It’s the final release week of March 2018, so we have lots of great books to consider. Here are some of my favorites for the week:
Books for Kids
Max and Marla Are Having a Picnic – Two friends’ grand plans for a picnic are threatened by thieving squirrels and an argument. This looks adorable.
Truck Full of Ducks – I first heard about this one from a Scholastic spring preview, and this has been on my list ever since. One of the ducks has eaten the delivery instructions for the truck full of ducks. I can not wait to read this one!
Peanut Butter and Jelly – Narwhal and Jelly are back in their third book where Narwhal discovers the joys of peanut butter.
Absolutely Alfie and the Worst Best Sleepover – Book 3 in this early chapter book series about second grader, Alfie, who is hoping to get an invitation to the most popular sleepover of the year.
Bat and the Waiting Game – Book 2 starring Bat and his pet skunk Thor. I recently read the first book in this series, and it was a delight! I’m looking forward to reading book two.
Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults
American Girl: Boston Tea Party – Part of the Real Stories from My Time series. Great for history fans!
The Everafter War (10th Anniversary) – Book 7 in the fabulous Sisters Grimm series joins the 10th anniversary set of the books. I would love to read this series again with the updated material in the anniversary books!
Good Dog – [Note to book fanatics like me: Find an elementary teacher who does Scholastic orders and get in her “class.” This is a terrific way to get a great deal on books and also to get some early releases – AND you help a teacher put books in his/her classroom!! There are several books on the list today that I was able to order in January and February and read early – like this one] Brodie the dog has died, but he feels like there is unfinished business with his boy, so he takes a chance with his soul to come back to our world. I’m not 100% on board with the theology of this one, but I loved Brodie’s devotion to his boy and what he is willing to do to protect his kid.
The Parker Inheritance – From the author of the fabulous Great Greene Heist comes this story of a forgotten letter, an old injustice and a fortune. This is at the TOP of my list for the week. This is another book I was able to get early from Scholastic, but at the time of this writing, I haven’t gotten to read it yet. But soon!
Prisoner of War – Book 1 in the GI Dogs series about dogs serving in war zones. This particular book focuses on World War II. This would have been incredibly popular with my students when I was teaching!
Sherlock Holmes and the Disappearing Diamond – Book one in the Baker Street Academy series about a young John Watson who joins forces with Sherlock Holmes to solve a mystery. I’m excited about reading this one. I love mysteries for kids.
Sundae My Prince Will Come – Part of the WISH line of books, this one is about a girl with a passion for dance, torn between her boyfriend and the boy who might help her achieve her dream.
This Book is a Classic – Book 2 in the Cilla Lee-Jenkins series. I have book one on my TBR, so I am eager to check it out and see what it is like before I try this one. I love the idea that this is a series that shares my passion for books and for writing.
Science Comics Robots and Drones: Past, Present and Future – The newest science graphic novel. This is an excellent nonfiction series for kids.
The Continent – A teen leaves the peace of the Spire to experience the Continent, a land at war, so she can update her maps. But an accident turns her vacation into a quest for survival. I am curious to try this one.
Emergency Contact – Two teens meet and their awkward encounter turns into a digital relationship that could change everything for both of them. I’m looking forward to trying this one, too.
Frat Girl – For a scholarship opportunity, a girl pledges a fraternity on probation for sexist behavior to find out the truth about them. I’ll be reviewing this one next week!
Not If I Save You First – I have been waiting for MONTHS to post my review of this book as I got it through a Scholastic order in January. I will be posting my review this Thursday, and I hope you will come back to check it out. This book was outstanding!
The Way the Light Bends – Novel in verse about sisters through adoption and one’s quest for identity. I’m looking forward to trying this one out, too.
Books for Adults
The Bengal Identity – Book 2 in the Cat Groomer Mystery series about a boarded cat that might be a stolen show cat and it’s supposed owner who turns up dead. I’d like to give this series a try.
Death by Dumpling – First in a new Noodle Shop mystery series. I have a weakness for new mystery series. I have piles of first-in-series mysteries already on my TBR shelves, but I might have to add this one, too. The setting of a family’s Asian restaurant helps set this one apart from similar set ups.
Murder She Knit – First in the Knit and Nibble Mystery series about a craft magazine editor and a murder at her knitting club. The cover illustration really grabs my attention on this one. It’s on my list, too.
Natural Thorn Killer – First in the new Rose City mystery series about a woman trying to find herself at her family’s flower shop when murder finds her instead. Yep, this goes on the list, too.
The Queens of Innis Lear – Three sisters battle for the crown. This sounds a little like an adult version of Three Dark Crowns, which I loved. So this is definitely on my wish list for this week.
Til Death Do Us Party – Book 4 in the Liv and Di in Dixie Mystery series about an event planner in Vegas for a wedding when the Elvis-impersonator doing the wedding is found dead. This series is new to me, but this particular story sounds fun.
The Uninvited Corpse – First in the new Food Blogger Mystery series about a spring garden tour that turns deadly. Yeah, I’ll probably be checking this one out, too.
Embraced: 100 Devotions to Know God Is Holding You Close – A new devotional from author Lysa TerKeurst. I have enjoyed TerKeurst’s other work, so I am eager to take a look at this. I don’t do well with keeping up when it comes to devotionals, but for my readers who enjoy a daily devotional thought, check this one out.
Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher and Never Stop Learning – From the actor who pioneered the role of Aaron Burr in Hamilton on Broadway comes a book that could be great for graduates this spring or for anyone else who needs some inspiration to take life to the next level.
The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids – In our busy lives, the simple act of reading aloud with our kids can be the perfect way to make memories and life-long connections. Includes book recommendations for your read-aloud time. Don’t think this is just for families with young kids. There is great value in continuing to read aloud together even when your kids are reading for themselves.
Star Trek: The Next Generation Cats – I’ve seen only a few screen shots of the pages of this but, but this is a must have for me! Star Trek and cats, together!