Don't Date Rosa Santos by Nina Moreno

Don't Date Rosa Santos by Nina Moreno
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nina Moreno, awesome debut author, sucked me into Rosa's world and family and I so enjoyed the ride (on land and sea!!!) as this brave firecracker Lantinx girl into making lists, getting others excited about projects, and trying to navigate the world of her grandmother, Mimi, who will not tell Rosa anything about her life and love in Cuba and her mom who just keeps leaving. Both Mimi and her mother are dealing with grief in their own way---they have lost their men to the sea and now Rosa is cursed as well, or is she? Oh did I love the world and beauty of the seaside town, Port Coral ---Rosa and her family and friends bring so much to this world (food, fun, music) , I want to live there too! Whether she is saving the town or herself, I rooted for Rosa!!! Thanks to my friends @summerathon for recommending this book as a perfect summer read!!! I can't wait for next year!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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