How to Speak Boy by Tiana Smith

How to Speak Boy by Tiana Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and Swoon Reads for the advance reader copy How to Speak Boy by Tiana Smith, in exchange for an honest review. What I really liked about this novel is Quinn’s passion for debate and speech; she was one of the best; she knew it and worked tirelessly to be the best and become captain senior year. Only problem was Grayson; he is always her competition and the way Quinn sees it; Grayson gets things way too easily and she has been told countless times that he will do anything to win. Could it be his good looks (even Quinn notices) or the fact that his mother is in politics that make everything Grayson does look effortless? I really enjoyed the assignment mix-up in the wrong cubbies! Quinn was a dominating presence so the reader did not really get to know Grayson, except through others’ eyes and here say. I really wanted to see more of his character and personality. I liked Quinn’s drive but wished she was able to transfer this to her interactions with boys (friend, Carter and also Grayson); being insecure when it comes to boys she did not listen to her friends and family when they saw and realized things and Quinn did not. Readers will enjoy the surprises at the end of this fun rom com. I loved the resolution of this fun, enjoyable romance.

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Oy mg by Amy Fellner Dominy

I loved this book! I keep thinking about Ellie, Zeydeh (her grandfather), Devon and Dynamite Doris. Eleanor Taylor is 14 years old, loves to argue, and is excited to be a part of a summer camp for debate and hopes to win a scholarship to the Benedicts School.  Ellie has determination, quick wit, humor, and tenacity all going for her, but where she has a conflict is with her religion or should I say, she now has a conflict, but she was previously a very happy Jewish girl with an awesome grandfather who doesn't hesitate (like Ellie) to tell you what is on his mind and to be true to yourself.  It is when Ellie receives the scholarship application and it asks about religion that a little nagging starts eating away at Ellie.  Also, she wears her grandmother's Star of David for luck and when cute Devon tells her she might want to hide it when she is interviewed by his grandmother that Ellie gets the nagging feeling again. In order to win the scholarship Ellie decides to keep the truth from everyone; but her family finds out and they are very unhappy with her decision. Also things start "sizzling" with Devon and Ellie is all caught up with him, getting ready for her competition, and dealing with her stubborn grandfather.  You will totally enjoy this book, these characters and the resolution, YOU HAVE TO GET THIS BOOK!