My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this book but disagreed with the ending...that said Korede is a strong but conflicted character with a sister, Ayoola, who uses her beauty and personality to fool everyone. Even Korede can't believe the lies her sister tells about her...but on to other parts of the book...I could not put down this slim book because I like to read books about serial killers. But that said I feel the author took Korede's strength of character and used it against her. The reader does not find out far into the book about their family dysfunction, maniacal father with his beatings and perverse thoughts on marriage, family and what people think about him. As Korede has no friends, she confides in a comatose patient in her hospital all that bothers her about her sister, her killings, and her own part in these. She is in love with Tade who has no idea she even exists, until her sister, the serial killer, comes into the hospital and he falls hard for her. What to do, tell Tade about Ayoola or keep silent? You read the book. I just feel Korede standing by her sister is a HUGE mistake! It is taking family love and caring for your sister no matter what too far.

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Guts by Raina Telgemeier

Guts by Raina Telgemeier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Raina T is one of my favorite middle school graphic novel authors! I enjoy all of books whether fiction or nonfiction. She is funny, brings authenticity to her characters, but also knows how to introduce to her young readers troubles (like tummy troubles, friendship dilemmas, bullying, etc) through her graphic novel format, which is truly inspiring! A must read for all- parents, kids, guidance counselors, school nurses)!

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Caterpillar Summer by Gillian McDunn

Caterpillar Summer by Gillian McDunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a beautiful book! So many of my librarian friends recommended this book; and now I see why; it is so special, absorbing, and important reading. Chicken and his sister, Cat held me captive; their author mother is so busy after the death of her husband and Cat and Chicken's father; she misses that she has heaped even more responsibility on Cat, watching her brother, fearing for his safety and getting in trouble with her mother and giving up many opportunities to be a kid. That changes when a summer trip must be cancelled due to a family emergency; Chicken and Cat will spend three with their grandparents--who they have never met. The beauty of the island, figuring out her grandparents, making friends, and learning so may new things, like fishing are embraced by Cat and Chicken, forever changing them both. This is a MUST READ!

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Rogue Princess by B. R. Myers

Rogue Princess by B.R. Myers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing group and Swoon Read for the advance reader copy, Rogue Princess, by B.R. Myers in exchange for an honest review. I loved this Cinderella retelling from the awesome characters, to the exciting plot, and the beauty of planet, Astor. I was hooked from page one; Aidan is a court servant who has no qualms about taking things (jewels, daggers) in order to escape the meanness of his father and two brothers. I was in love with Aidan; he is smooth, funny and self-confident; when he “runs into” Princess Delia on a palace space ship, his answers to her many questions are hysterical especially saying “it’s classified”; he is able to convince Delia he is a bodyguard for one of the princes who have arrived to seek her hand in marriage. I could not stop reading this exciting science fiction fantasy, the many twists and turns kept me riveted. Also, Delia is not your normal princess; I laughed each time she “saved” Aidan. Delia is sensitive to her subjects, respectful to her mother, the Queen, while also being her own person, honest, trustworthy, and mindful of the political climate dictating she marry to further the kingdom (even if she is not interested in marrying). Teens will love Delia’s adventures with Aidan, the pirates, the mazes, the court intrigue, and a wonderful surprise ending, highly recommended for those who love the Lunar Chronicles and Ashley Poston’s Heart of Iron series.

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The Burning Shadow (Origin #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Burning Shadow by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG I could not stop reading this book!!! Jennifer L. Armentrout's 2nd Origin book was such a heart stopping mystery and thriller---just like all of her books! Evie really doesn't know who she is, her memories of being someone else will just happen and when she and Luc, the Darkest Star Origin get together, there is always anger, passion, questions, and answers that defy description. The ending is OMG, I just can't believe it---if you love urban fantasy and paranormal romance, this book and the series is the BEST! I can't wait for the final book, it is going to kill me...

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This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger

This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I had a very difficult time listening to this book; the narration was stellar by Scott Brick, I was haunted by the treatment (through the whole book) of the 4 vagabonds---hated that they suffered so much at the hands of the Brickmans and MANY others. I always rooted for the 4 kids but time and time again, harsh reality dampened my positive outlook; yes the Depression and all it entailed (racism, brutality, suffering) took over the whole tenor of this book...my first and probably my last William Kent Krueger book. I did not find any hope or inspiration in this book, plot, characters. Even the Epilogue dampened my spirits; as I mentioned to my friend who LOVED this book and recommended it- There is nothing TENDER about This Tender Land!

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Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card by Sara Saedi

Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card by Sara Saedi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved Sara Saedi's memoir of her teen years as an undocumented immigrant in the U.S. Teens will enjoy her humor, her family observations, her cultural references but be saddened by the fear she suffers on being deported if anyone finds out she is not a citizen of the United States.

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