti visits the bakery and the library, he learns that the last cinnamon roll has been purchased, and the book he was waiting for has been checked out. What’s a fastidious mole to do? When Monti confronts Leo, the newcomer turns out to be agreeable in the extreme, and friendship is a given. Now to convince the town’s cantankerous baker, Ms. Sheep, to stop turning everyone against Leo. Together, Monti and Leo hatch a plot that will have Ms. Sheep singing Leo’s praises in no time. This reassuring tale of friendship against the odds from the creator of the graphic memoir Sylvie draws on the author’s experiences as an immigrant and will appeal to anyone who has struggled to fit in in a new place.]]> 80 Sylvie Kantorovitz 1536222771 Ms. B 4 Frog and Toad were told in a graphic novel format? You just might end up with a story like this one about Monti who has his daily routine until one day he meets Leo who is new in town. [spoilers removed] Not everyone is excited by the newcomer. Some see Leo as a stranger with different ideas. Can Monti and Leo become friends? Will the other citizens of Pocketville welcome Leo?
If you like or liked stories, ]]> 4.25
author: Sylvie Kantorovitz
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.25
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/21
date added: 2025/01/21
shelves: 2025, graphic-novel-comic, childrens, animal
review:
What if Frog and Toad were told in a graphic novel format? You just might end up with a story like this one about Monti who has his daily routine until one day he meets Leo who is new in town. [spoilers removed] Not everyone is excited by the newcomer. Some see Leo as a stranger with different ideas. Can Monti and Leo become friends? Will the other citizens of Pocketville welcome Leo?
If you like or liked stories,
]]> 210845779 A joyful, intergenerational celebration of Black hair, family love, and cultural pride in the spirit of Hair Love and An Ode to the Fresh Cut.



It's wash day-Tasha's least favorite day of the week!

Wash day means stinging eyes, aching back, and water everywhere, even in Tasha's ears!

But with big sis comforting her, Mama humming to the music, and Granny telling stories of wash days past, the weekly ritual soon becomes more than a weekend chore-it's a special bonding time for three generations of beautiful Black women.

Wash Day Love will affirm, empower, and reflect the lived experiences of Black children and resonate with families everywhere.]]> 0 Tanisia Moore 154614322X Ms. B 3 2025, picture 4.60
author: Tanisia Moore
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.60
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/20
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves: 2025, picture
review:
3.5 stars. Whether you have a Wash Day at your house or not, this one may bring back memories of having your own hair washed and styled as a young child. Featuring a young girl, her older sister, mother and grandmother; this could also work as a read-aloud for a Grandparents Day.
]]> 182091248 0 Laura Sieveking 1761124676 Ms. B 3 2025, picture 3.70
author: Laura Sieveking
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.70
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/20
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves: 2025, picture
review:
3.5 stars. Who knew that you could rhyme so many words with axolotl?
]]> 185724104 From the author of Stella—nominated for fourteen Best Book of the Year state awards—this heartwarming story is about a street dog named Millie and a young girl who are both dealing with abandonment issues and must give trust and belonging a second chance.

Millie is a feisty border terrier who lives on the streets and has a keen sense for finding scraps of food, usually in the shadows or the cover of darkness. She protects herself with a shield of what is perceived by many as aggression—barking and snarling—when in reality, Millie is just plain scared.

Turned over to animal control after a recent run-in with the dogcatcher, Millie is rescued by a special education teacher who also rehabilitates and rehomes dogs. It’s a win-win. Together, the dogs and her students learn emotional resilience, anger management, and other coping skills.

When one of the students, a struggling reader named Tori, shows a natural gift for dog training and working with fearful dogs, Millie is temporarily placed in her care. Tori may be young, but she knows a thing or two about anger, fear, and abandonment after her mother could no longer care for her and she was placed in kinship care with her grandfather. Millie wonders if she’s finally found her person and begins to let down her emotional guard. But when trust and belonging are challenged, Millie reverts to old habits—fleeing, hiding, and growling. Will she end up back on the streets? Or can Millie and Tori embrace their training, trust in each other, and find a forever home together?

Mille is an empathy-building novel for young readers who love dogs and is a tender portrayal of the importance of emotional safety and what it means to truly belong.]]> 208 McCall Hoyle 163993233X Ms. B 3 Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this title.]]> 4.30 2024
author: McCall Hoyle
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/04/14
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves: 2024, animal, vacation, series, childrens
review:
Can Millie adjust to life with humans after fending for herself on the streets? Millie reconciles her past life of being found by a family and then abandoned with her present one where she once again finds herself in the custody of humans. This time it's Lee who fosters dogs and Tori a young girl who wants a dog more than anything. Are all humans bad people? Millie's about to find about [spoilers removed].
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this title.
]]> 60537433 32 Emily Ann Davison 1839940689 Ms. B 3 2025, picture 4.37
author: Emily Ann Davison
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.37
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/19
date added: 2025/01/19
shelves: 2025, picture
review:
If you're 65 and over, this one might remind you more of the test for early dementia in which you are given three words and told that you will be asked to repeat them later. In this case, Yo-Yo learns 4 yoga poses [spoilers removed]
]]> 184969490 29 Andrew Stark 1484689003 Ms. B 3 Liam Kingbird's Kingdom series. Told in three chapters and written by someone who was raised on the L'Anse Indian Reservation, this is a nice story for anyone who is looking for a new story or series with an Ojibwa or Ojibwe character or for someone who is curious about powwows.
]]> 4.25
author: Andrew Stark
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.25
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/19
date added: 2025/01/19
shelves: 2025, childrens, early-chapter, series
review:
Part of the Liam Kingbird's Kingdom series. Told in three chapters and written by someone who was raised on the L'Anse Indian Reservation, this is a nice story for anyone who is looking for a new story or series with an Ojibwa or Ojibwe character or for someone who is curious about powwows.

]]> 59465495 Life at Rancho Espanto isn’t as bad as Rafa initially expected, mostly due to Jennie, a new friend with similarly strong snack opinions, and Marcus, the veteran barn manager who’s not as gruff as he appears. But when Rafa’s work at the ranch is inexplicably sabotaged by a man who may not be what he seems, Rafa and Jennie explore what’s behind the strange events at Rancho Espanto- and discover that the greatest mystery may have been with Rafa all along.]]> Adrianna Cuevas Ms. B 4 3.94 2023
author: Adrianna Cuevas
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/17
date added: 2025/01/19
shelves: 2025, time-travel, mystery, childrens, science-fiction
review:
[spoilers removed] Rafa has been sent to live on his uncle's ranch in New Mexico for the summer. Upon arriving, strange things start happening at the ranch. The Gearheart brothers cooking no longer tastes right, a horse changes colors, the people in photographs look like older version of themselves and more. Who could be behind it? Could it be a ghost from the past? With his new friend Jennie, the two set out to find the answer. [spoilers removed]
]]> 25543704


The funny sequel to the much-loved and bestselling Rosie's Walk, with the same element of danger and surprise that children so enjoy.]]> 31 Pat Hutchins Ms. B 4 2025, picture Rosie's Walk in 2015, this is a worthy sequel to the classic Rosie's Walk (originally published in 1968). Rosie can't find her chick. Like the original, she will need to go in, around, through, etc. to find her. If you're sharing this one to one with a child, you'll both enjoy searching for the chick and eyeing the other barnyard dangers in the illustrations.]]> 3.31 2015
author: Pat Hutchins
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.31
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/16
date added: 2025/01/19
shelves: 2025, picture
review:
3.5 stars, rounded up. Published almost 50 years after Rosie's Walk in 2015, this is a worthy sequel to the classic Rosie's Walk (originally published in 1968). Rosie can't find her chick. Like the original, she will need to go in, around, through, etc. to find her. If you're sharing this one to one with a child, you'll both enjoy searching for the chick and eyeing the other barnyard dangers in the illustrations.
]]> 52542268
Girls and boys, come out to play,
The moon doth shine as bright as day.

Parents looking for bedtime stories with a fresh twist on a familiar nursery rhyme need look no further. Using the popular Girls and Boys Come Out to Play Mother Goose poem as a backdrop, illustrator Tracey Campbell Pearson spins an exciting visual narrative in which Mother Goose invites children on a city block to come out and play, taking them on a moonlit adventure in verse. Young readers will love pouring over Tracey's richly detailed artwork full of diverse kids, animals, and beloved nursery rhyme characters, including Humpty Dumpty, Jack and Jill, and Old King Cole. After the fun is over, Mother Goose leads everyone home to sleep snug in their beds]]> 40 Tracey Campbell Pearson 0823447138 Ms. B 3 2021, picture, poetry 2.87
author: Tracey Campbell Pearson
name: Ms. B
average rating: 2.87
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2021/07/29
date added: 2025/01/16
shelves: 2021, picture, poetry
review:
Mother Goose invites a group of neighborhood children on a nighttime adventure. Can you spot the favorite nursery rhyme characters in the illustrations?
]]> 179095458
Have you ever been the last one picked? Well, this apple knows a thing or two about being an afterthought: He was the only one left on the tree during apple-picking season.

And when he has some time to ruminate on feeling left out, he does what we all naturally do: He spirals. Insecurity takes him on a funny (and gutting) survey of all the things he could have become if only someone had picked him.

But we never really know what the seeds of change may sprout. Our adorable apple might just learn a valuable lesson about patience when his season finally comes.]]> 40 Linda Liu 1250835089 Ms. B 3 2025, picture 3.91 2024
author: Linda Liu
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/15
date added: 2025/01/15
shelves: 2025, picture
review:
A story about not losing hope. What happens when Sour Apple is not picked? What does Sour Apple's future hold?
]]> 27268570 88 Sister Emmanuel 1579183360 Ms. B 3 books out there about fasting (intermittent, alternate day, prolonged, etc.). Whether you're fasting for your health, spiritual reasons, or both, this book will help you look at fasts and your own fasting habits differently.

]]> 4.36
author: Sister Emmanuel
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.36
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/13
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves: religion-spirituality, 2025, nonfiction
review:
Written in the early 2000s and based on the messages of Jesus' mother Mary at which include fasting as one of the given to us by Mary, this book focuses on bread and water fasts. Now 20 years later, carbs and gluten are often given a bad rap and there are many other books out there about fasting (intermittent, alternate day, prolonged, etc.). Whether you're fasting for your health, spiritual reasons, or both, this book will help you look at fasts and your own fasting habits differently.


]]> 42837514 Gender Queer is here. Maia's intensely cathartic autobiography charts eir journey of self-identity, which includes the mortification and confusion of adolescent crushes, grappling with how to come out to family and society, bonding with friends over erotic gay fanfiction, and facing the trauma of pap smears. Started as a way to explain to eir family what it means to be nonbinary and asexual, Gender Queer is more than a personal story: it is a useful and touching guide on gender identity—what it means and how to think about it—for advocates, friends, and humans everywhere.]]> 240 Maia Kobabe 1549304003 Ms. B 3 4.25 2019
author: Maia Kobabe
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/12
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves: ya, graphic-novel-comic, biography-memoir, lgbtq, 2025
review:
Awkward, that's how Maia (IMO) feels throughout this story and how you might feel after reading this young adult/new adult graphic novel about figures out eir gender identity. For some this book will be a breath of fresh air, a book that helps em see em self, learn about something they are curious about or desire a better understanding of. If read by younger teens (IMO), it may leave them questioning their own identity or feeling confused about what they thought their gender identity to be. Final thoughts - if you know a teen or young adult actively wrestling with gender issues, this book is for them. It's a book to help them know they are not alone.
]]> 199797447
Eleven-year-old Tommy has dreamed of being on the Bulldogs sports team forever. The Bulldogs eat, breathe, and fart sports. They’re part of the elusive Super Sports Society in his hometown, and Tommy knows that if he makes the team, he’ll be set up for life.
 
Meanwhile, Pel would rather be at home gaming in the air conditioning, but his mom decided that he has to “be a role model” to his little siblings (ugh!), and now he’s trying out for the Bulldogs too. At least that means the two BFFs won’t be in competition for the spot . . . right? ( Wrong .)
 
Join Pel; Tommy; the owner of a pickle store, Pete; a supercool girl named Clutch; a coach who wears sunglasses inside; and the rest of the Bulldogs sports team in this epically awesome illustrated book that’s packed with tons of laugh-out-loud moments.
 
But be warned—this book is based on a true story. Do NOT eat this many sunflower seeds at home . . . trust us.]]> 256 Bryan Chick 1524884790 Ms. B 3 2024, humor, sports, 2025 A Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Last Kids on Earth book. Best friends Tommy and Pel are both trying out for the traveling baseball team, but there's only one spot open. Who will get it? Will it be Tommy who love all things baseball, Pel who until his Mom makes him try out would rather have been playing video games or another kid? ]]> 4.33
author: Bryan Chick
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/12
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves: 2024, humor, sports, 2025
review:
Sports meet the humor of A Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Last Kids on Earth book. Best friends Tommy and Pel are both trying out for the traveling baseball team, but there's only one spot open. Who will get it? Will it be Tommy who love all things baseball, Pel who until his Mom makes him try out would rather have been playing video games or another kid?
]]> 129166213
Kareem Haddad of Damascus, Syria, never dreamed of becoming a graffiti artist. But when a group of boys from another town tag subversive slogans outside their school, and another boy is killed while in custody, Kareem and his friends are inspired to start secretly tag messages of freedom around their city.

Meanwhile, in the United States, his cousin, Samira, has been trying to make her own mark. Anxious to fit in at school, she joins the Spirit Squad where her natural artistic ability attracts the attention of the popular leader. Then Kareem is sent to live with Sam’s family, and their worlds collide. As graffitied messages appear around town and all eyes turn to Kareem, Sam must make a does she shy away to protect her new social status, or does she stand with her cousin?  

Informed by her time as a journalist, author Rhonda Roumani's Tagging Freedom is a thoughtful look at the intersection between art and activism, infused with rich details and a realistic portrayal of how war affects and inspires children, similar to middle grade books for middle schoolers by Aisha Saeed, The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandi, or Refugee by Alan Gratz.
 ]]> 288 Rhonda Roumani 1454950714 Ms. B 3 2025, ya, historical 4.43
author: Rhonda Roumani
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.43
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/12
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves: 2025, ya, historical
review:
Syria is a country; Syria is not always at war. These are only a couple of the takeaways from this story. Learn more truths about Syria in this novel set in 2011 about cousins Kareem and Samira. With tensions rising within his own home country of Syria, Kareem is sent to live with his cousin Samira's family in Allansdale, Massachusetts. The two live in separate worlds as Kareem sees his visit as temporary and Samira is more interested in her school's Spirit Squad than what's happening in her family's home country. How can the two find common ground? [spoilers removed] What will happen when Kareem and Samira's best friend Ellie start to connect over their shared interest in making a statement about what's happening in Syria?
]]> 195660434
Summer Sundays begin with picking.
Rosy-ripe peaches dipping low to the ground,
Sun-warmed and soft like Grandma’s lap.

Side by side with Daddy and Grandma, a young girl is determined to take part in her family’s tradition of baking the perfect peach cobbler—just like her mama used to. From picking fruit to stirring and mixing to kneading the dough, it’s a little bit messy. But with sure hands to guide her step-by-step—and her mother’s memory hanging sweet in the air—she has the recipe for making Mama proud.

This warmhearted and hopeful picture book shows that with a house full of love, everything can feel peach-perfect.]]> 40 Gabriele Davis 1419757377 Ms. B 3 2025, picture Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs, this is another story that touches on the topic of death in an age appropriate way.]]> 4.33
author: Gabriele Davis
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/12
date added: 2025/01/12
shelves: 2025, picture
review:
A sweet story about the love between a grandmother, Dad and granddaughter. Learning to make peach cobbler is a way for a young girl to connect with her Dad and Grandma about her mother. Both share memories about her mother who was sweet and warm, just like her. If you liked Tomie dePaola's Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs, this is another story that touches on the topic of death in an age appropriate way.
]]> 180723917
There once as a young boy had trouble with words. He paused and stuttered and stammered, which made school really tough. But with encouragement from his mom and a paintbrush in hand, he learns that finding your voice isn’t about being perfect―it’s about being true to yourself.

For fans of I Talk Like a River and Amanda Gorman , The Boy Who Found His Voice is a joyful and empowering testament to art, empathy, and having self-confidence even in the face of doubt.]]> 40 Tyler Gordon 0374389675 Ms. B 3 2025, picture
]]> 4.21
author: Tyler Gordon
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.21
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/12
date added: 2025/01/12
shelves: 2025, picture
review:
If you are familiar with teen artist, , you'll appreciate this picture book based on his own experiences as a child. For those who are not familiar with this inspiring young person, check out one of the following videos:


]]> 54017945
She doesn't want to brush her teeth.
She doesn't want to put on her bunny pajamas.
She doesn't want to use the potty.

What she wants to do is:
SING SING SING SING SING
PLAY PLAY PLAY PLAY PLAY
RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN

Finally, when she runs out of ideas (and energy) and is promised a perfect bedtime story, Kitty gives in...but can she stay awake for the ending?

This new picture book in the bestselling series is sure to be a bedtime favorite, complete with a paper doll activity kit!]]> 24 Nick Bruel 1250749948 Ms. B 3 2025, series, picture Bad Kitty or like stories like Olivia, Interrupting Chicken, etc.; give this a try]]> 3.70 2021
author: Nick Bruel
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/11
date added: 2025/01/11
shelves: 2025, series, picture
review:
3.5 stars. If you like or a young person in your life like Bad Kitty or like stories like Olivia, Interrupting Chicken, etc.; give this a try
]]> 198984254
Kate’s life in Baton Rouge, full of friends and family, gymnastics and Girl Scouts, is just plain great. But then, at the age of twelve, she suddenly develops a mysterious shoulder pain that won’t go away . . . and that will change her life forever. It turns out that Kate has one of the rarest genetic disorders in the world, Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva. FOP causes bone to form in places in the body where it shouldn’t, and there’s no cure yet. Kate will need to learn how to live with this difficult new reality, helped by those close to her and by a new pen pal named Amie, who has been living with FOP for years.]]> 224 Amie Darnell Specht 0593619463 Ms. B 3 2025, sports, childrens Mustaches for Maddie, Kate keeps an upbeat and positive attitude when given the news that she has , a rare genetic disorder [spoilers removed] If you like stories about facing life's challenges with space and grace or if you like stories with characters (especially young people) who deal with medical prognoses, give this is a try.
]]> 4.14 2024
author: Amie Darnell Specht
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/09
date added: 2025/01/11
shelves: 2025, sports, childrens
review:
Much like Maddie in Mustaches for Maddie, Kate keeps an upbeat and positive attitude when given the news that she has , a rare genetic disorder [spoilers removed] If you like stories about facing life's challenges with space and grace or if you like stories with characters (especially young people) who deal with medical prognoses, give this is a try.

]]> 58944441 40 Lindsay Ward 1542026865 Ms. B 4 2025, picture That was the inspiration for this story about pink who is questioning where she fits in with the colors; she not's a primary or secondary color that's part of the rainbow. Where does she fit in? Pink will figure it out as we learn about tints, shades, and achromatic colors.
*If you're looking for more stories with art terminology, love the color pink or are a huge fan of Drew Daywalt's The Day the Crayons Quit, you'll appreciate this one.
To learn more about this check out one of the following links:
(from Time magazine)
(from National Public Radio)
1:03 (from minutephysics onYouTube)]]> 4.28
author: Lindsay Ward
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.28
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/07
date added: 2025/01/09
shelves: 2025, picture
review:
Did you know that not all scientists consider pink a color*?
That was the inspiration for this story about pink who is questioning where she fits in with the colors; she not's a primary or secondary color that's part of the rainbow. Where does she fit in? Pink will figure it out as we learn about tints, shades, and achromatic colors.
*If you're looking for more stories with art terminology, love the color pink or are a huge fan of Drew Daywalt's The Day the Crayons Quit, you'll appreciate this one.
To learn more about this check out one of the following links:
(from Time magazine)
(from National Public Radio)
1:03 (from minutephysics onYouTube)
]]> 197596616 A New York Times bestselling author’s entertaining take on a quintessential outdoor experience—and why sometimes the best memories are a result of the unexpected—with laugh-out-loud illustrations.

A family’s excited to go camping! But they don’t know what they’re doing, and it does NOT go well. Then they see Campingland, a perfect indoor camping theme park! Perfect temperature. Perfect “fishing.” Perfect “animals.” But…PERFECTLY BORING!

Will they give outdoor camping another try? Be a little more prepared? A lot more relaxed? And NOT hug any skunks this time?]]> 40 Ame Dyckman 1662510837 Ms. B 4 picture 4.06
author: Ame Dyckman
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.06
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/07
date added: 2025/01/09
shelves: picture
review:
This story about the ups and downs of camping was a lot of fun. If you're looking for a new mentor text for growth mindset, overcoming setbacks, learning from your mistakes, etc., give this one a try.
]]> 56978177
ATTENTION, This book is going to MAKE YOU TIRED! It will CALM YOU DOWN! Yes, this book WILL PUT YOU TO SLEEP! How? Easy.

There are monster trucks dashing across the pages. There are sheep being chased by dragons. There are electric guitars wailing throughout. Plus so MUCH MORE! Yep. All the typical stuff that makes you sleepy. So . . . are you asleep yet? No? Well, maybe another method would work better . . . So read on, and it's guaranteed you'll start to snooze!]]> 32 Jory John 0374311307 Ms. B 3 2023, picture Interrupting Chicken, Too Busy Marco or Friday Night Wrestlefest.]]> 3.70
author: Jory John
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.70
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2023/06/21
date added: 2025/01/09
shelves: 2023, picture
review:
Bedtime story for those who like stories Interrupting Chicken, Too Busy Marco or Friday Night Wrestlefest.
]]> 179517580
Rayne isn't convinced the surgery for CIs is worth the risks and challenges. In fact, she's terrified of it. She begs her parents to consider other options, but they're not budging.

With the surgery looming, Rayne sets off on a search for alternatives. Along the way, she discovers that “normal” can have many meanings―and that even though her ears may be broken, she is not. "Asterisks replace unheard words of dialogue in this moving middle grade novel, based on the author's own life, that follows an adolescent girl's struggle with both progressive hearing loss and her parents' insistence that she get cochlear implants."― The New York Times Book Review

"Rayne is a likable protagonist, and readers will root for her. An interesting story of a particular deaf experience."― Kirkus Reviews]]> 344 Kerry O'Malley Cerra Ms. B 4 2024, 2025, middle-grades Instead this is the story of how she does everything she can to convince her parents that she does not want the surgery. She researches for other answers, contacts a lawyer, and even reaches out to a doctor to be part of a study on stem cells. [spoilers removed] Can a twelve-year-old make their own medical decisions without parent intervention? What rights do minors have in regard to medical care? Will any of the professionals she contacts listen to her? What is the solution to Rayne's hearing loss?]]> 3.75 2022
author: Kerry O'Malley Cerra
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/07
date added: 2025/01/07
shelves: 2024, 2025, middle-grades
review:
[spoilers removed] Rayne is slowly losing her hearing; she is starting to struggle with school. Her proactive parents have scheduled her for surgery for cochlear implants which (if all goes well) will allow her to hear again. If you think this is a story about how Rayne adjusts after the surgery, it is not.
Instead this is the story of how she does everything she can to convince her parents that she does not want the surgery. She researches for other answers, contacts a lawyer, and even reaches out to a doctor to be part of a study on stem cells. [spoilers removed] Can a twelve-year-old make their own medical decisions without parent intervention? What rights do minors have in regard to medical care? Will any of the professionals she contacts listen to her? What is the solution to Rayne's hearing loss?
]]> 156478653 Kid seeks dog. Dog seeks kid. In this charming and imaginative tale of friendship, picture book readers will delight in what it means to have a furry best friend.

For as long as she can remember, Joy has wanted a dog. It doesn’t matter what big, little, spotted, curly. She wants one so fiercely, she makes dogs out of snow, seashells, or whatever’s at hand! However, none of the dogs Joy makes are quite what she yearns for. The seashell dog washes away, and the snow dog melts into a puddle. Little does Joy know that her perfect dog friend is just around the corner—wishing just as fiercely for a kid—and waiting to be discovered.

Award-winning artist Hadley Hooper creates a world that is both timeless and magical as she weaves ink, paint, and collages made from vintage etchings together in a style that perfectly complements the classic feel of Jump for Joy. Readers will rejoice in this satisfying kid-meets-dog story, and will savor returning to this world again and again.]]> 34 Karen Gray Ruelle 1662602030 Ms. B 4 picture, 2024 4.13
author: Karen Gray Ruelle
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.13
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/05
date added: 2025/01/07
shelves: picture, 2024
review:
Joy wants a dog and Jump wants a kid; this is the story of how the two find each other. I loved how this one included two stories in one [spoilers removed].
]]> 58757245 The heartwarming friendship between a girl and the dog next door tenderly evokes the power of stories to bring—and keep—us together.

Two houses stand side by side: one is home to a dog, the other to a young girl. Though a fence divides them, girl and dog build a sweet and sturdy friendship rooted in make-believe…and are lonely no more. Paired with moving illustrations and based on a true story, this endearing tale from the author of I, Cosmo testifies to the transformative power of creativity and inter-species friendship.]]> 40 Carlie Sorosiak 1536214973 Ms. B 4 2025, picture, animal Jump for Joy, this is the story of how a dog finds a girl or is it how a girl finds a dog? Dog lovers of all ages will love this one.]]> 4.46
author: Carlie Sorosiak
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.46
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/05
date added: 2025/01/05
shelves: 2025, picture, animal
review:
A little bit like Jump for Joy, this is the story of how a dog finds a girl or is it how a girl finds a dog? Dog lovers of all ages will love this one.
]]> 60680199
Is there a new baby coming to your home? One that will sleep and cry and demand attention and…poop? Well, welcome to the Big Kids Club!

This book will teach you what every big kid needs to know about their baby: what your baby can see, why your baby cries, when your baby will be able to talk, how your baby knows you love them, and so much more (including why your baby poops so much!).

With artwork sure to cause big-kid-sized giggles, this book is perfect for any member or soon-to-be member of the Big Kids Club.]]> 32 Chelsea Clinton 0593350731 Ms. B 3 2025, picture 3.94
author: Chelsea Clinton
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.94
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/05
date added: 2025/01/05
shelves: 2025, picture
review:
If you're looking for a gift to give an older sibling of a newborn, look no further. This book answers some of the questions that an older sibling may have. Their parents may learn something new too.
]]> 20912424 An exceptionally moving story of triumph against all odds set during World War 2, from the acclaimed author of Jefferson’s Sons and for fans of Number the Stars.
 
Ten-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him.
 
So begins a new adventure of Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan—and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother?
 
This masterful work of historical fiction is equal parts adventure and a moving tale of family and identity—a classic in the making.]]> 316 Kimberly Brubaker Bradley 0803740816 Ms. B 4 2/12/15 Not sure if the ending was perfect or wrapped up the plot too nicely.
There's a lot to love in this story about Ada and her younger brother Jamie who escape their abusive mother when children are evacuated from London during World War II. I enjoyed seeing the children's world, point of view and confidence grow the longer they are with their new guardian Susan and away from London. Plus, it's a bonus that Susan has some of her own issues. She makes mistakes too, as she experiences late in life parenthood/guardianship for the first time.]]> 4.47 2015
author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.47
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/05
date added: 2025/01/05
shelves: 2016, childrens, historical, maud-hart-lovelace, honor, 2024, teen-book-club, 2025
review:
1/5/25 I reread the review below and am updating the first two sentences: For anyone who likes a happy ending that leaves you a little teary-eyed, this story of Ada, her young brother Jamie, their Mam, and Susan the woman who takes them in (when children are evacuated from the city to the countryside during World War II) is wonderful.
2/12/15 Not sure if the ending was perfect or wrapped up the plot too nicely.
There's a lot to love in this story about Ada and her younger brother Jamie who escape their abusive mother when children are evacuated from London during World War II. I enjoyed seeing the children's world, point of view and confidence grow the longer they are with their new guardian Susan and away from London. Plus, it's a bonus that Susan has some of her own issues. She makes mistakes too, as she experiences late in life parenthood/guardianship for the first time.
]]> 75593961   From the creators behind the award-winning anthologies Sing a Song of Seasons and Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright,  this rib-tickling illustrated anthology is filled with unforgettable classics and new discoveries, including poetry in translation. The spectacular range of poems for children includes work by 
Each poem is brought to life by Matt Hunt's comical and vibrant artwork. Whether shared out loud or read alone, this is the perfect book to bring a smile—every day of the year!
  With a ribbon marker and glossy double-page spreads, this is the perfect gift for any occasion.]]> 336 Lou Peacock Ms. B 4 Since I did not read this book in its entirety, I am giving it 4 stars at this time. Star rating will be adjusted if I finish it in the future.

*Although by Tony Langham
Although
I had

butterflies
in my
stomach

and ants
in my
pants

and a bee
in my
bonnet

and a flea
in my
ear —

I had
a whale
of a time.

**Good Riddance, But Now What? by Ogden Nash
Come, children, gather round my knee;
Something is about to be.

Tonight’s December thirty-first,
Something is about to burst.

The clock is crouching, dark and small,
Like a time bomb in the hall.

Hark! It’s midnight, children dear.
Duck! Here comes another year.]]> 4.30
author: Lou Peacock
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.30
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/03
date added: 2025/01/05
shelves: 2024, 2025, poetry, childrens, did-not-finish
review:
If you're looking for a book to gift a family or elementary classroom teacher, look no further. This book with a poem for each day of the year is perfect. Reading only a poem a day for about two weeks, I found all the selections amusing. For those wondering about the title, checkout the poem for January 2, * by Tony Langham. I even read a poem by one of my old favorites, Ogden Nash, ** for December 31. Yep, Nash still makes me chuckle.
Since I did not read this book in its entirety, I am giving it 4 stars at this time. Star rating will be adjusted if I finish it in the future.

*Although by Tony Langham
Although
I had

butterflies
in my
stomach

and ants
in my
pants

and a bee
in my
bonnet

and a flea
in my
ear —

I had
a whale
of a time.

**Good Riddance, But Now What? by Ogden Nash
Come, children, gather round my knee;
Something is about to be.

Tonight’s December thirty-first,
Something is about to burst.

The clock is crouching, dark and small,
Like a time bomb in the hall.

Hark! It’s midnight, children dear.
Duck! Here comes another year.
]]> 125909362
Competitive basketball takes center court in this fast-paced novel about two girls finding the truth about themselves—and their families—against the backdrop of middle school and college hoops.

Cincinnati, Ohio, lives and dies by college basketball, with two elite Division I rivals separated by a mere three miles. Rory’s dad just secured a new coaching gig at the University of Cincinnati, so it means yet another school and move for her, only this time to her dad’s hometown. Rory’s life revolves around basketball; she’s never had a close friend outside of it. Could this be a chance for a fresh start?

Abby has always lived in Cincinnati, where her dad grew up playing ball and now coaches at Xavier University. But Abby has recently retreated from basketball after a frustrating season that left her confidence in shambles. This year, she finds herself on the outside looking in when it comes to her former teammates, and she could seriously use a new friend.    

The coaches' daughters connect over their shared love of the game when Abby chaperones Rory on her first day of school. But when Abby’s dad practically forbids their friendship because of something that happened between him and Rory’s dad when they were younger, Abby and Rory have no choice but to move their budding friendship underground.

Can the two of them get to the bottom of what went down between their dads in the 1990s before history repeats itself?

SPORTS BOOKS FOR This book stars two protagonists who love basketball in their own ways and features a spectrum of characters (including a basketball-playing nun!) who engage with the sport individually and distinctly. The breadth of athletes reflects the reality of sports for kids and young teens, making the story appealing to a wide range of readers.

AUTHENTIC & ACCESSIBLE Reluctant readers and book lovers alike will find a genuine story that conveys real emotions, family struggles, and insecurities driven by the tension of middle school sports.

FAST-PACED AND Unraveling like a mystery but moving like a he-said, she-said, and traveling through time and generations, this book has the right level of high stakes to keep readers hooked to the end.

ENDURING LEGACY OF As one of the world’s most popular sports, basketball is significant to people of all ages and carries a sense of nostalgia across generations. It’s played in schools across the globe, on official sports teams and in gym class, and brings members of communities together in parks and recreational centers. This sport’s positive influence on overlooked communities and students from economically impacted backgrounds also speaks to the importance of basketball at a social level.

Perfect]]> 304 Jenn Bishop 1797215612 Ms. B 3 2024, sports, 2025 When Rory moves to Cincinnati with her Dad, she meets Abby. The two instantly connect and discover that not only are their dads both college coaches, but that they also were classmates, teammates and friends in the 1990s up until about 8th grade. The two set out to find out what made the two turn towards each other and become bitter rivals.
Chapters alternate between Rory, Abby and flashbacks to the past of when Nick (aka Rory's dad and head coach for the Bearcats) and Jason (aka Abby's dad and head coach for the Musketeers) were growing up.

]]> 4.09 2023
author: Jenn Bishop
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/03
date added: 2025/01/03
shelves: 2024, sports, 2025
review:
Basketball and realistic fiction fans along with anyone with a love for Cincy (aka Cininnati) will enjoy this story about middle schoolers, Rory and Abby whose dads happen to be coaches of the two rival teams in town; and .
When Rory moves to Cincinnati with her Dad, she meets Abby. The two instantly connect and discover that not only are their dads both college coaches, but that they also were classmates, teammates and friends in the 1990s up until about 8th grade. The two set out to find out what made the two turn towards each other and become bitter rivals.
Chapters alternate between Rory, Abby and flashbacks to the past of when Nick (aka Rory's dad and head coach for the Bearcats) and Jason (aka Abby's dad and head coach for the Musketeers) were growing up.


]]> 55688435 96 Dawn Casey 1787416879 Ms. B 4 2024, 2025, short-stories The Nutcracker, Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen. The Mitten will remind some of Jan Brett's book for the same title or her other similar title, The Hat. Perhaps it was part of her inspiration for both stories.
This would be a wonderful family read aloud for the winter or holiday season.]]> 4.31 2020
author: Dawn Casey
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/03
date added: 2025/01/03
shelves: 2024, 2025, short-stories
review:
Delightful collection of short stories and folktales from around the world; it's hard to pick a favorite. It includes classics like E.T.A. Hoffmann's The Nutcracker, Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen. The Mitten will remind some of Jan Brett's book for the same title or her other similar title, The Hat. Perhaps it was part of her inspiration for both stories.
This would be a wonderful family read aloud for the winter or holiday season.
]]> 174610825
Newly engaged Ruby Tremaine is eagerly planning her wedding to the love of her life when a nasty rumor threatens her reputation and her marriage. Olivia Davenport has committed to the social justice cause and secretly hopes she’ll be reunited with dashing lawyer Washington DeWight—until her parents decide she’s to marry someone else. Amy-Rose Shepherd is making her lifelong wish of owning a salon come true, but when an incident forces her to return to Freeport Manor, she’s back in the path of John Davenport, who still holds her heart. Helen Davenport is determined to get over her own heartbreak and bring the Davenport Carriage Company into the new century, even if it means teaming up with a thrill-seeking racecar driver who just loves to get under her skin.

Inspired by the real-life story of the Patterson family, More Than This is the second book in the critically adored Davenports series, following four empowered and passionate young Black women as they navigate a rapidly changing society and discover the courage to steer their own paths in life—and love.]]> 379 Krystal Marquis 0593463366 Ms. B 4 2024, ya, historical, 2025 book 1. Olivia has two suitors, which will she choose? Can Helen convince her father to be part of the family's horseless carriage business? Can she or her brother convince their father that it's time for the company to modernize and start producing automobiles? What about Ruby, will she and her fiancé's relationships survive the whirling rumors? And lastly is Amy-Rose's good fortune, that allows her to start a hair salon and develop hair products, too good to be true?
If you like historical romance, you'll enjoy this duology that (IMO) is meant to be read in order. Even though there could be a third book, fear not. This book's ending wraps up any existing plot lines while leaving room for new ones to develop.]]> 3.77 2024
author: Krystal Marquis
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/02
date added: 2025/01/02
shelves: 2024, ya, historical, 2025
review:
3.75 stars, rounded up. Set in a 1910s Chicago community where the prominent and well-to-do Black Americans live, play and court each other, this is satisfying conclusion to the sagas of sisters Olivia and Helen Davneport, Olivia's best friend Ruby and young entrepreneur Amy-Rose who we met in book 1. Olivia has two suitors, which will she choose? Can Helen convince her father to be part of the family's horseless carriage business? Can she or her brother convince their father that it's time for the company to modernize and start producing automobiles? What about Ruby, will she and her fiancé's relationships survive the whirling rumors? And lastly is Amy-Rose's good fortune, that allows her to start a hair salon and develop hair products, too good to be true?
If you like historical romance, you'll enjoy this duology that (IMO) is meant to be read in order. Even though there could be a third book, fear not. This book's ending wraps up any existing plot lines while leaving room for new ones to develop.
]]> 18604470 222 Aldous Huxley Ms. B 3 Whether this book is meant to be a dystopian novel or not, this is not a society that I desire to be part of. Written in 1932, some will question if current society is becoming more and more like the one portrayed in this book, a society in which people put their own desires, needs and wants before others.]]> 3.70 1932
author: Aldous Huxley
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.70
book published: 1932
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/01
date added: 2025/01/01
shelves: classics, 2024, 2025, adult, dystopia
review:
[spoilers removed] It took me over a month to finish this story about a futuristic world where religion (for the most part) doesn't exist, people are drugged on Soma, and babies are made not conceived. [spoilers removed]
Whether this book is meant to be a dystopian novel or not, this is not a society that I desire to be part of. Written in 1932, some will question if current society is becoming more and more like the one portrayed in this book, a society in which people put their own desires, needs and wants before others.
]]> 34999436 A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.

Read it.
And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.]]> 239 E. Lockhart 152476695X Ms. B 4 2014, ya, 2022 Give this one to teen mystery/suspense fans and those who like stories with summertime beach/island settings.
7/18/14 ". . . utterly unforgettable." The blurb on the front cover by John Green (The Fault in Our Stars) is spot-on.
The story of Cadence, Johnny, Mirren, and Gat is tragic and beautiful, the perfect read for a summer day.]]> 3.61 2014
author: E. Lockhart
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.61
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2022/05/22
date added: 2024/12/31
shelves: 2014, ya, 2022
review:
5/22/22 The first time I read this, I remember loving it. I probably finished it in less than a day. This time it took a week (thus the four stars). Told by Cadence, this is the story of her fifteenth summer, at an island near Martha's Vineyard, as she remembers it. What's real, what's not? Why is her story [spoilers removed] so confusing? By the end, answers are revealed.
Give this one to teen mystery/suspense fans and those who like stories with summertime beach/island settings.
7/18/14 ". . . utterly unforgettable." The blurb on the front cover by John Green (The Fault in Our Stars) is spot-on.
The story of Cadence, Johnny, Mirren, and Gat is tragic and beautiful, the perfect read for a summer day.
]]> 199373394 For young bird-watchers and enthusiasts of the natural world comes a beautiful, eye-opening picture book about the familiar but ever-surprising crow.

Crows may not have flashy feathers, beautiful songs, or fancy flying skills, but if a crow looks at you with its small, round eye, you can be sure that it’s thinking, as these birds have very big brains. Did you know that crows will use a stick to poke into a crevice to tease out tasty bugs? Or that they like to play like kids by tumbling down a snowy roof? Or that they remember where they hide their food—but sometimes only pretend to bury a treat to fool other birds? Original and accessible, with Chris Butterworth’s welcoming text and gorgeous, expressive artwork from Olivia Lomenech Gill, Clever Crow is sure to generate newfound respect for these unassuming creatures that young readers come across every day.]]> 32 Chris Butterworth 1536235423 Ms. B 5 nonfiction, picture 4.28
author: Chris Butterworth
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.28
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2024/12/31
date added: 2024/12/31
shelves: nonfiction, picture
review:
There's a reason we call crows clever. Find out why and more in this picture book that's for everybody who appreciates a good picture book. Whether you are a fan of crows or not, this is a book worth checking out. Make sure to read all of text; big, medium and small. Read the author's note on the verso to learn even more. I know I learned a few things. [spoilers removed]
]]> 196774360 32 Tonya Duncan Ellis 006328605X Ms. B 3 2024, picture, nonfiction Juneteenth: A Picture Book for Kids Celebrating Black Joy or A Flag for Juneteenth a try too.]]> 4.52
author: Tonya Duncan Ellis
name: Ms. B
average rating: 4.52
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/31
date added: 2024/12/31
shelves: 2024, picture, nonfiction
review:
A Juneteenth story about Houston's Emancipation Park, the oldest public park in Texas. Those who live in Texas will appreciate it. If you are looking for other Juneteenth stories to share with your children or students, give Juneteenth: A Picture Book for Kids Celebrating Black Joy or A Flag for Juneteenth a try too.
]]> 61327476
Ava’s world is full of colorful sneakers on a gray sidewalk, thick books made up of thin sheets of paper, and dreams of huge spaces in her small head. Together, these opposites depict a full and impactful life, as Ava moves from girl to student to scientist, from daughter to mother to grandmother. While years pass and some things change, there is even more that is constant in this visually rich, soothing portrait of family connection through the generations.

You'll want to cozy up and read this touching, beautiful book together with the children in your life. And as a celebration of personal and family milestones, it's a perfect gift for baby showers and graduations.]]> 48 Daniel Salmieri 0593461975 Ms. B 3 2024, picture 3.65
author: Daniel Salmieri
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.65
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/07/20
date added: 2024/12/31
shelves: 2024, picture
review:
Following a girl/woman from her earliest days as an infant to her later days as a grandmother. A grandparent will enjoy sharing this with a grandchild as they carefully look at the illustrations of the girl/woman change throughout the story.
]]> 176729934
No matter where she is or what she’s doing, Daisy’s imagination kicks in to make things more interesting. Her braids become fishing rods; the teeter totter launches her into space; the swings let her fly like a superhero. Most of the time, it’s great fun.

But sometimes it causes trouble. She folds the little brother she’s supposed to be feeding and feeds the socks she should fold. Worst of all, Daisy longs to be line leader on a field trip to the aquarium, but the job is reserved for whoever can listen best to a lesson on octopuses. As hard as she tries, Daisy just can’t keep the distracted clouds from rolling over her head.

Still, Daisy is determined to show her teacher what she’s learned, in a way that works for her—she can draw! Daisy pours her heart into an illustrated guide to the octopus, and earns her own special job, as the field trip’s official artist.

Brimming with Jennifer P. Goldfinger’s humor and whimsy, Daisy the Daydreamer celebrates every child who yearns to be appreciated for who they are, not criticized for what they aren’t. Daydreamers, doodlers, and free spirits alike will empathize with Daisy, and cheer her on as she becomes her own advocate.]]> 32 Jennifer P. Goldfinger 0823453553 Ms. B 3 2024, picture 3.63
author: Jennifer P. Goldfinger
name: Ms. B
average rating: 3.63
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/30
date added: 2024/12/30
shelves: 2024, picture
review:
3.5 stars, Daisy who struggles to stay focused confides in her teacher who recognizes her for her strengths instead of her weaknesses. For anyone who has struggled with daydreams or gone down the rabbit hole, this book will be appreciated.
]]>