What the Fireflies Knew by Kai Harris

What the Fireflies Knew by Kai Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This debut novel is a coming of age story about 2 African American sisters sent to live with their grandfather after their drug addict father is found dead and they lose their home. As their mother enters a treatment facility to deal with her depression, KB and her sister Nia wonder why they are dumped with this grandfather who is mostly silent and reads the bible. Told from KB's POV; she is 11 years old and has experienced much turmoil in her short life---and she has many questions that no one seems to want to answer. As she navigates the summer--she gets to know her grandfather, falls out with her beloved sister, and goes back and forth in her feelings about everything. I rooted for KB as she tries to make sense of what she knows, what she finds out, and how she moves on.

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Elvis, Me, and the Lemonade Stand Summer by Leslie Gentile

Elvis, Me, and the Lemonade Stand Summer by Leslie Gentile
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thans to Laurie Hnatiuk for recommending this awesome debut author middle grade book. Taking place in the year after Elvis Presley has died, Truly has a secret and it is that Elvis is now living in their trailer park. Owned by Andy El, the Eagle Shore Trailer Park near an Indigenous reservation, her son Raymond faithfully comes to help with repairs, buy food, and spread love and security to his mom, Andy El, his sister and her kids and Truly because Truly's mom is just awful. Totally self absorbed and spurned by her mother because she got pregnant, her mother lets her down is so many ways. Truly spends more time with Andy El sleeping on her front porch, washing her clothes and eating at Andy El's and this summer Andy El has an idea for Truly to raise money. This lemonade stand comes to represent so much to Truly---she sells the lemonade but residents give her books, muffins, and other things to sell. She is saving to try to find her father but she is keeping this a secret; she tells everyone she is saving for a puppy and everyone wants Truly to have this puppy. This book broke my heart time and again (her mother of course!!!) but Andy El and her family filled Truly's heart with love and determination, a must read for all! Highly recommended!

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Catywampus by Ash Van Otterloo

Cattywampus by Ash Van Otterloo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book with a title having a word 3 syllables or longer for #BitAboutBooks Spring Reading Challenge and oh did I enjoy it! With magic, witches, feuds, and a community that hates witches, Delpha McGill and Katybird Hearn have been warned and forbidden to use magic in Howler's Hollow. But magic is calling to both girls in feuding witch families--- Delpha finding her family's top secret book of hexes unleashes zombies from both families; Delpha and Katybird must quickly STOP the chaos. But what if the girls magic can't/won't work? I loved Van Otterloo's debut book for so many reasons--the writing is exciting, the characters are well drawn, but the magic, their friend Tyler, and Delpha's shed, better known as Puppet, steal the show! For a suspenseful spirited read, middle grade students will be sharing this thriller of magic, hexes, and zombies with their friends. Highly recommended!

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APlace to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus

A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this debut author awesome historical middle grade fiction as the final book I needed to read for my 2nd #BitAboutBooks Winter Reading Challenge for a book set in another country. I LOVED this book; the Pearce children won my heart, they were all heroes, and they were devoted to one another during such a scary time in London history with World War II and the approaching enemy. With the death of their grandmother, the three children are now orphans and her solicitor decides the best and safest place to be is with a group of children being evacuated away from London to the "safety" of the country. With William 12, Edmund 11, and Anna 9 they realize it is necessary for them to stay together but will pose a problem to find a home that will accept three children. I loved Kate Albus' characterizations; they were fleshed out- both the good and evil characters. There is humor as Edmund just can't control himself, tension as the children try to be the best occupants in each billet, and the psychological suspense with the highs and lows of wartime England and the children's secrets. Middle school readers will love the plot and setting as our three children yearn and try to find themselves A Place to Hang the Moon. The beauty and importance of family is superbly handled by Albus with each turn of the page! Highly recommended!

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Many Points of Me by Caroline Gertler

Many Points of Me by Caroline Gertler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this Author Debut Book as part of my 2nd #BitAboutBooks Winter Reading Challenge for 10 points and I ached for Georgia as she grieved the death of her "famous" artist Dad from cancer a year ago. Georgia's life has been defined by her artist father and art history mother and she has loved every moment. She has been best friends with Theo since their birth and they sit around all the time working on their art. Theo is the son of single mom, Harriet, who is best friends with Georgia's mom. Theo has a graphic novel that features him and Georgia as avengers of good against the evils of the world. But with the death of her father, Georgia is feelings things she has never felt before; jealousy of Theo, anger at her dead father and living mother, and the urge to stop her artistic endeavors because art is just not working for her anymore. When she finds a portfolio of her father's pictures of her, Georgia takes his last drawing of her at age 10, and does not tell anyone about it. She becomes consumed with trying to solve a mystery; but with no one to talk to, she feels even more alone and questions everything in her life. As Georgia begins to lie more and more, things unwind, and she is threatened with so many questions and feelings--will she be able to right her wrongs? I loved this debut novel, the characterization, the plot and oh what I learned and loved about all the art techniques and colors was just awesome. A must read!

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Beetle & the Hollowbones by Aliza Layne

Beetle & the Hollowbones by Aliza Layne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great graphic novel; appealing to children, middle grade and YA! Beetle is best friends with a ghost imprisoned at a mall. She lives with her grandmother who practices goblin magic and is her home school teacher, kind, honest, motherly and nice. When an old childhood friend, Kat, returns to Hollowbones, she is now an apprentice to her scary aunt. As Kat and Beetle rekindle their friendship, forces are at work to tear down the mall where her ghost friend is and create havoc with the old friends. This graphic novel has it all witches, magic, horror, ghosts, zombies, in a colorful backdrop with suspense, humor and friendship. Highly recommended, all readers will enjoy this graphic novel!

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Amari and the Night Brothers (Supernatural Investigations, #1 by B.B. Alston

Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author debut was compulsively readable and I read it for the #BitAboutBooks Winter Reading Challenge. Amari is a 13-year-old, devastated by the loss of her missing brother, and being bullied at school. Amari is determined to try to find her brother, especially when law enforcement has no leads and thinks Quinton has succumb to the dangerous life of their rundown urban neighborhood. Quinton has always been Amari’s best friend and his reputation for excellence in every facet of his life propels Amari to join Quinton’s summer leadership camp; but what a surprise awaits when Amari finds out this camp is supernatural. Alston’s worldbuilding is awesome with the different aspects of the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs; departments, illusions, faeries, werewolves, yetis, snakes and the magical sides of the kids. I rooted for Amari as she is maligned because her magic is considered “black” and many do not want to give her a chance. She learns more about her magic from her partner, Dylan, and roommate Elsie. Readers will be turning the pages with the illusions, magic, creatures, and tests, as Amari and her competitors fight for their place as Junior Agents. I enjoyed the action driven plot, authentic characters, good vs evil and Amari’s growth, resilience, and honesty. I can’t wait for the 2nd book in the series! Highly recommended.

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Summer of L.U.C.K. by Laura Segal Stegman

Summer of L.U.C.K. by Laura Segal Stegman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to #BookJunkies, @Laura Stegman, @maestraw for recommending Summer of L.U.C.K by debut author, Laura Segal Stegman. Oh did I love this book and I know middle grade students will absolutely enjoy Darby, Naz, and Justin as they become friends, allies, and sleuths at summer camp. The fantasy/magic elements were mesmerizing and sucked me in. It seems only Darby, Naz and Justin hear the music playing, they are transported in flying carnival rides, and best yet, they can send each other mind messages! And the mystery of who Leroy Usher is and what he wants from the children spur them to become their best selves. Laura Stegman has crafted a superior debut novel that had me turning the pages, falling in love with these kids, and best of all, finding out there will be another book of their adventures, I am so excited and can’t wait. Highly recommended!


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The Witches of Willow Cove by Josh Roberts

The Witches of Willow Cove by Josh Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to @joshwhowrites (Josh Roberts), #BookJunkies, Owl Hollow Press, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members’ Titles, for allowing me to be an early reader of The Witches of Willow Cove by debut author, Josh Roberts, in exchange for an honest review. I loved this middle grade magical mystery! Best friends, Abby and Robby, get the surprise of their life on Halloween when they ride a witches’ broom through the sky! Quickly Abby finds out she is a witch from Miss Winters (a witch herself) but posing as a substitute teacher. With Miss Winters urging Abby identifies five other witches, but everyone must keep this secret, which is a problem for Abby because this secret causes a rift in her friendship with Robby. Robby is perplexed by Abby’s behavior and they grow apart. What I totally enjoyed about this debut novel was the quick and suspenseful pace of the plot; I could not stop turning the pages. As Abby and her “new” witch friends learn more about their powers from Miss Winters, Abby is also trying to figure out what happened to Robby’s mom and most recently, the disappearance of Robby’s stepmom. At the same time, Robby is trying with two friends to find out more about the Abby, the witches and their history in Willow Cove. Is the disappearance of his mom and stepmom connected? The pacing of the plot, the mysteries as they are revealed, and the friends’ relationship drama was authentic and gripping. Readers will relate to the friends’ drama; both Abby and Robby do not want to expose their friends to any danger, so they keep secrets and this causes judgments on both sides. I really enjoyed this debut novel, the teen witches, and the past of Willow Cove which definitely includes witch history. What will happen to teen witch Abby and her witch friends? Readers will be treated to an exciting, suspenseful read; highly recommended!

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The Line Tender by Kate Allen

The Line Tender by Kate Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an awesome book- combining the beauty of life, the despair and grief of death, family, friends, sharks, the sea and just a very special book! I loved every word from debut author, Kate Allen and the realistic B&W shark drawings were breathtaking in their stark beauty. Lucy and her Dad are still grieving the loss of shark expert, mom, and wife. As Lucy and her best friend Fred work on a field guide for extra credit for school the reader learns just how special these 2 kids are. But every single character in Allen's book was special; I could not put this book down! I think everyone should read it for so many reasons; I am running out and getting a copy of this book to give to my friends to read! Highly recommended!

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If You Only Knew by Prerna Pickett

If You Only Knew by Prerna Pickett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing group and Swoon Read for the advance reader copy, If You Only Knew, by Prerna Pickett in exchange for an honest review. What a great, thrilling slow burn romantic read! I loved both Corey and Tessa; they both have secrets that stop them from being the people they know they can and should be. Corey broke my heart; his life in the “gang” (plus his year in jail) with X and Vance has totally dominated and torn his life apart. He fears daily for his mother and brother because X and Vance have threatened Corey’s family with harm if he does not continue to carry out their dubious plans. But there is so much more to Corey; he has a soft side, a joking side, and a protective side. Tessa is lucky but plucky; she has a Dad who cares, no money problems (like Corey) and lots of friends. It is the ache of losing her erratic mother years ago that pushed her into destructive behavior and an angry relationship with ex, Jared. I could not stop turning the pages, the many twists and turns kept me riveted as I rooted for Tessa and Corey. Teens will love their adventures; the motorcycle, the race, their date, and the chemistry of their attraction; highly recommended for those who love Katie McGarry and Jennifer L. Armentrout romances. This book will be a hit with teens!

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Frankly In Love (Frankly In Love #1) by David Yoon

Frankly in Love by David Yoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this debut book, debut author and main character Frankly!!! Awesomely Narrated by Raymond J. Lee, Frankly (Frank Li) is a Korean American senior, nerd, good kid who falls for a white girl (strictly forbidden by his parents- since his sister is banished for marrying Black Miles)Brit Means. Since his family still meets with others who went to the same college together- their kids are called Limbos, Frank and Joy Song have grown up as Limbos- now Joy is dating a Chinese guy (unbeknownst to her parents) and as Joy and Frank lament their love problems they come up with a great solution---they will ACT like they are dating to fool the parents. This book is about so much more...but Frankly is such a believable character, stuck between the Korean immigrant parent wishes and stuck between his California upbringing---he is honest, compelling, mouthy, and sincere. There is so much to love about this novel, definitely a MUST READ! Loved it!!

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Saving Everest by Sky Chase

Saving Everest by Sky Chase
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad Books for the advance reader copy of Saving Everest by Sky Chase, in exchange for an honest review. I could not put this book down, debut author, Sky Chase has written a great, diverse YA romance. The story of Everest Finley, popular, gifted and athletic, who silently suffers from depression and tries to end his life was crushing. Everest really has no strong family support; when he returns to school he is scorned by his girlfriend, best friend, and team members. Retreating to the library, he meets Beverly, a quiet, shy, but happy girl who pledges her friendship and support. Both Bev and Everest are strong likable characters teens will relate to and love as Bev and Everest become best friends, challenging themselves to become better for each other. I fell in love with Everest’s voice, his honest music, and his fearlessness. While Bev was a strong positive influence for Everest, he challenged her to go outside her comfort zone, become visible, and experience what high school is all about. Together can they both find their true selves? Bev and Everest are smart, confused, of- the-moment teens who are just trying to understand life, love, and their place in the world. The drama and action move this story of friendship and romance forward to a satisfying conclusion. I would love to see another book from Sky Chase following Everest and Bev after high school! One reason for the 4-star rating; I did feel Everest would have benefited from follow-up help from a therapist for his suicide attempt and continuing depression. This debut accurately and honestly deals with teen mental health, family issues, and high school life; highly recommended!

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The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to this audiobook as part of the October #yearofya twitter chat featuring mysteries, science fiction, and horror books to take place 10/24 at 8PM EST. Please join us! Awesomely Narrated by: Jack Hawkins, Louise Brealey, this absorbing mystery revolves around a psychotherapist, Theo Faber (who has a past he has spent a lifetime getting over) who is obsessed with treating and curing a silent patient, Alicia Berenson (painter with a past) who shoots her husband in the face 5 times and immediately stops talking. I could not stop listening to Theo and his musings and Alicia's journals as they are discovered and then read...There are many red herrings as the mystery unfolds, I could not put this mystery down!

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Anger Is a Gift by Mark Oshiro

Anger Is a Gift by Mark Oshiro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this debut book since I had seen this title on many lists and recommendations from bloggers, like Pernille Ripp. This is an urban fiction book with many diverse characters; I thought of the many diverse students in my high school and was reminded of many students and their friendships, circles, and culture. I rooted for Moss, he suffers from panic attacks and a sense of foreboding and negativity due to seeing his father shot as a youngster. His friends were all supportive of Moss as he was of them and I was so happy and surprised by his mother's unwavering love and support. The police situation and the school's attitude were unnerving and I questioned the awfulness but so much coverage in the news makes it a sickening reality and ripped from the headlines news coverage. Especially important to read is Moss's mom and her advice about Anger- "Anger is a gift. Remember that.You gotta grasp on to it, hold it tight and use it as ammunition. You use that anger ti get things done instead of just stewing in it. Trust me, y'all."

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Midsummer's Mayhem by Rajani LaRocca

Midsummer's Mayhem by Rajani LaRocca
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to @rajanilrocca (Rajani LaRocca), Yellow Jacket (an imprint of Bonnier Publishing USA) and #BookJunkies for allowing me to be an early reader of Midsummer’s Mayhem by awesome debut author, Rajani LaRocca, in exchange for an honest review. Wow, did I love this debut novel for middle grade children. Just let me gush about the beauty of LaRocca’s language – the descriptions of the foods (Indian, sweet, and salty) had me drooling; I wanted to eat (and bake) everything in this contemporary retelling mixing fantasy elements of fairies, friends, and the importance of family. The beauty of Mimi’s woods (the trees, herbs, and flowers) held me captive when I realized this was no ordinary forest. In addition, I loved strong, reasonable but mighty main character, Mimi and her passion for baking sweet treats. But Mimi feels outshined by everyone else in her family, has lost her best friend, and struggles with the baking contest she has entered. When new kid, Vik rescue’s Mimi in a tree; her summer turns into one of foodie love, a fast friendship, and many new adventures in her woods. With her siblings’ involvement in the summer play, Midsummer Night’s Dream, paralleling Mimi’s summer of mayhem, the reader is ensconced in Mimi’s world of sweet treats, family drama, and the magic of food and fairies. Food lovers, Shakespearean lure, and the diversity of Indian food, customs, and folklore will delight readers of all ages. You will also enjoy at the end; The Acknowledgements, Baking Terms and even recipes from the book; I am certainly going to be baking these mouth-watering treats! Highly recommended; get your copy in a store near you, June 2019.

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Fake ID by Lamar Giles

Fake ID by Lamar Giles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

To think this was Giles debut YA book! I loved this thriller; Nick is a teen in Witness Protection and he is on his 4th relocation; I loved the way his mind worked- he was always on guard but had a side that was so sensitive but only the reader and maybe for a very short time, Reya would see. The sick dilemma that is going on in "Whispertown" is one Nick does not want to be a part of...he was really getting into helping Eli(his new friend, only friend) publish the school newspaper but that is cut short with his suicide (is it really or is it murder). As Nick tries to find the truth he questions everything-himself, his father, and he must lie to protect his witness protection status. I could not put this book down and am jumping immediately to his latest book, Spin, for my #yearofya twitter chat this month---books by African American authors, join us in what is always a great discussion!

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City of Saints & Thieves by Natalie C. Anderson

City of Saints & Thieves by Natalie C. Anderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to and loved narrator, Pascale Armand's many voices in Anderson's oh so compelling thriller of lies, murder, gangs, African mining, and family ties. Tina has been nursing her hatred for Mr Greyhill for over 5 years; he killed her mother and she was going to ruin him. With best friend & tech wizard Boy-Boy Tina is determined to infiltrate Mr Greyhill's home, access his computer and finding the truth- destroy him financially & personally. But in his office at his computer she is startled to find a gun aimed at her and Michael Greyhill, her long time friend (who is supposed to be at boarding school) is aiming a gun at her. As she tries to figure out how to fool Michael, he proposes how he will help her find her mother's murderer (of course he does not think it is his father). Tina was so filled with hatred, anger, and the urge for revenge, you can't help but want this solitary girl to triumph in every way possible. But as the odds mount against her, Tina will find out who her true friends are, but will she be able to accept, survive the truth? Such a spine tingling story about family, the awfulness that is Congo, horrid business practices, militias goondas, killing and survival. Highly recommended, teens will love the spine tingling, break neck speed of this book!!!

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Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Debut author hits a homerun with her disturbing, humorous, delightful book flawlessly narrated by Cathleen McCarron. I was alternately embarrassed for and by Eleanor, I disliked her but wished her well---OMG, as the book unfolds Eleanor is a solitary soul who has opinions on everything, no friends, long time worker at a PR firm. It is when she sees a rock star and begins to imagine meeting him, falling in love, etc that Eleanor begins to make some changes (big, big, big) to her life and her appearance. It is her childhood and her weekly chats with Mummy that are particularly difficult to read but all the while tech assistant, Raymond, proves his worth as her first and ONLY friend. I loved Raymond, his mother, and the old guy both Raymond and Eleanor saved as he fell to the ground unconscious. It was so gratifying to see Eleanor's re-birth as a human being with feelings, insight and compassion. I could not stop laughing at her judgments, criticisms, and bizarre beliefs. I can't wait to see this as a movie----I will be excitedly looking forward to her next book---I would love even another Eleanor book, too!

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Sparrow by Sarah Moon

Sparrow by Sarah Moon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this award winner as part of the 2018 HUB Reading Challenge. Oh did I love Sparrow's journey, from a lonely child who loses one friend and never seems to make another. Sparrow spends her time becoming a bird and flying. It is when she is on the roof at school that people think she will jump, that Sparrow goes into counseling and oh what a journey she begins with Dr, K. Sparrow and her mom go through a very difficult period too, not talking to each other. It is so beautiful when Sparrow discovers music, how it heals her, energizes her and speaks to her---when Sparrow, her mom and Dr. K talk and settle on Sparrow going to a 3 week long music camp...OMG I just loved Sparrow's spirit as it soared, made friends, wrote songs, played the bass. The best book ever! Quite the debut!!!

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