Today is the Day!:Otis Goes to the Beach by Katie Williamson and illustrated by Zoe Saunders

Today is the Day!: Otis Goes to the Beach by Katie Williamson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Today is the Day! : Otis Goes to the Beach is a debut that will delight children and their parents who read this over and over again. With awesome illustrations by Zoe Saunders this child's book explores a day at the beach by a mother, father, their 2 girls and Otis, their dog. Turning the pages, the readers see the beach day through Otis' excitement and adventures. The beach, from page to page is bright, sunny, and filled with what is fun on the beach--sand castles, beach balls, sea gulls, the ocean waves, and sea and sand creatures and so much more. The sisters and Otis have such a memorable day at the beach and this reader enjoyed reading to her grandson, we turned each page & enjoyed the rhyming text and pointing to the beaches with shells, beach umbrellas, surfers, and waves. We fell in love with this book, the beach and Otis was so darn cute. A must read! Highly recommended!

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Forever, Interrupted by Tara Jenkins Reid

Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to Kara McBrien for lending me this book! Elsie and Ben's love story was beautiful, sad, and I ached for Elsie in her grief!

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Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah

Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG, many thanks to Ben Gartner @BGartnerWriting for this recommendation. I could not put this debut down---the mystery, the strong female characters, and the best ending in the world, had me turning those pages, falling in love with Jo, Ursa, Gabe and Tabby. Jo has endured a lot the past few years and now that she is healthy and feeling good, she jumps headlong into her school project in a remote area with nesting birds. One day a disheveled little girl appears and with a fantastical story of her being from another planet. Jo does what she should and contacts the police, the girl bolts and the policeman does not give her good advice. So when this girl comes back, we all fall in love with her wit, she is very very smart, and she is adventurous, helpful, and insightful. When they both become friends with Gabe, this little trio is perfect, until it wasn't (reality!!!). Gabe's family, his depression, and his belief that Jo should give Ursa over to the authorities is a major conflict but it also brings them closer and I rooted for them the whole book. Glendy Vanderah's writing is beautiful, with the beauty of the area, and the characters being so so real. I can't wait to read more from this author!


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Pahua and the Soul Stealer by Lori M. Lee

Pahua and the Soul Stealer by Lori M. Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide and Rick Riordan Presents for the advance reader copy, Pahua and the Soul Stealer by Lori M. Lee in exchange for an honest review. This is my 3rd Rick Riordan Presents book and I just keep wanting to read more and more of these middle grade fantasies about different cultures. I fell in love with the Hmong folklore, spirits, food, and Asian mythology in this debut by Lori M. Lee. There were so many memorable characters with my two favorites being Pahua (and her best friend cat, Miv – that no one can see) and her friend/enemy Zhong (a shaman in training on a quest). Both these girls are Hmong, lonely, and on a mission- Pahua to rescue her brother Matt’s spirit which has been stolen by a horrid bridge spirit and Zhong, a warrior shaman who must complete a trial or fail. As Pahua and Zhong work together they have many, many adventures (funny and serious), racing against time and mythological characters and spirits to save her little brother; these 2 fearless and unforgettable characters will use magic, strength, nature-based spirits and fantastical folklore to conquer a soul stealer like no other. Highly recommended for middle grade fantasy lovers!

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Dark Horses by Susan Mihalic

Dark Horses: A Novel by Susan Mihalic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, just Wow! Mihalic's debut was stunning, gripping, terrifying! Roan is only 15 years old when this novel begins but she has the maturity and tenacity of an adult; a much older, time worn woman. Being raised by totally normal looking parents; they are a scary dysfunctional family with few redeeming qualities. Her mother is an alcoholic, a beauty who no longer models, hates her husband and daughter because she feels they chose each other and not her. Poor Roan does not know why her mother can't love her; she even told her about the abuse from her father and it fell on deaf ears. Roan has been lashed to her father since she was a child; he controls her every movement. She is an award winning equestrian (just like her father) but there are strings attached, and in order to survive Roan places aspects of her life in boxes in order to deal. As she grew up the abuse continued and with it threats--her father killed her dog, threatens to take away beloved horses, and punishes her when she falters. Add to this a high school friend who becomes someone special and life becomes filled with more and more secrets threatening to explode. But Roan has been groomed by the best, her father and along the way she has learned to become skilled in deception and as her life with her father collides with Will Howard, Roan tries desperately to live with her father's expectations and her interest in this new boy's attentions. I could not stop turning the pages while I was entranced by the world Mihalic created of the beauty of farms, horses, and competition. I rooted for Roan and hoped her resilience forged from her father's demands would help her find her way to a life she deserved. A must read about family dynamics, sexual abuse, and the power of love. Highly recommended!

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Legendborn (Legendborn, #1) by Tracy Deonn

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this awesome debut as part of my 2nd #BitAboutBooks Winter Reading Challenge since it is a Book with a one word title and equals 10 points. There was so so so much to like about this book--the depth of the characters, the suspenseful plot, and the worldbuilding. Once I finished this thriller, I was so excited to see there is a 2nd book so a series it will be. I happen to LOVE series and this is one that I will be biting my nails about until the 2nd book comes out!!! Bree and her best friend, Alice have plans to attend her mother's alma mater in a special program (which her mother does not want). Her mother is angry with Bree's decision and then she dies in a hit and run. Bree and her father are devastated, grief makes her into angry Bree with walls she shuts off and only shares with the reader. Imagine her surprise when she sees magic being used which leads to the most awesome, suspenseful story combining magic, fantasy, elements of the Knights of the Round Table, Root Magic, Legendborns and Onceborns and all kinds of horrid creatures like attacking hellhounds. Bree's journey was deep; she was definitely traumatized by her mother's death, going to this school has her looking into her heritage while dealing with racism, bullies, and keeping too many secrets. I LOVED Bree; she is tough, doesn't back down, and runs fast forward into trouble or answers she desperately needs. As she navigates college life, pledging a secret society and growing ever closer to Nick, she also sees a therapist to deal with her grief. I loved this book's diversity, the different friendships, and LGBTQ relationships. I though everything was authentic, researched and spun in such a way that I wanted to learn so much more! Highly recommended, can't wait for the 2nd book!!!

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The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez

The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez by Adrianna Cuevas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book for my 2nd challenge of the #BitAboutBooks Winter Reading Challenge, Name in the Title for 20 points and there is so much GREATNESS in this book! Nestor is in middle school, he constantly moves around because his father is deployed (now in Afghanistan), he doesn't stay long enough to make friends, he can talk to animals (yes and they talk to him) and now living in New Haven, Texas (where his Dad grew up) with his Abuela and nurse Mom, Nestor's constant grief and fear for his Dad and missing him compounds his unease with what is going on in the neighborhood. This time, Nestor has two friends he really enjoys, Maria Carmen, and Talib, and together they investigate missing animals, a creature that terrorizes the woods as either a spider, snake or wolverine. How will Nestor and company solve the mystery and save the missing animals? It is a race against time and readers will not be able to put this book down! There is excitement, suspense, friendship and folklore that lure you in and what a wild ride, highly recommended!

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The Beauty in Breaking: A Memoir by Michele Harper

The Beauty in Breaking: A Memoir by Michele Harper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to my friend and librarian, Mary Alice, for giving me her copy of this debut by Dr. Michele Harper, a memoir about her adolescent life and her life as an emergency room doctor. Michele's compassion and love for her work as a doctor helping those seeking emergency room services was far reaching, humbling, and so moving. This is a must read and I for one am so glad we have the many doctors who valiantly care for patients in their care!

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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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Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds

Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I totally enjoyed this debut novel from Justin A. Reynolds and the time travel element and romance aspect kept me turning the pages! Jack King is a nerd who doesn't ever get what he wants (totally in love with his best friend who happens to be dating his other best friend) until he meets Kate at a party. I laughed, I ached, and totally enjoyed the time travel aspect as Jack tries to "keep" Kate. I loved the best friends, the families, and what we will do for love!

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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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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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Lighter Than My Shadow by Katie Green

Lighter Than My Shadow by Katie Green
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this graphic novel as part of the 2018 HUB Reading Challenge and Katie Green's debut is jarring, instructional, and harrowing and will resonate with teens battling the demons of an eating disorder, the doubts and secrets withheld from everyone (even Katie). Katie's battle to succeed in pursuing a degree in illustration, coming to grips with her anorexia and rebuilding (managing) her life to include family, friends and coping techniques.

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Owl Eyes by Molly Laser

Owl Eyes: A Fairy Tale by Molly Lazer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Molly Laser's book was give to me by my great librarian friend, Randi Wall, to read and oh did I enjoy this improved Cinderella fairy tale in this powerful debut with a heroine who endures much and grows even stronger as a result. What Nora knows about her real parents isn't much, but volumes can be said about Greta and Peter, the servants who adopted her, showed her much love and taught her to endure despite the bullying, punishments, and slights. As Nora stumbles into truth, will she make the right decisions, for herself, about Greta and Peter and her lifelong friend, Jack? I loved Nora's world, could not put this book down, reveled in Nora's world and rooted for her to find the family and love she yearns for; highly recommended!

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Love Songs and Other Lies by Jessica Pennington

Love Songs & Other Lies: A Novel by Jessica Pennington
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge and Tor Teen for the advance reader copy, Love Songs and Other Lies by debut author, Lisa Pennington, in exchange for an honest review. Oh, did I love this story; I also think this awesome debut is a YA story but can also be put into the new adult genre since the characters are college age. Vee and Cam’s story was heartbreaking, breathtaking, and I rooted for them to hang in there (despite Cam’s past) and prosper as a couple. Pennington’s use of THEN and NOW as well as Cam’s or Vee’s point of view was critical in establishing what was happening (took place) in the past as well as the present for the main characters. Vee’s progression was great to read; she was an attentive granddaughter, funny, great singer and songwriter and good friend to her band members. As she becomes friends with Cam, the reader is treated to her snarkiness, wanting to just be friends with Cam, despite her growing feelings. I liked the way as time went on, she shared everything with Cam and wished her honesty led him to break down his terrifying walls of blame and self-hatred. The music element of being in a band, writing songs, and how the music moves Vee and Cam was so exciting; I loved the tour, the tightness of the band members, especially her best friend, Logan. The drama of the tour, what went down between Vee and Cam, kept me mesmerized and turning the pages. This is a great beach read, teens will love the music, band aspect, as well as the reality TV drama in this emotionally charged second chance winner!

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What You Left Me by Bridget Morrissey

What You Left Me by Bridget Morrissey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the advance reader copy, What You Left Me by debut author, Bridget Morrissey, in exchange for an honest review. Teens will enjoy this stunning debut, that examines through alternating perspectives and dream sequences, the power of love, friendship, hopes, and dreams when two teens, Petra and Martin, seated next to each other (alphabetically) meet for the first time at their graduation from high school. Petra has a secret so she holds Martin’s antics at arms-length, but she really enjoys his kidding, prodding, and agrees to attend his graduation party that night. Morrissey has a real gift for description and drama as she treats the reader to Petra and Martin’s friends and the way they talk, laugh, cry, and communicate with each other. I really enjoyed these teens, their honesty and fierce protectiveness toward each other. Much will be learned through the time these new friends spend together as they gather in the hospital, waiting for news about Martin after he and his best friend are in a car accident. Verdict – a must read for teens!

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My Oxford Year by Julia Whalen

My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this debut by awesome narrator Julia Whelan (I have listened to and loved many of her narrations as well) I was intrigued to listen to a debut and heroine, Ella Duran is one feisty, smart, compassionate character. Arriving to begin her work as a Rhodes Scholar (she also has a job back in the US which she conducts by phone or Skype) in English Lit which she really has no background in- but boy is she good with dates, authors, etc. I was mesmerized by Jamie Davenport from beginning to end- Whelan's descriptions of him and her British voice were so sexy and as a couple they were exciting with their forays, discussions, and their "no strings" romance (haha) but even more, I loved Ella's friends, Ella's thoughts, Ella's voice, and everything Ella. What a wonderful adventure for this reader; I'd like a series---Ella's life will be exciting, I am sure!

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Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh wow, what a thriller! I listened to this beauty of a book beautifully narrated by Bahni Turpin!!! I could not stop listening; the adventure, the magic, the horror of Zel and Zane's lives after their mother is killed by King Anan, and their race to bring back magic was thrilling, sickening, and pulse pounding. The world of Orisha is beautiful through Zelie's eyes but also stunningly sad and horrifically fearful as the diviners and maji are considered maggots and their magic died (King Anan killed all the maji and diviners) over 10 years ago. As princess Amari steals the scroll artifact and runs for her life; she runs into Zelie and asks for help. The stories and histories of both the royalty and Zelie and Zane was mesmerizing and beautiful. I was grief stricken by the violence throughout and rooted for Zelie but being chosen does not mean she is given an easy task at all. She is stubborn, honest and passionate, a great fighter, and not at all happy she has been tasked with the greatest task of all---constantly she is fearful and upset about the insurmountable odds thrown at her, Amari and Zane. I loved Tomi Adeyemi's world building, her rich characters, and her author notes at the end are so important to read---her book is a response to the violence in our world today. A must read, I can't wait for the second book; the cliffhanger left me with questions. Highly recommended.

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Dear Martin by Nic Stone

Dear Martin by Nic Stone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s and Crown Books for Young Readers, for the ARC, Dear Martin by Nic Stone. Debut author, Nic Stone, has crafted a realistic fiction and urban fiction novel all teens will be clamoring to read. With the ripped from the headlines news of teens being shot by police and police violence, Stone has written a powerful, hard hitting novel I could not put down. I ached for Justyce, a black teen in a mostly white prep school who is unjustly judged by a white cop; roughed up and handcuffed, as he tries to help his drunk, white girlfriend. The title, Dear Martin, comes from the letters Justyce writes to Dr. King as a project to himself, as he tries to emulate King’s style and words to sort through racism, oppression, and injustice he encounters. Justyce’s problems intensify as he becomes more and more embroiled in incidents that involve him, his school friends, and his neighborhood acquaintances. As Martin leans on friends, his debate teacher, and debate partner (love interest), he becomes more and more disillusioned. Stone’s writing, her characters, and plot were all powerful reminders that there is still a great divide in our world and she raises many valid questions about problems our society needs to solve. Justyce’s world and struggle brings many needed diverse voices and issues to all readers. Today’s teens care about the heated, frustrating questions and concerns Nic Stone tackles in her haunting debut novel. Highly recommended!

Review of AudioBook
I listened to this wrenching book for the #2jennsbookclub twitter chat to take place Thursday, April 12 at 8PM EST and Dion Graham's narration of the book, plot and character's was just authentic, moving, and once again plunged me to awful depths with Justyce's confusion and despair after he is arrested. Nic Stone has penned a book ALL must read- there is still so much that needs to be done - African American teens must not be profiled, violated, assaulted and killed...they deserve much better.

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A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena

A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book for a twitter chat book club, #yabookchat which will be discussed Sunday 4/8 at 9PM EST. This book devastated me, Zarin and Porus' life in Saudi Arabia, especially Jeddah was hell. Zarin is a strong female character (did I like her???, not really, but after they way she is treated by everyone, except Porus I saw her as a totally marginalized teen) who lives in a sexist, racist, judgmental world (school and home) that does not allow any freedom for teens in most aspects of life. The only character I truly loved and felt for was Porus. He is kind, has been raised right with a gentle father he desperately loves (and loses) and a revered mother. All of his goodness does unfortunately does not work for the love he has for Zarin. Time and time again, she is rude to him, with her mean, angry words she tries to push him away - she smokes, skips school and has a reputation (unearned) with guys resulting in her constantly being bullied by the girls in her school. She suffers physical abuse at her aunt's hands her whole life and her uncle turns a blind eye and eventually turns against Zarin when she will not tell anyone about the drugging and sexual violence by a classmate. There was no character (except Porus) that had any redeeming qualities, the religious police did not allow any normal teen relationships and society judged Zarin based on gossip, lies, and her own secrecy. I ached for this teen and when I finished the book, in the Author Note, Tanaz Bhathena summed up the awful life that existed for teens in Saudi Arabia in 2014, she revisits her own past over and over to write the book "My own story is different from Zarin's and Mishal's, Yet it does not make their stories any less true, not does it diminish the reality of living in a world that still defines girls in various ways without letting them define themselves. This book is a love letter to them all."
A must read but a devastating one nonetheless.

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