tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44927761543493217502024-03-14T19:26:57.656-07:00The Brainstorm PlusThe Brainstorm Mission: To help readers find books they will love. To get books off the shelves and into reading hands. To make teachers and parents aware of resources. To give teachers an “excuse” to use books by helping them brainstorm ways books will augment current studies. (But teachers, please use activity tie-in ideas wisely, and don’t use every idea for each book; let’s avoid book death by overkill and keep the love for books alive!) Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.comBlogger313125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-7988439911153932672024-03-14T19:26:00.000-07:002024-03-14T19:26:13.215-07:00Brainstorm 314: Pie Stories for Pi Day<p> Yesterday was Pi Day (well, right now it is still Pi day in certain parts of the world) which seems like a perfect time to share some books heavily featuring pie. Click on the title to see my full review of each book including any content notes/trigger warnings. And warning, you may need to find yourself a slice of pie before diving into any of these stories as they are all likely to make you hungry for some. (I wish I could say I totally planned for Brainstorm 314 to be the Pi Day Brainstorm, but it was just a happy accident.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXs3lJ0v3twVcmYzFs2PYiORnx7x07T8AYXN6zHNUelIRUaBEZyU9BHe1zGp0qkL_f0XBkK5DylJ8aYzBbP6X23H3FkDE4027pbMljV_cVZ2t3k69B6jkO8Cj5pRsdHCL3MiOy_lAFs9liJFGnQrP7usptfMbRTzHdsOccmnSJaMAH9CtRAKI9kheXAII/s400/cindy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXs3lJ0v3twVcmYzFs2PYiORnx7x07T8AYXN6zHNUelIRUaBEZyU9BHe1zGp0qkL_f0XBkK5DylJ8aYzBbP6X23H3FkDE4027pbMljV_cVZ2t3k69B6jkO8Cj5pRsdHCL3MiOy_lAFs9liJFGnQrP7usptfMbRTzHdsOccmnSJaMAH9CtRAKI9kheXAII/s320/cindy.jpeg" width="258" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5786567003" target="_blank">Cindy and Panda</a></i> by Benson Shum</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Cindy and her new friend Panda are baking a rhubarb pie. But what happens when the sous chef eats some of the ingredients? Is the pie ruined? How about their friendship?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Forgiving isn't easy, but Cindy and Panda model moving past hurts well. And I like how they problem solved a way to save the baking session.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Target Readers:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Friendship Story Fans, Rhubarb Pie Lovers, Baking Story Fans, Conflict Resolution Story Fans, Asian Character Fans, Panda Lovers, Picture Book Readers</div></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibw7nTW0bPG6fcfitQCUifrirAZ4juEwtXBFzjkpVqpSKXBaq_EI8fo0tzsuSZ1omrngaxa6y1e78FRxc0qVADf_32o9SeAo11yFtV-RQSj1gDbVOl5j2UV5c4hu3vbzqesO2zMSubSLjzNaxRkSwjBRBhDUk1873epfeaaZzU1x2UqskWmkUfVz3ssb4/s1536/honestly.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1017" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibw7nTW0bPG6fcfitQCUifrirAZ4juEwtXBFzjkpVqpSKXBaq_EI8fo0tzsuSZ1omrngaxa6y1e78FRxc0qVADf_32o9SeAo11yFtV-RQSj1gDbVOl5j2UV5c4hu3vbzqesO2zMSubSLjzNaxRkSwjBRBhDUk1873epfeaaZzU1x2UqskWmkUfVz3ssb4/s320/honestly.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5863821957" target="_blank">Honestly Elliott</a></i> by Gillian McDunn</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Elliott is trying to survive life in middle school. 6th grade is tough enough without ADHD. His mom and therapist get his ADHD, but his dad and friends don't always understand. Elliott himself is trying to better understand his tendencies and employ the therapist's coping strategies. He really needs to kick it into gear so he doesn't fail the 2nd half of 6th grade like he did the first. There's a big project coming up and his friends don't want him in his group so he somehow ends up in a group with Maribel who also got rejected by her friends. Maribel is super organized and on top of things. Elliott loves being in the kitchen, but he isn't sure about baking. His idol chef says baking is for muffinheads. And Maribel insists they make gluten free pies. Elliott is super motivated for their project to be a financial success, though, since he really wants to go to cooking camp but his Dad also is demanding he pay for a window and he doesn't have money for both. On top of trying to not bomb the project or 6th grade, Elliott is trying to wrap his head around his Dad and stepmom expecting a baby and what that means for him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This book does a wonderful job of helping readers understand what it can be like to have ADHD or Celiac’s disease.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Target Readers:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Contemporary Fiction Fans, Characters with ADHD Fans, Characters with Celiac’s Disease Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Middle School Story Fans, Family Story Fans, Baking Story Fans, Award Winner Readers, Middle Grade Readers</div></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_s7RRx1aYiLkz0F3dkIG1CHj0XJmfTSAhJ-wiybk0isaQVyz1gIbelqexQrnZOYWNg7TnP1P2H_LWom70pFiWgQ_wf0EmuwfkQlHxrV2TwrOWO0MTYQiAQpd3MTJsV4fFUhIo4sX_hCOF6SPdseIdnaaNfG0Ne_F-FwhyBO9fUUF8H3DjoqQUMtjcKs/s1620/lemons.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_s7RRx1aYiLkz0F3dkIG1CHj0XJmfTSAhJ-wiybk0isaQVyz1gIbelqexQrnZOYWNg7TnP1P2H_LWom70pFiWgQ_wf0EmuwfkQlHxrV2TwrOWO0MTYQiAQpd3MTJsV4fFUhIo4sX_hCOF6SPdseIdnaaNfG0Ne_F-FwhyBO9fUUF8H3DjoqQUMtjcKs/s320/lemons.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5898984431" target="_blank">When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Peach Pie</a></i> (The Great Peach Experiment, #1) by Erin Soderberg Downing</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Peach family has made it through a year of grieving the loss of their wife/mother. One of her inventions just hit a big payday, and instead of using the money for a vacation, Dad decided to buy a used food truck and has declared they are going to travel around the Midwest selling pies with the goal of winning a food truck competition in Delaware, Ohio at the end of the summer. Lucy is very wary of her Dad's plans. She's spent the year single-handedly holding the family together by handling all of the details, like packed lunches and schedules. Dad may be a brilliant scientist, but he is not a details person. So Lucy is afraid this is going to fall apart and she's going to be stuck trying to keep everything together. Besides, she wanted spend her summer relaxing and reading the entire summer optional reading list. Freddy also wanted to chill, but he thinks traveling might not be bad if they can stop and see all the weird road side attractions along the way. Little Herb is up for anything, but on the one condition that he can swim every single day. Dad promises the kids they will all get to fulfill their wishes, but what happens when he loses sight of the purpose of the summer and the food truck in the first place?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A heartwarming, slightly zany summer road trip story that tackles tough topics in a tactful, hopeful, and entertaining way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Target Readers:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Road Trip Story Fans, Family Story Fans, Food Truck Fans, Baking Story Fans, Personal Growth Story Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Middle Grade Readers</div></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijimUeknk8mx2KWcrHZIu7xu19BnVK4ELMriJd2FZz5cxsdeZSLUcJRKMzEhfV_jvmMWx0FstNcdghv0TlvrFdz9IZMWaKgmYMeOPhzWPS10U2g7UCZMyhOpLZ3qYjipwhyphenhyphen3aLITICUe5tcFJ9omkEN-HsiDaRDsIRn7EPGgeciUwPP4TERS_EVUsYbtA/s400/yummy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="287" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijimUeknk8mx2KWcrHZIu7xu19BnVK4ELMriJd2FZz5cxsdeZSLUcJRKMzEhfV_jvmMWx0FstNcdghv0TlvrFdz9IZMWaKgmYMeOPhzWPS10U2g7UCZMyhOpLZ3qYjipwhyphenhyphen3aLITICUe5tcFJ9omkEN-HsiDaRDsIRn7EPGgeciUwPP4TERS_EVUsYbtA/s320/yummy.jpeg" width="230" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4687988359" target="_blank">Yummy: a History of Desserts</a></i> by Victoria Grace Elliott</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">3 food sprites introduce readers to the real history of cakes, ice cream, pie, brownies, gummies, cookies, and macarons. Each chapter looks back to the earliest evidence of these kinds of goodies, how and where they developed, different cultures' adaptations, legends about how specific ones developed, and biographies of developers known for sure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Pie lovers can skip to the pie section, or just devour the whole book. This is a delicious way to learn about food history. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Target Readers:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Graphic Novel Fans, Random Fact Sponges, Food History Studiers, Dessert Lovers, Reluctant Nonfiction Readers, Young Adult Readers (though of interest to Adults and approachable to Middle Grade)</div></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div><br /></div></div><p></p>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-49310150501699258452024-03-07T20:24:00.000-08:002024-03-07T20:24:26.309-08:00Brainstorm 313: Fiction/Nonfiction Books to Read Together Vol. 3<p> For this week’s Brainstorm I have some fiction/nonfiction pairs that complement each other and make the reading experience of both books better. Some of these nonfiction books reveal the backstory of the fiction title, or they backup the science or folklore or other things included. If you'd like to check out other fiction/nonfiction pairings you can see my first volume <a href="https://thebrainstormplus.blogspot.com/2020/01/brainstorm-201-fictionnonfiction-books.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and second one <a href="https://thebrainstormplus.blogspot.com/2021/10/brainstorm-250-basketball-maps-and.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Click on each title below to see my full review and any content notes/trigger warnings for that book.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqpb1rCqTJ3Puyb9nHQZVcKXl_dQKpx5_hVdbaLvIn-tRbiZfomSHqS9iqzhPVTkzEbU9O3g8coJQzI13x1xBntd1_mStVsfK37MKp4LLWMf5tLN405aORWSpqmPgBRPX_ACNg6poe3NQ2uwvDLDeJTqAMrHtXW5c2KBTZNmToEXBEZWfYZbH2m-OLKc/s1910/earthquakes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1910" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqpb1rCqTJ3Puyb9nHQZVcKXl_dQKpx5_hVdbaLvIn-tRbiZfomSHqS9iqzhPVTkzEbU9O3g8coJQzI13x1xBntd1_mStVsfK37MKp4LLWMf5tLN405aORWSpqmPgBRPX_ACNg6poe3NQ2uwvDLDeJTqAMrHtXW5c2KBTZNmToEXBEZWfYZbH2m-OLKc/w640-h338/earthquakes.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3680246892" target="_blank">Disaster Days</a></i> by Rebecca Behrens & <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3653879347" target="_blank">The Big One: the Cascadia Earthquakes and the Science of Saving Lives</a></i> (Scientists in the Field) by Elizabeth Rusch</b></p><p>Two books on earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest. The nonfiction one talks about how this area gets less frequent but more severe earthquakes and why. The fiction book imagines what might happen if another earthquake hit the region.</p><p><b>Fiction</b>: Hannah lives in an idyllic remote community on Pelling island near Seattle. After school she heads over to one of her two neighbor's houses to babysit the Matlock kids while their mom goes to an art show in the city. Hannah is a little nervous as it is only her 2nd time babysitting ever. Just a little while after Ms. Matlock leaves, and Hannah is in the middle of a texting argument with her supposed best friend, a major earthquake hits. The Cascades never get earthquakes, or so Hannah thought. But they are definitely in the middle of one and its aftershocks now. Can Hannah and the two elementary-age Matlock kids survive on their own in their isolated community till help comes?</p><p><b>Nonfiction</b>: Though it lies along a major fault line in the Earth's crust the Pacific Northwest has a much lower frequency of earthquakes than other areas lying along the Ring of Fire. Scientists were curious as to why, and so they started doing some research. Rusch takes readers to meet some of the scientists and learn what they've uncovered. The research has led them to the conclusion that because of the type of fault line, the region experiences massive earthquakes every couple hundred years instead of yearly littler ones. Which begs the question of when the next one will hit. Learn about what the science has uncovered, how, and how to prepare for future quakes.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Earthquake Studiers, Disaster Story Fans, Survival Story Fans, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtl_dZ8NJigLy0nHmX5EGeeSdjwNZ_m5MBoIoSbVSTtJ0qkn7xvYXEbMG4ciN59ijJpg7HWRu3eRhcmac0pPRcvNBqQLt4mD3RlgKfNoXXhGeVR0m7TrBRMHyWjjkbrlSqPwZAg6mKvQej4_EGgIKmREGdewsLLHxHLuIp4fCxNmZgf9bkIiMhwWG5MM/s2054/soccer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="2054" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtl_dZ8NJigLy0nHmX5EGeeSdjwNZ_m5MBoIoSbVSTtJ0qkn7xvYXEbMG4ciN59ijJpg7HWRu3eRhcmac0pPRcvNBqQLt4mD3RlgKfNoXXhGeVR0m7TrBRMHyWjjkbrlSqPwZAg6mKvQej4_EGgIKmREGdewsLLHxHLuIp4fCxNmZgf9bkIiMhwWG5MM/w640-h310/soccer.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2555099392" target="_blank">The Field</a></i> by Baptiste Paul, ill. by Jacqueline Alcántara & <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3193895338" target="_blank">G is for Golazo: the Ultimate Soccer Alphabet</a></i> by James Littlejohn, ill. by Matthew Shipley </b></p><p>2 books for young soccer fans/players.</p><p><b>Fiction</b>: Some children meet in the field to play some futbol. They shoo off the cows and don't mind a little rain, and play until all their moms call the game. The words are simple, mixing a little Creole and English.</p><p><b>Nonfiction</b>: An alphabet book of soccer terms, slang, player nicknames, and famous moves. Each page highlights a different famous player or players from around the world.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Soccer Fans, Soccer Players, Sports Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dwdPGdfkVEDbMvYyY8xraxAp0ol0SmjEtBVGuCj1u_k-3pNbv-sxdA3pFIQKFXyIQAo4xofRk7gps4LEh5KdgbKdPFYjj7G8XRqfQ7vFfNOxHr7IBn8nriYZZTsuEpKgvcEds8mLCP6VQWyOHoZuS0hqJX_D1xOtKNjqJEEs2Xx1eZ4SN0hesaMcsKE/s1912/ducklings.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1241" data-original-width="1912" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dwdPGdfkVEDbMvYyY8xraxAp0ol0SmjEtBVGuCj1u_k-3pNbv-sxdA3pFIQKFXyIQAo4xofRk7gps4LEh5KdgbKdPFYjj7G8XRqfQ7vFfNOxHr7IBn8nriYZZTsuEpKgvcEds8mLCP6VQWyOHoZuS0hqJX_D1xOtKNjqJEEs2Xx1eZ4SN0hesaMcsKE/w640-h416/ducklings.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/413420948" target="_blank">Make Way for Ducklings</a></i> by Robert McCloskey & <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5852012872" target="_blank"><i>Mr McCloskey's Marvellous Mallards: the Making of </i>Make Way for Ducklings</a> by Emma Bland Smith, ill. by Becca Stadtlander</b></p><p>A classic picture book and a nonfiction picture book biography that gives some background on the making of that book.</p><p><b>Fiction</b>: The classic picture book about a family of ducks in Boston.</p><p><b>Nonfiction</b>: Emma Bland Smith shares the lengths Robert McCloskey went to to make sure the ducks in Make Way for Ducklings were just right. (P.S. The notes in the back of the book from McCloskey's daughter and the author are super interesting reads.)</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Duck Lovers, Baby Animal Story Fans, Art Lovers, Modern Classics Fans, Award Winner Readers, Creative Process Story Fans, Behind the Scenes Story Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dmvHXQM6kNl74G7Fl3lK4id4GCcihV25mu5cAD-ucJrsTEtJEC29yc5sWr1sPt-gTabSFBjvMftYPz1Tg0IZtemyIs2x2og_RrhGpkVbw3TJgXi4vkMcK_HBkCHn1PWN8J0e6DQ95I-5SA9DKmQAKMLbUyPynKZNsCxL0RoxBO-ELEuMO3X6fa10-zQ/s1611/difficult.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1611" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dmvHXQM6kNl74G7Fl3lK4id4GCcihV25mu5cAD-ucJrsTEtJEC29yc5sWr1sPt-gTabSFBjvMftYPz1Tg0IZtemyIs2x2og_RrhGpkVbw3TJgXi4vkMcK_HBkCHn1PWN8J0e6DQ95I-5SA9DKmQAKMLbUyPynKZNsCxL0RoxBO-ELEuMO3X6fa10-zQ/w640-h420/difficult.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/413357895" target="_blank">Petronella Saves Nearly Everyone</a></i> (The Entomological Tales of Augustus T. Percival, #1) by Dene Low, ill. by Jen Corace & <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2825181438" target="_blank">The Dictionary of Difficult Words</a></i> by Jane Solomon, ill. by Louise Lockhart</b></p><p>A humorous British mystery with a vocabulary to impress any English teacher and an entertaining illustrated dictionary to help you understand those words you may have never ever seen before.</p><p><b>Fiction</b>: A delightfully witty romp through early 1900s England with spunky Petronella, her hilarious Uncle, and her faithful friends who help her solve the mystery that comes to her door.</p><p><b>Nonfiction</b>: An illustrated dictionary of words that you are likely to come across in books and poems from 100+ years ago that are still popular, as well as in science books, mythology, history, the SAT, and other very random places. This is a fantastic resource not only for the curious kid or adult, but also for those reading classic literature, high schoolers studying for the SAT, those aiming to build their vocabulary, and general word lovers.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Vocabulary Builders, Mystery Fans, Historical Fiction Fans, Linguistics Fans, Quirky Book Fans, Middle Grade/YA Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mSbT3hnG3abpDOY4dGzViZdx-4pAQzyC0sctuLTGkd6FnGXhMPOJL1h0IrYosCXyE6nFeQa6uBT8PzRO-90QmFitYmq_FQ_eavfwKXgWPzPi071fQ83UgJvmINTJSakzz4_BcZ8bgzbeAHPYQmkHRiTIC1diQb5os_adeyAGMtJ5tvjOfIM6g9jklNA/s1647/harper.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1219" data-original-width="1647" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mSbT3hnG3abpDOY4dGzViZdx-4pAQzyC0sctuLTGkd6FnGXhMPOJL1h0IrYosCXyE6nFeQa6uBT8PzRO-90QmFitYmq_FQ_eavfwKXgWPzPi071fQ83UgJvmINTJSakzz4_BcZ8bgzbeAHPYQmkHRiTIC1diQb5os_adeyAGMtJ5tvjOfIM6g9jklNA/w640-h474/harper.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4269548954" target="_blank">To Kill a Mockingbird the graphic novel</a></i> by Harper Lee, adapted by Fred Fordham & <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4269548954" target="_blank">Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee</a></i> by Casey Cep</b></p><p>Read Harper Lee’s classic (or the excellent graphic novel adaptation) and then find out about the story behind Harper Lee’s writing and why she published so few books during her lifetime (and the curious history of Go Set a Watchman). </p><p><b>Fiction</b>: A graphic novel adaptation of Harper Lee's classic story about a brother and sister growing up in the South, coming to understand social class and racial prejudice, how people jump to conclusions, the expectations and pressures of a community, and the injustices that even a fine upstanding lawyer like their father can only put a dent in.</p><p><b>Nonfiction</b>: In a small town in Alabama, relatives of Rev. Willie Maxwell started dying at a rather alarming rate. The police knew he was collecting insurance money on all of them, but they were struggling to find evidence. Eventually a relative of one of the deceased shot Willie Maxwell in front of hundreds of witnesses. Cep relates biographies of both of those men, the string of deaths leading up to Maxwell's own demise, and a bio of the lawyer who defended both Maxwell and his shooter in court at different times. The book then turns to look at Harper Lee, her writing and work with childhood friend Truman Capote on <i>In Cold Blood</i> as his research assistant, and then how she did serious research on the Maxwell story and trial, and what happened to Lee and that book she obviously spent years working on.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Harper Lee Fans, American South History Studiers, Historical Fiction Fans, True Crime Fans, Behind the Scenes Story Fans, Graphic Novel Adaptation Fans, Modern Classic Fans, YA/Adult Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPW29I0n8K8HW21v5D5vJOhxEPM2h9RtRgbY1CtdFyhHJRdknUgZboApr5HoemkkS2EOo8tNPVUd3U1tkTTcbJXrfcfRYZxgN9Stvgr277qqsoEOw764VVFoAUjm8UM9BzvIgacO608dZR53IjJY9iMJp81QlEAYDMdJr_-wnPNQlWk0_8DY-76wugu8/s1953/johnhenry.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1315" data-original-width="1953" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPW29I0n8K8HW21v5D5vJOhxEPM2h9RtRgbY1CtdFyhHJRdknUgZboApr5HoemkkS2EOo8tNPVUd3U1tkTTcbJXrfcfRYZxgN9Stvgr277qqsoEOw764VVFoAUjm8UM9BzvIgacO608dZR53IjJY9iMJp81QlEAYDMdJr_-wnPNQlWk0_8DY-76wugu8/w640-h430/johnhenry.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2806109854" target="_blank">Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky</a></i> (Tristan Strong, #1) by Kwame Mbalia & <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1057092590" target="_blank">Ain’t Nothin’ But a Man: My Quest to Find the Real John Henry</a></i> by Scott Reynolds Nelson with Marc Aronson</b></p><p>Read a fiction book that includes tall tale hero John Henry as well as other tall tale, American South folklore characters, and African mythology and a nonfiction book about the research to find the real historical man who inspired the John Henry tall tale.</p><p><b>Fiction</b>: Tristan Strong was just trying to keep the strange living doll thing from stealing the only thing he has left from his best friend when he accidentally lets loose a haint and tears a whole between realms. He finds himself in Alke where stories are powerful, John Henry and Brer Fox are gods, and the land is being overwhelmed with dark forces stealing people away. Even though he didn't purposefully come to Alke, the hole is somewhat his fault and he needs to help fix it. Whether he wants to or not. But he'll have to confront things about himself, mobilize various forces who are reluctant to cooperate, and find the bravery to stand up to the darkness. This series tackles some heavier topics, like slavery and oppression and grief, but in creative and thought-provoking ways.</p><p><b>Nonfiction</b>: Nelson shares how he was researching the men who worked on the railroad, and that led him to start looking for the real John Henry. There were enough details consistent throughout the various version of the song that suggested people were singing about a real man. He shares about his research process and what he eventually uncovered about a man who worked the railroad named John Henry. A fascinating read that is just as much about the process of historical research and how to dig for information from the past as it is about John Henry.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Tall Tale Fans, Mythological Fiction Fans, Black Folklore/Legend Fans, Black History Studiers/Fans, Origin Story Fans, Thought-Provoking Story Fans, Research Method Studiers, Middle Grade/YA Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTW0pqk1y-fdKm8w8VvWcYvwMwYxjLGXEappde59JI_g3_k0OFBicCb-3zZDIhK-qpMMJpuf-zBHIt0_OYK3maTnlYtQ2K38PBO6uQiAiMPqA1hTZcM5XnlQ5zObYeeHuiI6OeTZkKgL9eTTUUq5l_asaKMCHc13nkAhMjWkQmiT3GPzPDvP2AiFDCGug/s1861/griffin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1228" data-original-width="1861" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTW0pqk1y-fdKm8w8VvWcYvwMwYxjLGXEappde59JI_g3_k0OFBicCb-3zZDIhK-qpMMJpuf-zBHIt0_OYK3maTnlYtQ2K38PBO6uQiAiMPqA1hTZcM5XnlQ5zObYeeHuiI6OeTZkKgL9eTTUUq5l_asaKMCHc13nkAhMjWkQmiT3GPzPDvP2AiFDCGug/w640-h422/griffin.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3101450508" target="_blank">Sisters of Shadow and Light </a></i>(Sisters of Shadow and Light, #1) by Sara B. Larson & <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1777777064" target="_blank">The Griffin and the Dinosaur: How Adrienne Mayor Discovered a Fascinating Link Between Myth and Science</a></i> by Marc Aronson with Adrienne Mayor, ill. by Chris Muller</b></p><p>My last pair involves griffins in fantasy and a book about chasing down where griffin legends originated. </p><p><b>Fiction</b>: Zuhra and Inara have grown up their whole lives in the citadel of the Paladins with only their mother and faithful helper Sami. Zuhra barely remembers their Paladin father, who disappeared from the citadel the night Inara was born. His departure has turned their mother into a hard, cold woman. She has forbidden the girls to explore the citadel or learn anything about Paladin ways. Inara has the eyes of a Paladin, but most of them time they lose her to what she calls "the roar." It makes her unable to communicate and hardly able to function. The only time she can talk and act like a normal person comes if Zuhra can coax her to heal one of her plants. And the reason it is just the 4 of them in the citadel is the enormous hedge that surrounds the citadel, keeping them in and everyone else out. Until the day it lets through a wandering Paladin scholar, a young man, setting off a chain of events that will change all of their lives forever. (And bring griffins!)</p><p><b>Nonfiction</b>: Adrienne Mayor grew up in a family of storytellers. Often those stories were inspired by artifacts or things found in nature. When she eventually went to spend some time studying ancient art in Greece, Adrienne realized that the stories of griffins weren't like fantasy stories, they were more like something inspired by a real object, like the stories her family used to tell. So she started to do more extensive research into griffins in art and what things ancients might have seen that would inspire stories about such creatures. Her research led her to fossils, and tracing down the griffin lore to match with a fossil that matched the first griffin mythology quite well.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Griffin Fans, Mythological Creature Story Fans, Fantasy Fans, Research Method Studiers, Origin Story Fans, YA Readers</p></blockquote><div><br /></div>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-12673847484251020022024-02-15T21:22:00.000-08:002024-02-15T21:22:32.623-08:00Brainstorm 312: Unexpected Adventures<p>For today’s Brainstorm I bring you some unexpected adventurers. These aren’t the characters who sit down and plot their journeys carefully, and they aren’t usually the most brave or adventurous. Think of a Bilbo or Frodo. They are the ones who get snatched up in circumstances and are off before they realize what’s really happening, the ones who think they are just running down to the corner store and end up halfway across the land. They may not be the most likely adventurers, but they are often the most compelling to travel with as they find unexpected depths in themselves, the lands they visit, and the others they meet along the way. One thing’s for sure, they will not return from their unexpected adventure the same. Click on the titles to see my full review for each book including any content notes/trigger warnings.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmZ81VSpyzkplTIhzHZEmgiflshZp4al3mZb2xPuoZ9KcNMSE5qEGHz7p8EiaCqbrpIuFLrCzjjJzYlgCGtoAyC85HbIVSkvSiumsiHD57JIwfSiaXm2mqCwhJNSYXDBUk70wQNzhj8c6CR-siQ-dgiYwykVeLdGvnNqsqMt5yzmuNFhhampigoVBzEs/s336/bear.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="260" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmZ81VSpyzkplTIhzHZEmgiflshZp4al3mZb2xPuoZ9KcNMSE5qEGHz7p8EiaCqbrpIuFLrCzjjJzYlgCGtoAyC85HbIVSkvSiumsiHD57JIwfSiaXm2mqCwhJNSYXDBUk70wQNzhj8c6CR-siQ-dgiYwykVeLdGvnNqsqMt5yzmuNFhhampigoVBzEs/s320/bear.jpeg" width="248" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3163774923" target="_blank">Bear Came Along</a></i> by Richard T. Morris, ill. by LeUyen Pham</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bear meets a growing assortment of creatures as he rides a log down a river. They all have different personalities, but the journey is better with everyone along.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The story is fairly simple, but has a lot of potential talking points and the illustrations are delightful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Target Readers:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Animal Story Fans, Adventure Story Fans, Art Lovers, Forest Setting Fans, Award Winner Readers, Picture Book Readers</div></div></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OpicaG6hyw_O6tJsNGzp8jJtZ-ybuTKfls4xyd-4xUkO6cfaBTnkFQvaTfaxFMB7d70FCd1Scn2YVPLgJMfDC5L_MQjBWAWampiUr9BWRs2d34fT62vLYIO4uFxE4Dkhu1f76mS8HBeDsKrIqHJtvL2fNSHiZGIcvWMU9sH1yfV9C7qDIpBrLorGqm8/s499/bearknight.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="325" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OpicaG6hyw_O6tJsNGzp8jJtZ-ybuTKfls4xyd-4xUkO6cfaBTnkFQvaTfaxFMB7d70FCd1Scn2YVPLgJMfDC5L_MQjBWAWampiUr9BWRs2d34fT62vLYIO4uFxE4Dkhu1f76mS8HBeDsKrIqHJtvL2fNSHiZGIcvWMU9sH1yfV9C7qDIpBrLorGqm8/s320/bearknight.jpeg" width="208" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5054520341" target="_blank">Bear Knight</a></i> (Lightraider Academy, #2) by James R. Hannibal</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Lightraider Academy recruits have returned from their first mission and are eager to get going to address the growing threat, but the Prime Council is insisting someone come and give them an update/answer their questions. They want to <strike>interrogate</strike> interview Kara, but Jairun sends Connor and Lee instead. Kara is trying to catch up on finishing her quests so she can stay with the rest of the recruits in her year, but the metalworking one may kill her. As more reports of dragon's minions slipping across the border reach the Lightraider ears, all of the recruits are sent out on quests. And these aren't training runs any more, these are life or death missions to address the growing evil threats.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is quite hard to summarize this book well. There's a lot going on, and many of the quests start off in one direction and then shift at least once if not twice through the book (thus why I’m including it in today’s Brainstorm). Hannibal does an excellent job of weaving in the Christian allegory elements and writing an engaging, exciting fantasy adventure with a lot of distinct character voices.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Target Readers:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fantasy Fans, Quest Story Fans, Adventure Fans, Christian Fiction Fans, Knight Story Fans, Boarding School Story Fans, Epic Good vs Evil Story Fans, Young Adult Readers</div></div></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2rvfIJASMLhpnNBgDBRyyO51mbxM5jzhfIFPJoh1jTaUml-bdg_9Q62jIPdrQdZ6DvzBFr5CNciAXEoqtqI1jBgWJJecxhoce5p_poXtvAhN4QMHg0rPpOx8MqEeo1R7jrpzu57U-KFM5qKBLao_vylqUpgUNNYL3adtAeK4VLJwX5Zbr1KO2pkmXV4/s2700/calor.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2rvfIJASMLhpnNBgDBRyyO51mbxM5jzhfIFPJoh1jTaUml-bdg_9Q62jIPdrQdZ6DvzBFr5CNciAXEoqtqI1jBgWJJecxhoce5p_poXtvAhN4QMHg0rPpOx8MqEeo1R7jrpzu57U-KFM5qKBLao_vylqUpgUNNYL3adtAeK4VLJwX5Zbr1KO2pkmXV4/s320/calor.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5570660856" target="_blank">Calor</a></i> (The Nightingale Trilogy, #1) by J.J. Fischer</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sephone Winter is a slave, a mem forced to use her ability to view memories to soothe and diminish those memories of the ones who hire her through her cruel master, Cutter. When a Lord Adamo comes through town looking for a powerful mem like Sephone to help him on a quest, she is intrigued. The fact that the lord was the young man who saved her from the ice when she was 4 gives her extra bravery to trust him and take a chance by running away with him and his guards, Bas and Bear. They make their way from town to town in a quest to find the Reliquery, a legendary item that predates the cataclysm and is supposed to increase abilities of those with powers. But Cutter is hot on their trail as is another powerful Lord who wouldn't mind having Sephone's powers at his beck and call and would like to finish the job of killing of Lord Adamo's family. Along with the very smart wolf, Jewel, who has been a companion to Lord Adamo, and another man with powers to discern when people are telling the truth, Damian, Sephone, Lord Adamo, Bas, and Bear must find the item of legend without falling into evil clutches.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a thought-provoking fantasy dystopia with a lot of complex, flawed characters. There’s an ongoing discussion in the story of whether removing all memories of hurt is positive or negative for a person. Without memories of events that hurt, are you the same person? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Target Readers:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dystopia Fans, Fantasy Fans, Complex Flawed Character Fans, Human Rights Story Fans, Fans of Stories That Make You Think, Christian Fiction Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to most teens)</div></div></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAr6FLrPjUyCcFc8gKlXoXLEWlEH1eOEMDYmwRc13Ifx9zNLF6xwLk9cyP4O2N6vZMJ9X3oglwMJAIFpHKSBruYKTsRyQnKEbpWgHvEserwuQ1ktKFNnULtsCrwtJ-lj7V-jy05pS2t9afQ_gc2WnUiia4T23E7kO8Fa_TnlxsRmb_ykoKCgT2G3usuw/s499/cog.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="331" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAr6FLrPjUyCcFc8gKlXoXLEWlEH1eOEMDYmwRc13Ifx9zNLF6xwLk9cyP4O2N6vZMJ9X3oglwMJAIFpHKSBruYKTsRyQnKEbpWgHvEserwuQ1ktKFNnULtsCrwtJ-lj7V-jy05pS2t9afQ_gc2WnUiia4T23E7kO8Fa_TnlxsRmb_ykoKCgT2G3usuw/s320/cog.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3166110020" target="_blank">Cog</a></i> by Greg Van Eekhout, ill. by Beatrice Blue</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cog is an android who is working hard to build his cognitive intelligence. But when an attempt to do so ends rather badly, he wakes up to find himself far from his home and from Gina who cared for him. He's now in the uniMIND headquarters and when he finds out they want to remove his brain to find something called the X-module, Cog decides he doesn't like the sound of that. He wants to find Gina so he escapes with four other robots. They set out on a cross-country journey but uniMIND is hot on their trail.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Beyond being a fun adventure story with a group of very entertaining robots the book actually explores the issues of free will vs mind control/slavery in such a way it never feels like that's an agenda but the book will definitely leave readers with things to think about.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Target Readers:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Science Fiction Fans, Robot Story Fans, Adventure Story Fans, Humor Fans, Stand Alone Story Fans, Quest Story Fans, Fans of Stories That Make You Think, Quick Read Fans, Middle Grade Readers</div></div></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pRmrvpK1UuY7yinB0WoZ8rRoSeQGOK1GLGZJJOaRmbJ-xeFERfZ6u1Zw3VqfOZWswV4YheC3M36zhGyIy8whCzBNnIcrGsQYrNL4Iq4LLoLmpWJnpR3IMbAQNDwft4p5r47PM2TNLF-VZuJZS5KsaVPHIfIy7H5L-BmUBJ0Xxbm8jhWuayIc2M2oGMM/s2560/cytonic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1706" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pRmrvpK1UuY7yinB0WoZ8rRoSeQGOK1GLGZJJOaRmbJ-xeFERfZ6u1Zw3VqfOZWswV4YheC3M36zhGyIy8whCzBNnIcrGsQYrNL4Iq4LLoLmpWJnpR3IMbAQNDwft4p5r47PM2TNLF-VZuJZS5KsaVPHIfIy7H5L-BmUBJ0Xxbm8jhWuayIc2M2oGMM/s320/cytonic.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4472965276" target="_blank">Cytonic</a></i> (Skyward, #3) by Brandon Sanderson</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To escape Superiority forces chasing her, Spensa jumps into the nowhere. She could easily escape home, but she also feels that the answer to how to defeat the delvers can be found if she stays. So this time she stays there with M-Bot in the cleaning drone accompanying her, and finds that there are actually people and places in the nowhere, along with the delvers. Soon she is running from space pirates and exploring the strange fragments of the nowhere, on a quest to find the answer to the delvers. But the nowhere has dangers beyond pirates and delvers. It is all too easy to entirely lose your memories of all you know and love, even your own name the longer you are in the nowhere. Can Spensa hold onto who she is and why she's here long enough to fulfill her quest?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Obviously, this is book 3 in the Skyward series and you should really read books 1 & 2 to fully understand what brought Spensa to this point, why she’s concerned about the delvers, where home is, and why the Superiority was chasing her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Target Readers:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Science Fiction Fans, Adventure Fans, Space Exploration Story Fans, Pirate Story Fans, Pilot Main Character Fans, Underdog Story Fans, Young Adult & Adult Readers</div></div></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7JKjnh3lvRjZW4G6CfEoWWytOV9OZHCapeW-dAlCGwhS7RGHdb5VNaOZrgD4ey5sfB9r7CDER3TQBoyBn0VGKVGFtvd0F5wlRIKfA9Fj-Wljk9_mK9xZKuZrtiMYFIbWeDCOH9ii8vvWTLqicR8fP5D4r1GYj4jiohetsfP0LSK_741Pg2z79SJCW2U/s2266/escape.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2266" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7JKjnh3lvRjZW4G6CfEoWWytOV9OZHCapeW-dAlCGwhS7RGHdb5VNaOZrgD4ey5sfB9r7CDER3TQBoyBn0VGKVGFtvd0F5wlRIKfA9Fj-Wljk9_mK9xZKuZrtiMYFIbWeDCOH9ii8vvWTLqicR8fP5D4r1GYj4jiohetsfP0LSK_741Pg2z79SJCW2U/s320/escape.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3441812339" target="_blank">Escape to the Above</a></i> (Snared, #1) by Adam Jay Epstein</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wily Snare has been in charge of the design and upkeep of the traps in the dungeon guarding the treasure of the Wizard Stalag. Wily is very good at his job and prides himself on all the would-be thieves his traps have helped find more profitable work in Stalag's mines. But when a new group of adventurers manage to not only get farther than any other previous group, but also best the wizard and claim the treasure, Wily's world is rocked. Not only that, but they demand Wily goes with them on their next adventure. The world above is scary and entirely foreign to Wily. Wizard Stalag has warned him that sunlight will burn his skin and that life above is terrible. But the champions insist he comes with them, and Wily has no clue how this trip about will change his life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Imaginative world building, memorable characters, and a kingdom caught in turmoil needing some unexpected heroes make this the start of an exciting fantasy adventure trilogy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Target Readers:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fantasy Fans, Adventure Fans, Imaginative World Building Fans, Complete Series Fans, Middle Grade Readers</div></div></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAl211znayBBa89ve2vnV1onQwKCNWBOUhPk6WyGveRz5y1cIq4WzyvDwe19oYeEK3vmPdWnxMs9q70gfvrBDANjT-yeR5wvNpcPwrPVoIpuLNfh8L4lDOdQlSVO0ufRRTQFIVFLknKyyCDQa23JXjkjMzy-pfFMP_bkaj9fd-LcdWrHcku3U4l65YWA/s2625/extremely.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2625" data-original-width="1750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAl211znayBBa89ve2vnV1onQwKCNWBOUhPk6WyGveRz5y1cIq4WzyvDwe19oYeEK3vmPdWnxMs9q70gfvrBDANjT-yeR5wvNpcPwrPVoIpuLNfh8L4lDOdQlSVO0ufRRTQFIVFLknKyyCDQa23JXjkjMzy-pfFMP_bkaj9fd-LcdWrHcku3U4l65YWA/s320/extremely.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5025645479" target="_blank">The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone</a></i> (Kingdoms and Empires, #1) by Jaclyn Moriarty</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When Bronte Mettlestone gets the news that her parents have been killed by pirates she's more surprised than upset. She's never seen them since they dropped her off as a baby in the lobby of her Aunt Isabelle's. Aunt Isabelle and her Butler have raised her since then to the ripe old age of 10. Her life has been pretty tame compared to her adventuring parents, but all of that is about to change. Her parents’ will stipulates that she is supposed to visit all of her father's other 10 sisters in their various homes hither and yon, and deliver gifts to each one. The will tells her how to travel, how long to stay in each place, when to give each gift, and even recommends places to dine. It is most unusual, but what is even more odd is that she is to do it all alone AND the will is surrounded by fairy cross stitch which means if she doesn't do even one small thing the will tells her she must do, her home town of Gainsleigh will be struck by disasters. No pressure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As Bronte goes on her journey there's an overarching mystery that slowly comes to light and really propels the climax</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Target Readers:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fantasy Fans, Early 1900s with Magic Setting Fans, Adventure Fans, Visiting Family Story Fans, Mystery Fans, Middle Grade Readers</div></div></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiXfb7n5Q8THyvjK7kKp5VfVuOkhTrzUSUn1Q4nOgcg609R9lRAsk5WUEHrLHpYIpcfl4U7zSpBuY0GHK8KdBTlQOhVd1Xv-ZzfVt0us3QNZPTkLLNoupfemCqggTnR9lN9mSDPiXNkwExTfoLqITaTvHV9Ky3oiFjdAiyH4c9nSdazggXHesRvl5gBA/s475/nurk.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiXfb7n5Q8THyvjK7kKp5VfVuOkhTrzUSUn1Q4nOgcg609R9lRAsk5WUEHrLHpYIpcfl4U7zSpBuY0GHK8KdBTlQOhVd1Xv-ZzfVt0us3QNZPTkLLNoupfemCqggTnR9lN9mSDPiXNkwExTfoLqITaTvHV9Ky3oiFjdAiyH4c9nSdazggXHesRvl5gBA/s320/nurk.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3265982245" target="_blank">Nurk: The Strange, Surprising Adventures of a (Somewhat) Brave Shrew</a></i> by Ursula Vernon</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nurk is a shrew with adventure in his blood. At least, he thinks there might be. His grandmother is/was a great adventurer (and no one seems to know if she's still alive or not). Inspired by her journal (well, at least what he can make out of it...adventurers have <i>atrocious</i> handwriting it seems), and a piece of mail asking for help, Nurk fashions himself an adventure-worthy vessel and sets out to return the piece of mail and perhaps help out whoever was asking for help (the mail was seriously water-logged and only half legible).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is such a cozy little adventure. If you're looking for quick read with a captivating adventure, a great cast, a lovable underdog hero, some hilarious commentaries on bad handwriting, and nothing too stressful, snatch this up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Target Readers:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Animal Fans, Fantasy Fans, Sailing Adventure Fans, Humor Fans, Cozy Low-Stress Story Fans, Quick Read Fans, Stand Alone Story Fans, Middle Grade Readers (though short enough strong lower grade readers would find it approachable)</div></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-91022568248193397582024-02-01T18:27:00.000-08:002024-02-01T18:27:08.498-08:00Brainstorm 311: Dragon Reads for the Year of the Dragon<p>As promised, here are some dragon story ideas for your Year of the Dragon reading. It was quite hard to narrow down this list and not give you 25+ books today. I quite enjoy a good dragon story, from my all-time favorite dragon, Kazul, in the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/413300734" target="_blank">Enchanted Forest Chronicles</a> by Patricia C. Wrede, to the dragons who provide the perfect foil for the underdog heroes we love to cheer for, like Bilbo going up against Smaug in J.R.R. Tolkien’s <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/413321508" target="_blank">The Hobbit</a></i>, and let’s not forget the allure of a cute little pet dragon like the ones in <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1950798834" target="_blank">The Fallen Isles</a> series by Jodi Meadows. There’s a lot of dragon stories to love out there. To help narrow things down, I decided to share some of the newer dragon stories I’ve read and enjoyed (plus the 8 others I just slipped in above 😁). Click on the title of each book to read my full review plus any content notes/trigger warnings.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvqUx34emFiiH6AiuCRJeoS-RKN3Rk26mDC2ewJ5gBI_VwjxqWkv3v-0b-YoVSeaKYJO8TSi9CbIHvn4X8u2CQ8hgAgdkY4VAhjn-CB8LBByluBnYxhlsfrCWUUfj7ziJjKvtjOF_oeu9SNrF5nD69o9vSNskJRT0C0LGln2NRZXTl3Ib9-oKNgO2BOY/s675/alliana.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="455" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvqUx34emFiiH6AiuCRJeoS-RKN3Rk26mDC2ewJ5gBI_VwjxqWkv3v-0b-YoVSeaKYJO8TSi9CbIHvn4X8u2CQ8hgAgdkY4VAhjn-CB8LBByluBnYxhlsfrCWUUfj7ziJjKvtjOF_oeu9SNrF5nD69o9vSNskJRT0C0LGln2NRZXTl3Ib9-oKNgO2BOY/s320/alliana.jpeg" width="216" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5867838800" target="_blank">Alliana, Girl of Dragons</a></i> (Eva Evergreen, #0) by Julie Abe</b></p><p>Alliana is an orphan. She lives in a small town near the wild abyss with her Stepmother who makes her work from sunup to sundown at the inn. Her one bright spot in the day is her visits to Grandmother Mari who tells her stories and shows her the only kindness Alliana gets in the house. Alliana's life seems doomed to be stuck as an indentured servant to her Stepmother, but her one hope is the Farmlands Ball at which young people can get chosen to go to the Royal Academy and get training for a better job in the land. But after Grandmother's death Alliana feels stuck and Stepmother has made it clear that she'll do everything she can to stop Alliana from going to the ball. Her world is looking bleaker and bleaker, in fact if it weren't for her friends, Nela the witch in training, Isao the baker's employee, and Kabo the dragon, Alliana would have no hope at all. Because what future is there for a poor orphan girl on the outskirts of nowhere?</p><p>I absolutely loved this. It has definite elements of Cinderella (with a job opportunity as the goal of the ball instead of a romantic interest), flavorings of <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4241968048" target="_blank">Kiki's Delivery Service</a></i> (it has a Japanese fantasy setting and Nela reminds me a lot of Kiki), with touches of <i>How to Train Your Dragon</i>. Kabo is a dragon Alliana secretly befriends and trains when she can slip away from the inn, and gets more page time in the 2nd half of the book.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Japanese Fantasy Setting Fans, Fairy Tale Rewrite Fans, Adventure Fans, Miyazaki Film Fans/Eiko Kadano Book Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsjb3fwUYMlPXkpv4DCS-onY2eAX6B2ZPE0TSCqcVyQApo6p2egnyV3uhzbhNTtlPBCF_y6uCeyI_1mW7fdI2AJUFlI4bOVi9wPnlt7U5PvgXkrvI64wsNbBzWjrhxROhGH0Ac9kqeCsY2xee5rkrn_6wcVUJ61yJGK9PWksQ7JVmI3CNEdaK5QBHBNQ/s1702/amywu.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1399" data-original-width="1702" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsjb3fwUYMlPXkpv4DCS-onY2eAX6B2ZPE0TSCqcVyQApo6p2egnyV3uhzbhNTtlPBCF_y6uCeyI_1mW7fdI2AJUFlI4bOVi9wPnlt7U5PvgXkrvI64wsNbBzWjrhxROhGH0Ac9kqeCsY2xee5rkrn_6wcVUJ61yJGK9PWksQ7JVmI3CNEdaK5QBHBNQ/s320/amywu.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4033677162" target="_blank">Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon</a></i> (Amy Wu, #2) by Kat Zhang, ill. by Charlene Chua</b></p><p>Amy's class reads about dragons and makes their own, but Amy's dragon doesn't look like the others. It doesn't have wings, and it has different horns, and a longer shape. Amy's friends says she did it wrong, but she knows she's seen a dragon like that. When she goes home she finds the source of her inspiration, and then creates her very own unique dragon for show and tell.</p><p>I like how this subtly celebrates kids who are a little bit of the East and a little bit of the West through the dragons in those cultures stories. A fantastic read for third culture kids or children of immigrants who feel like they don't completely belong in either culture but are a curious mix of both.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Third Culture Kids/Immigrant Kids/Biracial Kids Story Fans, Family Story Fans, Grandmother/Granddaughter Story Fans, School Story Fans, East meets West Story Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvOKZ51kG2MLwIotcdbYKUs5FRsAGm9uQxf-IE5VhfYGbtpjULW1DQybe4NqF8RfgmI-jBWbGhA3xq9KKkBzEtan5OWLkzEZ_gQjQ-hFfCqXnpWSTcgIXUObJePiIwYF1J-onwMYl9RVpibMZSJHkhD7lt2JgJKFrnM6LcZm7PqYoHd4mIOrsrivlOIg/s1000/dragons.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="634" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvOKZ51kG2MLwIotcdbYKUs5FRsAGm9uQxf-IE5VhfYGbtpjULW1DQybe4NqF8RfgmI-jBWbGhA3xq9KKkBzEtan5OWLkzEZ_gQjQ-hFfCqXnpWSTcgIXUObJePiIwYF1J-onwMYl9RVpibMZSJHkhD7lt2JgJKFrnM6LcZm7PqYoHd4mIOrsrivlOIg/s320/dragons.jpeg" width="203" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4379105245" target="_blank">Dragons and Marshmallows</a></i> (Zoey and Sassafras, #1) by Asia Citro, ill. by Marion Lindsay</b></p><p>Just before her mom leaves for a conference, Zoey discovers that she and her mom share the ability to see fantasy creatures unlike anyone else they know. Zoey's mom shares that she secretly cares for magical creatures when they need help in the barn out back, and Mom is leaving Zoey in charge while she is gone. For a few days nothing happens, but then a baby dragon shows up and Zoey and her cat Sassafras must figure out how to help the little creature using some research and scientific experimenting.</p><p>The former science teacher in me appreciates this series for the way Zoey models scientific inquiry (with her mom’s guidance and oversight), while the fantasy lover enjoys the cute baby dragon and all the other fantasy creatures Zoey and Sassafras help along the way.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Budding Scientists, Fantasy Creature Fans, Fantasy Vet Fans, Problem Solving Story Fans, Lower Grade Fiction Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjwwJMI8BOOoZl-mgRkTWFCkZ9Qz-forMbPhBKsMHrT3RkPlusRogA2ge7vt8ijn8rHLDl9KoEAaJxDsK9TwWNS_1N5JgL4BxakBuedfsqhbrpmZWgmHTeSF4CxFUMVZJLgoPm3H-xBo3m5e320GEvt0NjwZ5UpGVsTy5o1DU8Keo-wmpjKzlW421naM/s1500/dragonstone.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="971" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjwwJMI8BOOoZl-mgRkTWFCkZ9Qz-forMbPhBKsMHrT3RkPlusRogA2ge7vt8ijn8rHLDl9KoEAaJxDsK9TwWNS_1N5JgL4BxakBuedfsqhbrpmZWgmHTeSF4CxFUMVZJLgoPm3H-xBo3m5e320GEvt0NjwZ5UpGVsTy5o1DU8Keo-wmpjKzlW421naM/s320/dragonstone.jpeg" width="207" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5566200118" target="_blank">The Dragon and the Stone</a></i> (The DreamKeeper Saga, #1) by Kathryn Butler</b></p><p>Lily's father was lost at sea, and since then she and Mom and Gran are barely making it. At least she has her father's stories, and the necklace she recently found in a book. Still, things are hard. And she thinks she's actually losing it when she sees a little dragon eating dinner out of the pot, and then in a series of strange events he takes her to a whole new world. There, Cedric (the little <strike>dragon</strike> scout) tells her that her necklace drew him to her. It signifies she is a keeper, but how she got the stone without any training or it going through the proper channels is a mystery. Cedric says she must stay until they figure out why the shrouds (big evil dragons) are after her, and besides, they could use someone like her who can create things with imagination. Lily is a bit dubious. She's also annoyed that the bully from school somehow got transported with them. Adam makes her life miserable, and now he's with her in a fantasy realm?! But when Lily finds out this is the land her father told her about in his stories, and it appears he really used to come here...and may even impossibly be there now, she must stay to find out the truth.</p><p>This is a deliciously imaginative fantasy portal adventure with some light Christian allegorical elements (it is tastefully done, not heavy handed at all...if you didn't know to look for it, it'd be easy to miss). Cedric is a delightful guide and loyal friend for Lily.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Fantasy Fans, Portal Story Fans, Adventure Fans, Christian Allegory Fans, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87lUJNg65dgBDlc7Fychby3Mn_grh8jM74igt3Nw0Cbaw4iTyX9O22pydpRF_4GayocQHcsnDqlRgq2U3hpGKGyD8RW-oAcnR9WKo8R69M1ZZhi8KwU3k9AXEQ7OCp8NyEVn3hQmx_QQxu5HtW0fWaJj2lpCggJp_rbs_cginpMlVnihUjjo4BAd2qIk/s1000/littlered.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="902" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87lUJNg65dgBDlc7Fychby3Mn_grh8jM74igt3Nw0Cbaw4iTyX9O22pydpRF_4GayocQHcsnDqlRgq2U3hpGKGyD8RW-oAcnR9WKo8R69M1ZZhi8KwU3k9AXEQ7OCp8NyEVn3hQmx_QQxu5HtW0fWaJj2lpCggJp_rbs_cginpMlVnihUjjo4BAd2qIk/s320/littlered.jpeg" width="289" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5808839682" target="_blank">Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon</a></i> by Ying Chang Compestine, ill. by Joy Ang</b></p><p>Wolf would like to set the record straight about the Red Riding Hood story. He was just an innocent spectator. That whole gobbling up and impersonating Granny? It was a dragon. A dragon who had no idea who he was messing with.</p><p>This is a creative reimagining of the Little Red Riding Hood story with a little martial artist, a hungry dragon, and an older China setting.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Fairy Tale Rewrite Fans, China Setting Fans, Martial Arts Story Fans, Fantasy Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfS75Ti2T0NWOoHp69Gp_0MC8ah7jq0IYpak51XDPur5pLIY1WK5h_kV4bpO88qacl5elnz7NFIPZ5zrPk7pWspzTbEfNSg0g9w5SvcLTv2Kj77KCWuj4ZroblJZc-fObEtAL0mvelsMMa3Zx0njGqm9YHGOKmx6vOAcYgPcHrXJhq-wLzC0w7vgV-dOg/s500/natural.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="328" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfS75Ti2T0NWOoHp69Gp_0MC8ah7jq0IYpak51XDPur5pLIY1WK5h_kV4bpO88qacl5elnz7NFIPZ5zrPk7pWspzTbEfNSg0g9w5SvcLTv2Kj77KCWuj4ZroblJZc-fObEtAL0mvelsMMa3Zx0njGqm9YHGOKmx6vOAcYgPcHrXJhq-wLzC0w7vgV-dOg/s320/natural.jpeg" width="210" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4143402809" target="_blank">A Natural History of Dragons</a></i> (The Memoirs of Lady Trent, #1) by Marie Brennan</b></p><p>Lady Trent, famed for her knowledge and books on dragons, shares with her readers how she first became interested in natural history and dragons, sneaking books from her father's library and exploring the creatures around the family estate, wrestled with her passion versus expectations of society, found a suitor who would allow her to be herself, and was able to go on her first dragon expedition to Vystrana.</p><p>Imagine if Charlotte Brontë or Elizabeth Gaskell lived in a world where dragons were real and one of them wrote about a young woman of their time obsessed with dragons in an era when the science of studying the creatures was first being contemplated, and you've probably got a pretty good picture of what this book is like.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Fantasy Fans, Regency Fiction Fans, Adventure Fans, Coming of Age Fans, Scientific Exploration Fans, Fantasy Creature Fans, Adult Fiction Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20yzEAd-7wWLVviovv_5eH9gCstlmMuJhbZDlb2aAicczJwZ28GV_vcME8ePSYK7s1_fDUE-k7M95SGxNfVvFMr1T875usR3wWyCTjrWnXq1QPoAU-c4L0oMOZWjn4ujcrmBcjxm2TO0Yo22lWz4xvF4BvLxJ10G9MOciWa-ykmchydnijl_QhL_YeeU/s400/newdragon.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="279" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20yzEAd-7wWLVviovv_5eH9gCstlmMuJhbZDlb2aAicczJwZ28GV_vcME8ePSYK7s1_fDUE-k7M95SGxNfVvFMr1T875usR3wWyCTjrWnXq1QPoAU-c4L0oMOZWjn4ujcrmBcjxm2TO0Yo22lWz4xvF4BvLxJ10G9MOciWa-ykmchydnijl_QhL_YeeU/s320/newdragon.jpeg" width="223" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5235657161" target="_blank">New Dragon City</a></i> by Mari Manusci</b></p><p>When dragons appeared, the world as we knew it ended. Noah and his family spent the first couple of years in a bunker, but when their supplies ran out they made their way to New York City and joined a group of survivors there. They spend the months when the dragons are hibernating above ground, looking for resources. But when the dragons return, they seal themselves in some subway tunnels to survive. Since Noah's mom disappeared, things haven't been the same. When his dad says he isn't going into the subway this year, Noah decides he won't either. Their chances of survival with the dragons around aren't good. But Noah can't imagine spending months without any family. However, he has no idea what this summer has in store. He'll learn things about himself, his parents, and dragons that will change his world and the world of many others.</p><p>I can’t go into much of the plot of the 2nd half of the book without major spoilers. Suffice it to say the story provides some thought-provoking scenarios about what happens if there's no communication between two sides of a conflict, and the possibility for peaceful resolutions (and the challenges involved) when there is. It also delves into the power of hatred vs the power of kindness. (And yes, we get to meet several dragons in the story, some nice and some not so nice.)</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Dystopia Fans, Survival Story Fans, New York City Setting Fans, Peacemaking Story Fans, Thought-Provoking Story Fans, Stand Alone Novel Fans, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><div><br /></div>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-77521081467344315362024-01-25T19:27:00.000-08:002024-01-25T19:27:44.975-08:00Brainstorm 310: Lunar New Year Reads<p>Lunar New Year and the start of the Year of the Dragon are coming up in a few weeks. It has been a while since I did a Lunar New Year Brainstorm (see <a href="https://thebrainstormplus.blogspot.com/2017/01/brainstorm-100-dimsum-books-other.html" target="_blank">Brainstorm 100</a>), so I thought it was time to share some reading ideas again for those who want to know more about the holiday and how it is celebrated in various regions or are looking for stories to read at this time of year. I’m sharing these a few weeks early to give you time to find them if you want to. I'm not going to repeat any of the books I shared in Brainstorm 100, so check out the link to that Brainstorm as well for more ideas. Next week I’ll share some dragon story ideas for you to enjoy in the Year of the Dragon. Click on the titles to see my full reviews of each book including any content notes/trigger warnings. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-gZtBwETrmkyWTgkqJRjUJdOytvdLqoYOShrHaSnTXif0q6cpaaMg1UhgL8QMQrOpWKpddUK4OsefhJIpQTeGXZKp-zEsPlm_5EDKygz2tnNkrqKr5BDw3bHdfVch9DMuGk4JyVVoSbtOu-LzIWfAwGPtmuEeHzixf8Qvx6KGTq_gRzL4VMfC8k2su4/s400/jia.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-gZtBwETrmkyWTgkqJRjUJdOytvdLqoYOShrHaSnTXif0q6cpaaMg1UhgL8QMQrOpWKpddUK4OsefhJIpQTeGXZKp-zEsPlm_5EDKygz2tnNkrqKr5BDw3bHdfVch9DMuGk4JyVVoSbtOu-LzIWfAwGPtmuEeHzixf8Qvx6KGTq_gRzL4VMfC8k2su4/s320/jia.jpeg" width="214" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3890836926" target="_blank">Jia and the Nian Monster</a></i> by Mike Richardson, ill. by Megan Huang</b></p><p>Every New Year's Eve the Nian monster comes and steals one person from Jia's village in retaliation for a man who stole a fruit and a woman's heart ages ago. The monster claimed her mother and her father disappeared seeking out the monster. Now Jia is determined to find the monster's lair and stop it from terrorizing her village. But what can one girl do, even if she has a friend with a stick helping her?</p><p>This is a graphic novel based on Chinese folklore to explain why red decorations and fireworks are part of Chinese New Year celebrations.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Graphic Novel Fans, Fantasy Fans, Chinese New Year Folklore Fans, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84V02WG6MCWOJLl79WOc2Rfy8IWnXOKeHOCPsgVLbbi_rkHa2xeCVC0sDKNMUWnay9PaM7k91fEHgRq1oQsBQw93E_2P5RpeLO6R4nhTdm4Bbnxt9OnakQjqeVKWYEC0B3p6xgymaAhuanzUtIlPUCCyBeDSHrrkdtygxd4Hpq_BSQiCtaTJ416hL7R4/s1275/lnylove.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84V02WG6MCWOJLl79WOc2Rfy8IWnXOKeHOCPsgVLbbi_rkHa2xeCVC0sDKNMUWnay9PaM7k91fEHgRq1oQsBQw93E_2P5RpeLO6R4nhTdm4Bbnxt9OnakQjqeVKWYEC0B3p6xgymaAhuanzUtIlPUCCyBeDSHrrkdtygxd4Hpq_BSQiCtaTJ416hL7R4/s320/lnylove.jpeg" width="226" /></a></div><p></p><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6124756058" target="_blank">Lunar New Year Love Story</a></i> by Gene Luen Yang, ill. by LeUyen Pham</b></p><p>Valentina used to love Valentine’s Day. She had an invisible best friend, St. Valentine, who would help her create all the cards and a special card to her father from her deceased mother who obviously also loved Valentine’s Day since she named Valentina after it. But on Valentine’s Day her freshmen year everything changes. What she thought she knew about her family and Valentine’s Day comes crashing down, family secrets get revealed, and St. Valentine changes from his cupid form into a creepy old dude promising Valentina she’d be safer if she just gave her heart to him for safe keeping. She turns him down, but St. Valentine shows up again her Junior year when she meets a guy. Valentina wants to believe she has a chance at true love, but Grandma has told her their family is cursed in the love area. St. Valentine gives Valentina one year to decide whether to keep her heart or give it to him so she won’t get hurt. Valentina is hoping against hope that Les is the one. He’s fun, popular, rich, and gets her into lion dancing, and Valentina loves it. But is this really love?</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote>What I liked most about this graphic novel was the message of the story. Is the risk of loving people worth it? It sounds from the synopsis like it is just about romantic love, but there are also key aspects of familial and friendship love to the story. And Val learns important lessons about what healthy romantic love looks like too.<br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Graphic Novel Fans, Fantasy Fans, Valentine's Day Story Fans, Lunar New Year's Story Fans, Lion Dance Fans, Vietnamese American Character Fans, Korean American Character Fans, Love Stories, Young Adult Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SCMYqdzx8MDz5VGig15hMwgllXUk1XhxhzxAgfCTUWxDrbAtqsyST6SBq4-S5YSoJfUFNHurJ1HVNE2SRzvmuMYtEFv4DLRtAXJrR7KzfvO2T-d5EhH5h6Pn4OAds2GVgldOKq8Me-6TgVfPFFIbQIcPUoKwMIUadfvN_qBoMA7qwHvljb3BOzxlg5c/s2082/mindykim.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2082" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SCMYqdzx8MDz5VGig15hMwgllXUk1XhxhzxAgfCTUWxDrbAtqsyST6SBq4-S5YSoJfUFNHurJ1HVNE2SRzvmuMYtEFv4DLRtAXJrR7KzfvO2T-d5EhH5h6Pn4OAds2GVgldOKq8Me-6TgVfPFFIbQIcPUoKwMIUadfvN_qBoMA7qwHvljb3BOzxlg5c/s320/mindykim.jpeg" width="215" /></a></div><p></p><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3673382289" target="_blank">Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade</a></i> (Mindy Kim, #2) by Lyla Lee, ill. by Dung Ho</b></p><p>Mindy is super excited for Lunar New Year, but she isn't so sure about celebrating it without mom or in Florida. In California there were lots of other Koreans around to share the celebration, but not so much in Florida. Her dad says he is planning on taking her to a Lunar New Year parade in a nearby city that's supposed to be big and Sally can come too, so maybe the day won't be a total loss.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Contemporary Fiction Fans, Korean American Character Fans, Korean New Year Tradition Story Fans, Just Moved Story Fans, Lower Grade Fiction</p></blockquote><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WKFEqUWiIBNvbmEZKfrJZ8VOlhISg1v-hUq2QL_Fl_bMDrc8AcVvApf-12NCT4WVu0_boEqFrwAlhfUZ64xqdLshOigrStinvT8zjEtnTcrkK1JVXRfLa1rSnGpZOHT4iyodfMmfCTc13FIthtc52v-xCqQ9ofgfZBpU6KrFkuLXvSstAWaGB6A4uJw/s506/nian.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="506" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WKFEqUWiIBNvbmEZKfrJZ8VOlhISg1v-hUq2QL_Fl_bMDrc8AcVvApf-12NCT4WVu0_boEqFrwAlhfUZ64xqdLshOigrStinvT8zjEtnTcrkK1JVXRfLa1rSnGpZOHT4iyodfMmfCTc13FIthtc52v-xCqQ9ofgfZBpU6KrFkuLXvSstAWaGB6A4uJw/s320/nian.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6179546838" target="_blank">The Nian Monster</a></i> by Andrea Wang, ill. by Alina Chau</b></p><p>After centuries scared away by the traditional decorations of Chinese New Year, the Nian monster is so hungry the reds, fire, and fireworks don't bother him. He shows up at Xingling's house in Shanghai 3 days before the New Year and threatens to eat her up along with the rest of the city. But Xingling has a couple ideas of how to take care of this Nian monster.</p><p>This is a funny twist on the Nian monster folkore that includes a virtual tour of Shanghai and adorable artwork.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Fantasy Fans, Chinese New Year Folklore Fans, Shanghai Setting Fans, Problem Solving Story Fans, Humorous Story Fans, Art Lovers, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRJu-ntV4fErLaWQKp3QFUDaT8Ns6QM2YBidjn5QnNQy_pM4SJLBKu8-1uH-cM-zuOy1u-zwAd-ysTctChGdT04ADLcQTn_-SqjKSktBPDcZkWz6BfLt3MG2XReqWxTO83vL5p3RXnJaUR9Hyb2eLmrN6TdQ-jaX_BsH954E8IckXMn3D2k5hL0waySQ/s400/playing.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRJu-ntV4fErLaWQKp3QFUDaT8Ns6QM2YBidjn5QnNQy_pM4SJLBKu8-1uH-cM-zuOy1u-zwAd-ysTctChGdT04ADLcQTn_-SqjKSktBPDcZkWz6BfLt3MG2XReqWxTO83vL5p3RXnJaUR9Hyb2eLmrN6TdQ-jaX_BsH954E8IckXMn3D2k5hL0waySQ/s320/playing.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5941836365" target="_blank">Playing with Lanterns</a></i> by Wang Yage, ill. by Zhu Chengliang, translated by Helen Wang</b></p><p>Zhao Di and her friends have each gotten colorful new lanterns from their uncles for New Year fun. Each night, from the 3rd to the 15th day of the Lunar New Year celebration the friends meet outside in the snow and try to keep their lanterns alight until they smash them on the last day.</p><p>I’d never heard about this type of Lunar New Year celebration before. Check out the back of the book for more information on the Shaanxi province in northwestern China where this is celebrated and more information on the New Year traditions from this area.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Contemporary Fiction Fans, Lunar New Year Traditions Story Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Shangxi Region of China Setting Fans/Culture Studiers, Winter Story Fans, Translated Story Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFgp-CirBkL3me9YGfyNX3pFb1fYchtaSlY-Qku30DTuGu2oy3v-UQ_zriOoiZlVnPKcARvw8Kdu4voDErcJjuZMeU_i3GFdj0zpwDLzcVlmdb0x99yMnLzeUMVZhFsErAUcI8geLi91AY1vViC-aXQtF-oqfxEld5MPcwOqrff0Kv8VvlQdAtM7O9Zg/s1400/sweet.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFgp-CirBkL3me9YGfyNX3pFb1fYchtaSlY-Qku30DTuGu2oy3v-UQ_zriOoiZlVnPKcARvw8Kdu4voDErcJjuZMeU_i3GFdj0zpwDLzcVlmdb0x99yMnLzeUMVZhFsErAUcI8geLi91AY1vViC-aXQtF-oqfxEld5MPcwOqrff0Kv8VvlQdAtM7O9Zg/s320/sweet.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4548750980" target="_blank">A Sweet New Year for Ren</a></i> by Michelle Sterling, ill. by Dung Ho</b></p><p>Ren wants to help her family get ready for Lunar New Year, but everyone keeps telling her she's too little. Except for helping with pineapple cakes. She's finally big enough for that.</p><p>The author mentions Chinese/Filippino heritage, and the characters do appear to be somewhere warm for Lunar New Year, but this could be set anywhere in Southeast Asia or California that celebrates LNY. </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Contemporary Fiction Fans, Family Holiday Story Fans, Growing Up Story Fans, Lunar New Year Traditions Story Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHW9FjsrQC3VwgFo2unVgB0gfRDsqfKgjpmgaHzeW704TpeN5hFa53E2Q6CeANV8WSz18S2EeyRE3-iAR6ky8IuchciaUDM0tw31RiXSl0kyrlUokw32TuvhT1AW_VQgYdTllii4gTHB1xSrA6g0N6zQ_xN3jzVlIHdBY37C1NvBWJEjL7iU7UH2XSxk/s400/tomorrow.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="309" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHW9FjsrQC3VwgFo2unVgB0gfRDsqfKgjpmgaHzeW704TpeN5hFa53E2Q6CeANV8WSz18S2EeyRE3-iAR6ky8IuchciaUDM0tw31RiXSl0kyrlUokw32TuvhT1AW_VQgYdTllii4gTHB1xSrA6g0N6zQ_xN3jzVlIHdBY37C1NvBWJEjL7iU7UH2XSxk/s320/tomorrow.jpeg" width="247" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5946147927" target="_blank">Tomorrow Is New Year's Day: Seollal, a Korean Celebration of the Lunar New Year</a></i> by Aram Kim</b></p><p>Mina and her family teacher her class at school about Seollal traditions.</p><p>A great introduction to some typical activities and foods of the Korean Lunar New Year celebration.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Contemporary Fiction Fans, Korean American Character Fans, Family Story Fans, School Story Fans, Seollal Traditions Story Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-70421427763852312832023-12-20T19:54:00.000-08:002023-12-20T19:54:07.455-08:00Brainstorm 309: Top 10s of 2023 Part 4: Mrs Nat's Top 10s<p> Welcome to the final week of the Top 10s of 2023, and the last Brainstorm of the year! This week I've invited the delightful Elementary librarian I have the pleasure of working with, Mrs Nat, to share her favorite reads of the past 12 months. She decided to stick to books for the age groups she works with. The books could have been published in any year, she just read them for the first time in the past 12 months. Click on the titles to see her full summaries and reviews for each book. </p><p>Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Part 1: <a href="https://thebrainstormplus.blogspot.com/2023/11/brainstorm-306-top-10s-of-2023-part-1.html" target="_blank">Nonfiction Books</a> (all levels + graphic novels) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Part 2: <a href="https://thebrainstormplus.blogspot.com/2023/12/brainstorm-307-top-10s-of-2023-part-2.html" target="_blank">Top 10s in Contemporary & Historical Fiction</a> (all levels + graphic novels), Leveled Readers (any genre)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Part 3: <a href="https://thebrainstormplus.blogspot.com/2023/12/brainstorm-308-top-10s-of-2023-part-3.html" target="_blank">Top 10s in Scifi/Fantasy Fiction, Lower Grade Fiction Graphic Novels</a> (any genre), YA & Adult Fiction Graphic Novels (any genre), and Asian Books (any genre)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today: Guest Post: Mrs. Nat’s Top 10s</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Top 10 Fiction Picture Books</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnnuEsomcx_VVKiXwd8dalUt4NyA5K5mgddMowj0rnabwhZGemBOl9NjhlcmfuCwC_HUz7otw1trZJf1LPuQC9kLHflJtU_KHZ6ZhOH1qud4vJHOrx0xQH9XOD0Kr_H11LFtoXbbHdSYW39TSlvPQOejeed3f9AXGn7_AjF2s-avenXkUjbG2ntBsNoI/s2208/easy1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="2208" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnnuEsomcx_VVKiXwd8dalUt4NyA5K5mgddMowj0rnabwhZGemBOl9NjhlcmfuCwC_HUz7otw1trZJf1LPuQC9kLHflJtU_KHZ6ZhOH1qud4vJHOrx0xQH9XOD0Kr_H11LFtoXbbHdSYW39TSlvPQOejeed3f9AXGn7_AjF2s-avenXkUjbG2ntBsNoI/w640-h144/easy1.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5347081948" target="_blank">Lenny the Lobster Can’t Stay for Dinner</a></i> by Finn Buckley & Michael Buckley, ill. by Catherine Meurisse</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5464446078" target="_blank">Bunny in the Middle</a></i> by Anika A. Denise, ill. by Christopher Denise</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5414902298" target="_blank">Hello, Little Dreamer</a></i> by Kathie Lee Gifford, ill. by Anita Schmidt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5841347041" target="_blank">Even Superheroes Get Scared</a></i> (Superheroes Are Just Like Us) by Shelly Becker, ill. by Eda Kaban</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6010257346" target="_blank">I am the Subway</a></i> by Kim Hyo-eun, translated by Deborah Smith</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaSp3RqqDpNrPCtOHYuEp5ZsNadFT_D4cOZufsh2ytfxlj008bzLdKssuZ_4H171LomYjKOvtYmdLzpDU4Co5_BVtHLXce2HakLtk6uyWwIjcpAtqjTN5EwQBZ3Vwl1nZzVv67295PQw6SHzgN1J15-m0xhygYfH2xKw3dTtYhEUMK5v2vhAHD3YBgsI/s2159/easy2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="2159" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaSp3RqqDpNrPCtOHYuEp5ZsNadFT_D4cOZufsh2ytfxlj008bzLdKssuZ_4H171LomYjKOvtYmdLzpDU4Co5_BVtHLXce2HakLtk6uyWwIjcpAtqjTN5EwQBZ3Vwl1nZzVv67295PQw6SHzgN1J15-m0xhygYfH2xKw3dTtYhEUMK5v2vhAHD3YBgsI/w640-h144/easy2.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5841173518" target="_blank">Mommy’s Hometown</a></i> by Hope Lim, ill. by Jaime Kim</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6040522540" target="_blank">Nana, Nenek & Nina</a></i> by Liza Ferneyhough</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5948104140" target="_blank">Geraldine Pu and Her Lunchbox, Too!</a></i> (Geraldine Pu, #1) by Maggie P. Chang</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5841303253" target="_blank">The Sour Grape</a></i> (The Food Group, #6) by Jory John, ill. by Pete Oswald</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5560273384" target="_blank">We Don’t Lose Our Class Goldfish</a></i> (Penelope Rex, #3) by Ryan T. Higgins</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Top 10 Nonfiction Picture Books</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpr4xlI5Mkg5CUpzLtQPGe1EVJmbLv0tbsXQICIMVVbdh8EjSJD-mFb3CV_FaRzFjRyhTwo6KhgXO-lWdOt0aUqgBfIMauV0fV67-duuWjcDpyTBQyU17WunJsnx_Ly74YWqMoJNDrwulMI8fSNUKh56YqCRvzh9SLSsJ1lwn8m0HmgqaUZA-lIF-ISU/s2826/enf1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="2826" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpr4xlI5Mkg5CUpzLtQPGe1EVJmbLv0tbsXQICIMVVbdh8EjSJD-mFb3CV_FaRzFjRyhTwo6KhgXO-lWdOt0aUqgBfIMauV0fV67-duuWjcDpyTBQyU17WunJsnx_Ly74YWqMoJNDrwulMI8fSNUKh56YqCRvzh9SLSsJ1lwn8m0HmgqaUZA-lIF-ISU/w640-h144/enf1.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5294195972" target="_blank">The Doll</a></i> by Nhung N. Tran-Davies, ill. by Ravy Puth</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5604274467" target="_blank">The Awesome Super Fantastic Forever Party: a True Story about Heaven, Jesus, and the Best Invitation of All</a></i> (Tales That Tell the Truth) by Joni Eareckson Tada, ill. by Catalina Echeverri</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5870399813" target="_blank">The Secret Life of the Sea Otter</a></i> (Secret Life) by Laurence Pringle, ill. by Kate Garchinsky</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5874116017" target="_blank">The Creator in You</a></i> by Jordan Raynor, ill. by Jonathan David</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6033004943" target="_blank">Queen Elizabeth II: the Queen Who Chose to Serve</a></i> (Do Great Things for God) by Alison Mitchell, ill. by Emma Randall</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3WbTvUxyfOSP9ruK3aTUoMJqgQewDx141K0kr9e7rYtlykOsb1-yRNj7Lpwdy7PG3H5bJMG-QsfY8tQhmlSIP_L1Dswmfnw3b5ucCZtRRIOYNX9MpcQfmfWfElnz8rq8WFI71GjAe4tMoH4f6GcDYQtkSn_7LOYwBS5tumP3nHv7ciRPeKYbAR2O_AA/s2199/enf2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="2199" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3WbTvUxyfOSP9ruK3aTUoMJqgQewDx141K0kr9e7rYtlykOsb1-yRNj7Lpwdy7PG3H5bJMG-QsfY8tQhmlSIP_L1Dswmfnw3b5ucCZtRRIOYNX9MpcQfmfWfElnz8rq8WFI71GjAe4tMoH4f6GcDYQtkSn_7LOYwBS5tumP3nHv7ciRPeKYbAR2O_AA/w640-h140/enf2.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6010284757" target="_blank">Yes We Will: Asian Americans Who Shaped This Country</a></i> by Kelly Yang, ill. by Nabi H. Ali, Fahmida Azim, Marcos Chen, Sally Deng, Shreya Gupta, Julia Kuo, Julie Kwon, Nhung Lê, Kitkat Pecson, Dow Phumiruk, Sujean Rim, Dan Santat, Yuko Shimizu, Yuewei Shi, Yao Xiao</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5961776354" target="_blank">The Bravest Dog Ever: the True Story of Balto</a></i> by Natalie Standiford, ill. by Donald Cook</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5950620706" target="_blank">The Little Man Whose Heart Grew Big</a></i> (Little Me, Big God) by Steph Williams</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5806750230" target="_blank">The Lights and Types of Ship at Night</a></i> by Dave Eggers, ill. by Annie Dills</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5464386417" target="_blank">Nine Months: Before a Baby Is Born</a></i> by Miranda Paul, ill. by Jason Chin</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Top 10 Lower Grade Fiction</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>(includes graphic novels)</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglJutzEoXA-75F0xb_TZ1Oszn9BwfWKKB2KrNTfKWjqD-sfesQqMDZs2GGu8dGHjturGcs2aQXe_DRGwrAlLrzYdN2px7QXeCLrZJHYZ5DiymuTHvckylKS3xsrY2B_JfHV5DfobZ6aGSsF0OOHhScvsmn-eSvtJm85YjrfzqkVjn1etKZYueCBpU33g/s2504/lgf1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="2504" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglJutzEoXA-75F0xb_TZ1Oszn9BwfWKKB2KrNTfKWjqD-sfesQqMDZs2GGu8dGHjturGcs2aQXe_DRGwrAlLrzYdN2px7QXeCLrZJHYZ5DiymuTHvckylKS3xsrY2B_JfHV5DfobZ6aGSsF0OOHhScvsmn-eSvtJm85YjrfzqkVjn1etKZYueCBpU33g/w640-h172/lgf1.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5783411886" target="_blank">The Final Scroll</a></i> (The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls, #9) by M.J. Thomas</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5996851063" target="_blank">The Christmas Mitzvah</a></i> by Jeff Gottesfeld, ill. by Michelle Laurentia Agatha</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5296477493" target="_blank">The Big Storm</a></i> (Beak and Ally, #3) by Norm Feuti</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5836499772" target="_blank">The Flamingo</a></i> by Guojing</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5568346796" target="_blank">Snow Birds</a></i> (Beak & Ally, #4) by Norm Feuti</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6O7ZLf14MnxICTaV1sntvyJ-qamqgaT083_QqNIGzdnPtzCVOooTdPNMvTI17mJFYsNRo7b6ZYPDsjpRAmHKxtcwAvrpB2qg6urLp55vQeuZ48k3xlsufncJ_woEY7C8a-Icr1U4dpRRzxfzd28441ruGAReDjR81Gl9nafdMCvHJ00b02E-r4xpRIQ/s2586/lgf2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="2586" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6O7ZLf14MnxICTaV1sntvyJ-qamqgaT083_QqNIGzdnPtzCVOooTdPNMvTI17mJFYsNRo7b6ZYPDsjpRAmHKxtcwAvrpB2qg6urLp55vQeuZ48k3xlsufncJ_woEY7C8a-Icr1U4dpRRzxfzd28441ruGAReDjR81Gl9nafdMCvHJ00b02E-r4xpRIQ/w640-h186/lgf2.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5801693816" target="_blank">Peanut, Butter, and Crackers on the Trail</a></i> (Peanut, Butter, and Crackers, #3) by Paige Braddock</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5801724470" target="_blank">The Greatest in the World</a></i> (Tater Tales, #1) by Ben Clanton</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5378931862" target="_blank">Mindy Kim Makes the Splash!</a></i> (Mindy Kim, #8) by Lyla Lee, ill. by Dung Ho</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5396003093" target="_blank">The Secret Maze</a></i> (The Last Firehawk, #10) by Katrina Charman, ill. by Judit Tondora</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5306769316" target="_blank">Rickshaw to Horror</a></i> (Miss Mallard Mysteries) by Robert M. Quackenbush</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Top 10 Lower Grade Nonfiction Books</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>(includes biographies, folktales, and fairy tales)</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CbhKzC0HT_hHJOFJqVNSKTg_jTmSz1UW0Cs_CliWT0yXZ-sdbjPaFeK6dbTussIHMcg2UqQrUcU8-7olV6OD5S2u3sT2cBmRUqKO6-u0F2bm7GlBpCAZVS802_Px7L2zBbXVW-IDCJiiHP6QYj21BXYbePF_Uzv2JmrNiahHfJ7Zvi14x7rclLKmpLg/s2617/lgn1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="2617" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CbhKzC0HT_hHJOFJqVNSKTg_jTmSz1UW0Cs_CliWT0yXZ-sdbjPaFeK6dbTussIHMcg2UqQrUcU8-7olV6OD5S2u3sT2cBmRUqKO6-u0F2bm7GlBpCAZVS802_Px7L2zBbXVW-IDCJiiHP6QYj21BXYbePF_Uzv2JmrNiahHfJ7Zvi14x7rclLKmpLg/w640-h146/lgn1.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5886035900" target="_blank">Just a Girl: a True Story of WWII</a></i> by Lia Levi, ill. by Jess Mason, translated by Sylvia Notini</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6030613613" target="_blank">The Tower of Life: How Yaffa Eliach Rebuilt Her Town in Stories and Photographs</a></i> by Chana Stiefel, ill. by Susan Gal</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5560257140" target="_blank">Pizza!: a Slice of History</a></i> by Greg Pizzoli</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5961808034" target="_blank">The Founding Fathers Were Spies!: Revolutionary War</a></i> (Secrets of American History) by Patricia Lakin, ill. by Valerio Fabbretti</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5942041920" target="_blank">On the Corner of Chocolate Avenue: How Milton Hershey brought Milk Chocolate to America</a></i> by Tziporah Cohen, ill. by Steven Salerno</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJM0V7ujUOEOu8uFRF4OpwtKTSPRna19C23s-xvQFHsPmh5CimLzQzPfp7L5MIwSwxea_wUeW7QAg75UDf-FW4SGwSPc1v0ObeMiREmkVcCcZIkVmt6-lIDU74zQh7PQ5C5lPmHDixJX_7hXXFttL9hm5pdqK_nilu0JygRy0yIhuzm2H9jcyY6D5zGn8/s2455/lgn2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="2455" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJM0V7ujUOEOu8uFRF4OpwtKTSPRna19C23s-xvQFHsPmh5CimLzQzPfp7L5MIwSwxea_wUeW7QAg75UDf-FW4SGwSPc1v0ObeMiREmkVcCcZIkVmt6-lIDU74zQh7PQ5C5lPmHDixJX_7hXXFttL9hm5pdqK_nilu0JygRy0yIhuzm2H9jcyY6D5zGn8/w640-h146/lgn2.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5464260264" target="_blank">Eat Your Rocks, Croc!</a></i> (Dr. Glider's Advice for Troubled Animals, #1) by Jess Keating, ill. by Pete Oswald</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5333837723" target="_blank">One Grain of Rice: a Mathematical Folktale</a></i> by Demi</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5823202516" target="_blank">The Story of Jumping Mouse: a Native American Legend</a></i> by John Steptoe</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5331567035" target="_blank">Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion</a></i> by Shannon Stocker, ill. by Devon Holzwarth</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6030298906" target="_blank">Usborne Lift-the-Flap Questions and Answers about Plastic</a></i> (Usborne Lift-the-Flap Questions and Answers) by Katie Daynes, ill. by Marie-Eve Tremblay</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Top 10 Middle Grade Fiction Books</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>(includes graphic novels)</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eO4_TnOPPq-s3GcqjDZSxMs3Gh1l8q6fHzMEJw2nmPEoVngZjAiYOkPm_SeeBL8ObXlwXXBO0IGHKXnAQCmDMeCa6meGtSNn18LknDdeEOrqyaSNUWUMKhsLd-Gk0CMMokYiapppDBZgBnXPK_pqFvfcdWMhocq3H3Sz73VwBR8Mh0Ivgp0eL2jdwW0/s2631/mgf1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="2631" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eO4_TnOPPq-s3GcqjDZSxMs3Gh1l8q6fHzMEJw2nmPEoVngZjAiYOkPm_SeeBL8ObXlwXXBO0IGHKXnAQCmDMeCa6meGtSNn18LknDdeEOrqyaSNUWUMKhsLd-Gk0CMMokYiapppDBZgBnXPK_pqFvfcdWMhocq3H3Sz73VwBR8Mh0Ivgp0eL2jdwW0/w640-h196/mgf1.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5415229155" target="_blank">The Ogress and the Orphans</a></i> by Kelly Barnhill</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5845140597" target="_blank">The Dragon and the Stone</a></i> (The DreamKeeper Saga, #1) by Kathryn Butler</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5898612534" target="_blank">The Girl Who Drank the Moon</a></i> by Kelly Barnhill</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5900538313" target="_blank">The Lost Year</a></i> by Katharine Marsh</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5603816080" target="_blank">The Strangers</a></i> (Greystone Secrets, #1) by Margaret Peterson Haddix</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0kl2fFXojQC7F6mcYiaJtDBvInWS8Azf17YaPz7s0kMSFDVitF4sp-n_2BYwQCU6_ztKes_RZahijZXKZm-GHVbecWEVNT_Ge3_ZcMKg7G-Dk2UmmqwfvIsq_wYN7GAh93pTp-sOuLbx_Jn6ib9rz1_XGzfpnC_J8OvdS-EfVGINmC7cgdFphN9leCE/s2754/mgf2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="2754" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0kl2fFXojQC7F6mcYiaJtDBvInWS8Azf17YaPz7s0kMSFDVitF4sp-n_2BYwQCU6_ztKes_RZahijZXKZm-GHVbecWEVNT_Ge3_ZcMKg7G-Dk2UmmqwfvIsq_wYN7GAh93pTp-sOuLbx_Jn6ib9rz1_XGzfpnC_J8OvdS-EfVGINmC7cgdFphN9leCE/w640-h192/mgf2.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5900814967" target="_blank">Nowhere Boy</a></i> by Katharine Marsh</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5288552223" target="_blank">Maizy Chen’s Last Chance</a></i> by Lisa Yee</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5900891893" target="_blank">New from Here</a></i> by Kelly Yang</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5279722194" target="_blank">Once upon a Tim</a></i> (Once upon a Tim, #1) by Stuart Gibbs, ill. by Stacy Curtis</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5515573650" target="_blank">Bird & Squirrel All Together</a></i> (Bird & Squirrel, #7) by James Burks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-51496471509217342412023-12-14T21:06:00.000-08:002023-12-14T21:06:07.465-08:00Brainstorm 308: Top 10s of 2023 Part 3: Fantasy & Science Fiction, Asian Books<p>Welcome back to the Top 10s of 2023! Part 3 shares my favorite fantasy and science fiction reads of the year as well as my favorite lower grade reads, YA and adult graphic novel/manga/comics, and most stunning artwork I've come across this year. I'm also including my favorite reads by creators of Asian descent featuring characters of Asian descent. Since I work at a school in Asia I'm always on the hunt for books that help our students see themselves or others similar to them in the stories. All of the books shared today could have been published any year, I just read them for the first time in the last 12 months. Click on the titles to see my full summaries and reviews along with any content notes/trigger warnings.</p><p>Part 1:<a href="https://thebrainstormplus.blogspot.com/2023/11/brainstorm-306-top-10s-of-2023-part-1.html" target="_blank"> Nonfiction Books</a> (all levels + graphic novels) </p><p>Part 2: <a href="https://thebrainstormplus.blogspot.com/2023/12/brainstorm-307-top-10s-of-2023-part-2.html" target="_blank">Top 10s in Contemporary & Historical Fiction</a> (all levels + graphic novels), Leveled Readers (any genre)</p><p>Part 3: Top 10s in Scifi/Fantasy Fiction, Lower Grade Fiction Graphic Novels (any genre), YA & Adult Fiction Graphic Novels (any genre), Asian Books (any genre), and Best Illustrations</p><p>Dec 21: Guest Post: Mrs. Nat’s Top 10s</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Fantasy/Science Fiction/Imaginary Animal Fiction Picture Books</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBEpKpufiUGrzNWjcvwcUhYC8qNBl_P8X_SgnkkxXFU9tnyvryZUNqIQly3Pc9F26KahOfVDpqdH8ymk0of6ogOlxo_Wzlfh-eKW6ECNW0CQgfxw1I1iLBChMe0hUSwiAVv7wIlhN4LtwMBPXV7_qyj10zXj09HiT9AHUAMbpbDSkJFyLE6YfO2P2GUc/s2406/fspic1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="2406" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBEpKpufiUGrzNWjcvwcUhYC8qNBl_P8X_SgnkkxXFU9tnyvryZUNqIQly3Pc9F26KahOfVDpqdH8ymk0of6ogOlxo_Wzlfh-eKW6ECNW0CQgfxw1I1iLBChMe0hUSwiAVv7wIlhN4LtwMBPXV7_qyj10zXj09HiT9AHUAMbpbDSkJFyLE6YfO2P2GUc/w640-h130/fspic1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5791859185" target="_blank">Even Superheroes Get Scared</a></i> (Superheroes Are Just Like Us) by Shelly Becker, ill. by Eda Kaban</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5838599460" target="_blank">Night Lunch</a></i> by Eric Fan, ill. by Dena Seiferling</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6040065198" target="_blank">Out Cold</a></i> (A Little Bruce Book) by Ryan T. Higgins</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5400357427" target="_blank">We Don’t Lose Our Class Goldfish</a></i> (Penelope Rex, #3) by Ryan T. Higgins</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5461538521" target="_blank">Bunny in the Middle</a></i> by Anika A. Denise, ill. by Christopher Denise</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrtg8ET0TVIIgW-V93O8usm4BcRBK4b_NVn8_ld9LXNfRwpZ4w7qZzWw9TabK8qRFu8h38IR9USu6TeVRJEdECA6cL5weci1ZRgCpkkfn96OkgGqwmt1LRXrIgVIPhWkpxc_wHWSiKnMu2MzJoE96FX1RCPmg7PdBOD3ADg8X40mX4k_mrwZtbvgOFck/s2077/fspic2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="2077" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrtg8ET0TVIIgW-V93O8usm4BcRBK4b_NVn8_ld9LXNfRwpZ4w7qZzWw9TabK8qRFu8h38IR9USu6TeVRJEdECA6cL5weci1ZRgCpkkfn96OkgGqwmt1LRXrIgVIPhWkpxc_wHWSiKnMu2MzJoE96FX1RCPmg7PdBOD3ADg8X40mX4k_mrwZtbvgOFck/w640-h158/fspic2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5786272462" target="_blank">Margaret’s Unicorn</a></i> by Briony May Smith</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5827772870" target="_blank">Lizzy and the Cloud</a></i> by the Fan Brothers</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5935847534" target="_blank">A Very Mercy Christmas</a></i> (Mercy Watson Picture Books) by Kate DiCamillo, ill. by Chris Van Dusen</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5808851970" target="_blank">The Sour Grape</a></i> (The Food Group, #6) by Jory John, ill. by Pete Oswald</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5328670389" target="_blank">Blue Spot</a></i> by Griselda Sastrawinata-Lemay</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Lower Grade Fiction Books</h3><p><b><i>(all fiction genres excluding graphic novels, limited to 1 per series)</i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfEBCvGTljjR2m6DYeV0US40KDSwS6KMAIzpl1lQK3KD6QvbUzhLOqEfL7OwFO5pM_1ffAhC4OWxJEzGv-1SOq_sGFxvHUCtxpE3I1ddw6AYIrUGf-fbFFbYoGv57Qo5gkcBe6RdK-5ll2K8ZHxkm-uIOQnIHalO2PqSL9lGJtxE0HfPNosKgKtzNEXY/s2338/lgfic1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="2338" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfEBCvGTljjR2m6DYeV0US40KDSwS6KMAIzpl1lQK3KD6QvbUzhLOqEfL7OwFO5pM_1ffAhC4OWxJEzGv-1SOq_sGFxvHUCtxpE3I1ddw6AYIrUGf-fbFFbYoGv57Qo5gkcBe6RdK-5ll2K8ZHxkm-uIOQnIHalO2PqSL9lGJtxE0HfPNosKgKtzNEXY/w640-h182/lgfic1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5730025435" target="_blank">Wishypoofs and Hiccups</a></i> (Zoey and Sassafras, #9) by Asia Citro, ill. by Marion Lindsay</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5161789108" target="_blank">Game Over, Nebulon!</a></i> (Galaxy Zack, #18) by Ray O’Ryan, ill. by Jason Kraft</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5931384824" target="_blank">Henry Heckelbeck Chills Out</a></i> (Henry Heckelbeck, #10) by Wanda Coven, ill. by Priscilla Burris</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5315656872" target="_blank">Mindy Kim Makes the Splash!</a></i> (Mindy Kim, #8) by Lyla Lee, ill. by Dung Ho</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5947824683" target="_blank">Persephone & the Unicorn’s Ruby</a></i> (Little Goddess Girls, #10) by Joan Holub & Stephanie Williams, ill. by Yuyi Chen</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtnLGhHOREexiHZAnjNAnozkOiQuCS40I2AkNemUUQI6n9DCvH_-7TUAXecrlXg8BbA9DgVgznjJ07WpcFAR8RR4MgCJ3CD0yeYqj6JUVQAJ6AIue1cT6wMI8WCUc0gfx65bbZnHxsx6v1FQzOUOT_EBpzQ5PrqEqgX5QtLM0IRfzWJ_RqaUkXbdMBnY/s2314/lgfic2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="2314" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtnLGhHOREexiHZAnjNAnozkOiQuCS40I2AkNemUUQI6n9DCvH_-7TUAXecrlXg8BbA9DgVgznjJ07WpcFAR8RR4MgCJ3CD0yeYqj6JUVQAJ6AIue1cT6wMI8WCUc0gfx65bbZnHxsx6v1FQzOUOT_EBpzQ5PrqEqgX5QtLM0IRfzWJ_RqaUkXbdMBnY/w640-h182/lgfic2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5376621236" target="_blank">The Whispering Woods</a></i> (The Adventures of Sophie S. Mouse, #19) by Poppy Green, ill. by Jennifer A. Bell</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6025500106" target="_blank">Jasmine Toguchi, Peace-maker</a></i> (Jasmine Toguchi, #6) by Debbi Michiko Florence, ill. by Elizabet Vukovic</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5931386153" target="_blank">Whale Song of Puffin Cliff</a></i> (Wind Riders, #4) by Jen Marlin, ill. by Marta Kissi</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5396227931" target="_blank">Emmett and Jez</a></i> (Adventures in Fosterland) by Hannah Shaw, ill. by Bev Johnson</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5606329288" target="_blank">Peril at Lizard Lake</a></i> (Fabio, the World’s Greatest Flamingo Detective, #3) by Laura James, ill. by Emily Fox</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Lower Grade Graphic Novels/Manga/Comics </h3><p><b><i>(any genre)</i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAssUE_swb3tUMWhwp80xgdYduyH793aWP2KOnGwcEw_3o-adg3YHKI6YnZMjXIyNEEe5zbtHcMf7jUHhdh1_LogSvWKuLNeA90j1BB3ocN_rafIAbske-n1EwDD5hqyu2LCrDyrqr4NA8Ej6m73Roz3wPZNojMUxrDoIDVXTZXNh7P7MlCVebdYCuAQc/s2379/lggn1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="2379" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAssUE_swb3tUMWhwp80xgdYduyH793aWP2KOnGwcEw_3o-adg3YHKI6YnZMjXIyNEEe5zbtHcMf7jUHhdh1_LogSvWKuLNeA90j1BB3ocN_rafIAbske-n1EwDD5hqyu2LCrDyrqr4NA8Ej6m73Roz3wPZNojMUxrDoIDVXTZXNh7P7MlCVebdYCuAQc/w640-h170/lggn1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5231814228" target="_blank">The Big Storm</a></i> (Beak and Ally, #3) by Norm Feuti</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5615258261" target="_blank">Flight or Fright</a></i> (Waffles and Pancake, #2) by Drew Brockington</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5867804005" target="_blank">Luna and the Treasure of Tlaloc</a></i> (Brownstone’s Mythical Collection, #5) by Joe Todd-Stanton</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5766121749" target="_blank">The Greatest in the World</a></i> (Tater Tales, #1) by Ben Clanton</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4849648867" target="_blank">The Flamingo</a></i> by Guojing</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Wm-nsxuK16e_uvkeZ6NxEIKzcuJkqbYG2s4-xwn4NSBDIrJlH6NGatY-FSP4At5olbvrQMXy3nHyu46Q7y0-gdYLh_rVzwvp4Hk-3vdZPQ7J7qAw6-he1oVTxS6GrbnlX_2NBggNJwYRK6Hsz29LRfE4zU0bL5ETCtISb4mxYJd6m4yLj6thN2V5Vu8/s2568/lggn2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="2568" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Wm-nsxuK16e_uvkeZ6NxEIKzcuJkqbYG2s4-xwn4NSBDIrJlH6NGatY-FSP4At5olbvrQMXy3nHyu46Q7y0-gdYLh_rVzwvp4Hk-3vdZPQ7J7qAw6-he1oVTxS6GrbnlX_2NBggNJwYRK6Hsz29LRfE4zU0bL5ETCtISb4mxYJd6m4yLj6thN2V5Vu8/w640-h186/lggn2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5966499208" target="_blank">Super King Viking Land</a></i> (Press Start, #13) by Thomas Fintham</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5288453427" target="_blank">The Missing Magic</a></i> (Unicorn Diaries, #7) by Rebecca Elliott</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5161567347" target="_blank">Peanut, Butter, and Crackers on the Trail</a></i> (Peanut, Butter, and Crackers, #3) by Paige Braddock</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5509097050" target="_blank">Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy</a></i> (Doggo & Pupper, #3) by Katherine Applegate, ill. by Charlie Alder</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5231775957" target="_blank">Pirates Past Noon: the graphic novel</a></i> (Magic Tree House Graphic Novels, #4) based on the novel by Mary Pope Osborne, adapted by Jenny Laird, ill. by Kelly & Nichole Matthews</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Middle Grade Science Fiction Books </h3><p><b><i>(limited to 1 per series)</i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WR4bM7T8vlyvDcJ0hyRJRGaL-LupUH6H_ISwaQ_1fmg7gYKfWw7C636aUu7_2onb30sOgMAJUwtBrj2yvv-OB5AiPypdss9x67DjzsjHuTb84dUYFR6ao02voRUK97URklbn7v1fQtkPwfJVVYTXtWmijM5zMP4q4EbcrJ2eDQ3YQms2J3jIXG0S9lw/s2736/smgfic1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="2736" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WR4bM7T8vlyvDcJ0hyRJRGaL-LupUH6H_ISwaQ_1fmg7gYKfWw7C636aUu7_2onb30sOgMAJUwtBrj2yvv-OB5AiPypdss9x67DjzsjHuTb84dUYFR6ao02voRUK97URklbn7v1fQtkPwfJVVYTXtWmijM5zMP4q4EbcrJ2eDQ3YQms2J3jIXG0S9lw/w640-h196/smgfic1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5783874648" target="_blank">Orion and the Starborn</a></i> (Orion Rising, #1) by K.B. Hoyle</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5821234081" target="_blank">Drifters</a></i> by Kevin Emerson</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5977755606" target="_blank">Running out of Time</a></i> (Out of Time, #1) by Margaret Peterson Haddix</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5957673554" target="_blank">Battle for the Park</a></i> (Futureland, #1) by H.D. Hunter, ill. by Khadijah Khatib</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5991789970" target="_blank">Charlie Thorne and the Curse of Cleopatra</a></i> (Charlie Thorne, #3) by Stuart Gibbs</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqewUGVXP2XcxVA7qw28tQiqktPK-h0cyebEr-7pprq-HAOXYyw5QIcdfK47T9R_jz-p-sVzaEZJboeXogY430nFlaJo6udFCTcNSYCsoa34fwgFbsTRGENxFNXleR4AsnTpIbB-34K27LY_bjpoPaGCIeBBgb8Qp_ynPp0HgpTFA52y2zgpZ8MbpqNk/s2307/smgfic2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="2307" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqewUGVXP2XcxVA7qw28tQiqktPK-h0cyebEr-7pprq-HAOXYyw5QIcdfK47T9R_jz-p-sVzaEZJboeXogY430nFlaJo6udFCTcNSYCsoa34fwgFbsTRGENxFNXleR4AsnTpIbB-34K27LY_bjpoPaGCIeBBgb8Qp_ynPp0HgpTFA52y2zgpZ8MbpqNk/w640-h190/smgfic2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5710914342" target="_blank">Evil Genius</a></i> (Smartest Kid in the Universe, #3) by Chris Grabenstein</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5741682287" target="_blank">The Architect</a></i> (The Architect, #1) by Jonathan Starrett</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5235657161" target="_blank">New Dragon City</a></i> by Mari Manusci</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5013570370" target="_blank">Map of Flames</a></i> (Forgotten Five, #1) by Lisa McMann</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5905347766" target="_blank">Game on!</a></i> (Star Striker, #1) by Mary Amato</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Middle Grade Fantasy/Imaginary Animal Fiction Books </h3><p><b><i>(limited to 1 per series)</i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKjzRWem7eBqzUT_xz8RmkfMWZGB2xoXYcLoQ3GEVJMr9diUZ8judeRjRg4eQ8eYWQMEEGrVtDBKr-nHf-rf6lUs8W0QXhfo6HzZuvLyw3orKugV00IRoGdPd920qy_GjOmmUCMhhLICCsPVxSAcLJMEogSVVCJCbXXYoBSc86YLslNN7Y6tx75UUQWU/s2526/fanmg1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="2526" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKjzRWem7eBqzUT_xz8RmkfMWZGB2xoXYcLoQ3GEVJMr9diUZ8judeRjRg4eQ8eYWQMEEGrVtDBKr-nHf-rf6lUs8W0QXhfo6HzZuvLyw3orKugV00IRoGdPd920qy_GjOmmUCMhhLICCsPVxSAcLJMEogSVVCJCbXXYoBSc86YLslNN7Y6tx75UUQWU/w640-h194/fanmg1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5867838800" target="_blank">Alliana, Girl of Dragons</a></i> (Eva Evergreen, #0) by Julie Abe</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5566200118" target="_blank">The Dragon and the Stone</a></i> (The DreamKeeper Saga, #1) by Kathryn Butler</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5903487495" target="_blank">Fenris & Mott</a></i> by Greg Van Eekhout</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5907766266" target="_blank">The Dark Lord’s Daughter</a></i> by Patricia C. Wrede</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5555537305" target="_blank">Hummingbird</a></i> by Natalie Lloyd</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jhiqBL1-zWdmnnmdv1FB0om4u992vNVZzZEhT47xBSZjh5y4o6Dc0fBjBe0BitconLwIf_tKuK4dZ5N-GC6n7dzA_CcAZ99I8Qkano20S3vBwX6L1svIIFgA346UR-0wE5w5kcQGxHownaujZ09ZGPpGqVQQlNy5e3SjLVw7sh1JajGM4TFR7FFUA5M/s2284/fanmg2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="2284" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jhiqBL1-zWdmnnmdv1FB0om4u992vNVZzZEhT47xBSZjh5y4o6Dc0fBjBe0BitconLwIf_tKuK4dZ5N-GC6n7dzA_CcAZ99I8Qkano20S3vBwX6L1svIIFgA346UR-0wE5w5kcQGxHownaujZ09ZGPpGqVQQlNy5e3SjLVw7sh1JajGM4TFR7FFUA5M/w640-h194/fanmg2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5345281282" target="_blank">Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl</a></i> (Society of Explorers and Adventurers, #1) by Julie Kagawa</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5825545371" target="_blank">Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key</a></i> by S.D. Smith & J.C. Smith</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5347917786" target="_blank">The Shelterlings</a></i> by Sarah Beth Durst</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5296027597" target="_blank">The Ogress and the Orphans</a></i> by Kelly Barnhill</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5529300234" target="_blank">Cat Crew</a></i> (Dog Squad, #2) by Chris Grabenstein</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Middle Grade Fantasy/Science Fiction Graphic Novels/Manga/Comics</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuO2gOsdswO0Zl28_fPG-QzbokmFbfgXEqgEkX-qxq_fXMBP5a4aD9htCp3p3OgiQfABYWgSfjjdCytm4RiZIQaT08S5QutKRF3XU7Qw3ah4UaTCscLWCotUEdgSk4-V9KTqKNEP9O0YwIfYqNb02sOD-MJYIZvFpPJZgO1U11Z3VnNej7gvCarIc-J5U/s2371/fsmggn1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="2371" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuO2gOsdswO0Zl28_fPG-QzbokmFbfgXEqgEkX-qxq_fXMBP5a4aD9htCp3p3OgiQfABYWgSfjjdCytm4RiZIQaT08S5QutKRF3XU7Qw3ah4UaTCscLWCotUEdgSk4-V9KTqKNEP9O0YwIfYqNb02sOD-MJYIZvFpPJZgO1U11Z3VnNej7gvCarIc-J5U/w640-h188/fsmggn1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5013569809" target="_blank">Realm of the Blue Mist</a></i> (The Rema Chronicles, #1) by Amy Kim Kibuishi</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5054539271" target="_blank">Secrets and Sidekicks</a></i> (Katie the Catsitter, #3) by Colleen A.F. Venable, ill. by Stephanie Yue</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5420162959" target="_blank">Travis Daventhorpe for the Win!</a></i> (Travis Daventhorpe, #1) by Wes Molebash</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5667342264" target="_blank">Off the Clock</a></i> (Marvel Action. Avengers, #5) by Katie Cook, ill. by Butch Mapa</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5349983538" target="_blank">Cells at Work! Baby 01</a></i> (Cells at Work! Baby, #1) by Yasuhiro Fukuda, based on the Cells at Work series by Akane Shimizu, translated by Dean Leininger</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeWx-hYrO3ZlL5CmpF46TVPX5d8dFRJxQEMCrArF5YHGKwkVd0p0uZjXCulkYzPh-mz5lsHQE90tF1FgB3kTYjG-9oA2MYPuvr0z3uwpcgPQ8MyKOuBUNdVW3Cwv4S4f7porSPuRN6Gk-pK4I3ZzSUgYWtE5zWygKneN6X26EcC7PMsr7AldV-4nH_Ik/s2289/fsmggn2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="2289" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeWx-hYrO3ZlL5CmpF46TVPX5d8dFRJxQEMCrArF5YHGKwkVd0p0uZjXCulkYzPh-mz5lsHQE90tF1FgB3kTYjG-9oA2MYPuvr0z3uwpcgPQ8MyKOuBUNdVW3Cwv4S4f7porSPuRN6Gk-pK4I3ZzSUgYWtE5zWygKneN6X26EcC7PMsr7AldV-4nH_Ik/w640-h188/fsmggn2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5443358515" target="_blank">Poiko: Quests & Stuff</a></i> by Brian Middleton</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5216201916" target="_blank">Bird & Squirrel All Together</a></i> (Bird & Squirrel, #7) by James Burks</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5931292840" target="_blank">Bruce Wayne: Not Super</a></i> by Stuart Gibbs, ill. by by Berat Pekmezci, letters by Taylor Esposito</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5931194096" target="_blank">Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures</a></i> by Jason Pamment</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5362277416" target="_blank">Agents of S.U.I.T. </a></i>(Agents of S.U.I.T., #1) by John Patrick Green with Christopher Hastings, ill. by Pat Lewis, colors by Wes Dzioba</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Young Adult Fantasy/Science Fiction Books</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-x8qWA9RL4WKvqM6NoVsBhfiTmnkxKUEZyDtmdWUpRMh4qxgR7zemc_semj8A4beikmT1KfXGBESQF_UhJCZK5S6DykkKxiRYusYmlWvCljI85-szk9rwRoYX3o5bihdC475lMUnvEQlpmzLT6VR5H8zxmmCqsP_HPPob41bVTi2SkEwuawhTG_z6js/s2608/fsya1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="2608" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-x8qWA9RL4WKvqM6NoVsBhfiTmnkxKUEZyDtmdWUpRMh4qxgR7zemc_semj8A4beikmT1KfXGBESQF_UhJCZK5S6DykkKxiRYusYmlWvCljI85-szk9rwRoYX3o5bihdC475lMUnvEQlpmzLT6VR5H8zxmmCqsP_HPPob41bVTi2SkEwuawhTG_z6js/w640-h196/fsya1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5570677480" target="_blank">Of Fire and Ash</a></i> (The Fireborn Epic, #1) by Gillian Bronte Adams</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5957671735" target="_blank">Echo North</a></i> (Echo North, #1) by Joanna Ruth Meyer</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5457515631" target="_blank">Blood Secrets</a></i> (Skyworld, #2) by Morgan L. Busse</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5013568469" target="_blank">The Wonderland Trials</a></i> (The Curious Realities, #1) by Sara Ella</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5497958800" target="_blank">Defiant</a></i> (Skyward, #4) by Brandon Sanderson</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdlTH29Ob11a1awFNrawgnsUdpYBGZrpelYzdN5O01Tt9Sg8AuoY3SflXqCuA_9PsL1zv2MoMX6xkWlpozV78aVwSFwAgtsABcrhDTajG9_ezZE284C0cUVznHzJ5pI4Hsce5oovdW88nxuH8gr34j6ocEr_ZiqSsN15bPxzmgFIC4Lt2FjrDhHPy22M/s2765/fsya2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="2765" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdlTH29Ob11a1awFNrawgnsUdpYBGZrpelYzdN5O01Tt9Sg8AuoY3SflXqCuA_9PsL1zv2MoMX6xkWlpozV78aVwSFwAgtsABcrhDTajG9_ezZE284C0cUVznHzJ5pI4Hsce5oovdW88nxuH8gr34j6ocEr_ZiqSsN15bPxzmgFIC4Lt2FjrDhHPy22M/w640-h194/fsya2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5054520341" target="_blank">Bear Knight</a></i> (Lightraider Academy, #2) by James R. Hannibal</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5570663029" target="_blank">Enhanced</a></i> (The Hybrid, #1) by Candace Kade</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5570661255" target="_blank">Vivid</a></i> (The Color Theory, #1) by Ashley Bustamante</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5396179635" target="_blank">Winter, White and Wicked</a></i> (Winter, White and Wicked, #1) by Shannon Dittemore</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5173713409" target="_blank">Youngbloods</a></i> (Impostors, #4; Uglies, #8) by Scott Westerfeld</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 YA & Adult Graphic Novels/Manga/Comics that are Stand Alones or from New to Me Series</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCCgSaaij0ImWvkHWWjt-vQs3sOzQP16k7zxpDlNEUDThV6aB08nyvlBwYmPBeGRZFXvpGEhQ4XQRP8-CQk1d4cH8k1c8ZXDWMbxOEyxBQP-EwE-W79SSRXWVuA1PtkgdFg04smPwD9IRDF_RkzxeqmWLbSILILGHh-J1X0LAaRAlBnhy8-J7vmmbBjM/s2238/ayagnnew1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="2238" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCCgSaaij0ImWvkHWWjt-vQs3sOzQP16k7zxpDlNEUDThV6aB08nyvlBwYmPBeGRZFXvpGEhQ4XQRP8-CQk1d4cH8k1c8ZXDWMbxOEyxBQP-EwE-W79SSRXWVuA1PtkgdFg04smPwD9IRDF_RkzxeqmWLbSILILGHh-J1X0LAaRAlBnhy8-J7vmmbBjM/w640-h184/ayagnnew1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5508702326" target="_blank">Twig</a></i> (Twig, Vol. 1) by Skottie Young, ill. by Kyle Strahm, colors by Jean-Francois Beaulieu</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5834619487" target="_blank">Call the Name of the Night 1</a></i> (Call the Name of the Night, #1) by Tama Mitsuboshi, translated by Amanda Haley, lettering by Lys Blakeslee</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5931215014" target="_blank">Lovely Muco! 1</a></i> (Lovely Muco, #1) by Takayuki Mizushina, translated by Casey Lee</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5730093715" target="_blank">The Evil Secret Society of Cats 1</a></i> (The Evil Secret Society of Cats, #1) by Pandania, translated by Alethea & Athena Nibley</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6025529131" target="_blank">Soara and the House of Monsters 1</a></i> (Soara and the House of Monsters, #1) by Hidenori Yamaji, translated by Dawn Sim</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxF89Kxl1fNesglY_7-3O1f-nzF-dxiM-XaPYQBLzj8ra7YTnZH0nN600sdBXTm8jh2ycSj8qwMmiUcLBzggQ7JZUEBQbMSDBFkcbqcwotaWMKt70L7JZi5Gn57QHo9cKF1SUbKusYfESM8qs2_BU2t1klMs_IHYIYYGo_VhhpR7COAfsfPZZZMWHbSPw/s2550/ayagnnew2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="2550" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxF89Kxl1fNesglY_7-3O1f-nzF-dxiM-XaPYQBLzj8ra7YTnZH0nN600sdBXTm8jh2ycSj8qwMmiUcLBzggQ7JZUEBQbMSDBFkcbqcwotaWMKt70L7JZi5Gn57QHo9cKF1SUbKusYfESM8qs2_BU2t1klMs_IHYIYYGo_VhhpR7COAfsfPZZZMWHbSPw/w640-h188/ayagnnew2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5619880719" target="_blank">Dinosaur Sanctuary 1</a></i> (Dinosaur Sanctuary, #1) by Itaru Kinoshita, research consultant: Shin-Ichi Fujiwara, translated by John Neal</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5493568224" target="_blank">Touring after the Apocalypse 1</a></i> (Touring after the Apocalypse, #1) by Sakae Saito, translated by Amanda Haley, lettering by Phil Christie</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5396172249" target="_blank">Shang-Chi vs. the Marvel Universe</a></i> (Shang-Chi, #2) by Gene Luen Yang, ill. by Dike Ruan</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5834618623" target="_blank">Yokai Cats 2</a></i> (Yokai Cats, #2) by Pandania, translated by Minna Lin</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5931557376" target="_blank">Little Witch Academia 1</a></i> (Little Witch Academia, #1) by Trigger/Yoh Yoshinari, ill. by Keisuke Sato, translated by Taylor Engel</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 YA & Adult Graphic Novels/Manga/Comics from Continuing Series</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUu1pUatD8Ete1SYcSM1svEmTdCQ44VuH7rdTjJ2DfYMTFZsTKyo3M_FltaiZnAe-YuxTUOCaZIo6p0SgZ54f4D6SdGx42yEduaM9QsRvyLqo79Gtups8hcG4eaI03x585eNXoJcqIENrlnESNYMrljnbshm3b3Xq3jdYyL165iqw-syhC1sdGxg0WJGU/s2251/ayagnsrs1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="2251" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUu1pUatD8Ete1SYcSM1svEmTdCQ44VuH7rdTjJ2DfYMTFZsTKyo3M_FltaiZnAe-YuxTUOCaZIo6p0SgZ54f4D6SdGx42yEduaM9QsRvyLqo79Gtups8hcG4eaI03x585eNXoJcqIENrlnESNYMrljnbshm3b3Xq3jdYyL165iqw-syhC1sdGxg0WJGU/w640-h186/ayagnsrs1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5734822852" target="_blank">Spy x Family 9</a></i> (Spy x Family, #9) by Tatsuya Endo, translated by Casey Loe</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5080068077" target="_blank">Space Boy 14</a></i> (Space Boy, #14) by Stephen McCranie</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5786244037" target="_blank">The Promised Neverland 20: Beyond Destiny</a></i> (The Promised Neverland, #20) by Kaiu Shirai, ill. by Posuka Demizu, translated by Satsuki Yamashita</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5497632953" target="_blank">Cat + Gamer 3</a></i> (Cat + Gamer, #3) by Wataru Nadatani, translated by Zack Davisson, lettering and retouch by Susie Lee and Studio Cutie</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5791837149" target="_blank">Ex-Yakuza & Stray Kitten 3</a></i> (Ex-Yakuza & Stray Kitten, #3) by Riddle Kamimura, translated by Avery Hutley</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSlMtq5ny0dv7osjoctu0sX_BeXUimg2tTjm33NjMPQQe7aKpFL3UwR2c1g27ZoPglTGYNfHjHLKQXccLM2jM8mqWHm3zlnZlqGUGreqPOULtdEA_OCDcmhk7QAmDXnLwovjF2FOTCD4-ZyprrNNk-dBVUhxlF-uaOt7dWLcbTaxaKAFmjo2hzJ6lcBk/s2604/ayagnsrs2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="2604" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSlMtq5ny0dv7osjoctu0sX_BeXUimg2tTjm33NjMPQQe7aKpFL3UwR2c1g27ZoPglTGYNfHjHLKQXccLM2jM8mqWHm3zlnZlqGUGreqPOULtdEA_OCDcmhk7QAmDXnLwovjF2FOTCD4-ZyprrNNk-dBVUhxlF-uaOt7dWLcbTaxaKAFmjo2hzJ6lcBk/w640-h190/ayagnsrs2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5838748801" target="_blank">Laid-Back Camp 13</a></i> (Laid-Back Camp, #13) by Afro, translated by Amber Tamosaitis</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5619926118" target="_blank">Kakuriyo, Bed & Breakfast for Spirits 8</a></i> (Kakuriyo, Bed & Breakfast for Spirits, #8) by Waco Ioka, English translation & adaptation by Tomo Kimura</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5376598917" target="_blank">Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear 6</a></i> (Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear Manga, #6) by Kumanano, ill. by Sergei, translated by Amanda Haley</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5957004974" target="_blank">Green Lantern: Alliance</a></i> (Green Lantern, #2) by Minh Lê, ill. by Andie Tong, colors by Sarah Stern and Carrie Strachan, lettering by Saida Temofonte</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5396174733" target="_blank">Stormranger</a></i> (Magnificent Ms. Marvel, Vol. 2) by Saladin Ahmed, ill. by Joey Vazquez with Alex Arizmendi, pencilling by Minkyu Jung</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Adult Fantasy/Science Fiction Books </h3><p><b><i>(limited to 1 per series)</i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGJhLrpKkcC8FsUsm1JEV5xed6w3-dq7f6zkBYx2243xnbCrqSAPdqgP94TxrqzQtTmHssW6_q9Njurr1Aqd9Zh3qGMhr-3tXE0cmNu90FerXQkIrozdI16XZWOWAn4ySA1o9EKJi9jmbnwLdk7I8DE64_Mm4SObNeGybapfKqPHWHheYOuE-4kDepcQ/s2455/fsad1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="2455" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGJhLrpKkcC8FsUsm1JEV5xed6w3-dq7f6zkBYx2243xnbCrqSAPdqgP94TxrqzQtTmHssW6_q9Njurr1Aqd9Zh3qGMhr-3tXE0cmNu90FerXQkIrozdI16XZWOWAn4ySA1o9EKJi9jmbnwLdk7I8DE64_Mm4SObNeGybapfKqPHWHheYOuE-4kDepcQ/w640-h200/fsad1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5256168969" target="_blank">Tress of the Emerald Sea</a></i> by Brandon Sanderson, ill. by Howard Lyon</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4901373323" target="_blank">Aberration</a></i> (Children of the Consortium, #2) by Cathy McCrumb</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5799005219" target="_blank">Crime and Poetry</a></i> (Magical Bookshop Mystery, #1) by Amanda Flower</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5667378309" target="_blank">A Scent of Mystery</a></i> (Luke and Bandit, #2) by Paul Regnier</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5119020992" target="_blank">Cold Clay</a></i> (Shady Hollow, #2) by Juneau Black</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5a5ePi4fcGvuxtTLA9htaRuBNjzg7NWAnBAbyVmQvvq6oJPL8aQc-7Bhhtvlw7YRcX3PfG3BLMvWj246PL57RlGhilpIFz30nS-neDf6uQbZMpJs2pNcpu1PaDBchK3CB0N9GxtJb7v93ZPW3Jk0_ybdqVVqi3ljaU0Rh5bqMX5l7Nfz0jDbwzBs96c/s2498/fsad2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="2498" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5a5ePi4fcGvuxtTLA9htaRuBNjzg7NWAnBAbyVmQvvq6oJPL8aQc-7Bhhtvlw7YRcX3PfG3BLMvWj246PL57RlGhilpIFz30nS-neDf6uQbZMpJs2pNcpu1PaDBchK3CB0N9GxtJb7v93ZPW3Jk0_ybdqVVqi3ljaU0Rh5bqMX5l7Nfz0jDbwzBs96c/w640-h196/fsad2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5570660856" target="_blank">Calor</a></i> (The Nightingale Trilogy, #1) by J.J. Fischer</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5215803396" target="_blank">Unseen Academicals</a></i> (Discworld: Rincewind, #8; Discworld, #37) by Terry Pratchett</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5701963014" target="_blank">Mercury on Guard</a></i> (Mercury Hale, #1) by Steve Rzasa</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4482415946" target="_blank">Mimi Lee Reads between the Lines</a></i> (A Sassy Cat Mystery, #2) by Jennifer J. Chow</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5837116435" target="_blank">Thornhedge</a></i> by T. Kingfisher</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Asian Picture Books </h3><p><b><i>(Books by Creators of Asian Descent, Featuring Characters of Asian Descent)</i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSszVW2DF4QdiAwO6iQy-qn75ySpe-pz7Zu1FMBjMVSfq-5Ar88RkQL5Nf1HV8Qcm60jvSoYEETK5Nez7hdTw8Sdt6GIPqR44eoDdIiy1RNGSCwmnhBIc8M7LoJC2l1QCytbtdr0s5Ox7rKTYcSo21JaFtmQAfOFLA8omV6jYEqs07nxIWHemSnRiB3Gs/s2355/aspic1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="2355" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSszVW2DF4QdiAwO6iQy-qn75ySpe-pz7Zu1FMBjMVSfq-5Ar88RkQL5Nf1HV8Qcm60jvSoYEETK5Nez7hdTw8Sdt6GIPqR44eoDdIiy1RNGSCwmnhBIc8M7LoJC2l1QCytbtdr0s5Ox7rKTYcSo21JaFtmQAfOFLA8omV6jYEqs07nxIWHemSnRiB3Gs/w640-h150/aspic1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5527074340" target="_blank">I am Golden</a></i> by Eva Chen, ill. by Sophie Diao</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5946147927" target="_blank">Tomorrow Is New Year’s Day: Seollal, a Korean Celebration of the Lunar New Year</a></i> by Aram Kim</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5964078357" target="_blank">Yes We Will: Asian Americans Who Shaped This Country</a></i> by Kelly Yang, ill. by Nabi H. Ali, Fahmida Azim, Marcos Chen, Sally Deng, Shreya Gupta, Julia Kuo, Julie Kwon, Nhung Lê, Kitkat Pecson, Dow Phumiruk, Sujean Rim, Dan Santat, Yuko Shimizu, Yuewei Shi, Yao Xiao</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6007623955" target="_blank">Nana, Nenek & Nina</a></i> by Liza Ferneyhough</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5872280537" target="_blank">Geraldine Pu and Her Lunchbox, Too!</a></i> (Geraldine Pu, #1) by Maggie P. Chang</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4rfVLfkjtqyte74X7MC0LojC-Q4wMnPRiPr1wMyVl7ak9Fcq7Y4BexMtT4xs_zPhQZjPAyRfxfzAvKkbcAmWzPmBbbNJOxTL29pyJ2d1S41QX9f-flwFm7I4AqMyP2YIiAIGoDvqgAE0-OZ4FCZR0INjPVkh87FDBILn1IvHB87NJeU9wh4Q89SsDWk/s2444/aspic2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="2444" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4rfVLfkjtqyte74X7MC0LojC-Q4wMnPRiPr1wMyVl7ak9Fcq7Y4BexMtT4xs_zPhQZjPAyRfxfzAvKkbcAmWzPmBbbNJOxTL29pyJ2d1S41QX9f-flwFm7I4AqMyP2YIiAIGoDvqgAE0-OZ4FCZR0INjPVkh87FDBILn1IvHB87NJeU9wh4Q89SsDWk/w640-h122/aspic2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5766279054" target="_blank">Brown is Beautiful</a></i> by Supriya Kelkar, ill. by Noor Sofi</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5941836365" target="_blank">Playing with Lanterns</a></i> by Wang Yage, ill. by Zhu Chengliang, translated by Helen Wang</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5834452869" target="_blank">Mommy’s Hometown</a></i> by Hope Lim, ill. by Jaime Kim</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5808839682" target="_blank">Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon</a></i> by Ying Chang Compestine, ill. by Joy Ang</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5946156038" target="_blank">This Is Not My Home</a></i> by Eugenia Yoh & Vivienne Chang</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Asian Lower Grade/Middle Grade Books </h3><p><b><i>(Books by Creators of Asian Descent, Featuring Characters of Asian Descent)</i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigusaNlS3nm6G-TYmP-hTcikV9xKPeRvkOOLkOhILOMMFBZULEAQVuyXMETM4vQ7lB21PHpfGlg_w3zjm_UDz5Dr-IFwGIq3epUy7wyvp0dIq5etzeyXcvMUpzkRwdpKv155s_2qQxZ3Cx7GNYA5BoATDExn_ocGQa1635X6iC7xeoYzYBB_Tuynx1yhM/s2234/aslm1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="2234" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigusaNlS3nm6G-TYmP-hTcikV9xKPeRvkOOLkOhILOMMFBZULEAQVuyXMETM4vQ7lB21PHpfGlg_w3zjm_UDz5Dr-IFwGIq3epUy7wyvp0dIq5etzeyXcvMUpzkRwdpKv155s_2qQxZ3Cx7GNYA5BoATDExn_ocGQa1635X6iC7xeoYzYBB_Tuynx1yhM/w640-h190/aslm1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5013659843" target="_blank">New from Here</a></i> by Kelly Yang</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5537439461" target="_blank">The Not-So-Uniform Life of Holly-Mei</a></i> (Holly-Mei, #1) by Christina Matula</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5328936567" target="_blank">Maizy Chen’s Last Chance</a></i> by Lisa Yee</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5443358834" target="_blank">Fumiko and a Tokyo Tragedy: a Great Kanto Earthquake Survival Story</a></i> (Girls Survive) by Susan Griner, ill. by Wendy Tan Shiau Wei</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5867838800" target="_blank">Alliana, Girl of Dragons</a></i> (Eva Evergreen, #0) by Julie Abe</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcLvKUqwP_eLZ1yKFYnM3SWXfOA7o69EC_0ZEulsTXCKz8Jjh2-59U7V8CrLbeGQ1-z3b8bhQHGXTxZVP8vxta-0ix9rx29Hq69FZj0n9YbWiU-mJVjTHUECIUtir9Q0IzwwE6AHOnvqy7sEIZVH6-E9F9aXFyLxsY83By94WUuDT2IIfS3x_1UKd5wo/s2344/aslm2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="2344" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcLvKUqwP_eLZ1yKFYnM3SWXfOA7o69EC_0ZEulsTXCKz8Jjh2-59U7V8CrLbeGQ1-z3b8bhQHGXTxZVP8vxta-0ix9rx29Hq69FZj0n9YbWiU-mJVjTHUECIUtir9Q0IzwwE6AHOnvqy7sEIZVH6-E9F9aXFyLxsY83By94WUuDT2IIfS3x_1UKd5wo/w640-h186/aslm2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5250025269" target="_blank">Soul Lanterns</a></i> by Shaw Kuzki, translated by Emily Balistrieri</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6025500106" target="_blank">Jasmine Toguchi, Peace-Maker</a></i> (Jasmine Toguchi, #6) by Debbi Michiko Florence, ill. by Elizabet Vukovic</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5345281282" target="_blank">Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl</a></i> (Society of Explorers and Adventurers, #1) by Julie Kagawa</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4849648867" target="_blank">The Flamingo</a></i> by Guojing</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5315656872" target="_blank">Mindy Kim Makes the Splash!</a></i> (Mindy Kim, #8) by Lyla Lee, ill. by Dung Ho</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Asian YA/Adult Books </h3><p><b><i>(Books by Creators of Asian Descent, Featuring Characters of Asian Descent)</i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iyZ5mck70bXMqaL8Bj-2_ZcWmdAW59tOM7QTU9E_HLOMW_opE9jXzFoJ3WlM_rIahyphenhyphenbTzdd_67HGg0Ps4PWX34ePjwkkNvbaQ9ntSEEn2Kz48OBg4rkFCdKdyoyRZ0uSW8fctQzU7oP8lWOHt6_lHk61wJqJngxGjeXUolvoEdcnl8OZ9VsGQFirMWI/s2250/asyaad1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="2250" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iyZ5mck70bXMqaL8Bj-2_ZcWmdAW59tOM7QTU9E_HLOMW_opE9jXzFoJ3WlM_rIahyphenhyphenbTzdd_67HGg0Ps4PWX34ePjwkkNvbaQ9ntSEEn2Kz48OBg4rkFCdKdyoyRZ0uSW8fctQzU7oP8lWOHt6_lHk61wJqJngxGjeXUolvoEdcnl8OZ9VsGQFirMWI/w640-h190/asyaad1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5307630984" target="_blank">The Red Palace</a></i> by June Hur</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5931551214" target="_blank">Bamboo People</a></i> by Mitali Perkins</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5582766379" target="_blank">At Home in Exile: Finding Jesus among My Ancestors and Refugee Neighbors</a></i> by Russell Jeung, foreword by Gene Luen Yang</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5310556631" target="_blank">My Fine Fellow</a></i> by Jennieke Cohen</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4482415946" target="_blank">Mimi Lee Reads between the Lines</a></i> (Sassy Cat Mystery, #2) by Jennifer J. Chow</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddCK4LdY0GMpmcQFgqrOQQ_0kw2XtEh44ZclhjmK3GrJM5zx53cCfdmMG7CTtiD5rTFYaosmBcnxYtBaZjQI1wnqWYv6oUWh8Dp5tS1wY2f-U7be1yo3WPtZtu-L-bbMQkMLsusWku7yCgRL08N_WhyD59i4DyQsIYaMzLqSdfMKxxcD1po2730Cn8vY/s2490/asyaad2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="2490" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddCK4LdY0GMpmcQFgqrOQQ_0kw2XtEh44ZclhjmK3GrJM5zx53cCfdmMG7CTtiD5rTFYaosmBcnxYtBaZjQI1wnqWYv6oUWh8Dp5tS1wY2f-U7be1yo3WPtZtu-L-bbMQkMLsusWku7yCgRL08N_WhyD59i4DyQsIYaMzLqSdfMKxxcD1po2730Cn8vY/w640-h186/asyaad2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5957004974" target="_blank">Green Lantern: Alliance</a></i> (Green Lantern, #2) by Minh Lê, ill. by Andie Tong, colors by Sarah Stern and Carrie Strachan, lettered by Saida Temofonte</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5398730420" target="_blank">In Limbo</a></i> by Deb JJ Lee</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5838748801" target="_blank">Laid-Back Camp 13</a></i> (Laid-Back Camp, #13) by Afro, translated by Amber Tamosaitis</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5396172249" target="_blank">Shang-Chi vs. the Marvel Universe</a></i> (Shang-Chi, #2) by Gene Luen Yang, ill. by Dike Ruan</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5931215014" target="_blank">Lovely Muco! 1</a></i> (Lovely Muco, #1) by Takayuki Mizushina, translated by Casey Lee</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Books for the Artwork </h3><p><b><i>(Most stunning interior artwork, any interest level)</i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRD0Z-5fI5vSRZI0vGxXH8-OE4UMIhDtZDYRDGyXZUtAz2FeGyHc3QPf8An6GYRavY9ZO2PmXYBXq9RaVnPRCCDTC3Wnug4Hv34R3-P0X567IxiuvLjAs1chP9I2i0-sWJEpLvj62Fm6ZirS_3fhcCYu5oxHdCSNjL4KDVtBNreWBeqmPCMKD4yj1c1FI/s2708/ill1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="2708" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRD0Z-5fI5vSRZI0vGxXH8-OE4UMIhDtZDYRDGyXZUtAz2FeGyHc3QPf8An6GYRavY9ZO2PmXYBXq9RaVnPRCCDTC3Wnug4Hv34R3-P0X567IxiuvLjAs1chP9I2i0-sWJEpLvj62Fm6ZirS_3fhcCYu5oxHdCSNjL4KDVtBNreWBeqmPCMKD4yj1c1FI/w640-h148/ill1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5786519246" target="_blank">The Lights and Types of Ship at Night</a></i> by Dave Eggers, ill. by Annie Dills</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5838599460" target="_blank">Night Lunch</a></i> by Eric Fan, ill. by Dena Seiferling</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5508702326" target="_blank">Twig</a></i> (Twig, Vol. 1) by Skottie Young, ill. by Kyle Strahm, colors by Jean-Francois Beaulieu</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5443358515" target="_blank">Poiko: Quests & Stuff</a></i> by Brian Middleton</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5827777396" target="_blank">We Wait for the Sun</a></i> by Dovey Johnson Roundtree and Katie McCabe, ill. by Raissa Figuera</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1-okA7ufwj1LXf0Ejz8x75hz_DlW2rT50_XQldUXg85V5TPrs3LHrWmyf1IsC0eu3RyZ3ongx7kMcDlgk6bAPNxMCqLkI0vpOqJL5lYMd4-WtwJbYI7hdmqsxHBW0-YX3FlL6l9IyfMhgKcrU19NZXA8mH2aHatn6eySPCR3Y2QIgELkhzGbCfb4aDM/s2472/ill2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="2472" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1-okA7ufwj1LXf0Ejz8x75hz_DlW2rT50_XQldUXg85V5TPrs3LHrWmyf1IsC0eu3RyZ3ongx7kMcDlgk6bAPNxMCqLkI0vpOqJL5lYMd4-WtwJbYI7hdmqsxHBW0-YX3FlL6l9IyfMhgKcrU19NZXA8mH2aHatn6eySPCR3Y2QIgELkhzGbCfb4aDM/w640-h152/ill2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5701999490" target="_blank">The Great Zapfino</a></i> by Mac Barnett, ill. by Marla Frazee</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5161623960" target="_blank">Chirri & Chirra in the Night</a></i> (Chirri & Chirra, #8) by Kaya Doi, translated by David Boyd</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5834619487" target="_blank">Call the Name of the Night 1</a></i> (Call the Name of the Night, #1) by Tama Mitsuboshi, translated by Amanda Haley, lettering by Lys Blakeslee</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5827772870" target="_blank">Lizzy and the Cloud</a></i> by the Fan Brothers</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4849648867" target="_blank">The Flamingo</a></i> by Guojing</p><p><br /></p>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-39019978110401993452023-12-08T02:41:00.000-08:002023-12-08T02:41:36.468-08:00Brainstorm 307: Top 10s of 2023 Part 2: Contemporary & Historical Fiction<p>Welcome to part 2 of the Top 10s of 2023! This week I am sharing my favorite contemporary and historical fiction reads of the year as well as my favorite leveled readers I read this year. I'm post-poning sharing my favorite Asian books of the year until next week. Everything featured in today's Brainstorm is a book I first read in the past 12 months, but could have been published in any year. To read my full summary and review for each book and see any content notes/trigger warnings click on the book's title. </p><p>Part 1: <a href="https://thebrainstormplus.blogspot.com/2023/11/brainstorm-306-top-10s-of-2023-part-1.html" target="_blank">Nonfiction Books</a> (all levels + graphic novels) </p><p>Part 2 (today): Top 10s in Contemporary & Historical Fiction (all levels + graphic novels), Leveled Readers (any genre)</p><p>Dec 15: Part 3: Top 10s in Scifi/Fantasy Fiction, Lower Grade Fiction Graphic Novels (any genre), YA & Adult Fiction Graphic Novels (any genre), and Asian Books (any genre)</p><p>Dec 21: Guest Post: Mrs. Nat’s Top 10s</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Contemporary/Historical/Realistic Animal Fiction Picture Books</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqbylmXM-KoQZFEoucZJzru8da1_cL1mbCIwyoQYq1ROLIeO8EArVau0_vtv6VacgWcW4nhkdrG3z5ZAbWDqcWW4p6z89segHwaryYncdblmtEGW_JZ87-cyfRvC7HTwDWf2Zfuw-kUniPIEka8h6eFRH2N6cmJ53hV3N39EthYe-j4GnWdT5p_ERA6w/s2807/chpic1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="2807" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqbylmXM-KoQZFEoucZJzru8da1_cL1mbCIwyoQYq1ROLIeO8EArVau0_vtv6VacgWcW4nhkdrG3z5ZAbWDqcWW4p6z89segHwaryYncdblmtEGW_JZ87-cyfRvC7HTwDWf2Zfuw-kUniPIEka8h6eFRH2N6cmJ53hV3N39EthYe-j4GnWdT5p_ERA6w/w640-h126/chpic1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5766279054" target="_blank">Brown is Beautiful</a></i> by Supriya Kelkar, ill. by Noor Sofi</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5568461514" target="_blank">Big Truck, Little Island</a></i> by Chris Van Dusen</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5527074340" target="_blank">I am Golden</a></i> by Eva Chen, ill. by Sophie Diao</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6007623955" target="_blank">Nana, Nenek & Nina</a></i> by Liza Ferneyhough</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5786643059" target="_blank">10 Dogs</a></i> by Emily Gravett</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIloNC_KKNkHr-wplKaTTOqMMP9WmtVaqJFMLhyphenhyphen4pyQM_GZWW9RFNQh6vB-9hhIwXFMcmHkdtjK0Thwm-fxRgbmn-r-hdZj5G8u8jPKiXbvAR2mpJefPQ7WYr5naZ9QhibxaJ-6TwwfcodYlXgz6ahuVcK-97mNFotLvXPg7TH4aLuJegiGJQX-ToEAM/s2654/chpic2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="2654" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIloNC_KKNkHr-wplKaTTOqMMP9WmtVaqJFMLhyphenhyphen4pyQM_GZWW9RFNQh6vB-9hhIwXFMcmHkdtjK0Thwm-fxRgbmn-r-hdZj5G8u8jPKiXbvAR2mpJefPQ7WYr5naZ9QhibxaJ-6TwwfcodYlXgz6ahuVcK-97mNFotLvXPg7TH4aLuJegiGJQX-ToEAM/w640-h138/chpic2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5668431716" target="_blank">Beneath</a></i> by Cori Doerrfeld</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5309851531" target="_blank">Hot Dog</a></i> by Doug Salati</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5941836365" target="_blank">Playing with Lanterns</a></i> by Wang Yage, ill. by Zhu Chengliang, translated by Helen Wang</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5964036103" target="_blank">I am the Subway</a></i> by Kim Hyo-eun, translated by Deborah Smith</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5834452869" target="_blank">Mommy’s Hometown</a></i> by Hope Lim, ill. by Jaime Kim</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Middle Grade Contemporary Fiction Books</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VQcRKMSJaZd7oNtsyWkzrN4WgjePoKvbpiQxkx5YRp0V1Eyi_K19t1qONRbqxI-n5nI3MIi5jCsChxFBfWVBG1KfzFsQYsI3IPEZfexi8LEpNasSqEwlr0jIlLFmQSOGiILhkx9VnnRTX3RI49-FoP_7-fmGz6h4iikBJo3KwkSKTCc3yM4sfdx-J8E/s2483/cmg1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="737" data-original-width="2483" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VQcRKMSJaZd7oNtsyWkzrN4WgjePoKvbpiQxkx5YRp0V1Eyi_K19t1qONRbqxI-n5nI3MIi5jCsChxFBfWVBG1KfzFsQYsI3IPEZfexi8LEpNasSqEwlr0jIlLFmQSOGiILhkx9VnnRTX3RI49-FoP_7-fmGz6h4iikBJo3KwkSKTCc3yM4sfdx-J8E/w640-h190/cmg1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5058268160" target="_blank">City of the Dead</a></i> (City Spies, #4) by James Ponti</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5519975925" target="_blank">Eddie Whatever</a></i> by Lois Ruby</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5262130565" target="_blank">The Vanderbeekers on the Road</a></i> (Vanderbeekers, #6) by Karina Yan Glaser</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5578949770" target="_blank">Erik vs Everything</a></i> by Christina Uss</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5537439461" target="_blank">The Not-So-Uniform Life of Holly-Mei</a></i> (Holly-Mei, #1) by Christina Matula</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8B-fpIQ0zMt_tDTp4IHsdx6UuoEEy1U8_-eEH8rgiBFudO1t-3f2dZ4X7mkfk25uNwVwxio6r0-eq2Zf-Y-vldSaHFLz1ODj9crZxGD-d21JiLuxix-xh_Dk-IDLuOQJ-skpoELNGd1yqZRDW3HSjlOv8UnHsMssqy61-CKgv4jjrrkxNmM6rLQvS80/s2438/cmg2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="2438" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8B-fpIQ0zMt_tDTp4IHsdx6UuoEEy1U8_-eEH8rgiBFudO1t-3f2dZ4X7mkfk25uNwVwxio6r0-eq2Zf-Y-vldSaHFLz1ODj9crZxGD-d21JiLuxix-xh_Dk-IDLuOQJ-skpoELNGd1yqZRDW3HSjlOv8UnHsMssqy61-CKgv4jjrrkxNmM6rLQvS80/w640-h192/cmg2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5013659843" target="_blank">New from Here</a></i> by Kelly Yang</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5415210430" target="_blank">Mirror to Mirror</a></i> by Rajani LaRocca</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5808649181" target="_blank">On Air with Zoe Washington</a></i> (Zoe Washington, #2) by Janae Marks</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1628588183" target="_blank">Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas</a></i> (Addison Cooke, #1) by Jonathan W. Stokes</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5898984431" target="_blank">When Life Gives You Lemons Make Peach Pie</a></i> (The Great Peach Experiment, #1) by Erin Soderberg Downing</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Middle Grade Historical Fiction Books</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5rEa5SbW4qre2BOoyfRdCVkbE9K4B0whfjGA7cAKGXUUP1mOWNLmVNVzYmeaNiY-h2arAVawjDgFlrKuqKDRBu_cgndv5wytLJhFVw-obraA_zR4LFDRJ3BdSkLsuMB5LRtOQxq-YtYuR8q1ig07CstiOZoFpMO_8CjuOeh_lAArl-k59QJ_aQLzWdg/s2427/hmg1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="2427" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5rEa5SbW4qre2BOoyfRdCVkbE9K4B0whfjGA7cAKGXUUP1mOWNLmVNVzYmeaNiY-h2arAVawjDgFlrKuqKDRBu_cgndv5wytLJhFVw-obraA_zR4LFDRJ3BdSkLsuMB5LRtOQxq-YtYuR8q1ig07CstiOZoFpMO_8CjuOeh_lAArl-k59QJ_aQLzWdg/w640-h194/hmg1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5013660009" target="_blank">Lines of Courage</a></i> by Jennifer A. Nielsen</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5730044435" target="_blank">The Lost Year</a></i> by Katharine Marsh</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5002056077" target="_blank">In Myrtle Peril</a></i> (Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries, #4) by Elizabeth C. Bunce</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5288342533" target="_blank">Across the Minefields</a></i> (Great Escapes, #6) by Pamela D. Toler</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5250025269" target="_blank">Soul Lanterns</a></i> by Shaw Kuzki, translated by Emily Balistrieri</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAz8FU9LviPvLHkAqmds-v2-gOPaqIqDNWJjWqVC4MdjiBOrF32FivcMbXFPOXWNfp8VHxX8Jd39-CrEWTc-gvcKey3djXLPV4BJythwROApYaW4bswQhRdWLrxQqDXAFA0_bCe0QIHHKClX_cQv8Lm9M8cgmuCJ8ATY8QplCHOYFcg-lmPyNHISTPPVk/s2453/hmg2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="2453" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAz8FU9LviPvLHkAqmds-v2-gOPaqIqDNWJjWqVC4MdjiBOrF32FivcMbXFPOXWNfp8VHxX8Jd39-CrEWTc-gvcKey3djXLPV4BJythwROApYaW4bswQhRdWLrxQqDXAFA0_bCe0QIHHKClX_cQv8Lm9M8cgmuCJ8ATY8QplCHOYFcg-lmPyNHISTPPVk/w640-h194/hmg2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5215883708" target="_blank">Flamingo Boy</a></i> by Michael Morpurgo</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5443358834" target="_blank">Fumiko and a Tokyo Tragedy: a Great Kanto Earthquake Survival Story</a></i> (Girls Survive) by Susan Griner, ill. by Wendy Tan Shiau Wei</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5259435766" target="_blank">The Magical Imperfect</a></i> by Chris Baron</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5324146265" target="_blank">Safe</a></i> (Flight, #2) by Vanessa Harbour</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5924898692" target="_blank">Sequins & Secrets</a></i> by Lucy Ivison</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Middle Grade Contemporary/Historical Fiction Graphic Novels/Manga/Comics </h3><p><b><i>(limited to 1 per series)</i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLiHGfSd_TjmItRhfxZglsrPIUYmZGVehGQghrsAoVTXo_gLeDOAj8SUVFNiUIReC2N-vctud1MDnF0x4oVtpKe9LkdNtfrjBpYbPDDXWQzWLUhbIcH3z6vp97-OiM7YwmdCQCyrPTh8rK9AC2tPua0veFQoPfWuQdXomHHFPiW4YOiRM_aWdbh-V55XY/s2628/chmggn1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="2628" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLiHGfSd_TjmItRhfxZglsrPIUYmZGVehGQghrsAoVTXo_gLeDOAj8SUVFNiUIReC2N-vctud1MDnF0x4oVtpKe9LkdNtfrjBpYbPDDXWQzWLUhbIcH3z6vp97-OiM7YwmdCQCyrPTh8rK9AC2tPua0veFQoPfWuQdXomHHFPiW4YOiRM_aWdbh-V55XY/w640-h186/chmggn1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5277242549" target="_blank">Jessi’s Secret Language</a></i> (Baby-Sitter’s Club Graphic Novels, #12) based on the novel by Ann M. Martin, adapted by Chan Chau</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5376569204" target="_blank">Invisible</a></i> by Christina Diaz Gonzalez, ill. by Gabriela Epstein</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5490947267" target="_blank">Growing Pangs</a></i> by Kathryn Ormsbee, ill. by Molly Brooks</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5786287520" target="_blank">Swim Team</a></i> by Johnnie Christmas</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5825528138" target="_blank">Squished</a></i> by Megan Wagner Lloyd, ill. by Michelle Mee Nutter</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-vjG1esJb9pHQK5lpOLg8EHqv5cXlK7A32DD_H5aJBgCmGxZ2JwP9-FJKIRADeasJBNZ_qbDsVCf-xt0SSjgx_a13nHLt5Z3p15Pb4igrcZN2yNMeyjAZNLotK6-ASnMgTPT4XafOSW4-H2ZP_L5XMhBT_dmcNY4b4mgUu5swMNLc2IaKM3Lsoc-31k/s2627/chmggn2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="2627" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-vjG1esJb9pHQK5lpOLg8EHqv5cXlK7A32DD_H5aJBgCmGxZ2JwP9-FJKIRADeasJBNZ_qbDsVCf-xt0SSjgx_a13nHLt5Z3p15Pb4igrcZN2yNMeyjAZNLotK6-ASnMgTPT4XafOSW4-H2ZP_L5XMhBT_dmcNY4b4mgUu5swMNLc2IaKM3Lsoc-31k/w640-h186/chmggn2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5808639771" target="_blank">Spy Camp the graphic novel</a></i> (Spy School graphic novels, #2) by Stuart Gibbs, ill. by Anjan Sarkar</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5459146672" target="_blank">Yuzu the Pet Vet 7</a></i> (Yuzu the Pet Vet, #7) by Mingo Ito, translated by Julie Goniwich</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5396177932" target="_blank">Crunch</a></i> (Click, #5) by Kayla Miller</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5427349564" target="_blank">I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005: the graphic novel</a></i> (I Survived Graphic Novels, #6) based on the book by Lauren Tarshis, adapted by by Georgia Ball, ill. by Alvin Epps ; colors by Chi Ngo</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5403296186" target="_blank">Living with Viola</a></i> by Rosena Fung</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Young Adult Contemporary/Historical Fiction Books</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8M6Eva1gbOElELf-ELwmOIGZgF0fTOE8XGfyoVxTs6disBIuPcEbU10NfEhYVY3QfpQU4H7g2gbsy7AZyqrZ4JmWWG618eplhTLd80B6TBq0uJCyrFs7xs5hoblCqkU-v8ch9zfy1xcDqijYReA1LVXLjT3kFcdFozuGVhzy6Gt5ZdXqmaaQ9wNQc5yA/s2512/chya1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="2512" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8M6Eva1gbOElELf-ELwmOIGZgF0fTOE8XGfyoVxTs6disBIuPcEbU10NfEhYVY3QfpQU4H7g2gbsy7AZyqrZ4JmWWG618eplhTLd80B6TBq0uJCyrFs7xs5hoblCqkU-v8ch9zfy1xcDqijYReA1LVXLjT3kFcdFozuGVhzy6Gt5ZdXqmaaQ9wNQc5yA/w640-h196/chya1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5310556631" target="_blank">My Fine Fellow</a></i> by Jennieke Cohen</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5307630984" target="_blank">The Red Palace</a></i> by June Hur</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6023142160" target="_blank">Not if I Save You First</a></i> by Ally Carter</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6014884729" target="_blank">Eyes of the Forest</a></i> by April Henry</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5935899365" target="_blank">The Blossom and the Firefly</a></i> by Sherri L. Smith</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bdtYxcRPMKRiPOmhwi6IM_vElYotAFRhQpvOadjE2M7bUFbCDLGNCsexIdZCEMcfG5K5u8-JZ0jCLxmhvf5Dz9depgOSbpYXaCQXGiLu_1jiilnjRTXch-1LFmzaY1bagWDUNaVp2BBC6fm_eWYWKlcwnrDE0waiHubPd640rL-QNIrd8Z8CRsdAPKg/s2430/chya2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="2430" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bdtYxcRPMKRiPOmhwi6IM_vElYotAFRhQpvOadjE2M7bUFbCDLGNCsexIdZCEMcfG5K5u8-JZ0jCLxmhvf5Dz9depgOSbpYXaCQXGiLu_1jiilnjRTXch-1LFmzaY1bagWDUNaVp2BBC6fm_eWYWKlcwnrDE0waiHubPd640rL-QNIrd8Z8CRsdAPKg/w640-h190/chya2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5935912899" target="_blank">Thieves’ Gambit</a></i> (Thieves’ Gambit, #1) by Kayvion Lewis</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5529298945" target="_blank">Places We’ve Never Been</a></i> by Kasie West</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5940011773" target="_blank">To Catch a Killer</a></i> (Erin Blake, #1) by Sheryl Scarborough</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5931551214" target="_blank">Bamboo People</a></i> by Mitali Perkins</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5199653972" target="_blank">Escape from East Berlin</a></i> by Andy Marino</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Adult Contemporary/Historical Fiction Books </h3><p><b><i>(limited to 1 per series)</i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBaitGu8PP9kMdEiyJCM9za1nc5arURxWaynnYPXQPjMT8uVo91K2i5HySFoLfJiLMb086gZoGigWWlsqEDumhnxw2TbYDex5kVOzpEfq-GmBrGMLd3X6-d6epUqxjvgHPjGqLhm_0b8armjGNUVNFhgliYj42FIDYAvUvWCGOgKYOh1qf_6du3Qomtk/s2408/chad1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="2408" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBaitGu8PP9kMdEiyJCM9za1nc5arURxWaynnYPXQPjMT8uVo91K2i5HySFoLfJiLMb086gZoGigWWlsqEDumhnxw2TbYDex5kVOzpEfq-GmBrGMLd3X6-d6epUqxjvgHPjGqLhm_0b8armjGNUVNFhgliYj42FIDYAvUvWCGOgKYOh1qf_6du3Qomtk/w640-h198/chad1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5654077622" target="_blank">Chasing the White Lion</a></i> (Talia Inger, #2) by James R. Hannibal</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5572885512" target="_blank">All the Lost Places</a></i> by Amanda Dykes</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5058267954" target="_blank">A Match in the Making</a></i> (The Matchmakers, #1) by Jen Turano</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5058267842" target="_blank">The Sound of Light</a></i> by Sarah Sundin</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5259983494" target="_blank">Yesterday’s Tides</a></i> by Roseanna M. White</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70w2pEatyg4ZmWtol79FaH-2o5dp8j70kT4A-kZT0lSnOckV77RemxfYu-qtj47zmw9DVOgyQ1lzJ32J1sr-kwiELwiWqCEmMr_Do0vakdKCv6TPJ3kcVbajW3hCrxk-e9B7_gwHgL6K-3yH5Yd3e89llq1zK6kUzx914vPr88fMPsbsopvqdjhu61zI/s1982/chad2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1982" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70w2pEatyg4ZmWtol79FaH-2o5dp8j70kT4A-kZT0lSnOckV77RemxfYu-qtj47zmw9DVOgyQ1lzJ32J1sr-kwiELwiWqCEmMr_Do0vakdKCv6TPJ3kcVbajW3hCrxk-e9B7_gwHgL6K-3yH5Yd3e89llq1zK6kUzx914vPr88fMPsbsopvqdjhu61zI/w640-h196/chad2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6005654525" target="_blank">Death in Castle Dark</a></i> (A Dinner and a Murder Mystery, #1) by Veronica Bond</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5376553612" target="_blank">To Win a Prince</a></i> (In Search of a Prince, #2) by Toni Shiloh</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5957671036" target="_blank">A Cross-Country Christmas</a></i> by Courtney Walsh</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5324144517" target="_blank">A Death in Tokyo</a></i> (Detective Kaga, #3) by Keigo Higashino, translated by Giles Murray</p><p><span style="white-space: normal; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5470887473" target="_blank">Long Way Home</a></i> by Lynn Austin</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Leveled Readers </h3><p><b><i>(includes graphic novels, limited to 1 per series)</i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5NYX7iaEpi_aVNbm5NzrM0rOv1e9F163gXcDl6CGZCyewLRmVvSp-Y9jDo07EDUWNpI5GlOF6w-0pccbPZ6PcAXFOW5vQT4_rkZyjmMMzJv0Ml5r-u5XA88jSA5F5PR591i6ZsatTU0NwGoibOtWnAfNOUawL1FvGfYN3FDeIcKLlJr7NWvaD5H9NQc/s2518/lvl1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="2518" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5NYX7iaEpi_aVNbm5NzrM0rOv1e9F163gXcDl6CGZCyewLRmVvSp-Y9jDo07EDUWNpI5GlOF6w-0pccbPZ6PcAXFOW5vQT4_rkZyjmMMzJv0Ml5r-u5XA88jSA5F5PR591i6ZsatTU0NwGoibOtWnAfNOUawL1FvGfYN3FDeIcKLlJr7NWvaD5H9NQc/w640-h182/lvl1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5511384679" target="_blank">Owl & Penguin</a></i> (Owl and Penguin, #1) by Vikram Madan</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5872280537" target="_blank">Geraldine Pu and Her Lunchbox, Too!</a></i> (Geraldine Pu, #1) by Maggie P. Chang</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5601978178" target="_blank">Stuck with You</a></i> (Unicorn and Yeti, #7) by Heather Ayris Burnell, ill. by Hazel Quintanilla</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5511080571" target="_blank">Gigi and Ojiji</a></i> (Gigi and Ojiji, #1) by Melissa Iwai</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5773911068" target="_blank">Click, Clack Rainy Day</a></i> (A Click Clack Book) by Doreen Cronin, ill. by Betsy Lewin</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgTVUcMP_27BqvhHKqAn-V8dEGkAqnN1mk3F3nORzi-6yWnOeiXHTUfaNVdibE129MQHyulGm_fP2FSRgmr9qa_79E-zEB27qi-vPahc_1PJevugcFhORdQlYDZZV-V2azFzozTz0YAyRNCD8UJHEJ2pA2ULUqCDAh3C_yxQ2qy1IFWDSZrSXbQe5E98/s2742/lvl2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="2742" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgTVUcMP_27BqvhHKqAn-V8dEGkAqnN1mk3F3nORzi-6yWnOeiXHTUfaNVdibE129MQHyulGm_fP2FSRgmr9qa_79E-zEB27qi-vPahc_1PJevugcFhORdQlYDZZV-V2azFzozTz0YAyRNCD8UJHEJ2pA2ULUqCDAh3C_yxQ2qy1IFWDSZrSXbQe5E98/w640-h184/lvl2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5773942684" target="_blank">A Backyard Pet</a></i> (The Chicken Squad Readers) by Doreen Cronin, ill. by Stephen Gilpin</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5526972780" target="_blank">Party Time, Crabby!</a></i> (A Crabby Book, #6) by Jonathan Fenske</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5867682591" target="_blank">Swim, Mo, Swim!</a></i> (Mo Jackson) by David A. Adler, ill. by Sam Ricks</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5601551007" target="_blank">The Best in the World</a></i> (Croc and Ally) by Derek Anderson</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5783560982" target="_blank">Harry’s Squirrel Trouble</a></i> (Harry the Dog) by Laura Driscoll, ill. by Saba Joshaghani, in the styles of Gene Zion and Margaret Bloy Graham</p><p><br /></p>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-87106491077266574112023-11-30T19:18:00.000-08:002023-11-30T19:18:30.287-08:00Brainstorm 306: Top 10s of 2023 Part 1: Nonfiction Books<p>December is here, which means it is time to start the Top 10s of 2023! Each year I compile a list of my favorite reads of the year in different categories based on genre and target audience. The books can be written in any year, I've just read them in the past 12 months. I read a lot (just look at my GoodReads widget below on the right for my current reading count for the year) so for a book to make one of these lists, it has to be pretty impressive...at least to me. 😁 I kinda, sorta have arranged the lists with my favorites in each division on top, and descending in how much I loved them. But for several of these lists I'd be hard-pressed to pick a favorite, and it is really just a giant tie. I do want to give a shoutout to one book in the lists today, <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5331756807" target="_blank">The Watchmaker's Daughter</a></i> by Larry Loftis. Normally, asking me to pick an absolute favorite read of the year would be a cruel kind of torture, but this year I can easily say that this biography of Corrie ten Boom was hands down the best book I read this year. In the interest of space, I'm not including any summaries here, but you can click on any title to see my full summary & review for that book and any content notes/trigger warnings. Sometimes books appeal to multiple target audiences and could honestly be put in multiple lists. I tried to go with the age of reader I think it best appeals to or the category I felt best fit. A little note on terminology here, Lower Grade means books primarily aimed at PreK-3rd, Middle Grade means books aimed at 3rd-8th grade readers, Young Adult means books aimed at teens, and Adult means books aimed at adult readers. For some of these lists I had to set limiters to help me narrow down the selection, those appear in parentheses after the division heading. I hope these lists help inspire your TBR lists and/or your gift ideas for loved ones.</p><p><b>Here's the schedule for this year's Top 10s:</b></p><p>Dec 1: Nonfiction Books (all levels + graphic novels) </p><p>Dec 8: Top 10s in Contemporary & Historical Fiction (all levels + graphic novels), Leveled Readers (any genre), and Asian Books (any genre)</p><p>Dec 15: Top 10s in Scifi/Fantasy Fiction, Lower Grade Fiction (any genre), Lower Grade Fiction Graphic Novels (any genre), YA & Adult Fiction Graphic Novels (any genre)</p><p>Dec 21: Guest Post: Mrs. Nat’s Top 10s</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Adult Nonfiction Books </h3><p><i><b>(includes poetry, biographies, & graphic novels)</b></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsQcvc0D0E6xsI6G-edlQwnLPcr1Vqs1KFgpO3gAtCN6-OJIxB2WGa5igB2FH-cyderjKWs4Fm5ObHW9WCtpPFkOLR3is0PTnMpQYpJBRYzjAtEbKe0ueiG0k0LaLgcepyxSOcnCzSCSOTOgd25t3GHkoOE1GehMB0T4z3UvGxKu5vtsRIhJw_cCXzs8/s2754/adnf1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="2754" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsQcvc0D0E6xsI6G-edlQwnLPcr1Vqs1KFgpO3gAtCN6-OJIxB2WGa5igB2FH-cyderjKWs4Fm5ObHW9WCtpPFkOLR3is0PTnMpQYpJBRYzjAtEbKe0ueiG0k0LaLgcepyxSOcnCzSCSOTOgd25t3GHkoOE1GehMB0T4z3UvGxKu5vtsRIhJw_cCXzs8/w640-h195/adnf1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5331756807" target="_blank">The Watchmaker’s Daughter: the True Story of World War II Heroine Corrie ten Boom</a></i> by Larry Loftis</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5280008562" target="_blank">In the Waves: My Quest to Solve the Mystery of a Civil War Submarine</a></i> by Rachel Lance</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5121257197" target="_blank">Our Man in Tokyo: an American Ambassador and the Countdown to Pearl Harbor</a></i> by Steve Kemper</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5905358793" target="_blank">True Raiders: The Untold Story of the 1909 Expedition to Find the Legendary Ark of the Covenant</a></i> by Brad Ricca</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5905357881" target="_blank">The Earl and the Pharaoh: from the Real Downton Abbey to the Discovery of Tutankhamun</a></i> by the Countess of Carnarvon</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPPl7IxgXBvP8esuJF8GBBDkSBTkXVaGqIedX9cHCzQZRG-dW6jBo_yDK3tVdkG0Aafgwjm4lIZJOKB-djWpcNuWam0i-BaklE1KobeTAw88RTNZgYdLNihhKS6U4JwwNdmkqLuJaQhC9TBbb7ujY5klNBfjZFhx0FU2SkiFJQBfEP-ddiGq1BTpiPl4/s2492/adnf2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="2492" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPPl7IxgXBvP8esuJF8GBBDkSBTkXVaGqIedX9cHCzQZRG-dW6jBo_yDK3tVdkG0Aafgwjm4lIZJOKB-djWpcNuWam0i-BaklE1KobeTAw88RTNZgYdLNihhKS6U4JwwNdmkqLuJaQhC9TBbb7ujY5klNBfjZFhx0FU2SkiFJQBfEP-ddiGq1BTpiPl4/w640-h188/adnf2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4849646325" target="_blank">The Elephants of Thula Thula</a></i> (Elephant Whisperer, #3) by Françoise Malby-Anthony with Kate Sidley</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5462213367" target="_blank">The Confidence Men: How Two Prisoners of War Engineered the Most Remarkable Escape in History</a></i> by Margalit Fox</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5359342974" target="_blank">The Answer Is…: Reflections on My Life</a></i> by Alex Trebek</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5461294375" target="_blank">Cats in Spring Rain: a Celebration of Feline Charm in Japanese Art and Haiku</a></i> translated and curated by Aya Kusch</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5232900052" target="_blank">Unnatural Causes: the Life and Many Deaths of Britain's Top Forensic Pathologist</a></i> by Richard Shepherd</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Christian Nonfiction Books</h3><p><i><b>(any age, limited to 1 per series, excludes Christian biographical picture books)</b></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hyphenhyphentxk4ifViGQ3pzZ8vZ3Zt2BMbBqTZpEMOtp8uxWUXLUUF4IkRe_UNG3RSH-eKD6Nx3w9gtjzvA4CZ8QqcldVtmSxWYJSfgwCqr0CasIZLO81NbFp-RXffq8suzm7rihQiiCEFoWL8_ohrQIvIVP4SmOyWCsi2BOMQXzNXOX57blMp60T0_o0Aew7yQ/s2516/chrnf1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="2516" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hyphenhyphentxk4ifViGQ3pzZ8vZ3Zt2BMbBqTZpEMOtp8uxWUXLUUF4IkRe_UNG3RSH-eKD6Nx3w9gtjzvA4CZ8QqcldVtmSxWYJSfgwCqr0CasIZLO81NbFp-RXffq8suzm7rihQiiCEFoWL8_ohrQIvIVP4SmOyWCsi2BOMQXzNXOX57blMp60T0_o0Aew7yQ/w640-h182/chrnf1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5250022356" target="_blank">Miracles Today: the Supernatural Work of God in the Modern World</a></i> by Craig S. Keener</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5426853725" target="_blank">Unearthing the Bible: 101 Archaeological Discoveries That Bring the Bible to Life</a></i> by Titus Kennedy</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5730097337" target="_blank">The God Who Stays: Life Looks Different with Him by Your Side</a></i> by Matthew West with Matt Litton, foreword by Lysa TerKeurst</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5582766379" target="_blank">At Home in Exile: Finding Jesus among My Ancestors and Refugee Neighbors</a></i> by Russell Jeung, foreword by Gene Luen Yang</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5602062539" target="_blank">The Awesome Super Fantastic Forever Party: a True Story about Heaven, Jesus, and the Best Invitation of All</a></i> (Tales That Tell the Truth) by Joni Eareckson Tada, ill. by Catalina Echeverri</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xVKZO78dtoubNuyLHuqF17Zhy4kEqhtH7vRLx-1Ai0QqVzpduAfCBBz26NBbyMA7h2O6z6HsonAiQmeqaFm4ix5vQoxrihIyhqWUaV1QnYPUZ3OQFoWR4f-oz3ibO-denzX7nAXbYzlFEldHHVtpeYfDeMceZraCWaNN2XdT8j5PmZfti2f2KsM4XFo/s2698/chrnf2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="2698" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xVKZO78dtoubNuyLHuqF17Zhy4kEqhtH7vRLx-1Ai0QqVzpduAfCBBz26NBbyMA7h2O6z6HsonAiQmeqaFm4ix5vQoxrihIyhqWUaV1QnYPUZ3OQFoWR4f-oz3ibO-denzX7nAXbYzlFEldHHVtpeYfDeMceZraCWaNN2XdT8j5PmZfti2f2KsM4XFo/w640-h156/chrnf2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5872222643" target="_blank">The Christmas Surprise</a></i> (Little Me, Big God) by Steph Williams</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5854125453" target="_blank">The Creator in You</a></i> by Jordan Raynor, ill. by Jonathan David</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5666794441" target="_blank">The Gift of Being Yourself: the Sacred Call to Self-Discovery</a></i> expanded edition (The Spiritual Journey) by David G. Benner, foreword by M. Basil Pennington</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5504576135" target="_blank">Perfectly Suited: the Armor of God for the Anxious Mind</a></i> by J.D. Peabody</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5604045406" target="_blank">The Holy Ghost: a Spirited Comic</a></i> by John Hendrix, foreword by Patrick McDonnell</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Lower Grade Nonfiction Books</h3><p><b><i>(includes poetry, excludes biographies & Christian nonfiction)</i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWfn0IRh0BCk-ENGIx0i1Y38ajT92htHZhB2QNJrSufR7y9cgk4DHtJ_7gT_JB-PMW2OVcsSwyD1oiWBiUVRDCZ1Zbrna4JB_c56ZJY0RfYHV7mGeOzbyBaRvhRC8vzTbvr9hyphenhyphenHCXzvrBzcJ21JF39bMhox7oaXviWcYpN2zBshZw5DMeELw18IgueHE/s2439/lgnf1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="2439" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWfn0IRh0BCk-ENGIx0i1Y38ajT92htHZhB2QNJrSufR7y9cgk4DHtJ_7gT_JB-PMW2OVcsSwyD1oiWBiUVRDCZ1Zbrna4JB_c56ZJY0RfYHV7mGeOzbyBaRvhRC8vzTbvr9hyphenhyphenHCXzvrBzcJ21JF39bMhox7oaXviWcYpN2zBshZw5DMeELw18IgueHE/w640-h128/lgnf1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5786519246" target="_blank">The Lights and Types of Ship at Night</a></i> by Dave Eggers, ill. by Annie Dills</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5766392347" target="_blank">Blue: a History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky</a></i> by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, ill. by Daniel Minter</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5602032412" target="_blank">Flowers are Pretty…Weird!</a></i> By Rosemary Mosco, ill. by Jacob Souva</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5511202834" target="_blank">Pizza!: a Slice of History</a></i> by Greg Pizzoli</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5991933911" target="_blank">Little Kids First Big Book of Sports</a></i> (National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book) by James Buckley Jr.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrQ2SHCpADGHNbrjVJXsYeYHVaOMDtV6umq078ol70T34m5wsDzq6tJGQNI0Jahfg8q8HzodFo5dCaCzyhI-k7gw6OnJsN1MswYUE_3LnWzK30NqI3K9AGFU75AnGSCwPHOTL1xFITn63w7knK8mQAb-aD5QIowcPh1Zp6YVvGC3lDGZPWVzp3B5mSd4/s2633/lgnf2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="2633" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrQ2SHCpADGHNbrjVJXsYeYHVaOMDtV6umq078ol70T34m5wsDzq6tJGQNI0Jahfg8q8HzodFo5dCaCzyhI-k7gw6OnJsN1MswYUE_3LnWzK30NqI3K9AGFU75AnGSCwPHOTL1xFITn63w7knK8mQAb-aD5QIowcPh1Zp6YVvGC3lDGZPWVzp3B5mSd4/w640-h142/lgnf2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5854162155" target="_blank">Let’s Play Soccer!</a></i> by Ben Lerwill, ill. by Marina Ruiz</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5568480601" target="_blank">Noodles, Please!</a></i> (A to Z Foods of the World) by Cheryl Yau Chepusova ; illustrations by Rebecca Hollingsworth</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5766259080" target="_blank">A Seed Grows</a></i> by Antoinette Portis</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5331367948" target="_blank">Just Like Me</a></i> by Vanessa Brantley-Newton</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5602081438" target="_blank">Polar Bear</a></i> by Candice Fleming, ill. by Eric Rohman</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Lower Grade Biographies/Autobiographies/Memoirs </h3><p><b><i>(primarily picture book biographies, limited to 1 per series, includes Christian biographical picture books)</i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLBv-PmB4IJ15S2vl-nvBHkkcvEKpeUle_9Op4bqlfCWG-zffFVQb1Q8soXloHJg3PnYqoFw40TQzqcg0WAZ1TiFHxRkx_0nzpLF6fCGjgYPJ6brGzNOQyvDUKsdj8WRyM5AGF1b2Hno4p-8IHXGQOL9YuyMgzINJza1iBquRGTNZi5xxeGA3Uj3bkhk/s2332/lgbio1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="2332" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLBv-PmB4IJ15S2vl-nvBHkkcvEKpeUle_9Op4bqlfCWG-zffFVQb1Q8soXloHJg3PnYqoFw40TQzqcg0WAZ1TiFHxRkx_0nzpLF6fCGjgYPJ6brGzNOQyvDUKsdj8WRyM5AGF1b2Hno4p-8IHXGQOL9YuyMgzINJza1iBquRGTNZi5xxeGA3Uj3bkhk/w640-h162/lgbio1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5852012872" target="_blank"><i>Mr. McCloskey’s Marvelous Mallards: the Making of </i>Make Way for Ducklings</a> by Emma Bland Smith, ill. by Becca Stadlander</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5931354885" target="_blank">On the Corner of Chocolate Avenue: How Milton Hershey Brought Milk Chocolate to America</a></i> by Tziporah Cohen, ill. by Steven Salerno</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5992228310" target="_blank">Helen Roseveare: the Doctor Who Kept Going No Matter What</a></i> (Do Great Things for God) by Laura Caputo-Wickham, ill. by Cecilia Messina</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5329019733" target="_blank">Instructions Not Included: How a Team of Women Coded the Future</a></i> by Tami Lewis Brown and Debbie Loren Dunn, ill. by Chelsea Beck</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5964078357" target="_blank">Yes We Will: Asian Americans Who Shaped This Country</a></i> by Kelly Yang, ill. by Nabi H. Ali, Fahmida Azim, Marcos Chen, Sally Deng, Shreya Gupta, Julia Kuo, Julie Kwon, Nhung Lê, Kitkat Pecson, Dow Phumiruk, Sujean Rim, Dan Santat, Yuko Shimizu, Yuewei Shi, Yao Xiao</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTq4H3xAEoFCOX8W5KH4vp42x8w2AFjsWSKJAy8zC2dV-4cyCPGCSMH7s8IOqqs1tO6yte1GqiEZkGTW8Ro7xYAhQTHGYhWNfrH24zTYN6g-GK1j8VwzOI_VkzdEmy-chG6vFAEHnjDBjdMsBaiVdMhJagGp9RWRXK5BMBgez61okP0feXe1z4ew9CPTI/s2561/lgbio2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="2561" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTq4H3xAEoFCOX8W5KH4vp42x8w2AFjsWSKJAy8zC2dV-4cyCPGCSMH7s8IOqqs1tO6yte1GqiEZkGTW8Ro7xYAhQTHGYhWNfrH24zTYN6g-GK1j8VwzOI_VkzdEmy-chG6vFAEHnjDBjdMsBaiVdMhJagGp9RWRXK5BMBgez61okP0feXe1z4ew9CPTI/w640-h150/lgbio2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6010323608" target="_blank">The Tower of Life: How Yaffa Eliach Rebuilt Her Town in Stories and Photographs</a></i> by Chana Stiefel, ill. by Susan Gal</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6007762332" target="_blank">Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion</a></i> by Shannon Stocker, ill. by Devon Holzwarth</p><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5509038036" target="_blank"><i>J.R.R. Tolkien</i></a> (Little People, Big Dreams) by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, ill. by Aaron Cushley</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6007702036" target="_blank">Exquisite: the Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks</a></i> by Suzanne Slade, ill. by Cozbi A. Cabrera</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5825546848" target="_blank">Just a Girl: a True Story of WWII</a></i> by Lia Levi, ill. by Jess Mason, translated by Sylvia Notini</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 Middle Grade Nonfiction Books</h3><p><b><i>(includes biographies, graphic novels, & poetry)</i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKle5qE2AT7CxgAUfiGdsK0YyI7xQ92jVz_hLnFdGowC7ClO8MNT9s5uM0XaREqnzluBThzx49jCQtk_Dq0DbfIkYSiwHcIjsTIYG8uLQ9BooLF05xtzRpByFzfj38JbL9GadVVkASUQ1UlUEaRHhrxwaxRn7xMq_bIkrTyKSk0_Soa2U9jjxP68eArM/s2662/mgnf1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="2662" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKle5qE2AT7CxgAUfiGdsK0YyI7xQ92jVz_hLnFdGowC7ClO8MNT9s5uM0XaREqnzluBThzx49jCQtk_Dq0DbfIkYSiwHcIjsTIYG8uLQ9BooLF05xtzRpByFzfj38JbL9GadVVkASUQ1UlUEaRHhrxwaxRn7xMq_bIkrTyKSk0_Soa2U9jjxP68eArM/w640-h124/mgnf1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5604263053" target="_blank">The Genius under the Table: Growing up Behind the Iron Curtain</a></i> by Eugene Yelchin</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5511252817" target="_blank">Elephants</a></i> by Nic Bishop</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6010567277" target="_blank">The Great Wall through Time: a 2,700-year Journey along the World’s Greatest Wall</a></i> ill. by Du Fei</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6010293197" target="_blank">Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights Movement</a></i> by Angela Joy, ill. by Janelle Washington</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5427350427" target="_blank">Operation Pangolin: Saving the World’s Only Scaled Mammal</a></i> by Suzi Eszterhas</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxLov_FSOZa4ZerKw0R5qA6bhA9cCb8ePjUwVjInPwhciQ_yXdkwv1Yo_LQckDF5JTFQ0E1z1YOxoL-d4qQphb0zrWdsJZ5lFNy5A6jzaMWpl7FXFR3GZY_GaYWljR9GcLA0M_SLXTH70u2CPmmbFQO3JXxcDccsWlLVs60S29J8lQHqV4jKc3v6JzfU/s2314/mgnf2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="2314" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxLov_FSOZa4ZerKw0R5qA6bhA9cCb8ePjUwVjInPwhciQ_yXdkwv1Yo_LQckDF5JTFQ0E1z1YOxoL-d4qQphb0zrWdsJZ5lFNy5A6jzaMWpl7FXFR3GZY_GaYWljR9GcLA0M_SLXTH70u2CPmmbFQO3JXxcDccsWlLVs60S29J8lQHqV4jKc3v6JzfU/w640-h146/mgnf2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5926534152" target="_blank">Ultimate Food Atlas</a></i> by Nancy F. Castaldo</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5935832220" target="_blank">The Universe in You: a Microscopic Journey</a></i> by Jason Chin</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5962025275" target="_blank">Poems Aloud: an Anthology of Poems to Read Out Loud</a></i> by Joseph Coelho, ill. by Daniel Gray-Barnett</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5604028409" target="_blank">Irena: Life after the Ghetto</a></i> (Irena, #3) by Jean-David Morvan & Séverine Tréfouël, ill. by David Evrard, translated by Dan Christensen</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5867823490" target="_blank">Cultured Donuts: Take a Bite out of Art History</a></i> by Chloe Tyler</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Top 10 YA Nonfiction Books</h3><p><b><i>(includes biographies & graphic novels, limited to 1 per author)</i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3gcaJyrKaRplUj_BCVCvGcc0M5JQIgqe53XYB0VFE-wYReIuOPzG2hHAHKa71sjXVBw_almp63WhW4LZ6p419_GVtrwZqidam9OJ0ty3I-QHy6exrm_m69X853P1ooAp-uvjPK-8-YXqLAW1WHGMDrquTLQjQQJ_KRN9BBOctuliJph3G_68BO0lnVI/s2514/yanf1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="2514" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3gcaJyrKaRplUj_BCVCvGcc0M5JQIgqe53XYB0VFE-wYReIuOPzG2hHAHKa71sjXVBw_almp63WhW4LZ6p419_GVtrwZqidam9OJ0ty3I-QHy6exrm_m69X853P1ooAp-uvjPK-8-YXqLAW1WHGMDrquTLQjQQJ_KRN9BBOctuliJph3G_68BO0lnVI/w640-h182/yanf1.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5570663470" target="_blank">Seen and Unseen: what Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adams's Photographs Reveal about the Japanese American Incarceration</a></i> by Elizabeth Partridge, ill. by Lauren Tamaki</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5426852559" target="_blank">Unbreakable: the Spies Who Cracked the Nazis’ Secret Code</a></i> by Rebecca E.F. Barone</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5504572887" target="_blank">The Woman Who Split the Atom: the Life of Lise Meitner</a></i> by Marissa Moss</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5578948110" target="_blank">Crash from Outer Space: Unraveling the Mystery of Flying Saucers, Alien Beings, and Roswell</a></i> by Candice Fleming</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5398730420" target="_blank">In Limbo</a></i> by Deb JJ Lee</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtD18X4kImalTvEHlVVCwcFtyisbUCjR2elgF6zpXNPFmAUhLpLDZ5TYZn4rW28hDR-LR_fA3pSTQ7JdpbxPwtmdHUr7WEPjU6MucNPaudlGiHz_O2J92TRZdzoe08fZKSdNagZZZhWk_RbnQhwTMtYUt6IEB5br58L1fjjNYtWO7wJx6M_0v3O3GFgc/s2798/yanf2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="2798" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtD18X4kImalTvEHlVVCwcFtyisbUCjR2elgF6zpXNPFmAUhLpLDZ5TYZn4rW28hDR-LR_fA3pSTQ7JdpbxPwtmdHUr7WEPjU6MucNPaudlGiHz_O2J92TRZdzoe08fZKSdNagZZZhWk_RbnQhwTMtYUt6IEB5br58L1fjjNYtWO7wJx6M_0v3O3GFgc/w640-h152/yanf2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5427346048" target="_blank">The Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale: Restoring an Island Ecosystem</a></i> by Nancy F. Castaldo, photos by Morgan Heim</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1927100428" target="_blank">The Whydah: a Pirate Ship Feared, Wrecked, and Found</a></i> by Martin W. Sandler</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5926793663" target="_blank">Hidden Systems: Water, Electricity, the Internet, and the Secrets behind the Systems We Use Every Day</a></i> by Dan Nott</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5850016761" target="_blank">A Curious Collection of Wild Companions: an Illustrated Encyclopedia of Inseparable Species</a></i> by Sami Bayly</p><p><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5427347854" target="_blank">A Man Called Horse: John Horse and the Black Seminole Underground Railroad</a></i> by Glennette Tilley Turner</p>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-76554981539897463942023-11-22T19:21:00.000-08:002023-11-22T19:21:08.346-08:00Brainstorm 305: Christmas Reads<p>As promised last week, this week’s Brainstorm has some Christmas reading ideas for you. You can also check out <a href="https://thebrainstormplus.blogspot.com/2018/11/brainstorm-160-12-christmas-reads-for.html" target="_blank">Brainstorm 160</a> when I shared Christmas reads in 2018. Those are still great reading options for this season too! Whether you want a read that gets you back to focusing on the reason for the season, or you want a cozy Christmas mystery, or a feel good holiday story, I’ve got reading ideas for all today. Click on the titles to see my full reviews plus any content notes/trigger warnings. This is an extra long Brainstorm today because I wanted to share several reading ideas for every interest level.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR750ZizDnsz6ZofMa_jYJ-96jhXlB7whKw-5ZFd1mHlaR3XdqttXtNn_gIF3n9D9b1u2JO9UvrtFfEURFC2wk4iBHE-MTqUnH77RCsOF8FRek36H-wY13_k9lEwK2RJB4OREEbiUeWMYySP9OHYL7h3Kyt6v06WG8YkAzeHV5b1f2wCjHqbbGEzK6HPQ/s2400/catching.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1680" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR750ZizDnsz6ZofMa_jYJ-96jhXlB7whKw-5ZFd1mHlaR3XdqttXtNn_gIF3n9D9b1u2JO9UvrtFfEURFC2wk4iBHE-MTqUnH77RCsOF8FRek36H-wY13_k9lEwK2RJB4OREEbiUeWMYySP9OHYL7h3Kyt6v06WG8YkAzeHV5b1f2wCjHqbbGEzK6HPQ/s320/catching.jpeg" width="224" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3065180393" target="_blank">Catching Christmas</a></i> by Terri Blackstock</b></p><p>Finn thinks he's just out for a normal day of taxi driving when he gets a call to pick up an old lady at her house. He takes her to her doctor, but during the drive he realizes her memory is not great. She's very sweet, but not always with it. He is torn between needing to drive to get money and making sure she gets seen by the doctor and home ok. In the end his conscience won't let him just let her go, and he goes back to check on her at the doctors. Which opens the door to him chauffeuring her around the city the rest of the week and making sure she is taken care of. This old lady shouldn't be by herself so much. Where is the granddaughter she talks about?</p><p>Sydney is fresh out of law school in her first job. As they start laying off people she knows she has to be the hardest working person on staff if she wants to keep her job. But they have her assigned to the stupidest case in the history of man, she knows her grandmother isn't doing well and feels guilty about letting her go to the doctor by herself, but work demands her presence.</p><p>Mrs Callie may be old, and her memory may be going, but she is with it enough to be plotting to make sure her granddaughter is not alone after she's gone. She's on a husband hunt for her Sydney with a goal of having a date lined up for her by Christmas.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Hallmark Christmas Movie Fans, Clean Romance Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Feel Good Christmas Story Fans, Adult Readers (though totally fine for YA too)</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPrgwZNN_10lrGSQHTabaLDxW_ULxSkHMwtX4Ka5Z6meESrgS4_AKAMX34sIl4MLtfnEXQdmkhuzEjOQokb-mqhruwIvLpBJR8HknVnsp-wJGrGCSmy7JFkv3-euR3Mt8SKF9BvE5D0x63Pze_Up09hm8nteBD1er3Ig1D0w_yKRROwFEK2yBeCAHBRE/s2489/christmasiscome.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2474" data-original-width="2489" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPrgwZNN_10lrGSQHTabaLDxW_ULxSkHMwtX4Ka5Z6meESrgS4_AKAMX34sIl4MLtfnEXQdmkhuzEjOQokb-mqhruwIvLpBJR8HknVnsp-wJGrGCSmy7JFkv3-euR3Mt8SKF9BvE5D0x63Pze_Up09hm8nteBD1er3Ig1D0w_yKRROwFEK2yBeCAHBRE/s320/christmasiscome.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4328835873" target="_blank">Christmas Is Coming!</a></i> by Tama Fortner, ill. by Wazza Pink</b></p><p>Starting from Genesis then moving on to the Prophets, Mary, Joseph, Shepherds, and others this looks at how people were anticipating Christmas coming for years, and just what that means to all of us.</p><p>I like how this book shows how the Old Testament stories pointed to Jesus’ birth and the longing for a savior.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Christian Readers, Bible Story Fans, Board Book Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhz4UeoRLVIVJnXQCy8oB1v-Z8Dv4Eq_PvinCmSYSD1umApNcAdnUe-uBsSu-29Tqz_vzAXgmK8yxB94pEzr2AAUvY01N6KnsH0G3kM9MtFdB9PwEuzeFca7AkSxc9iY7a3UxPKM1KJZ9gXPjNRE0Wv0-KHkggEbQtiA09HiYoyJHlBGyLL36ejNP_QE/s376/christmaspromise.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhz4UeoRLVIVJnXQCy8oB1v-Z8Dv4Eq_PvinCmSYSD1umApNcAdnUe-uBsSu-29Tqz_vzAXgmK8yxB94pEzr2AAUvY01N6KnsH0G3kM9MtFdB9PwEuzeFca7AkSxc9iY7a3UxPKM1KJZ9gXPjNRE0Wv0-KHkggEbQtiA09HiYoyJHlBGyLL36ejNP_QE/s320/christmaspromise.jpeg" width="271" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2620416892" target="_blank">The Christmas Promise</a></i> (Tales That Tell the Truth) by Alison Mitchell, ill. by Catalina Echeverri</b></p><p>A retelling of the Biblical Christmas story focusing on how the birth of Jesus fulfilled prophecies and promises of a rescuer king, a forever king coming to save the world.</p><p>Like the previous picture book, this one also shows how the Old Testament stories connect to the Nativity, and then goes deeper to show <i>why</i> Jesus was born in a way kids can easily grasp.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Christian Readers, Bible Story Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQqh-dnQplDXcCTPYBp-2RopcbH7IiWBBSDLPXnxg3_3PbjQpv0pZJIsDlvMkPDkTfXh5cPfmxc043p1HK-a-98ut2NNzAqnNqSKRUAnh0ogMVS3bRTwaQ0dt5IONVjayWl5WiDhQYt6ZD69IdF4-LEigxmRtXP-ZycejV5iPkofKzYNfCW2bsynTgXo/s2008/christmassurprise.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2008" data-original-width="2008" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQqh-dnQplDXcCTPYBp-2RopcbH7IiWBBSDLPXnxg3_3PbjQpv0pZJIsDlvMkPDkTfXh5cPfmxc043p1HK-a-98ut2NNzAqnNqSKRUAnh0ogMVS3bRTwaQ0dt5IONVjayWl5WiDhQYt6ZD69IdF4-LEigxmRtXP-ZycejV5iPkofKzYNfCW2bsynTgXo/s320/christmassurprise.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5872222643" target="_blank">The Christmas Surprise</a></i> (Little Me, Big God) by Steph Williams</b></p><p>A simple retelling of Jesus' birth for kids that highlights the main points and why Jesus' birth was important.</p><p>This one is perfect for kids with short attention spans, and I think it contains possibly the most accurate (and hilarious) portrayal of Mary’s talk with the angel.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Christian Readers, Bible Story Fans, Readers with Short Attention Spans, Humor Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19KxIFjYXSn-u588v0zyfm947T9XU8kX72g7ba8vmWholDitdKKGmARXjGjZ4aT3uvCw74sUf9ZrM-gPxqWULIcuytgD9qfKnRE7ORFIkmz488nLTfGdSgHE2ZRecjnfwsybr_idkfW2vzdgFUu8xwDB5EaB4q9WY1PRW_xwQAqQ45Ez6NlY6nfenuPc/s2475/coldblooded.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="1650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19KxIFjYXSn-u588v0zyfm947T9XU8kX72g7ba8vmWholDitdKKGmARXjGjZ4aT3uvCw74sUf9ZrM-gPxqWULIcuytgD9qfKnRE7ORFIkmz488nLTfGdSgHE2ZRecjnfwsybr_idkfW2vzdgFUu8xwDB5EaB4q9WY1PRW_xwQAqQ45Ez6NlY6nfenuPc/s320/coldblooded.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4654458393" target="_blank">Cold-Blooded Myrtle</a></i> (Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries, #3) by Elizabeth C. Bunce</b></p><p>When the village mercantile's Christmas shop window replica of the village is opened for the season, there's an odd addition to the scene - a black well and olives. And the replica's creator is found dead and staged to mimic Socrates in his final moments. Myrtle is, of course, inordinately intrigued by such circumstances. Even moreso when she finds a picture of the deceased in his professor years with her mother and other college students in it. She then learns of a decades old mystery of Olivia Blackwell who everyone saw fall/jump from the bell tower at the local college but whose body was never recovered. As other classical figures get added to the replica display and more people in the village die, Myrtle and Ms. Judson and others find it more pressing to find who is posing as Olivia Blackwell (or could it be her) and why?</p><p>A Christmas time mystery adventure with the precocious Myrtle, her equally curious governess Ms. Judson, and the ever-present cat companion Peony that will keep readers guessing.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Historical Fiction Fans, Mystery Fans, British Setting Fans, Precocious Character Fans, Upper Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvgJqJgCytWTCFGwvE-mKfz2vqRJwHBEse62_hz3cRlr9ozrA7O1Jwv14jM6kl56y_PZ12PxoR9BGoiSe5h7HnxVN7pr94NZz9AC9dMTBy9C4Ln8Nb2y94lcfba3YTOETG7nCfbIbXaKWFuP9mctVJpdn3RcKAtfMk8aLbMvkMmkBj-FR_sdOvE0i4tY/s2550/girlwho.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="1650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvgJqJgCytWTCFGwvE-mKfz2vqRJwHBEse62_hz3cRlr9ozrA7O1Jwv14jM6kl56y_PZ12PxoR9BGoiSe5h7HnxVN7pr94NZz9AC9dMTBy9C4Ln8Nb2y94lcfba3YTOETG7nCfbIbXaKWFuP9mctVJpdn3RcKAtfMk8aLbMvkMmkBj-FR_sdOvE0i4tY/s320/girlwho.jpeg" width="207" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4375895419" target="_blank">The Girl Who Ruined Christmas</a></i> by Cindy Callaghan</b></p><p>Brady has gone with her dad and mom to the boondocks of upper New York state just before Christmas while her dad tries to land a real estate deal. It turns out that the tiny town is NOT happy about the Christmas tree farm there going out of business and being replaced by a factory. They are even less happy when Brady takes a selfie that spooks some horses carrying the possible salvation of the tree farm, a tree bought by the White House, that results in a massive disaster. The farm-saving tree goes up in flames, and Brady is hauled off to the local jail despite protests from her parents and the fact that it was an accident. She is sentenced to work at the tree farm for the rest of the Christmas season to make it up to the town. Her parents both have work to get back to in SoCal, so she is left in the care of the Bed & Breakfast couple they were staying with. The other teens who work at the Christmas tree farm are determined to make her pay for her crimes, and Brady feels doomed to a rotten Christmas this year. But will it be so bad?</p><p>This is a lighthearted, whimsical Christmas story that starts off goofily and wild, has a believable middle, and ends all feel-goody and warm for all.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Contemporary Fiction Fans, Feel Good Christmas Story Fans, Humor Fans, Hallmark Christmas Movie Fans, Upper New York Setting Fans, Middle Grade/YA Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNK6mRCkbJimpWkjqGuaGf5o4Cit-pj_uIJE7LH8bSuAOgi6XzqlM3nljCPFbTF9HXopuzmqq4PMMq51dWO6sFv4olm-AYbqvwwXtlVDztyZNg7_dQWZXGwD5WsNC4k6wAeHI6SHWSoRR8wOt4Mdr-cehMd1Blbc-B5mek1QTPhAqSBrUCXrlq2HCzkE/s400/happynarwhal.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="294" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNK6mRCkbJimpWkjqGuaGf5o4Cit-pj_uIJE7LH8bSuAOgi6XzqlM3nljCPFbTF9HXopuzmqq4PMMq51dWO6sFv4olm-AYbqvwwXtlVDztyZNg7_dQWZXGwD5WsNC4k6wAeHI6SHWSoRR8wOt4Mdr-cehMd1Blbc-B5mek1QTPhAqSBrUCXrlq2HCzkE/s320/happynarwhal.jpeg" width="235" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3245751315" target="_blank">Happy Narwhalidays</a></i> (Narwhal & Jelly, #5) by Ben Clanton</b></p><p>It's winter and Narwhal is feeling festive. Narwhal is convinced this is the season when the Merry Mermicorn comes. Jelly isn't so sure, but they do enjoy a tale about a grouchy jelly bean who finds a friend to sled with, and they exchange presents (and Jelly finds it hard to find a present for Narwhal).</p><p>A cute reimagining of festive activities put underwater.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Graphic Novel Fans, Animal Fiction Fans, Pun Lovers, Fun Christmas Story Fans, Lower Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18iudCZ1iZ7131164S5HeRsRmSijSRuiswP4oCHTnr58m60GQPA4DCPEOknQVIIT998bGXwl9dSPjZhS4jXNEvS_v0tD_KaHGB87sf9Cz6rLw0-T4STJR2Ffr2AVvE7-Y0-WfoJA94uytOpKk094_OSwKhNHCW0HHFt55EEiRyh8euG7QuppNTd4HJmg/s2475/heaven.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="1838" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18iudCZ1iZ7131164S5HeRsRmSijSRuiswP4oCHTnr58m60GQPA4DCPEOknQVIIT998bGXwl9dSPjZhS4jXNEvS_v0tD_KaHGB87sf9Cz6rLw0-T4STJR2Ffr2AVvE7-Y0-WfoJA94uytOpKk094_OSwKhNHCW0HHFt55EEiRyh8euG7QuppNTd4HJmg/s320/heaven.jpeg" width="238" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5074852358" target="_blank">Heaven and Nature Sing: 25 Advent Reflections to Bring Joy to the World</a></i> by Hannah Anderson, ill. by Nathan Anderson</b></p><p>In 25 devotionals, Hannah Anderson invites readers to reread the advent stories of the Bible with new eyes. To take these stories out of the realm of repeated same old and really sit with them, to dig deeper, and ask why certain details are included. She reexamines the stories of angel visits, gifts of magi, and messages to shepherds while weaving in stories and examples from her own life. The goal is to help uncover the ongoing relevance for our lives today, and just why the coming of Jesus was so special and is so worthy of celebration and a pause from the ordinary routine.</p><p>A refreshing and revitalizing read to bring in the Christmas season.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Christian Readers, Devotional Fans, Advent Readers, Those Needing a Fresh Take on Scripture, Nonfiction Fans, Adult Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6BCqOOwHlalrWjwb_yjd0fl1mFBDnbjBMPlvREcS5xPqzxIrV8SrYKQ1nE8ufyFiZndP5bafnReD6qzVA_zwgFc1ckYKM7h1kbDtcms4rIlVXtpVoGMNnNHTrcywDavr9Wm8KhAjHh-VxU_NlG25o7p26lV9gV9iO-aDPDrnFfeHgIGZs-Z_OqvqFXI/s400/keeping.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="263" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6BCqOOwHlalrWjwb_yjd0fl1mFBDnbjBMPlvREcS5xPqzxIrV8SrYKQ1nE8ufyFiZndP5bafnReD6qzVA_zwgFc1ckYKM7h1kbDtcms4rIlVXtpVoGMNnNHTrcywDavr9Wm8KhAjHh-VxU_NlG25o7p26lV9gV9iO-aDPDrnFfeHgIGZs-Z_OqvqFXI/s320/keeping.jpeg" width="210" /></a></div><p><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4375934462" target="_blank"><i>Keeping Christmas: 25 Advent Reflections on </i>A Christmas Carol</a> by Allison Pittman</b></p><p>Pittman puts on her English teacher hat and takes readers through Dickens' <i>A Christmas Carol</i>, highlighting elements of Scrooge's redemption that can have spiritual parallels about a life being renewed and redeemed by the Holy Spirit and the implications thereof.</p><p>I found this a fantastic Advent read, focusing on the powerful work of God in a life to transform and make you new, which points to the whole purpose of Christmas, as well as reminding readers how God can use redeemed people to powerfully work in others' lives too.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Advent Readers, Devotional Fans, Christian Readers, A Christmas Carol Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to YA)</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwZmu4djBChyphenhyphenNp0i6kE8uDJTkyddfnQqT0obiCUT_aL2GrB6ukxOarlObCQLU7VSIshsPU6ci0H_p07NCQXth2UzbYYGUBoS369Cci6J7GU_o9_8WhGMt5Crj2pvZlf5KUyKRnSZ29CsAw_JZ-rFJX9XMyc-PtB5nMwes0XdhvZWEdIoiXWipfiU5940/s400/quilt.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="257" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwZmu4djBChyphenhyphenNp0i6kE8uDJTkyddfnQqT0obiCUT_aL2GrB6ukxOarlObCQLU7VSIshsPU6ci0H_p07NCQXth2UzbYYGUBoS369Cci6J7GU_o9_8WhGMt5Crj2pvZlf5KUyKRnSZ29CsAw_JZ-rFJX9XMyc-PtB5nMwes0XdhvZWEdIoiXWipfiU5940/s320/quilt.jpeg" width="206" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5074773622" target="_blank">A Quilt for Christmas</a></i> by Melody Carlson</b></p><p>Vera Swanson downsized and moved to be closer to her daughter and her family in Eastern Oregon, only to have them move after her son-in-law got a new job 6 months later in California. They’ve begged her to move down and join them, but Vera isn’t sure she’s ready for California. Her son lives far away and is spending the holidays with his wife’s family, so Vera finds herself alone for the holidays for the first time. She is understandably feeling a bit down when a little neighbor girl knocks on her door one day asking her to help because her mama is sick. What follows is a whirlwind that sees Vera quickly jumping in to help the newly relocated Irish/American family as the mother has to have an emergency appendicitis while the father is out of town and 2 elementary age children in addition to 4 year old little Fiona rely on Vera to help out while their mother is in the hospital and then recovering. While spending time with Vera, Fiona sees the beautiful quilts Vera has made and commandeers Vera’s help to make a patchwork quilt for her mama for Christmas. There are only a few weeks until Christmas and Vera doesn’t know anyone in town who could help her quilt. Vera isn’t hopeful, but she also can see Fiona’s family is having a hard time. Pushed by a determined 4 year old, and with some obvious divine providence, Vera manages to find 3 other women in the area interested in learning how to quilt and helping make Fiona’s wish for her mama come true. There’s Tasha, an artsy young woman who helps her aunt out at the florist shop in town and is interested in quilting as an artform, there’s Beverly a bubbly middle age woman whose grandmother was a quilter but passed on before she could teach her, and there’s Eleanor a prickly, retired therapist who needs something quiet to help fill her days since retirement. The group is off to a rough start thanks to Eleanor’s icy personality and the fact that they agreed to meet at her house before they realized what an ordeal that would be. Vera isn’t sure they will meet the Christmas deadline, or if this quilting project will be a blessing or disaster for those involved.</p><p>This is a heartwarmingly sweet Christmas story about how acts of kindness benefit not only the helped but the helpers.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Contemporary Fiction Fans, Feel Good Christmas Story Fans, <i>Christmas Carol</i>-Inspired Story Fans, Adult Readers (though totally approachable to YA and even MG readers)</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgo4NLD9l1j1mpWUOXjYjDtpE38JUKbC7C8FxVRaQrbeo8Bs2WdTiucLCVL4y_gV4anpPjL8pUyy-BPMxA3cM-InjYk-Sezg-x9vMi0iQBmH0DGkLSMwpssk7LjMn3V9JVGRKoyuJtMtfDwCzDBTjxDSkfRKaGcza2u3k4xZmMWtlJEbowGgjIgNhHK3M/s551/santabruce.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="551" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgo4NLD9l1j1mpWUOXjYjDtpE38JUKbC7C8FxVRaQrbeo8Bs2WdTiucLCVL4y_gV4anpPjL8pUyy-BPMxA3cM-InjYk-Sezg-x9vMi0iQBmH0DGkLSMwpssk7LjMn3V9JVGRKoyuJtMtfDwCzDBTjxDSkfRKaGcza2u3k4xZmMWtlJEbowGgjIgNhHK3M/s320/santabruce.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2304438664" target="_blank">Santa Bruce</a></i> (Mother Bruce, #4) Ryan T. Higgins</b></p><p>Bruce wants to hibernate for the winter, but his family has other plans. They want to celebrate Christmas. And when Bruce gets mistaken for Santa, the mice capitalize on it. Much to Bruce's chagrin.</p><p>Despite all Bruce’s protests, he makes the whole forest happy during Christmas, and makes this a feel good Christmas read.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Bruce Fans, Animal Fiction Fans, Humor Fans, Feel Good Christmas Story Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmLBWABVvODgeZChBv-xt0291tl27-vdU39K9JTjVR89TKChUOyvjzPGHUO2b7_H6FVk34hwTyUriI2zQsiJgztdQcqoEp4MXl1t6D8igzbVR5KMzHg1zAqYhoIgE009KSKwJDd9JmXx9Zb43_adUlFXHWbTKg8umk0bewRQxjHB2PFfBoPT4HjH9tH0/s2560/star.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmLBWABVvODgeZChBv-xt0291tl27-vdU39K9JTjVR89TKChUOyvjzPGHUO2b7_H6FVk34hwTyUriI2zQsiJgztdQcqoEp4MXl1t6D8igzbVR5KMzHg1zAqYhoIgE009KSKwJDd9JmXx9Zb43_adUlFXHWbTKg8umk0bewRQxjHB2PFfBoPT4HjH9tH0/s320/star.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5667414008" target="_blank">A Star of Mystery</a></i> (Luke and Bandit, #3) by Paul Regnier</b></p><p>Crystal Falls has been invaded by a movie production cast and crew shooting a Christmas romance. Luke thinks those Christmas romance movies are a joke, but his Mom and best friend Kenny are thrilled. They are big fans of the director and stars of the movie, and Kenny thinks he's about to make it big when they hire him to do drone shots for the production. But when the leading man's assistant suffers a bear attack, someone drugs the leading man, a giant candy cane almost crushes the stars, and the prop director is found dead, things aren't feeling so festive. Who could be behind the attacks and why? The Crystal Clear Detective Agency (the private investigation group made up of Luke, Kenny, Luke's mom, and Luke’s telepathically talking dog Bandit) are hired by the leading man to find whoever is out to get him. And of course police officer Brooke is also on the case, but is willing to work with the CCDA now that they are a bit more official.</p><p>This is a fun and funny cozy mystery read with lots of Christmas elements and movie behind the scenes set in a small mountain village. </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Cozy Mystery Fans, Humor Fans, Dog Lovers, Movie Behind the Scenes Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to YA)</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOqfY1X-F722Bfy05EtmhFHaiyeHEtoNbmUBkep2OZYkQm1hKjgldydiWhiy1dD9ZMpl1U-6y_bfumAB005PL8JNGqeWUQsV7de-clsx5iJvSr6a5YW98CxJ-4TOj6U4yZLmXXaAEPePT_LLfvAi2lUGKuzdn5nJe7ZhzuHDpYA4QaXa_0oOaM9aSbrw/s400/surpriseforchristmas.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="274" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOqfY1X-F722Bfy05EtmhFHaiyeHEtoNbmUBkep2OZYkQm1hKjgldydiWhiy1dD9ZMpl1U-6y_bfumAB005PL8JNGqeWUQsV7de-clsx5iJvSr6a5YW98CxJ-4TOj6U4yZLmXXaAEPePT_LLfvAi2lUGKuzdn5nJe7ZhzuHDpYA4QaXa_0oOaM9aSbrw/s320/surpriseforchristmas.jpeg" width="219" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5042908286" target="_blank">A Surprise for Christmas and other seasonal mysteries</a></i> compiled/edited by Martin Edwards </b></p><p>A collection of short mystery stories from the Golden Age of mysteries set around Christmas time.</p><p>Short story collections can be a mixed bag, but I enjoy almost all of the Christmas mysteries in this book.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Cozy Mystery Fans, Christmas Short Story Fans, Classic Mystery Fans, Historical Fiction Fans, Adult Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zLKdw32TdOXRv7khbtF2N4AZb71I2JrBxywGHXKxeh-qeLuazojW_gSJ5ktxgc_1czy5iz0O3tOwMHzVYcurJ-HCbD1CZOdZpvzQvK9Zm07s3rhd3kntMS1Q8e5JdL0-Ql9hLs3I09HTo3xpvm1onEUm8Jze-GN0joh3M9t_4BHCFWEcN7XyJSk1rZY/s787/verymercy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="713" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zLKdw32TdOXRv7khbtF2N4AZb71I2JrBxywGHXKxeh-qeLuazojW_gSJ5ktxgc_1czy5iz0O3tOwMHzVYcurJ-HCbD1CZOdZpvzQvK9Zm07s3rhd3kntMS1Q8e5JdL0-Ql9hLs3I09HTo3xpvm1onEUm8Jze-GN0joh3M9t_4BHCFWEcN7XyJSk1rZY/s320/verymercy.jpeg" width="290" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5935847534" target="_blank">A Very Mercy Christmas</a></i> (Mercy Watson Picture Books) by Kate DiCamillo, ill. by Chris Van Dusen</b></p><p>Stella wants to go caroling but no one in the neighborhood seems to want to join her except Mercy, Maybelline, and General Washington. Will they spread joy, like Stella hopes?</p><p>A delightful, sweet Christmas read with the Deckawoo Drive community.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Mercy Watson Fans, Community Christmas Story Fans, Christmas Caroling Fans, Animal Lovers, Humor Fans, Feel Good Christmas Story Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><div><br /></div>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-52249165057179162052023-11-16T19:05:00.000-08:002023-11-16T19:05:12.985-08:00Brainstorm 304: Thanksgiving Reads<p>We just have 2 more Brainstorms this year before we dive into my Top 10s of 2023 in December. It has been several years since I shared some Thanksgiving/Christmas Reads, so I thought it was about time again. This week will be the Thanksgiving reads, and next week the Christmas ones. As always, click on the title to see my full review including any content notes/trigger warnings.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1aLfuneIrNTStIGa5G-rbP1jsToCNmLpSsrsm-8tEQomSKdUsM7JFzZQ56dFAE4PUzscgdo27cZbTzspevE5XUXqqDzrhXOLqqHubZmha6Jmh0jYvWkfYNGZJTXp0kHY9w4DgDNPrpjxad9y_kMGpSHCP01P51EVw4oDX2KbfJf9erJfs1NUDxbg3wzI/s318/balloons.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="318" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1aLfuneIrNTStIGa5G-rbP1jsToCNmLpSsrsm-8tEQomSKdUsM7JFzZQ56dFAE4PUzscgdo27cZbTzspevE5XUXqqDzrhXOLqqHubZmha6Jmh0jYvWkfYNGZJTXp0kHY9w4DgDNPrpjxad9y_kMGpSHCP01P51EVw4oDX2KbfJf9erJfs1NUDxbg3wzI/s1600/balloons.jpeg" width="318" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/878320087" target="_blank">Balloons over Broadway: the True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade</a></i> by Melissa Sweet</b></p><p>A picture book biography of a lesser-known artist and inventor, Tony Sarg, as well as being a history of the start of the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Picture Book Biography Fans, Macy’s Parade Watchers, Artist Biography Fans, Inventor Biography Fans, STEAM Book Fans, History Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Award Winner Readers, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju02u43nTtzTW_xOX5FwfEWvV9BzMnDEGp_0V7P16NjMhyT6fHpQZ2AxJf0sIvILABdnZ8hbKoNkiLSl6RNF5FqGEkn0YK-W6CSXoi39MgGQbrNa8cVADOgq6NjSmWwk7IgR_eAvIt8zILlwCSEDNoKtQ7b9jelt2XLCgLI-Y1BUtqSdU4uGznfFMm9UY/s411/givethanks.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju02u43nTtzTW_xOX5FwfEWvV9BzMnDEGp_0V7P16NjMhyT6fHpQZ2AxJf0sIvILABdnZ8hbKoNkiLSl6RNF5FqGEkn0YK-W6CSXoi39MgGQbrNa8cVADOgq6NjSmWwk7IgR_eAvIt8zILlwCSEDNoKtQ7b9jelt2XLCgLI-Y1BUtqSdU4uGznfFMm9UY/s320/givethanks.jpeg" width="248" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2399033978" target="_blank">Give Thanks to the Lord: Celebrating Psalm 92</a></i> by Karma Wilson, ill. by Amy June Bates</b></p><p>A little boy shares all the joys of Thanksgiving day.</p><p>This is a soft and cozily illustrated celebration of Thanksgiving day, focusing on how it is good to give thanks to the Lord.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Thanksgiving Traditions Story Fans, Christian Fiction Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV19BOuAEv4EIGkS7yDvsXzq2DiCe5wJXQfcHlyDXzOp8UdktxKVLAVRGdYm-vIRqPwVFs9L9Wh8SIhLd16jxOYYxDiAkTGHEHnKxloaiy3WVmanrck4CHsKXHGrsoGG3HXYk8ktkfgPZQKbT4o9RkNyovGaW34lAp2SBdHnc_3RQbb8t6Oq9jc_8x-9o/s318/thankyousarah.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="318" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV19BOuAEv4EIGkS7yDvsXzq2DiCe5wJXQfcHlyDXzOp8UdktxKVLAVRGdYm-vIRqPwVFs9L9Wh8SIhLd16jxOYYxDiAkTGHEHnKxloaiy3WVmanrck4CHsKXHGrsoGG3HXYk8ktkfgPZQKbT4o9RkNyovGaW34lAp2SBdHnc_3RQbb8t6Oq9jc_8x-9o/s1600/thankyousarah.jpeg" width="318" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4213988812" target="_blank">Thank You, Sarah: the Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving</a></i> by Laurie Halse Anderson, ill. by Matt Faulkner</b></p><p>A picture book biography of Sarah Hale, and how she worked for decades to make Thanksgiving a national holiday in the United States. The back of the book includes extensive further information on Thanksgiving celebrations in America, Sarah Hale, and her time period.</p><p>A fascinating read packed with little-known facts that celebrates the power of the pen as much as, if not even more than, Thanksgiving.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Picture Book Biography Fans, History Fans, Random Fact Sponges, Persistence Story Fans, Power of the Written Word Story Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYe842vH9KBDK-yDwe2-_8ULdSv9z57UFQ37nArzlbA3iXBzII0NAwJRCzXALwMKiPgiX4Mq_f2v53jhFADBiyJftQPvoqQu0e2vQ3qm-HAg0FrCxpZezzw0VRxrODGAde4Oxd-llyjkwsd16nkRx_SVeGZRWIz6Hoc_UUrwymYut59nNVzGSk45zHM4o/s1011/thanksfornot.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1011" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYe842vH9KBDK-yDwe2-_8ULdSv9z57UFQ37nArzlbA3iXBzII0NAwJRCzXALwMKiPgiX4Mq_f2v53jhFADBiyJftQPvoqQu0e2vQ3qm-HAg0FrCxpZezzw0VRxrODGAde4Oxd-llyjkwsd16nkRx_SVeGZRWIz6Hoc_UUrwymYut59nNVzGSk45zHM4o/s320/thanksfornot.jpeg" width="317" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4376621338" target="_blank">Thanks for Nothing!</a></i> (Mother Bruce) by Ryan T. Higgins</b></p><p>Bruce is trying to cook up a holiday feast, but the mice and a moose are making things...difficult.</p><p>A hilarious Thanksgiving story.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Mother Bruce Fans, Humor Fans, Animal Fiction Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1N1F4M7dADXzVdue0MLwqC2ALzBuoaa3Q5phVZxBm0YZumVE-JHEIJNZ9YSwEpSVl-ST72gDL9debrA2h4P2fiRx2otkIZRxTNd2goeZ1FODJZCfNd1AZ-kPYd9Duba64o6rgFOIVRHo4kuUl9bR1we752HUGEqPyn8VK45abgrO5w4AZB9dfs_CJCRY/s755/unlikely.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1N1F4M7dADXzVdue0MLwqC2ALzBuoaa3Q5phVZxBm0YZumVE-JHEIJNZ9YSwEpSVl-ST72gDL9debrA2h4P2fiRx2otkIZRxTNd2goeZ1FODJZCfNd1AZ-kPYd9Duba64o6rgFOIVRHo4kuUl9bR1we752HUGEqPyn8VK45abgrO5w4AZB9dfs_CJCRY/s320/unlikely.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3995031753" target="_blank">The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City</a></i> (Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City, #1) by Jodi Kendall</b></p><p>At Thanksgiving break Josie's big brother comes home from college with a baby piglet he rescued from slaughter. Josie wants to keep little Hamlet, but her parents tell her she needs to find a new home from the pig by New Years. Their home isn't big enough for the big family plus the pets they already have and a pig. Josie instead enlists her friends help in thinking up how to convince her parents to let Hamlet stay, and then Hamlet's status gets put on the back burner for more pressing matters. Josie has a big gymnastics competition coming up but she feels like she's getting too tall to do the moves she's supposed to, and her renewal payment for lessons is coming due. She's brainstorming ways to help pay for it since she knows money is tight at home. Hamlet's status comes back to the forefront of her issues when he causes BIG trouble right before Christmas and Josie doesn't know how to find a happy resolution (or financially possible one).</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Contemporary Fiction Fans, Animal Lovers, Gymnastics Fans, Holiday Story Fans, Family Story Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Middle Grade Readers </p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqxCgfWSdArg-SyPPbgdOcx_K9y01-1ugT-3K8kNieB4PcjsRrojyvPtqTphw0yYKfRPZTm95O7FebYQlRNXtVuxRDS-CATZkhlP7iBaokn5jboMx8zkKUsMgdc-ukDYygReu-0F-YkDXhhgdOE-12vstjoNMTooCNuuPgTCEqhW64LJvtexTg0gQyVA/s1923/wegive.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1923" data-original-width="1399" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqxCgfWSdArg-SyPPbgdOcx_K9y01-1ugT-3K8kNieB4PcjsRrojyvPtqTphw0yYKfRPZTm95O7FebYQlRNXtVuxRDS-CATZkhlP7iBaokn5jboMx8zkKUsMgdc-ukDYygReu-0F-YkDXhhgdOE-12vstjoNMTooCNuuPgTCEqhW64LJvtexTg0gQyVA/s320/wegive.jpeg" width="233" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4973519137" target="_blank">We Give Thanks</a></i> by Cynthia Rylant, ill. by Sergio Ruzzier</b></p><p>A rhyming picture book that reminds us to be thankful for everyday things, people, and events we might take for granted.</p><p>This is a delightful non-country-specific or even holiday-specific story with beautiful reminders to be grateful.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Gratitude Story Fans, Animal Fiction, Whimsical Story Fans, Stories in Rhyme Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-22924857570675785782023-11-09T19:54:00.000-08:002023-11-09T19:54:35.781-08:00Brainstorm 303: Anxiety/Fear Reads<p>We’re headed into a week in which our Secondary has special sessions each day focused on emotional, physical, and spiritual health. So I thought it would be a good chance to share some books on anxiety helps or which feature characters dealing with anxiety who get help/learn important lessons that are passed on to readers. Click on the titles to read my full review of each book including any content notes/trigger warnings.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nJN49lD8GKEwBCNfVgRhk1qEtr9A7ViWPjvqMgxtP3m7ItwWczFMmeIoonJ9iHFMGGKOmc36OEqrNSWRCebfpzSYtj7cqOLhRMTobbv14p5w2Tj1g1kqjcdD47RjZ8Yl-7Jh6V-76TWhiGkrh6poWpyARDGx5xIGp4ZjRc84e-5o_Q0Brj212jCteWM/s400/bedtime.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="294" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nJN49lD8GKEwBCNfVgRhk1qEtr9A7ViWPjvqMgxtP3m7ItwWczFMmeIoonJ9iHFMGGKOmc36OEqrNSWRCebfpzSYtj7cqOLhRMTobbv14p5w2Tj1g1kqjcdD47RjZ8Yl-7Jh6V-76TWhiGkrh6poWpyARDGx5xIGp4ZjRc84e-5o_Q0Brj212jCteWM/s320/bedtime.jpeg" width="235" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4789078830" target="_blank">Bedtime Jitters</a></i> (Beak & Ally, #2) by Norm Feuti</b></p><p>Beak is having trouble sleeping at night because of all the strange noises in the swamp. What sorts of scary monsters are out there in the dark? Meanwhile, Ally won't get any peace until Beak is sure there are no monsters. What can Ally do to help Beak?</p><p>This engaging graphic novel adventure with Beak and Ally provides a very real way to help readers address bedtime fears.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Graphic Novel Fans, Animal Lovers, Humor Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Readers with Bedtime/Dark Fears, Lower Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_oS5ejXYWnr_IDwMrR9i5eZryeQ1i8hokRIi5NC_59zlCYaBKURccmMh075PHpTTUfmfoDo8FauUCrUUq2w2qn0U9ZWnIpS4-EjLuV0fIpJ_-haQB93DpIx7O3S8e4OlKlAjob44nF55lpYrq_zwGFGbmSeFt8gP0ov5sLaqA54s840683XYzoAA0EQ/s1024/before.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="679" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_oS5ejXYWnr_IDwMrR9i5eZryeQ1i8hokRIi5NC_59zlCYaBKURccmMh075PHpTTUfmfoDo8FauUCrUUq2w2qn0U9ZWnIpS4-EjLuV0fIpJ_-haQB93DpIx7O3S8e4OlKlAjob44nF55lpYrq_zwGFGbmSeFt8gP0ov5sLaqA54s840683XYzoAA0EQ/s320/before.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1950798834" target="_blank">Before She Ignites</a></i> (Fallen Isles, #1) by Jodi Meadows</b></p><p>Mira Minkoba is the Hopebearer, the living symbol of the Mira treaty for the people of the Fallen Isles. But when Mira uncovers a secret someone obviously doesn't want made public, she finds herself thrown into the Fallen Isles most notorious prison. Through occasional flashbacks and Mira's account of life in prison, readers slowly uncover just what is going on in the Fallen Isles.</p><p>This is a tantalizingly spun fantasy/mystery/political thriller set in a Polynesian-inspired world featuring a character who is discovering she is more than just a pretty face. Mira also provides a tactful, respectful, and authentic representation of anxiety issues that result in obsessive habits (she likes counting). Over the course of the series her anxiety is dealt with more and more.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Fantasy Fans, Prison Break Story Fans, Polynesian-Influenced Setting/Culture Fans, Dragon Fans, Adventure Fans, Political Thriller Fans, Mythological Fiction Fans, Anxiety/OCD Authentic Representation Fans, Young Adult Readers </p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwQnHAcjUsHXJC-AxbPVGxjPw3vuwyRKz-tuunVAMfZJU_lJc0NLeQ7IxaFHnv8aTEugbIM_2drvYhanmP-cPwViWJhl08a9STI537KYTWDwa4RqAE1XNKCzBnOxQAPU2ViWDE5FouYw2u0ydeyzhKbEs81I5_HUwbNyzorwS7xncnuVde-cqHlNESRw/s2700/birdsquirrel.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwQnHAcjUsHXJC-AxbPVGxjPw3vuwyRKz-tuunVAMfZJU_lJc0NLeQ7IxaFHnv8aTEugbIM_2drvYhanmP-cPwViWJhl08a9STI537KYTWDwa4RqAE1XNKCzBnOxQAPU2ViWDE5FouYw2u0ydeyzhKbEs81I5_HUwbNyzorwS7xncnuVde-cqHlNESRw/s320/birdsquirrel.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2664278610" target="_blank">Bird & Squirrel All Tangled Up</a></i> (Bird & Squirrel, #5) by James Burks</b></p><p>Squirrel has developed into a bit of an anxious parent. He keeps having nightmares of bad things happening to Birdie that he can't save her from. When Bird convinces Squirrel to take Birdie bigfoot hunting, nothing could possibly go wrong...right?</p><p>The development of Squirrel into a worrywart parent feels very natural based on his past character. (If you haven’t read any of the rest of this series, do! They are a lot of fun!) I really like the lessons Squirrel learns in this book. It's a great read for kids (or parents) with mild anxiety.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Graphic Novel Fans, Humor Fans, Adventure Fans, Readers with Mild Worry Tendencies, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmD1JvpTp1sN60KsW_DHh3pQqmhX1TPmlrZOVgHOC8TgxVOSJVLFr5ugMZsKwRODXwqFhcW_MAUOiMBV8f1NGyKBtSGR5_qoRuwdXVeYb2piLw2PrOHcBppbI4yl6HosJzoViKnL2Ziml1WcrayxrgOADUZhTevCPFikkru_crxTz0MjRS3ArMAVUwBs/s400/canyons.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="273" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmD1JvpTp1sN60KsW_DHh3pQqmhX1TPmlrZOVgHOC8TgxVOSJVLFr5ugMZsKwRODXwqFhcW_MAUOiMBV8f1NGyKBtSGR5_qoRuwdXVeYb2piLw2PrOHcBppbI4yl6HosJzoViKnL2Ziml1WcrayxrgOADUZhTevCPFikkru_crxTz0MjRS3ArMAVUwBs/s320/canyons.jpeg" width="218" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3979684306" target="_blank">The Canyon’s Edge</a></i> by Dusti Bowling</b></p><p>It's Nora's birthday. Her dad has picked a slot canyon for them repel into and explore. Nora is super excited to be doing something somewhat normal with her father. She and her mom and dad used to go hiking and rock climbing all the time. But ever since the disaster on her last birthday, a disaster that ended her mom's life, they haven't done much and her father has become more and more reclusive. He believes the only safe place is somewhere without any other people. Somewhere like a slot canyon in the middle of the desert. But danger lurks even in the absence of other people, and a flash flood comes and Nora and her dad are separated. The disaster makes all her anxiety and PTSD come to the surface. Can Nora conquer the Beast that stalks her in order to survive and be reunited with her dad?</p><p>The intro and concluding chapters of this book are written in normal novel style while all the middle chapters when Nora is on her own are written in free verse poetry. While Nora's situation is dire, she still can see the beauty around her, and it’s an ultimately hopeful book.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Contemporary Fiction Fans, Novels in Verse Fans, Survival Story Fans, Readers Trying to Understand Anxiety/PTSD, Upper Middle Grade/YA Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQgd9psOiudHpXEWK3Ar9f_XM5StLfIZurmiiO2T6XwAr2ktLdNPRrbDQ8lAyy9fwYUk8-FmxAUrUCe1AwtCprorgX6y_kSIyfmcO2BBBjDWhAoqp2IGi2l1WGbXZnyPMIRzRWUClm9awHnc-8bdQl2-TPawmzAm8mR-_EIh38FT4eV5bQnMvoe0woyE/s1278/evensuper.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQgd9psOiudHpXEWK3Ar9f_XM5StLfIZurmiiO2T6XwAr2ktLdNPRrbDQ8lAyy9fwYUk8-FmxAUrUCe1AwtCprorgX6y_kSIyfmcO2BBBjDWhAoqp2IGi2l1WGbXZnyPMIRzRWUClm9awHnc-8bdQl2-TPawmzAm8mR-_EIh38FT4eV5bQnMvoe0woyE/s320/evensuper.jpeg" width="250" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5791859185" target="_blank">Even Superheroes Get Scared</a></i> by Shelly Becker, ill. by Eda Kaban</b></p><p>Can a bunch of superheroes overcome their fears and encourage readers how to be brave even when they feel afraid?</p><p>An excellently done rhyming picture book about tackling fears.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Superhero Story Fans, Humor Fans, Readers with Fears, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgum3R274zsASHDsASmcUHX_pQGXjf1MTwYlo_-5h6cIxYtXjo6CACJl4zCCpxnyPCCwKRRvSksONam2x-xasIcOHyFpSrxrweTvjutki2i9ZJybR55bpUI41qRobvTLPNGXxmIyTRO0sVZUMP46Oy6S2OMJJeWOJjXQmFmbXMLg0jxHFYpMxRoyocE0m4/s400/flashlight.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgum3R274zsASHDsASmcUHX_pQGXjf1MTwYlo_-5h6cIxYtXjo6CACJl4zCCpxnyPCCwKRRvSksONam2x-xasIcOHyFpSrxrweTvjutki2i9ZJybR55bpUI41qRobvTLPNGXxmIyTRO0sVZUMP46Oy6S2OMJJeWOJjXQmFmbXMLg0jxHFYpMxRoyocE0m4/s320/flashlight.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5054368619" target="_blank">Flashlight Night: an Adventure in Trusting God</a></i> by Elisabeth Hasselbeck, ill. by Julia Seal</b></p><p>A boy and a girl talk about how they write their worries on a prayer wall to help turn those things over to God. After a few days Mom takes them back to the wall with a flashlight they turn on prayers that were answered and off over ones that aren't yet answered. The book ends with the kids thanking God for looking out for them.</p><p>I like how this gives little worriers an action to help them hand their anxieties over to God in a physical way.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Contemporary Fiction Fans, Christian Fiction Fans, Little Worriers, Prayer Story Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_xhcXycp7arBzHkl4s1TpuQeSLEDhpopa6fqxFk1oVZ6aJ7SYDtvJ6Q58p3zGRIlygT1Vtk7Cww0IsjaKl1IFEGPCNKR32W2R4v-GnMVw5Dgd-v-AaFAP0FCLL942AsUubdAz1867BEUBCdpoqAoGLGyKFyx5PrQkt8Uja1B-N5g8bnyc7l5UJQEe1U/s2550/getout.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="1725" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_xhcXycp7arBzHkl4s1TpuQeSLEDhpopa6fqxFk1oVZ6aJ7SYDtvJ6Q58p3zGRIlygT1Vtk7Cww0IsjaKl1IFEGPCNKR32W2R4v-GnMVw5Dgd-v-AaFAP0FCLL942AsUubdAz1867BEUBCdpoqAoGLGyKFyx5PrQkt8Uja1B-N5g8bnyc7l5UJQEe1U/s320/getout.jpeg" width="216" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3133550298#" target="_blank">Get out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts</a></i> by Jennie Allen</b></p><p>The battle for our thoughts is constant and often overwhelming. Inspired by her experience of 18 months of dark, negative, harmful thought patterns, Jennie introduces questions and thoughts to interrupt the negativity and toxicity spirals that worm their way into our minds. By following the steps she outlines (and has worked through herself, and still works through) readers can move their thought patterns from anxious to trusting, from negativity to hopefulness, from anger to peace, from darkness to light, from us-centered to God-centered.</p><p>This book is practical, backed up by science (she includes a lot of research about the brain), Biblically based, written from a spirit of humility and ongoing learning, and inspirational.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Christian Nonfiction Fans, Readers Who Struggle with Anxious/Negative/Toxic Thoughts, Adult Readers (though totally approachable for YA)</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfd646F1fRRDvi9a0Ev5v9WYF031EV2ZJcSMSE4zRE8zjTRve2k5tgtaHzr7-c2dcEI4EQvJw6zUrRZrn3GLPFEu_Dfdma31pVhVSnNbumn0n05-fwxqmNNimoctFtmHQAu0fTb8zs0LeHSr85CuICcXlAMnMAc0ltrarSXY3OhmgLrG_UWX8S44m920Y/s2014/lars.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2014" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfd646F1fRRDvi9a0Ev5v9WYF031EV2ZJcSMSE4zRE8zjTRve2k5tgtaHzr7-c2dcEI4EQvJw6zUrRZrn3GLPFEu_Dfdma31pVhVSnNbumn0n05-fwxqmNNimoctFtmHQAu0fTb8zs0LeHSr85CuICcXlAMnMAc0ltrarSXY3OhmgLrG_UWX8S44m920Y/s320/lars.jpeg" width="222" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5118966649" target="_blank">Lars the Awkward Yeti, Vol. 1</a></i> by Nick Seluk</b></p><p>A collection of comics featuring Lars, a blue yeti and his self-care, social, and mental health challenges.</p><p>Lars is a relatable character and puts a comic twist on everyday events and thoughts.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Comic Fans, Relatable Humor Fans, YA & Adult Readers </p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillIoFzVXa5Sa5zQ-VPa846hKGNt7djSeuUx5cH33YF98qVUTj-g6g_B7fQccLEyki4njrg5IK_VgPVMQjk9jz8qKr1qmiV2U1S1FiDFSw4dXtUn1G27DvCAXScItYfxZizlPP8lsDtTfM5nwehu9HKXfCy8Zl9pVTKFUeXvUSh_VFoDIs1isUFWnuOCo/s400/living.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillIoFzVXa5Sa5zQ-VPa846hKGNt7djSeuUx5cH33YF98qVUTj-g6g_B7fQccLEyki4njrg5IK_VgPVMQjk9jz8qKr1qmiV2U1S1FiDFSw4dXtUn1G27DvCAXScItYfxZizlPP8lsDtTfM5nwehu9HKXfCy8Zl9pVTKFUeXvUSh_VFoDIs1isUFWnuOCo/s320/living.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5403296186" target="_blank">Living with Viola</a></i> by Rosena Fung</b></p><p>Livy's family has just moved to Canada from Hong Kong. She finally finds some friends at school, but this voice in her head, Viola, makes her worried they won't like her if they know the real her. Viola also has lots to say about her artwork, how she is doing as a daughter, her schoolwork, and lots of other things. Is Viola right? Or is there a way to help Livy feel better about herself and her life?</p><p>Viola is a personification of Livy's anxiety and panic disorder, something the author/illustrator has experienced herself. Eventually Livy's mother and teachers get her to therapy (and her dad gets on board too), and Livy learns some real helps for how to cope with and decrease her anxiety. The book is ultimately hopeful for those who share Livy's issues, and it will be empathy-building for those who know someone with anxiety or panic disorders.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Graphic Novel Fans, International Moves Story Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Asian Character Fans, TCK Story Fans, Readers with or Who Know Someone with Anxiety/Panic Issues, Upper Middle Grade /YA Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqoUm39o_iwny39YIQWliQNQoggQCArP9tQfoXL2cTJodJRII3hUY-5U-czbFU5JTaLCGS3pZkHRMgHdfa2KRoViSqtTKyjc8kfDNbASREs7fJ_n1aYrX1_WsG5w8Sbk2P386CV05R8sTr48wZWyJfka6W42umMmhcKOM3ZrNKXbNMeyJlN2s-XvRBm8/s400/perfectly.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="259" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqoUm39o_iwny39YIQWliQNQoggQCArP9tQfoXL2cTJodJRII3hUY-5U-czbFU5JTaLCGS3pZkHRMgHdfa2KRoViSqtTKyjc8kfDNbASREs7fJ_n1aYrX1_WsG5w8Sbk2P386CV05R8sTr48wZWyJfka6W42umMmhcKOM3ZrNKXbNMeyJlN2s-XvRBm8/s320/perfectly.jpeg" width="207" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5504576135" target="_blank">Perfectly Suited: the Armor of God for the Anxious Mind</a></i> by J.D. Peabody</b></p><p>J.D. Peabody shares new things he learned about the Armor of God when he reached a low point in his mental health and was looking at this passage in Ephesians for not only spiritual battles but also emotional/mental battles.</p><p>Peabody doesn’t promise any quick fixes, but shares truths readers can cling to. It’s a fresh look at Ephesians 6 with important reminders whether you suffer from anxiety or not. And one man’s story of how the Armor of God (plus counseling/psychiatric help) was instrumental in getting him to a healthier mental/spiritual place.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Armor of God Studiers, Christian Nonfiction Fans, Anxious Readers, Adult Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6nCAMOVpR1UFiI91xrMO2og0ige_2S0Gupsrst_bVSe9z-0R5geDaMND91zGKJdMPUZjqrIiwdguuR1KLVXgHUVilKyYL7nrV4fperUvNURTQATNeRt4Ox9se2HxC8SP5FaIXg3uZ38W6fqFYhQMWOIVRxxY42tLPHqNO_wHJdMGviEizge7WiMVcaY/s1417/whatifs.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1399" data-original-width="1417" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6nCAMOVpR1UFiI91xrMO2og0ige_2S0Gupsrst_bVSe9z-0R5geDaMND91zGKJdMPUZjqrIiwdguuR1KLVXgHUVilKyYL7nrV4fperUvNURTQATNeRt4Ox9se2HxC8SP5FaIXg3uZ38W6fqFYhQMWOIVRxxY42tLPHqNO_wHJdMGviEizge7WiMVcaY/s320/whatifs.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3914554610" target="_blank">The Whatifs</a></i> by Emily Kilgore, ill. by Zoe Persico</b></p><p>Cora is constantly thinking about What Ifs. As her piano recital draws near and she becomes more stressed, the What Ifs flock to her in droves. Can she get a handle on these critters or will they take her over?</p><p>The steps to help combat the anxiety laid out in this story are practical and easy to implement. I can see this even being helpful for teens or adults with mild to serious anxiety.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Fantasy Fans, Anxious Readers, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><div><br /></div>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-78342357822646814792023-11-02T20:11:00.000-07:002023-11-02T20:11:06.234-07:00Brainstorm 302: Reimagined/Alternative Histories<p>For today’s Brainstorm I have some reimagined/alternative histories for you. These are stories that take a historical time period and either change what happened in the historical record, or add something in that wasn’t there (like magic, dinosaurs, anachronistic technology, or talking animals). This topic today was largely inspired by me wanting to include Nadine Brandes’ <i>Fawkes</i> with the 5th of November coming up this weekend. Click on the titles to see my full reviews of each book including any content notes/trigger warnings.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DRG7CwwFa3CXY2E4qC3_mE8F1n0oN_32lxZA4s57s_rw3voJa4UjJDa1tjUnS5NxsUFv0gR3264o8oXzqvNqgVrMQy4Zo6DPuYmM-yJjto6_oK9M7ickPwWOmCGSctAjYtAoY3cPOM9K-GRwLHiabztedbO5W8anoVRDKeZRXKejQZRcujh_l9z0PhQ/s2560/dactyl.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1646" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DRG7CwwFa3CXY2E4qC3_mE8F1n0oN_32lxZA4s57s_rw3voJa4UjJDa1tjUnS5NxsUFv0gR3264o8oXzqvNqgVrMQy4Zo6DPuYmM-yJjto6_oK9M7ickPwWOmCGSctAjYtAoY3cPOM9K-GRwLHiabztedbO5W8anoVRDKeZRXKejQZRcujh_l9z0PhQ/s320/dactyl.jpeg" width="206" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2777043096" target="_blank">Dactyl Hill Squad</a></i> (Dactyl Hill Squad, #1) by Daniel José Older</b></p><p>The Civil War is raging in the South. Dinosaurs are used as conveyance and messengers. When riots break out in New York City Magdalys and a few of the other orphans from the Colored Orphans Asylum are attending a play. The two actors who were performing get the orphans to a safe spot in Brooklyn after they discover that the home for orphans has been burned and the other orphans scattered. Magdalys and her friends may be safe, but the other orphans out on the streets are in grave danger as there are people who'd try to kidnap them and sell them into slavery. They must find a way to rescue the other orphans with the help of the Vigilance Committee and the kind people they've met in Brooklyn. As they do so, Magdalys explores an ability she discovered she possessed in the midst of their escape from the riots. She can communicate with dinos and get them to obey her with just her thoughts! And whether or not it is safe for others to find out she can do so, is another thing for Magdalys to worry about. And while we're on the topic of Magdalys' worries, she's also found out that her brother was injured in the war.</p><p>Older obviously did a lot of research on the US Civil War and incorporates a lot of real history as well as real human rights issues/heroes into this trilogy, just with dinos added.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Historical Fiction Fans, US Civil War Studiers, Dinosaur Fans, Adventure Fans, Human Rights Issues Story Fans, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxibh-dRWJRrsqMRaSl7J9rpC1YHZEvSUe9Hhk4_l_i7CQ0k5-ethorlOg5fLK8QX3m0ceCJUyhxeKVbf-a73fb6v9HgFFM8h0YYUO0MKlmMOXeCSakl7f6e1tKj8rRXs6YILIrvIL_k7d6OEsbpHb9HUXK_dPeyfdDGnXv2pmQRt8Ng25o6Ww108J6fg/s2400/fawkes.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxibh-dRWJRrsqMRaSl7J9rpC1YHZEvSUe9Hhk4_l_i7CQ0k5-ethorlOg5fLK8QX3m0ceCJUyhxeKVbf-a73fb6v9HgFFM8h0YYUO0MKlmMOXeCSakl7f6e1tKj8rRXs6YILIrvIL_k7d6OEsbpHb9HUXK_dPeyfdDGnXv2pmQRt8Ng25o6Ww108J6fg/s320/fawkes.jpeg" width="210" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3002847603" target="_blank">Fawkes</a></i> by Nadine Brandes</b></p><p>Thomas Fawkes is hunting down his father who refused to show up and give him his mask for a special ceremony that would make him a bond to a certain color and be able to perform magic with that color. When he does find his father in London, it is completely by accident. And he quickly finds himself enmeshed in a plot to kill the Igniter King James, end the execution of Keepers, end the plague that is turning people (including Thomas) to stone, and bring a Keeper to the throne so that White Light will be respected but only specific colors used. (Igniters harness the power of White Light which Keepers think is wrong.) As Thomas finds employment in the city as a caddy for Emma, the ward of Baron Monteagle, he hears her side of the plague and White Light debate as an Igniter. And though he won't admit it to anyone, White Light has been talking to Thomas. Thomas has to figure out who is on the right side, the Keepers or the Igniters?</p><p>Though this is fantasy, Brandes weaves in quite a bit of historical fact and real historical figures in the plot of November 5. She did replace the Catholic/Protestant conflict with an magical allegorical element, but it works quite well for this reimagined history.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Guy Fawkes Day Tie-in Fans, Reimagined History Fans, Fantasy Fans, Christian Fiction Fans, Suspense Fans, Young Adult/Adult Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFV_GCkri4sQ23Ul7V1neFqCu2ynWGrL9g8Dwjo5weShNNWbm3ri37M7jS-HsPhR6xyMwMogykZ8RjOhnhyphenhyphenj29Wb303KDMRXzOVHppI2u7vLxjbYRdE9H8T2d57rRZIIp-2oaijfHuYSo-UsMFlMXM8UQLie_W6N_kLt0-7d1EPWbt1Uh3A36PxVthoo/s344/howtotame.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFV_GCkri4sQ23Ul7V1neFqCu2ynWGrL9g8Dwjo5weShNNWbm3ri37M7jS-HsPhR6xyMwMogykZ8RjOhnhyphenhyphenj29Wb303KDMRXzOVHppI2u7vLxjbYRdE9H8T2d57rRZIIp-2oaijfHuYSo-UsMFlMXM8UQLie_W6N_kLt0-7d1EPWbt1Uh3A36PxVthoo/s320/howtotame.jpeg" width="237" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1891199916" target="_blank">How to Tame a Triceratops</a></i> (Dino Riders, #1) by Will Dare, ill. by Mariano Epelbaum</b></p><p>Josh desperately wants to win the Founders Day Race, but the only racing dino he has is the family’s herder for their iguanadons, Plodder. And Plodder is anything but fast in his old age. When his parents send him to town to get a new herder, Josh decides to get a dino worthy of racing in the Founders Day Race, a triceratops. But Josh was tricked. Charger is the most untrainable triceratops in the West. Will he ever get to become a famous dino racer?</p><p>An action-packed reimagining of the Old West with dinosaurs.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Dinosaur Fans, Western Story Fans, Adventure Fans, Humorous Fiction Fans, Historical Fiction Fans, Science Fiction Fans, Lower Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybvFN0MT9COZNXH_c1BTFXlaMe6_bms5uCG2lICVsRCZi-Xow9EBulDMy31feGosA-vxBYZdwENRRtmEQciti4SgHFAnio3oe7LzuTiIG5tgpf7yZJEQPpjjd1MxmMPtZngy1JOhWk6ll574vx1DTKBTTOS88mGNhZ8VeHXFWwjqSYKpXD3OnGQP3vaA/s400/knight.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="327" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybvFN0MT9COZNXH_c1BTFXlaMe6_bms5uCG2lICVsRCZi-Xow9EBulDMy31feGosA-vxBYZdwENRRtmEQciti4SgHFAnio3oe7LzuTiIG5tgpf7yZJEQPpjjd1MxmMPtZngy1JOhWk6ll574vx1DTKBTTOS88mGNhZ8VeHXFWwjqSYKpXD3OnGQP3vaA/s320/knight.jpeg" width="262" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5013660749" target="_blank">Knight Owl</a></i> by Christopher Denise</b></p><p>Owl doesn't seem like the best candidate for knighthood, but he's dreamt of it all his life and he's wiling to work hard. When danger arrives on Knight Owl's night watch, can he protect the kingdom from a big, dangerous foe?</p><p>What if in the time of castles and knights, animals could be knights, dragons were real, and pizza was developed just a few years earlier? Owl is a cute little underdog hero, who finds a nonviolent, kind solution to the dangers facing the kingdom. And the illustrations are stunning!</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Owl Lovers, Fantasy Fans, Knights & Castles Story Fans, Perseverance Story Fans, Peacemaker Story Fans, Art Lovers, Kindness Story Fans, Pizza Lovers, Award Winner Readers, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIubJfwp6d8rEqPmeRnkihrYyu_n7E2v4X9FyXJojvsgKgLY7TzBHFnoW4hKMHosnvMZF4o5lUJlvRuNbn-ZPTg35OV7oH7CYKH3rcidkI9gLCL8aZ9RX17shgVwIcxos1oGqdCaC0CqTW1d-cdi6QM0FO7zPKEH6r6lwb1m20gPSq6wAsqimMXSEXLM4/s1024/myfine.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="677" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIubJfwp6d8rEqPmeRnkihrYyu_n7E2v4X9FyXJojvsgKgLY7TzBHFnoW4hKMHosnvMZF4o5lUJlvRuNbn-ZPTg35OV7oH7CYKH3rcidkI9gLCL8aZ9RX17shgVwIcxos1oGqdCaC0CqTW1d-cdi6QM0FO7zPKEH6r6lwb1m20gPSq6wAsqimMXSEXLM4/s320/myfine.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5310556631" target="_blank">My Fine Fellow</a></i> by Jennieke Cohen</b></p><p>Under Queen Charlotte's reign, in England in the 1830s certain occupations have been opened up for women. One of them is becoming a Culinarian, a chef at the pinnacle of the food scene. Helena Higgins and Penelope Pickering are in their final years at Culinarian school. Penelope is doing her final project on food from the Americas since she just returned from traveling there with her parents. Helena is yet to land on a project that is challenging enough for her tastes. But then the two young women taste street peddler Elijah Little's empanadas and are intrigued by the flavors. Helena proclaims she could train him up to be fine enough to own his own shop some day, and doesn't think much more of it. But when he shows up at her house the next day for this training, she realizes this could be the most stunning final year project. And getting him skilled enough for his own shop is too little for Helena, she wants to pass him off as a Culinarian himself before royalty. Penelope is a little worried. She considers Helena a dear friend, especially since her half-British/half-Filipina heritage doesn't seem to phase her, but she knows Helena takes some getting used to and doesn't have the best people skills. Will Elijah survive her tutelage? As for Elijah, he knows this is his best chance for a step up in life but he's worried what would happen if Helena or Penelope learn that he's Jewish.</p><p>Princess Charlotte was a real person in line for the British throne, but she didn't live long enough to become queen. So this imagines what might have happened if she did live to be Queen instead of Victoria. And in case you didn't figure it out, this is a <i>My Fair Lady</i> musical rewrite focused on cooking skills more than diction (though Elijah also gets some lessons in passing as a gentleman) that also tactfully tackles topics of racial/ethnic/social class prejudice.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p><i>My Fair Lady</i> Fans, Reimagined History Fans, Cooking/Baking Story Fans, Tactful Social Issues Story Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Light Romance Fans, Young Adult Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitew19D4mH0yOpV7H50FGDxZr84-xA2DuLPrD1Oe1JQJyQ8D8GMfjeqalyHcQ74XcvYFsoF-ejn41_Rs1iiS6ioWCxgqXYyMSl8cU1yZltikvHxXGQMEwL_Hg0HmCGvWVM6ta6rJa0GhyVBMdkmENpZgFNu2UiUFEo1u-yklq8_ZIqNlNJWdWVr6lWe4A/s400/night.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="382" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitew19D4mH0yOpV7H50FGDxZr84-xA2DuLPrD1Oe1JQJyQ8D8GMfjeqalyHcQ74XcvYFsoF-ejn41_Rs1iiS6ioWCxgqXYyMSl8cU1yZltikvHxXGQMEwL_Hg0HmCGvWVM6ta6rJa0GhyVBMdkmENpZgFNu2UiUFEo1u-yklq8_ZIqNlNJWdWVr6lWe4A/s320/night.jpeg" width="306" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5838599460" target="_blank">Night Lunch</a></i> by Eric Fan, ill. by Dena Seiferling</b></p><p>Visit a food cart that caters to the creatures awake all evening and need their lunch in the middle of the night. One creature is a bit scared of the chef, but are its fears warranted?</p><p>There’s a touching ending and whimsical, gorgeous illustrations in this book that imagines what if early 1900s nocturnal animals had their own food <strike>trucks</strike> carts.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Animal Lovers, Kindness Story Fans, Food Lovers, Art Lovers, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5R812T-OLvnhQj5jueWjo4HeWG5Yfibo_RbpVwAW7NtowPtyC8XnDL4SNKOGZSc3MHz4vs9GOUgZB6iunysTU1UhfgHHZRh3IMc7oHJOGV_PcpSfte0j6Nc-Yvmc0ivEuto7VnrCtqpZoylCVH5Nl9cSlBVHVIKb92nQru8DCgtimvMbIdz4eQ8zevc/s475/wolf.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5R812T-OLvnhQj5jueWjo4HeWG5Yfibo_RbpVwAW7NtowPtyC8XnDL4SNKOGZSc3MHz4vs9GOUgZB6iunysTU1UhfgHHZRh3IMc7oHJOGV_PcpSfte0j6Nc-Yvmc0ivEuto7VnrCtqpZoylCVH5Nl9cSlBVHVIKb92nQru8DCgtimvMbIdz4eQ8zevc/s320/wolf.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1588965841" target="_blank">Wolf by Wolf</a></i> (Wolf by Wolf, #1) by Ryan Graudin</b></p><p>What if the Japanese joined the Nazis in attacking Russia instead of attacking Pearl Harbor? And what if the USA's isolationists won the day and they never entered WWII? Then you end up with Europe and Asia divided between the winning Axis powers, and Hitler still in charge in the 1950s. Each year there is a motorcycle race for teens from Germany to Japan to celebrate the Third Reich's and Imperial Japan's victory. Yael was once a Jewish prisoner in Auschwitz and experimental subject of the Angel of Death. The experiments were horrific but spared her life, and gave her abilities that allowed her to escape Auschwitz as a child. Now a teen operative, she is the underground Resistance's best hope of assassinating Hitler. The paranoid ruler never goes in public any more, but last year he danced with Adele Wolfe, the first female winner of the motorcycle race (she entered as her twin brother and only revealed her true identity upon winning). Yael is going to take Adele's spot in this year's race. But she has to pull off pretending to be Adele throughout the race and also beat the 13 other competitors to have a chance at ending Hitler's evil reign. The race is brutal and anything goes when the cameras aren't filming the competitors.</p><p>A compellingly written dystopia that combines real WWII history in flashbacks with reimagined bits, and and an alternate 1950s history.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Dystopia Fans, Suspense Fans, International Adventure Fans, WWII Story Fans, Reimagined History Fans, Competition Story Fans, Science Fiction Fans, Young Adult/Adult Readers</p></blockquote><div><br /></div>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-42351560488550575112023-10-26T19:48:00.002-07:002023-10-26T19:48:20.881-07:00Brainstorm 301: Tis the Season for Mysteries<p>‘Tis the season for curling up with a good mystery and I’ve got some for every reading interest level today. I've also tried to have a balance of male and female sleuths for readers today. Click on the titles to see my full review of each book including any content notes/trigger warnings.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wVeqtyvvBL9GJX5njrKwWZYvfYkOye9ZrkKNJNit0yIR-wSnKAUG7eeg72gK2toKwjG9O7SoXn6-qsxLbp5M_oyOQPDZUXG7HCRg0nXnM3PQstu3cEPVc_VxZ0aljOdjlSWLcuVRBg3RqsDuUSYxzYTIOYYCYPJnobyQ614rvB_R_Y4LHz1KugkEPyc/s948/crime.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="584" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wVeqtyvvBL9GJX5njrKwWZYvfYkOye9ZrkKNJNit0yIR-wSnKAUG7eeg72gK2toKwjG9O7SoXn6-qsxLbp5M_oyOQPDZUXG7HCRg0nXnM3PQstu3cEPVc_VxZ0aljOdjlSWLcuVRBg3RqsDuUSYxzYTIOYYCYPJnobyQ614rvB_R_Y4LHz1KugkEPyc/s320/crime.jpeg" width="197" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5799005219" target="_blank">Crime and Poetry</a></i> (A Magical Bookshop Mystery, #1) by Amanda Flower</b></p><p>Violet Waverly dropped everything in Chicago and raced to Cascade Springs after her grandmother's call hinting she was at death's door. She arrives to find a very lively Grandma Daisy who isn't at all ashamed of lying to get Violet back home from graduate school. Violet might have turned right around for Chicago but for the deep fatigue after driving numerous hours to Upstate New York. So she stays the night and finds her grandmother's boyfriend dead in the driveway in the morning. Some of the police see Grandma Daisy as a prime suspect, and Violet knows from experience what it is like to be falsely accused of murder in Cascade Springs. So she's sticking around until her Grandma's name is cleared, and then she's back to her doctorate on 19th century American authors.</p><p>Beyond the unique Niagara Falls adjacent setting, I liked this one for the way Amanda Flower made Violet Waverly feel unique in the world of cozy mystery sleuths.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Cozy Mystery Fans, Magical Realism Fans, Upper New York State Setting Fans, Grandmother/Granddaughter Story Fans, Animal Assistant Sleuth Fans, Bookstore Setting Fans, Classic Literature Fans (Emily Dickenson’s Poetry is important to the plot), Adult Readers (though totally approachable for YA)</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXk1efdn3aP023GiEWyoYI2uMZy-4hEuNkm6g51IjL-QhCX7RizzEtVR_9lwCeSauX9xuElBD-5WCICVXr3R33KX7OEeIWilkPWDubpCNA6fhOGHP_bHxtADSYc7BzQjGpFBCJq4S5B6uiJ88Mkt9uqjyRf1ZfjoMIzszOHSkn2_0oG_OwlNdbgCEQiMI/s400/eddie.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXk1efdn3aP023GiEWyoYI2uMZy-4hEuNkm6g51IjL-QhCX7RizzEtVR_9lwCeSauX9xuElBD-5WCICVXr3R33KX7OEeIWilkPWDubpCNA6fhOGHP_bHxtADSYc7BzQjGpFBCJq4S5B6uiJ88Mkt9uqjyRf1ZfjoMIzszOHSkn2_0oG_OwlNdbgCEQiMI/s320/eddie.jpeg" width="227" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5519975925" target="_blank">Eddie Whatever</a></i> by Lois Ruby</b></p><p>Eddie has to do a community service project as one of his bar mitvah requirements. His mom signs him up to volunteer at the Silver Brook Pavilion retirement home. Eddie feels like he already has enough on his plate with the robotics club (which has hit a major road block), baseball team (still yet to win a game), and worrying about whatever has made his dad so mopey and is causing his parents to fight behind closed doors. He isn't sure if he can handle volunteering at the retirement home. The people there are...odd, and some of the residents inform him the place is haunted by the twin of the lady who likes to guard the front door. As the days pass, the residents do start to grow on Eddie. And when more and more things go missing, blamed on the ghost, Eddie starts to think there may be a very un-supernatural answer. But can he catch the thief before he goes down for the crime and loses his chance at completing his bar mitvah?</p><p>I loved how this story demonstrated the power of intergenerational friendships and of being a good listener. </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Mystery Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Intergenerational Friendship Fans, Jewish Character Fans, Feel Good Story Fans, Stand Alone Mystery Fans, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1c6sjIELYcd9D5ErNXyb4zuH-P5bs3NjY-KSUJTOLcYY_ow8a6fK5xGiaRQ8s7aJuBsiyFsFRB2CDBPMNVkCfb8xGZOs7Vt8NMtvkeQ8FaUiAo1A2opCzAZE32s2kIC_wkBQH_9srCn-klnzA1oMxQdneMm6EVSllHyCu30vbf_u3fsWM_IX7C3J1YI/s400/elysium.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="259" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1c6sjIELYcd9D5ErNXyb4zuH-P5bs3NjY-KSUJTOLcYY_ow8a6fK5xGiaRQ8s7aJuBsiyFsFRB2CDBPMNVkCfb8xGZOs7Vt8NMtvkeQ8FaUiAo1A2opCzAZE32s2kIC_wkBQH_9srCn-klnzA1oMxQdneMm6EVSllHyCu30vbf_u3fsWM_IX7C3J1YI/s320/elysium.jpeg" width="207" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4842646733" target="_blank">Elysium Tide</a></i> by James R. Hannibal</b></p><p>Peter Chesterfield is one of the Royal London Hospital's best neurosurgeons. He's also a jerk and a workaholic. When his sharp tongue gets him in trouble, some friends - with his best interests in mind - send him to Hawaii to hopefully rediscover his humanity. There's also a medical symposium at the Elysium Grand hotel on Maui so he can visit conferences if he doesn't want to go to the beach on his forced vacation.</p><p>Detective Lisa Kealoha is a local who very nearly ended up as a career criminal. She still feels like she has to prove she has earned her top detective spot, a feeling made worse by the way some of her co-workers are obviously gunning for her position. When a car theft ring case adds on some murders, Lisa has a sense that they might be dealing with some transplant mobsters from LA, which would be really bad news.</p><p>Peter and Lisa's paths crash together when Peter rescues a woman from the waves while out walking on the beach at night. Thanks to his specialization, he knows immediately that the woman is a victim of a crime, and when he loses her in the ambulance he feels he owes it to her to help find whoever did this. Lisa isn't sure she can trust this British know-it-all doctor who was conveniently first on the scene; and he has a very annoying tendency of being one step ahead of her in the investigation trail thanks to his keen mind and his new friendship with the hotel doctor. Lisa can't decide whether to let them help or lock them up to keep them out of her hair. And the case is really getting to her as she feels more and more threatened by coworkers trying to one up her on top of the fact that the woman pulled out of the ocean by Peter was a kid she used to babysit. Meanwhile, Peter is starting to realize his colleagues may have had very good reasons to send him away to regroup. Is there any hope for him? Could this God that Lisa and the doctor talk about be real? One thing is clear, both of them will need some serious help to puzzle out this case and survive to tell about it.</p><p>This earned all stars with me by balancing a compelling mystery that I couldn't put down with memorable and diverse characters in a unique setting.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Mystery Fans, Hawaii Setting Fans, Twisty Plot Fans, Character Development Fans, Christian Fiction Fans, Non-romantic Fiction Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Adult Fiction</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBF_LH_JtIdlRtPcE2sZJ9qIAsL2eJvctdxc_4S9geeh1iDg1XNMVhAFsRyET1aCLtvSKxX8UHd34lKTmqU0fnJ4ECUrVIvjoaFKCZyC58pR3c07NTp91XEX3pw0WNJd_NkRbmyGbBH3Sb_YqDKa09LBV5h1ZYaC2k2UgQygvq4RQlmdUfsa_WbtfshOA/s2548/inmyrtle.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2548" data-original-width="1685" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBF_LH_JtIdlRtPcE2sZJ9qIAsL2eJvctdxc_4S9geeh1iDg1XNMVhAFsRyET1aCLtvSKxX8UHd34lKTmqU0fnJ4ECUrVIvjoaFKCZyC58pR3c07NTp91XEX3pw0WNJd_NkRbmyGbBH3Sb_YqDKa09LBV5h1ZYaC2k2UgQygvq4RQlmdUfsa_WbtfshOA/s320/inmyrtle.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5002056077" target="_blank">In Myrtle Peril</a></i> (Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries, #4) by Elizabeth C. Bunce</b></p><p>Myrtle's father is in hospital to get his troublesome infected tonsils removed. He is going under the knife just as one of his old cases gets interesting again. The powers that be would like to run a railroad line through Snowcroft lands, but it isn't certain if the land belongs to an heir or the Crown. The Snowcrofts were all presumed drowned in a shipwreck years ago, but neither the ship nor the crew have ever been found so there's a chance someone survived. In response to an advert in the newspaper, potential heirs start crawling out of the woodwork, but one girl seems like she really could be the long lost Snowcroft child, Ethel. It is father's job to gather evidence on her behalf but with him out of commission Myrtle, Miss Judson, and Mr. Blakeney (oh, and of course Peony) must take up the investigation. But then father goes and adds to their case load by telling Myrtle he saw a murder at the hospital the evening after his surgery. Myrtle and Miss Judson are skeptical. He was on pain killers, and isn't the most reliable witness, and no one else at the hospital heard or saw a disturbance that night. He is most insistent that Myrtle investigate, though, so she finds herself sneaking around the hospital on her father's orders.</p><p>The Myrtle Hardcastle mysteries may be written for middle graders, but Ms. Bunce doesn't pull any punches in writing a twisty-turny-puzzling mystery that’s super hard to put down.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Mystery Fans, Historical Fiction Fans, Precocious Young Sleuth Fans, Father/Daughter Story Fans, Long Lost Heir(ess) Story Fans, Animal Assistant Sleuth Fans, Middle Grade Fiction</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpw0Tqi2LsQrEGW6PVM-6QhePMAtXNQqTB0jpYn0QDGwTpUpsfOMXPn-ei5VXRF8dHbwM0U9k-MKHDn-BQbK2JEvyQS70r8S1_QBbRbCgw4-J9B1sypjA25tTDP065ApI5LijlT9wpZREJYvSUklow-7DIPEBOt_LOpFrRewuLHy97wDpBCInUGp0Dkno/s2400/lostgirl.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1586" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpw0Tqi2LsQrEGW6PVM-6QhePMAtXNQqTB0jpYn0QDGwTpUpsfOMXPn-ei5VXRF8dHbwM0U9k-MKHDn-BQbK2JEvyQS70r8S1_QBbRbCgw4-J9B1sypjA25tTDP065ApI5LijlT9wpZREJYvSUklow-7DIPEBOt_LOpFrRewuLHy97wDpBCInUGp0Dkno/s320/lostgirl.jpeg" width="211" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2572096257" target="_blank">The Lost Girl of Astor Street</a></i> by Stephanie Morrill</b></p><p>Piper's best friend Lydia vanishes from the posh neighborhood without a trace. Piper was the last person to see her. Not content to sit around and let the police handle the case, Piper decides to do some investigating to help them. But it is 1920s Chicago, not exactly a safe time for a young woman to go poking her nose around. Piper has to deal with overprotective brothers and a father, a neighborhood full of secrets, a young police detective who decides he'd rather investigate with her than have to hunt her down too, her grief over Lydia's disappearance, nosy reporters, and as if that weren't enough, her father's impending remarriage which is bringing up grief over her mother's death all over again.</p><p>This was a smart and tantalizing mystery set in Roaring 20s Chicago. </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Mystery Fans, Historical Fiction Fans, Chicago Setting Fans, Clean Romance Fans, Young Adult Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMLU9guI1IqVYHF0uZ7u6ZNvXNgXFfEIzGYHaflE-bNJoTj9NjDHVO7NeMpkAP4GfHe62iyJmspkT0P46cKhaqGTup_X1tA80v_6jroQsq_f9cOkxbal_ZFch3hvDpZh0jjS_VPU911h4MF0Y1LfJ5Rr2nb0lDI0CqRUxTE8DwyPm5v2VY1RjkpR2y9o/s400/pedros.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="275" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMLU9guI1IqVYHF0uZ7u6ZNvXNgXFfEIzGYHaflE-bNJoTj9NjDHVO7NeMpkAP4GfHe62iyJmspkT0P46cKhaqGTup_X1tA80v_6jroQsq_f9cOkxbal_ZFch3hvDpZh0jjS_VPU911h4MF0Y1LfJ5Rr2nb0lDI0CqRUxTE8DwyPm5v2VY1RjkpR2y9o/s320/pedros.jpeg" width="220" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5926650653" target="_blank">Pedro’s Mystery Club</a></i> (Pedro) by Fran Manushkin, ill. by Tammie Lyon</b></p><p>Pedro, Katie, and Jojo form a mystery solving club and solve mysteries for Pedro's parents.</p><p>I like that young readers can be sleuths just like Pedro and friends, finding lost items around their houses too by following the same procedures.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Mystery Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Multicultural Cast Fans, Leveled Readers Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmE9Frq05JkmMvadFL9p5VDEW3Ukb1qOGryOzBNuKctP3eTIfk-QJwp9a6GzGvIa9ldG2_s5eWsifw_0BIKizpJKZt-v-B_g88SDxIoh2e42Rg15SqkoIvVyQz1pIze12Kh0ciXqzzKaH5n39ZddH5qqILb2t1AAdDTrP04x38HXBzRCPq_QuFEvsF0o/s400/wishypoofs.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmE9Frq05JkmMvadFL9p5VDEW3Ukb1qOGryOzBNuKctP3eTIfk-QJwp9a6GzGvIa9ldG2_s5eWsifw_0BIKizpJKZt-v-B_g88SDxIoh2e42Rg15SqkoIvVyQz1pIze12Kh0ciXqzzKaH5n39ZddH5qqILb2t1AAdDTrP04x38HXBzRCPq_QuFEvsF0o/s320/wishypoofs.jpeg" width="214" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5730025435" target="_blank">Wishypoofs and Hiccups</a></i> (Zoey and Sassafras, #9) by Asia Citro, ill. by Marion Lindsay</b></p><p>When magical creatures start showing up at Zoey's door with strange problems, like sudden hair growth or shrinking or hands sticking together, Zoey is very puzzled. But when a Wishypoof with the hiccups also rings the special doorbell, part of the mystery is cleared up. Can Zoey use science to help the Wishypoof figure out how to get rid of the hiccups?</p><p>A relatable, educational, but also imaginative scientific mystery for Zoey to tackle with the help of her mom, her cat Sassafrass, and other magical creatures in the neighborhood.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Mystery Fans, Science Fans/Studiers, Fantasy Fans, Animal Assistant Sleuth Fans, Imaginative Readers, Mythical Creature Fans, Lower Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p><br /></p>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-30401841858818310732023-09-28T19:16:00.003-07:002023-09-28T19:16:32.032-07:00Brainstorm 300: Mid-Autumn Festival Reads<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today/this weekend is Mid-autumn festival/Moon festival/Mooncake festival/Harvest festival/Chuseok (it has a lot of names in different areas) so I thought I would share some books that feature mid-autumn festival celebrations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKq4kKgsN6wS1a3AqFJRJc3s_6FE2rmxQLwFbh_l1Qy3Zm57sFAWJ5Mjx5Xf1Upz_QMGNOH38RM1HuEaAQ3rucEiWV57q3O2zR90pHfbWi-9qZ0KCFR5qKKS75FR-6Sip2TQ-SF7d9ZbXDosVJTv4-TlRb-Up3XK0ElcE_u3nEnOFM68Rhe0-7X_qNoUU/s1349/big.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="1349" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKq4kKgsN6wS1a3AqFJRJc3s_6FE2rmxQLwFbh_l1Qy3Zm57sFAWJ5Mjx5Xf1Upz_QMGNOH38RM1HuEaAQ3rucEiWV57q3O2zR90pHfbWi-9qZ0KCFR5qKKS75FR-6Sip2TQ-SF7d9ZbXDosVJTv4-TlRb-Up3XK0ElcE_u3nEnOFM68Rhe0-7X_qNoUU/s320/big.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2633243476" target="_blank">A Big Mooncake for Little Star</a></i> by Grace Lin</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Little Star and her mother make a great, big mooncake. Mother says to let it cool. And Little Star does for a while. But can Little Star resist some midnight snacking?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A picture book that creates a myth for why the moon changes shape and incorporates elemets of the Harvest Festival celebration. There’s a recipe for mooncakes in the back of the book, which are a traditional treat in many areas for this festival.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Target Readers:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mooncake Fans, Stages of the Moon Myth Fans, Humorous Fiction Fans, Mother/Daughter Story Fans, Asian Lit Fans, Picture Book Readers</div></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz98HS2Lzl4XKaULE1zljsCPk4PBtxiscroO_EyxqXKR9khkkHNPHkX5mHyPja6gd0aUcuoR_VDuF7HX_1Yx7nKODiYJoSesVbC5bfyJVHfZV8nGESW_kEY1T08bg-N4k4OljOwunByL9PzOq-Taz7O4CBFXWrGxlNyQXZ8obJEx9Fl8yJeJEvVzPCXeY/s2115/dreamweavers.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2115" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz98HS2Lzl4XKaULE1zljsCPk4PBtxiscroO_EyxqXKR9khkkHNPHkX5mHyPja6gd0aUcuoR_VDuF7HX_1Yx7nKODiYJoSesVbC5bfyJVHfZV8nGESW_kEY1T08bg-N4k4OljOwunByL9PzOq-Taz7O4CBFXWrGxlNyQXZ8obJEx9Fl8yJeJEvVzPCXeY/s320/dreamweavers.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5005715113" target="_blank">The Dreamweavers</a></i> by G.Z. Schmidt</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When the emperor's son arrives to sample Grandfather's legendary mooncakes at the village's Autumn Moon Festival, Mei and Yun find themselves in the middle of a disaster. Grandfather's mooncakes taste awful and he is carted off to the Imperial City to be tried for attempted poisoning. Mei and Yun know something is in the air, literally. They can see the multi-colored clouds that are dreams of people. And the ones hovering over their city now are nightmares and are making everyone grumpy and mean. They must set off on a quest to free their Grandfather, because he has no one else. With the help of a friendly rabbit, the twins find themselves trying to break a curse with roots decades in the past.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Target Readers:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fantasy Fans, Quest Adventure Fans, Mythology Fans, Mythical Historical China Setting Fans, Brother/Sister Story Fans, Grandfather/Grandchildren Story Fans, Jade Rabbit Story Fans, Imaginative Readers, Upper Middle Grade Readers </div></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMNqBQ3u6S_fCt0YRZjh63PAi445kjBhyanV3uarvzBVIR8QjuAmmau6KyG2K_8YggT3sPWzadrH-aKoccZKkp5fIxkVqkTt79FHu3NfWLNzfWqprDye_KyRnEZmisMf1GVwugl5x0pcTdU31I1VTVyiNsaZDvw7zFafGxfdYQrYIUEhCzyE2tq2JrUU/s450/thanking.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="450" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMNqBQ3u6S_fCt0YRZjh63PAi445kjBhyanV3uarvzBVIR8QjuAmmau6KyG2K_8YggT3sPWzadrH-aKoccZKkp5fIxkVqkTt79FHu3NfWLNzfWqprDye_KyRnEZmisMf1GVwugl5x0pcTdU31I1VTVyiNsaZDvw7zFafGxfdYQrYIUEhCzyE2tq2JrUU/s320/thanking.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1058610952" target="_blank">Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival</a></i> by Grace Lin</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Watch a modern Chinese family celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. The back of the book explains the traditions and symbolism of the food. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you have questions about the abundance of mooncakes at this time of year, this book answers that question and more!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Target Readers:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cultural Festival Story Fans, Curious Readers, Chinese Story Fans, Foodies, Picture Book Readers</div></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYsGqleZolXm7YlTchIb2PvMCxz8iLnnvv7sdi85_Lwc4FO2qKc9XR9LyyqeWVDoUUldcWhcqKFP4ybBXY6xlxu7QQRgNQR39XdwdNEDYKlr1CMdL4-KMLvTGWFuOsAHCjOJ7Og9RdAfB3qW2hJc5_8kIHQrr-uQb-K82266LCFbJwha7wc_uKWpRh4M/s966/thiswas.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="966" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYsGqleZolXm7YlTchIb2PvMCxz8iLnnvv7sdi85_Lwc4FO2qKc9XR9LyyqeWVDoUUldcWhcqKFP4ybBXY6xlxu7QQRgNQR39XdwdNEDYKlr1CMdL4-KMLvTGWFuOsAHCjOJ7Og9RdAfB3qW2hJc5_8kIHQrr-uQb-K82266LCFbJwha7wc_uKWpRh4M/s320/thiswas.jpeg" width="232" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2723782721" target="_blank">This Was Our Pact</a></i> by Ryan Andrews</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Every year at the Autumn Equinox the town releases lanterns into the river. This year, some boys from the town have made a pact to follow the lanterns and see where they go even if it means going past the point their parents have told them is their exploration barrier. Ben is very committed to the pact, but not many of his friends are. Only Nathaniel, a boy Ben’s friends ostracize, is willing to go past the bridge barrier with him. The two boys’ fathers work together in the observatory but Ben has tried to keep his distance from Nathaniel since the others don’t think he is cool. Their adventure together to follow the lanterns proves much harder than they thought. Is it even possible? It will take them to unexpected places, teach them things about themselves, friendship, astronomy, and stretch their strength and imaginations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a fantasy autumnal festival and incorporates things from a variety of cultures and also makes up its own things. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Target Readers:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Graphic Novel Fans, Fantasy Fans, Adventure Fans, Art Lovers, Middle Grade Readers</div></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><p></p>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-75679887843032806572023-09-07T20:20:00.001-07:002023-09-07T20:20:30.780-07:00Brainstorm 299: Best Nonfiction Reads of the Summer<p>Weclome back to the Brainstorm! Now that we’re back in the swing of the school year it is time to dive back into weekly book recommendations. This week I have some of my favorite nonfiction reads since the Brainstorm went on hiatus for the summer. They cover a broad range of topics and target audiences, but all are excellent reads. Click on the title to see my full review of each book including any content notes/trigger warnings. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwrCutSE-OQVC8yl9x1zqNl7QiypIIJLEDTjM7lD6lo-ZgFACsCAC8ErTtFcCvltyzD1MyrGIXYMbzvHH3fj01VzUo4AzLfVgY153a_ZmkfDsfBSkC5ziBtdCdzcs6W6fcHD30RKQbvXu3FMQbJ3HQxOQlwGvV6f-w2mkMAShjfn7SNDgBaWE9x1Sg3c/s2400/athome.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwrCutSE-OQVC8yl9x1zqNl7QiypIIJLEDTjM7lD6lo-ZgFACsCAC8ErTtFcCvltyzD1MyrGIXYMbzvHH3fj01VzUo4AzLfVgY153a_ZmkfDsfBSkC5ziBtdCdzcs6W6fcHD30RKQbvXu3FMQbJ3HQxOQlwGvV6f-w2mkMAShjfn7SNDgBaWE9x1Sg3c/s320/athome.jpeg" width="210" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5582766379" target="_blank">At Home in Exile</a></i> by Russel Jeung, foreward by Gene Luen Yang</b></p><p>Russell Jeung shares things he's learned about the Christian walk from his Hakka and immigrant ancestors, from living among Cambodian refugees and undocumented workers in the poorest area of Oakland, from marrying his wife Joan Kim, from being a parent (both biologically and a foster parent), and living in community with others who also want to impact their community for Christ.</p><p>Jeung’s memoir was often jaw-dropping in what he’s experienced, but also encouraging, thought-provoking, and inspiring.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Memoir Fans, Christian Nonfiction Fans, Asian American Writings Fans, Those Interested in Social Justice Issues, Adult Readers (though approachable for YA)</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYthW7tU7Yp7FjobOSSUsMtLF1_MkmHdr7nuT0u1Q7xpHmtdJWE2QxrFBB2wVs_49S0G-F2ZRWXpTbKv8GMhIHhcZ6wnJAYJuQlwnXEPGIABDfJ226Cyq4_BBaXSbPZoz4IWxlwhNoK-nxramWvKY9ql0VoGeawMQ0wyZhWSyC2_wDKTMb6DQuicfYg0/s400/blue.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="312" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYthW7tU7Yp7FjobOSSUsMtLF1_MkmHdr7nuT0u1Q7xpHmtdJWE2QxrFBB2wVs_49S0G-F2ZRWXpTbKv8GMhIHhcZ6wnJAYJuQlwnXEPGIABDfJ226Cyq4_BBaXSbPZoz4IWxlwhNoK-nxramWvKY9ql0VoGeawMQ0wyZhWSyC2_wDKTMb6DQuicfYg0/s320/blue.jpeg" width="250" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5766392347" target="_blank">Blue: a History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky</a></i> by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, ill. by Daniel Minter</b></p><p>A history of the color blue and what humans used to recreate the color in paints and fabric dyes through time.</p><p>An excellently done microhistory for kids! The author explains the quest for blue, the complexities of the history, and how all of that is reflected in common sayings and traditions today.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Random Fact Collectors, History Fans, Art Lovers, Nonfiction Fans, Lower Grade Readers (though interesting enough for older readers too)</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jxGatvu2TL5lUugBOZWdU1kBPWoQwUiWDQgU5b_Fc9jiSVUoeqgBy8Ltmexuut9rsXeCss3-50dn2IqbOCzIm40Inuk0kX-x4CpfdwyhNtjI-n_aISmUgkhi6Jbr2RNTAtUiBIZP3H0Sx9kBFBpG5yeyTPYCdPY5miGTORE0vHBo6tqiEODc0jqvnwk/s2550/genius.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="1829" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jxGatvu2TL5lUugBOZWdU1kBPWoQwUiWDQgU5b_Fc9jiSVUoeqgBy8Ltmexuut9rsXeCss3-50dn2IqbOCzIm40Inuk0kX-x4CpfdwyhNtjI-n_aISmUgkhi6Jbr2RNTAtUiBIZP3H0Sx9kBFBpG5yeyTPYCdPY5miGTORE0vHBo6tqiEODc0jqvnwk/s320/genius.jpeg" width="230" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5604263053" target="_blank">The Genius under the Table: Growing up Behind the Iron Curtain</a></i> by Eugene Yelchin</b></p><p>Eugene Yelchin shares about growing up in the USSR and how, in a land where only exceptional talent got you a private apartment, his parents were always on the search for something that would make him stand out...in a good way. Their Jewish heritage most certainly didn't count, and neither did the holes in the photos where his mother's father used to be. His father fawns over Eugene's older brother who is an amazing figure skater, good enough he gets to travel internationally to represent their glorious country. He wishes Yevgeny (a more Russian spelling of Eugene's name) could be good at some sport, any sport. His mother weeps over the ballet dancer Baryshnikov and wishes Yevgeny could dance as beautifully as dear Mishka. Meanwhile, Yevgeny is recording the antics of their daily life in his own unique art style on the underside of the table where he sleeps every night.</p><p>Yelchin’s memoir is written with a wry humor, seeing the hilarity in everyday situations with the help of hindsight, and the book is peppered throughout with recreations of the illustrations he did on the underside of the table long ago. This is the kind of memoir that will convince staunch anti-nonfiction readers that maybe nonfiction isn't so bad after all.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Memoir Fans, USSR Setting Fans, Humor Fans, Art Lovers, Family Story Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6Kn-pamqfJEfeibtW2oy2IV8Vd1vB0ciuXvVP9DzLu_x6Ow6t-ng5S5s-bqpHdl5kYRAR0PBqw-Xn41kzekxlla5kvhcRJpgSrSDyfC75g-qpMLLhhp4ARZtrbEJgCqs7NU95v1Yntk7_UfLmY6LlF2O3kcTJSeQZUhezVQA2L3dTNYYg5_f3wbZbmE/s497/lights.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="497" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6Kn-pamqfJEfeibtW2oy2IV8Vd1vB0ciuXvVP9DzLu_x6Ow6t-ng5S5s-bqpHdl5kYRAR0PBqw-Xn41kzekxlla5kvhcRJpgSrSDyfC75g-qpMLLhhp4ARZtrbEJgCqs7NU95v1Yntk7_UfLmY6LlF2O3kcTJSeQZUhezVQA2L3dTNYYg5_f3wbZbmE/s320/lights.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5786519246" target="_blank">The Lights and Types of Ships at Night</a></i> by Dave Eggers, ill. by Annie Dills</b></p><p>Which is the most beautiful thing, a schooner or galleon or Chinese junk all lit up at night? Or is it one of the many other types of ships that Eggers introduces readers to through this clever night-time premise?</p><p>An absolutely stunningly illustrated survey of all kinds of water-going vessels.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Boat Enthusiasts, Art Lovers, Nonfiction Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06K0iFO4xtrPtrRbsdMtOp3ZsJc5sN-Qdksc0-bNDgth7PTE24lGtkni6fAPZVUXZbx5mBdLly77OslWpgqyc5Phz3n4ARud71swicDthE_hXnHLT0CkNole0P4LCzJLuEC-MPNFYKr9cWB0Rl4w82aOLMDoNyZKJ2Zfxf-RVBrYLXkE_pLzrYU12Y6E/s400/seen.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="321" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06K0iFO4xtrPtrRbsdMtOp3ZsJc5sN-Qdksc0-bNDgth7PTE24lGtkni6fAPZVUXZbx5mBdLly77OslWpgqyc5Phz3n4ARud71swicDthE_hXnHLT0CkNole0P4LCzJLuEC-MPNFYKr9cWB0Rl4w82aOLMDoNyZKJ2Zfxf-RVBrYLXkE_pLzrYU12Y6E/s320/seen.jpeg" width="257" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5570663470" target="_blank">Seen and Unseen: What Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adam’s Photographs Reveal about the Japanese American Incarceration</a></i> by Elizabeth Partridge, ill. by Lauren Tamaki</b></p><p>Elizabeth Partridge takes readers into the incarceration camps the US placed those of Japanese heritage in during WWII and looks at it through the lens of 3 photographers who documented life in the camps: Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adams.</p><p>A fascinating and thought-provoking read that both analyzes how the photographer influences what we see of a place and also gets you thinking about a photographer’s responsibility to the photographed and the viewers.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Those Interested In/Those Studying the Japanese American Incarceration, History Fans, Photography Fans, Arts & Ethics Contemplators, Art Lovers, Quick Read Fans, Middle Grade Readers </p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtdVCFxFrdJbmYaFCF6ang23VMhXkIYOnYNu1JHfR93qi9az0FOf9muo9fSFNI0Gk5jOHu6y6hG2xuWUVLt7UqutVc0WiK1CQwbF0CJ6nPP8jCw_E2YggOwFBQ7V_RNduXUP9Bt06AN3ZNpgAJnZhZdJb9_l9kFBm9Ejsqtz8Kg4jZuMqx9JtPVIk4xc/s400/watchmakers.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="265" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtdVCFxFrdJbmYaFCF6ang23VMhXkIYOnYNu1JHfR93qi9az0FOf9muo9fSFNI0Gk5jOHu6y6hG2xuWUVLt7UqutVc0WiK1CQwbF0CJ6nPP8jCw_E2YggOwFBQ7V_RNduXUP9Bt06AN3ZNpgAJnZhZdJb9_l9kFBm9Ejsqtz8Kg4jZuMqx9JtPVIk4xc/s320/watchmakers.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5331756807" target="_blank">The Watchmaker’s Daughter: the True Story of World War II Heroine Corrie ten Boom</a></i> by Larry Loftis</b></p><p>A biography of Corrie ten Boom and her family who helped shelter young men avoiding being deported to Nazi factories or conscripted into the army as well as Jews during WWII in Holland.</p><p>When I first heard about this book I wondered how it would compare with Corrie's autobiography, <i>The Hiding Place</i>. Loftis remained very true to the tone and message of Corrie's own writings, but the scope of this book is much broader. It includes information about the broader events in Europe, the Netherlands, and their city during the time period as well as relating who was in and out of the Beje, providing times and dates for events, and quotes from others in the family and their contacts. It also covered Corrie's life after the war through to her death, which obviously, The Hiding Place and even her other books don't fully do. It is abundantly clear Loftis did his research, including bits from not only Corrie's writings but her brother's, sister's, nephew's, and more. It is an incredibly moving and inspiring biography about how God used the ten Booms to save others, to be blessings to others both in Holland and in Nazi prisons and camps, and the grace God gave them to forgive and help restore and reconcile others after the war. It's a powerful, powerful story of what God can do with people fully surrendered to Him. </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Biography Fans, Christian Nonfiction Fans, Inspirational Story Fans, WWII History Fans, Adult Readers (though totally approachable to YA readers)</p></blockquote><div><br /></div>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-8725631026768900942023-05-11T18:26:00.001-07:002023-05-11T18:26:54.126-07:00Brainstorm 298: Kindhearted Questers in Beautifully Illustrated Worlds<p>For this week’s Brainstorm I have 3 fantasy graphic novels that are filled with imaginative and eye-catching artwork (you are completely justified in picking up any of these just to gaze at the illustrations), and feature characters who embody faithful friendship, kindness, and perseverance. Click on the titles to see my full review of each book and any content notes/trigger warnings.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20PM4sXSmaRR1GVllGCSFQD1K-kbe_ycMsgg_2BRRfhBxqm-45GxcNXqbIl_yccU4mAkQKxR3G5tR3DVHmGQPVUdf3U2FR9Q3YtIQt-vv03d64RlyUAxbHIMCfkOc50LJP8S7y1JWo3pjIyjlr-1IV5cuP26vI6eIOJqyvrBH9D3ZlpOecZMgSeRO/s400/girl.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="282" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20PM4sXSmaRR1GVllGCSFQD1K-kbe_ycMsgg_2BRRfhBxqm-45GxcNXqbIl_yccU4mAkQKxR3G5tR3DVHmGQPVUdf3U2FR9Q3YtIQt-vv03d64RlyUAxbHIMCfkOc50LJP8S7y1JWo3pjIyjlr-1IV5cuP26vI6eIOJqyvrBH9D3ZlpOecZMgSeRO/s320/girl.jpeg" width="226" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3737893614" target="_blank">The Girl & the Galdurian</a></i> (Lightfall, #1) by Tim Probert</b></p><p>Bea is the adopted granddaughter of the Pig Wizard. So far her life has mostly involved helping her grandfather find ingredients for his potions that help those in the area. But one day she has an accident while out collecting ingredients, she's rescued by a creature claiming to be a Galdurian (who Bea thought were long-extinct) who is looking for her grandfather to help translate some scrolls which may tell him where the rest of his kind went, but when they return they find that the Pig Wizard went to check some seal he'd forgotten to check in ages. Bea is very worried because her grandfather's memory isn't what it used to be and he shouldn't be out on his own. Bea and the Galdurian (and Bea's cat) set out to find her grandfather and uncover way more adventure than they anticipated.</p><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5136081533" target="_blank">Book 2</a> in this series is now out and we'll be waiting for a little while for book 3.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Fantasy Fans, Quest Adventure Fans, Art Lovers, Dystopia Fans, Mystery Fans, Graphic Novel Fans, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrMdEv5JyNx9DS-59c398A76U5p4vtRMZpRBuoIXf1VOtNC9LiVptE_RbQY3OrUIiTByHcbn1ScfxBF0gAP7Qf6g6sFjixQI03gSZIT1932aF-bsJapKUjhRQzjeeXGmW9vXi-t2IqmFHtNGv4Che_Q0jX6vkcfYxgYTOkVHMBFZUBYIrupei1cen/s2100/poiko.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrMdEv5JyNx9DS-59c398A76U5p4vtRMZpRBuoIXf1VOtNC9LiVptE_RbQY3OrUIiTByHcbn1ScfxBF0gAP7Qf6g6sFjixQI03gSZIT1932aF-bsJapKUjhRQzjeeXGmW9vXi-t2IqmFHtNGv4Che_Q0jX6vkcfYxgYTOkVHMBFZUBYIrupei1cen/s320/poiko.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5443358515" target="_blank">Poiko: Quests & Stuff</a></i> by Brian Middleton</b></p><p>Poiko the lion and Kensie the bat are best friends and business partners. They run a quest delivery service for those packages that require a little more daring to deliver. Kensie is trying to get them to improve their punctuality, but he also doesn't want to hamper Poiko from being Poiko and helping anyone along the way who needs help. Follow along as they try to fulfill their orders, eat Kensie's sandwiches to sustain them along the way, and also stay true to their hearts.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Fantasy Fans, Quest Adventure Fans, Art Lovers, Graphic Novel Fans, Imaginative World Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Sandwich Devourers, Kindness Story Fans, Middle Grade Readers & Young Adult Readers</p></blockquote><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0mTtW-EGCw5QIpxxGN_hZXdwYFF9QbGzfiYZkAxuYQksgKr7cz9etLnQdkZh4e8jXg8tQmivDJvjm7-5cYtyTMo8YC-Ye_0SZH9kvvWULninH88rJIxszcV5wYyfJEyRXxAww9RkpVzTHG2Y8BsFd4ICQMhXW4mP7vIqoYDa8GnGYYqpIzRy-niu/s1366/twig.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0mTtW-EGCw5QIpxxGN_hZXdwYFF9QbGzfiYZkAxuYQksgKr7cz9etLnQdkZh4e8jXg8tQmivDJvjm7-5cYtyTMo8YC-Ye_0SZH9kvvWULninH88rJIxszcV5wYyfJEyRXxAww9RkpVzTHG2Y8BsFd4ICQMhXW4mP7vIqoYDa8GnGYYqpIzRy-niu/s320/twig.jpeg" width="211" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5508702326" target="_blank">Twig, Vol. 1</a></i> by Skottie Young, ill. by Kyle Strahm, colors by Jean-Francois Beaulieu</b></p><p>Twig is the new Placeling. It is a very important job, but one he had no plans to take on. However, when his dad, the former Placeling, died without an apprentice, Twig was the only one in the world with the kind of information necessary to do the job well. So he's off on his quest to place the item that will allow the Chosen One to save the world. Only things are not going well, from oversleeping on his first day of the job, to breaking the special item and needing to go on a side quest to fix it, poor Twig isn't sure he's cut out to follow in his father's footsteps. Thankfully he has his friend Splat along to help (the little yellow creature on the cover).</p><p>Twig is such a likable hero. He has a very important mission, but he has a heart for the creatures he meets along the way.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Fantasy Fans, Quest Adventure Fans, Art Lovers, Graphic Novel Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Mythical Creature Fans, Imaginative Worlds Fans, Background Hero Fans, Kindness Story Fans, Young Adult Readers (though approachable to many Middle Grade Readers)</p></blockquote><div><br /></div>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-17604567690705490892023-05-04T19:35:00.000-07:002023-05-04T19:35:47.215-07:00Brainstorm 297: Jules Verne Rewrites<p>For this week’s Brainstorm I have some Jules Verne rewrites for you, authors who put a fresh spin on or continue one of Verne’s stories. For those unfamiliar with the French novelist, he was one of the fathers of modern science fiction and dreamed up incredibly innovative tech that inspired several modern inventions as well as launching globe trotters trying to break his fictional Phileas Fogg’s 80 day circumnavigation trip, like journalist Nellie Bly (who stopped to meet him on her journey…check out <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/532518130" target="_blank">Eighty Days</a></i> by Matthew Goodman for that story). You can read a short biography of Verne from Encyclopedia Britannica <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jules-Verne" target="_blank">here</a>. Click on the titles to see my full review of each title including any content notes/trigger warnings. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ciqe4rlxhu7MDMLbLqJssBAEircirC-iKdMZ4-j0bnS0X-KfgIFqToTnNxS3MYPRgKDVD5BYT68A9BYVXOxav9DlPpc_QqacPSBpP4BP6wHtZTMezn04-PJp8Bw8tuMQHeSEQ5xjN_umEblnGNDt4q8Hyi4EvZL7U8LG-gTlfCYpGO0Hv5q4RKBB/s2048/daughter.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1380" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ciqe4rlxhu7MDMLbLqJssBAEircirC-iKdMZ4-j0bnS0X-KfgIFqToTnNxS3MYPRgKDVD5BYT68A9BYVXOxav9DlPpc_QqacPSBpP4BP6wHtZTMezn04-PJp8Bw8tuMQHeSEQ5xjN_umEblnGNDt4q8Hyi4EvZL7U8LG-gTlfCYpGO0Hv5q4RKBB/s320/daughter.jpeg" width="216" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3860825124" target="_blank">Daughter of the Deep</a></i> by Rick Riordan</b></p><p>Ana Dakkar and the rest of the Harding-Pencroft Academy's freshmen class finds their world rocked when the academy is taken out by rival Land Institute's torpedos while they are out on a field trip. Ana and others have lost older siblings and friends in the attack. They only have 1 teacher with him, and he is very sick. Before he passes out, Dr. Hewett reveals that the purpose of their field trip on the boat was to slowly show them that the school guards a big secret, the people and technology in Jules Verne's <i>20,000 Leagues under the Sea</i> and <i>The Mysterious Island</i> were real and the amazing tech was created by Ana's ancestor, Captain Nemo, aka Prince Dakkar. The school safeguards much of the tech, while some has been leaked to the world when they deemed it ready. Land Institute also knows about much of the tech and believes it should all be released to the world. Their attack shows to what lengths they'll go to get their hands on it. They want the <i>Nautilus</i> and Nemo's other inventions located at the not-so-destroyed island where Harding and Pencroft met the dying Nemo. As the last of the Dakkars, Ana is the only one who can unlock the coordinates to that island, which is the best bet for safety for her and her 19 classmates. But it is also where her parents died trying to access the <i>Nautilus</i>. And though they have cloaking mechanisms, LI is hot on their tail. Can Ana and her classmates run a ship by themselves, outwit Land Institute, and keep the Nemo tech out of their hands?</p><p>This is a stand alone scifi adventure that incorporates a lot of details from <i>20,000 Leagues under the Sea</i> as well as its lesser known sequel, <i>The Mysterious Island</i>.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Scifi Fans, Adventure Fans, Mystery Fans, Thriller Fans, Survival Story Fans, Indian American Character Fans, Family Secrets Story Fans, Upper Middle Grade Readers/YA Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH864SjDIrgdf3JsjabQDlC-lOVQKRg_ixcYZMaeW8luEwdvL9dpu4Qhg5ikOqyehkrlWgZyW2v_KOTAyIs7wIOBNOYhfL_5k33kcgrS9JkIx2Gt2EiJoyLp27zPQJ_4H6iLr-2CYgLiLgChZuTXvVPtAasWYGhyLRwxzIhMQrJlHDiqnNyKtYh6pK/s400/fire.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="264" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH864SjDIrgdf3JsjabQDlC-lOVQKRg_ixcYZMaeW8luEwdvL9dpu4Qhg5ikOqyehkrlWgZyW2v_KOTAyIs7wIOBNOYhfL_5k33kcgrS9JkIx2Gt2EiJoyLp27zPQJ_4H6iLr-2CYgLiLgChZuTXvVPtAasWYGhyLRwxzIhMQrJlHDiqnNyKtYh6pK/s320/fire.jpeg" width="211" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2125556843" target="_blank">Fire the Depths</a></i> (Max Tilt, #1) by Peter Lerangis</b></p><p>Max Tilt is trying to cope with the fact that his mom is not well again and his dad is taking her to the Mayo clinic. That isn’t easy for anyone, let alone a boy who is neurodivergent. His older cousin Alex isn't exactly who he'd choose to come stay with him, but she may be just the person he needs. She starts going through the family's mail and realizes they are about to lose electricity tomorrow, and the house very soon if they don't do something. The two cousins start scrounging the house for anything they can sell to make money and stumble across a chest that once belonged to their many greats uncle, the author Jules Verne. A man shows up overly eager to get his hands on the chest, but by that time Alex and Max have found a secret compartment and the start of a message from Jules about a treasure. They are soon on the road to find Verne's treasure with this man, Spencer Niemand, close on their trail. And it seems Spencer Niemand wants the treasure very, very badly.</p><p>This is a 3 book series that mixes in details from Verne’s books into the treasure hunt the 2 cousins are on.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Treasure Hunt Fans, Adventure Fans, Mystery Fans, Scifi Fans, Neurodivergent Character Fans, Cousin Story Fans, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_SWOWAvpn2MkGJ1cTWw8VvpK_U3EAFEesrU2NlAB4zoaNUdegG1gCJ5hzh_mH1Qq3yKaU1wTWURWKUSCCPdXRU8YbdfaRV2s0rYGkbBHKbZfpIwZd5dZelRZQqSj6gqeJAlqZdr7eXWVgYnZGjeuuXTo0yqVO2UBbTj_VZaDPCJpC0kFyARtLMS6/s400/young.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="259" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_SWOWAvpn2MkGJ1cTWw8VvpK_U3EAFEesrU2NlAB4zoaNUdegG1gCJ5hzh_mH1Qq3yKaU1wTWURWKUSCCPdXRU8YbdfaRV2s0rYGkbBHKbZfpIwZd5dZelRZQqSj6gqeJAlqZdr7eXWVgYnZGjeuuXTo0yqVO2UBbTj_VZaDPCJpC0kFyARtLMS6/s320/young.jpeg" width="207" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3154763344" target="_blank">Young Captain Nemo</a></i> (Young Captain Nemo, #1) by Jason Henderson</b></p><p>The descendants of the infamous Captain Nemo now get to decide what to do with his inventions, wealth, and tech. Gabriel's sister, Nerissa, has decided to follow in her ancestor's footsteps and take out those who hunt endangered species or violate environmental policies. Gabriel's parents choose to do research at their headquarters on the ocean floor. Gabriel goes to school in California (at the insistence of his parents) and in his free time goes on clandestine rescue missions with two friends in his secret sub. When Nerissa asks Gabriel for his help in saving a newly discovered ocean creature from being destroyed by the US Navy, he quickly cooks up a way to go and see what can be done with his crew. But what if they've bitten off more than they can chew? These creatures are huge, they have strange, potentially deadly abilities, and they don't know that Gabriel and his crew are trying to help.</p><p>This is a 3 book series, and I really enjoyed how Henderson incorporated some of Verne’s lesser known works into the plot. I also like how he wove in complex issues, like what to do with troublesome apex predators or ocean pollution. These issues are presented from multiple points of view so readers can chew on them with Gabriel and his friends as they try to come up with feasible solutions that will help without hurting.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Scifi Fans, Adventure Fans, Mystery Fans, Fans of Stories to Get You Thinking, Friendship Story Fans, Family Secret Story Fans, Indian Character Fans, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p><br /></p>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-60017455159527701622023-04-20T20:07:00.000-07:002023-04-20T20:07:20.570-07:00Brainstorm 296: Grandparents Across an Ocean<p>This week’s Brainstorm takes a look at stories about grandchildren and grandparents who are separated by an ocean for much of the year, the celebrations of the times when they can be together, and the bonds that can stay strong despite the distance. Most of these stories come from the authors and illustrators own experiences, so make sure you read the author's and illustrator's notes in the back of these books! Click on the title of each book to see my full review and any content notes/trigger warnings.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyl4HKBadEF3QaBWP8FXtg-xKoIEKEkzuYti94Ps-IOm-rvtyuR0SmXLmaKwmKElTHMdQKJgK82ICfgz-Iq47-_ByCxwKhYFTbpGNXPLKLkvPLAhvmts9KuSpvhD0JTCmFgQe-jvvyvFxVBReBCz5MJyDON7vCaaOi4WCUBXbN-VwDuBZevahM0G_-/s501/amah.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="501" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyl4HKBadEF3QaBWP8FXtg-xKoIEKEkzuYti94Ps-IOm-rvtyuR0SmXLmaKwmKElTHMdQKJgK82ICfgz-Iq47-_ByCxwKhYFTbpGNXPLKLkvPLAhvmts9KuSpvhD0JTCmFgQe-jvvyvFxVBReBCz5MJyDON7vCaaOi4WCUBXbN-VwDuBZevahM0G_-/s320/amah.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5095607312" target="_blank">Amah Faraway</a></i> by Margaret Chiu Greanias, ill. by Subisak</b></p><p>Kylie is going to visit her Amah in Taiwan. It's a long way away, she only knows her Amah from video chats, and Taipei is full of new things. Kylie is a bit overwhelmed. Can she ever feel comfortable with Amah in her home city?</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Granddaughter/Grandmother Story Fans, Travel Story Fans, Taiwan Setting Fans, Taiwanese/Taiwanese American Character Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQt0jgP6vdL7VJ07XDlKZkNTMaJeF1OH0rIlhkx36cjIuhd2uWnhBUD8tV1wbi0srqxEjct8TdheXg7EVf4G5A3tiz0B8xc8Ym5lwtShPDYlfzSr-VKrZACxtPa-fQ-V-quR_AC0cSgfTWEYBJkuUbvgajeJ8nNmWUgPU7zKbPRBbrOTxYPkGhc7mQ/s400/anyday.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="265" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQt0jgP6vdL7VJ07XDlKZkNTMaJeF1OH0rIlhkx36cjIuhd2uWnhBUD8tV1wbi0srqxEjct8TdheXg7EVf4G5A3tiz0B8xc8Ym5lwtShPDYlfzSr-VKrZACxtPa-fQ-V-quR_AC0cSgfTWEYBJkuUbvgajeJ8nNmWUgPU7zKbPRBbrOTxYPkGhc7mQ/s320/anyday.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4591304042" target="_blank">Any Day with You</a></i> by Mae Respicio</b></p><p>Kaia is really looking forward to 2 things this summer: film camp where she can grow her special effects makeup skills and spending time with Tatang (her great-grandfather) doing all their favorite things. But the summer gets a shade of sadness to it when Tatang announces that he's moving back to the Philippines for good at the end of the summer. Kaia adores Tatang, his stories inspired by Filipino mythology, and their special activities they do together. She figures that if she and her two best friends win the film competition they work on at camp maybe that will convince Tatang to stay.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Great-Granddaughter/Great-Grandfather Story Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Summer Story Fans, Young Movie Maker Character Fans, Filipino/Filipino American Character Fans, California Setting Fans, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Cip3AZmYc_H2qX46KE6vXB4WdPaive_tYnATHFfUN273vCz3MP-uQVSjU_5u0xnykRGWAyOWj2P0G9iK-ZLOGOIz5I_zA9EBsnEdDOvboY1HW-eBmMF1n8IEK25FNlPL9vwMdxPFwyifHa0NJPLMFYKDUKXyx9XyoPSNqkg2tPzuqukcu_R1Qfps/s1108/grandpa.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Cip3AZmYc_H2qX46KE6vXB4WdPaive_tYnATHFfUN273vCz3MP-uQVSjU_5u0xnykRGWAyOWj2P0G9iK-ZLOGOIz5I_zA9EBsnEdDOvboY1HW-eBmMF1n8IEK25FNlPL9vwMdxPFwyifHa0NJPLMFYKDUKXyx9XyoPSNqkg2tPzuqukcu_R1Qfps/s320/grandpa.jpeg" width="289" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4678375192" target="_blank">Grandpa across the Ocean</a></i> by Hyewon Yum</b></p><p>A little boy visits his Grandpa in Korea, which is way across the ocean. At first, the little boy doesn't like his Grandpa's strange house, strange language, strange food, and thinks he is boring. But soon, they start to discover they have several things in common, and maybe the summer with Grandpa isn't so bad after all.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Grandfather/Grandson Story Fans, Korea Setting Fans, Travel Story Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Korean/Korean American Character Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqTon-ONiphm0BF3M0IDPJRfBPoZ4I1L5M14tfLnKi0e0stV1Dn3t2Z74Jdob0eKaHATvR5-CgUR0ywjrk1o064_STh0DMFUDPvjd0cmiZtlGG5A8ceMatxJfageVtT4SaLEOkcc57kxb5qgQWLFSh6VBuGj_EyQI_NetF30RV_ShNJMfs4E9mQ4a/s405/idream.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="405" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqTon-ONiphm0BF3M0IDPJRfBPoZ4I1L5M14tfLnKi0e0stV1Dn3t2Z74Jdob0eKaHATvR5-CgUR0ywjrk1o064_STh0DMFUDPvjd0cmiZtlGG5A8ceMatxJfageVtT4SaLEOkcc57kxb5qgQWLFSh6VBuGj_EyQI_NetF30RV_ShNJMfs4E9mQ4a/s320/idream.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4557853735" target="_blank">I Dream of Popo</a></i> by Livia Blackburne, ill. by Julia Kuo</b></p><p>A girl shares her memories of her relationship with her grandma as she grows, celebrates Chinese New Year, moves from Taiwan to the States, learns English, and visits Taiwan again later.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Grandmother/Granddaughter Story Fans, Immigrant Story Fans, Taiwanese Character Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPqIy27YemyNdbYwKCMNUvk935oK66egethozmNqSDwS0VsAyMzugC7BTTi7nfVIzsTse6zoHmC6wMtdhjZ7Tfz9FLDNSoCHTQPva1EFBB6QDW6MYnUXY4wpoBQV4tppTOczcUdPXANFdhiDo7W-ChJYLvf4_v9vJ8dT3WrS2idXaf8_2gRqZJn2G/s785/illgo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="785" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPqIy27YemyNdbYwKCMNUvk935oK66egethozmNqSDwS0VsAyMzugC7BTTi7nfVIzsTse6zoHmC6wMtdhjZ7Tfz9FLDNSoCHTQPva1EFBB6QDW6MYnUXY4wpoBQV4tppTOczcUdPXANFdhiDo7W-ChJYLvf4_v9vJ8dT3WrS2idXaf8_2gRqZJn2G/s320/illgo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5054397296" target="_blank">I'll Go and Come Back</a></i> by Rajani LaRocca, ill. by Sara Palacios</b></p><p>Jyoti goes to visit her grandmother, her Sita Pati, in India. At first Jyoti finds India overwhelming and she misses her home across the ocean. But Sita Pati helps her explore different activities, foods, and experiences that make Jyoti sad to leave at the end. The next summer Sita Pati visits Jyoti in America. Now Sita Pati is the one missing home and it is Jyoti's turn to help her visit memorable and fun.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Grandmother/Granddaughter Story Fans, India Setting Fans, Travel Story Fans, Indian/Indian American Character Fans, Pattern Noticing Practicers, Summer Story Fans, Picture Book Readers </p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVjucpsxxqW7-T_aWlJ9yJn9U-EkeC_9lbfwYUqa25a0nRP3q_3Bt_8khIxbLzjo0wddfHlkdm0NS9DDXiUFGsI3AxOMLeMRKwi58ZnW2P-mOxS2YdTmzO8jODy5-xJ-fUQl-jS8lbeVHeRP6VbE9QiYedUmYAlVSQWBaiQAzDfOkr9uvHhRhBAmw/s864/insearch.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="560" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVjucpsxxqW7-T_aWlJ9yJn9U-EkeC_9lbfwYUqa25a0nRP3q_3Bt_8khIxbLzjo0wddfHlkdm0NS9DDXiUFGsI3AxOMLeMRKwi58ZnW2P-mOxS2YdTmzO8jODy5-xJ-fUQl-jS8lbeVHeRP6VbE9QiYedUmYAlVSQWBaiQAzDfOkr9uvHhRhBAmw/s320/insearch.jpeg" width="207" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4784950821" target="_blank">In Search of a Prince</a></i> (In Search of a Prince, #1) by Toni Shiloh</b></p><p>Brielle Adebayo's world is turned upside down when her grandfather on her deceased dad's side reaches out and invites her to come visit to learn about the nation she is next in line to rule. Brielle had no clue her father was the crowned prince of a small island African nation. He died before she really knew him, and her mother has evidently been very good at keeping the secret. Brielle gets a sub for her middle school classroom, gets her best friend to travel with her, and flies off to meet this royal grandfather she never knew existed. She arrives to learn that her grandfather is dying and she has just days to decide if she wants to claim her birthright or abdicate. And if she does choose to claim the throne there's a further stipulation that she has to marry a local man before her grandfather dies.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Grandfather/Granddaughter Story Fans, African Setting Fans, Princess Diaries-type Story Fans, Love Story Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, African/African American Character Fans, Christian Fiction Fans, Travel Story Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to YA)</p></blockquote><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1fnP6IXC5adKnBNLuR8NjpHU51Z_SFJKfPJbbu4iaiyWQn2UmW74Omb935ZEYY6BRm82EbK_YcT2RF3y5U1SoQXLCxy65rgkIa-7mSIzRUPLK58ptJmhbduEY5rjeYVXcVbD0DJ7HIeOaBYty0JDana-4B17Cp2JOcGqQJ_6C0hP7lm97CcFpefv/s400/measuring.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="275" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1fnP6IXC5adKnBNLuR8NjpHU51Z_SFJKfPJbbu4iaiyWQn2UmW74Omb935ZEYY6BRm82EbK_YcT2RF3y5U1SoQXLCxy65rgkIa-7mSIzRUPLK58ptJmhbduEY5rjeYVXcVbD0DJ7HIeOaBYty0JDana-4B17Cp2JOcGqQJ_6C0hP7lm97CcFpefv/s320/measuring.jpeg" width="220" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3904378019" target="_blank">Measuring Up</a></i> by Lily LaMotte, ill. by Ann Xu</b></p><p>Cici is upset when her parents move from Taiwan to the US because her beloved A-ma (Grandma) can't come with them. She's also a little worried about the adjustment to a new culture, though she finds some friends quickly. There are still differences between herself and her new friends she's not sure if they will understand. As A-ma's 70th birthday approaches, Cici really wants A-ma to visit but neither of them have the funds to make it happen. When Cici sees a sign for a kids' cooking competition with a monetary award, she signs up. A-ma taught her all sorts of cooking tips. The beginning of the competition finds Cici paired up with a girl who isn't very friendly at first and seems to know loads more about cooking than Cici. Will they find a way to make the competition work and even be friends, and what happens when they have to go individual again?</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Grandmother/Granddaughter Story Fans, Graphic Novel Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Foodies, Friendship Story Fans, Immigrant Story Fans, Taiwanese Character Fans, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xb8eHcIYXtp1BEW0h3RhzdbjAAexF70cEUeZxAur7NNu1qWQ9igTmzZ2N3iyvpsjj_s7Exora99xDQdG1iPv_yyaR9oQ9I6FD3o83XaAUO6bpbkKT8I_zUIyL3DNJVdG2UyimpX1LCezYymaHUJmigB307Om0eL9DjUhULkPGqyz2v9ECYKhADQz/s2082/mindy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2082" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xb8eHcIYXtp1BEW0h3RhzdbjAAexF70cEUeZxAur7NNu1qWQ9igTmzZ2N3iyvpsjj_s7Exora99xDQdG1iPv_yyaR9oQ9I6FD3o83XaAUO6bpbkKT8I_zUIyL3DNJVdG2UyimpX1LCezYymaHUJmigB307Om0eL9DjUhULkPGqyz2v9ECYKhADQz/s320/mindy.jpeg" width="215" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4607463068" target="_blank">Mindy Kim and the Trip to Korea</a></i> (Mindy Kim, #5) Lyla Lee, ill. by Dung Ho</b></p><p>Mindy Kim is going to South Korea to visit her grandparents and cousins. Her dad's girlfriend, Julie, is also going with them to meet the family for the first time. Both of them are a little nervous. Julie wants to make a good impression, and Mindy is nervous about communicating with her grandparents and her cousins since her Korean is only so-so and their English is only so-so. Will this trip be fantastic, or a big flop?</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Grandparents/Granddaughter Story Fans, Cousin Story Fans, Korea Setting Fans, Travel Story Fans, Korean/Korean American Character Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Lower Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdWT0-LGuHmD00t6qyuFC7KXLR57vUxwHluK2e6An5k5q9bSQmywxCCFzHNbEu4zPpFp6nFJaXvowvUOHVBDs032ZjkWN8o_mrDGaxfbRUtZDXL9bYjHcuogMe3mj8E_zGJ-9y8ol1ZQtoNcUza3nGgjswrIHB17WGZ1_RH__YN4VUIGXYHxC2L9e/s1000/whenlola.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="902" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdWT0-LGuHmD00t6qyuFC7KXLR57vUxwHluK2e6An5k5q9bSQmywxCCFzHNbEu4zPpFp6nFJaXvowvUOHVBDs032ZjkWN8o_mrDGaxfbRUtZDXL9bYjHcuogMe3mj8E_zGJ-9y8ol1ZQtoNcUza3nGgjswrIHB17WGZ1_RH__YN4VUIGXYHxC2L9e/s320/whenlola.jpeg" width="289" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4557833798" target="_blank">When Lola Visits</a></i> by Michelle Sterling, ill. by Aaron Asis</b></p><p>A description of what sights, sounds, tastes, and smells summer brings for a Filipina American girl during a season full of special foods and events as her grandmother visits from across the ocean.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Grandmother/Granddaughter Story Fans, Summer Story Fans, Filipino/Filipino American Character Fans, Sensory Language Studiers, Foodies, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Art Lovers, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p><br /></p>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-10516485783960687202023-03-31T00:57:00.000-07:002023-03-31T00:57:26.867-07:00Brainstorm 295: Books for Every Vacationer<p>Songkran Break is just around the corner for our school, so it is time to snatch up some reading for that beach/forest/urban escape or staycation. I am arranging things a little differently today. I have the books organized by the type of vacation reader. Each reader type is highlighted in this <span style="background-color: #01ffff;">color</span>, and includes 3 books, one targeted for an adult audience, one targeted for a teen or middle grade audience, and one targeted at lower grade or preschool readers. As always, click on the title to see my full review and any content notes/trigger warnings for each book. </p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #01ffff;">The Arm Chair Sleuth</span></h2><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYJWOlzkAnph6cd3JrxRxlAy2l-Hom8ZupWbgAeIKf1UfObuz775jbVhXv4xTixMGtjNDQXmzdVIImJo81o7utr6EjGB1eTi-jbOLeW0BAfL_3RkRq_YSCKJPidHjMlqYlZxm8P8RmPcQ2_bv3JZD3XwPIWoewObAxVyZoXMe3GaFBb1ToIVH5BRy/s500/shady.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="326" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYJWOlzkAnph6cd3JrxRxlAy2l-Hom8ZupWbgAeIKf1UfObuz775jbVhXv4xTixMGtjNDQXmzdVIImJo81o7utr6EjGB1eTi-jbOLeW0BAfL_3RkRq_YSCKJPidHjMlqYlZxm8P8RmPcQ2_bv3JZD3XwPIWoewObAxVyZoXMe3GaFBb1ToIVH5BRy/s320/shady.jpeg" width="209" /></a></div><p></p><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5107954511" target="_blank">Shady Hollow</a></i> (Shady Hollow, #1) by Juneau Black</b></p><p>Shady Hollow's quaint and peaceful community receives quite the shake when long-time grumpy resident Otto the toad is found floating in the pond with a knife in his back. Vera Vixen, star reporter, is on the case. As is Orville, the polar bear deputy (who feels in way over his head and wonders when his boss will show up from his long-term fishing trip). Otto always had grumpy comments for everyone in town, but nothing bad enough they wanted to murder him, right? So who could have killed them? Can they trust anyone if there's been a murderer hiding in their midst all this time?</p><p>The characters in this may be animals, but they act like a normal community of different people in this cozy mystery.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Cozy Mystery Fans, Animal Fiction Fans, Small Town Setting Fans, Quick Read Fans, Adult Readers (though totally approachable to YA)</p></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnoiQfOeoo6x4qseiYW-nJYJ9YPHQjDaMFvrqnIQ82FAnL0GMtMwwTqb6wgrWHijs27avKZDFjCzsM0op87KxDwJbIG-niWfs6xXbggFLn_2o0qmO9F-kbx99STLKKxmiHyTXOgHjgHw6ZLwVZYCa807quxyh8EXGPsYn3276nfBtiBOiKUuNqYJpT/s2114/city.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2114" data-original-width="1399" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnoiQfOeoo6x4qseiYW-nJYJ9YPHQjDaMFvrqnIQ82FAnL0GMtMwwTqb6wgrWHijs27avKZDFjCzsM0op87KxDwJbIG-niWfs6xXbggFLn_2o0qmO9F-kbx99STLKKxmiHyTXOgHjgHw6ZLwVZYCa807quxyh8EXGPsYn3276nfBtiBOiKUuNqYJpT/s320/city.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3142381781" target="_blank">City Spies</a></i> (City Spies, #1) by James Ponti</b></p><p>Instead of heading off to a group home or juvie after her trial for hacking, like she expected, Sara Martinez finds herself instead whisked off to Scotland and recruited to become a spy for MI-6. A man named Mother showed up, posed as her attorney, and worked everything out before Sara even knew what was happening. Now Sara finds herself dubbed Brooklyn (the city she came from), and joining fellow child spies Paris, Rio, Kat, and Sydney on a mission to stop a terrorist attack at a youth summit in Paris.</p><p>Featuring a splendid global cast of characters, the City Spies series takes readers all over the world solving mysteries and keeping the world safe covertly.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Spy Story Fans, Mystery Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Multicultural Cast of Characters Fans, Global Adventure Fans, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQwiVNETmL0tcXe9fZE9uO4B_x6TB_nP4ne3ilwhlBoN9Vo2v3vMvlUFoF_3nhrtAUEGPsM7GQdRDVNAxuyZCT7Jf3BBZAs500pu_Q4WmGWHgHFFac0SNk7Bl6Pl1nvoeU57sfWPElPUffK9NmCqkopipqPnvkiU-QH4BGEASRT56klVMMuiD4UFo/s400/cheetah.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="290" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQwiVNETmL0tcXe9fZE9uO4B_x6TB_nP4ne3ilwhlBoN9Vo2v3vMvlUFoF_3nhrtAUEGPsM7GQdRDVNAxuyZCT7Jf3BBZAs500pu_Q4WmGWHgHFFac0SNk7Bl6Pl1nvoeU57sfWPElPUffK9NmCqkopipqPnvkiU-QH4BGEASRT56klVMMuiD4UFo/s320/cheetah.jpeg" width="232" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4971183479" target="_blank">The Case of the Missing Cheetah</a></i> (Secret Spy Society, #1) by Veronica Mang</b></p><p>Rita, Peggy, and Dot need a new case. When they see a lady acting oddly out on the street they decide to follow her. They notice her using Morse code and then realize she is their teacher, Ms. Kahn. Ms. Kahn introduces the girls to her Secret Spy Society of other women spies. They need some fresh faces to go find out if the man they suspect has really kidnapped Josephine's cheetah Chiquita. Can Rita, Peggy, and Dot use their skills to help these lady spies?</p><p>All of the lady spies in this book are based on historical women spies!</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Spy Story Fans, Mystery Fans, Informative Fiction Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Lower Grade/Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #01ffff;">Give Me an Autobiography/Memoir/Biography</span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qRAIXTUiBb1UpZ_ZlLjR8tET9fEquTxeOn2EZCvl7tRkNvXbsGsa7M0RE3c2i1Xou4iuUZYVIF9ckebbw-BSSsJqaYulYJAoPMMsV9uQLDYF1ii4M-Lps7HD7Sg09AqmVXfHLObbYsPSGEU_Hax4lz6p_BI8xqjFa0u6MBowywQ7bKGAuDNkO7HQ/s1000/dutch.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="662" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qRAIXTUiBb1UpZ_ZlLjR8tET9fEquTxeOn2EZCvl7tRkNvXbsGsa7M0RE3c2i1Xou4iuUZYVIF9ckebbw-BSSsJqaYulYJAoPMMsV9uQLDYF1ii4M-Lps7HD7Sg09AqmVXfHLObbYsPSGEU_Hax4lz6p_BI8xqjFa0u6MBowywQ7bKGAuDNkO7HQ/s320/dutch.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3045900127" target="_blank">Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II </a></i>by Robert Matzen</b></p><p>A biography of actress Audrey Hepburn that focuses primarily on her childhood and teen years in Europe as WWII was brewing and then hit while she was living in an idyllic town in the Netherlands with her mother and her mother's extended family. The highs and lows of the rest of Audrey's life are touched upon, but the main focus is the WWII years and how they impacted Audrey for the rest of her life.</p><p>The author now has a 2nd follow up biography of Audrey that focuses on her years working with UNICEF.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Celebrity Biography Fans, WWII Biography Fans, History Buffs, Nonfiction Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to YA)</p></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqX6O5nXZB_plxM-nT4tMbu3O_sF8wj1lmZ_COEiiJ1h7qlbXxIqbdbxCEabK3Z3LyZWH_v9yN6crWmEWSzpM4Nkh_c14PdJZ5O3VhAA6nAynwny6oUW8Qb0dKuYQlDHdQSbkUuJEFwsZEmNAdWRxwnJf4MtRc5g6CpGUfqghO7aGQI-F0tk5a3hR/s499/secrets.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="383" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqX6O5nXZB_plxM-nT4tMbu3O_sF8wj1lmZ_COEiiJ1h7qlbXxIqbdbxCEabK3Z3LyZWH_v9yN6crWmEWSzpM4Nkh_c14PdJZ5O3VhAA6nAynwny6oUW8Qb0dKuYQlDHdQSbkUuJEFwsZEmNAdWRxwnJf4MtRc5g6CpGUfqghO7aGQI-F0tk5a3hR/s320/secrets.jpeg" width="246" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2777854650" target="_blank">The Secrets of Tutankhamun: Egypt’s Boy King and His Incredible Tomb</a></i> by Patricia Cleveland-Peck, ill. by Isabela Greenberg</b></p><p>A biography of Tutankhamun and history of his times, as well as a brief biography of Howard Carter and history of how he and others found and cataloged the tomb of King Tut.</p><p>This was the best biography of Tutankhamun I've ever read. It did a great job of clarifying what is known and what historians guess about him and his times (and what those guesses are based on).</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Biography Fans, Ancient Egypt Studiers, Archaeology Fans, History Buffs, Nonfiction Fans, Curious Readers, Teachers Looking for Model Texts for Nonfiction Writing, Middle Grade/YA Readers </p></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsbmtcY1KtkDONuIS7Iq5LDe5OGgrkiFaelA_UyXM-JqgffQ9d1hX62xou-9bnXFKoR8fQeNipbZrqsggCfDi432BAggn0omG4ZH_MEeRMhChrXhqFZk0cBF1O7bNEzBRNdGySwtFiSQ2e-SuyEAnXEvjC4XvNdgMuFwxEr2tR5v3bYQWNuiGv83z/s400/tu.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsbmtcY1KtkDONuIS7Iq5LDe5OGgrkiFaelA_UyXM-JqgffQ9d1hX62xou-9bnXFKoR8fQeNipbZrqsggCfDi432BAggn0omG4ZH_MEeRMhChrXhqFZk0cBF1O7bNEzBRNdGySwtFiSQ2e-SuyEAnXEvjC4XvNdgMuFwxEr2tR5v3bYQWNuiGv83z/s320/tu.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4678410489" target="_blank">Tu Youyou’s Discovery: Finding a Cure for Malaria</a></i> by Songju Ma Daemicke, ill. by Lin</b></p><p>A picture book biography of Tu Youyou, the woman who helped find a cure for malaria and the first Chinese woman to receive a Nobel Prize.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Picture Book Biography Fans, Women in STEM Biography Fans, Science Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Medical Breakthrough Studiers, Curious Readers, Lower Grade Readers</p></blockquote><h2 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #01ffff;">Give Me an Ol’ Classic</span></h2><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMDYEKcdKyXvUSWa2aCB3bCSmjFp5swfvu66oW7vlyqpURByDxW0-QH9RJ8qoDC7bstSrotkyxo7RhnmOPduG-Qt_ruMkPcAnB-uVX6KROda0CRwkEAIQqEUQe_AlAwN0WfuvswpWzX1NkAtMpFlIwh1kcw0C4v7sC2IBD8edkkwzxsJtURytYbxv/s280/ourmutual.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="169" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMDYEKcdKyXvUSWa2aCB3bCSmjFp5swfvu66oW7vlyqpURByDxW0-QH9RJ8qoDC7bstSrotkyxo7RhnmOPduG-Qt_ruMkPcAnB-uVX6KROda0CRwkEAIQqEUQe_AlAwN0WfuvswpWzX1NkAtMpFlIwh1kcw0C4v7sC2IBD8edkkwzxsJtURytYbxv/s1600/ourmutual.jpeg" width="169" /></a></div><p></p><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/413305721" target="_blank">Our Mutual Friend</a></i> by Charles Dickens</b></p><p>It’s hard to summarize a Dickens well as he builds about 20 different plot lines and brings them all together in the last 1/5 of the book. This one revolves around an unexpected inheritance, how wealth can change someone, a mystery, a love story, and the poor in Victorian England. It takes perseverance to get through, but if you can stick with it, you’re rewarded by seeing how Dickens masterfully brings everything together.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Reader:</b></p><p>Classic Readers, Historical Fiction Fans, Mystery Fans, Love Story Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to high reading YA readers)</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitu1OqrfazLq0uZOqgjZ02-HF_Y_2KV8BITWxSW1r8XRX5it_gRGkuWdXggy31xAbCfFPj2UfFSOLibKLsO721jY5w9sqQpUz8m1N4HezpmmIwMCe6w5WjM9moHWHaPVS37NLUPy0d4Id4zR0cCIV3vKtF7PUBCLbC4T4XgGduPlxkWCjk5hPcZ9tz/s475/oz.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="308" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitu1OqrfazLq0uZOqgjZ02-HF_Y_2KV8BITWxSW1r8XRX5it_gRGkuWdXggy31xAbCfFPj2UfFSOLibKLsO721jY5w9sqQpUz8m1N4HezpmmIwMCe6w5WjM9moHWHaPVS37NLUPy0d4Id4zR0cCIV3vKtF7PUBCLbC4T4XgGduPlxkWCjk5hPcZ9tz/s320/oz.jpeg" width="207" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/726835029" target="_blank">The Wonderful Wizard of Oz</a></i> (Marvel Oz, #1) by L. Frank Baum, adapted by Eric Shanower, ill. by Scottie Young</b></p><p>Shanower and Young have done a fantastic graphic novel version of the classic children's story about Dorothy's first adventures in Oz with the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion. In case you're not familiar with these: Dorothy and gang are all off to see the Wizard of Oz and get his help for their various problems (real and imagined). Oz tells them he'll help them after the Wicked Witch of the West is no longer an issue (thinking that will never happen). And then, Dorothy and gang do the impossible. Oz makes up things to give the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Lion after they expose him for being a humbug. He makes a hot air balloon to sail over the great desert with Dorothy, but the balloon takes off before Dorothy gets in. So Dorothy and gang go on another adventure to go find the Good Witch of the South and see if she can help Dorothy get home.</p><p>This version is extremely true to the original, often copying sections of text word for word, and making sure to keep the original elements instead of Hollywood elements. </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Classics Fans, Fantasy Fans, Quest Adventure Fans, Graphic Novel Fans, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5JKEOf6SVJ33CP3M7Jr8OoTuX4_Q6xPFybTan6t3d-D5Ba5_8TfuDyG48WljiVeSf3QtSadI-gXpwgXQBntGc41GpCCnZIWFy8Gsnvs4BlBkllTZkAm6QGd2_yNjFDCpxZf6anpL7iGCFxQMfvcpMXo5G72c4Y7OcHqKtr6APTSZbHCd3kpSb_D0/s436/anatole.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5JKEOf6SVJ33CP3M7Jr8OoTuX4_Q6xPFybTan6t3d-D5Ba5_8TfuDyG48WljiVeSf3QtSadI-gXpwgXQBntGc41GpCCnZIWFy8Gsnvs4BlBkllTZkAm6QGd2_yNjFDCpxZf6anpL7iGCFxQMfvcpMXo5G72c4Y7OcHqKtr6APTSZbHCd3kpSb_D0/s320/anatole.jpeg" width="233" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/942673950" target="_blank">Anatole</a></i> (Anatole, #1) by Eve Titus, ill. by Paul Galdone</b></p><p>Anatole is a conscientious Parisian who is horrified when he hears how disgusted humans are by the way mice get their food. Anatole wants to do something nice in return for his food gathering, and he has just the idea. He takes little signs with him to a cheese factory, labels the samples with "Very Good", "Not So Good", etc. and writes little hints of how to make each cheese better. The cheese factory isn't doing so well, so the owner decides it couldn't hurt to try the suggestions of his mystery advisor. It turns out Anatole's suggestions are perfect, and cheese sales soar. The owner asks Anatole to show his face, but the humble mouse simply thanks him and remains anonymous, continuing to help the cheese factory in return for the food they leave out for him each night.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Animal Story Fans, Historical Fiction Fans, Award Winner Readers, Foodies, Paris Setting Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #01ffff;">I Want a Feel Good Story</span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1ARipbFMpTzat3bvb_5ZWblqXtdnXY_v9r8av43c1qDzxdy77T6Xfi739vbxhMr8jAYn9KGf5UjlTMW1rFogF97tor_jPb8fIrD2BTSgoiRF8G5T9VpU-dWbrt2R0BeJ2MJqsj2oGvDrfZN1OX57TxZI1kELic5K8_j0LCs3H0hw4Qbuba7vSyBZ/s475/asyou.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1ARipbFMpTzat3bvb_5ZWblqXtdnXY_v9r8av43c1qDzxdy77T6Xfi739vbxhMr8jAYn9KGf5UjlTMW1rFogF97tor_jPb8fIrD2BTSgoiRF8G5T9VpU-dWbrt2R0BeJ2MJqsj2oGvDrfZN1OX57TxZI1kELic5K8_j0LCs3H0hw4Qbuba7vSyBZ/s320/asyou.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><p><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1096875546" target="_blank"><i>As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of the </i>Princess Bride</a> by Cary Elwes with Joe Layden, foreward by Rob Reiner</b></p><p>A look behind the scenes of the making of <i>The Princess Bride</i> from the perspective of Cary Elwes, aka Westley.</p><p>Never fear, this will just make you love the movie more.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Behind the Scenes Fans, <i>Princess Bride</i> Fans, Celebrity Memoir Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable for YA)</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvnOnCXa78iZk-8YlM2xOZbF_ywdPri7Nh1xuooeYqTvyMozR2114ExVsX2f-tgOdrLwoQQJQTbCcNnPD9auAAkQvylPUW-BheQpzcaiyUPxaP425rZjkyDqdKrNgbhrQ5W1bog7QAjKBLxU6Dm1tuS9k0QFQxKHZYML9L2RowOg_0QxS8ntai2fZ/s500/shine.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="331" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvnOnCXa78iZk-8YlM2xOZbF_ywdPri7Nh1xuooeYqTvyMozR2114ExVsX2f-tgOdrLwoQQJQTbCcNnPD9auAAkQvylPUW-BheQpzcaiyUPxaP425rZjkyDqdKrNgbhrQ5W1bog7QAjKBLxU6Dm1tuS9k0QFQxKHZYML9L2RowOg_0QxS8ntai2fZ/s320/shine.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3588966371" target="_blank">Shine!</a></i> by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein</b></p><p>Piper comes from very musical and accomplished parents, but she can't carry a tune in a bucket. She wishes she had some kind of talent, but she feels very ordinary. This becomes an even bigger issue when her father gets a job at the exclusive Chumley Prep and she is transferred there too. Her mother was a shining star at Chumley for her music skills, and Piper feels like she has big shoes to fill but nothing to fill them with. Not only that, but the week she arrives the school announces a new Excelsior Award with undisclosed qualifications. The students are just informed that there are secret judges and the winner will be announced mid-March. Suddenly students at Chumley are going crazy to win all the awards and acclamations they can get. Piper too gets swept up in the craze, but when the competition starts to come between her and some of her new friends, Piper starts to realize that awards aren't worth some sacrifices.</p><p>A superb emphasis on kindness and what matters in the long run!</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Feel Good Story Fans, Kindness Story Fans, Prep School Story Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaraC8UfxIIIbR7wYLlNdrtby0qXAAoK0046rXD9imeDcR5pOeaoSTRdxH4Je_935XRuTig48h22HSopgN15R07W2MdfaCq1kd7U8o_4_oEmaFxB_23wXbfj0WEg2VW9k9qLFi2vHEFS6LQTEqrDPGubG91UT8Wvf6N78VOCuiGxHcsYW0eDFTQEF/s441/amos.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="441" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaraC8UfxIIIbR7wYLlNdrtby0qXAAoK0046rXD9imeDcR5pOeaoSTRdxH4Je_935XRuTig48h22HSopgN15R07W2MdfaCq1kd7U8o_4_oEmaFxB_23wXbfj0WEg2VW9k9qLFi2vHEFS6LQTEqrDPGubG91UT8Wvf6N78VOCuiGxHcsYW0eDFTQEF/s320/amos.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4201257736" target="_blank">Amos McGee Misses the Bus</a></i> (Amos McGee, #2) by Philip C. Stead, ill. by Erin E. Stead</b></p><p>Amos McGee is so excited about taking his friends from the zoo on a special trip he doesn't sleep well, and he misses his bus, and he's not sure he can finish his jobs in time, and on top of it all he lost his favorite hat in the hurry. Will the day get any worse? Or could it get better?</p><p>A sweet little story about friends taking care of each other.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Feel Good Story Fans, Animal Lovers, Friendship Story Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #01ffff;">I Want Grand Adventure! (...from the Comfort of My Cozy Chair)</span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELKHFhSFYBWVPJQRorefp4Oe3uekEE4d-CGLPasxkbuhXJpz8EM7FcxRd6GySXFrN7FoUzbj2cCfr6gCKdzBX6u_DNtljjjGVwl8XT7jVXksymZgYnrAv7of-o6boqHEIqzUJaVWuLFbiBjhnqRu45QtfbLpO-qFYz8SzgZmjLVkkB4Db8h7xb3Cv/s450/lostcity.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELKHFhSFYBWVPJQRorefp4Oe3uekEE4d-CGLPasxkbuhXJpz8EM7FcxRd6GySXFrN7FoUzbj2cCfr6gCKdzBX6u_DNtljjjGVwl8XT7jVXksymZgYnrAv7of-o6boqHEIqzUJaVWuLFbiBjhnqRu45QtfbLpO-qFYz8SzgZmjLVkkB4Db8h7xb3Cv/s320/lostcity.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1519006112" target="_blank">The Lost City of Z: a Deadly Tale of Obsession in the Amazon</a></i> by David Grann</b></p><p>Most authorities on civilization agreed that the Amazon couldn't support a large civilization in ancient times, but one man disagreed. Percy Fawcett was a repeat Amazon adventurer, former British military man, who guarded secrets he believed would lead him to a huge ancient city he called Z. He set off for Z with his son and a friend of his son in 1925 and never returned. Over 100 people have gone into the Amazon jungles in search of Fawcett and many of them have also disappeared. David Grann got wind of this story, and decided he would try and find out if Fawcett's Z existed, if the new open records of the Explorer's Society would give him extra insight into where Fawcett was headed (since it was a closely guarded secret), and if the truth was out there. Part biography of the adventurer Fawcett, part history of the exploration/mapping of the world and the Amazon in particular, and part travel/research adventure of Grann's search for the truth.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Crazy But True Story Fans, Adventure Fans, Survival Story Fans, Amazon Setting Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Curious Readers, Adult Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4irq2HvKP2vMpGu7P_dIQeHHR58zNQwL_nGBvJnzuXgzJkIdPrPES8FVPIudfvSb_LaoN5UfWGppHnUtL_CC8UiZ0cikpZdNUIMRoDj_z5f5MpRvK4M0C4MAm3sr0sHpSvEUkCfzogGy4uKzZIGQH2bWJQjcrVizbZ3Ah91S_6BLnGwRymO2cnSUM/s1000/shinji.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="661" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4irq2HvKP2vMpGu7P_dIQeHHR58zNQwL_nGBvJnzuXgzJkIdPrPES8FVPIudfvSb_LaoN5UfWGppHnUtL_CC8UiZ0cikpZdNUIMRoDj_z5f5MpRvK4M0C4MAm3sr0sHpSvEUkCfzogGy4uKzZIGQH2bWJQjcrVizbZ3Ah91S_6BLnGwRymO2cnSUM/s320/shinji.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5345281282" target="_blank">Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl</a></i> (Society of Explorers and Adventurers, #1) by Julie Kagawa</b></p><p>Shinji Takahashi lives with his aunt after his parents died in a tragic fire. She travels the world looking for special hand-crafted items to sell at her store. They are currently traveling in his Aunt's boat on the Zambezi River to get to their next stop. On their arrival, Shinji is bored but his Aunt sends him on a quest to find one unique item in the market that speaks to him. Off he goes with little hope of seeing something new when he stumbles into a stall he doesn't remember seeing on their last visit. In there he finds a coatl statue that jumps out to him. Soon after he's purchased it, some men in suits show up demanding he sell it to them or else. Shinji doesn't like these bullies so he tries to evade them, but when he's cornered, in a flash the coatl changes from a statue to a tattoo on his wrist, and the bad guys kidnap him. He wakes up in a long way from Africa in a skyscraper belonging to the Hightower corporation. Who are these people, and why do they want this coatl thing so bad? How can he get away from them and get rid of it? And what was a statue from ancient Mexico doing in Africa in the first place?</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Adventure Fans, Fantasy Fans, Mythological Fiction Fans, Globe Trotting Plot Fans, Multicultural Cast Fans, Archaeology Fans, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxr1O_lg1cZDVv6EtfFcubHejYRaKtux2r7HSkt1K-5gpcuKdNqzzouZoN3-_wcjZzy3qq5zI3VZL9-fVzDIc-nvxd87erzQa8QAc8PvrJyoHN_dyA0vzN5n1wDDXli0Ty5e2yX6_VNXoTUegRDvS9I7zDPQpRHytZo-CUgP7zmVV-if2ifZaTdui/s500/slug.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="497" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxr1O_lg1cZDVv6EtfFcubHejYRaKtux2r7HSkt1K-5gpcuKdNqzzouZoN3-_wcjZzy3qq5zI3VZL9-fVzDIc-nvxd87erzQa8QAc8PvrJyoHN_dyA0vzN5n1wDDXli0Ty5e2yX6_VNXoTUegRDvS9I7zDPQpRHytZo-CUgP7zmVV-if2ifZaTdui/s320/slug.jpeg" width="318" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2054878343" target="_blank">Super Slug of Doom</a></i> (Super Happy Magic Forest, #2) by Matty Long</b></p><p>When Zorgoth the Super Slug of Doom escapes his trap the Super Happy Magic Forest is in danger. They send out five intrepid heroes to stop Zorgoth before he can drink the Potion of Power and gain control. Can they stop Zorgoth before it is too late?</p><p>Filled with nods to classic fantasy quest stories, hide-n-seek elements, and humor.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Fantasy Fans, Adventure Fans, Quest Story Fans, Humor Fans, Hidden Picture Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #01ffff;">I Want Historical Drama</span></h2><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YKNYsuAvtW3SJIfY1xTv9w6L3MqliP7Vmaq8z26M04W-9wNdkx6GL7lTwY2i9D7anC3LzGeEGBbEgN1ytDZyyFfV_HrcikJPHqMfVKMYXFn9Xz2aDnDyqLmAApFR8q13rnEQtFp0TQfGtlQOj_wpuOp8ertXruAqElTRGRh0YQdq9RQUdrpUMoHM/s1024/until.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="663" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YKNYsuAvtW3SJIfY1xTv9w6L3MqliP7Vmaq8z26M04W-9wNdkx6GL7lTwY2i9D7anC3LzGeEGBbEgN1ytDZyyFfV_HrcikJPHqMfVKMYXFn9Xz2aDnDyqLmAApFR8q13rnEQtFp0TQfGtlQOj_wpuOp8ertXruAqElTRGRh0YQdq9RQUdrpUMoHM/s320/until.jpeg" width="207" /></a></div><p></p><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5009587712" target="_blank">Until Leaves Fall in Paris</a></i> by Sarah Sundin</b></p><p>As the Nazi influence in Paris grows, Lucie feels called to resign her beloved position in the ballet and take over Green Leaf Books for the Jewish couple who allowed her to stay with them so she could continue her ballet education after her parents returned to the States. Lucie is doing her best but struggling with the business aspects of running the English book store, and she needs some serious business skills as the Nazis measures cut her inventory down and drive her customers away from Paris.</p><p>Paul Aubrey is still reeling from losing his wife last year in a horrible accident. He would have taken his little daughter Josie and left Paris for the US right away if the US government hadn't approached him and asked him to keep the Aubrey motor factory open so he has a position to spy on the Germans for his country. But no one can know he is a spy, so the expat community mostly shuns him thinking he is a conspirator with the Nazis.</p><p>When Paul and Lucie meet they feel an easy friendship. Paul helps her with business advice, and she helps him see the brilliance in his daughters “silly” make believe stories, but it doesn't seem like their friendship can grow much beyond that. But neither can let the other person know about their real selves and secret involvement with the resistance. </p><p>If there could be such a thing as a cozy WWII story, this would be it.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>WWII Story Fans, Historical Fiction Fans, Paris Setting Fans, Love Story Fans, Christian Fiction Fans, Adult Readers (though totally approachable to YA)</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWvR7yYi0yfQpEz1NoE5YR6oCSPGNBtQXZnn_0aDjn1-XcJiPECAbms1mXNBuA-yBlUmUpnDKj9oAhu9WEdOyaq0qLXxUHdkwQjJi2o80SGb1rKtBczAtxOWKT9bUFQoVSIm07lmuB6TQXcIVxmjkCDdJLdkKqtMMEOKq36prDyLznAQYawxo6v32/s1200/redpalace.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="777" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWvR7yYi0yfQpEz1NoE5YR6oCSPGNBtQXZnn_0aDjn1-XcJiPECAbms1mXNBuA-yBlUmUpnDKj9oAhu9WEdOyaq0qLXxUHdkwQjJi2o80SGb1rKtBczAtxOWKT9bUFQoVSIm07lmuB6TQXcIVxmjkCDdJLdkKqtMMEOKq36prDyLznAQYawxo6v32/s320/redpalace.jpeg" width="207" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5307630984" target="_blank">The Red Palace</a></i> by June Hur</b></p><p>Hyeon is very excited that her hard work at her studies has allowed her to get a position as a palace nurse. But one night, a physician calls her and Nurse Jieun to the bedside of the Crowned Prince. Only, the person laying in the Prince's bed is most definitely not him, and in the morning the streets are full of the news that there has been a massacre at the Hyeminseo, the nurses' training school. Hyeon's curiosity and worries for her mentor and friends leads her to sneak into the crime scene and get a peek at the bodies. A police servant helps her sneak out of the crime scene before grumpy Commander Song can catch her there. But she runs into the police servant later and discovers he's actually Jieun's cousin, the youngest man to become an inspector with the police force. Commander Song has decided to get revenge on Hyeon's mentor (who was the nurse when his wife and child died) rather than look for the real murderer. So it falls on Inspector Seo's shoulders to search out the real culprit, and he's noticed Hyeon's keen observation skills and recruited her to help. There are rumors the Crowned Prince committed the crimes, while Hyeon and Inspector Seo also have a few other suspicious characters to follow because one of the victims wasn't a nurse, she was a court lady in disguise.</p><p>Hur makes 1700s Korea come to life and even weaves in some real history.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Mystery Fans, Historical Fiction Fans, Korea Setting Fans, Medical Mystery Fans, Young Adult/Adult Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLu0QfKl8hZpcLc8supqlFnH1qZZ-reUQYTEctks3ToDnUNNBfXThjRn2y61m7i6EdrSvdTts61w0cTomJfrpU447Nbhp__cwAHSXXVqrN2qymOfcUwRn-WpqSEnMR4OdHSS9QmG81yFbQ0quVqhh4LCgN1kSCF8UpcNy5yQuOgCRXlP0iWjQ3sHWX/s2339/voyage.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2339" data-original-width="1524" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLu0QfKl8hZpcLc8supqlFnH1qZZ-reUQYTEctks3ToDnUNNBfXThjRn2y61m7i6EdrSvdTts61w0cTomJfrpU447Nbhp__cwAHSXXVqrN2qymOfcUwRn-WpqSEnMR4OdHSS9QmG81yFbQ0quVqhh4LCgN1kSCF8UpcNy5yQuOgCRXlP0iWjQ3sHWX/s320/voyage.jpeg" width="208" /></a></div><p><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5093375518" target="_blank"><i>Voyage of the </i>Sparrowhawk</a> by Natasha Farrant</b></p><p>Ben and his brother Sam were adopted by a kindly sailor named Nathan who stumbled across their plight. They had a happy home for a while aboard the <i>Sparrowhawk</i>, but then WWI came and Sam enlisted and got hurt. Nathan went to tend to Sam in hospital, and in a late airstrike, Nathan died and Sam was lost, presumed dead. Ben has been trying to get by on his own and keeps holding out hope that Sam is still out there. Lottie had a charmed childhood with two parents who adored her, but then there was an accident and since she was handed over to her uncle's care her life has been miserable. After getting herself kicked out of her latest dreadful boarding school, Lottie crashes into Ben's life when she uses the <i>Sparrowhawk</i> to avoid the police after rescuing the town rough's poor little abused dog. Ben and Lottie become fast friends, and in a time of desperation decide to set out for France. Ben is going to look for Sam, while Lottie needs to see if her beloved Grandmother is still alive. But it is a long trip for a boat that hasn't sailed for years, neither of them is very experienced boaters, and the local police constable is on their trail.</p><p>This is a heartwarming story of strong friends, daring rescues, faithful dogs, and the tenacity to never give up on those you love.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Historical Fiction Fans, England/France Setting Fans, Orphan Story Fans, Dog Lovers, Friendship Story Fans, Post WWI Era Setting Fans, Sea Story Fans, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #01ffff;">I Want to Be Inspired Spiritually</span></h2><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalkyCARparvtJ35LBjPJYiRtUyVAtehguC9vnO4jcabZ1yOnS8vW2f5QwQEiGA28Ak2M90mBRH4kZz64fnLxm0YXgX5ghiSIo7xlcYk9hEGANQR7zqzoNSPl5F3fNuazTXmlL0BgXwzPevqbAVzmlCWpoNJiIf9tKwRgeb_LrlRhHVFq2b5xj-T9v/s2400/leadlike.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalkyCARparvtJ35LBjPJYiRtUyVAtehguC9vnO4jcabZ1yOnS8vW2f5QwQEiGA28Ak2M90mBRH4kZz64fnLxm0YXgX5ghiSIo7xlcYk9hEGANQR7zqzoNSPl5F3fNuazTXmlL0BgXwzPevqbAVzmlCWpoNJiIf9tKwRgeb_LrlRhHVFq2b5xj-T9v/s320/leadlike.jpeg" width="210" /></a></div><p></p><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4818444407" target="_blank">Lead Like Jesus Revisited: Lessons from the Greatest Leadership Role Model of All Time</a></i> by Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges, & Phyllis Hendry</b></p><p>Business and psychology experts look at the principles of leadership as modeled by Jesus in Scriptures, how they've seen these principles applied by leaders in real life, common pit falls, and how to be a better leader with practical steps and examples, focusing on first being a better person yourself and making sure you are in a solid personal place before relating and leading others.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Leadership Advice Fans, Christian Life Encouragement Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Adult Readers (though good for YA leaders too)</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnD8EJqP1Z4jqve5OndSEivNvyemBxwWAZ73nk4XvCAWdeLEr3y3dhbxf9sjD7L6zbL-Cg-MBZ0WYsegp3SNv4NuGcDB2gA-PuxLSZu8gaPoh2vb5ry8KIdnBMKbqWuBHEjyouS1sx4JLhsio8AztBjzAQiOwm7Ovw2BsPmnrlq2_HdbQBYdA3NxB/s1524/kids.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1524" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnD8EJqP1Z4jqve5OndSEivNvyemBxwWAZ73nk4XvCAWdeLEr3y3dhbxf9sjD7L6zbL-Cg-MBZ0WYsegp3SNv4NuGcDB2gA-PuxLSZu8gaPoh2vb5ry8KIdnBMKbqWuBHEjyouS1sx4JLhsio8AztBjzAQiOwm7Ovw2BsPmnrlq2_HdbQBYdA3NxB/s320/kids.jpeg" width="210" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3706798835" target="_blank">A Kid’s Guide to the Names of Jesus</a></i> (A Kid's Guide to) by Tony Evans</b></p><p>Dr. Tony Evans introduces kids to 12 of the names given to Jesus in the Bible, why they are significant, and how they impact how we relate to Him. Interactive questions are provided throughout for readers to answer.</p><p>Engagingly written for the target audience, but doesn’t skimp on spiritual depth.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Christian Readers, Bible Studiers, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphlwJxtwtiQfjNCakmAABheT9ZUlGPQc2y51EgyQkJTwg85bPEOX2L0-0XAbG72ObElkqx4UPXRoXHeq6Xk6ejkVARBcY19fbK1S5_JS-UkR1mr7CnVR0CAs0PGRbKQAZeD-82ivyvmhY_S4_b_aGgJyiS0dAMSkZFthbv_gwBLAibVc_vys33Y96/s400/jesus.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="341" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphlwJxtwtiQfjNCakmAABheT9ZUlGPQc2y51EgyQkJTwg85bPEOX2L0-0XAbG72ObElkqx4UPXRoXHeq6Xk6ejkVARBcY19fbK1S5_JS-UkR1mr7CnVR0CAs0PGRbKQAZeD-82ivyvmhY_S4_b_aGgJyiS0dAMSkZFthbv_gwBLAibVc_vys33Y96/s320/jesus.jpeg" width="273" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4032075123" target="_blank">Jesus and the Lion’s Den</a></i> (Tales That Tell the Truth) by Alison Mitchell, ill. by Catalina Echeverri</b></p><p>A picture book retelling of the Bible story of Daniel and the Lions' Den with a look at the parallels in the stories of Daniel and Jesus.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Bible Story Book Fans, Bible Studiers, Christian Readers, Lower Grade Readers</p></blockquote><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #01ffff;">Make Me Laugh</span></h2><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMINIX6hIKcenryesdUDsRQrU_7fevHvn4ptptS42bAqxYIKg7oogkKbetrgA0R_Lr_zIOF1bSjOOpp7uV8shb9UGV6yeeCCXkqqAV9QPM8v5NoUcAcwI8EmD8etFcGjMxECqCe5thOd_6JjcH8dGzuIPVIeqAC8wV_6lZOXgBL-0M-K9qIkv-eoVZ/s260/strange.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="260" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMINIX6hIKcenryesdUDsRQrU_7fevHvn4ptptS42bAqxYIKg7oogkKbetrgA0R_Lr_zIOF1bSjOOpp7uV8shb9UGV6yeeCCXkqqAV9QPM8v5NoUcAcwI8EmD8etFcGjMxECqCe5thOd_6JjcH8dGzuIPVIeqAC8wV_6lZOXgBL-0M-K9qIkv-eoVZ/s1600/strange.jpeg" width="260" /></a></div><p></p><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3515424803" target="_blank">Strange Planet </a></i>(Strange Planet, #1) by Nathan W. Pyle</b></p><p>A collection of comics about everyday life from the viewpoint of aliens using creative vocabulary.</p><p>It's kind of amazing how just using creative vocabulary to describe everyday experiences can give you some poignant realizations and a new perspective. As well as some good laughs.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Comic Fans, Humor Fans, Relatable Humor Fans, Quick Read Fans, Semantics Studiers, Adult Readers (though approachable to all ages)</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinCVDPUKIOULzzbe0TsOpzkHnPnrbG_90oFixU3VGQBHQlkReoVTVP6UaAcijBAJ9NIenA0rR825gaRwlRMTXUdOAAQyvJU8YQrZCry-hhaJXIenmWgQWIpQaeDAA6oLq0Od1q075B-7XKFji5qGrudtniazs3TacGjzzMhawUwM7qtSuh8tLdatJ/s2100/arewe.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinCVDPUKIOULzzbe0TsOpzkHnPnrbG_90oFixU3VGQBHQlkReoVTVP6UaAcijBAJ9NIenA0rR825gaRwlRMTXUdOAAQyvJU8YQrZCry-hhaJXIenmWgQWIpQaeDAA6oLq0Od1q075B-7XKFji5qGrudtniazs3TacGjzzMhawUwM7qtSuh8tLdatJ/s320/arewe.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4611610366" target="_blank">Are We Lost Yet?</a></i> (Wallace the Brave, #4) by Will Henry</b></p><p>A collection of comics featuring the wildly imaginative and eventful adventures of Wallace, his unforgettable family, his best friend Spud, and other friends and community members.</p><p>If you like Calvin & Hobbes you should give Wallace the Brave comics a try.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Humor Fans, Comic Fans, Crazy Things Kids Get Up to Story Fans, Middle Grade Readers (but really all ages)</p></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUIdvjolcLC2zS_O-Xfexfmpp7KGmrPSZoXpTIaDydeXvsJo0kOBx21bqm591hSqjFm6hXhZO5cRMj3y9XRzhPLTKTWJ1JNGuEa_IKvJl8z0TgMI3AAd7vsEcEL76TGa5kXQ42JEN-vgFqgZeR4RfBpfSCuQl0Du5X-3egOkBEXlDgXohbsKGe8pw_/s400/onaccount.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="331" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUIdvjolcLC2zS_O-Xfexfmpp7KGmrPSZoXpTIaDydeXvsJo0kOBx21bqm591hSqjFm6hXhZO5cRMj3y9XRzhPLTKTWJ1JNGuEa_IKvJl8z0TgMI3AAd7vsEcEL76TGa5kXQ42JEN-vgFqgZeR4RfBpfSCuQl0Du5X-3egOkBEXlDgXohbsKGe8pw_/s320/onaccount.jpeg" width="265" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3582596973" target="_blank">On Account of the Gum</a></i> by Adam Rex</b></p><p>When a little girl gets gum in her hair, everyone has ideas of how to help get it out. But everyone's ideas seem to end very, very badly.</p><p>Absolutely hilarious, highly imaginative, and excellently rhymed.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Humor Fans, Imaginative Story Fans, Rhyming Story Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #01ffff;">Satisfy the Inner Nerd & Add to My Random Fact Collection</span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVaM0pTvmWb_A6B2G2WUw0x0BZ9Xc17ZMuWAz3dRE1QJXl27cQMz1a_1r2rx-_LbMqJwSw1acojKp70DCnJ43Qhnqe-CLGN6MTCTJ0w4mkEY1d3lW1DRUBSWQYcEkNUBBEAUxS_cMKlfLjDRY0itaIBHq4T-mbZfxFIzpbDO0LxQlsdpMAjw7jPsQ/s499/inthe.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="331" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVaM0pTvmWb_A6B2G2WUw0x0BZ9Xc17ZMuWAz3dRE1QJXl27cQMz1a_1r2rx-_LbMqJwSw1acojKp70DCnJ43Qhnqe-CLGN6MTCTJ0w4mkEY1d3lW1DRUBSWQYcEkNUBBEAUxS_cMKlfLjDRY0itaIBHq4T-mbZfxFIzpbDO0LxQlsdpMAjw7jPsQ/s320/inthe.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5280008562" target="_blank">In the Waves: My Quest to Solve the Mystery of a Civil War Submarine</a></i> by Rachel Lance</b></p><p>Rachel Lance is a medical doctor with the US Navy who was researching affects of underwater explosions at Duke for her PhD when her advisor brought up the mystery of the <i>HL Hunley</i>. The <i>HL Hunley</i> was a Confederate submarine that sank during the US Civil War. The final location was uncovered in the late 20th century. It had obviously sustained external damage, but when the sub was opened, all of the crew members were found seemingly serenely positioned at their posts. Rachel Lance sought to discover what could possibly have killed the sailors and left them at their posts as opposed to strewn about by an explosion or clamoring to open a hatch.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Science Nerds, History Nerds, True Crime/Historical Mystery Fans, Submarine History Buffs, Civil War History Buffs, Memoir Fans, Curious Readers, Adult Readers (though approachable to YA)</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCL0_Z59NgxKFsLs9EOxdqLEBiZ4FZuGAHRXoov6z0kVPMwlQH9H3mZl6Tsbdk216S5SwWSAo_7PJZ4JMQgLGKDd8VF2_FViy7tcUIkGSpy8FtPITNdhVk9dlGiJfk0_daD-TWap3FuWiv2qaner-D7zlYeDw1Gsx_VRS7S8eDYl84DlJlO-k17po/s3000/ambushed.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCL0_Z59NgxKFsLs9EOxdqLEBiZ4FZuGAHRXoov6z0kVPMwlQH9H3mZl6Tsbdk216S5SwWSAo_7PJZ4JMQgLGKDd8VF2_FViy7tcUIkGSpy8FtPITNdhVk9dlGiJfk0_daD-TWap3FuWiv2qaner-D7zlYeDw1Gsx_VRS7S8eDYl84DlJlO-k17po/s320/ambushed.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5074915361" target="_blank">Ambushed! The Assassination Plot against President Garfield</a></i> by Gail Jarrow</b></p><p>A biography of US President Garfield that then focuses on the man who shot him, and looks at how the medical care he received after the shooting and the lack of understanding of germ theory of the attending physicians led to Garfield’s death.</p><p>I learned so much from this book in a variety of areas.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Biography Fans, History Nerds, Medical Science Nerds, Post-Civil War Era US History Buffs, Medical Science History Studiers, True Crime Fans, Young Adult Readers (though approachable to Middle Grade)</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-Gy0s8JHn6qAG4P90yhqivI8ItwCDzD3boo0TBtzhElyNOXHyPQanQAWJsy02wr5JGWpdigL-PGCIP-sj2BqYXXyw9OLtPxwKB4TMU8-2-gDkROazo4N5I5I3-3trbjvAuBE0ZBw0ymAtUkLtINT8QIxcdskUSvJgZgJ7kMHJGiHHbpCipkJPjf5/s400/nano.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="298" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-Gy0s8JHn6qAG4P90yhqivI8ItwCDzD3boo0TBtzhElyNOXHyPQanQAWJsy02wr5JGWpdigL-PGCIP-sj2BqYXXyw9OLtPxwKB4TMU8-2-gDkROazo4N5I5I3-3trbjvAuBE0ZBw0ymAtUkLtINT8QIxcdskUSvJgZgJ7kMHJGiHHbpCipkJPjf5/s320/nano.jpeg" width="238" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4708795805" target="_blank">Nano: the Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small</a></i> by Jess Wade, ill. by Melissa Castrillón</b></p><p>An introduction to atoms, elements, and what scientists can do when they work on the atomic level and what they are thinking about doing. The back of the book includes more information on the tools a nanotechnologist uses and what kinds of backgrounds various nanotechnologists need.</p><p>This was a well done intro to atoms and elements, and then a fascinating foray into current breakthroughs in nanotechnology and what kinds of things they are exploring next.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Science Nerds, Curious Readers, STEM Book Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Lower Grade Readers (though still good for Middle Grade too)</p></blockquote><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #01ffff;">Sports, Sports, Sports</span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5iSqPh43gYJAj3dsuxIZUIWRSFcyiTrm6kytZVKFmKggWwPHY-6nkQ1-T9AJjDFTf6lZkbW3HR0IIyhhuDAvwfw6yh4YkeW4HY-_1hALuhoB-UuYpnPM5gLaACjn8hiJdXtW47QrRiFeTKE9FM5aIzmSlu1B7XfRgVZpTt3i3yGc17Ljn4f9ZhzE/s2400/letthe.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5iSqPh43gYJAj3dsuxIZUIWRSFcyiTrm6kytZVKFmKggWwPHY-6nkQ1-T9AJjDFTf6lZkbW3HR0IIyhhuDAvwfw6yh4YkeW4HY-_1hALuhoB-UuYpnPM5gLaACjn8hiJdXtW47QrRiFeTKE9FM5aIzmSlu1B7XfRgVZpTt3i3yGc17Ljn4f9ZhzE/s320/letthe.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5078196900" target="_blank">Let the World See You: How to Be Real in a World Full of Fakes</a></i> by Sam Acho</b></p><p>NFL football player Sam Acho shares about his tendencies to be fake over the years of his life, and how God has shown him that being his real self, the person God made him to be is where the most blessing and freedom and peace is. Acho shares examples from his own life, and how God has helped him take off masks he was tempted to wear.</p><p>I’m honestly not an American football fan, but I really enjoyed this. Great biblical reminders are included with Acho's fascinating stories of how God has been with him through highs and lows and everywhere in between and helped him take off masks he was tempted to wear.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Memoir Fans, Christian Life Encouragement Fans, Football Fans, Nigerian American Author Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Adult Readers (though totally approachable to YA & Middle Grade readers)</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_siOlqhs0LKaulzPtlExsIfBxG6-4ZrUqBvOQJagHFWxsP2rD3TrslKYMctwyIt-ySO-bIG2kqC_CMrmvziun-lonQAPQLxzsJBAH5B0YkrHjrRVPL03FKRbgVNDcIBmVZi-AHta1y64goYcQ1st64_6Ca2unU6gTkqZ72ZomL3iNfAtT9E8uwOa/s2400/runwith.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1615" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_siOlqhs0LKaulzPtlExsIfBxG6-4ZrUqBvOQJagHFWxsP2rD3TrslKYMctwyIt-ySO-bIG2kqC_CMrmvziun-lonQAPQLxzsJBAH5B0YkrHjrRVPL03FKRbgVNDcIBmVZi-AHta1y64goYcQ1st64_6Ca2unU6gTkqZ72ZomL3iNfAtT9E8uwOa/s320/runwith.jpeg" width="215" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2258483618" target="_blank">Run With Me: the Story of a U.S. Olympic Champion</a></i> by Sanya Richards-Ross</b></p><p>An autobiography of Olympic 400 meter champion Sanya Richards-Ross. Sanya shares her life story from her early childhood to the present focusing on sports highlights but also sharing other important life moments, and incorporating lessons on how things she's learned in sports can have parallels in life as well, especially living as a Christian.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Autobiography Fans, Christian Life Encouragement Fans, Track & Field Fans, Olympian Biography Fans, Jamaican American Author Fans, Middle Grade/Young Adult Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirp0UO3LjTnmfeHgiVEciCVDrLtPKq-1dKCP_MI-FYUTzyjH8Mtor0OItSzY0X_QYoMspP5wyV9KMiOdxX3oTq4HW_PPU-oysarEZR7m06CKWlvS3Pxh6cZuArcTQ6WwaeAbsWqR6V_QJiy3juDKXzeGpJU6FM6qadKu9y4iNKybVxEb4jiVtQOEt3/s400/swish.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="310" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirp0UO3LjTnmfeHgiVEciCVDrLtPKq-1dKCP_MI-FYUTzyjH8Mtor0OItSzY0X_QYoMspP5wyV9KMiOdxX3oTq4HW_PPU-oysarEZR7m06CKWlvS3Pxh6cZuArcTQ6WwaeAbsWqR6V_QJiy3juDKXzeGpJU6FM6qadKu9y4iNKybVxEb4jiVtQOEt3/s320/swish.jpeg" width="248" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4227385232" target="_blank">Swish!: the Slam-Dunking, Alley-Ooping, High-Flying Harlem Globetrotters</a></i> by Suzanne Slade, ill. by Don Tate</b></p><p>A picture book history of how the Harlem Globetrotters got started, developed their iconic skilled but goofy manner of play, helped bring down the color barrier in the NBA, and have served as goodwill ambassadors for the United States for many years.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Basketball Fans, Harlem Globetrotter Fans, Basketball History Studiers, Nonfiction Fans, Curious Readers, Lower Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #01ffff;">That Book I Keep Seeing on Social Media</span></h2><div><span style="background-color: #01ffff;"><br /></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIUq-DE5pdlYYgo4yXQ3xSNmsQAeimoRwr4bc83dwSgMbfi8GhqDoeh1ZglRXjQh6A_gSqApaAPzRmOa1l5NzTeRa94JIOVoCtYYrUiEAOfOD8-wSY4z9mw8lyAZ2flTzYNQ_QxI2zlSeXpiBIiAA4Mw4RXhnUzkJwvnb-YSRfB1PRD0Kw44kQMKk/s600/before.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="396" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIUq-DE5pdlYYgo4yXQ3xSNmsQAeimoRwr4bc83dwSgMbfi8GhqDoeh1ZglRXjQh6A_gSqApaAPzRmOa1l5NzTeRa94JIOVoCtYYrUiEAOfOD8-wSY4z9mw8lyAZ2flTzYNQ_QxI2zlSeXpiBIiAA4Mw4RXhnUzkJwvnb-YSRfB1PRD0Kw44kQMKk/s320/before.jpeg" width="211" /></a></div><p></p><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5089631661" target="_blank">Before the Coffee Gets Cold</a></i> (Before the Coffee Gets Cold, #1) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, translated by Geoffrey Trousselot</b></p><p>There's a tiny coffee shop that would hardly stand out except it's been around for over a hundred years and there's an urban legend that you can time travel if you sit in one particular seat. But there are rules. The present will not change, you cannot leave the seat, you can only sit in the seat when the ghostly woman leaves it to go to the bathroom once a day, and you only have until the cup of coffee that transports you gets cold (or you end up sharing the fate of the ghostly woman). The book follows 4 time travelers who want to go to through time for a variety of reasons. The first woman regrets letting her potential fiancé leave for America a few days ago without telling him she didn't want him to go. The next woman's husband is losing his memory to Alzheimers and she wants to find out what he wrote to her in an envelope he carries around. The third woman purposefully avoided her sister who came to the cafe three days before, and then regrets it when her sister dies in a car crash. And the last woman who runs the cafe with her husband decides to try traveling to the future to see her child when she realizes a health condition may not allow her child to ever know her. Each of them knows the present will not change, the amount of time is so short, so the question is, what is the point of traveling?</p><p>A bittersweet but feel good kind of story, and given that most of the time travelers are regular customers at the café, you get to know them all quite well.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers: </b></p><p>Time Travel Fans, Bittersweet Story Fans, Magical Realism Story Fans, Japanese Setting Fans, Japanese Literature Fans, Books in Translation Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to YA)</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZSleGgfKD5WXIWbCyCl5Kia2SfqvHpE2BcLwlatD0HFRjowzPUB6R9HVT5ydK9Hk6pTB5THEAwylXdALP0ZHOVyMkI4iClnZYwgc13Ddsbegsisp_MxjSGKDNE2T-n8bYqybhPea3ICo2TpKBfOc4FzB4T3rE1yHPAvKUg2-dGXXsdnqr6V3Jy1j/s1250/ogress.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="811" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZSleGgfKD5WXIWbCyCl5Kia2SfqvHpE2BcLwlatD0HFRjowzPUB6R9HVT5ydK9Hk6pTB5THEAwylXdALP0ZHOVyMkI4iClnZYwgc13Ddsbegsisp_MxjSGKDNE2T-n8bYqybhPea3ICo2TpKBfOc4FzB4T3rE1yHPAvKUg2-dGXXsdnqr6V3Jy1j/s320/ogress.jpeg" width="208" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5296027597" target="_blank">The Ogress and the Orphans</a></i> by Kelly Barnhill</b></p><p>Once upon a time Stone-in-the-Glen was a wonderful place to live. But then the dragon came and the library burned down, and then the school, and then a sink hole claimed the park, and with each loss the town grew a bit more sullen and sad, and the people became more selfish and less trusting. The orphanage didn't use to have to worry about their next meal, but now Matron and Myron are barely able to provide for the 15 growing children from teen Anthea to baby Orpheus. There's an Ogress who lives on the outskirts of town, and given that she's mostly active at night, nobody thinks of her much. That is until she becomes a handy misdirection for the evil festering in the middle of Stone-in-the-Glen. Only the Ogress, some animals, and the 15 orphans know the true danger residing in Stone-in-the-Glen. But can they expose and drive out the evil before the town of Stone-in-the-Glen tears itself apart with hate?</p><p>An artfully written story about the power of kindness and what it means to be a neighbor in the midst of a bleak and selfish landscape.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Fantasy Fans, Orphan Story Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Kindness Story Fans, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBV56px7WlrJa8upATv28LTnjT_Fckqlu-6ntdiOzJtYxhYDzos84sQACXYagfc-GPYr_TkaFgqcziEaJN295DVOlSXUxyOlca5Ieb8VslIeuIJHrBp-CsB8OpC5ggQXkq2ch24thWuT5nm4GOdoWkihllwkmBMbyqt518D2pBSaPK_XPtsu-BSx25/s2082/emmett.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2082" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBV56px7WlrJa8upATv28LTnjT_Fckqlu-6ntdiOzJtYxhYDzos84sQACXYagfc-GPYr_TkaFgqcziEaJN295DVOlSXUxyOlca5Ieb8VslIeuIJHrBp-CsB8OpC5ggQXkq2ch24thWuT5nm4GOdoWkihllwkmBMbyqt518D2pBSaPK_XPtsu-BSx25/s320/emmett.jpeg" width="215" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5396227931" target="_blank">Emmett and Jez</a></i> (Adventures in Fosterland) Hannah Shaw, ill. by Beverly Johnson</b></p><p>Emmett's first memory is falling out of a truck and being stuck on the side of a big scary road. After a while he is rescued by a giant lady who takes him to a place called Fosterland. There he meets Jez who teaches him all about being a rescue kitten even though deep down Emmett doubts he's really a kitten. But Jez tells him only kittens get adopted and go to Foreverland. Can Emmett get adopted if he can't do the things Jez does, if he has different dreams from Jez, and maybe isn't really a kitten?</p><p>Based on two real fosters taken care of by Kitten Lady (aka Hannah Shaw).</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Animal Lovers, Animal Rescue Story Fans, Self-Acceptance Story Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Kitten Lady Fans, Lower Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #01ffff;">Transport Me to a Different World</span></h2><div><span style="background-color: #01ffff;"><br /></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTdmKIwpiWziG9DoCzp24hjrz2CrhzFl1-gD91Tn6_vWtRwBV0AO0TO5W6l7Sbjk8dBzfxgaMIU_iRLkVYRBAl2N8SD1e-qwDqixI7e8WJCEAsQhwOckxyMombvGsWCBrUYUE39UGfgK5QcKQ58FZew857ZX_F-K4M9O686u5ewTmMYpZhoJVQLap/s400/prime.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="256" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTdmKIwpiWziG9DoCzp24hjrz2CrhzFl1-gD91Tn6_vWtRwBV0AO0TO5W6l7Sbjk8dBzfxgaMIU_iRLkVYRBAl2N8SD1e-qwDqixI7e8WJCEAsQhwOckxyMombvGsWCBrUYUE39UGfgK5QcKQ58FZew857ZX_F-K4M9O686u5ewTmMYpZhoJVQLap/s320/prime.jpeg" width="205" /></a></div><p></p><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5101357973" target="_blank">Prime Directive</a></i> by Davis Bunn</b></p><p>There have been 16 unexplained deaths in a very short period of time on the scientific outpost on the planet Loria, and those in residence there only brought it up because they are asking command for replacements. Commander Rickets is very concerned, but because of galactic politics at the time, others want to ignore the event. So Rickets is sending in the only person who also seems concerned about a whole slew of deaths on a distant outpost, Lieutenant Amanda Bostick. Bostick is given a promotion (so that she outranks anyone on the science base on Loria), and sent with two soldiers, Hamoud and Nasim, with combat experience (and motives to prove themselves in this mission). But they only have 10 days. Others in the Galatic Space Arm are obviously trying to sabotage their mission, Bostick has no previous mission experience, there are rumors of pirates in the area around Loria, there are decidedly weird things going on on Loria, and the locals and scientists on Loria actively resist any investigation. This investigation could very well get them all killed.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Scifi Fans, Mystery Fans, Thriller Fans, Adventures in Space Fans, Stand Alone Fiction Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to YA)</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3I1fM_SuKcpQ0kRGEk0d7ANGIMzPkZe4h-6dsw_3V3SLrWByiFLwGW_w9Tkd47Z8dDsxP7ukC6IkQfrPkETENNkRdx4JL_wWj3SADvf7TVqT0f9NtecZ6wVsMQqbkt0624DN5nHDg1lr5oV6yG35Zf_kY46yVgDH164m0gRMmcg9sfROWzgkiUBcH/s400/girland.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="282" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3I1fM_SuKcpQ0kRGEk0d7ANGIMzPkZe4h-6dsw_3V3SLrWByiFLwGW_w9Tkd47Z8dDsxP7ukC6IkQfrPkETENNkRdx4JL_wWj3SADvf7TVqT0f9NtecZ6wVsMQqbkt0624DN5nHDg1lr5oV6yG35Zf_kY46yVgDH164m0gRMmcg9sfROWzgkiUBcH/s320/girland.jpeg" width="226" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3737893614" target="_blank">The Girl & the Galdurian</a></i> (Lightfall, #1) by Tim Probert</b></p><p>Bea is the adopted granddaughter of the Pig Wizard. So far her life has mostly involved helping her grandfather find ingredients for his potions that help those in the area. But one day she has an accident while out collecting ingredients, she's rescued by a creature claiming to be a Galdurian (who Bea thought were long-extinct) who is looking for her grandfather to help translate some scrolls which may tell him where the rest of his kind went, and when they return they find that the Pig Wizard went to check some seal he'd forgotten to check in ages. Bea is very worried because her grandfather's memory isn't what it used to be and he shouldn't be out on his own. Bea and the Galdurian (and Bea's cat) set out to find her grandfather and uncover way more adventure than they anticipated.</p><p>A fascinating world that continues to be built in book 2 with a little post-apocalyptic flavor and absolutely stunning artwork.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Graphic Novel Fans, Fantasy Fans, Dystopia Fans, Adventure Fans, Art Lovers Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEils0cD8MgU_UOtFWCpO_otasUHzMPKNZIH80kUrtWf5Z1pvGTksa2t5-rZg4ZGLHBiG0f72NXjOhkrFDHRyYQxCwQhSwifEyNnBfitB3JCCpr5A8SIBnx6EZq1k0NqKFXi48xe8r2mcMzKsgSqzPOVHMoKSm6N1IFhRIFlo3bmS7DFwMunUVJ9yNM8/s400/spacetrain.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="354" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEils0cD8MgU_UOtFWCpO_otasUHzMPKNZIH80kUrtWf5Z1pvGTksa2t5-rZg4ZGLHBiG0f72NXjOhkrFDHRyYQxCwQhSwifEyNnBfitB3JCCpr5A8SIBnx6EZq1k0NqKFXi48xe8r2mcMzKsgSqzPOVHMoKSm6N1IFhRIFlo3bmS7DFwMunUVJ9yNM8/s320/spacetrain.jpeg" width="283" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3854400699" target="_blank">The Space Train</a></i> by Maudie Powell-Tuck, ill. by Karl James Munford</b></p><p>Jakob and his Granny live in outer space with a chicken, a lazy robot, and a secret stowaway. When Jakob stumbles across an old, broken down object, his Gran informs him it is a space train. She tells him all the wonderful places space trains went in her day, and they decide to fix it up. But fixing it up is hard work and when they face setbacks it is tempting to quit. Will they ever get the space train working, and will it be worth it?</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Grandmother/Grandson Story Fans, Space Adventure Fans, Vibrant Illustration Fans, Art Lovers, Humor Fans, Perseverance Story Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p><br /></p>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-50080865158134081442023-03-23T18:41:00.000-07:002023-03-23T18:41:23.854-07:00Brainstorm 294: Books Set in Thailand<p>It's Thai Day at our school, a day we set aside to celebrate Thai culture, so I thought it would be a great time to share books set in Thailand. Last year on Thai Day I shared several <a href="http://thebrainstormplus.blogspot.com/2022/03/brainstorm-263-thai-settings-culture.html" target="_blank">books that feature Thai settings and culture</a>, so I haven't repeated any of those. Click on the titles of the books to see my full review for each one, including any content notes/trigger warnings.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFu5Ugq5AtYIWzc2kt0uoB51DnFIYGfnyKufk_Bd5H7KnKf53kD7tkERoZECuNDPv49G80plrjuXHvrHyQkCRsNk7WoKbH47PHFNXHJj9zjW3vjxhWmWnwE21NE-2jGfOfw0g8ngP2qmlduMPwICtfmpIpudw3evp4lxnFBhuM-TPldfUjI8fd8mx/s232/canyou.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFu5Ugq5AtYIWzc2kt0uoB51DnFIYGfnyKufk_Bd5H7KnKf53kD7tkERoZECuNDPv49G80plrjuXHvrHyQkCRsNk7WoKbH47PHFNXHJj9zjW3vjxhWmWnwE21NE-2jGfOfw0g8ngP2qmlduMPwICtfmpIpudw3evp4lxnFBhuM-TPldfUjI8fd8mx/s16000/canyou.jpeg" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1202054376" target="_blank">Can You Guess? (Animals of Thailand)</a></i> by Janice Santikarn</b></p><p>Ten riddle-type spreads of rhyming text are each followed by the collage illustrations of the Thai animal they describe.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Animal Lovers, Puzzle/Riddle Fans, Thai Setting Fans, Thai Wildlife Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaFs7JHYuBRlElm__4GdqxDgvDsI9p38ObxGMMSi4AC7ISFNYX82r1x_lxOLxR_i5oVvIWE6qZB4PViw07Qs76J7X57-FNgbhTbja0JJGCK0Tef9Ov8ejcmf_6u33YYWxQjTT1jrwj6SC_vcplbOTkE1b597EnuTibSh580AN5eR8JmnuUvDBySZH/s500/every.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="500" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaFs7JHYuBRlElm__4GdqxDgvDsI9p38ObxGMMSi4AC7ISFNYX82r1x_lxOLxR_i5oVvIWE6qZB4PViw07Qs76J7X57-FNgbhTbja0JJGCK0Tef9Ov8ejcmf_6u33YYWxQjTT1jrwj6SC_vcplbOTkE1b597EnuTibSh580AN5eR8JmnuUvDBySZH/s320/every.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2268695045" target="_blank">Every Month Is a New Year: Celebrations around the World</a></i> by Marilyn Singer, ill. by Susan L. Roth</b></p><p>A collection of poems that look at different traditional New Year's celebrations around the world, arranged by the month in which they most frequently occur.</p><p>Along with the spread for the poem and an accompanying collage, there's further information about each celebration in the back of the book. Flip to the month of April for Thailand’s Songkran festival which used to be the start of the Thai new year.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Poetry Fans, Global Holiday Studiers, Curious Readers, Lower Grade/Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCWug_YEhf_5ghX7pShmndN5zCuiIzZqE1d_lbjqPqxJfqW9Nu7uNJtCdoOHF1FWu66Y4xDN74dssDgeyindymSy6CzD1w7yzlXVojUeU6VkC0ipscT2NTOpp56ClMs0Ev7r17R6YD5XuLQT4Foh5Ggm4Lk_K513WYyLoDwCE8J77KiSgA0XAmLIc/s600/fromthe.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="507" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCWug_YEhf_5ghX7pShmndN5zCuiIzZqE1d_lbjqPqxJfqW9Nu7uNJtCdoOHF1FWu66Y4xDN74dssDgeyindymSy6CzD1w7yzlXVojUeU6VkC0ipscT2NTOpp56ClMs0Ev7r17R6YD5XuLQT4Foh5Ggm4Lk_K513WYyLoDwCE8J77KiSgA0XAmLIc/s320/fromthe.jpeg" width="270" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4999462559" target="_blank">From the Tops of the Trees</a></i> by Kao Kalia Yang, ill. by Rachel Wada</b></p><p>A picture book memoir of the author's first couple of years when she lived in a refugee camp in Thailand and asked her father if the refugee camp was the whole world. To show her that there was much more beyond the camp, he helped her climb up a tree and see beyond the fence.</p><p>This is brief in scope but shows how restrictive life in a refugee camp can be for small children. The back of the book shares more info about the author's Hmong family and their experiences after the Vietnam war.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Refugee Story Fans, Memoir Fans, Hmong Life Story Fans, History Studiers, Thailand Setting Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Picture Book Readers </p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTDATFnmt7nS-d4ujP6hOavuG1o1Qm9hHc6dPba2YYhXqzeOlKlqK7_qoPsNFCa_MTn2mRoNm8QaEUSEJb74h3cs9vr8vxv2bYSK6ItQq_I52-pjFiALkpYyqGIm5JVWW3dRGYLO9FJxuLUziQ4o2RRlonN4GSQAlQRWmgnexhiqeXhIekmyClvlL/s1506/idonot.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1506" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTDATFnmt7nS-d4ujP6hOavuG1o1Qm9hHc6dPba2YYhXqzeOlKlqK7_qoPsNFCa_MTn2mRoNm8QaEUSEJb74h3cs9vr8vxv2bYSK6ItQq_I52-pjFiALkpYyqGIm5JVWW3dRGYLO9FJxuLUziQ4o2RRlonN4GSQAlQRWmgnexhiqeXhIekmyClvlL/s320/idonot.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2853039562" target="_blank">I Do Not Trust You</a></i> by Laura J. Burns & Melinda Metz</b></p><p>M thought her father was dead until a young man shows up saying her father is alive but is being held by the cult of Set until he can translate a map of hyroglyphics they think will lead them to a disassembled statue of their god that will bring him back to Earth when put together. The young man, Ash, is from the cult of Horus, pledged to make sure that the cult of Set doesn't bring back their god and destroy the Earth. He wants the original map from M. M isn't sure about these gods and cults, but she knows how to read the map. She's also not letting it out of her sight. She thinks that if she and Ash find the parts of the statue they can use them as leverage to release her father. So they are off on a huge round-the-world treasure hunt following a cryptic ancient map, and neither one knows if they can completely trust the other.</p><p>This global treasure hunt goes all over the world, from Paris to Italy and more, but ends in Thailand, and the story includes an impressively accurate description of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport before it travels to the Thai countryside for the grand finale.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Global Treasure Hunt Story Fans, Mystery/Puzzle Fans, Thriller Fans, Mythological Fiction, Fantasy Fiction, Egyptian Mythology Studiers/Fans, Adventure Fans, Non-Mushy YA Fans, Young Adult Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9yI8adTa_MN6g-cOrw5NE0nVqHjjYslnjRoCJgVUYMu1IxpMNoWxI43le5pbyBI7Vn_jIljv0Q8mKX2zmGtdP9CpUV54aKqnk5LWzG0RnRkVd0f3OS9KDKXNpA9HZsJeNsKi6zLiHUcAX6S61wxL3R0DQ9w54p18p30F5jvKtwhMn5xi38U5aZcZ/s2400/lastmap.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1688" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9yI8adTa_MN6g-cOrw5NE0nVqHjjYslnjRoCJgVUYMu1IxpMNoWxI43le5pbyBI7Vn_jIljv0Q8mKX2zmGtdP9CpUV54aKqnk5LWzG0RnRkVd0f3OS9KDKXNpA9HZsJeNsKi6zLiHUcAX6S61wxL3R0DQ9w54p18p30F5jvKtwhMn5xi38U5aZcZ/s320/lastmap.jpeg" width="225" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4634530090" target="_blank">The Last Mapmaker</a></i> by Christina Soontornvat</b></p><p>Sai is the daughter of a pickpocket with no hope of any kind of future. But thanks to a few months of schooling during which she discovered a talent for penmanship, she has landed herself an apprenticeship with a master mapmaker. Now that the war is over and Mangkon is victorious, the Queen is turning her sights towards exploration. There is a competition with a reward in cash or status elevation for the boat crew that can map the areas beyond their current maps. But there are rumors the competition is for something more, the discovery of whether the mythical continent of the Sunderlands is real or not. But the same myths say the continent lies on the other side of the perilous Harbinger Sea and is guarded by the vicious slake. Will this voyage be the making of her future or a deadly mistake?</p><p>This Thai-inspired fantasy written by a Thai American author just won a Newbery Honor this year!</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Thai-Inspired Fantasy Fans, Reimagined History Fans, Sea Story Fans, Adventure Fans, Mythical Creature Fans, Award Winner Readers, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgvK5_ABTZdFXmglHe7q7vRt_2aB0RlP6smnpMjXJtDT0xKi_KSZMvw0cGjn6qQFlUg9eNv7ebEUak4iPlwIfkI6Ih6D51WCiTam78_dnhzNgLRuFkKBLC9btga1hQksfyjXJEMhflc0OpRYlI0cf6k9kW20ltwh_bHCScenuaSKa_eV6XY4s6ah0/s500/peek.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="414" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgvK5_ABTZdFXmglHe7q7vRt_2aB0RlP6smnpMjXJtDT0xKi_KSZMvw0cGjn6qQFlUg9eNv7ebEUak4iPlwIfkI6Ih6D51WCiTam78_dnhzNgLRuFkKBLC9btga1hQksfyjXJEMhflc0OpRYlI0cf6k9kW20ltwh_bHCScenuaSKa_eV6XY4s6ah0/s320/peek.jpeg" width="265" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1043826518" target="_blank">Peek!: a Thai Hide-and-Seek</a></i> by Minfong Ho, ill. by Holly Meade</b></p><p>A little girl and her father play hide-n-seek around their house located in the Thai jungle. Father goes around asking the animals if they've seen his little girl. As the animals get scarier, the father gets more concerned and finally calls a stop to the game to make sure the little girl is ok.</p><p>This book is set in a modern Thai jungle estate (it looks like the family is on vacation in Khao Yai or Kanchanaburi). The animals are ones typical to Thai jungle areas, and each of the animals make their sounds according to Thai tradition. So for example, the rooster, instead of saying "cock-a-doodle doo" says "eechy-eehcy-egg."</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Father/Daughter Story Fans, Animal Lovers, Thai Wildlife Fans, Thai Setting Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p><br /></p>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-78980539981336784622023-03-16T20:41:00.000-07:002023-03-16T20:41:03.657-07:00Brainstorm 293: Sakura Festival Reads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mid-March marks the start of Sakura season in Japan when the cherry blossoms bloom so I thought it was a fitting time to share some Sakura festival-related books. Click on the titles to see my full reviews of each book including any content notes/trigger warnings.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_8WO6-lMPAU7sIULQ-Jlt7wS6HQAxuk-r072AHmu2SmYD81uEiStqX5SvgOkZU3ot-mMHrFETJSDPrzIEXVmny-xF23k6aKxJr5Wwwc6terYKQSry-s2vZGOx8IzWCqzqatvJVYqAFH43m0trnR5SSp0Z7X-RJCYGv_yplvtFlNHcomSnuk7Plh1/s318/japanese.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="318" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_8WO6-lMPAU7sIULQ-Jlt7wS6HQAxuk-r072AHmu2SmYD81uEiStqX5SvgOkZU3ot-mMHrFETJSDPrzIEXVmny-xF23k6aKxJr5Wwwc6terYKQSry-s2vZGOx8IzWCqzqatvJVYqAFH43m0trnR5SSp0Z7X-RJCYGv_yplvtFlNHcomSnuk7Plh1/s1600/japanese.jpeg" width="318" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5419810203" target="_blank">Japanese Traditions: Rice Cakes, Cherry Blossoms and Matsuri: a Year of Seasonal Japanese Festivities</a></i> by Setsu Broderick and Willamarie Moore, ill. by Setsu Broderick</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Satsu Broderick shares with readers what it was like to grow up in the countryside of Japan, and the festivals, holidays, seasonal events, foods, and other common activities celebrated/joined in each month of the year. Following an overview of typical events/weather/festivities during each month there's a spread pointing out objects/foods in the illustrations readers may not be familiar with or diving deeper into what is involved in certain festivals.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you want to learn more about Sakura festivals turn to the April section of this book.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Target Readers:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Japanese Social Life & Customs Studiers, Curious Readers, Nonfiction Fans, Lower Grade & Middle Grade Readers</div></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-N0hozEoI8zeL8HA1ZVKmHxXu5kGSwUE6Pfn9892ChUPuQQE3EDFuaT0ccBERc0IPNpGzuFGwSbyxgb80KvcfI37hBGnvn00EIB65PKTIZpOkGRJfe382O53MqLI-FBZVOG-twFLypPh6RxF2NDUVALhNH5PKdxqfBj54v5obCMTjKMUtxXtX0Nf/s400/laid.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-N0hozEoI8zeL8HA1ZVKmHxXu5kGSwUE6Pfn9892ChUPuQQE3EDFuaT0ccBERc0IPNpGzuFGwSbyxgb80KvcfI37hBGnvn00EIB65PKTIZpOkGRJfe382O53MqLI-FBZVOG-twFLypPh6RxF2NDUVALhNH5PKdxqfBj54v5obCMTjKMUtxXtX0Nf/s320/laid.jpeg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5280278905" target="_blank">Laid-Back Camp 8</a></i> by Afro</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Outdoor Exploration Club is headed to Izu for a camping trip all together. Rin is driving up on her scooter by herself and the others are all driving up in a minivan with their teacher sponsor and meeting Rin there. Two of the girls have a birthday during the trip so the others are planning a surprise for them. Rin's grandfather and dad help her get her scooter ready for the longer trip. And Nadeshinko was so excited for the trip she didn't sleep a wink the night before and misses most of the fun on the ride there since she sleeps the whole way (like seeing Sakura blossoms and eating wasabi ice cream).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The girls only see the Sakura blossoms from afar in this book, but the traffic jam they witness on their way to their campsite also gives you a picture of just how big a deal the Sakura blossom viewing can be. This book, along with #9, helps readers get an armchair tour of the Izu region of Japan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Target Readers:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Outdoors Adventurers, Camping Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Road Trip Story Fans, Manga Fans, Graphic Novel Fans, Japanese Armchair Tourists, Japan Setting Fans, Books in Translation Fans, Young Adult Readers </div></div></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIAgo9AqbUpxhsQgb4vaShSIF18CJ55JiGaRkngnEiuv4pVFJAEtVniARkX4MHUX-nZnwisiDCX4HM58y0vsspdKIyrtjbUV3NNtV3JBgipd8ybWUs-REKn6sMQ14TkLPu18uHEUQTJlZ61YkcX4RH6FOCv3CJx1iDb0n_1O-_H3MCrU7dioMZcm2/s400/sakuraob.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="259" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIAgo9AqbUpxhsQgb4vaShSIF18CJ55JiGaRkngnEiuv4pVFJAEtVniARkX4MHUX-nZnwisiDCX4HM58y0vsspdKIyrtjbUV3NNtV3JBgipd8ybWUs-REKn6sMQ14TkLPu18uHEUQTJlZ61YkcX4RH6FOCv3CJx1iDb0n_1O-_H3MCrU7dioMZcm2/s320/sakuraob.jpeg" width="207" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3892591961" target="_blank">The Sakura Obsession: the Incredible Story of the Plant Hunter Who Saved Japan’s Cherry Blossoms</a></i> by Naoko Abe</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is both the history of Japan's relationship with cherry blossoms and how it evolved over time (and continues to evolve), and the biography of Collingwood Ingram, a man who in collecting as many varieties of flower cherry trees as he could and talking about them, managed to save several varieties from extinction and encouraged the planting of flowering cherries over several nations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is safe to say that without Collingwood Ingram the Sakura festivals of today would not be a thing. This is a fascinating read.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Target Readers:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Japanese & English History Fans, Sakura Fans, Biography Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to YA) </div></div></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXuY-CyhOdt9TX-CQTbNidi7mzc4JuQ-9HNn__WnUNsHHn1-1h1VXT3f-Iuu-jrf5W4llmVYJTmwRvCL8qJRPhC6yu5lQQNXfj17hBvH7f_zG9TD2CljvvX_ShgvGMP2wQt4B3WMArPqIh9EkD5G8C3hi5IVEAqqREIdQgRFaF-ktoFX-6HDxVkoE/s533/when.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="533" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXuY-CyhOdt9TX-CQTbNidi7mzc4JuQ-9HNn__WnUNsHHn1-1h1VXT3f-Iuu-jrf5W4llmVYJTmwRvCL8qJRPhC6yu5lQQNXfj17hBvH7f_zG9TD2CljvvX_ShgvGMP2wQt4B3WMArPqIh9EkD5G8C3hi5IVEAqqREIdQgRFaF-ktoFX-6HDxVkoE/s320/when.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4971511720" target="_blank">When the Sakura Bloom</a></i> by Narisa Togo</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A look at how the blooming of the sakura in Japan change people's morning commutes, signal a season change, feed birds, and bring a festival.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The illustrations in this book are absolutely stunning!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Target Readers:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Japanese Festival Studiers, Seasons Story Fans, Japanese Setting Fans, Art Lovers, Books in Translation Fans, Picture Book Readers</div></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-17610240153930007022023-03-09T18:17:00.000-08:002023-03-09T18:17:33.548-08:00Brainstorm 292: 3.14 Math Books for Pie Day<p>🥧 π Day is just around the corner (March 14th), so it’s time for 3.14 math books in this Brainstorm. Hmm..., .14 of a book is hard to pull off… I know! We’ll just round it off the same way you would if you were slicing 3.14 slices of pie…we’ll go for 4. 😁 All of these are math nonfiction titles to feed the mind while you’re devouring your delicious pie of choice. Click on the title to see my full review of each book including any content notes/trigger warnings.</p><p>If you are looking for other math reads check out Brainstorms <a href="http://thebrainstormplus.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-brainstorm-61-science-math-reads.html" target="_blank">61</a>, <a href="http://thebrainstormplus.blogspot.com/2017/11/brainstorm-125-excellent-science-math.html" target="_blank">125</a>, and <a href="http://thebrainstormplus.blogspot.com/2022/03/brainstorm-264-math-in-fiction.html" target="_blank">264</a>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YjfnYLrnlHprunoAr_kFSeBeNIwE1dVSwWSEQVxyj6b_uqb__pv6KZrHs_n11a0xqhFaKItS4QfcKE88eVrsP_eP9DHgqVK47ogTp8qKPNbjvhJ1cHSkPdVHN7xGP6enkqg7F0PmuUtYoB5nf2uOZI6YLTIBw6GPVjHzv1HVNyZtYFdFjJPblRzY/s400/how.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YjfnYLrnlHprunoAr_kFSeBeNIwE1dVSwWSEQVxyj6b_uqb__pv6KZrHs_n11a0xqhFaKItS4QfcKE88eVrsP_eP9DHgqVK47ogTp8qKPNbjvhJ1cHSkPdVHN7xGP6enkqg7F0PmuUtYoB5nf2uOZI6YLTIBw6GPVjHzv1HVNyZtYFdFjJPblRzY/s320/how.jpeg" width="214" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2183590397" target="_blank">How Many Guinea Pigs Can Fit on a Plane?: Answers to Your Most Clever Math Questions</a></i> by Laura Overdeck</b></p><p>A collection of curious questions gathered from children and answered with math like, “How many guinea pigs would it take to fill an airplane?”</p><p>The questions in this are both silly and serious, helpful and just fun to know. I like that the author breaks down the steps of how to answer the questions using math (and often shares tricks how to make the math a little easier...more shortcuts are included in the back of the book). The math usually involves multiplication and division, sometimes geometry, and often unit conversions.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Curious Readers, Nonfiction Fans, Random Fact Sponges, Math Lovers, Math Learners, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-j5D1eT7LnP9PvgNCmUXY6JOSTmKAs1RtCF8_oygD4hrIUd_XrGgamEaHUj-BH2etk6Lyh9QKAV-Pw7RneVwmjVU21KX1d7igf0gSOfkoNkWqszxB7nZ2VWoDqEYnbrS-OMZPq94bIieAtWYv0tvxzfLZ-EOT5_QS9xIr5MdnAQCYssnhc_4oBSLl/s457/iknow.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="457" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-j5D1eT7LnP9PvgNCmUXY6JOSTmKAs1RtCF8_oygD4hrIUd_XrGgamEaHUj-BH2etk6Lyh9QKAV-Pw7RneVwmjVU21KX1d7igf0gSOfkoNkWqszxB7nZ2VWoDqEYnbrS-OMZPq94bIieAtWYv0tvxzfLZ-EOT5_QS9xIr5MdnAQCYssnhc_4oBSLl/s320/iknow.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2588484722" target="_blank">I Know Numbers!</a></i> by Taro Gomi</b></p><p>A sampling of the many, many ways we use numbers.</p><p>Gomi includes such a wide variety of examples, and it is eye-opening to be reminded of how prevalent numbers are in our world and how varied in their usage.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Number Learners, Curious Readers, Those Working on Observation Skills, Books in Translation Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim70BvfmsXh1JWZKbJiRCfgFdRELdNFkDcWRkuq1fEZJRnXPKf3XTVkx6XGOGZpsRX0sBal98mSWTGGQdCMHB1758m9ZTk0ejqemxPzR9IT1h7S9YqfDGIbQQiEFZSkRph80ikVE3usuY4hpJ6Mj3Uc4Q4ICrcCqA4BPeW2Xif6fixsMVgMK4Tbbt1/s400/nothing.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim70BvfmsXh1JWZKbJiRCfgFdRELdNFkDcWRkuq1fEZJRnXPKf3XTVkx6XGOGZpsRX0sBal98mSWTGGQdCMHB1758m9ZTk0ejqemxPzR9IT1h7S9YqfDGIbQQiEFZSkRph80ikVE3usuY4hpJ6Mj3Uc4Q4ICrcCqA4BPeW2Xif6fixsMVgMK4Tbbt1/s320/nothing.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2268637188" target="_blank">Nothing Stopped Sophie: the Story of Unshakable Mathematician Sophie Germain</a></i> by Cheryl Bardoe, ill. by Barbara McClintock</b></p><p>A picture book biography of Sophie Germain, a woman who grew up in the midst of the French Revolution, pursued mathematics relentlessly, and eventually developed a formula that explained the way things vibrate.</p><p>Sophie's mathematical work laid the groundwork necessary for architects to design stable bridges and buildings that won't fall apart due to resonance. It's an inspiring story about a woman who was never fully understood during her time, had to largely teach herself, and yet continued to pursue what she was gifted at. The back matter in this book is well-worth a read too, with further information on Sophie Germain, math, and the process of choosing what to include in a short biography and illustrating it. Oh, and the art is amazing!</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Picture Book Biography Fans, Fans of Perseverance Stories, Math Lovers, Art Lovers, History Fans, Nonfiction Readers, Wannabe Writers, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHQR-hZpKttpCkOByolbsjI0ivigOGGXLJKXbMuidb4RxAVfVcK1BXXg2NujkgEaA1pqHnoGtn0aIVvPcvb8RE7Uj06lUJaFbvFibKsnm72GuYlTet3y1innu7du2_kAyvvXPA5LvQaSYReiCSoyZagX9skDPwVKun0mJTepr8pkY7qs7pOETygEo/s2560/whatif.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1991" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHQR-hZpKttpCkOByolbsjI0ivigOGGXLJKXbMuidb4RxAVfVcK1BXXg2NujkgEaA1pqHnoGtn0aIVvPcvb8RE7Uj06lUJaFbvFibKsnm72GuYlTet3y1innu7du2_kAyvvXPA5LvQaSYReiCSoyZagX9skDPwVKun0mJTepr8pkY7qs7pOETygEo/s320/whatif.jpeg" width="249" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4587299807" target="_blank">What If? 2: Additional Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions</a></i> by Randall Munroe</b></p><p>A collection of utterly ridiculous hypothetical situations answered with serious math, science, stick figure illustrations, and squirrels.</p><p>After reading this you'll be able to explain why you don't have to worry about being crushed by a snowball the size of a house, but you might be much more disturbed by children's songs about rain being lemon drops, and know exactly why a pole running from the Moon to the Earth is a very bad idea. Munroe does a good job of breaking down serious math and science into laymen’s terms but keeps enough in there for the math enthusiasts to check his calculations if they really want to. </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Math & Science Enthusiasts, Humor Fans, Curious Readers, Random Fact Sponges, YA & Adult Readers</p></blockquote><p><br /></p>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-28089661892569816292023-02-23T18:32:00.000-08:002023-02-23T18:32:43.742-08:00Brainstorm 291: Stories from Every Continent<p>Today is International Day at our school, so I thought I would bring you a book set in each continent today. Click on the titles to see my full reviews of each book including any content notes/trigger warnings. Enjoy your world tour!</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Africa</h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1j5NHTQwz9oQxHzHWYNHWPEC-ksrfZ1X146W1857jK_Nl9ichgC_aJUm3vYsBOYO6xvA8Q9ZEZOBw8teuMQryr5jFEGd9Z6jSj8C-YlUN-dwj216s29kMraUzv5McH3RdkQCrPnY0kQ1mBdEOAzO2hrvDhsCrBdXYIKvjJxcWQIxr3-e0vQQ00Ag/s463/elephants.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="463" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1j5NHTQwz9oQxHzHWYNHWPEC-ksrfZ1X146W1857jK_Nl9ichgC_aJUm3vYsBOYO6xvA8Q9ZEZOBw8teuMQryr5jFEGd9Z6jSj8C-YlUN-dwj216s29kMraUzv5McH3RdkQCrPnY0kQ1mBdEOAzO2hrvDhsCrBdXYIKvjJxcWQIxr3-e0vQQ00Ag/s320/elephants.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4557789343" target="_blank">The Elephants Come Home: a True Story of Seven Elephants, Two People, and One Extraordinary Friendship</a></i> by Kim Tomsic, ill. by Hadley Hooper</b></p><p>A picture book history of Lawrence Anthony, Françoise Malby-Anthony, their nature reserve called Thula Thula in Zululand, South Africa, and how a group of troubled elephants came to live there and the relationship they have with Lawrence and Françoise.</p><p>Adults can check out a longer version of this story in Lawrence Anthony’s <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1643516649" target="_blank">The Elephant Whisperer</a></i> of which there is also<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33275674-the-elephant-whisperer-young-readers-adaptation?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=t9KmI6FLm8&rank=3" target="_blank"> an adaptation for younger readers</a>.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Picture Book Biography Fans, Elephant Lovers, African Setting Fans, Animal Rescue & Conservation Story Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Antarctica</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvctRPsySWitk5PvEHmMFu99tQpScPZmS4TpCJTk8xfnGetUacgA5CRppWGu9qmEjGHEcZ-heKYLo3S7xiK-N2BMTUxXb3Pnro_rAIYbWyUTtdLTl7I02GvHOyzqaLz8oCNm4fn4zH_eYNPfkntw9c6T1iz7suy6bAsJtdJg7TxINt7LD45R-DYiKh/s2380/ember.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2380" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvctRPsySWitk5PvEHmMFu99tQpScPZmS4TpCJTk8xfnGetUacgA5CRppWGu9qmEjGHEcZ-heKYLo3S7xiK-N2BMTUxXb3Pnro_rAIYbWyUTtdLTl7I02GvHOyzqaLz8oCNm4fn4zH_eYNPfkntw9c6T1iz7suy6bAsJtdJg7TxINt7LD45R-DYiKh/s320/ember.jpeg" width="215" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3693940317" target="_blank">Ember and the Ice Dragons</a></i> by Heather Fawcett</b></p><p>Ember is the last of the fire dragons. Or so she thinks. Her adopted Stormancer father found her as a baby and though fire dragons have a fierce personality, he couldn't bear to kill her. Instead he put a spell on her so she appears as a normal human child (with invisible wings that didn't fully cooperate with the spell). Though she can easily fool most people that she's a normal human, she doesn't like to get too close just in case. Also, she has a tendency to burst into flame, especially during the summer. And this summer, she is having a horrible time controlling her flames. Worried that she's going to burn her father to a crisp by accident, Ember gets her scientist Aunt Myra in Antarctica to invite her to stay for the summer. Ember arrives in Antarctica along with a whole crowd of dragon hunters eager to join Prince Gideon's hunt for ice dragons. Ember can't stand the idea of dragons being killed, so she and two other kids from the research station come up with a plan to join the hunt and sabotage it in as many little ways they can think of that won't get them caught. But can three kids really stop greedy adults from their prey and save the dragons?</p><p>This is one of the few fictional books I’ve ever read set in Antarctica. It’s a lot of fun thanks to Ember and friends, the penguins who get ahold of a magical artifact and can shoot lightning, and Ember’s grumpy cat who sneaks along on the adventure.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Fantasy Fans, Adventure Fans, Humor Fans, Antarctica Setting Fans, Dragon Lovers, Penguin Lovers, Cat Lovers, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Asia</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QwIN5pFzwDmJGQQc1CFFPLQfoUa1vWdw4eHTasHSiTcPOfCm0Sk3pVjVNY0p9kBd2Ncax5CjMC2abBBijfC8KcDQczjrRQ1lWtWpMbsGQPmIRVPcZAyLZL9DaRIttwXeaZzZtamOPWnogjW7z13DlD1pkxDZTnq81qNeZEd84nO5MrJpgMhf6nu1/s1000/tamamo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="644" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QwIN5pFzwDmJGQQc1CFFPLQfoUa1vWdw4eHTasHSiTcPOfCm0Sk3pVjVNY0p9kBd2Ncax5CjMC2abBBijfC8KcDQczjrRQ1lWtWpMbsGQPmIRVPcZAyLZL9DaRIttwXeaZzZtamOPWnogjW7z13DlD1pkxDZTnq81qNeZEd84nO5MrJpgMhf6nu1/s320/tamamo.jpeg" width="206" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2825030234" target="_blank">Tamamo the Fox Maiden and Other Asian Stories: a Cautionary Fables & Fairytales Book</a></i> edited by C. Spike Trotman, Kate Ashwin, Kel McDonald</b></p><p>A collection of adapted folktales and fairytales from all over Asia. The stories range from humorous to light horror, and fantastical to realistic. All are just a few pages long and illustrated in black and white. </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Folktale & Fairytale Fans, Asian Setting Fans, Graphic Novel Fans, Short Story Collection Fans, Young Adult & Adult Readers</p></blockquote><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Australia</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyzBq2jtV9RDrk5T6huQihWuWRp6R4h1uwhui_TTxA5W9Vdkz7dn4KKz1WWDXD-7fwXcXM5ugdgwXLKp9ff5RE3nvIlluPUSpShTu4hDCHO9u-kVANNj0EJZKNw5Xg6XIxVOp3Al4xtmO-wdeC7ILyjq8cI-S_DdQPn7JHoYHfBXmai99JlZHnf7M/s1103/wombat.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1103" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyzBq2jtV9RDrk5T6huQihWuWRp6R4h1uwhui_TTxA5W9Vdkz7dn4KKz1WWDXD-7fwXcXM5ugdgwXLKp9ff5RE3nvIlluPUSpShTu4hDCHO9u-kVANNj0EJZKNw5Xg6XIxVOp3Al4xtmO-wdeC7ILyjq8cI-S_DdQPn7JHoYHfBXmai99JlZHnf7M/s320/wombat.jpeg" width="290" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5009557305" target="_blank">Wombat</a></i> by Christopher Cheng, ill. by Liz Duthie</b></p><p>Take a walk with a wombat and learn what daily life is like for these Australian marsupials.</p><p>Stunning illustrations! There are extra text boxes for the readers who can’t get enough wombat facts, so this can be read quickly or you can take a little longer and read all the information.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Animal Lovers, Australian Setting Fans, Curious Readers, Nonfiction Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Europe</h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNH-2Cer2QIg2ZwCE-DQ6V4taK2tPwWtgaE5GG6Q27dK5zAmnILoZCBV1mdPjpZQlyNhVY0TCE0py3lMRCc6ws7ldiqT_TTWuakBcrPrA_PRO1fNncFT7yxD19s9-tWoJfDPJM9ytmyBTkjtqNo_IS1WGbtBnJeAzAyvWVzWhydNU3oiDKFi7DFWPN/s2550/paris.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="1650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNH-2Cer2QIg2ZwCE-DQ6V4taK2tPwWtgaE5GG6Q27dK5zAmnILoZCBV1mdPjpZQlyNhVY0TCE0py3lMRCc6ws7ldiqT_TTWuakBcrPrA_PRO1fNncFT7yxD19s9-tWoJfDPJM9ytmyBTkjtqNo_IS1WGbtBnJeAzAyvWVzWhydNU3oiDKFi7DFWPN/s320/paris.jpeg" width="207" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4538311060" target="_blank">The Paris Betrayal</a></i> by James R. Hannibal</b></p><p>Ben Calix is sure he did nothing wrong in his latest assignments, even if the mission did go south, he was possibly exposed to the plague, and his contact turned out to know his real name... But it wasn't anything bad enough for the Company to sever ties with him. Right? But that is clearly what is going on as Ben goes from one contact to the next and finds out there's a price on his head. People he considered to be on his side are now trying to kill him, he's been framed for murder, and he is on the run trying to get answers with a neighbor who is too friendly for her own good and got caught up in his mess. Can Ben prove to the Company that he is still on the good guys' side and clear his name by figuring out what the Leviathan corporation has planned?</p><p>This read like a Bourne movie minus any swearing. It was only after reading the author’s note that I realized the parallels to the biblical story of Job. The parallels are so artfully done they don’t jump out unless you know to look for them. The action takes Ben all over Europe, so that’s why I picked this one for this continent.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Spy Story Fans, Action & Thriller Fans, Europe Setting Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to YA) </p></blockquote><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">North America</h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-C3TCF8dZFiG_2nxqOotE4FocjmZDoD193Ybkcm76ceX8NrKyZIWN6nD-yqwj1m55KFlL60xhnapTSfJ6Ph3ESe6ibdBhd4VcWJZAUww5JKMOPvtEKoOsQ0_pPipmb7qT3PiXQyFJmn6powc9jcngrI2j8qLANhhtXnbfdZh1J6t0apvcV1dErOgf/s400/american.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="281" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-C3TCF8dZFiG_2nxqOotE4FocjmZDoD193Ybkcm76ceX8NrKyZIWN6nD-yqwj1m55KFlL60xhnapTSfJ6Ph3ESe6ibdBhd4VcWJZAUww5JKMOPvtEKoOsQ0_pPipmb7qT3PiXQyFJmn6powc9jcngrI2j8qLANhhtXnbfdZh1J6t0apvcV1dErOgf/s320/american.jpeg" width="225" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4049316980" target="_blank">The American Bison: the Buffalo’s Survival Tale</a></i> (History Comics) by Andy Hirsch</b></p><p>A graphic novel history of the American bison in North America, the golden centuries when the Native Americans and bison lived in a well-balanced ecosystem, and how and why the population became threatened to the point of near extinction 100 years ago, and efforts to help bring the wild population in North America back up since then.</p><p>A very readable history of not only an animal but also the people and land around it. Hirsch writes and illustrates his graphic novels in such a way that you forget you’re learning things.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Animal Lovers, Animal Conservation Story Fans, History Fans, Graphic Novel Fans, Reluctant Nonfiction Readers, Nonfiction Fans, North American History Studiers, Middle Grade & Young Adult Readers</p></blockquote><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">South America</h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoaqmG-DJReqOfg3SsjqNVvd1fxRnD237ustTPWtLjEdgt5km04LZV-NC56u1ZYloFI766R1UDhg8IAsTmyfXz-D2YKKW7gFCIlMZhTO8FUmzChG__cEsFS16aCxIgmYRW7GuZ7hseMIggvd7yXFIrexcIDq901R2_kVakbAQuX2T5L6xevHCS_t1/s400/new.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="311" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoaqmG-DJReqOfg3SsjqNVvd1fxRnD237ustTPWtLjEdgt5km04LZV-NC56u1ZYloFI766R1UDhg8IAsTmyfXz-D2YKKW7gFCIlMZhTO8FUmzChG__cEsFS16aCxIgmYRW7GuZ7hseMIggvd7yXFIrexcIDq901R2_kVakbAQuX2T5L6xevHCS_t1/s320/new.jpeg" width="249" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2266190256" target="_blank">New Shoes</a></i> by Sara Varon</b></p><p>Francis the shoemaker is known for the best shoes. He takes great pride in the high quality and fair trade materials he uses. When he gets an order from a famous singer, Francis is eager to get to work but his friend Nigel is late with his delivery of tiger grass. With his friend Rhoda’s help, Francis sets out into the South American jungle to find tiger grass himself and hopefully Nigel too.</p><p>The plot allows readers to meet many different South American animals and plants, and it also brings up fair trade in a way that kids will easily grasp.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Graphic Novel Fans, Animal Lovers, South American Setting Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Smart Consumers, Sara Varon Fans, Lower Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><div><br /></div>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492776154349321750.post-25567785539674068472023-02-09T19:40:00.000-08:002023-02-09T19:40:03.725-08:00Brainstorm 290: Inspirational Kindness Stories Part 2<p>With Valentine’s Day next week, I thought it would be a good time to share some more inspirational kindness stories (the first one was <a href="http://thebrainstormplus.blogspot.com/2019/11/brainstorm-195-inspirational-kindness.html" target="_blank">Brainstorm 195</a>). Not all love has to be mushy. There’s good ol’ neighborly and brotherly love to be shared and celebrated too, and that’s what these books are all about. Those little thank yous, those unexpected acts of kindness and compassion from the person who is supposed to be an “enemy,” sharing with someone in a time of need, and those simple smiles that brighten someone’s day. So here’s some stories about acts of kindness that make a difference, touching both the recipient and the giver. Click on the title to see my full review including any content notes/trigger warnings.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFD2EfQxLIRV7X3LxRZWGRrqrgflmg18NigZqQoX5liHAotZw655Bkfv5ncJu0kmaIMvZ15t7-F3bwHLyEgaz0RMNOKJI5xnbNHSFjpYkFtCUqqeNuqC15zuXCs8hODC3WI2LGmAtNAPS_Y37iuI1KdY0AJAIu4Q_w6RtkPEKpFUpx5OGY89esNtj-/s475/across.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFD2EfQxLIRV7X3LxRZWGRrqrgflmg18NigZqQoX5liHAotZw655Bkfv5ncJu0kmaIMvZ15t7-F3bwHLyEgaz0RMNOKJI5xnbNHSFjpYkFtCUqqeNuqC15zuXCs8hODC3WI2LGmAtNAPS_Y37iuI1KdY0AJAIu4Q_w6RtkPEKpFUpx5OGY89esNtj-/s320/across.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1062982893" target="_blank">Across a Star-Swept Sea</a></i> (For Darkness Shows the Stars, #2) by Diana Peterfreund</b></p><p>After Earth was all but destroyed in a war, the survivors built the islands of New Pacifica, Albion and Galatea. In Galatea two generations ago, Persistence Helo developed a cure for the Reduced, so that now no one on the islands suffers from the debilitating brain disorder. Well, at least until the Revolution. On Galatea, the regs are tired of the overlording aristos and royalty, so under the leadership of Citizen Aldred they are fighting back and waging a bio-weapons war by giving captured aristos a drug that renders them Reduced. Albion so far has not joined in on the social strife. But not everyone on Albion is comfortable sitting back and watching while their island neighbors suffer. One Albian in particular has become a legendary hope for the Galateans under threat of the new reduction, the Wild Poppy, an Albian man with cunning and amazing skills for rescuing aristos right out from under the noses of the Galatean revolutionary leaders. No one knows who the Wild Poppy is, and Lady Persis Blake is doing everything she can to make sure that remains true. Who would guess that the cunning spy masquerades by day as the flippant and fluffy headed friend of the Albion Princess Regent Isla? But will her secret stay secret, and can she keep up the Wild Poppy’s rescues when the stakes go up?</p><p>If you didn’t figure it out already, this is a futuristic scifi reimagining of Baroness Orczy’s <i>The Scarlet Pimpernel</i>. I’m including it here because Lady Persis didn’t have to rescue anyone, but she risks her life repeatedly to save people whose lives are on the line. It's pretty radical kindness. This is technically book 2 in a series (the first book is a reimagining of Jane Austen’s <i>Persuasion</i>), and the ending has more depth if you’ve read the first book but it isn’t strictly necessary to read both.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Sacrificial Rescue Operation Story Fans, Reimagined Classics Fans, Scarlet Pimpernel Fans, Spy Story Fans, Scifi Fans, Thriller Fans, Young Adult & Adult Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxWucZlZRfUM35g5c39LO60VaMP3GB_0DU4q_u1Nef-HAxOydK0CqFnvTnYkYwm1VO8XtYWLuTP-rIdkwYOvbq2-qYnrTvAo45FtnXVFazHtQ8eaSkOpqVJdcv4LEJTL7jwQULmqz5QGt9UtwjWPorolcU7vJ0FkLDR0UQy0YbrsUZvcZMGGDPC7g/s400/big.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="294" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxWucZlZRfUM35g5c39LO60VaMP3GB_0DU4q_u1Nef-HAxOydK0CqFnvTnYkYwm1VO8XtYWLuTP-rIdkwYOvbq2-qYnrTvAo45FtnXVFazHtQ8eaSkOpqVJdcv4LEJTL7jwQULmqz5QGt9UtwjWPorolcU7vJ0FkLDR0UQy0YbrsUZvcZMGGDPC7g/s320/big.jpeg" width="235" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5231814228" target="_blank">The Big Storm</a></i> (Beak & Ally, #3) by Norm Feuti</b></p><p>Ally is enjoying a quiet swim in the rain when Beak informs her it's going to get much worse. Ally isn't too concerned, but she does help Beak with her nest fortifications. When the storm hits and Ally notices others in trouble, she's quick to help out. But when the storm clears it appears these others have no words of thanks for her. Why are they ignoring her?</p><p>This is a sweet story of neighbors showing kindness and helping each other out in a time of crisis.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Community Kindness Story Fans, Storm Recovery Story Fans, Animal Lovers, Graphic Novel Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Lower Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5kERh_wFb255TwUXiEq8sfjWwlcEMbN0btqZRfFvdPYNAB4o1etD-TGhnWUBdWWdVPPMUSluf4LQYiPeNyPwcR5aQbnUL9HoYUbo_F1fSrlVrz8DkZLZGTbwNDBEKgT2-yXysnBtKEakX7329NLf1GlW38C1PsJtF8tqNZOqDN9u1Kh2heTqJsEd/s2560/give.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1965" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5kERh_wFb255TwUXiEq8sfjWwlcEMbN0btqZRfFvdPYNAB4o1etD-TGhnWUBdWWdVPPMUSluf4LQYiPeNyPwcR5aQbnUL9HoYUbo_F1fSrlVrz8DkZLZGTbwNDBEKgT2-yXysnBtKEakX7329NLf1GlW38C1PsJtF8tqNZOqDN9u1Kh2heTqJsEd/s320/give.jpeg" width="246" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3854826084" target="_blank">Give It!</a></i> (A Moneybunny Book) by Cinders McLeod</b></p><p>Chummy was given 10 carrots by his Gran. Chummy knows just what he's going to spend it on. A superhero outfit so he can save the world from dragons! But then Gran challenges Chummy to maybe give some of it away, and tells him how the bees in their area are hungry. What will Chummy decide to do?</p><p>This is part of a whole series about money handling tips for kids done in very cute and engaging ways. This book in the series beautifully inspires kindness and generosity.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Little Money Handlers, Rabbit Lovers, Generosity Learners, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTA7P9hCVdjgyBL1dNWtI4KzHGUD_UPfyoFZK7sJan91QCdNzTf58Hlq6Aybs0JsoewXcy_gQK3mxH-tsj6fCEyiyeti8wpRRXZ_cx7wpqpIBf5IZrke0nvqQRxEZin4ZXUQmc2HTIx3RY_dM9oH6PrFlV31Clq8rnmYEizcBfkzUk48U8dY-EyAK/s2550/lines.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="1678" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTA7P9hCVdjgyBL1dNWtI4KzHGUD_UPfyoFZK7sJan91QCdNzTf58Hlq6Aybs0JsoewXcy_gQK3mxH-tsj6fCEyiyeti8wpRRXZ_cx7wpqpIBf5IZrke0nvqQRxEZin4ZXUQmc2HTIx3RY_dM9oH6PrFlV31Clq8rnmYEizcBfkzUk48U8dY-EyAK/s320/lines.jpeg" width="211" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5013660009" target="_blank">Lines of Courage</a></i> by Jennifer A. Nielsen</b></p><p>As WWI crashes across the lands of Europe, 5 kids who grow into teens over the years of the war find their lives crossing. There's Felix from Austria-Hungary who witnessed the event that started the war and whose Jewish family is in increasing danger as the war grows. There's Elsa, the daughter of a German military leader and a friend of Felix's family who raises homing pigeons. There's Kara, a British girl whose father died early in the war and who has joined her mother on a Red Cross train in France working to help the wounded. There's Juliette, who has been searching for her family since they became separated during the evacuation of Verdun. And there's Dimitri, who was dragged from his family farm in Russia to fight for the Czar even though he's still only 14. Each one must discover what courage really means, and fight to remain kind and loving in a war that leaves so many bitter and angry at the world.</p><p>Nielsen has expertly woven a tale that reminds readers that war is messy and awful, and that kindness and the courage to do what is right breaks barriers of language and labels of "enemy" to restore humanity and hope. This is one of my favorite reads of the year so far!</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>WWI Story Fans, Line-Crossing Kindness Story Fans, Survival Story Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Feel Good Story Fans, Historical Fiction Fans, Middle Grade Readers on up</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhkhbs6X5HAQHGCwSM8RLtRqTxnX0VkgVeKnAdUvxQxaFy_paUJJR8r4gbKK9vDaxMWc0ocy-8EfsdXtpHTiFpALsE-ayLwwsYWEzjId5CQ_-0WEVsnI8KPnbRiBlrwuxYV6zqXpUUT52YbgAwbOrlwT1FqbmSUURkPi5_cASE7sYMre8BwW4egEc/s400/new.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="329" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhkhbs6X5HAQHGCwSM8RLtRqTxnX0VkgVeKnAdUvxQxaFy_paUJJR8r4gbKK9vDaxMWc0ocy-8EfsdXtpHTiFpALsE-ayLwwsYWEzjId5CQ_-0WEVsnI8KPnbRiBlrwuxYV6zqXpUUT52YbgAwbOrlwT1FqbmSUURkPi5_cASE7sYMre8BwW4egEc/s320/new.jpeg" width="263" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4378816515" target="_blank">A New Day</a></i> by Brad Meltzer, ill. by Dan Santat</b></p><p>Sunday was tired. So Sunday quits. This puts the other days of the week in a bit of a bind. They need something to fill that gap every week, so they put up notices and start applications for a new day of the week. It starts off ok, but the tryouts get wilder and wilder as they go on. Until a little girl has a new idea.</p><p>This is a story about how we can so easily take others for granted, and the power a simple word of kindness, like a sincere thank you, can have. It’s also wildly entertaining and full of all sorts of interesting single day celebrations.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Humor Fans, Fantasy Fans, Obscure Holiday/Celebration Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QBHW-YH3sh6tl95RALTx_fIOL2GZOfLApbSkdTABDn96L3JqTf7AxrNMsd8u1DCqYYIBwOFkCjtq5pwojD9EG0uSygn7PqjTMRoUADgRZmj9WUHd48HW-pZmcUp3zdBqWp7H1pXDL8R4wza5KA_hfcJlZEKNYIA7yEWsmjwwzKUybRfhyvfmo7HW/s1250/ogress.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="811" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QBHW-YH3sh6tl95RALTx_fIOL2GZOfLApbSkdTABDn96L3JqTf7AxrNMsd8u1DCqYYIBwOFkCjtq5pwojD9EG0uSygn7PqjTMRoUADgRZmj9WUHd48HW-pZmcUp3zdBqWp7H1pXDL8R4wza5KA_hfcJlZEKNYIA7yEWsmjwwzKUybRfhyvfmo7HW/s320/ogress.jpeg" width="208" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5296027597" target="_blank">The Ogress and the Orphans</a></i> by Kelly Barnhill</b></p><p>Once upon a time Stone-in-the-Glen was a wonderful place to live. But then the dragon came and the library burned down, and then the school, and then a sink hole claimed the park, and with each loss the town grew a bit more sullen and sad, and the people became more selfish and less trusting. The orphanage didn't use to have to worry about their next meal, but now Matron and Myron are barely able to provide for the 15 growing children from teen Anthea to baby Orpheus. There's an Ogress who lives on the outskirts of town, and given that she's mostly active at night, nobody thinks of her much. That is until she becomes a handy misdirection for the evil festering in the middle of Stone-in-the-Glen. Only the Ogress, some animals, and the 15 orphans know the true danger residing in Stone-in-the-Glen. But can they expose and drive out the evil before the town of Stone-in-the-Glen tears itself apart with hate?</p><p>This is an artfully written story about the power of kindness and what it means to be a neighbor in the midst of a bleak and selfish landscape.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Fantasy Fans, Orphan Story Fans, Mythical Creature Fans, Inspirational Kindness Story Fans, Good Triumphing Over Evil Story Fans, Middle Grade Readers on up</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWT1PhRXzHsOzMYd21aidKYTAr77ZyPiSns-xQzaMA4apoOtID5NDmLyIaA8q7nZlPzcLKkX4ebr3r3ZoRTcY2zXMtS-Ny8TTY16ygN6LJsyELaot6uZKXZaQpfC4BKFcMN_ILbtHnPN0f_m2LQHzi4VxzE93a6z0Jb91ZY6J9k1e7dIJiklnwG5gh/s318/pirates.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="318" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWT1PhRXzHsOzMYd21aidKYTAr77ZyPiSns-xQzaMA4apoOtID5NDmLyIaA8q7nZlPzcLKkX4ebr3r3ZoRTcY2zXMtS-Ny8TTY16ygN6LJsyELaot6uZKXZaQpfC4BKFcMN_ILbtHnPN0f_m2LQHzi4VxzE93a6z0Jb91ZY6J9k1e7dIJiklnwG5gh/s1600/pirates.jpeg" width="318" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4353696190" target="_blank">The Pirates Next Door</a></i> (The Jolley-Rogers) by Jonny Duddle</b></p><p>When pirates move into Dull-on-Sea all the residents are concerned except Matilda who is thrilled. Matilda has waited for years for a friend to move next door, and she thinks the boy in the family is fun to be with. And as more and more neighbors complain, the Jolley-Rogers prepare to leave. But are these pirates really as bad as everyone says?</p><p>The ending to this is fabulous. I love how the Jolley-Rogers turn the other cheek and repay the unkindness of the town with extraordinary kindness.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Pirate Character Fans, Humor Fans, Community Story Fans, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfZ7SMWIHm-gCNlqM9yqvw0StmZjJBD4zodmRj3a1N6E12MUmcYvJlFMvdayLqSVTwFt1J14aEEfFlFvL5i14LRFxJ7lXJysMV47OFn8Jenf9WmMxIilAuHm6zeD1N9GzndP5rTgiFQlGYxKqMRFYwpiF_HasiL9NIqq3Stdl1YNqlDk2q7d_Xk2S/s400/quilt.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="257" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfZ7SMWIHm-gCNlqM9yqvw0StmZjJBD4zodmRj3a1N6E12MUmcYvJlFMvdayLqSVTwFt1J14aEEfFlFvL5i14LRFxJ7lXJysMV47OFn8Jenf9WmMxIilAuHm6zeD1N9GzndP5rTgiFQlGYxKqMRFYwpiF_HasiL9NIqq3Stdl1YNqlDk2q7d_Xk2S/s320/quilt.jpeg" width="206" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5074773622" target="_blank">A Quilt for Christmas</a></i> by Melody Carlson</b></p><p>Widower Vera Swanson just moved to Eastern Oregon, and her kids can't come for Christmas, so Vera finds herself alone for the holidays for the first time. But a neighbor's emergency appendicitis while her husband is out of town means Vera finds herself caring for 2 elementary age children in addition to 4 year old little Fiona. While spending time with Vera, Fiona sees the beautiful quilts Vera has made and commandeers Vera’s help to make a patchwork quilt for her mama for Christmas. There are only a few weeks until Christmas and Vera doesn’t know anyone in town who could help her quilt. Vera isn’t hopeful, but she also can see Fiona’s family is having a hard time. Pushed by a determined 4 year old, and with some obvious divine providence, Vera manages to find 3 other women in the area interested in learning how to quilt and helping make Fiona’s wish for her mama come true. There’s Tasha, an artsy young woman who helps her aunt out at the florist shop in town and is interested in quilting as an artform, there’s Beverly a bubbly middle age woman whose grandmother was a quilter but passed on before she could teach her, and there’s Eleanor a prickly, retired therapist who needs something quiet to help fill her days since retirement. The group is off to a rough start thanks to Eleanor’s icy personality and the fact that they agreed to meet at her house before they realized what an ordeal that would be. Vera isn’t sure they will meet the Christmas deadline, or if this quilting project will be a blessing or disaster for those involved.</p><p>I know we’ve just passed the Christmas season, but this is such a great story about how acts of kindness help not only the helped but the helpers that I couldn’t help but include it. It’s also got nods to Dickens’ <i>A Christmas Carol</i> if you look for them.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Feel Good Christmas Story Fans, Kindness Story Fans, Christmas Carol Rewrite Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Quick Read Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to YA and Middle Grade readers)</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIf3AVUNT9u4oNKuD2Ir7hbBT4gSGaMVFdWvWFl9JyserS44CP3qn53nqkK0VHK43mt0d5Cs97aq0EVZdkeyYkVjtcESBf2AiGAzEW0NNBGhLbWcqKJUEISEDquBC68dmzDPWQlYYLjMGeI1GIRAzCaPMt6wdvhjDdMqO5z5kp_apoUZNjssp_pjs/s500/shine.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="331" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIf3AVUNT9u4oNKuD2Ir7hbBT4gSGaMVFdWvWFl9JyserS44CP3qn53nqkK0VHK43mt0d5Cs97aq0EVZdkeyYkVjtcESBf2AiGAzEW0NNBGhLbWcqKJUEISEDquBC68dmzDPWQlYYLjMGeI1GIRAzCaPMt6wdvhjDdMqO5z5kp_apoUZNjssp_pjs/s320/shine.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3588966371" target="_blank">Shine</a></i> by J.J. & Chris Grabenstein</b></p><p>Piper comes from very musical and accomplished parents, but she can't carry a tune in a bucket. She wishes she had some kind of talent, but she feels very ordinary. This becomes an even bigger issue when her father gets a job at the exclusive Chumley Prep and she is transferred there too. Her mother was a shining star at Chumley for her music skills, and Piper feels like she has big shoes to fill but nothing to fill them with. Not only that, but the week she arrives the school announces a new Excelsior Award with undisclosed qualifications. The students are just informed that there are secret judges and the winner will be announced mid-March. Suddenly students at Chumley are going crazy to win all the awards and acclamations they can get. Piper too gets swept up in the craze, but when the competition starts to come between her and some of her new friends, Piper starts to realize that awards aren't worth some sacrifices.</p><p>I’m trying not to give any spoilers, but I will say that the emphasis of this book is on kindness and things that really matter in the long run. And it is a fabulous feel good story.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Contemporary Fiction Fans, School Story Fans, Relatable Character Fans, Kindness Story Fans, Feel Good Story Fans, Middle Grade Readers</p></blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcfVKj9rIvBiAwfbn6qdukTCOKIkHJtSA1fF2v_JRWnkIgi2UejQrXmOVDMOvXbrmogBuFOlOptLaRAnycz39Fo6_TOB-PLaMGTq5yLbEVS1RpGpw68StRqcT_9OlSA98m71Ce-kCmFhuKUuKVDM0zxzGrpAMp1oVhbXHFkBf8yZqbZ5jdgzPkNgO/s400/wombat.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="311" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcfVKj9rIvBiAwfbn6qdukTCOKIkHJtSA1fF2v_JRWnkIgi2UejQrXmOVDMOvXbrmogBuFOlOptLaRAnycz39Fo6_TOB-PLaMGTq5yLbEVS1RpGpw68StRqcT_9OlSA98m71Ce-kCmFhuKUuKVDM0zxzGrpAMp1oVhbXHFkBf8yZqbZ5jdgzPkNgO/s320/wombat.jpeg" width="249" /></a></div><p><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5091667310" target="_blank">Wombat Underground</a></i> by Sarah L. Thomson, ill. by Charles Santoso</b></p><p>Echidna, wallaby, skink, and wombat are going about their normal activities in the Australian bush. But as things dry out and a lightning storm rolls in, a forest fire starts. Echidna, wallaby, and skink need a safe place to flee from the fire. Is wombat willing to share its underground den?</p><p>Lyrical writing, stunning illustrations, and a tenderhearted story about sharing in times of disasters. There’s also nonfiction information in the back of the book about Australian wildfires and how they impact the wildlife. </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><b>Target Readers:</b></p><p>Animal Lovers, Australian Setting Fans, Wildfire Studiers, Art Lovers, Kindness Story Fans, Those Considering How to Help Victims of Disasters, Picture Book Readers</p></blockquote><p><br /></p>Becky B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08830665953614412749noreply@blogger.com0