The Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe

The Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love the journey of Canadian Norris Kaplan, hockey player, Haitian American, snarky, and moving to Austin, TX. His guidance counselor asks him to keep a journal of his observations of this new world, thus the title of the book. His ruminations, his real life interactions into the high school world, and just life in general all go into the field guide. Funny most of the time, but Norris' thoughts and mouth continues to get him in trouble. A thoroughly enjoyable read!

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Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo

Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) for the advance reader copy of Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo in exchange for an honest review. What a great romance! I fell in love immediately with Korean American character, K-Pop Star, Lucky, and Jack’s story, spanning one day of unrestricted commitments (Lucky decides to take a chance on being freed of her overwhelming K-Pop persona and obligations) with Jack (rescuer and nice guy) providing a whirlwind tour of Hong Kong via sites, music, and food, as they really get to know and like each other. As they roam the city, Jack and Lucky continue their deceptions, even as they parse out each other’s insecurities. I loved Lucky’s pluck, while also being tremendously guarded and conversely she also trusts and feels free as Jack accepts her as just a girl he is showing around the city. Even though Jack’s deceit is worse, I saw him through Lucky’s eyes as kind, caring, and oh so handsome. What I love about Goo’s stories are how her main characters, even though flawed, and drama-filled, they each begin to feel interest, caring, and love spread, and it makes the characters oh so swoon worthy. Teens will enjoy the intense relationship Lucky and Jack generate as their whirlwind tour of Hong Kong becomes a dream come true. Lucky and Jack are vivid, sympathetic characters whose fate matters and will keep teens turning the pages. One of my favorite new romances!

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Find Momo by Andrew Knapp

Find Momo: A Photography Book by Andrew Knapp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read, visualized, soaked up this wonderful book of photographs through Canada and the US as readers try to find border collie, Momo in each photograph. But I liked even more, Andrew Knapp's down to earth love of his dog, his surroundings and his internet followers who have become very special to him as they rise and champion the many Momo sightings. A visual adventure children, teens, and adults will all enjoy!

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Still Life With Bread Crumbs by Anna Quindlen

Still Life with Bread Crumbs by Anna Quindlen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ahhh, I so enjoyed this latest book by Anna Quindlen! Rebecca Winter is 60 years old; an artist turned photographer, mother, and divorced. At 30, she became famous for her Still Life With Breadcrumb photos and her Kitchen Counter photos which really speak to women about life…now she is supplementing her parents in a Jewish nursing home, battling her agent, and counting her pennies. Rebecca decides to rent out her NY apartment and flee to the country subletting a rundown old cabin,“finding” a dog and a roofer, Jim Bates. The photographer, Rebecca Winter at age 30, and at age 60, create and produce very different photographs. It is this change in a remarkable woman I loved seeing. Rebecca Winter blossoms from the disillusionment in her past and present; manifests change with humor, friendship, and love. Quindlen does a great job with her characters and setting to weave a fascinating look at a woman who makes a calculated change in her life and becomes energized with her photography and new “country” life. Highly recommended!

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Curveball: The Year ILost My Grip by Jordan Sonneblick

Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip by Jordan Sonnenblick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Jordan Sonneblick has done it again combining humor and heart break as Peter has to say good-bye to his beloved baseball due to a major injury. What he gains freshman year is a cute girl partner who is an ace photographer, his grandfather’s photography equipment, and a prize spot as the yearbook sports photographer. A great read for guys, girls and reluctant readers.


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