Tag: reading and readers

REVIEW: Griselda Snook's Spectacular Books by Barry Timms

REVIEW: Griselda Snook’s Spectacular Books by Barry Timms

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Tiger Tales in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary and Review

Henry helps a bookstore owner on opening day and discovers a “just right” book for himself.

This is a book about the joys of books and bookstores set in a Halloween-ish town. Everyone is friendly, and in the end, the whole town is seen reading. The artwork is lovely – even better in the print version than it was in the electronic! The illustrations will draw kids in to look closely at the book and pour over every picture for the little details. This is would be a good addition to home libraries as well as other collections where you want books with a seasonal feel that are not scary or spooky.

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good+

REVIEW: The Joy of Reading by Donalyn Miller and Teri S. Lesesne

REVIEW: The Joy of Reading by Donalyn Miller and Teri S. Lesesne

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Heinemann in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Normally I would be reviewing a book for kids or teens today, but the one I had scheduled wasn’t a good fit for me, so I am subbing this in. ]

Summary

This book highlights 7 joys of reading identified by the authors including familiarity and surprise. It contains exercises that instructors can do with students as well as some teachers might choose to do as they think about their own reading lives. Includes information, instructions, or discussion of things like:

  • completing a reading autobiography
  • reading conferences
  • reader response activities
  • studies related to reading
  • tips for building a classroom library
  • book access and book diversity
  • what to do with reading levels
  • tips for busy professionals to increase their own book knowledge
  • reader’s notebooks
  • tips for book talking
  • a classroom activity called book pass
  • tips for dealing with reading slumps
  • delightful classroom anecdotes
  • illustrations of book stacks with real titles in subject-centered categories

Review

This resource from “The Book Whisperer,” Donalyn Miller, and the late “Professor Nana,” Teri Lesesne is a gold standard for teachers. I heard Donalyn speak many times while I was teaching, and her talks were always a highlight of the event – informative and inspiring! Her previous books – The Book Whisperer (♥♥♥♥♥) and Reading in the Wild (♥♥♥♥♥) – were the foundation I used to develop my philosophy as a teacher/librarian, and I shared her earlier books with any teacher who gave me an opening.

This contains the same general philosophy I have read and heard before from Miller, Lesesne, and other Nerdy Book Club members and teaching professionals – let kids read! But the focus here is on finding, building, and maintaining the joy of reading for students and readers in general.

The content here flows from inspiring class examples and anecdotes to practical advice for professionals. The writing is engaging and conversational. There’s something here for veteran teachers, newbies, and everyone in between. Do not miss this if you are or know and love a teacher. This would be a stupendous gift for a graduate going into the classroom for the first time, and a marvelous addition to instructional programs preparing future teachers.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

BONUS REVIEW: Bea Is for Blended by Lindsey Stoddard

BONUS REVIEW: Bea Is for Blended by Lindsey Stoddard

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Bea Embers is about to start middle school, but that’s only one of a series of changes she’s experiencing all at once. Bea’s mom has just gotten married, the two families have moved into a new house together, and Bea’s mom is going to have a baby. On top of all that, one of her new step-brothers, Bryce, is a “bully-follower” in her homeroom. Bryce’s friends always pick on Bea’s best friend, and Bryce goes along with it and even joins in. How will she ever think of someone like that as family?

Complicating Bea’s life even more is the soccer situation at school. Bea’s always been a leader on her past teams. (Usually they were boys’ teams that “allowed” the girls to join. But they often sat on the bench and rarely received any credit or encouragement for their contributions to the team.) But her new neighbor is going to be some stiff competition. Even worse, the middle school soccer coach (who is also the principal) is dismissive of every girl who wants to play. And he’s a constant obstacle to their desire for a team of their own.

But Bea Embers is as feisty and fiery as her name would imply. She and her friends – and her new family – aren’t going to put up with any misogynistic “bullsharky” this year. They’re going to stand tall and push back.

Review

This was so amazing! This exemplifies why I love middle grade novels:

  • Imperfect characters grow and learn over time.
  • Amazing teachers coach and encourage and fight for their students.
  • Families come together and back each other up.
  • Adults give kids space to work through conflicts while also being willing to back them up when it’s needed.

There’s so much heart here, I wanted to hug the book. This is the perfect blend of a story that has you tearing up one moment and wanting to stand up and cheer the next. It’s delightful!

Bea had to grow on me for a few chapters while I waited to get a feel for her. At the same time, though, I feel like in those early chapters, Bea is trying to get a feel for herself in all of these new roles and settings. I was captivated by her story and her circumstances from the start. I loved the kids, their teachers, and their families. I loved how the characters grow over time – and not just Bea. Bea’s experience with Bridge to Terabithia was a fantastic part of the story. My favorite part, though, is getting a peek into Bea’s thinking about all of the things happening in her life – the changes in her family, the soccer situation, her friends at school, her feelings about Bryce, how she relates what she is reading to what she is experiencing, etc..

There is SO MUCH here to love. Do not miss the latest book from the author of Right as Rain (another book I wanted to hug after reading). This would be a fantastic read-aloud, but would also work well for book groups and book clubs. (Includes a few excellent uses of the word “badass.”)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

REVIEW: Parked by Danielle Svetcov

REVIEW: Parked by Danielle Svetcov

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Jeanne Ann and her mother live in Chicago where her mom works in a restaurant as a cook. The hours are long, and her boss is awful. Jeanne Ann splits her time between school and the local library. She stays there until it closes, and the staff have a rule that someone stays with her until her mom gets there to pick her up. The library is like a second home. Jeanne Ann loves Mrs. Jablonsky, the librarian. She has a reading spot, and she helps shelve the books. The librarian even gives her review copies of upcoming books so she can tell them which ones to buy.

But one day, Jeanne Ann’s mom decides to pursue her dream, so they buy a run down orange van and start driving west to San Francisco.

They find a side street with a great view and park the van near some other folks with the same idea. Jeanne Ann’s mom says they are on vacation and can relax for a few days. But when she decides to look for a job, she runs into road blocks. The former co-worker who invited her to come out to San Francisco is gone. The apartment they thought they could live in isn’t an option. So they live on the side street in their van. Across from Cal’s house.

Cal was 8 the first time he approached one of the folks parked across the street. He gave the man some food. And ever since then, he’s been hyper-aware of the people living there. He wants to help them. He wants people to SEE them. But his efforts backfire. He’s gotten into trouble at school which means trouble at home. But the arrival of a new orange van – and a girl his age – catches his attention.

Review

This was SO good! I loved Jeanne Ann and Cal. Readers in books get me every time – and Jeanne Ann is a reader. That trait – and her relationship with books – is a thread through the whole story. Cal is earnest and determined. He’s young – both kids are going into 7th grade. His intentions are great, but his execution causes some trouble. But he keeps showing up. He keeps trying to help; he keeps trying to get his mom to see HIM and see the need right in front of them.

There’s a library thread in this that is absolutely delightful! Mrs. Jablonsky is trying to find Jeanne Ann and her mom when Jeanne Ann stops coming to the library and her books are flagged overdue. The love of this team of librarians for this preteen girl warmed my heart.

The ending of this is also spectacular. I loved how everything came together in the end. This feel-good story tackles a lot of topics – homelessness, helping vs. rescuing, success and failure, fear, friendship, food, reading, neighbors. So much to love here. This would be an AMAZING read aloud at home or at school. Be sure to check this one out.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

REVIEW: What I Like About You by Marisa Kanter

REVIEW: What I Like About You by Marisa Kanter

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Nash is an artist and a graphic novelist. He’s active on Twitter where he has shared his graphic novel, Rex, with the world. That’s how he met Kels.

Kels is a baker and a book reviewer. Her blog and social media accounts – One True Pastry –  pair book covers with cupcake designs that Kels bakes herself. She’s built a big following online and a small inner circle of Twitter friends, including Nash. He’s become her best friend over the last few years online.

Halle has moved to Connecticut for her senior year so she can focus on applying for college and building on her other interests. She and her younger brother are living with their widowed grandfather while their parents are in Israel filming a documentary. Usually Halle and Ollie would go with them. That’s one of the reasons Halle has struggled to make friends IRL (in real life). The family has moved so much, Halle has never really gotten to put down roots. Add to that her anxiety and her general awkwardness, and it’s easy to see why face-to-face relationships are hard for her.

Halle’s expectations for finding friendship in her new home are low. And then she runs into Nash. He knows her grandfather from temple and says hello, knowing she’s new in town. But Nash isn’t new to Halle. She’s been best friends with Nash online for years. Only he has no idea that Halle is Kels.

Review

There are so many things I enjoyed about this:

  • All the book love – This is a book lovers book. There are book Twitter stories and Bookstagram examples that will be familiar to readers who frequent those spaces. The book signing, cover reveals, and book convention pieces felt like home to me. This was my favorite part of the book.
  • The baking – I loved Halle’s/Kels’ take on her book reviews. The cupcakes sounded amazing. (There were no recipes in the review copy of the book.)
  • The characters – I loved the characters in this. Halle’s circle of friends – online and off – were great. And her family was even more delightful than her friends.

I’ve read other secret identity sorts of books before, but this one was on the painful side at times. I couldn’t relax into enjoying Nash and Halle together because of all the angst on her side and the lying by omission. As painful as it was – as much as I was dreading the moment where it all falls apart – I was also craving that moment. I wanted the lying done! I wanted Halle to get to be wholly herself and not this divided character.

The end wraps things up well. I loved  where everything settles in the end, both for Halle and Nash as well as for the other characters. Don’t miss this fun YA romance! (Language, LGBTQ+, TW: anxiety/panic attacks)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Undercover Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

REVIEW: Undercover Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Liv (sister of Thea in The Bromance Book Club – ♥♥♥♥♥) is a pastry chef at the high end Savoy. She’s responsible for many of their special treats including a $1000 gold-infused cupcake called the Sultan.

Braden Mack is at the Savoy for a date with the first woman he’s wanted to have stick around, maybe ever. But nothing at this date is going quite right. He’s hoping the Sultan will help.

When Mack recognizes Liv things start to go sideways. Her boss, Royce, is fuming because Liv is getting the attention he feels he should always have from customers. Then, when Mack insists on a selfie with Liv and the cupcake, the dessert ends up in his date’s lap. Liv knows Royce won’t let this go. Surely she’s going to be fired.

But when Liv shows up for the dressing down she’s expecting, Royce is in the office with the restaurant’s young hostess. And what Liv hears through the door is NOT right! She storms in, rescuing the girl and incurring even more of her boss’ wrath. She’s fired and blackballed. The hostess refuses to report their boss. And Liv is stunned that Royce is going to get away with this behavior. How many times has he done this before?

Mack becomes an unexpected partner in Liv’s plan to take Royce down. She has no interest in the cocky playboy except to give the Savoy hostess a job if Liv can convince her to leave. But the feelings between Liv and Mack might hold more warmth than either of them expect for such an antagonistic relationship.

Review

This was even better than the first book! I loved Mack and Liv together. And this story was SO funny! The banter between Mack and Liv alone was hilarious. But there were so many other terrific, funny moments. Between the humor and the romance, I was a happy reader. But add to that the we’re-not-going-to-take-it-anymore vibe, and I was in reading heaven.

One of my favorite things about this series is the men’s book group. It’s an unusual feature in contemporary romance, and I love it. Not only do they have a fascinating perspective on the romance novels they read, but the way they show up for each other is excellent. In this particular book, they show up for the plot – for the Royce take down plans – but they also show up for Mack emotionally. That scene is one of my favorites in the whole series. And the explanation of the title was brilliant. I loved all of it!

Fans of contemporary romance – Well Met (♥♥♥♥♥),  Love on Lexington Avenue, The Bookish Life of Nina Hill – should not miss this series! If you haven’t read the first book yet, run right out and get both of these and clear your reading schedule. And while you are at it, pre-order Crazy Stupid Bromance (releasing in October) because you aren’t going to want to miss a moment with these characters. (Language, sex, possible triggers for abuse and harassment)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

BONUS REVIEW: Help Wanted, Must Love Books by Janet Sumner Johnson

BONUS REVIEW: Help Wanted, Must Love Books by Janet Sumner Johnson

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Capstone in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Shailey takes her bedtime reading routine VERY seriously. And she and her dad have a great one – until his new job gets in the way. So Shailey puts up a help wanted sign and starts interviewing replacements for him. Some of her applicants, while familiar from their own stories, aren’t a good fit for the job. Shailey wonders if she’ll ever find the right storyteller.

Review

This was delightful! The story was clever, using fairy tale characters like the Three Pigs and Cinderella as potential storytellers. The qualifications changed as Shailey weeded out the wrong types of applicants. There are even some fun sample applications at the end of the book. I loved the final solution to her dilemma.

The art work here is darling! This would be perfect for a school, library or book store read aloud. Don’t miss this one! This is scheduled to release on March 1, 2020.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

BONUS REVIEW: The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman

BONUS REVIEW: The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Nina Hill is quite content with her bookish life, thank you very much. She works at a bookstore, and runs their kids’ book clubs. She attends her own book club and store author events. She is very attached to her planner and her quiet routines. Add in her trivia team – Book ‘Em, Danno – and what more could she possibly need?

Certainly not the good looking guy from her rival quiz team You’re a Quizzard, Harry. He might be handsome and all, but he seems to only know useless sports trivia. Sure, that horse racing fact came in handy for the Quizzards, but if she was going to date a guy, he had to be a reader.

Nina also does NOT need the drama of discovering her birth father. She’s lived almost thirty years without him, and now that he’s dead, what more could he provide?

But the man had a family – and money. Nina’s new siblings and extended family want to meet her, and some want to keep her from any part of the estate. An estate she couldn’t care less about.

Life was so much simpler when it was just Nina, her cat and her quiet bookish life!

Review

I’m sure my husband was tired of me reading passages to him every couple pages, but the writing here is clever and snappy. I adored it! This falls into a narrow category of the “perfect” book for me. I loved the characters. The writing is sharp. I laughed often; the book and pop culture references were fantastic! I didn’t want to put the book down, but at the same time I didn’t want it to end.

Nina is a hoot! She’s crazy smart, witty and quirky. I clicked with her book love – of course – and her organized approach to life. She’s a cat person. She has made the best out of a non-traditional upbringing. I adored her. Add in two awesome kid characters – Clare and Millie – and a couple of Nina’s new relatives, and I was in awesome-character heaven. Even the most abrasive character was a favorite by the end.

I expected Nina’s anxiety over this new family to make that part of the story awkward and angsty, but it was actually my favorite part of the book.  The romantic storyline was good, but the family piece was outstanding! I read this from the library, but this is now a must-buy for me. And I loved the writing in this from the first sentence, so I’ll be checking out the author’s other work asap. (Mostly off-page sex. Includes discussion questions for book groups.)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥+++

REVIEW: Suggested Reading by David Connis

REVIEW: Suggested Reading by David Connis

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Clara Evans has always been something of a reading fanatic. As a kid, she could only read books AT the library. Money was super tight, and her parents wanted no risk of overdue fees. When Clara found an abandoned library card, she used it to secretly check books out – and she never earned a fine!

Books were what got Clara admitted to her fancy school, Lupton Academy. They’re also what prompted her to start a nonprofit that runs Tiny Little Libraries around town and gets grants for school libraries in need. In fact, Clara’s night-before-school-starts tradition is called the “Evans Highlighter All-Nighter” which involves her staying up all night to read. And this year – before her last high school first-day-of-school – she stays up to read a new book from her favorite author. And it’s amazing.

Clara’s tired, but walking on  a post-book high when she gets to the school library for her volunteer shift. That’s when she discovers the school is puling 50 books from the library collection. And they’ve done it before. Students didn’t notice, thinking the books were just checked out when they couldn’t find them on the shelves. But now Clara is aware. And she’s ready to do something about it!

Review

This was fascinating! There have been a few other banned books/start-a-secret-library-in-your-locker sort of stories in the last couple years (Ban This Book, Property of the Rebel Librarian), but this stands in a category by itself. Part of the reason is that this is YA rather than middle grade. With the older audience, the author can explore some more mature content, reasoning and emotions. The other reason is how the protagonist is challenged and changed by this journey. At one point she feels like books – in some ways her most faithful companions through life – have betrayed her or failed her. She also wrestles with significant risk for her protest. All of these pieces made for a fantastic reading experience for me.

This would be a tremendous book for class reading or for book groups. You have all of the book related material, but you also have other teen issues like underage drinking, sexual identity, depression and suicide for discussion.

While the ending didn’t punch all the buttons I was looking for, I was pleased with how everything wrapped up for Clara and her friends. Be sure to check this one out! (Language, LGBTQ+, Trigger Warning: suicide)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½