Play Like a Girl by Misty Wilson

Play Like a Girl by Misty Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Misty's 7th grade, being the only girl on the football team was so good! She loses her best friend who has changed, is a hit on the football team except for one nasty guy, and has the full support of her stepdad in all things having to do with the football team. I was glad to see Misty was able to have other girls from the cheer squad be her friends. The peer pressure was tough for Misty but she knew who she was (even when she tried to impress her friend who ditches her for a mean girl). A great middle grade graphic novel!

View all my reviews

Sooley by John Grisham

Sooley by John Grisham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to Dean Looney for this awesome read! I loved the character of Sooley, a teen from war-torn Sudan and the plot contains some Philadelphia mentions (Jay Wright, Villanova Basketball) and reading this 2021 book in which South Sudan is in a war ---and also now in 2023 South Africa is suffering from tribal wars. I have read/known as a high school librarian refugees like Sooley and it is so painful to read/see how these shell shocked "boys" experience war, murder of family members, isolation and a new world to become used to in the United States. Grisham had me turning the pages as I fell in love with his best friend (in North Carolina) as he becomes Sooley's friend, roommate, then manager. The reader will root for Sooley, he is a great main character! I loved all the basketball games, players and challenges Sooley faces.

View all my reviews

Tumble by Celia C. Perez

Tumble by Celia C. Pérez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great cover and such a good, important read for middle grade and YA! Adela lives with her mom and Alex (her mom's boyfriend and the only father she has ever known) when they approach her with Alex's wish to adopt her. What this sets off is Adela looking for her real father--one question her mother has refused to answer ever! So when Adela and her bestie decide to look for her birth certificate they find GOLD--a picture of her mother and real father with a small Adela. As she begins the search for her father so much hits her and she is also in her school play the Nutcracker and knows her mom & Alex want an answer to adoption. I loved Perez's writing, her characters, and the food (oh so yummy) as this 12 year old braves finding her father and his family of wrestlers. This is a must read for all; the wrestling expectations (and history) in this family, her grandfather who does not remember, her mother who is still fighting her on anything about her father, and her father, Manny, who wants to be the son his father has demanded back in his prime. The family dynamics were wonderful, heartbreaking, and real. Highly recommended!

View all my reviews

The Winners (Beartown, #3) by Fredrick Backman

The Winners by Fredrik Backman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great 3rd book in the series of Beartown hockey. There were more great characters introduced, the rivalry still between the teams in Hed & Beartown, and there are things afoot, deaths, violence, bullying and family relationships explored and friendships celebrated.

View all my reviews

Give and Take by Elly Swartz

Give and Take by Elly Swartz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It all begins with the day her grandmother does not remember her anymore, Maggie, fearful that she won't remember things anymore, begins at home and school, with "special" boxes containing items she wants to remember- a baby binky, milk cartons, that attract ants, gum wrappers, her grandmother's gecko necklace...). No one is allowed to know about them and when her little brother or mother do---Maggie responds with white hot anger and yelling. Even more upsetting to Maggie is that her beloved all female trapshooting team is broken up. I love Elly Swartz books, they really deal so well with tough subjects, while treating her readers to great chapters of the characters lives and how they deal with many issues. I highly recommend this book and loved the chapters at the end that include information on topics middle grade readers will want to know more about.

View all my reviews

Vanished! (Framed #2) by James Ponti

Vanished! by James Ponti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again, I loved and could not stop reading the adventures of Margaret and Florian Bates as they continued to be kids in middle school but also working with the FBI and Marcus (using TOAST) to uncover who is pulling pranks at the elite Chatam School. Ponti keeps the thrill pulsing with this latest mystery and I enjoyed seeing Florian and Margaret at a rival school, making new friends (well really spying, even the President's daughter!), involving gangster Nic the Knife to help and try to find master cellist Yin as he vanishes during a concert! Highly recommended!

View all my reviews

Crossing the Line: A Fearless Team of Brothers and the Sport That Changed Their Lives by Kareem Rosser

Crossing the Line: A Fearless Team of Brothers and the Sport That Changed Their Lives Forever by Kareem Rosser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG! This is definitely a MUST READ! Many thanks to my reading neighbor, Carrie Ogorek, for so fully pushing this book into my hands. The life Kareem Rosser describes in "The Bottom" of West Philadelphia was so sad, fraught with death, violence, and trauma. With a mother and many brothers and sisters, many fathers - all absent, Kareem is a shy, shell shocked child who grows into a fearful teen--but his older brothers lead him to the Fairmount area on one of their explorations and it is there he falls in love with horses. The horses are the balm that Kareem needs to live, to heal, to grasp for something better out of the bottom. Fraught with problems every step of the way, he is able to grow in the Work to Ride program, white owner, Lezlie Hiner provides---he also learns how to play polo with his brothers and together they dream of a life away from the violence that is their neighborhood and life. I could not stop turning the pages, Kareem writes from the heart about his life of undiagnosed panic attacks, his daily fear for the members of his family and friends, and his "new" life as he strives for better against all the odds thrown up time and time again. This is a MUST READ for all! I donated immediately to the Work to Ride program because "they---Kareem as a fundraiser too-- want to build an indoor polo field and I also read that he has partnered with famous polo player, Nacho Figueras is bringing the 1st Philadelphia Polo Classic in September 2022, what an amazing event.

View all my reviews

Open and Shut (Andy Carpenter, #1) by David Rosenfelt

Open and Shut by David Rosenfelt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this 1st book in the Andy Carpenter series, although I read the 2nd book, First Degree first in the series and my sister passed along the very first David Rosenfelt book, The 12 Dogs of Christmas and I was instantly smitten----I have to read all of Rosenfelt's books 1- they are funny, 2- they are mysteries, 3 they have dogs in them!!!, and 4 Andy Carpenter is a hoot! This first book sets up Andy's personality as a defense lawyer with his wisecracks to the reader (he loves sports, hates exercise, loves Tara, his golden retriever). Suddenly Andy's father an ex DA dies in front of him, a firestorm happens and Andy is left to pick up the pieces---number one, why did his father leave him $22 million dollars? Rosenfelt had me turning those pages- there was suspense, humor, and a deep love for dogs----I was hooked! I have been recommending this to all my friends because we love dogs and mysteries; I can't wait to read the 3rd book next, Bury the Lead!

View all my reviews

Rainbow High (Rainbow Trilogy, #2) by Alex Sanchez

Rainbow High by Alex Sanchez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awesomely narrated by: Alston Brown, I love the continued coming out and friendship and romance Kyle, Jason and Nelson navigate their senior year. The interplay of family, school, and coach dynamics really paints a varied but realistic picture of queer teen boys at home and in school (with a new GSA club) and in relationships (both the pain and wonder). I can't wait for the 3rd audiobook, but I will be sorry to leave these boys ---they have made an impact on me and I will miss them!

View all my reviews

Rainbow Boys (Rainbow Trilogy, #1) by Alex Sanchez

Rainbow Boys by Alex Sanchez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awesomely narrated by Alston Brown, three guys in high school are the main characters with best friends Nelson (openly gay) and Kyle semi-out) and Jason with a girlfriend of 2 years and thinking about guys. This was written in 2003 and I was a high school librarian then and am so sorry I never read this book. Teens will understand the trials and tribulations of these 3 boys who also have family and friend issues to contend with and college on the horizon. Each chapter is narrator is narrated by Kyle, Jason and Nelson because they are all so different. Also this is at a time when there is homophobia in the school and at home, many tense, difficult things happen to these boys as they struggle to open a Gay/Straight Alliance in their school. A must listen to!!!

View all my reviews

Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt

Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this Gary D. Schmidt book so so much! The writing, the characters, and the 1968 setting were optimal for an authentic middle grade read! Meryl Lee Kowalski's life has been turned upside down with the death of her best friend and her parents decide to start her fresh at a prep school, away from the grief and possibly problems at home. But it is at St. Elene's Preparatory Academy for Girls where Meryl Lee tries to find out who she is by participating in sports (a hoot!), writing, and artwork. As lonely and despondent as she is, she runs into a kindred soul in Matt Coffin (who acts like her dead best friend) who has a horrid past he is running from. And each time he runs, those he has come to care for are in danger. I could not put this book down!!! The beauty in Schmidt's writing was present in nature with both Meryl Lee and Matt reveling in the sea, the shore and skipping stones. Many of the teachers were authentic and sympathetic with changes abounding as time goes by. I loved the characters of Dr. MacKnockater and the sea captain, the servants Betty and Althea and the Vietnam War was woven seamlessly throughout this wonderful novel that burns with warmth and humanity. Highly recommended and I loved seeing the characters from his other novel, Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy in this book too!

View all my reviews

Life in the Balance by Jen Petro-Roy

Life in the Balance by Jen Petro-Roy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this awesome book for my 2nd #BitAboutBooks Winter Reading Challenge, Direction in the Title. Veronica is the only child of lawyer mom and home salesman dad. She loves softball; her mom and grandmother were stand out softball players and her ability is obvious. Looking forward to an All Star Team tryout; life crashes and burns when her mom reveals she will be going to rehab for alcoholism for 2 months. This changes so much for Veronica and as she decides how to tell her best friend, Claudia about her mom, Claudia has challenges too; her parents are separating. So Veronica does not tell tell Claudia and as time goes on she confides in another friend. Her dad tells her they may not be able to afford the fees for the All Star team, devastating Veronica. I loved Veronica's voice; her anger; her fears, and her vulnerability (that she hides from all). Middle grade readers will identify with the life choices, school drama and family dynamics, Petro-Roy so convincingly portrays in the characters of Veronica, Claudia, Libby, her mom, her dad and scary Coach Ortiz as they navigate the good times and the "new" times in this realistic story of family, addiction, and the many changes and struggles in the life of this young teen. Highly recommended!

View all my reviews

The Deal (Off-Campus, #1) by Elle Kennedy

The Deal by Elle Kennedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first Elle Kennedy romance I have read and oh did I enjoy Hannah and Graham. They were both believable college students, Graham the jock and Hannah a music Major. But they bring their real selves to their friendship which begins with Graham stalking Hannah to tutor him so he won't get kicked off the ice hockey team. As Captain, Graham has lots of friends and girls who chase him. But Hannah works, is a good student and is in the annual music show, and she does not have many friends, does not drink and does not go to frat parties. I liked the slow way their bickering friendship proceeded and as they begin to tell each other things that they have not told to too many people, my fingers were crossed. A really great book to begin the Off-Campus series, I can't wait to read more Elle Kennedy romances!

View all my reviews

Finding Mr. Better-Than-You by Shani Petroff

Finding Mr. Better-Than-You by Shani Petroff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for the advance reader copy Finding Mr. Better-Than-You by Shani Petroff, in exchange for an honest review. Teens will love feisty Camryn as she is very publicly dumped after a three-year high school romance. Camryn has planned her life and college plans around Marc; so she is totally blindsided by him; even more when she finds out he has been seeing another “new” girl all summer while she was away as a camp counselor. But what teens will love MOST is how her friends get behind her and never stop encouraging her to be her best person (hadn’t she been doing that for the last 3 years?). Even more surprising is her new found friendship with the cheerleaders. Whether she is looking for Mr. Right or jumping into new school activities; Camryn’s search for new school clubs and/or priorities will lead her into a fast-paced, often humorous journey with this reader rooting for Camryn’s happiness and growing self-reliance. I loved Shani Petroff’s use of authentic teens, high school drama, best friends (and new friends) being forever and finding yourself. Highly recommended!

View all my reviews

Checked by Cynthia Kadohata

Checked by Cynthia Kadohata
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this story of ice hockey expert, Conor and his father (divorced) and his beloved dog, Sinbad. Day in and day out, Conor is ferried by his father to ice hockey rinks from early morning to night; he loves ice hockey, is really good at it, takes special care of his pet, Sinbad and life is good. Until it is not, what will life hold for him as he worries about his father and his dog. Cynthia Kadohata has written an engrossing story middle grade students will love.

View all my reviews

Sunny (Track #3) by Jason Reynolds

Sunny by Jason Reynolds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG, I just love this whole series and Sunny broke my heart and then gave me hope as he gives up track, stays on the team but now will try discus, loves to dance, wishes his mom never died and that his relationship with this Dad- who Sunny must always call Daryl was different. I can't wait for the next book in the series, but everyone should read these thought provoking, funny, angsty books about kids, sports and life- highly recommended!

View all my reviews

Us Against You (Beartown #2) by Frederik Backman

Us Against You by Fredrik Backman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Marin Ireland's awesome narration of this 2nd in the Beartown series was compelling, taut, and noteworthy. This book picks up where Beartown left off, talks about a particular time period afterword but also gives glimpses of the past with new and old characters. I did not particularly like Backman's constant repetition throughout...mostly about human failings, what ifs, and the constant microcosm of politics, people, and harsh realities. If you liked the first one, youwill certainly enjoy this book- there are so many rich characters, lots of plot twists, and a small town damn proud of hockey, their factory and hospital.

View all my reviews

Beartown by Fredrik Backman

Beartown by Fredrik Backman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to Marin Ireland's stellar narration of Beartown which was a compelling tough read/listen. It was about hockey, small town nastiness, bullying, bullying, bullying. Backman chose to tell his story about a great team of boys, their families, the hockey mentality (which was not pretty to listen to over and over again) of the boys, the townspeople, the board, the sponsors and the families. Within all of this, Backman begins on the first page with a bang,bang, bang that continues to be hammered incessantly through the book (a little too much for me) and doesn't really get to the "crime" til so much later in the book. With the way Backman chose to tell the story, it was not so much based on interactions of the characters but thoughts of what could have been said, what was and was not done, therefore I did not really feel totally invested in the characters in the story but in their circumstances and how that played out in their town, Beartown and how it related to ice hockey. That being said, there were some characters I really enjoyed- they were deep, committed, passionate- Peter, his wife, Kira, his daughter Maya and her best friend as well as Benjie, his mom, Ramona, Ahmed. I tried to like the coach of the boys but he was a tough character especially when compared to the older coach, Soon, who was such an upstanding human being. Backman's portrayal of Benjie and his fierce personality and struggle with being a hockey player and gay broke my heart. On the other hand, Ahmed, was always bullied, was "of color" in a white town, his mother a worker at the rink- but when the time came- he stepped up and revealed the truth even at great cost to himself. A tough read and the bullying aspect was so ingrained in Beartown it was hard to take over and over again from my reader point of view.

View all my reviews

Patina (Track: Book 2) by Jason Reynolds

Patina by Jason Reynolds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this 2nd book in the Track series by Jason Reynolds. Once again I was immersed in the world of track, the competition, the comraderie, and tough young protagonists. Like the first book, Ghost, Patina is dealing with the loss of her father, becoming "adopted" by her father's brother and his wife, and moving to a new school. As she continues to deal with taking care of her cute little sister, Maddy- Patina also has to deal with a new elite school and the fake girls who go there. But the good thing is- she is still on The Defenders Track team and the kids and coaches help her deal with life, a new school, her mom needing dialysis, and her new parents. Jason Reynolds is the best author, both in middle grade and YA books (I have read and thoroughly loves ALL his books) - they speak to the guts and glory of the underdog, they root for their characters, and they show us, the reader- the pain of being in a tough world but finding a sport that helps them deal, can't wait for Book #3!

View all my reviews

I Believe In A Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo

I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I totally enjoyed Goo's funny book about super achiever, Desi - she is a great soccer player, student body president, involved in after school clubs and activities and very close with her dad, Appa. It is only when it comes to guys that she has ALL Flairures (love that made up word by Desi's friends)!!! When she meets new guy, Luka Drakos, Desi decides to plan her path to this her first boyfriend. By watching Korean dramas with her Dad, she crafts The K Drama Steps To True Love, which entails binge watching the Korean RomComs, taking notes and presenting to her friends Fiona and Wes how she will "catch" Luka. What the reader sees from the get-go is that Luka really likes her from the first moment they meet and despite the many steps she achieves (many with disastrous results) on her list - she and Luka, kiss, fall in love, etc. But, Desi is her own worst enemy and I enjoyed seeing her learn from her many disasters. I rooted for Desi & Luka (oh is he swoon worthy) loved her Dad and stalwart best friends. Goo has crafted a funny novel filled with good drama teens will enjoy, see themselves in and want to pass on to their friends!

View all my reviews