Technically You Started It by Lana Wood Johnson

Technically, You Started It by Lana Wood Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This whole book is text messages between Haley, a shy, introverted girl who loves Cons, internet, and her cell phone and 1 of 2 cousins with the exact same name. Through these texts I fell in love with feisty Haley, who knows lots of facts, is proud of her nerdiness, and feels hemmed in by her friends. I liked Martin and crossed my fingers he would connect with Haley. The conversations via text were funny, silly, and revealing. The high school descriptions, family dramas, summer jobs were all very YA and I enjoyed every minute. Excellent beach read! My favorite line is the last one of the book!!!

View all my reviews

Red At Night (Pushing the Limits #3.5) by Katie McGarry

Red at Night by Katie McGarry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh boy did I love this novella of the Pushing the Limits series!!! I just loved the way this story unfolded: Stella has a tough life, wants to be invisible (so she is not a target of bully Cooper and friends) since middle school she earned the name Trash Can Girl (bully threw her lunch in the trash and she went to get it) and lives with her absent-tee father's ex girlfriend. She has kept her hopes minimal regarding life - not even thinking about college- just getting a clerical job at an automotive dealer. But then Jonah happened- Stella's love of the cemetery is interrupted when Jonah begins visiting a grave and they begin to talk and oh did I love how the story unfolds; poignant, mesmerizing and gripping---the growth and realization of both characters warmed my heart! I loved Jonah and Stella- despite the odds---they fall for each other, so so good!

View all my reviews

The Music of what Happens by Bill Konigsberg

The Music of What Happens by Bill Konigsberg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am sure everyone will want to read and love this story of two boys who come together to work and save each other over a summer and end up discovering so many new and wonderful and devastating things as they become familiar with each other as friends, confidantes and happily something more. Jordan was humorous with his wives; heartbreaking concerning his mom, secrets, and debts. A must read- a very diverse and special rom-com!

View all my reviews

Little White Lies (Debutantes Book 1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Little White Lies by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Jennifer Lynn Barnes mysteries and I can't wait for the 2nd book!!! Sawyer Taft is a tough, independent protagonist who lives with her mom when her estranged grandmother arrives at her door and offers ALOT of money to go through the debutante season and college. As she navigates this new world of dresses, make-up and awful rites that go along with becoming a deb! Will she find out who her father is? Will she LOVE or HATE this new world and what about friends- will she LOVE or HATE them? I could not stop turning the pages as Sawyer and the other debs (cousins and friends) try to solve mysteries and keep secrets, I rooted for Sawyer and her mind (what a scheming mind she has) and heart!

View all my reviews

Crossing the Line (Pushing the Limits 1.1) by Katie McGarry

Crossing the Line by Katie McGarry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the Pushing the Limits series and this novella (1.1) was just so good! Lila and Lincoln have been corresponding by mail secretly for the last 2 years and as they have fallen for each other, the reader is treated to their worlds, insecurities, hopes and dreams. Next up, I am reading Red at Night which is 3.5 in the series, so excited!!!

View all my reviews

Ghosts of the Shadow Market by Cassandra Clare and others

Ghosts of the Shadow Market by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I so enjoyed the formatting of this book (multiple authors working on chapters) and since I listened, the many different narrators were awesome! Overall this book went from the past and progressed into the present and between the two worlds (Thule and the different Shadow Markets) and different characters back stories. So many beloved characters like Jem, Tessa and the "lost" Herondale added a new dimension, love this author (and the other collaborating authors) to an already excellent series.

View all my reviews

The Simple Art of Flying by Cory Leonardo

The Simple Art of Flying by Cory Leonardo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks for Laurie Hnatiuk and #mgbookchat for this awesome recommendation; can't wait for the twitter chat Tues 6/25 at 9PM EST! I loved Cory Leonardo's way with words, so humorous, yet exploring Alastair and Fritz and Bertie's personalities, hopes and dreams. I ached as the parrots lost their feathers; cheered as they found forever homes (even if it did take stubborn, morose Alastair longer!!!). Bertie's letters to her dead husband were so sweet- she was ever the positive force (both for Alastair and Fritz) so definitely needed! Middle school readers will love these three voices- the poetry, the musings, the food, the pet support groups/clubs will keep readers turning the pages!

View all my reviews

Ghosts of the Shadow Markeet by Cassandra Clare

Ghosts of the Shadow Market by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I so enjoyed the formatting of this book (multiple authors working on chapters) and since I listened, the many different narrators were awesome! Overall this book went from the past and progressed into the present and between the two worlds (Thule and the different Shadow Markets) and different characters back stories. So many beloved characters like Jem, Tessa and the "lost" Herondale added a new dimension, love this author (and the other collaborating authors) to an already excellent series.

View all my reviews

Dear Haiti, Love Alaine by Maike Moulite and Maritza Moulite

Dear Haiti, Love Alaine by Maika Moulite
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin TEEN and Inkyard Press for the advance reader copy of Dear Haiti, Love Alaine by debut authors and sisters, Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite. Teens will love this action-packed story, narrated by fearless, sassy Alaine, daughter of a psychiatrist and a famous talk show host mom, who finds herself punished for a school joke by being sent to her parents’ home of Haiti. There was so much to love about this story; the rich past and present history of Haiti, a family curse, strong female characters, and a plot that includes lists, emails, letters, transcripts. This is such a diverse, authentic, multi-faceted book with rich storytelling by the Moulite sisters; I loved the cover, Alaine, her aunts, the beauty and poverty of Haiti and all who work tirelessly for Haiti’s survival. Highly recommended!

View all my reviews

The Tatooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Lale and his deep abiding love for Gita during the horrors of WWII in the concentration camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau. As prisoner, Lale promises himself to survive the horrors of the camps, the inhumanity of the soldiers, doctors, and leaders horrifies and scares Lale but does not stop him from helping his fellow prisoners. As the tattooist, Lale gets more food and hides his trades for food, jewels, etc in order to help his fellow prisoners. I could not stop turning the pages as the disgust and sadness I fought against as I read each atrocity kept me awake at night. Author Morris passes on the information Lale provided to her after Gita dies. This was a saga of enduring abiding love during a horrible time when you did not know if you would survive from day to day, of man's inhumanity to man---but Lale summoned courage and helped others and fought for Gita's life. The times Lale and Gita could meet, their love was deep and consumed with survival. I especially liked the information Heather Morris provides at the end about their life after genocide, an afterword by their son Gary was especially poignant. Highly recommended.

View all my reviews

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this 2nd book by Angie Thomas and Bri was such a strong female lead, she did not shy away from expressing herself (setting haters and troublemakers straight), even if it got her into problems with how others perceived her---she knew who she was and she spent her life rapping andurban it was the only thing she wanted to do- also as a way to get her out of her neighborhood. She loses alot (her Dad's shooting, her mom's drug use, loneliness while her Mom is in rehab, others misjudging Bri and her family members. When even more tough times fall (Bri assaulted by school guards, mom loses job, electricity is cut off, Trey's money is not enough) Bri wants to save the family by making it big with her rap, On the Come Up, but there are other unintended consequences; Bri, her friends and family (Aunt Pooh and cousin Scrap) are judged harshly but Bri is formidable and I loved her fierceness. You will too! Don't miss this must read!!!

View all my reviews

The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X. R. Pan

The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this APALA Honor Award Winner as part of the 2019 HUB Reading Challenge and oh was this an aching read but oh so very necessary as magical realism permeates to help teen Leigh (Asian/White heritage) deal with the suicide of her depressed mom. Leigh "sees" her mother become a bird that leads Leigh on a life changing journey to find her mother and in this search, she learns about her history, heritage, and how grief helps her comes to term with who she and wants to be. I had a really great review---BUT my computer seized and I lost it!!!
So short and sweet--the compelling, strong character of Leigh and her love of art power this tale of heartbreak and finding heritage, history and love in her search for answers. I could not put this book down; I rooted for Leigh and best friend Axel (best friend and lover of art and music). The trip to Taiwan opens Leigh to discovering her parents' past, meeting her grandparents, and forging a future without her mother. A powerful, astonishing journey; a must read!

View all my reviews

A Heart in a Body in the World by Deb Caletti

A Heart in a Body in the World by Deb Caletti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this award winner (Best Fiction for YA, Printz Honor) as part of the 2019 HUB Reading Challenge. Also special thanks to my reading buddy, Kellyanne Burbage, for her awesome mention that I may have recommended this book (sorry I did not, but happy your tweet prompted me to read this stunner!!!) I loved this book for so many reasons and all of them are not good---this book will tear apart your heart with Annabelle's grief and suffering as she runs from (herself and what happened) Seattle, WA to Washington, D.C. trying to make sense out of her broken heart (and previous self) and honor those impacted by dating violence. The cover of this book was perfect to---you must see it, read it and you will know what I am talking about. Annabelle's sorrow, anger, and grief propel her to run (away from something or toward something?) and as she runs she tells us her story and you reader, will be gripped and outraged as you enter Annabelle's world because what she tells us is being experienced throughout the world; it is a serious problem and affect way too many of us. This is a must read for all---YA and adults! Highly recommended!

View all my reviews

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to my god-daughter Casey Swiski for giving me her copy of Just Mercy---OMG, it was so good, compelling and very many times, just awful to read. Bryan Stevenson taught me so much about the really tough job he has trying to save those on Death Row. He also gives important details on the history of the courts, prisons, racism and the injustices still being perpetrated today. I thank him for being committed to the prisoners, their families, and communities to strive for justice for those who have been incarcerated with little help from lawyers and the legal help they need to have their cases heard. The US has a broken system that Bryan Stevenson so eloquently delivers; but he and those he tries to help, suffer as well too. The world needs more Bryan Stevensons! A must read for all!!!

View all my reviews

The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner

The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing, and Aladdin for the advance reader copy of The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner, in exchange for an honest review. Middle grade readers will totally enjoy Moth Rush, an independent, honest, normal, happy girl who finds out she is a witch! But her mother, who has kept this secret, refuses to teach her or let her practice magic. While Moth struggles with her mom, she learns more about her descendants and history of turmoil. What is a girl to do when she wants to delve into magic and learn all she can about her witch history? Moth is also involved in the school play which trumpets the history of witch hunts and her burgeoning “magic” has helped her best friend capture the lead. The drawings in this graphic novel are vivid and show both worlds where Moth learns she has witch family and problems. Moth’s facial expressions are awesome and her eyes just pop with feeling, excitement, courage, and aggravation. The plot will keep readers turning those pages. Highly recommended.


View all my reviews

Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee

Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Boy did this book have everything!!! First of all---awesome narration by Emily Woo Zeller; kick-ass females- Andy and Sammy (African American and Chinese girls posing as cowboys), wonderful father underappreciated by daughter, Gold Rush with all the immigrants, criminals, bullies, and adventures galore!!! This is a wonderful book encompassing historical fiction, diversity in characters, and so many plot twists you will be wringing your hands and rooting for Andy, Sammy, Cay, West and Pedro and of course their horses and donkey! A must read for all, I am just so sorry it took me this long to read!!!

View all my reviews

Something Like Gravity by Amber Smith

Something Like Gravity by Amber Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing, and Margaret K. McElderry Books for the advance reader copy of Something Like Gravity by Nicole Amber Smith, in exchange for an honest review. Just as I loved Amber Smith’s first YA book, The Way I Used to Be, so did I love and tremendously enjoy, Something Like Gravity. Amber Smith’s characterizations were authentic and sympathetic and spot on. Chris is such an honest, likable character and Maia is in so much pain as she struggles (even after a year) with her older sister’s sudden death. The parents were so realistic too; Chris’ mom and dad are supportive but it is not easy (Chris questions many of their emotions and motives) while Maia’s parents are grief stricken, isolated, angry and barely speaking to one another. Maia’s friends stay by her side as Maia ignores their texts and pleas to hang out. I could not stop turning the pages as Chris and Maia, strangers at first, become friends and much more. But will they forgive each other as secrets become exposed? This is an honest look at teen bullying, friendship, grief, and forgiveness. Amber Smith uses understanding and compassion in a must-read gripping story. Highly recommended.

View all my reviews