January 31, 2019
Today I have a book about culture, friends, and family. This book has recently received some love from award committees and I can see why. It tackles some of the loneliness and self-doubt experienced by boys in a really caring way. I was impressed by this debut novel and can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next.…
September 16, 2018
Today I have a book that has a funny and thought provoking look at faith. It isn’t often that a main character identifies as an atheist, so this one caught my eye immediately. This group of teens is questioning what they believe. They all come down on different areas of the spectrum making this story more about understanding who you are…
July 30, 2018
This book is about when a student has a secret and has to find a way to move forward. I don’t want to give too much away! I read this book several years ago and found my review this week. It got lost in all the other “stuff” I have going on. Sorry, I didn’t share it then, but the…
June 13, 2018
Today I have a book that challenges the notion of what makes us pretty. I published this review several years ago, but I was reminded of the book when it showed up on my daughter’s high school summer reading list. This one may have been first published in 2005, but it remains as relevant today as it was 13 years…
May 7, 2018
Today I have an absolutely not so boring book about the Civil War. I read it in one day and totally got caught up in the mystery, the friend dynamic and yes even in the very chill romance. This is a great selection for kids who love history and battles, but it is also a perfect choice for kids who…
March 25, 2018
Today I have a book that questions what makes us beautiful. I don’t often read YA, but every once in a while I love a good romp through the young adult world, especially when the story is full of suspense and questioning our belief in the way things are meant to be. I was totally caught up in the fantasy…
March 18, 2018
Today I have a book where basketball is only the beginning of the action that will draw readers in. This one touches on issues of privilege, friendship, race and yes, basketball. I was completely drawn into this story, and the fact it was named after me had nothing to do with my excitement … no really! Don’t forget to follow…
October 15, 2017
This is the book girls need right now. Given the influential men in entertainment and politics who are headlining the news for how they have abused their power in an effort to control women, the time is right for this story. This story will empower readers to feel they are not alone and understand that a group of women speaking…
October 3, 2017
Today I have a book that will be out the comfort zone for a lot of kids, but this book exposes kids to humanity and empathy. I have been torn on whether to review this book as well as The Hate U Give on the blog simply because the audience skews older then the one I currently write for. But…
September 10, 2017
It is not often, ok never, that I get to recommend a book with heart and competitive eating. It is just a subject that is not examined in the context of kid’s literature. Well, today is a new dawn, so watch out Nathan’s Hot Dogs. There could be a new crop of competitive eaters just around the corner. Don’t forget…
