Category: Book News

BOOK NEWS: March 21, 2017

Posted on by Jaymie

Plenty of great books releasing this week! Here are some of the ones I am looking at:

Books for Kids

All Birds Have Anxiety – Look at that face!! I have to read this book just because of that face! Using birds, the author explains living with anxiety to kids. I can’t wait to read this one. Not just because of the cover, but I am curious how the author does with making mental health and anxiety accessible to kids. Mental health issues are big in children’s literature lately, which I think is a great trend!
I Am (Not) Scared – Third book in this series after You Are (Not) Small and That’s (Not) Mine, this time the two friends go to an amusement park and think about what might be scarier than the roller coaster.
John Ronald’s Dragons: The Story of J. R. R. Tolkein – A picture book biography of Lord of the Rings author, J. R. R. Tolkien
We Are the Dinosaurs – A picture book version of Laurie Berkner’s song by the same name. I’m not familiar with this song, but the illustrations I have seen from the book are darling! I would definitely keep this in mind for any dinosaur fans you know!
Almost an Outlaw – Teddy Mars book 3  (final book in the series) about a boy who has to break a few rules to take care of some of his neighbors.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Big and Little Questions (According to Wren Jo Byrd) – A shy girl tries to keep secret the fact that her parents separated over the summer. This kind of story is a staple of middle grade fiction and I imagine I will love it!
Miss Ellicott’s School for the Magically Minded – In this new fantasy, a city’s sorceresses go missing, leaving the kids at Miss Ellicott’s school to save their kingdom. This sounds like a book I will love!
The Princess and the Pearl – Book 6 in the delightful Wide-Awake Princess series. I have loved the books in this series – perfect for a lover of fractured fairy tales, like me! In this book, Annie has to get a cure from a sea witch to save her family.
The Hidden Memory of Objects – A girl who can see memories from her brother’s belongings searches for answers about his death. This sounds like a fascinating YA mystery!

Books for Adults

The Collapsing Empire – The latest book from science fiction great, John Scalzi. This story of a universe where humans have ventured into space and left Earth behind as an interstellar empire forms sounds awesome!
Girl in Disguise – A female private detective fights to make her way in Chicago in 1856. Inspired by a true story.
If I’m Found – Suspenseful sequel to If I Run about a woman running from arrest for a crime she didn’t commit.
The Lucky Few – A family’s journey, following God through adoption of special needs children. This sounds inspiring!

 

Which book releasing this week is going on your TBR list?!

BOOK NEWS: March 14, 2017

Posted on by Jaymie

March is shaping up to be a great month for new books! Here are some of the books releasing this week:

Books for Kids

 

Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished – Poor Charlotte! She has so many brothers and sisters, there’s no where for her to do her science experiments! Maybe she can use science to help her solve her problem.
The Lemonade Problem – Peg + Cat’s 5th problem solving adventure. These are terrific picture books for home or school!
Out of School and Into Nature – A picture book biography of naturalist Anna Comstock
Out of Wonder – Just in time for Poetry month in April is this book of poems celebrating poets!
Triangle – Two words: Mac Barnett. If you’ve never tried one of his books, you are missing out on a ton of fun. I am very eager to read this one about Triangle who is planning to play a trick on his friend, Square.
First Big Book of Weather – As a teacher, I loved these books for students because there is so much to look at in each one. If you have a budding meteorologist at your house or in your classroom, check this one out.
President Donald Trump – If you are looking for a picture book about our new president, there are several coming out this spring. This is just one example of the books available.
April Fools’, Mr. Todd – Looks like this is book 8 in the Judy Moody and Friends series. I HIGHLY recommend this series for new readers growing in their “endurance” skills of reading longer books. The format is the same size as an early reader, but the story is longer. The adventures are fun, the color pictures are eye-catching, and this introduces readers to the characters they would meet in the Judy Moody and/or Stink Moody chapter books as they mature as readers. In this story, Judy is planning an April Fools prank for her teacher, Mr. Todd.
The Capital Catch – Book 13 in the Ballpark Mystery series. Great for mystery and/or baseball fans!
Dark Shadows – Chicken Squad, book 4. The chickens from Cronin’s JJ Tully series have their own series now, perfect for new chapter book readers. I haven’t been able to keep up on this series, but the first one was a hoot! I’d love to check out the rest of the books to see if they are as funny as the first one.
Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows/Merhorses and Bubbles/Monsters and Mold – Zoe and her cat, Sassafras, help magical creatures in their back yard using science and mystery-solving skills. These look darling!! I can’t wait to read these. They look perfect for early elementary students moving into chapter books.
A Boy Called Bat – A boy on the autism spectrum, nicknamed Bat, wants to keep a baby skunk as a pet. This book has been getting a lot of positive buzz.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Amina’s Voice – A Pakistani-American Muslim girl struggles to find her place and her voice in middle school, especially after her mosque is vandalized.
Dragonwatch – Part of the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull. The dragons are prepped for war over their freedom. The members of Dragonwatch are gone now, so who will stand against the dragons?
Hello, Universe – Four kids take turns telling the story of the day their lives entwined and one of them ends up in the bottom of a well. I love stories like this where the various characters tell their part of the story (like Because of Mr. Terupt or The Candymakers)
In the Spot Light – Book 2 in the Pages Between Us series about two girls who keep in touch during middle school by passing a notebook back and forth (Did any of you do that? I did that with friends in high school!). One of my students introduced me to this series – she loved the first book! I would love to read this second one; there is a Battle of the Books at the center of the story.
Love, Ish – A girl’s dream of life on Mars is derailed. I have been hearing about this book for months. I can’t wait to read it.
The Metropolitans – Four teens at the Metropolitan Museum of Art when the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor agree to help track down a lost book of King Arthur legends to prevent another attack on America.
World War II – The nonfiction companion to the Magic Tree House book World at War, 1944. Great for fans of the Magic Tree House book who want to know more about World War II
Bravo: Poems About Amazing Hispanics – Expand your understanding of history with these poems about the contributions of Hispanics to the story of our world.
The End of Oz – Book 4 in the Dorothy Must Die series. If you want to read a twist on the Wizard of Oz story, you might enjoy this darker version of Dorothy and the crew from Oz. I would definitely start with book one and read these in order!
A Psalm for Lost Girls – To the world, Tess was an honest-to-goodness saint. To her sister, though, Tess was just a girl, and she wants her sister to be remembered for all the things she was on her own, outside of the miracles and the fervor. But the truth might not be that simple
The Shadows We Know by Heart – A grieving girl discovers a family of Sasquatches living behind her home – and the teenage boy who lives with them.

Books for Adults

Elementary, She Read – First book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery series
For Whom the Bread Rolls – Book 2 in the Pancake House mystery series for Amazon Kindle
In this Grave Hour – Book 13 in the Maisie Dobbs mystery series set in the 1930s
Purr M for Murder – Book 1 in the Cat Rescue Mystery series
Without Warning – Book 3 in the Christian mystery series starring J. B. Collins, journalist. If you like political mysteries, this series looks terrific.
My Brown Baby – A collection of posts from the website MyBrownBaby.com about African American parents as well as parents raising African American children. It looks like this ended up releasing last week, but I didn’t want to miss out on highlighting it!
My Jewish Year – A “wandering and wondering” Jew takes an intentional journey through the Jewish calendar. This sounds fascinating!

BOOK NEWS: March 7, 2107

Posted on by Jaymie

A new month and LOADS of new books! Here are some of the books releasing this week:

Books for Kids

Noisy Night – New picture book by the brilliant Mac Barnett about a noisy night in an apartment building
Over and Under the Pond – Beautiful addition to the picture book series by Kate Messner
Pete the Cat and the Treasure Map – Beloved Pete the Cat in a treasure hunt adventure
When Jackie Saved Grand Central – The little-known story of how Jackie Kennedy saved Grand Central Station
Dragonsitter to the Rescue – Book 6 in the Dragonsitters chapter book series. I read the first book in this series and it is very fun!
Great Troll Rescue – Book 2 in the Little Legends fairy-tale series
It’s Raining, It’s Pouring – Book 10 in the darling Sophie Mouse series for early readers

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Armstrong & Charlie – Two boys dread 6th grade for different reasons but find themselves in the journey together
Baseball Genius – A kid with a talent for knowing what pitch is about to be thrown helps a baseball player in a slump. From Derek Jeter and Tim Green.
Cavern of Secrets  – Wing and Claw book 2, a fantasy adventure about a young apothecary
Effie Starr Zook Has One More Question – A city girl spending the summer in the country with her extended family, stumbles on some family secrets. This one sounds like my kind of book!
Forever, or a Long, Long Time – A brother and sister have been in so many foster homes, they start to wonder where their story started and if they can trust their new adoptive home will truly be permanent. This sounds amazing!
Izzy Kline Has Butterflies – A sweet-sounding story about a fourth grade girl trying to find her way at school and at home
Masterminds: Payback – Third and final book in the Masterminds series by the awesome Gordon Korman
Middle School: Escape to Australia – Book 9 in James Patterson’s Middle School series
Ever After High Once Upon a Twist: When the Clock Strikes Cupid and Cerise and the Beast – A new series of Ever After High Stories where students find themselves in stories that are not their own.
Polar Distress – Book 3 in the Dr. Critchlore’s School for Minions series
Secrets and Sequences – Book 3 in the Secret Coders series about computer programming
Spring Break Mistake – A young photographer has to use her skills to find a lost classmate in New York City.
Star Wars: Join the Resistance – Book 1 in a new Star Wars series for kids starring Mattis who is hoping to be the next Poe Dameron.
Star Wars: Wild Space: The Cold (March 9) – Book 5 in this Star Wars series that takes place between Episode III and Episode IV with a new cast of characters
Team Awkward – Book 2 in the It Girl series about the adventures of a painfully shy girl named Anna
Tricked – Book 3 in the Fairy Tale Reform School series. I have thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this series. This is on the top of my reading list for this week! Book one is Flunked
Strong is the New Pretty – Photo book affirming for girls that what’s inside matters most
Alone – Book 3 in the Generations Trilogy. I read the first book and it was very good, but a little creepy for my tastes. If you like “creepy,” well written science fiction, check this series out! Book one is Alive.
Goodbye Days – A text while driving kills Carver’s friends. Their families want to spend a “goodbye day” with him, but he isn’t sure if that will bring him peace at last or just push him closer to the edge.

Books for Adults

                                      

Cold Pressed Murder – Book 2 in the Olive Grove mystery series after One Foot in the Grove
Gone with the Twins – Book 5 in the League of the Literary Ladies mystery series
Pekoe Most Poison – Book 18 in the Tea Shop Mystery Series
Roux the Day – Book 2 of the Dinner Club mystery series after Toasting Up Trouble
Silence of the Flans – Book two  in the awesome Emergency Dessert Squad mystery series. I loved the first book, Eclair and Present Danger, and I can’t wait to read this one!
And Still She Laughs – Finding joy in suffering through study of Biblical stories as well as the author’s own story.
Between Heaven and the Real World – Steven Curtis Chapman shares an autobiographical look at his life, music and ministry, including the tragic loss of their daughter, Maria. If you were touched by his wife’s book, Choosing to See, you might enjoy this look into the life and faith of the Chapman family.
How the Hell Did this Happen? – If you are still disecting the 2016 Presidential Election, and you have thick skin when it comes to your preferred candidate, you might appreciate this.
Long Days of Small Things: Motherhood as a Spiritual Discipline –  Finding God in the routines of motherhood

BOOK NEWS: February 28, 2017

Posted on by Jaymie

The last Tuesday of the month means LOTS of great books releasing this week. Take a look:

Books for Kids

Lego Big Book of Animals – Part of the Lego Nonfiction line of books. Can’t go wrong with animal books AND Lego!
Agatha Christie – Picture book biography of author Agatha Christie (releases March 2)
Becoming Bach – Picture book biography of my favorite composer!
Dorothea Lange: The Photographer Who Found the Faces of the Depression – Picture book biography of Depression-era photographer, Dorothea Lange
Little Fox in the Forest – Two kids have a forest adventure when a real life fox runs off with the girl’s stuffed one.
You Can Read – Picture Book celebrating the adventure of reading!
I’m Batgirl – New Early Reader from the Lego Batman Movie, focusing on my favorite DC character, Batgirl
Dragon Masters: Search for the Lightning Dragon – I am a huge fan of the Branches line of books from Scholastic. They are PERFECT first chapter books for new readers. This is book 7 in this series about dragons with magic powers and the kids who care for them.
Nancy Clancy, Late Breaking News – Fancy Nancy chapter books are terrific for kids who loved the picture books, but are ready for something meatier/longer. This is book 8 in the series.
Bad Guys: Mission Unpluckable – Bad Guys, Book 2
Elle the Thumbelina Fairy – I loved these fairy stories when I was teaching. They are short, making them a quick read for young readers. The language in them, though, is pretty strong, making this a perfect recommendation for young readers who are also strong readers but may not yet be old enough for middle grade stories.
Mariana the Goldilocks Fairy
Rosalie the Rapunzel Fairy
Ruth the Red Riding Hood Fairy

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Backstories: Darth Vadar – This is a fantastic series (started with Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman) that gives the foundational stories of major pop culture figures.
Family Game Night and other Catastrophes – Annabelle struggles to keep people at a distance so no one finds out how out of control her mother’s hoarding has gotten. Can’t wait to read this!
Frogkisser – A princess who can break curses with a kiss ventures out with some interesting friends to try to save her kingdom from her evil stepfather. Sounds like my kind of book!
Goldfish Boy – A boy with OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) may be a witness in the case of a missing toddler in his neighborhood. I so want to read this one (oh, who am I kidding?! I want to read all of them)!
See You in the Cosmos – A boy keeps a running commentary on his iPod about his life and the people he meets, hoping to someday launch it into space to tell other life forms about Earth. Looking forward to reading this one!
Well That Was Awkward – Middle school story of what to do when your best friend likes your secret crush. Top of my wish list for this week!
Science Comics: Bats – This is a cool graphic novel non-fiction series. I’ve enjoyed the previous books in this series.
Tornado Terror – As a librarian I sometimes had trouble convincing kids to willingly read nonfiction. When Lauren Tarshis started publishing non-fiction books with the same accessible style as her I Survived fiction books, I didn’t have trouble any more!
What Was the Age of the Dinosaurs? – The latest book in this fantastic non-fiction series for kids. Can’t go wrong with dinosaurs!
Stranger than FanFiction – I’m looking forward to reading this Teen/YA book by actor/author Chris Colfer about a TV star and a few of his fans going on a road trip.
The Hate U Give – Sort of a “ripped from the headlines” story of a girl who witnesses her best friend get shot and killed by a police officer. The buzz for this book is tremendous! Everyone I know who got an early copy has said this is a must read.
Width of the World – Book 3 in the Vega Jane series by David Baldacchi

Books for Adults

Banana Cream Pie Murder – Book 21 in the Hannah Swendson Bakeshop series (Hallmark Movies and Mysteries have turned some of these into fun movies!)
Death by Chocolate Lab – Book one in the new Lucky Paws Petsitting mystery series!
Fatality by Firelight – Book two in the Cat Latimer mystery series. You can read my review of book one here.
Kneaded to Death – Book one in the new Bread Shop mystery series!
The Long Mirage – The latest book in the Star Trek Deep Space Nine saga
Brave Is the New Beautiful – “Finding the Courage to be the Real You.” Sounds like this would be a great small group or Sunday school resource to study.
Divided We Stand – Historic exploration of the facets of the Women’s Movement  – from both sides of the aisle, liberal and conservative.
Grace is Greater – This looks like a great discussion of God’s grace that is available to each of us!
The Modern Enneagram – I have been studying the Enneagram personality system this year. I am curious to see how this book lines up with the other things I have been reading.
Portraits of Courage – A book of paintings and stories of American military veterans by former President George W. Bush

BOOK NEWS: February 21, 2017

Posted on by Jaymie

Here are some of the new releases for this week. I hope you find something that would be perfect for you or the readers in your life!

 

Grand Canyon – If you are a classroom teacher or a parent looking for a great nonfiction author for kids, Jason Chin should be at the top of your list. I loved his coral reef and redwoods books. I am eager to see this one in person.
Great Big Boom – I adore this graphic novel series for kids. This one was at the top of my “to buy” list when I was a librarian. This is book three in the series. If you haven’t read one before, I suggest you start with book one, The Boy Who Crashed to Earth.
Sci-Fi Junior High – From James Patterson’s new publishing imprint, this is a new-kid-at-school story, set in outer space. This looks fun!
Saturdays at Sea – The fifth and final book in the Tuesdays at the Castle/Castle Glower series about a princess and a magical castle that can change its own shape and interior. This is one of those series that I have been wanting to read, but never started. With the series wrapping up, now is the time to dive in because I will be able to read the whole stack from start to finish!
Son of Neptune Graphic Novel – If I had to pick just one favorite Percy Jackson book, this would be the one. I can’t wait to see how they have adapted the story for a graphic novel format!
Twelve Angry Librarians – If I could only read one mystery series for the rest of my life, the Cat in the Stacks series would be a top contender. I love that the main character is a librarian (and a male librarian at that) and that his Maine Coon cat is an integral part of each story. I can’t wait to read this new book, 8th in the series.
Star Wars Aftermath: Empire’s End – Final book in the Aftermath trilogy. Reviews of the series online have been mixed, but I am intrigued anyway. I read that this particular book in the series includes the birth of Ben Solo, which could be interesting. If you have read these, I would love to know what you think of them!
Why I Left/Why I Stayed – Tony and Bart Campolo tell the stories of their experiences with the Christian faith, how they find themselves on different sides of the faith question, and how that impacted their relationship. This sounds fascinating to me. I’m eager to read this one.
You Are Free – While Christians know they are free in Christ, it can be hard to live like it. This book looks at how we can let the head knowledge take root in our hearts and help us to truly live in freedom.

BOOK NEWS: February 14, 2017

Posted on by Jaymie

Happy Valentine’s Day week! Whether you are celebrating with the love of your life, or you think of Valentine’s Day as “Black Tuesday,” here are some new books that you might fall in love with!

Books for Kids

 

Obi-123 – I’m reviewing book one in this series tomorrow. I loved ABC-3PO and I hope the new book is just as awesome.
A Perfect Day – A perfect day for bear becomes a not-so-perfect day for other animals. The cover of this one really grabs my attention
Animal Ark – You can hardly go wrong with an animal book for kids. This one combines pictures and poetry (by Kwame Alexander!). Looks like a winner!
Bob Not Bob – This may be the top book on my (LONG) wish list of books coming out this week. The book trailer is darling and the premise – a boy with a cold calls for his mom and gets his dog, Bob, instead – is brilliant.
Not Quite Narwhal – Frankly, it’s the cover that makes me want to read this book! It’s beautiful! And the core story is about identity – one of my favorite themes. I am looking forward to reading this one.
You Don’t Want a Unicorn – A boy who wishes for a unicorn learns to be careful what you wish for.
Get a Hit, Mo! – About a small boy who loves sports. I love Early Readers for kids who are growing as new readers. This one looks cute.
Ms. Joni Is a Phony! – Book 7 in the My Weirdest School series by Dan Gutman
Lego Batman: The Making of the Movie – A behind the scenes look at the new Lego Batman movie, including concept art.
Before Ever After (Junior Novel) – Junior Novel for the Tangled TV series coming to Disney Channel

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

  

Calico Girl – The story of a young slave girl and her family in the Civil War. I’m curious to read where this story fits in the larger historical story of the Civil War.
One Amazing Elephant – A girl and a circus elephant mourn their loss. This is recommended for fans of The One and Only Ivan. This sounds like a lovely story.
Last Day on Mars – The human race, living on Mars after the destruction of Earth, is moving to another new home as Mars is about to be destroyed as well. Two teens among the last to leave Mars make startling discoveries. This sounds fantastic!
The Playbook – Illustrated book of inspiration by the author of The Crossover, Kwame Alexander
Addie Bell’s Shortcut to Growing Up – Twelve-year-old Addie Bell gets her wish to be 16. I can’t wait to read this one!
Last of August – Book 2 in the Charlotte Holmes mystery series, after A Study in Charlotte. I enjoyed book 1 and I am looking forward to reading this one!
X Files Originals – Graphic Novel about Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as teens investigating two separate mysteries that may have a common thread
Civil War II – Hardcover graphic novel of comics 0-7 of this series that asks if it is right to arrest people based on what they MIGHT do in the future. I have enjoyed this series of comics. There are also several sideline series that take place in this timeline in some of the other Marvel universes (X-Men, Spiderman, etc.).

Books for Adults

Death in the Dales – Book 7 in the Kate Shackleton mystery series
Redeeming Grace – Based on the Biblical story of Ruth
This Life I Live – The story of Joey and Rory Feek. This will be a moving and inspiring read, I’m sure!

BOOK NEWS: February 7, 2017

Posted on by Jaymie

February is here! I choose to believe Staton Island Chuck who said spring is  right around the corner rather than Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of six more weeks of winter! So, my fingers are crossed for spring, spring, spring!

Here are some books to help you fill the time until the temperatures rise and the sun makes a more regular appearance.

Books for Kids

Bunny’s Book Club – A bunny who misses outdoor storytime when the weather gets cold, decides to go into the library through the book drop. I have been looking forward to reading this book for months! I hope it is as fun as it looks.
Duck, Duck, Dinosaur and the Noise at Night – A dinosaur and his two duck friends hear a scary noise in the night. This looks adorable. I can’t wait to see it in person.
Fancy Nancy and the Missing Easter Bunny – Nibbles the bunny goes missing in this new story with stickers starring Fancy Nancy.
Little House Book of Wisdom – An illustrated collection of thoughts from the books of Laura Ingalls Wilder
Mr. Lincoln’s Way – The latest book by Patrica Polacco about school principal, Mr. Lincoln and a student struggling with racism.
Samson the Piranha Who Went to Dinner – Samson longs to try out the three new fancy restaurants in his neighborhood, but piranha can be kind of scary….
Alexander Hamilton – With the popularity of the musical Hamilton, I expect we will be seeing lots of new books about this Founding Father this year. Our family loves the musical, and I am eager to see what parts of Hamilton’s life are covered in this early reader.
What’s Your Favorite Favorite? – Book 3  in this hilarious series staring Ballet Cat. I can’t wait to read this one!! Book 1, The Totally Secret Secret, is one of my all time favorite books for kids.
Light in the Lion’s Den – Book 19 of this Christian series that is a lot like Magic Tree House. In this book the kids head back in time to the Biblical events of Daniel being thrown in the lion’s den.
Mae and June and the Wonder Wheel – Early chapter book about new friends and the adventures they have each day based on the spin of their Wonder Wheel. This looks darling!

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

  

Blueberry Pancakes Forever – Book 3 in the Tuesday McGillycuddy series (Finding Serendipity). I loved the first two books in this series about a girl who can enter the world of written stories.
Castle in the Mist – A magical fantasy set in the English countryside
Dragon Captives – A new story arc begins in the world of The Unwanteds. I started the original series but never finished it. I might have to go back and take another run at it!
Jasper and the Riddle of Riley’s Mine – Two brothers set off for Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush
Pinch of Powder – Book one in the new “Pulvology” series. This book sounds fun – two kids helping out a neighbor who is a “pulvologist” and makes special powders in her lab. I can only imagine the trouble that can start with some of those special powders!
Squirrel Meets World – This new Squirrel Girl book from the fabulous Shannon Hale is at the TOP of my wish list this week!
Who Is Sonia Sotomayor? – Biography of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Who Was Cesar Chavez? – Biography of activist Cesar Chavez
Who Was Lucille Ball? – Biography of entertainer Lucille Ball
King’s Cage – Book 3 in the Red Queen series. This is one of the most highly anticipated books of 2017.
Romeo and What’s Her Name – The unprepared understudy has to go on stage – with her crush – in Romeo and Juliet
Wanted – Book 2 in the fairy tale Spelled series. The description of this one makes me want to dig book one off my shelves and start reading right away!

Books for Adults

Blown Away – First in the new Kite Shop Mystery series
Bookman Dead Style – Book 2 in the Dangerous Type Mystery series
A Measure of Murder – Book 2 in the Sally Solari Mystery series
Mission Impawsible – Book 4 in the Paws and Claws Mystery series
Snowed in with Murder – Book 3 in the Otter Lake Mystery series
War and Peach – Book 3 in the Georgia Peach Mystery series
Wee Homicice in the Hotel – Book 3 in the ScotShop Mystery series
Comfort Detox: Finding Freedom from Habits that Bind You –  Christian Living book about pushing beyond the habits you use to keep you comfortable and finding true comfort in Christ.

BOOK NEWS: January 31, 2017

Posted on by Jaymie

Lots of great books for kids coming out this week! Which of these look good to you?!

Books for Kids

Always Watch Out for the Flying Potato Salad! – Book 9 in the Here’s Hank series starring a young Hank Zipzer (from Winkler’s original series.)
Away Game – Book 5 in the Little Rhino baseball series for young readers by Ryan Howard
Bird and Squirrel on Fire – Book 4 in this fun graphic novel series! I have really enjoyed the earlier books in this series.
Bubbles and Boo – Book 44 in this dog-focused series! My students loved these books when I was teaching.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

 

Journey Through Ash and Smoke – Book 5 in the Ranger in Time series. I describe this series as Magic Tree House with a dog. Ranger is a trained search and rescue dog who travels through time. Great series!!
Light Up New York – Book 4 in the Glimmer Girls series from Faithgirlz by Christian singer, Natalie Grant. I haven’t gotten to read any of these, but they look darling!
Lost in Time – Geronimo Stilton’s Journey Through Time series, book 4
Newsprints – Graphic novel of a girl who pretends she’s a boy to get a job as a newsie
Harlem Charade – Three kids band together to solve a crime which leads them to an artist whose work might save their neighborhood. This looks terrific!
Short – A new book from the author of Counting by Sevens. This one is on the top of my list for this week!
The Wizards War – Book 4 in the Key Hunters series about a set of dangerous books. I’m bumping book one of this series up on my list!
Yours Truly – The second book in the Pumpkin Falls Mystery series after Absolutely Truly. This time the kids are solving a case of sabotage and the secret of an old diary. I haven’t read book one, but these mysteries sound like books I would love.
Wrath of the Storm – Mark of the Thief, book 3, from the amazing Jennifer Nielsen! Looks like an terrific action/fantasy series!
Playing Cupid – A girl starts a matchmaking business for a school project.
Me and Marvin Gardens – A boy who seems to be losing everything because of a new development in his community makes an important environmental discovery.
The Crooked Sixpence – Book one in the new Uncommoners series about a secret underground city under London.
The Prince Warriors and the Swords of Rhema – Third and final book in the Prince Warriors series  in this Christian fiction series of good and evil.
Exo – A new science fiction book for teens about an Earth that has been colonized by an alien race.
Silver Stars – Book 2 in the alternate history series, Soldier Girls, a series about World War II with girls fighting on the front lines.
Wires and Nerve – Graphic novel from author Marissa Meyer that takes place in her world of the Lunar Chronicles. I enjoyed the Lunar Chronicles series and I’m looking forward to checking out Iko’s story in this graphic novel.
Lost in a Book – An original Beauty and the Beast story. Belle finds an enchanted book in Beast’s library.

Books for Adults

Murder in an Irish Village – The first book in a new mystery series centered around a bistro in Ireland
Murder Wears White – Book 2 in the Wedding Planner mystery series
Some Kind of Magic – Put together a scientist, a  rock star and a chemical experiment and sparks fly!
Star Trek TNG Headlong Flight – The latest story starring the cast of Star Trek The Next Generation.
Adam and the Genome – One of my reading goals for 2017 is to read a book that combines faith and science. This might be the one I read. What does genomic science have to say about the Biblical record of human history?
Dream with Me – A Christian memoir of race in America

BOOK NEWS: January 24, 2017

Posted on by Jaymie

Not a lot of new books on my list this week, so I will just cover them all in one section. New books on the horizon this week include the following:

Pete the Cat:Five Little Ducks – A new picture book starring kid-favorite, Pete the Cat!
I Do Not Like Al’s Hat – Al’s rabbit is tired of being pulled out of the magician’s hat, so he goes off to find a new job.
Frederick Douglass: The Lion Who Wrote History – A picture book biography of Frederick Douglass
The Case of the Counterfeit Criminals – Book 3 in the Wollstonecraft Detective Agency series. I loved the first book in this series! I need to catch up. In this book, the girls take on a case of blackmail.
The Someday Birds – This story about an autistic boy and his wild family  traveling across the country while his father pursues treatment for injuries sustained in Afghanistan sounds fantastic! This is high on my list for this week.
The Ethan I Was Before – Two kids wrestle with secrets in their past as they hope for new adventures and a friendship that will support them both when they need it most. This also sounds fantastic! Middle grade books are some of the best stories being written today, in my opinion
Where Is the Colosseum? AND Where is the TajMahal? – New additions to this fantastic non-fiction series!
Control Girl – (releases January 27th) – Hope for me and my fellow control freaks in this Bible study!

Did any of these wind up on your wish list?

BOOK NEWS: January 17, 2017

Posted on by Jaymie

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! I hope you and your family have an opportunity to think about Dr King’s impact on our country and ways that you can honor his work, not only today but all year long. My family is hoping to check out a special event at local college today for our “celebration.”

Here are some of the books coming out this week:

Books for Kids

 

Nope – A mother bird says it’s time to learn to fly but the baby bird says, “Nope.”
The Youngest Marcher – The story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, the youngest marcher in Birmingham in 1963
Fancy Party Gowns – A biography of Ann Cole Lowe, fashion designer
Star Wars Fight in the Forest – A new early reader from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
You Should Meet Jesse Owens – Early reader biography of Jesse Owens
Stef Soto Taco Queen – A young girl has a love/hate relationship with her family’s food truck and her reputation as the “Taco Queen” in this chapter book for elementary-age readers.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults


Big Trouble – Book 3 in the awesome Friday Barnes mystery series. This is the top book on my wish list this week!
Secret Origins – Book 3 in the Story Thieves series. I have been itching to read this series and this superhero-themed story might be just the push I need to dive in! It looks great.
The Wizard’s Dog – I am curious to check out this story about a dog and his missing master, Merlin. One description I read compares this to the Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom series, which I adore.
An Eagle in the Snow – An historical fiction story about Adolf Hitler, war, and the ethics of our choices. This is not my usual genre, but the concept is intriguing and I want to know what happens in this story.
Planet Football: Greatest Stadiums – Perfect for the soccer fans in your life!
Carve the Mark – A new Young Adult book by the author of Divergent. Personally, I still have a bad “taste” in my reader’s heart over Allegiant, which might push this book farther down my reading list until I hear from some folks who have read it.

Books for Adults


A Puzzle to be Named Later – Book 18 in this long-running crossword puzzle mystery series.
Reclaiming Hope – I don’t know what the author’s perspective is – pro-Obama or not – but I am curious to read this book about faith and the White House under President Obama. Faith and politics is a timely topic. I think this could lead to some fascinating, open conversations.
When Christ Appears – Dr. David Jeremiah looks at the Book of Revelation.