Secrets of a Charmed Life gets 5 Stars {adult, historical fiction}

World War II. London Blitz. Fate. Mystery. Family. Dreams.  

Secrets of  Charmed Life by Susan Meissner is a beautiful WWII historical fiction story of resilience, family, mistakes, chasing dreams, and the makings of a happy life.  This novel is fantastic; I loved every minute of it.  There was excellent character development, an unpredictable story, and powerful moments that are impactful.  

The story of Julia and Emmy set during the time of the London Blitz not only opens your eyes to how extensive the bombings in London were, but also how resilient the community was with the motto, "Keep on and carry on" spoken.  Julia and Emmy's stories have similar threads of love and acceptance.       

Susan Meissner is a wonderful author.  I loved Fall of Marigolds, but I enjoyed Secrets of a Charmed Life even more.  If you are looking for a great clean adult historical fiction read, you must check out Meissner's books. 

Happy London Blitz Historical Fiction Reading! 


Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner
Rating: 5/5 stars
Best For: Adults.
Clean Read: Yes. There's action, and intensity regarding war time, but considered it clean. 
Worth a Check Out: Yes. The audiobook is a great check-out as well.
Buy It or Not: Buy, especially if you love historical fictions.
Read Aloud: The historical aspect of the London Blitz and the mystery that goes along with it would make a good read aloud with the right group/class.  It'd make a great book club book.
Book Club Discussion Ideas: How extensive the London Blitz was, Resilience, Impact of choices, Is it ever okay to lie?, People make mistakes, Fate and providence, What makes up a happy life?


Did you read Secrets of a Charmed Life? What did you think? 


Just a couple quotes and thoughts I loved from Secrets of a Charmed Life:

"Don't chase only the dream. Life is a journey not a destination."

We play the cards we've been dealt and other cards around us are impacted by the cards we play.

A happy life is not made up of what you dreamed of or achieved, but who you poured your  life into and who poured theirs into yours.  Love for others should be the motivation.

From Dark to Light gets 2 Stars {picture book, student author}

In 5th grade I was wearing hot pink shorts, with pockets b/c why not, for my elementary school basketball team.  I loved those shorts my mom made!  I remember free-throws were not a strength of mine, okay they still aren't, but in 5th grade my glasses broke.  I had to play my basketball game with very blurry vision.  I was not looking forward to my very blurry basketball game. 

Yet, during that vision impaired game I scored the most points I ever scored in a game in elementary school.  I scored a whopping 15 points.  It was a big game.  I'm not sure why my lack of vision increased my score 10 times from normal, but it probably means I'm not a great basketball player.

I tell you that above story b/c what I was doing in 5th grade, and what a lot of people are doing at 10-11 years old is not what Isabella Murphy was doing.  Isabella Murphy wrote and published a book.  #wow

Isabella Murphy is a 5th grade student author who wrote From Dark to Light.  This book, with personification aka an inanimate object gave human like qualities, is about a pumpkin who wants to feel loved.  This pumpkin gets planted, grows, and becomes picked by a family.  It's a cute story, but definitely text heavy.  

From Dark to Light gets 2 out of 5 stars.  The illustrations are cute, the story given from the perspective of a seed is fun, and the fact that a 5th grader wrote it is cool.  I also love that a story from the perspective of a pumpkin includes the carving of the pumpkins; I personally thought carving would be scary for the pumpkins, but for these pumpkins it is just fun.  There are some great parts to the story.  

Though, I try to be honest, fair, consistent, and critical in my reviews.  This story is obviously an indie book.  The story doesn't quite flow smoothly, and the text could've definitely been condensed. There are many parts of the story that don't add anything to the overall story line and should've been taken out.  I realize this book is written by a child, but I still hope a published book would have better character development.  The character development was too quick; one minute Pumpker is being laughed at and treated cruelly by his sisters and then the next moment they are giggling with him. 

Overall, the story is good, but it isn't great.  I'd purchase this book if I was a 4th, 5th, or 6th grade teacher to show my students they can be an author.  However, the text heaviness and the unrefined writing make this book I wouldn't read aloud in the library. 

    
What were you doing in 5th grade? 

Happy Pumpkin Personification Picture Book Reading!


From Dark to Light by Isabella Murphy
Rating: 2/5 stars
Best For: 6 years old and up, 1st to 3rd grade. 
Clean Read: Yes
Worth a Check Out: Yes.
Buy It or Not: No.
Read Aloud: No.
Lesson Ideas: Personification. Pumpkins. Seed to plant. Family. Student Authors.

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

Calling All Rebels {banned book week}

Banned Books?!  Really, there is such a thing.  Groups or individuals head to public, school, or special libraries requesting a certain book pulled from a shelf for a variety of reasons.  Their reasons vary, but are usually as a result of the author's personal actions or beliefs or the content in the book. 

Librarians across the world strive to keep books on the shelves.  Librarians strive to avoid censoring books; we believe parents and the individual can make the choice for himself, herself, or for one's own children. 

Banning books inhibits free speech.  Books have power to teach, inspire, unite, and honestly change the world.  Books have power.  Let's not limit that power by censoring books for everyone. 

In order to celebrate Banned Book Week I will be posting more banned books and some of the ridiculous reasons they were banned or attempted to be banned.  Be sure to check back all week long. 

I'm a banned book reader. Are you? 

The Kid's Banned Books List always surprises everyone.  I'm assuming b/c the list is full of books they read and loved.

The YA and Adult Banned Book list is full of classics.  A lot of the classics are banned... interesting huh?

Let's see how much of a rebel you are.  How many banned books have you read?

Join the Rebellion. Read a Banned Book! 

Carve the Mark gets 2 Stars {sci-fi, ya lit}

I thoroughly enjoyed the Divergent series.  It was fast paced, lots of action, likable characters, and enough quirky and unique aspects but not completely out there.  It was a fun series.  However, everything I liked about Divergent was not in Veronica Roth's new book.  Sadness.  

Carve the Mark is Roth's latest book, and I will say I am not a fan.  I give this book 2 out of 5 stars, and the only reason this book received 2 instead of 1 star is b/c I did finish this book.  To be honest, this book is slow-paced, boring, scattered and hard to follow plot, boring characters. and some sensitive topics, like racism, poorly presented.  

I would be surprised if Roth purposely wrote this story with a racist undertone; however, the characters and different groups of people with different skin colors (one peaceful and the other savage) was poorly written and editors should've caught it.  Shame on everyone involved.   

All in all, I was highly disappointed with Veronica's latest book.  I truly hope she can publish another great one so she is not known as a one-hit wonder.    

When was the last time you were thoroughly disappointed by a book? 

Happy Sci-Fi YA Lit Space reading! Though, if you really want to read this book I suggest you read/listen to the audiobook.  That may be the only way you'd be able to get through it.

Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth
Rating: 2/5 stars
Best For: 14 - 18 year olds, 9th grade and up.
Worth a Check Out: No.
Buy It or Not: No.
Read Aloud: No.
Lesson Ideas: Portrayal of sensitive subjects like race. 

Crazy Rich Asians gets 3.5 Stars {adult fiction, contemporary lit}

Singapore is the world's richest city.  They have the most billionaires and apparently some Crazy Rich Asians according to Kevin Kwan.  This book not only portrayed how ridiculously rich some people are, but the people in the book are a little ridiculous with how they treat, judge, and view people.  There are a few meanings for the title of this book.  

At the beginning of Crazy Rich Asians there is some overt racism.  Throughout the book the reader learns how the rich and elite in Asia feel about people from other countries.  The book stated that they think those from Taiwan are gold diggers, and if your lineage isn't always elite and ideal you aren't considered worthy of their time.  I learned that there really are people who spend exorbitant amounts of money on anything and everything.  Who knew you could consistenly spend a half a million dollars on one dress. *wow*  This was a different Asian Lit book from the last one I read and reviewed, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, but I still learned a little something from it.  

In this mostly predictable Cinderella like story the sweet, smart, and kind girl, we'll call her Rachel, is oblivious to the fact that her boyfriend, who we'll call Nicholas, comes from an extremely wealthy family.  So wealthy that every girl in Singapore wants to marry him.  Rachel doesn't know this about Nicholas, but when she starts to figure it out it doesn't change her feelings for him.  He loves that she doesn't love him for the money.  However, his family investigates her family line and find some less than desirable characters.  They clearly don't find Rachel acceptable for their son and do their best to ruin them.  I won't tell you the ending, but you most likely have a good idea of where it ends up.  

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan gets 3.5 out of 5 stars in my book review.  The story is a little slow to get moving and the characters elite and snobby mannerisms is kind of annoying.  However, I'm glad I didn't give up on this book b/c it was an overall fun, light, and I even learned a touch about that part of the world.  Even the ending was fun plus there was a smidge of surprise.  So, Crazy Rich Asians is not an amazing piece of literature, but the story was fun enough.  It's a decent audiobook as well, and that might help get you through the slow annoying beginning. 
   Just for fair warning, there is quite bit of language, and I wouldn't consider this a clean read.   Everything is mostly in context, but there's not much of high value in this book.  I personally think of this book more as a poolside book or a beach read, but there is movie adaption currently being filmed.  I have no idea of expected release date.  Anyone know? 

To be fair to the book, it has interested me enough to read the next book in the series, China Rich Girlfriend.   As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts of the book. 


Happy Ridiculous and Fun Adult Lit Contemporary Fiction reading! 

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Best For: Adult lit.
Worth a Check Out: Yes, check it out.
Buy It or Not: Not, unless you love the Shopaholic Series
Read Aloud: Nope, but a fun light-hearted beach read.
Lesson Ideas: Singapore, Asian culture. Family relationships.

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. 

I Took the Moon for a Walk gets 4 Stars {picture book}

It's been a big week for the moon here in America.  A Solar Eclipse is basically the moon in all of it's glory blocking out the big show-off aka the sun.  Here in Arizona we got a whopping 63% solar eclipse coverage, but a few of my siblings were in 100% coverage for the solar eclipse took some great pictures and had a spectacular experience they say.  

With the moon being the cool kid as of late, I figured it was only appropriate to share this fun picture book. 

I Took the Moon for a Walk by Carolyn Curtis and Alison Jay is a sweet picture book with flowery language about a boy that takes the moon for a walk aka how the moon moves across the sky.

I Took the Moon for a Walk gets 4 out of 5 stars in my book review.  I thought the pictures were great, and I loved the extra information about the moon and the plants and animals that are nocturnal.  It wasn't until I read the back of this book that there are plants that are nocturnal.  The rhyming words give this book a good rhythm, and the descriptive language would make this book an excellent choice for a 3rd grade class (b/c they learn about the moon, space, sun, planets,etc.) Six Traits Word Choice writing lesson.  

To be honest, there isn't anything that I didn't like about this book.  I felt it was a nice book; but it wasn't as spectacular as the eclipse was for some.  I'm not sure 1st grade and under would appreciate the descriptive language and therefore struggle to get into the story.  They may even find it difficult to understand.  Though, older than 3rd grade would think this book is a bit childish.  Therefore, the small target audience makes this book a bit difficult to rave about. 

Overall, it's a sweet story that could be a good addition to your collection if you study the moon.  However, it isn't something I'd rush out to buy. 

Happy Sweet and Almost Lyrical reading! 

I Took the Moon for a Walk by Carolyn Curtis
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 7 - 8 year olds, 2nd and 3rd grade.
Worth a Check Out: Yes, check it out.
Buy It or Not: Not.
Read Aloud: If learning about moons and space this could be a fun one, along with How to Catch a Star 
Lesson Ideas: Moon, Rhyming, Personification


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.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan gets 4 Stars {adult lit, historical fiction}

7 to 10 cm. 3-4 inches.  That is the ideal size foot for a woman back in the day in China; that's called a "Lotus."   Can you believe that?  Seriously, that is half of the length of a piece of paper.  For some, that is about the size of the palm of your hand.  Wow!  Just wow!  I can't imagine my feet being that small.  

"Tiny feet can improve social standing."  At least, according to the Matchmaker in 19th century China.  

Not only did the size of a Chinese woman's foot surprise and shock me, but I had to laugh at the mention of how horrible it was to a be a big footed woman b/c that is what I am.  I also cringed while reading the pain and the process of foot binding (they break the bones), and became grateful that I am not a woman in 19th century China. 

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See is an historical fiction set in a remote village in China during the 1800s.  This book is an enlightening and educational read as well as entertaining.  

I learned about the foot binding process and how it starts around 6 years old.  I learned that matchmakers have a lot of power in determining your social standing.  I learned what a "Nu-Shu" relationship is and how only the upper class usually do it.  I learned how painful and difficult it was to walk with tiny feet.  I learned that tiny feet, the result of foot-binding, is a sexual thing for your spouse.  I learned that a good foot binding can bring your from lower-middle class to upper class, and a bad foot binding or no binding can lead to a life of servitude.  I learned that as a woman your main goal was to birth sons and you were not respected by your in-laws, who you lived with, until you did so.  I learned that women in China, during this time, had little power or choices; it was hard to change or get out of an abusive situation.  I learned about the secret women's writing and the language they created.  I learned that relationships with women are tough whether with your family or friends.  Lily felt her mother's love when her mom slapped her, and the miscommunication Lily had with Snow Flower made their friendship difficult.  I learned a lot about 19th century China including the fact that I am grateful I don't live during that time. 

This book earned 4 out of 5 stars.  It's a good book that causes the reader to feel a myriad of emotions, but it is a little slow at first.  I was saddened with Lily's feelings about her family and the death's throughout the book.  I was happy that Lily was in a better situation, but my heart ached for Snow Flower and when they had to flee to the mountains.  

I truly learned a ton.  However, there is one scene between Lily and Snow Flower that felt highly inappropriate and could make the reader uncomfortable.  I wouldn't say this is a clean read b/c of that scene.  I believe that scene was to show how Lily and Snow Flower were, but I felt it was unnecessary as well.  To be honest, it didn't add anything to the story and made me uncomfortable.  Many people question if this is a lesbian story, and I wouldn't say it is.  I think it was just young girls trying something new and being naive.  Though, it definitely wasn't necessary and you could completely skip that part of the story.          

Happy 19th Century Chinese Historical Fiction reading! 

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 18 and up, adult
Worth a Check Out: Yes.
Buy It or Not: No, unless you enjoy Asian Lit.
Read Aloud: No, but it would make a great book club choice.
Lesson Ideas: China 19th century, Foot- binding, Chinese culture and traditions, Nu-Shu, Marriage traditions, Chinese Festivals, Women's rights, Chinese women's written language

The Sandcastle Empire gets 4 stars {ya lit, dystopia/sci-fi, 9th grade +}

Owl Crate's June box came with two books. Winner Winner Chicken Dinner! 

The main book, The Sandcastle Empire by Kayla Olson, is a sci-fi dystopia young adult novel and I was anxious to move it up on my To Be Read pile.

I enjoy dystopian books, and I did enjoy The Sandcastle Empire. It was a fun read even though it was quite predictable.

The Sandcastle Empire gets 4 out of 5 stars in my book review.  I liked the science and geeky things the scientist came up with.  I thought the concept behind the book, or the reason for this dystopia world, was unique; the idea of there being a water shortage b/c there is too much salt water.  The idea of HoloWolves being controlled was freaky, but to be honest it was too far fetched for me to believe.  I liked Eden as a character for the most part, and I could see where she was coming from.  I'm glad Eden had a little love story even if it was incredibly cheesy at times. 

My major issue with the book was how predictable it was, however the choppiness of the writing at some of the major action points was frustrating and sometimes left me confused.  I also felt the beginning was a little slow.  

Though, back to this predictability.  If you are okay with the spoilers or if you have read the book then go ahead and read the next paragraph where I highlight the areas that were most predictable b/c this aspect of the story has been written in other books many times.  



*** SPOILER ALERT***
Of course Eden was the only one capable of saving the day and obviously the entire world.  Of course she gets the boy even when they go to a deserted island. Of course her dad is still alive and part of it all.  Of course, her boy turns HoloWolf on her and subconsciously tries to kill her.  Of course, the kingpin doesn't hurt her and she is successfully able to pass off the vial.  I'm not saying the entire book was predictable, but a lot of it was predictable in a cheesy yet enjoyable way.  
*** SPOILER OVER***



All in all it is a fun read, but don't be surprised if there is little that surprises you in it.   

For those of you who have already read it, what did you think?  As I looked at Goodreads, I noticed the reviews were quite polar so you may be feeling exactly opposite of me.    

Happy Fun Dystopia reading! 

The Sandcastle Empire by Kayla Olson
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 14 and up, 9th grade and up. 
Worth a Check Out: Yes.
Buy It or Not: You should buy it if you love dystopia books, but not a must purchase book.  
Read Aloud: I think it's too long to be a classroom read aloud, but it could be a fun book to read with your son or daughter.    
Lesson Ideas: Inventions. Science. Water shortage. Survival. 

  

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute gets 4 Stars {graphic novel, 2nd-5th grade}

Lunch Tray Laptop. Spatu-Copter. Cyborg Teachers. A cafeteria worker that fights crime. 

That is just a small glimpse into the fun and creativity that can be found in Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. 

This Lunch Lady is the first book in a fun graphic novel series perfect for 2nd through 5th grade.  Fans of Babymouse will enjoy this series, and reluctant readers, aka kids who don't like to read, will love how easy and quick this book is to read.  To be honest, everyone will find enjoyment reading this book.    

Lunch Lady gets 4 out of 5 stars in my book review.  I love graphic novels.  I love that the pictures and the words tell the story.  I love that graphic novels, like this one, are books even the kids who hate reading will pick up.  I was one of those kids, and I wish there were more books like this when I was a kid. 

This book did a great job artistically and creatively.  I love the black, white, gray, and yellow color scheme found in this book.  The pictures/illustrations in Lunch Lady are simple enough, but yet they have plenty of detail.  I felt the ingenuity with the spy gadgets that can be found in the a school cafeteria to be really fun.  Things like a Spatula and a droid helicopter becoming a Spatu-Copter or a lunch tray that is a laptop made me smile, laugh, and thoroughly enjoy reading this book even as an an adult.  If I found it to be a fun read, I am pretty sure kids in early to middle elementary will enjoy this book as well. 

Do you know any kid who doesn't think about what their teachers and school personnel do outside of school? When I was in elementary school, I was sure the Music Teacher and the PE Teacher were married.  They weren't, but we were all 100% sure they were.  Lunch Lady brings to life, and then adds a lot of creativity and fun, to what kids already think.  I really love that this spy Lunch Lady is fighting crime.  It's fun and out there, and yet it is completely relatable to kids as well.  

The writing in Lunch Lady is good.  The story is funny.   This great book doesn't get the full 5 stars just b/c it wasn't amazing, but I think it is definitely needed in any library collection, and a good book to check-out if you have a kid (especially a girl) in 2nd through 5th grade. 

Happy Fun and Adventurous Spy Graphic Novel reading! 

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute by Jarrett Krosoczka
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 7 - 10 year olds, 2nd - 5th grade. 
Worth a Check Out: Yes.
Buy It or Not: No, unless it's what your reluctant reader will read over and over again. 
Read Aloud: Graphic novels rarely make good read alouds, but for a literature group or small reading group/circle this could work perfectly. 
Lesson Ideas: Spies. School Life. Color Scheme. Creativity. Inventions. 

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.