Alex Rider Secret Weapon gets 4 Stars {ya lit, action/adventure}

I know books, but I am not a music expert.  However, with the spy and adventure theme of this book I couldn't get the theme music for James Bond and Mission Impossible movies out of my head. If I had to create a Playlist of sorts for this book, it'd definitely include those songs. 

It's not all action and adventure. There is some humor. ;) "Of course it'll work!  I mean, I hope it'll work. But it is a prototype, you know..."

"You should be careful whom you choose to trust." 

Alex Rider, aka the teenage James Bond.  He's a teenage spy for MI6.  Therefore, he gets really cool gadgets, he's super smart, a linguist, martial arts master, and he just seems like a good 14 year old.  This book has seven short stories, which make for a super fast read that'll have you keep turning the pages. You'll finish before you know it, and if you are anything like me you'll love that reality is briefly suspended and that things work out for Alex.  I'm such a sucker for the happy ending.  To be honest, I didn't know the Alex Rider books were for more than just middle and high school boys.  I'm actually a big fan of Alex Rider now, and don't worry, you don't have to have been an AR fan and have read the other books to enjoy this one.  Horowitz does a great job including any necessary background information.  

Basically, this Alex Rider book is fantastic.  At times there are a few gaps in the action, but otherwise I felt the writing was great.  The story moves quickly and there is enough development, but this is definitely a plot driven story.  Definitely a great book to hand to a kid in 5th grade and up; middle school libraries should most definitely have this book on the shelf. 

Alex Rider Secret Weapon by Anthony Horowitz
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 12 and up, action/adventure fans will love this fast read. 
# of Pages:  336
Clean Read: Yes. There is action and violence, but it isn't gruesome. I think an 11 year old could enjoy this.   
Worth a Check Out: Yes. It is such a fun quick read. It's worth a read when you are looking for a page turner that will help you escape reality. 
Buy It or Not: Maybe.  If you are an Alex Rider fan then you definitely should. 
Read Aloud:  Actually, it could be a fun read for 6th-8th grade classroom. 



I received a copy of this book from Penguin Random House, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

I Spy the Illuminati Eye: What's the Big Secret? gets 4 Stars {

The Illuminati aka a secret society about enlightenment that began long ago in a forest in Europe has possible connections to the Freemasons and other secret societies.  To be honest, I've never been one to think and ponder conspiracy theories.  To be honest, I didn't know much about the history of the Illuminati before this book.  However now... who knows, maybe I'll drive my husband bonkers with my Illuminati spottings.  😉

I Spy the Illuminate Eye: What's the Big Secret? by Sheila Keenan is a fun read.  It's an easy read, and it would make a great book (or gift, b/c books make great gifts *hint*hint*) for a middle school or high school student that doesn't  like to read.  The pop culture references and the secret societies are sure to engage every reader.  

After beginning this book with very little secret society knowledge (besides the movie Skulls that I watched way back when Blockbuster was a thing) I found myself engaged and wanting to keep turning the pages.  It's a fun book. Definitely check it out. 

If you are, or become an Illuminati believer, you may start seeing signs of the Illuminati all over.  Have you ever seen: 

• The eye on top of the pyramid found on US money?
• Someone make a symbol of a triangle? 
• A triangle drawn inside a triangle? 
• Seen an eye tattoo? 

The book even shows that the White House Lawns (shaped like an owl), and the top of the Washington Monument (looking down it's a circle with a dot in the middle) are both Illuminati symbols.  

Honestly, this book is quite a fun read, but I'm not sure I can say I'm an Illuminati Believer.  However, since reading I Spy the Illuminati Eye I've caught myself noticing little things here and there and it makes me chuckle and wonder for a second.  

What about you?  Do you find yourself saying "Illuminati Confirmed?" 

I Spy the Illuminati Eye: What's the Big Secret? by Sheila Keenan
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 10+, 4th grade and up
# of Pages:  111
Clean Read: Yes.
Worth a Check Out: Yes.  If conspiracy theories are fun for you, and you want a quick non-fiction read, then definitely give this book a check-out.
Buy It or Not: Maybe.  This book is a quick easy read and a good choice for middle school and high school reluctant readers.
Read Aloud:  No.  Non-fiction usually do not make the best read alouds, but they are fun to browse and read here and there.
Lesson Ideas: Illuminati, Secret Societies, Conspiracy Theories. 

Not that you could tell me if you are in the Illuminati or another secret society, but are you a conspiracy theory/secret society fan???


A few aspects I love about I Spy the Illuminati Eye that may make you grab a copy sooner rather than later:

There are instructions for making invisible ink. (pg 47) So cool! 


The Bohemian Grove, aka quite the gathering of people in a secret society, is a fun party like meeting every July in a redwood forest near San Francisco.  (pg 70)

The Illuminati Charts with famous musicians like Beyonce, Rihanna, and Eminem and their "supposed" Illuminati connections or signs. (pg 100-101)


Thank you Penguin Young Readers for the book to review.  All thoughts and comments are my own. 

Matylda, Bright and Tender gets 5 stars {middle grade fiction, coming of age}

A co-worker and fellow-librarian was on a mission to get this book checked out more so it doesn't get weeded.  It just doesn't seem to get the love it deserves.  She loved the book, and I'm all about reading great books.  I will say I'm so glad I checked this book out.  

Matylda, Bright and Tender by Holly M. McGhee is a beautiful, well written character driven story about loss/death, healing, and love.  

Sussy (short for Susquehanna) Reed and her best friend Guy Hose have a beautiful friendship, and do many things a child can relate to.  When they are in 4th grade they are able to convince Sussy's parents that they need a pet to "love all their own."  That's when Matylda makes her appearance, and she has a valuable roll in this coming of age story.   

Holly McGhee's debut novel is fantastic.  The writing and feel of the story reminded me of Sharon Creech's books, or Jerry Spinelli's Stargirl.  

Matylda, Bright and Tender gets 5 out of 5 stars. This book is a gentle moving story, but at 200 pages it's a quick read as well.  I loved the writing.  McGhee wrote the tough parts, like death, quite well.  She wrote the emotions Sussy was feeling well.  The only part I didn't love is the stealing part, and I wish there was more explanation in that connection and Sussy's healing and growth.  

This would be a fabulous book for anyone that wants to heal from loss and relate to someone.  This would be a great classroom read aloud, or nightly read with your kids.  All in all, Matylda, Bright and Tender is a fabulous book that deserves more attention.  

Happy Middle Grade Fiction Heartwarming Coming of Age Reading! 


Matylda, Bright and Tender by Holly M. McGhee
Rating: 5/5 stars
Best For: 8 -14 yrs old, 3rd grade- 8th grade
# of Pages:  210
Clean Read: Yes.
Worth a Check Out: Yes.  Similar feel to Sharon Creech novels.
Buy It or Not: Yes.  Especially, if you know a child or teen that lost a loved one.  This would be a great book for bibliotherapy reasons regarding death and healing.   
Read Aloud: Yes this would make a great classroom read aloud for 3rd-5th grade class room, or with a parent at night.  
Lesson Ideas: Death. Pets. Pet Care. Love. Guilt. Forgiveness. Stealing. Friendship. Family Relationships. Character Driven Story. 

Have you read Matylda, Bright and Tender? What did you think of it?



A few quotes from Matylda, Bright and Tender that I had to share with you: 

"That's when I knew I loved him- not in a fairy-tale way with a princess or prince or anything like that.  I just loved him, the way you love the people closest to you." pg 2

"Don't look down, forget you can fall, fool yourself that way." pg 51

"I know it sounds silly, but sometimes a simple change on the outside can make you feel new." pg 131

Love and Gelato gets 4 Stars {ya lit, contemporary fiction, romance}

Tuscany. Romance. Sweet story. Delicious bakeries. Gelato.  

Seriously, there's not much you can't like about this sweet young adult book.  

Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch is a fun book that any teenage girl would enjoy.  There's romance, mystery, great character development, and some deep subjects, like cancer, as well.  A fun book with some depth in topics is hard to find.  There's a lot to love with Love and Gelato, and therefore it's well deserving of it's 4 out of 5 stars rating.  

This novel is a quick read, and even though the story line was almost completely predictable, I'm pretty sure only adults reading this ya book would care about that.  I did feel the growth Lina experienced in the story was great.  I loved seeing, in a glossed over way I believe, how Lina dealt with her mother's death from cancer.  I loved seeing Lina find a father-like figure.  I believe there's a good chance this book could benefit others who have to deal and work through a death in the family especially a parent. 

Overall, this book was the light fun read I was looking for after a heavy book like Ghost Boy. 

If you pick this YA book up, enjoy! 

Happy Fun Light Romance in Tuscany YA Reading!  

Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 13-18 year old girls, 7th grade and up 
Clean Read: Yes, a little language.   
Worth a Check Out: Yes, when you are looking for a fun light read.
Buy It or Not: Yes if you like chick-lit, Meg Cabot, or Ally Carter type of books.  
Book Club Discussion: Did Lina feel obligated to go to Tuscany b/c it was her mother's wish, or her mother's death-bed wish?  Why do you think Lina felt like it was difficult to be social after her mother's death? Cancer is always tough, but do you think it was tougher on Lina b/c she was a teenager?  Would you consider this story a "coming of age" story, if so why?

Did you read Love and Gelato?  What did you think? 

A quote I loved from Love and Gelato: 

"You know, people come to Italy for all sorts of reasons, but when they stay, it's for the same two things." 
"What?"
"Love and gelato."

Caldecott 2018 Winners {picture books, nonfiction, book list}

The Caldecott is a prestigious award named after Randolph Caldecott.  The award is given to the artist/illustrator of the best American published books.  

When I was the librarian in Denver, I had a 2nd grader that was fascinated with my "Caldecott Medal Winners" poster and checked out every single winner.  I feel a bit like that little boy b/c every year I check out the Caldecott Medal and Honor (runner-ups) books.  

This year, the 2018 Caldecott  Medal Winner is: 

Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell

The 2018 Caldecott Honor books are: 

Big Cat, Little Cat by Elisha Cooper

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes

A Different Pond by Bao Phi

Grand Canyon by Jason Chin

Some Caldecott years I completely adore all of the books for their story and illustrations, and some years I think the pictures are cool but the stories are lacking.  This year, I'm probably somewhere in between.  I thought some books were amazing, and I loved the diversity in the books.  

Check out the links above for my reviews on each of the Caldecott books this year.  

Which Caldecott book this year is your favorite? I'd probably vote for Grand Canyon, but maybe that is my Arizona connection.   Though, I really loved A Different Pond as well. 

Happy Caldecott reading! 

Grand Canyon gets 4.5 Stars {nonfiction, caldecott}

Grand Canyon by Jason Chin is absolutely fantastic.  The illustrations are gorgeous.  The details, such as the end paper map shown below, are exceptional and make this book a must addition for any library collection.

The information found in the Grand Canyon book is extensive.  It covers the geology of the Grand Canyon, ecology, biology including insects and animals, and so much more.  Though, the information is not the only thing found in this book, the story of a father and daughter's adventure hiking in the Grand Canyon is a welcome addition.  To be honest, this book could be used as a long picture book for younger students, or a research/fact book for older.  Both audiences/readers will learn something new about the Grand Canyon.

The story aspect and the nonfiction aspect merge together on pages that send the characters "back" in time billions of years ago to what the area looked like.  To be honest, the first time the story went back to the past I was a little confused, but it eventually made sense.  I think this confusion in the book is what made me rate the Grand Canyon at 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The book is fantastic!  It truly is such a great book that I have high praise for.  The very end of the book, when the story is over, there are pages of facts and even more information about the Grand Canyon.  Honestly, the amount of information in this book is quite impressive, and a person that loves Arizona, the Grand Canyon, geology, ecology, or biology should definitely get their hands on this book.  This book should be, I hope it is, sold in the gift shops at the Grand Canyon National Park.

I loved many things about Grand Canyon, but this double fold out page illustrating the entire Grand Canyon is gorgeous!  It's honestly frame worthy, but I love it even more b/c it is in a kid's book.  This double fold out page will be awed and loved by those that own this book, but like many library books with fold-outs, it may be a little beat-up. 

I'm so happy that Jason Chin won a Caldecott Honor for Grand Canyon; in my opinion it is so well deserved.

Happy Fabulous Non-Fiction Completely Entertaining Scientific reading!

Grand Canyon by Jason Chin
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Best For: 8-13 years old, 3rd to 7th grade. 
Worth a Check Out: Yes
Buy It or Not: Great book. Definitely a purchase for a library collection, science lover, or Arizona teacher.
Read Aloud: No, it is far too long.  Though, you could read parts.   
Lesson Ideas: Arizona, The Grand Canyon, history, geology, ecology, animals, biology, maps, Caldecott.

Fish in a Tree gets 4.5 Stars {middle grade fiction, contemporary}

"Be careful with eggs and words b/c neither can be fixed." 

"Great minds don't think alike." 

"Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid." 

Friendship. Bullying. Families. Inspiring teacher. Overcoming challenges. Reading difficulties. Dyslexia. 

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is full of inspiring quotes and so many deep and powerful topics; it is a great read.  Personally, I think this would be a great book for a classroom read aloud in the upper elementary or middle school classroom.  It would also make for a wonderful parent/child read.  

I absolutely enjoyed this middle grade fiction, and I definitely think readers of all ages could vastly benefit from this book.  I was inspired and educated, and for all of those reasons Fish in a Tree earned 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

I really enjoyed the character development and the growth Ally portrayed.   She struggled with her confidence and self-esteem at the beginning, and I loved that at the end she said, "I'm having trouble is not the same as I can't."  I feel that statement alone shows a lot of growth.  

All in all, fabulous book that is predictable (hence the slight rating decrease), but it was relatable and powerful as well.  

Fish in a Tree is a fabulous.  Definitely check this book out.  If you liked the book Wonder, which I loved, then I think you will enjoy this read as well.  It'd make a great Book Club book as well.  

Happy Powerful and Inspiring Middle Grade Fiction Reading!


Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Best For: 9 years old and up, 4th grade and up. 
Clean Read: Yes
Worth a Check Out: Yes.
Buy It or Not: Yes.
Read Aloud: Yes.Lesson Ideas: Friendship. Bullying. Differences. Challenges. Confidence. Dyslexia. Reading. Kindness. Family. Metaphors. 

One for Sorrow gets 3 Stars {middle grade fiction, ghost/horror}

It's October.  That means ghosts stories are in order.  A lot of the time people will think a good ghost story when they hear the author, Mary Downing Hahn.  Hahn is well known for her ghost stories, and this new one is no exception. 

One for Sorrow by Mary Downing Hahn is her latest ghost story published just this year.  It's set in a small town in America during WWI when the Spanish Influenza was spreading.  This book has some interesting parts and a lot of frustrating parts as well.  

One for Sorrow gets 3 out of 5 stars in my book review.  This book was probably one of my least favorite Hahn ghost stories.  I think a ghost story is a fun read, but this one was less ghost and more evil and mean.  I liked the information on the influenza, and the feelings people had about WWI.  I found it fascinating to know that Hahn was inspired by her mother's experience of visiting homes with her friends of those that died, and then they actually came to a home of a classmate that had, unknown to them, died. 

The major issue I had with this book is the fact that I didn't like any of the characters.  Not one.  There were a lot of mean girls, girls with low self-esteem, and bullying.  The bullying wasn't resolved in a good manner, and the girls only changed after a mean ghost bothered them extensively.  The ghost was as likable as a ghost as she was in real life; which that is not saying much.  Honestly, One for Sorrow felt more like an evil mean girl book than a ghost story.  I was bothered that Annie couldn't talk to her parents, but she couldn't stand up for herself either.  I had wished for more character development in that area.  

Overall, it's not a bad ghost story, but Wait Til Helen Comes is probably my favorite Mary Downing Hahn book.  Here are some other fun ghost story chapter books if you only plan to read 1 Halloween-ish like book, and want some more options.  I'm also sharing Halloween books on my Instagram account as well. 

What is your favorite middle grade ghost story? 

If you do pick up this book, or any Hahn ghost stories...Happy Middle Grade Fiction Ghost Story reading!


One for Sorrow by Mary Downing Hahn
Rating: 3/5 stars
Best For: 10 - 13 year olds, 5th through 8th grade
Clean Read: Yes
Worth a Check Out: Yes, if you like ghost stories
Buy It or Not: No
Read Aloud: No
Lesson Ideas: Spanish influenza. Bullying. Life in America during WWI.

Wolf Hollow gets 4 Stars {newbery honor, middle grade fiction, historical fiction}

Newbery Honor Award
Kindness
Compassion
Helping Others
Bullying
1940's Pennsylvania
WWI and the after affects. 

These are just a few of the tags you could give Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk.  This book is incredibly well written with a beautifully story with depth and a wonderful coming of age story.

Annabelle is a 12 year old girl in rural Pennsylvania.  She lives with her two younger brothers, parents, aunt, and grandma and grandparents on a farm.  There are forests, rolling hills, and a lot of history.  The telephone was just coming about, WWII had begun, and the people were still feeling the effects of the last world war.

Wolk did a fantastic job writing this story, and she is well deserving of the Newbery Honor.  The character development for the main characters was well done.  The story had depth with history, and the reader is able to gain a new perspective about that time period in rural America.

Wolf Hollow gets 4 out of 5 stars.  It truly is a beautiful story, and I highly recommended it for 5th grade and up.  I loved the way Annabelle grew and was able to stand up to Betty the bully.  I loved how kind and compassionate Annabelle was to Toby but also Mr. Ansel.  I loved how Annabelle felt sorry for Betty and felt like she was partly responsible, even though she wasn't.  I liked the relationship Annabelle had with her parents.  The story, in all of it's "not a happy ending" or "perfect family" portrayal felt real yet entertaining and relatable.

The setting and description of Wolf Hollow was just enough for the reader to picture it in his/her head, but it didn't overwhelm the reader with details.  The story felt homey and comfortable, but it wasn't predictable either.  I really enjoyed so many aspects of Wolf Hollow; it's a fabulous story.

With all of my praises for this book you may be curious why Wolf Hollow lost a star in my book review rating.  The story is a touch slow to get going; this was actually my 3rd time picking it up before I was able to finish it.  I also felt the transformation of Henry, Annabelle's younger brother, to be far to quick and abrupt.  He acted childish the entire story, but suddenly at the end he was mature.  I would've loved to have seen a slower more realistic development for this minor character.   Now you may be thinking people grow up in tough situations, but Henry's transformation seemed forgotten until the end.  My last reason for a less than perfect rating is the fact that few students will pick this book up to read.  This may have to be a Battle of the Books selection, or a teacher/parent will need to read it aloud with students to get them to read it.  I guess in general, this book doesn't grab a reader, even though there is a lot of value and literary merit for it.   

I do love that the way Creech wrote a Walk Two Moons seemed similar to Wolk's writing style in Wolf Hollow.  Also, the storyline of Wolf Hollow seemed similar to To Kill a Mockingbird.  Basically, Wolf Hollow is in good company, and it is a great book you should definitely check out.    

Happy Award Winning Well Written Historical reading! 


Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 10 - 13 year olds, 4th through 8th grade.
Worth a Check Out: Yes.
Buy It or Not: In should definitely be in school collections, but probably not personal collections. 
Read Aloud: Yes, a great historical read aloud for 5th grade and up.  
Lesson Ideas: History, 1940s, WWI, Veterans, Rural Pennsylvania, Farming, Bullying, Kindness, Photography, No judgement.  

Refugee gets 5 Stars {historical fiction, middle grade fiction}

Germany, Cuba, Syria aren't known for having too much in common.  Three different places.  Three different times. Three different families.  Refugee by Alan Gratz is the common denominator.  

Refugee gets 5 out of 5 stars in my book review of this upper middle grade (great choice for teens and adults as well) historical fiction.  This book is fantastic, powerful, emotional, inspiring, eye-opening, and a chance to change who you are and how you treat others. 

Refugee is well deserving of the 5 star rating.  It's a clean read (with some intense parts) and perfect for 5th grade through 10th grade.  However, all teens and adults could greatly benefit from and enjoy this read.   The chapters are short and perfect for short attention spans.  There's enough detail, but it isn't a super wordy read which is great for this targeted audience. All in all, the format and writing of the story is well done.      

Gratz intertwines three different characters, all refugees, from different time periods and different locations.  The connection between the three isn't as intertwined as other books I've read, like Echo.  Even though I was a tad confused at first and wasn't sure how these, what seemed to be, different stories would connect they did come together.  

I really enjoyed the stories of Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud, and I gained new insight into a refugees life.  Josef a Jewish boy from Germany was trying to get to Cuba with his family in the 1930s.  Isabel, a Cuban girl in 1994 was trying to take a man made boat to America with her family and close friends. Mahmoud, a Syrian boy in 2015 was trying to escape to Germany with his family.  All three refugees had heartbreaking moments.  All three refugees reminded me of the importance of families and how quickly lives can change.  All three refugees had a somewhat happy ending even though they did go through a lot of hardship.  I liked their mostly happy ending, but I also realize not all refugees have happy endings.  I wouldn't say it is an uplifting book, b/.c there were times i was saddened for these characters.  However, Refugee is a very enlightening read, and I really enjoyed it.  

This book is powerful.  Teachers, parents, and librarians should try and get this book into the hands of as many kids, and adults, as you can.  There is power in this book to change people, and maybe help others to reach out to help refugees.  I have a good friend who has been working with Lifting Hands International.  This organization works with and helps refugees in a myriad of ways.  My friend says, volunteering with this organization and helping these people has changed her in ways she didn't know was possible.  She loves working with them, and she loves working with these amazingly strong and grateful refugees.

After reading this book, I realize the importance and need to help refugees.  What they go through isn't easy, but instead usually heartbreaking and extremely difficult.  What did you realize after reading this book? 

Happy Powerful and Emotional Historical Fiction reading! 

Refugee by Alan Gratz
Rating: 5/5 stars
Best For: 11 - 16 year olds, 5th through 11th grade.
Worth a Check Out: Yes, check it out.
Buy It or Not: It's a great purchase.
Read Aloud: Middle school teachers even early high school teachers could have some powerful discussions and essays written about this book. 
Lesson Ideas: History, Refugees, WWII, Cuba, Syria, Will to Live, Choices, Most value, How to help, Should government allow more refugees, etc. 

Grumpy Cat and Pokey: The Grumpus! gets 2 Stars {comic, reluctant readers, 4th-7th grade}

Grumpy Cat and Pokey!: The Grumpus by Ben McCool, Royal McGraw, Ben Fisher, Derek Fridolfs, and Illas Kyriazis is a collection of short story comics about the lovable (much to his disgust) Grumpy Cat.  This is the 3rd Grumpy Cat book, but it is my first. 

Grumpy Cat is a lovable and fun cat.  His comics are apparently hilarious to the majority of the reviewers out there.  Most people think this comic book was funny and a downright great to read.  However, I felt differently. 

I give Grumpy Cat 2 out of 5 stars. I liked the short comic collection; this format is great for reluctant readers. I liked Grumpy Cat's statement of "I'm allergic to fun."  Though, the things I enjoy end there.  

All in all I felt Grumpy Cat and Pokey: The Grumpus! was random, boring, and lacked any real point or story line in any of the various comics.  Even the stickers at the end (shown below) were random.  

I love finding books for reluctant readers, but I feel there are other great books for reluctant readers in this age group. 

Have you read any Grumpy Cat books? Am I completely off on my feelings this cat and his comics?  I'm feeling like quite the party pooper, but at least I'm an honest party pooper. ;)
  

Happy Grumpy Cat comic book reading! 

Grumpy Cat and Pokey!: The Grumpus by Ben McCool and more 
Rating: 2/5 stars
Best For: 9 - 12 year olds, 4th though 7th grade
Worth a Check Out: If you like Grumpy Cat
Buy It or Not: No.
Read Aloud: No.
Lesson Ideas: ???


I received this book from Myrick Marketing in exchange for my review and honest opinion.  All of my thoughts, opinions, and words are my own.