Category: Book News

BOOK NEWS: March 6, 2018

BOOK NEWS: March 6, 2018

Posted on by Jaymie

It’s the first week of March which means LOTS of new books to explore. Here are some of the ones I’m excited about for the week:

Books for Kids

Anybody’s Game: The Story of the First Girl to Play Little League Baseball – A picture book biography of a girl who pretended to be a boy to get around a rule that wouldn’t allow her to try out for Little League as herself. If I was still teaching, this is a book I definitely would have put into the library.
The Backup Bunny – We had a backup critter for my son’s favorite toy, so this title really grabbed my attention. I’m looking forward to reading this one.
A Busy Creature’s Day Eating – An alphabet book from Mo Willems about a critter who will eat just about anything
I Am Enough – A book with the important message of loving who you are
Part-Time Mermaid – Girl by day, mermaid by night.  I had Part-Time Princess when I was teaching, and it was a fun and popular story.
The Petes Go Marching – The Ants Go Marching song, with a Pete the Cat twist
Selfie Sebastien – A handsome fox goes on a quest for the perfect selfie. This is just the sort of picture book I love. Can’t wait to read this one.
Up in the Leaves: The True Story of the Central Park Treehouses – I have not heard about the treehouses in Central Park so I am eager to get my hands on this book to get the full scoop!
Nora and the Growing Tree AND Violet and the Buzzing Bees – Two books starring the characters from the Owlegories videos.
The Super Awful Superheroes of Classroom 13 – Book 4 in this wacky early chapter book about a group of school kids who get superpowers when they are zapped with purple lightning
The Super Life as Ben Braver – Book one in a new early chapter book series about an average kid who hears a call for help and tries to save the day. I’m curious to see this one in person. The art work sounds great.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

2 Fuzzy 2 Furious – Book 2 in the Squirrel Girl series by the fabulous Shannon Hale. I have not read the first book, yet, but I have bumped it into my TBR stack for this month.
The Night Diary – In 1947, when India is divided into India and Pakistan, a half-Muslim, half-Hindu girl tries to figure out where she fits in. Told in letters. This has been getting a lot of positive press lately. Great for fans of historical fiction.
The Science of Unbreakable Things – A girl hopes to use the scientific method and prize money from a contest to help her mother who is suffering from depression.
Stick Dog Crashes a Party – Book 8 in this fun series that might appeal to fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Timmy Failure. I have enjoyed the previous books I have tried from this series.
Switched – Book 4 in the Fairy Tale Reform School series. You can read my review of book three here. I’ll be reviewing this one tomorrow, so come back and check that out.
Wizard for Hire – When his parents are kidnapped, Ozzy calls a wizard for hire to help. This sounds (and looks) fantastic! This is at the top of my list for the week.
Wizardmatch – A girl must compete with her family members to see who will gain her grandfather’s title (Prime Wizard), castle and powers. This looks terrific, too. I’m adding this one to my list as well.
What Is the World Cup?
What Was the Titanic?
The Case for Jamie – Book 3 in the Charlotte Holmes series. In this book, Jamie and Charlotte are on the outs after the events of book 2, but someone is pushing them back into eachother’s orbits. But for what purpose? Here is my review for book one.
In Search of Us – A girl who grows up thinking her father is dead starts to wonder if that is true and sets off to get the real story once and for all. This sounds like one I would enjoy.
More Than We Can Tell – A second book in the world of Letters to the Lost, this one focuses on Declan’s best friend Rev and a girl named Emma. I’m going to review this one on Thursday this week. I loved it!
Olivia Twist – A re-imagining of Oliver Twist. A girl, living on the streets, hides her identity, but when she is rescued, she struggles to reconcile her new, debutante life with her old life in the slums.
The Poet X – A frustrated teen pours her emotions into her poetry. This has been getting a lot of buzz lately, too. I’d love to read this one.
Teen Titans Vol 2: Rise of Aqualad – Sequel to Damian Knows Best focusing on the Teen Titans of DC Comics. I have had this in my Amazon cart for weeks. When I have the money, I plan to pick this one up! I can’t wait to read it.
What She Does Next Will Astound You – One of three books set in the world of the Doctor Who spin-off, Class. Students are obsessed with attempting the dares posted on a strange new website. But when kids start disappearing, one girl decides she is going to figure out what really is going on, no matter what. We haven’t tried Class yet, but this storyline sounds like something I would enjoy.

Books for Adults

Dipped to Death – Book 3 in the Olive Grove Mystery series. I enjoyed the first book in this series, and I’d like to get caught up with the next two books starring a sleuth on her family’s olive plantation
The Escape Artist – A woman who is supposed to be dead is on the run and an Army conspiracy involving Harry Houdini is involved. This sounds convoluted – and awesome! Looking forward to this one.
Good Guys – The people working for the Foundation have magic at their disposal, but that’s okay because The Foundation are the good guys. Right? I have already requested this from the library. It looks like a mystery from the cover, but the fantasy angle really appeals to me. Looking forward to trying this one.
Marinating in Murder – Book 3 in the Dinner Club mystery series. The dinner club is helping one of their own who is suspected of murder in this book. This sounds like I series I would enjoy. I need to track down book one and get it on my list!
Who Moved My Goat Cheese? – First in the new Farm-to-Fork mystery series by Lynn Cahoon. I love checking out a new mystery series, so this is on my list for this week as well.
Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others – A new book by Barbara Brown Taylor explores things she learned through her journey of faith and her teaching of college students.
Raising Passionate Jesus Followers: The Power of Intentional Parenting – A resource for parents in any stage of rearing children/teens/young adults
Survive Like a Spy: Real CIA Operatives Reveal How They Stay Safe in a Dangerous World and How You Can Too – I think that title speaks for itself. Sounds like a fascinating book.

BOOK NEWS: February 27, 2018

BOOK NEWS: February 27, 2018

Posted on by Jaymie

Our last release week for February 2018 is a big one! Here are some of the new releases I am excited about this week:

Books for Kids

  

Ada Lovelace AND Ella Fitzgerald (Mar 1) – Part of the Little People Big Dreams picture book biography series
All That Trash: The Story of the 1987 Garbage Barge and Our Problem With Stuff –  Discover the event that helped spark the recycling movement. Another great nonfiction picture book!
No Truth Without Ruth – Picture book biography of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Unplugged – Blip discovers a whole new world when she is accidentally unplugged from her computer.
Baby Monkey Private Eye – This quirky little book from the author/illustrator of The Invention of Hugo Cabret is about a little monkey detective who has issues with putting on his pants. This one is a must read for me because I just have to see how this story plays out.
Eva and the Lost Pony – Book 8 in the fabulous Owl Diaries series. I have loved these colorful little Branches books since the first one released. Perfect for kids ready to branch into chapter books.
Hazy Bloom and the Pet Project – Book 2 in the Hazy Bloom series about a third grader who has visions of the future. This time, she is trying to convince her parents she is ready for a pet. I haven’t read the first book, but I’d like to check out this series for new chapter book readers.
Peachy and Keen: A School Tail – Book 1 in a new series about best friends who try to launch an electronic magazine/newspaper for their school. Looking forward to reading this one.
Sparks – Two cats operate a mechanical dog suit and fight an evil alien in this new graphic novel. Yes please!
Third Grade Mermaid and the Narwhals – When a mean girl says narwhals are fake, Cora and her friends head out to prove her wrong. This series looks adorable. This is the second book in the series.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Bears of the Ice: Quest of the Cubs – The first book in a new series by the author of the Guardians of Ga’Hoole and Wolves of the Beyond series. This book focuses on a pair of polar bears who have to rescue their mother from power-hungry bears determined to take over the Northern Kingdoms.
I Survived the Children’s Blizzard, 1888 – Book 16 in this fantastic adventure series, this one about a frozen hurricane that hit the Midwest without warning.
Pixel Raiders: Dig World – First in a new series about a couple of kids who get trapped in a very realistic-feeling video game.
The Calculus of Change – A new guy in her calculus class helps a girl connect to her dead mother’s faith. This sounds terrific!
Daughter of the Siren Queen – Book 2 in the Daughter of the Pirate King series full of high-seas adventure. I’d love to check this series out!
Heart of Iron – A girl adopted by the crew of a space vessel will do anything to fix the android that has been with her as long as she can remember. Her quest will leave her on the run with her nemesis, pursued by people who don’t necessarily want to capture her alive. Yes please! This sounds awesome.
People Like Us – When a dead girl is found in the lake, Kay’s efforts to escape her past are in jeopardy. The dead girl has left her a scavenger hunt to find the murderer. This has been compared to One of Us Is Lying, which was amazing. I have this on my list as well!
Tess of the Road – A wild child, Tess is being sent to a nunnery when she disguises herself and sets off in search of a place where she might belong. I will be reviewing this one later this week. It has been receiving rave reviews.
This Heart of Mine – A girl in need of  a heart transplant receives one – from a former classmate who commits suicide. But the boy’s twin doesn’t think his brother killed himself. Sounds like a fascinating story.
The Traitor’s Game – The daughter of the evil king’s right hand man is a valuable bargaining chip for rebels in this first book in a new series by the author of the fabulous The False Prince. This is at the top of my list for this week!
Where I Live – A homeless girl living in her high school stumbles onto the secrets of another student. Doing the right thing for the other student could expose her own secrets. This is #2 on my list for this week. It sounds fantastic.
Hope Nation: YA Authors Share Personal Moments of Inspiration – A collection of personal essays from authors like Ally Carter, Libba Bray, James Dashner,  and Jason Reynolds. I am excited about this book.

Books for Adults

 

Color Me Murder – Book 1 in the Pen and Ink Mystery series starring a bookstore manager who also designs adult coloring book pages. In this book, the bookstore owner is suspected of murder. The premise for this series is so clever. I can’t wait to see it in person.
Hummus and Homicide – First book in the new Kebab Kitchen Mystery series where a grown up mean girl is killed after visiting the Kebab Kitchen. The description of this one had me at “hummus bar”.
I Know What You Bid Last Summer – Book 5 in the Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mystery series. This time, the school superintendent is murdered at a sports equipment swap.
Lethal Licorice  – Book 2 in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. This time, Bailey is trying to solve a murder at a candy competition. You can read my review of book one here.
Pawprints and Predicaments – Book 3 in the Lucky Paws Petsitting Mystery Series. Daphne investigates the death of a controlling TV producer. You can read my review of book one here.
Raspberry Danish Murder – Book 22 in the Hannah Swensen Mystery series about a cookie shop owner. The recipes in this series are fantastic.
Bygone Badass Broads – Just in time for Women’s History month (March), this covers the stories of 52 influential women. I am looking forward to checking this one out.
Enough As She Is: How to Help Girls Move Beyond Impossible Standards of Success to Live Healthy, Happy and Fulfilling Lives – The latest from Rachel Simmons
My Faith Journey (Mar 1) – A guided devotional including space to journal and pictures to color
The Rescue: Seven People, Seven Amazing Stories  – True stories that should have ended tragically, and the miracles that changed those stories. I have enjoyed the author’s previous books, so I am curious to see how this one is.

BOOK NEWS: February 20, 2018

BOOK NEWS: February 20, 2018

Posted on by Jaymie

This is a small week for new releases, but there are still some fantastic choices for this week!

Books for Kids

Anywhere Artist – A celebration of creativity and imagination. I can’t wait to see this one in person. The illustration style is exactly what I love.
Florette – A girl who is moving longs to take her garden with her to the city. This looks lovely.
The Lost Penguin (Feb 22) – Kate Hindley’s art work is what stopped me in my tracks on this one. Her work always catches my eye. This is the second Oliver and Patch story. This time, Oliver and friends try to find a lost penguin. This looks too precious to miss! Right now, I can only find this book listed as an e-book.
The Rabbit Listened – When something terrible happens, all the animals want to do something to help, but the rabbit just listens. This looks like a tender-hearted story.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Sticky Notes – A dad’s forgetfulness becomes something more serious. I want to cry just from reading the description. This will be an emotional one, but I still want to read it.
R Is for Rebel – A girl in reform school plans to follow in her parents’ footsteps to resist the government that wants to silence them. I am fascinated by the description of this story for teens. This is on my list.

Books for Adults

Claws for Concern – In the 9th book in the Cat in the Stacks Mystery series, Charlie and Diesel are investigating mysteries close to Charlie’s own family. I’ll be reviewing this one next week!
The Bible Book – I love this series of informational books by the folks at DK. I have several in my personal collection. This one focuses on the Bible – history, personalities and major events recorded in its pages.

BOOK NEWS: February 13, 2018

BOOK NEWS: February 13, 2018

Posted on by Jaymie

Happy Valentine’s week! If your Valentine’s plans and your Lenten plans are in conflict this week making a chocolate celebration difficult, consider a nice new book to celebrate LOVE. This week’s books left me pushing the requesting limits of my local library. Here are a few books releasing this week.

Books for Kids

The Boo-Boos That Changed the World: A True Story About an Accidental Invention – The history of the band-aid! I love nonfiction picture books like this. Can’t wait to check this one out.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

The 11:11 Wish – A girl trying to re-invent herself at a new school makes a wish at 11:11. This sounds like All the Answers and similar stories – which I adore! This is on my list for this week.
The Ambrose Deception – Three kids compete for a scholarship by solving puzzles, but they start to wonder if the competition is even real. This is at the top of my list for the week. It sounds exactly like the sort of book I enjoy. I’ve already requested it form my local library.
The Art of the Swap – Two girls switch places Freaky-Friday-style as they try to solve a 100+ year old art theft. I really enjoyed this one! I’ll be reviewing it in March, but I’ll say right now it was a lot of fun.
Arts and Thefts – Sequel to (the fabulous) Under Locker and Key. I’ll be reviewing this one next week, but I will tell you right now if you know a mystery/suspense fan, get these two books asap. They are terrific.
Detective Nosegoode and the Music Box Mystery – First in a new mystery series (reissue of an older series) about an older gentlemen and his talking dog who solve mysteries.
Granted – The latest book from the author of the outstanding Ms. Bixby’s Last Day is about a wish-granting fairy. I will be checking this one out because I think the author is terrific. I heard him speak at a local event last year, and I enjoyed his sense of humor and his passion for his readers.
The Not-So-Boring Letters of Private Nobody – During a school assignment on the Civil War,  three 7th graders become friends and learn something unexpected. I am so excited to read this one! I’ve requested this from my library, too.
Samantha Spinner and the Super-Secret Plans – I’m scheduled to review this one at the end of the month. I am so looking forward to reading this story about a girl whose favorite uncle goes missing.
The Heat Is On – Book 2 in the Junior Chef series that takes place during a kids cooking competition. Books include cooking tips for kids.
Anthology of Amazing Women: Trailblazers Who Dared to Be Different – Releasing a few weeks before Women’s History month, this anthology highlights women in history. Full page illustration facing a page of biographical information. It looks to have a similar format to Little Leaders with a different art style. Great for classroom, home, and library use.
#PrettyBoyMustDie – A teen CIA operative’s cover is blown when a classmate posts a picture of him online and his enemies decide to drop into his 6th period chem class – literally. My library only lets me request three e-books a day. This is the third for me today. I. CAN. NOT. WAIT.
Honor Among Thieves – First in a new science fiction series where a teen is selected for an elite team of humans chosen to explore the outer edges of space. This book makes me wish the library would let me request four books a day. This is on my list.
Precious Dreadful – A teen who joins a writing group at the library starts to remember some things from her past. This is on my list, too.
The Traitor Prince – Book 3 in the Ravenspire series. I have the whole series on my TBR list on Goodreads. Magic and royals and betrayal, oh my!

Books for Adults

The Cat of the Baskervilles  – Book 3 in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. I have this series on my list, too. I love anything that ties to a bookshop!
Death by a Whisker – Book 2 in the Cat Rescue series about the murder of a shopping channel personality.
A Grave Issue – First book in a new Funeral Parlor mystery series. I loved this book; I’ll be reviewing it here next week. I already have book two on my list, too.
Marvel’s Black Panther: The Art of the Movie – Our family loves these Art of books for Marvel movies. I’m sure there is a better cover image than this one, but this is all I could find in advance. We already have our movie tickets for later this week. I think this movie will be outstanding!
I Can Only Imagine – A memoir by Bart Millard (of the Christian music group Mercy Me) about his dad’s transformation from abusive father to man of God. This promises to be a powerful book.

BOOK NEWS: February 6, 2018

BOOK NEWS: February 6, 2018

Posted on by Jaymie

Happy February! As thoughts turn to love, let’s look at some of the books releasing this week that you might love!

Books for Kids

 

Be Kind – A sweet-looking book exploring ways to be kind. I adored one of the author’s previous books, Sophie’s Squash. I can’t wait to check this one out!
The Big Bed – A girl offers her dad his own bed – a camping cot – so she can take over his spot in the big bed. Adorable!
Bloom – Picture book biography of fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli. Picture book biographies are fantastic ways to introduce kids to nonfiction and also to historic figures they might not already know.
I Walk with Vanessa – Another book on kindness, a timely topic. Looking forward to reading this one, too.
Idea Jar – A teacher has students fill a jar with story ideas. When the ideas escape the jar, hijinks ensue! This looks fantastic! This is a great week for exploring new picture books.
Nobody’s Duck – An alligator finds a mysterious duck left on his lawn. What a hoot!
Rabbit & Possum – A best friends story where one friend is adventurous and the other is cautious. I love stories like this that value different personality qualities.
The Tiptoeing Tiger – Clumsy Little Tiger looks for someone to scare. This looks cute.
Wordy Birdy – Can a group of friends save their pal who talks far more than she listens? The cover illustration for this caught my attention. I can’t wait to read this one.
Better Together – Book 3 in the precious Heartwood Hotel early chapter book series. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in the series. I highly recommend this series for lower and middle elementary classrooms (1st-4th grade).
Cardinal’s Caper – Now that football season is wrapping up, thoughts turn to baseball. This is book 14 in the Ballpark Mysteries early chapter book series.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

 

Action Presidents: George Washington AND Abraham Lincoln – The first two books in the new Action Presidents series described as Wimpy Kid meets Who Was
Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire – First book in a new fantasy adventure series about a boy in a mountain scouting group facing dark and ancient forces
Bringing Me Back – A boy who is shunned at school and whose mom is in jail discovers a bear with her head stuck in a pail but who flees from anyone trying to help her. He is determined to help the bear even though the rest of the town has written her off. This is on my library list!
Checked – A boy gives up his favorite pastime – hockey – to pay for his dog’s chemo. The full description of this book almost had me in tears. This is on my library list, too.
Dark Side of the Moon – Book 2 in the Space Runners series about a boy who wins a trip to the moon but discovers a lot more than he bargained for. This sounds like something our family would enjoy, in the same vein as Randoms.
Date with Disaster – The latest graphic novel starring the kids at DC Super Hero High focuses on some dating disasters. I’ll be reviewing this one next week (hint – I enjoyed it!)
Dragon Bones – Book 2 in the Unwanteds Quest series, a second series after the original Unwanteds series. I read the very first Unwanted books and the rest are on my TBR list. If you or your kids enjoy fantasy, check out these series.
Geeked Out: A Lame New World – A spoofy dystopian middle grade story. Sign me up!
Marabel and the Book of Fate – A princess ignores her kingdom’s low expectations of her to go in search of her kidnapped twin brother. I will be reviewing this tomorrow (hint – I enjoyed this one, too!).
Payback on Poplar Lane – Competing middle-schoolers try to start businesses in their neighborhood. This sounds like The Lemonade War for older kids. This is on my library list, too! (This actually released last week)
Who Was Booker T Washington?
Who Was Henry VIII?
All We Can Do Is Wait – After a bridge collapse, a group of teens meet in the hospital waiting room as they wait for word about their loved ones. This sounds like an emotional book for teens/young adults.
Banished – Book 3 in the storymakers series. I have had this fairy tale series on my TBR since the first book released. I need to get caught up soon!
The Belles – The Belles control beauty and Camellia longs to be the best of the Belles, but that role comes with a cost. The book world has been buzzing about this book for months. I am scheduled to review it next week.
Down and Across – A teen who is struggling with big life decisions sneaks off to Washington DC for answers and finds adventure. This is at the top of my list for this week.
The Queen’s Rising – A renaissance story of a young woman whose financial savior has secret motives. The full description of this one left me thinking about The False Prince, but for an older audience. This is on my list, too.
Live Fearless: A Call to Power, Passion and Purpose – This nonfiction book for teens challenges teens to set aside fear and focus on their God-given gifts.

Books for Adults

Aliens Abroad – Book 16 in my all-time favorite science fiction/romance series for adults. I pre-ordered this book a year ago, and I have the next book pre-ordered as well. I don’t play around when it comes to this series. I’ll be reviewing this one later this week. (Hint – I’m loving it)
The Fast and the Furriest – Book 5 in the Second Chance Cat mystery series. These are in my TBR pile.
How to Stop Time – A man who has been alive for centuries is forbidden to fall in love. But that might be just what he needs to save him. I’ve enjoyed some of the author’s work for kids. I’m looking forward to trying this one out.
Masterpiece – The latest from Christian fiction darling Francine Rivers. An artist and his new assistant struggle with their secrets. I’m looking forward to reading this one.
Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I’ve Loved – This memoir looks at the “prosperity gospel” thought pattern in light of the author’s stage IV cancer diagnosis. I expect this will be a tough read, but I am committed to reading more nonfiction this year, and this is on my list.
Girl Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant To Be – I am generally a fan of any Christian self-help book that looks at identity. This is on my list.
An Imperfect Woman: Letting Go of the Need to Have It All Together – Just read that title! Sign me up for this one, too.
Jesus Calling – Peace – If you are looking for a devotional, I don’t think you can go wrong with anything from Sarah Young.
Make a List: How a Simple Practice Can Change Our Lives and Open Our Hearts – I am crazy about lists, so I have to read this one!
A Prairie Girl’s Faith: The Spiritual Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder – I am not personally a Wilder fan, but I know this will hit the spot with her fans!
Silver Hair: Say Goodbye to the Dye And Let Your Natural Light Shine – A Handbook – Since I stopped fighting my grey hair, I’ve become more interested in reading about celebrating that “sparkle.” I pre-ordered this months ago. Looking forward to its arrival this week.

BOOK NEWS: January 30, 2018

BOOK NEWS: January 30, 2018

Posted on by Jaymie

It’s the final week of January already! Here are some of the new books releasing this week:

Books for Kids

Apatosaurus Would Not Make a Good Spy (Feb 1) – Artie the Apatosaurus wants to be a secret agent. I am so excited to see this book in person!
The Word Collector – The latest from Peter H. Reynolds, The Word Collector is a celebration of words. I am looking forward to this one, too!
Chill of the Ice Dragon – Book 9 in the Dragon Masters series from Branches
D-Day: Battle on the Beach – Ranger in Time book 7. I describe this series as Magic Tree House with a dog. This is a great series!
Super Rabbit Boy vs Super Rabbit Boss – Book 4 in the Press Start series from Branches
Two’s a Crowd – Book one in the new Pug Pals series. In this book it’s two pugs but one toy. This looks like a sweet sibling story.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

 

A Girl Named Hillary AND A Girl Named Rosa – New biographies from the folks at American Girl.
Bitsy – Book 48 in this long-running animal series
Dark Wyng – Book 2 in the Erth Dragons series. I still haven’t gotten to book one, but it is on my list! I love a good dragon story.
The Journey of Little Charlie – A boy cuts a deal to cover his dead father’s debt, but it forces him to decide what actions his conscience can abide.
The Problim Children – First in a trilogy. Seven strange siblings move into their grandfather’s old mansion where the neighbors are trying to uncover secrets and treasures. The premise of this reminds me a little of the Sisters Eight series. I am eager to try this one out.
Smart Cookie – A girl posts a secret profile of her dad on a dating site, hoping to find him a wife so they can have the sort of family they did before her mom died. Twitter has been talking about this book for a year. This is on the top of my list for the week.
Upside Down Magic: Dragon Overnight – Book 4 in this fun fantasy series for kids. I will be reviewing this one tomorrow.
Marley Dias Gets It Done – Explores how kids can get involved in activism in their own communities
American Heart – In a world where America registers and detains Muslim-Americans, a southern teen who never questioned the way things are finds herself helping a Muslim fugitive trying to escape to Canada. Interesting premise.
Losing Brave – A teen haunted by the disappearance of her twin battles to unlock her memories of what happened. Sounds like a great suspense story.
Purple Hearts – The final book in the Front Lines alternate history series. I have this whole series on my TBR list.
Say You’ll Remember Me – A teen wrongly accused of a crime enters a rehab program which is the governor’s pet project so he can try to get his life back on track. The governor’s daughter longs for the freedom to chart her own course. Together maybe they can both find what they are looking for. This sounds great. Looking forward to reading this one.
S.T.A.G.S. – A weekend retreat at an exclusive school turns deadly. I’ll be reviewing this one later this week.
Winner Take All – Academic rivals want to win at all cost. Is their love real or just another game to win? This is on my TBR for this week.
Wires and Nerve: Gone Rogue – Book 2 in the graphic novel series set in the world of the Lunar Chronicles. I’d love to check this series out.

Books for Adults

Arrow: Fatal Legacies – This original story is set between season 5 and 6 of this great show based on the DC Comics universe. This is the third Arrow novel in the series. Great for fans of the show.
Biscuits and Slashed Browns – Book 4 in the Country Store mystery series, this book focuses on a death at a breakfast-themed cook off. This sounds like a series I would enjoy.
Class Reunions Are Murder – Book 1 in the new Poppy McAllister mystery series centered around a class reunion. I can never pass up a class reunion story! This is on my list.
Curses, Boiled Again – Book 1 in the new Lobster Shack mystery series starring an injured dancer who comes home to help her aunt launch her business. I love checking out a new mystery series.
Death by Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake – First book in the Death by Chocolate Mystery series. That title is promising!
Murder Borrowed, Murder Blue – Book 3 in the Wedding Planner mystery series.
Survival of the Fritters – Book 1 in the Deputy Donut mystery series. This series stars a 911 operator and her retired police chief father-in-law. The premise sounds great!
The Art of Screen Time: How Your Family Can Balance Digital Media and Real Life – An issue on many parents’ hearts and minds. Includes research as well as advice of parents putting ideas into practice with their own kids.
No More Mean Girls: The Secret to Raising Strong, Confident, Compassionate Girls – Psychotherapist offers advice for combating “mean girl” behaviors, which are no longer primarily a high school phenomenon. I hear so many stories from friends with daughters about the social pressures and issues their girls face every day. A timely book.
Set Free to Choose Right: Equipping Today’s Kids to Make Right Moral Choices for Life – A guide for parents in helping kids see that God has standards and that “right” and “wrong” are not arbitrary distinctions.

BOOK NEWS: January 23, 2018

BOOK NEWS: January 23, 2018

Posted on by Jaymie

It’s Monday again and that means it is time to look at some of the books that are releasing this week!

Books for Kids

Alabama Spitfire: The Story of Harper Lee and To Kill a Mockingbird – Picture book biography of Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Between the Lines: How Ernie Barnes Went from the Football Field to the Art Gallery – Picture book biography of Ernie Barnes, athlete and artist.
Free as a Bird: The Story of Malala – Picture book biography of Malala Yousafzai focusing on Malala’s relationship with her father.
The Great Dictionary Caper – From the author of Wild About Books comes this tale of words escaping the dictionary and Noah Webster putting things right again.
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Race for Space – Picture book biography of the three women highlighted in the movie Hidden Figures as well as a fourth woman, Christine Darden.
Ordinary Extraordinary Jane Austen: The Story of Six Novels, Three Notebooks, a Writing Box, and One Clever Girl – Picture book biography of Jane Austen
Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World – Picture book collection of biographies of women such as Mary Anning, Ruby Bridges and Maya Lin. Of all the picture book biographies out this week, this one would be at the top of my list because it covers so many young women, several of whom I have not heard of before. Looking forward to this one.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

A Problematic Paradox – Described as Guardians of the Galaxy meets The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, this is the story of a brilliant girl whose adventures in space kick off when her father is kidnapped by aliens. This one had me at “Hitchhiker’s Guide.”
The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle – The story of a boy with social and learning issues who is also grieving the loss of his best friend. Since the friend died on the Buttle property, Mason has been questioned about that day a lot. When Mason’s new friend goes missing, Mason is desperate to find out what has happened to his friends. The middle grade community online has been buzzing about this book for months. I’m looking forward to reading this one.
Where Is Machu Picchu?
Where Is Our Solar System?
Whiskerella – Book 5 in the fun Hamster Princess series. This book takes a twisted view of the Cinderella story. I love this whole series of fractured fairy tales. This is on my list for certain.

Books for Adults

Scone Cold Killer – Book 1 in the All-Day Breakfast Cafe mystery series. I’ll be reviewing this one later this week.
View from Rainshadow Bay – The latest from Christian author, Colleen Coble, this story is the first in a new Lavender Tides series about a woman who loses her husband and then her business partner. She fears she is also in danger.
Dream of You: Let Go of Broken Identities and Live the Life You Were Made For – I have loved Jo Saxton’s work since I first saw her speak as part of an IF: Gathering experience. I’ve said before that identity is one of my favorite themes in books, both fiction and nonfiction. I have an early copy of this book  in my TBR pile already.
Still Evangelical?: Insiders Reconsider Political, Social and Theological Meaning – In the past couple years the word “evangelical” has taken on new meaning and connotations. And many of them are negative. I am curious to read what these authors have to say about the matter.

BOOK NEWS: January 16, 2017

BOOK NEWS: January 16, 2017

Posted on by Jaymie

Today we celebrate and remember the work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. One way to honor his work is by reading his words as well as those of others who have worked for or who are currently working for justice, civil rights, and freedom not only in the US but around the world.

Here are some of the new books releasing this week:

Books for Kids

 

I Am Harriet Tubman – The latest picture book biography from Brad Meltzer. These are spectacular!
Love – A beautiful celebration of LOVE. I will not be surprised when this one wins a boatload of awards!
My Pillow Keeps Moving – Look at that cover! The cover alone would make me buy this book. This sounds like a sweet story – a dog tries to endear herself to the man who owns her by being everything he needs.
Princess Pulverizer Grilled Cheese and Dragons AND Worse, Worser and Wurst – Nancy Krulik is the author of the outstanding Magic Bone series which I loved sharing with my students who were branching out into chapter books. She has a new series out called Princess Pulverizer, and it looks fantastic! Princess Serena would rather be a knight than a princess. Check out this series for your fans of The Princess in Black.
Twin Trouble – Book 7 in the Ella and Owen series. Twin dragons, Ella and Owen, meet twin unicorns who do not get along.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Ellie, Engineer – Ellie’s plans for her best friend’s birthday get so big, she has to recruit rival groups in the neighborhood to help her. This looks like a fun story with STEAM features.
Sing Like Nobody’s Listening – Pitch Perfect for the middle grade set. Two friends compete against one another in an acapella competition. This is the latest book in the MIX line from Aladdin.
Waking the Monsters – Hilo Book 4. My students and I were crazy for this graphic novel series. I’m so glad it is still going strong. I highly recommend this series.
Knock Knock! Who Was There? – Joke book from the folks at the Who Was/What Was/Where Is nonfiction series.
Love, Hate and Other Filters – An American-born Muslim teen looks for balance between parental expectations and her own dreams while also facing backlash for being Muslim after a horrific event that happens in another part of the country. If you have a goal of reading more diverse books this year – either diversity in characters or diversity in authors, consider checking this book out. It is on my library list.
Truly Devious – A new student at an elite academy plans to solve a cold case attached to the school, but the past won’t stay in the past. I have already  requested this from the library, and the early reviews are positive.

Books for Adults

Carnegie’s Maid – A poor farmer’s daughter assumes the identity of a missing woman for a chance to serve as a maid to the Carnegie family.
Isaiah’s Daughter – Fictionalized story of the adopted daughter of the Biblical prophet, Isaiah, who captures the attention of Prince Hezekiah. I am doing a study of the book of Isaiah right now, and I am intrigued by this story.
Marvel Cinematic Universe Guidebook: It’s All Connected – I believe this is the third volume in this guidebook series exploring the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This book looks at Agent Carter and Agents of SHIELD and how they fit into the larger Marvel Universe.

BOOK NEWS: January 9, 2018

BOOK NEWS: January 9, 2018

Posted on by Jaymie

I don’t know about where you live, but where I live it has been brutally cold. Perfect weather for staying in and reading. Here are some of the new books releasing this week:

Books for Kids

   

Grandma’s Purse – Adorable-looking book celebrating the magic of grandmothers and the treasures they keep in their purses.
Klondike, Do not Eat Those Cupcakes – Klondike the seal can’t stop thinking about the cupcakes for his sister’s birthday party. No matter how hard the narrator tries to distract him, Klondike gives in to temptation. What will happen now that there are no cupcakes for the party? This also looks adorable! Covers like this get my attention every time.
Mae Among the Stars – Picture book biography of Mae Jemison, astronaut.
The New LiBEARian – Story time at the library takes a fun twist when there’s a bear at the librarian’s desk. This sounds terrific!
Write to Me: Letters from Japanese-American Children to the Librarian They Left Behind – Children sent to internment camps after Pearl Harbor send letters to their librarian while they are gone. This looks like a great way to introduce this part of American History to children. I’d love to read this one!
Abigail Adams, Pirate of the Caribbean – Book 2 in the Mixed-Up History series where historical characters take a break from their lives to try a new adventure. These sound fantastic! Targeted to readers in the lower elementary grades who are starting to explore chapter books.
Dog Diaries: Susan – Book 12 in this series looks at Queen Elizabeth II’s corgi, Susan. I haven’t read the books in this series, but this particular one sounds fascinating!

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

All Three Stooges – The friendship between two comedy-loving boys is threatened when one loses his father and starts to withdraw.
The Case of the Perilous Palace – Book 4 in the Wollstonecraft Detective Agency series. I read the first book in this mystery/history/science fiction series and loved it. I would like to catch up on it some time. This final book in the series has the girls breaking into Kensington Palace to find the princess’ missing sketch book/diary. This one sounds terrific!
Harley Quinn at Super Hero High – Book 5 in the Super Hero High series, Harley investigates a carnival that comes to town where things aren’t quite what they seem. I’m looking forward to this addition to a fun middle grade series.
The Terrible Two Go Wild – Book 3 in this fantastic series about two pranksters. In this book, the boys are targeted by a group of bullies. My students and I thoroughly enjoyed the previous two books in the series. I’m eager to read this next installation.
Nice Try, Jane Sinner – A struggling girl who gets expelled from high school enrolls in a completion program at the local community college and goes on a student-run reality show so she can move out of her house. This has been getting a LOT of positive buzz already. I’ve already requested it from the library.
A Taxonomy of Love – This covers the ups and downs of friendship between a boy with Tourette’s and the girl who moves into the neighborhood and becomes his best friend. I’ll be reviewing this one later this week.
Unearthed – Two teens stow away to an ancient planet to pursue their own goals and discover alien secrets. Dystopian science fiction fans should check this one out. I know I will be!

Books for Adults

Deadly Summer – Book 1 in the Darling Investigations series about a former TV child-star who tries to revive her career with a reality TV show where she tries to solve local crimes. When she stumbles across a very real murder, things change quickly. This sounds terrific!
A Meddle of Wizards – Book 1 in the Fledgling Magic series about a sick young woman who is whisked away to a mysterious land to fight a wizard. This sounds completely quirky – and right up my alley!
The Questionable Behavior of Dahlia Moss – Book 3 in the Dahlia Moss Mystery series. Talk about quirky! I’m not even sure how to summarize the stories in this geeky mystery series, but I do know that I have book one high on my library list! I hope to dig into this series soon.
Star Trek Boldly Go Vol 2 – I adore this comic book series. If you are a fan of Star Trek, especially the new cast, consider checking out this graphic novel series. I never miss an issue! This particular collection focuses on a diplomatic murder and a group of Starfleet cadets.
Girl Positive: How Girls Are Shaping a New World – Stories of young women making a difference! Both a celebration of what is happening today as well as advice and information for readers as they consider their own place in the world.
Trade Your Cares for Calm – The latest from Max Lucado in his series of materials about anxiety.

BOOK NEWS: January 2, 2018

BOOK NEWS: January 2, 2018

Posted on by Jaymie

Happy New Year! Hope your New Year’s holiday was restful for you and your family! Today we are kicking off a new year of Book News. Here are some of the new books coming out this week:

Books for Kids

  

The Easter Story – The Easter story, told in Lego bricks.
Fancy Nancy: Oodles of Kittens – A new full-sized hardcover story from Fancy Nancy. Nancy and Bree find oodles of kittens. But Nancy isn’t sure the one she keeps will be able to get along with her dog, Frenchy.
Let the Children March – A book about the 1963 Children’s March for Civil Rights.
The Littlest Viking – The smallest viking (with the loudest voice) meets his match in a smaller, louder warrior princess.
Magnolia Mudd and the Super Jumptastic Launcher Deluxe – A science-minded kid doesn’t think she wants anything to do with being a flower girl in her favorite uncle’s wedding. I’m excited about this one, just because Magnolia sounds like a great kid!
Batgirl on the Case – Batgirl relives a night of crime finding to backtrack in order to find her father’s birthday gift. I love Batgirl! This would be fun to read.
Fast as the Flash – An early reader for Flash fans
Leia Chronicles – Part of the Forces of Destiny series of early readers
Pete the Cat and the Cool Caterpillar – Pete’s new caterpillar friend goes missing. Pete the Cat books are great fun for kids.
Bad Kitty Camp Daze – After an accident, Kitty starts to think she is a dog. This stresses out Puppy, so he goes away to dog camp. And Kitty sneaks off with him. These early chapter books are a lot of fun!
The Major Eights: Battle of the Bands AND Scarlet’s Big Break – This new early chapter book series kicks off with two new books, one about a Battle of the Bands and another is about one of the kids going solo.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

   

Betty Before X – Explores the childhood of civil rights activist Dr. Betty Shabazz, the widow of Malcolm X. I’m eager to read this one. I don’t know anything about the life of Betty Shabazz.
Black Panther: The Young Prince – Our whole family is looking forward to the Black Panther movie next month. In this book, T’Challa is a boy in Wakanda. He and his best friend are sent to school in Chicago where T’Challa starts on his path to becoming the Black Panther.
Bodyguard: Target AND Traitor – Books 7 and 8 in the Bodyguard series. I enjoyed books 1 and 2 (originally one whole novel); there’s tons of action. These two books focus on a different bodyguard, this time guarding a young rock star.
Escape from Aleppo – This story centers on a girl turning 12 just as Syria enters a civil war and bombs fall on her home city of Aleppo. A timely story.
Eternity Elixir – First in the new Potion Masters trilogy. Gordy has been training to be a potion master, but now a dangerous potion has fallen into his hands. Can Gordy and his family and friends keep it safe? This sounds like a story I will love!
Just Like Jackie – A girl is struggling with her caretaker’s failing memory and a bully at school. This one sounds fantastic!
Snow Lane – The youngest of 9 children, Annie longs to make her mark but plenty of things, including family secrets, are stacked against her. Looking forward to this one too!
Super Gifted – Sequel to the book Ungifted.  I love Gordon Korman’s books, and I have added both of these books to my library wish list!
Wings of Fire Graphic Novel – The Dragonet Prophecy – Graphic Novel version of the first Wings of Fire book. I really enjoyed this. The artwork is beautiful (although if you don’t know the story, it can be hard to know which dragon is which when they are all from the same tribe). This streamlines the first book nicely. I’m eager to see what they do with the other books in the series.
Winterhouse – First book in a new urban fantasy series about an orphan, an old hotel with an amazing library, and a magical book. I’ll be reviewing this one later today. Be sure you come back and check out my review.
As You Wish – A teen lives in a town that grants each kid one wish on their 18th birthday. I reviewed this one last week. You can read it here.
Batman: Nightwalker – This is the top book on my list for this week! I have already pre-ordered this one. This is an original story of Bruce Wayne as a teen. I can’t wait to get my eyes on this one!
Don’t Cosplay with my Heart – A struggling teen finds strength in her cosplay character and community. I’m really looking forward to reading this one.
The Forgotten Book – A teen who finds everything going her way in life stumbles onto a magic book. Everything she writes comes true. But someone else knows about this book and is determined to take it away from her. Looking forward to this one, too.
Love & Other Train Wrecks – A stalled train in a snowstorm puts two teens together and sets them on a course to change their thoughts about love.
Turn it Up – The co-captains of an a cappella group are at odds over a guy – the guy who leads a rival group. How can the girls’ group hope to compete if their leaders are at odds? Their only hope is the new girl who has an amazing voice – and unbelievable stage fright. This sounds like a YA version of the Pitch Perfect movies. I am so excited to read this one. I have enjoyed the author’s other work, and I am looking forward to this one.
You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone – A set of ambitious twins at odds take another hit when one tests positive for Huntington’s while the other does not.

Books for Adults

Another One Bites the Crust – Book 7 in the Bakeshop mystery series. I’ll be reviewing this one here next week.
Death Below Stairs – The first book in the Below Stairs mystery series. A cook in a mansion tries to figure out who killed the kitchen maid. This sounds SO fun! I’m requesting this one from the library for certain.
Dial M For Mousse – Book 3 in the Emergency Dessert Squad. I am a book behind on this series, but I hope to catch up soon. I really enjoyed book one.
Every Dog Has His Day – Book 3 in the Bluff Point Romance series. I enjoyed the first book, and I thought the second was even better! I’ll be reviewing this one here tomorrow.
Black Panther Ultimate Guide – This looks like a gorgeous collection of history on the character of Black Panther. Our family will be checking this book out for sure.
Jefferson’s Daughters: Three Sisters, White and Black, in a Young America –  This nonfiction book looks at the daughters of Thomas Jefferson – white and black – and their lives in America. One of my goals in 2018 is to read more nonfiction. This could be on my list!
Your Best Year Ever: A 5-Step Plan for Achieving Your Most Important Goals – Michael Hyatt is known for his organizational tips both for your personal life and also for building your business and your platform. Here he compiles his best information on goal setting and productivity.