Stalking Jack the Ripper gets 4.5 Stars {mystery, historical fiction, ya lit, teen}

Murder. Surprise. Suspense. Unpredictable. Historical fiction. Mystery. Romance. Girl Power. Family drama. Fast read.

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco is the first book in a new series that seems perfect for this time of year.  Though, honestly it'd be a fun read anytime of year.  Definitely check this one out.   You may be grabbing for the second (Hunting Prince Dracula) book sooner than you realized.

This new teen/young adult read was so very close to a perfect rating.  Though, 4.5 out of 5 stars is pretty darn impressive, and is definitely worth a read or listen (audiobook) to. Maniscalco truly wrote a unique and fun story that keeps you guessing until the very end.  I loved the story line, and I loved that a historical fiction type story to be inspiring.  I love seeing strong female characters, and Stalking Jack the Ripper is about a girl that is smart, pushes herself to learn and grow, and not afraid to go after what she wants.

This book is fantastic.  It has some language and deals with murder, but overall it's a really fun read.  The only reason Stalking Jack the Ripper didn't get the perfect 5 stars is because of the romance.  At times the love story was cheesy and a bit over the top in my opinion, but otherwise this book is fantastic.

Definitely check this book and enjoy your reading time.


Happy Bone Chilling Fun and Fascinating Mystery/Historical Fiction Reading!

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Best For: 14 years old and up, 9th grade and up. 
Clean Read: Language
Worth a Check Out: Yes.
Buy It or Not: Buy it if you have a young adult or find this time period fascinating.
Read Aloud: No.
Book Club Discussion Topics: The beginnings of forensic science. If you were in Anna's situation with her family, what would you have done? Jack the Ripper, what do you know about him?

March Book Three gets 5 Stars {non-fiction, graphic novel, printz award}

This book has it all.  One President of the United States dies, another gives powerful speeches and help make big changes in the country.  With it being Black History Month as well as President's Day I felt this book was an absolute must to share with you today!   

Police arrests, murders, determination, perseverance, equal rights, voting, the Freedom March, and so many more shocking events occurred during the civil rights movement.  I absolutely loved March Book Three, and I completely understand why it won the Printz Award, Coretta Scott King Award, and 4 other major awards.

March Book Three by John Lewis is well deserving of these awards, and honestly one of the best books I've read.  This book, is the third and final book in the March series telling the complete civil rights movement from John Lewis' experience.  

I give March Book Three 5 out of 5 Stars.  The pictures are fantastic, the story line is great, the pace is quick, the words are powerful, and the events are inspiring.  I learned so much while reading not only this book, but the entire series.  It is a must read for sure, and I am so glad I have it in my personal library.

At the very beginning it took me a second to remember what SNCC stood for b/c book three didn't overlap with the second book.  There is so much I really liked about this book.  I loved that the writing had the perfect balance of facts to teach and dialogue to keep the story going.  

I really enjoyed John Lewis' view on JFK's death and the fear he had with Johnson becoming the President.  I think his feelings are relatable to how many feel any time a new President begins his presidency. I was shocked of the events as well as the aftermath from the Freedom Summer, and I was inspired by Fannie Lou Hamer's speech as well as President Johnson's speech.  I was in awe of the fight, dedication, and perseverance Lewis and many other's had to complete their march from Selma to Montgomery.  I was shocked the FBI was wiretapping the Freedom Democratic Party and MLK.   To be honest, I learned so much reading this book and series.  

I absolutely think every one high school aged and up should read this book and series.  It is powerful and inspiring.  I loved that Lewis connected the first and last book with the reason for writing these books.  Lewis is brilliant, funny, and I'm so glad he wrote this book.     

In regards to the series as a whole, I would have to give the entire March series 5 stars.  It's all well done, connects so well to one another, very informative as well as entertaining. and all around great.  I personally love that Lewis wanted to make this a graphic novel.  I think it reaches a wider audience and the pictures provide the reader with a valuable and necessary connection to the story and the events.  

My reviews of March Book One and March Book Two can be found at the links provided.  You definitely need to read this non-fiction series in order, and you most definitely need to give this series a read.  It's fantastic!   

Amazon has the following book review from School Library Journal: 

"In the final installment in the trilogy, Congressman Lewis concludes his firsthand account of the civil rights era. Simultaneously epic and intimate, this dynamic work spotlights pivotal moments (the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL; the Freedom Summer murders; the 1964 Democratic National Convention; and the Selma to Montgomery marches) through the lens of one who was there from the beginning. Lewis's willingness to speak from the heart about moments of doubt and anguish imbues the book with emotional depth. Complex material is tackled but never oversimplified—many pages are positively crammed with text—and, as in previous volumes, discussion of tensions among the various factions of the movement adds nuance and should spark conversation among readers. Through images of steely-eyed police, motion lines, and the use of stark black backgrounds for particularly painful moments, Powell underscores Lewis's statement that he and his cohorts "were in the middle of a war." These vivid black-and-white visuals soar, conveying expressions of hope, scorn, and devastation and making storied figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Fannie Lou Hamer feel three-dimensional and familiar. VERDICT This essential addition to graphic novel shelves, history curricula, and memoir collections will resonate with teens and adults alike."

This series is superb, and though I wouldn't have anticipated it winning the Printz Award (the best book for young adults) this year, I am so glad it did.  It is well deserving.  

Have you read the March trilogy yet?  What did you think? 

Happy Powerful Inspiring and Such a Valuable Historical Graphic Novel Reading! 



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.

The Sun is Also a Star gets 4 Stars {ya lit, printz honor, contemporary literature}

"What a difference a day makes." That alone is the perfect sentence to describe Nicola Yoon's new book, The Sun is Also a Star.  

A day can determine if you meet someone, go to college, be deported, enjoy a good book, or a myriad of other events.  A day really can make such a difference for good or for bad; the key is what we do with that day.  

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon won a Printz Honor Award this year; basically she got 2nd place for one of the best books for young adults/teen that were published in 2016.  

This is the second Yoon book I've read, and her second book.  Everything Everything  was published almost two years ago, and I just found out a movie based on the book, that shares the title, is going to be out this year.  I love Book Based Movies; I guess that is probably why I wrote my thesis on it.

I really enjoyed Everything Everything, and I should probably write an official review of it since I read it over a year ago.  I thought the story line was creative, the character development was well done, and I really found myself cheering for Maddy.  If you liked The Fault in Our Stars you should definitely read Everything Everything. 

Sorry about that book review interruption.  Let me get back to the Printz Honor winner at hand.  I give The Sun is Also a Star 4 out of 5 stars.  I liked it, I really did.  I felt the diversity and the immigration/deportation issue to be poignant and relevant.  I felt the story line was fun, romantic, creative, pushed complex issues, and all around great.  I really think it deserved the honor award, and b/c of the complex issues it presented I see why it was awarded a Printz Honor.  

With all of that said, I only gave it 4 stars b/c it was just good; it wasn't great in my mind.  I actually enjoyed Yoon's first book a tad more.  I enjoyed the reason for the title, The Sun is Also a Star, and how that was explained.  It was deeper, and perfect for an English paper analysis.

In the book, I thought the survey was cute.  I liked that it was a romance, but completely realistic.  I liked that the characters followed their dreams.  I liked the ending and that it wasn't your perfect unrealistic ending.  I liked the complexity of the relationships with the families situations and viewpoints as well as the interracial dealings.  I liked Daniel as a character and I liked Natasha as a character.  I thought Yoon did a great job writing this story, and I'm glad I read it.  

I would definitely recommend this book to boys or girls in high school, but probably only if they were readers.  I don't think this is a book for a reluctant reader.  I don't remember anything being highly inappropriate.  There wasn't any sex, but there was reference to it if I remember correctly.  There was some language, but I would say it was a pretty clean read.  

The Sun is Also a Star is a great story.  It wasn't amazing in my mind, and it didn't have the wow factor.  However, it was really great, and the realistic love story of sorts made it perfect for this week.  I just had to share it with you.  

Go check this one out, or give it a listen.  It's a good audiobook as well.  

Amazon has the following book review from School Library Journal: 

"It is Natasha's last day in New York City, where she has lived for 10 years. Her family, living as undocumented immigrants in a small Brooklyn apartment, are being deported to Jamaica after her father's arrest for drunk driving. Natasha is scouring the city for a chance to stay in the United States legally. She wants the normal teen existence of her peers. Meanwhile, poetic Daniel is on his way to an interview as part of his application process to Yale. He is under great pressure to get in because his parents (who emigrated from South Korea) are adamant that he become a doctor. Events slowly conspire to bring the two leads together. When Daniel and Natasha finally meet, he falls in love immediately and convinces her to join him for the day. They tell their stories in alternating chapters. Additional voices are integrated into the book as characters interact with them. Both relatable and profound, the bittersweet ending conveys a sense of hopefulness that will resonate with teens. VERDICT This wistful love story will be adored by fans of Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor & Park and by those who enjoyed the unique narrative structure of A.S. King's Please Ignore Vera Dietz."

Is young adult realistic fiction/contemporary fiction your cup of tea? It's my favorite genre so I gravitate to these types of books. 

Did you read The Sun is Also a Star? If so, do you think it was Printz Honor worthy?  As always, I love to hear your thoughts.  

Happy Diverse Complex Contemporary Fiction Award Winning reading!

  

My Lady Jane gets 4.5 Stars {ya lit, historical fiction, fantasy}

I wasn't sure if I was going a little crazy, hadn't had enough sleep, or the latest book I finished was captivating.  To be honest, it's probably a little of them all, but for sanity sake I'll just say that My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows was a well writing fabulously fun story.  

It's not every day you look at a bird and think Edian, aka a person, that turns into an animal. However, after walking out of Physical Therapy one day last week Edian came to mind after seeing a bird on my car.  

I give My Lady Jane 4.5 out of 5 stars.  This book has great character development, the writing is funny and well paced, and the story is creative, interesting, and unique.  Plus, I am really baffled and impressed that three different authors wrote this story.  The writing seemed quite cohesive, and that is usually not the case when it comes to multiple authors. The only way I think they pulled it off so seamless was having each author write the different chapters from the different character viewpoints.  However, the writing style seemed all very similar.  Basically, I was impressed.  

Overall, this story is a fun read.  My Lady Jane is definitely a stretch to be called a historical fiction, but I actually loved the stretch and the creative twist on the history of the English Tudor time.  Any one high school age and up, boys and girls alike, could enjoy this story if they have an interest in fantasy and/or alternative history stories with humor and romance thrown in there as well.  

This is a clean read with no language, but there is a situation where characters are naked for a time after changing form from an animal.  They also mention love and sex, but the use the word "consummate" and refer to it being a "very special hug."

There were many times in reading this story that I laughed out loud and truly enjoyed the creativity.  The narrator notes are fun and don't take away from the story.  Some of the notes told the reader that people could die, or them being the type of narrators that wouldn't kill a dog.  I like that Jane at the end picked a frying pan to fight guards and others in the tower; it reminded me of the movie Tangled.  I thought it was funny when the author wrote that Edward was the inventor of the arm stretch over a girl's shoulder.  I found it interesting how the author included why Mary was known as Bloody Mary got her name, and that she turned into a Donkey aka an Ass to never be seen again.  Really, the entire book was witty and fun, but yet it still taught me more about the English Tudors.  

The only reason I took off a half a star in my ratings was because I found a typo/editing mishap on page 458.  It says "who win will" when it should read as "who will win."  I feel that if I find an error in the editing that the editors went too fast and that does reflect on the story in my view.  

Amazon has the following book review from School Library Journal: 

"In real life, Edward VI and Lady Jane Grey died young in 16th-century England. Here, Edward and Jane get another chance at happiness thanks to the irrepressible imaginations of the authors. Adventure, intrigue, humor, and romance abound—so, too, does high fantasy. England is a place where people (including royalty) are either EÐians (those who can shape-shift) or Verities (those who cannot). Because many Verities believe EÐian magic is evil, they set about to obliterate it. EÐians retaliate. Also, someone keeps poisoning the king's food. The plot, then, involves Edward, Jane, and their allies trying to figure out how to keep peace in the kingdom, find out who is poisoning the king's food, and restore Edward to the throne (he is presumed dead and gads about incognito for part of the book). EÐian "facts" are woven in with such subtle assurance that they come across as a genuine part of English history. For instance, the year the volatile Henry VIII discovered his leonine animal form and devoured the court jester is known in the kingdom's collective memory as the Year of the Lion. Wisecracks are prevalent, which would be grating after a while if the characters did not fairly sparkle with the complete array of honest human qualities. Readers will need to know the basic backstory of Lady Jane Grey and Edward VI. VERDICT A great choice for those who enjoy lighthearted, alternative history adventures and romance."

Though, I disagree with the end.  Readers do not need to know any backstory; you may actually enjoy it more if you don't know the backstory.   

Have you read My Lady Jane?  What did you think? 

Happy Humorous Alternative History Young Adult reading!  

    
This book came with one of my Owlcrate boxes last summer.  For my review of that box click here. 

Vassa in the Night gets 3.5 Stars {YA Lit} {Fantasy/Fairytale}

October's Once Upon a Dream fairy tale OwlCrate subscription box book was Vassa in the Night by Sarah Porter. This book was just published in October.  

I just finished this Young Adult (YA) fantasy/fairy tale retelling of a Russian folktale.  At times I was intrigued, surprised, sad, and confused.  The retelling of this bizarre folktale is modernized and set in Brooklyn; however, there is still plenty of magic and an overall dark feel.

The different kind of narrator at the beginning of the book reminded me of The Book Thief, and the night time focus with magic reminded of The Night Circus.  Though, the story line from Vassa in the Night was completely unique.    

Vassa in the Night earned 3.5 out of 5 stars in my book review.  I thought the modernized retelling of this Russian folktale was fun and unique.  It was so bizarre I couldn't predict the story.  Most of the magic in the story was completely understandable.  However, the end of the book got a little funky with the magic; the end of the book seemed almost too random.  The writing in those super magical moments, incredibly bizarre, and weird parts of the story were often confusing.  

All in all, the story was good and unique, but it was really weird.  I honestly was not anticipating the bizarre.  I really do like fairy tale retellings, and I was excited for a Russian one.  I had never read a Russian folk tale retelling.  However, I struggled with Vassa in the Night a bit b/c of the bizarre and confusing.  Though, to be fair, a lot of Russian folklore and folktales are bizarre, so if you go into reading knowing that you may fair better.

As far as content is concerned, there is action, very little romance (Vassa has a crush, but that is the extent), and a little language.  I would say readers who love urban fantasy books, especially girls, will enjoy this novel.

Plus, for the Harry Potter fans... Babs, the evil witch in the story, reminded me of Umbridge.  I hate Umbridge, and I definitely hated Babs Yagg.  

Amazon has the following book review from School Library Journal: 

"Gr 9 Up—Sixteen-year-old Vassa Lisa Lowenstein's mother is dead, and her father is gone. She has a stepmother and two stepsisters. It's an odd living arrangement but no more peculiar than a lot of things in her working-class Brooklyn neighborhood. The nights have been especially strange, growing longer and longer. When her stepsister sends Vassa out in the middle of the night for lightbulbs, the only store that's still open is the local BY's. Everyone knows about BY's, and its owner Babs Yagg, but people do tend to remember a store that dances around on chicken legs and has a habit of decapitating shoplifters. When things don't go as planned in BY's, it will take all of Vassa's wits and her enchanted wooden doll Erg's cunning to escape the store alive and maybe even break whatever curse has been placed on Brooklyn's nights. This stand-alone urban fantasy is inspired by the Russian fairy tale "Vasilisa the Beautiful." Although Vassa is described as incredibly pale, the rest of the book is populated with characters who are realistically diverse for its urban location. Evocative settings and imagery help bring this bizarre corner of Brooklyn to life. Vassa is a cynical, no-nonsense character who is quick to make jokes and take risks with the delightfully sharp-tongued Erg at her side. A deliberate lack of romantic tension makes this a refreshing read, and elements of traditional horror blend well with high-concept fantasy in this surprising and engaging tale. VERDICT A must-have for YA urban fantasy collections."


What do you think?  Are you going to check Vassa in the Night out? 

Happy YA/Teen Fairy Tale Retelling Reading!

P.S. I Like You gets 4 Stars {YA Contemporary/Realistic Fiction}

Yesterday, I posted about OwlCrate's awesome August Subscription box.  This box was themed YA High and included the book P.S. I Like You by Kasie West, a young adult realistic/contemporary fiction. 

This fast read is a fun book that has everything a Meg Cabot or Sarah Dessen fan will enjoy. 

I give P.S. I Like You 4 out of 5 Stars. I enjoyed this quick clean read.  I enjoyed the clean romance, and the characters were fun and relatable.  I enjoyed that it was set in Arizona (where I'm at), and I enjoyed the character development of Lily.  I enjoyed how Lily's siblings and family life was full of love.  I love how Lily's siblings believed in her when she didn't, pushed her to reach new levels, and supported her in her endeavors and goals.  I loved how West portrayed Lily's home life.  It made me happy and was well done.  

I also loved the hilarious Arizona climate reference on page 194. "Arizona- the state that tried to kill its inhabitants every summer but made them forget about the attempt by being exceptionally kind every winter."  No statement was ever more true.  

What I didn't love, and the reason for the less than perfect rating, is how predictable the story was.  I knew from the very beginning who Lily was writing too, and I knew exactly how the story was going to end up.  I knew the exact moment the teacher, Mr. Ortega, was going to call them out on the letter writing.  The story was fun, but it was quite predictable.  However, a teenager is not going to notice or care about the predictability.  

I definitely enjoyed P.S. I Like You, and I would recommend it to high school girls, or even those as young as 7th grade, looking for a fun clean read.  Those that enjoy music may enjoy this read even more.  

Amazon had the following book review from School Library Journal.  It helps give you a better teaser of the story line.

"Cade and Lily have been enemies for years: he's rude about her clothes, hair, and whole vibe; she thinks he's a snotty, stuck-up rich kid. Plus, she has her eye on shaggy hipster Lucas, who looks like he could totally be on her wavelength. But when Lily scribbles some graffiti on top of the desk to combat her boredom in chemistry class, she's surprised to find a reply the next day and even more surprised when the answers continue. Soon, she's corresponding through hidden notes and bonding with her secret pen pal over a mutual interest in indie music. Who's her mysterious new friend? Little by little, Lily whittles down the number of possibilities to one that makes absolutely no sense. Although it gets off to a slow start as the author sets up the various subplots, there's much to like about this sweet love story. West allows the sworn enemies to reexamine themselves in a believable way; Lily considers that the person she becomes around her nemesis Cade is not her best self—and that the same could possibly be true for Cade. There's plenty of kissing at the end, but nothing that renders this work unsuitable for middle school readers. VERDICT Hand this one to fans of tween romance and Jennifer E. Smith's books."  


I love realistic/contemporary fictions; it is my favorite genre.  What is your favorite genre? 


Happy Fun Clean Teen/Tween Reading! 

Flawed gets 4.5 Stars {YA} {Dystopian}

I was lucky enough to have read Flawed by Cecelia Ahern right after bailing on The Ghosts of Heaven even though it was a Printz Honor book this year. 

Flawed is a fast read page turner Young Adult (YA) Lit dystopian book.  I actually read it in 2 days b/c it was such a fun read, and my husband let me forget about all of my responsibilities as a mom.  He's a good man.  

I give Flawed 4.5 out of 5 stars in my book review.  It's a great book with a fun story and a likable main character.  Celestine, the main character, reminded me of both Katniss Everdeen in Hunger Games and Tris Prior in Divergent.  Celestine, like Katniss and Tris, was a girl that was almost thrust into doing something great.  It is very much a book of girl power, and I thought the character development was good.  Celestine grew and developed throughout the story in a logical and relatable way. 

This is a great book, but it did lose a half a star in my book review.  I felt there were a few too many of the aspects of the book that were predictable, and that is the reason for the less than perfect book review rating.  The bad guy was a cliche typical bad guy, and there were parts of the plot/story line that I saw coming a mile away.  However, there was a major aspect of the story that I didn't see coming.  For example, the 6th, if you've read it you'll know what I mean, but if you haven't read it this doesn't spoil anything, surprised me.

If you like Hunger Games and/or Divergent you will enjoy this new book.  As far as content goes, there is no sex, but there kissing.  There is some violence, but in the form of bullying and punishment. I don't recall language or drugs, but there is a few instances of underage drinking. 

On page 107 there was a really great quote that I liked.  "I've learned that to be courageous is to feel fear within, every step of the way.  Courage does not take over, it fights and struggles through every word you say and every step you take.  It's a battle or dance as to whether to let it pervade, it takes courage to overcome, but it takes extreme fear to be courageous."  

Amazon has the following book review from School Library Journal: 

"In this compulsively readable dystopian novel, biracial 17-year-old Celestine sees things in black and white and would never break society's rules—until she impulsively helps a Flawed man on a bus, an act that's illegal. Her compassionate gesture lands her in jail for aiding a Flawed, and it's certain she'll be judged Flawed, too. Those found Flawed by the Guild have made moral or ethical mistakes in society. Depending on their crime, the Flawed are branded with an "F" on a prominent place on their body and are required to wear an armband and adhere to strict rules. Judge Craven, the Guild's head judge, makes an example of Celestine for threatening his abuse of the Guild's power and for her very public stand against an unjust society. The price she pays is horrific and unprecedented. She becomes the poster child for those who want to make change. The only person Celestine feels understands what she's suffered is the mysterious boy she saw in prison but never actually spoke to. Celestine's shift from believing in the rightness of those judged Flawed to condemning their treatment is a bit too sudden. The brutal descriptions of the branding of those deemed Flawed are not easy to read, but it's a compelling thriller that's very hard to put down. The cliff-hanger ending guarantees readers will be waiting impatiently for the next book in the series. VERDICT For fans of Lauren Oliver's Delirium (HarperCollins) or Hillary Jordan's When She Woke (Algonquin, both 2011)."


Have you read Flawed? What did you think?  If you haven'r read it, are you going to request it?  I always love to hear yalls thoughts.   

Happy fast paced page-turner book reading! 

The Ghosts of Heaven gets 1 Star {Printz} {YA Lit}

I'm not going to lie to y'all.  If you follow me on Litsy (a book focused social network) @alohamoraopenabook then you know I bailed on this book.  What is disheartening to me is I actually really like Marcus Sedgwick as an author.  I've read a handful of his other books, and even though they are quirky the storyline is fantastic and so unique.  

In 2011, Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick earned a Printz Honor Award, a runner-up book for the best Young Adult (YA) book published the previous year. This book was my first time reading a Sedgwick novel, and though it wasn't one I would normally have picked up I thought it was fantastic.  I thought the storyline was unique and interesting, and the pace was great.

In 2014, Midwinterblood  by Marcus Sedgwick earned the Printz Medal; basically earned the award for the best YA literature book for books published the previous calendar year.  Midwinterblood was again very well written with a fascinating storyline. This story is part love, part mystery, part folk tale, part horror, and it is all completely dark and intriguing. It really is an odd book with an oddly fascinating story. 

When I picked up The Ghosts of Heaven by Marcus Sedgwick from the library b/c it earned yet again another Printz Honor book I was pretty excited.  I had thoroughly enjoyed his previous two books, and I had high expectations for this book.  Plus, I was a big fan of the cover; I thought it was stunning.  

I really gave The Ghosts of Heaven a good go.  I was expecting a quirky and amazing storyline, but no matter how many pages and sections (the sections are different stories that are all wound together) I read I just couldn't get into it.  The story is definitely weird, but in my opinion this is one of Sedgwick's books that is not worth the check-out.

I give this book 1 out of 5 stars.  The writing is good, but the story is slow.  There was violence, but it was in context. No language or sex to worry about in this YA award winning book.   

Did you read The Ghosts of Heaven? What did you think? 

Amazon had the following book description to give you some background of the story to see if it intrigues you.  You may like it even if I didn't. 

"Timeless, beautiful, and haunting, spirals connect the four episodes of The Ghosts of Heaven, the mesmerizing new novel from Printz Award winner Marcus Sedgwick. They are there in prehistory, when a girl picks up a charred stick and makes the first written signs; there tens of centuries later, hiding in the treacherous waters of Golden Beck that take Anna, who people call a witch; there in the halls of a Long Island hospital at the beginning of the 20th century, where a mad poet watches the oceans and knows the horrors it hides; and there in the far future, as an astronaut faces his destiny on the first spaceship sent from earth to colonize another world. Each of the characters in these mysterious linked stories embarks on a journey of discovery and survival; carried forward through the spiral of time, none will return to the same place."

This year, the Printz Award and Honor books were no different than many other years.  i enjoyed some and was disappointed in others.  Bone Gap was great, but this one was no bueno for me.  

Happy Reading!  What are you reading this summer? 

If you are still looking for a good summer read check out these 10 great books. 

10 Summer Reading Books for Everyone- Something for Everyone

Summer Reading is for everyone!  Summer Reading programs at the library are for everyone, and there are far too many amazing books out there that everyone can enjoy.  

I have done several book lists throughout the years.  I have below several Summer Reading Book Lists for the Reader and the Reluctant Reader aka the not so into reading individual.  You are bound to find some awesome reads in here.   

Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Kindergarten and First Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Second and Third Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Fourth and Fifth Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Sixth and Seventh Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Eighth and Ninth Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Tenth and Eleventh Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Twelfth Grade and College Students
Summer Reading Book List for Anyone and Everyone
Summer Reading Book List for Reluctant Readers in Kindergarten and 1st Grade
Summer Read Book List for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 2nd and 3rd Grade
Summer Read Book List for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 4th and 5th Grade
Summer Reading Book List for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 6th and 7th Grade
Summer Reading Book Lists for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 8th and 9th Grade
Summer Reading Book Lists for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 10th and 11th Grade
Summer Reading Book Lists for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 12th Grade and Adults

I have more than 10 books on my personal summer reading list, but I wasn't always that way.  There were many summers I read very few if any books at all.  So, if you are not a book devourer my goal is for you to read just one book.  Besides the benefits for you to read there are numerous benefits for a child to see his/her parent/caregiver reading.  Yes, you benefit your child by reading yourself.  It's just 1 book; make it a goal! 

The following list is 10 awesome books from all different genres; there's bound to be a book here you'll like.  If you don't know what genre you like, I was like that, then just pick the book by it's cover and description.  I promise they are all great, and yes it's okay to judge a book by it's cover.  ;) 

Summer Reading

10 Books for Everyone to Enjoy

Dystopian: Flawed by Cecelia Ahern

This YA SciFi/Dystopian book is fast paced with a strong female character who finds herself.  If you liked the Hunger Games or Divergent you should definitely give this one a read. 

Light and Fun Beach Read: The Selection by Kiera Cass

This book series is light, fun, and fast paced.  It's completely predictable, but still a fun read.  If you combined the TV show The Bachelor with royalty you'd get this enjoyable series.

Historical Fiction: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Amazing!  This WWII historical fiction earned 5 stars in my book review b/c it completely "Wow"ed me and truly left me enlightened, inspired, and just all around in awe.  The storytelling, character development, and plot is so well done.  This book is the best book I've read in years. 

For my thoughts and book review click here. 

Fantasy: The Wrath and The Dawn by Renee Ahdieh 

A fractured retelling of The Arabian Nights with a love story twist.  This enjoyable book series had great pace and is riveting from the beginning. 

Sci-Fi: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

This Cinderella version is a fractured fairy tale with a scifi twist.  Androids and cyborgs are in the book and even though it all sounds bizarre and weird it's actually a fun fast paced book that will make you grabbing the next book in the series. .    

YA Contemporary/Realistic Fiction:  Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon

This realistic fiction/contemporary read about a girl with a unique health situation and a boy in a not so unique situation will surprise you as well as make you cheer the characters on. It's a fun read.

Books Made into a Movie: The BFG  by Roald Dahl

This classic, quirky, and fun children's literature book has been a favorite of mine for years.  It's one of my favorite classroom read alouds, and is being made into a movie coming out in July.  A book being made into a movie is a great way to get a reluctant reader, or one who doesn't like to read, to pick up a book and read. 

Juvenile/Middle Grade Fiction: Summerlost by Ally Condie 

This well developed middle grade fiction book is enjoyable and relatable.  4th-7th grade girls will enjoy this story.  This story reminded me of Flora and Ulysses or The One and Only Ivan b/c it has really great storytelling.  I wouldn't be surprised if this book won a literary award.

Non-Fiction: Rising Strong by Brene Brown

Be inspired as you read this book about all different kinds of people that did hard things, were brave, fell, and had to get back up again.  Brene Brown is a social scientist who writes about the power vulnerability has in helping us to truly reach our potential. If you're a non-fiction aka true stuff fan then give this new book a read. 

Graphic Novel: Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

This Newbery Honor book is colorful, fun, and will attract the reader as well as non-reader.  This middle grade (3rd-7th grade) book is a fun read and a great story about finding out who you are and doing hard things.   Girls will especially like and relate to this book. 

For my thoughts and book review click here.

All 10 of these books are great for different reasons; they are all different genres.  Give at least 1 of them a try this summer.  If you are a bit crazy and a bookworm like me give all 10 of them a read.  

Happy Summer Reading and Happy Reading of Fun and Fantastic Books! 

What's on your summer reading list?