Review: The Dry

The Dry by Jane Harper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Our book club has been hitting a low lately and not all liking the books we picked. I think this one will be liked by all! Aaron Falk is brought back to his childhood hometown after his childhood friend and family has been murdered. Falk dreads going back to the town that pushed him and his father out of it after one of his friends was found dead when he was in high school. The town was convinced it was Aaron and ran them out. Aaron is counting down the hours until he can leave until the case draws him deeper in. Falk, instead of leaving, end up partnering up with law enforcement and works to solve the mystery of his friend's death and hopes to finally piece together what happened to his friend after 20 years.

A page turner that will keep you engrossed until the end.

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Review: P.S. I Still Love You

P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The sequel To All the Boys I've Loved Before. Lara Jean has now fallen for Peter and enjoying her junior year of high school. Her sister is still home on college break and have mended their relationship. Kitty is as sassy as ever. Everything seems to be working out great!

Until Lara Jean receives a letter from one of her letter recipients, John. Another boy, another adventure - what's a girl to do?

Witty and just as enjoyable as book one. Definitely more mature with language and content than book 1 which makes me recommend it for high school.

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Review: Joyous Detox: Your Complete Plan and Cookbook to Be Vibrant Every Day

Joyous Detox: Your Complete Plan and Cookbook to Be Vibrant Every Day by Joy McCarthy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A perfect companion to Joyous Health. While Joyous Health teaches about nutrition, Joyous Detox gives more recipes to living a "joyous" life. I've already made a number of these recipes! Last night's Mini pumpkin muffins with mini chocolate chips was a huge hit!

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Review: Joyous Health: Eat and Live Well Without Dieting

Joyous Health: Eat and Live Well Without Dieting by Joy McCarthy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great book about nutrition and gut health. I've been trying a number of the recipes after my sister-in-law brought one to a family gathering. These recipes are mostly gluten free with some vegetarian options/sides. Many also support detoxification as well. Delicious and nutritious foods!

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Review: The Unexpected Everything

The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoy author Morgan Matson so much! I wish she was writing when I was in high school. Everything about her books scream fun, summer and friendship. Every time I pick up one of her books, I read it as slow as possible to take it all in. What is most admirable about this author is her authenticity to friendship without any mean girl drama. What it truly friendship!

Andie's summer before senior year is going to be great! She has 3 close friends, Palmer, Toby & Bri. Palmer's boyfriend is also part of the group, but know when the girls need their time together. Andie is planning on going into a summer pre-med program to have something else to add to her list of accomplishments when she starts applying to colleges.

That is until Andie's summer comes to a screeching halt. Andie's father is being investigated of wrongdoings in congress and has had to take some time off. Andie is now facing a curfew - which she has never had to follow and a father who is around every corner in the house. To make it more tense, Andie and her father haven't had much of a relationship since her mother passed away 6 years ago from cancer and her father fell deeper into politics.

Due to her father's political accusations her summer premed program has been ripped out from under her! What is a girl to do when she already had the perfect summer planned?

A surprising job as a dog walker, fun with her friends all summer and of course spotting a cute guy who may end up as more than just a summer fling!

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Review: 11 Birthdays

11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amanda and Leo live in Willow Falls where they were both born on the same day. Sharing a birthday party together has been fun and they have a joint party together every year except up until their 10th birthday when Amanda overhears something Leo says to hurt her feelings. This began a year of not talking to one another. When Amanda gets ready to celebrate her birthday she's not looking forward to it. She knows Leo's party will be taking place at the same time and friends had to choose which party they would go to. Amanda's party isn't as exciting or fun as she would like, and her mom looses her job! What could be worse? Amanda soon finds out when she wakes up again to Friday - her birthday! Poor Amanda is stuck reliving her birthday daily until she figures out what went wrong. Fortunately she learns she's not alone. Leo is having the same problem - thank goodness she has someone to go through this with. Will Leo and Amanda forever be stuck in their 11th birthday?

A fun read for grades 3-6 and a Bluestem Nominee!

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Review: A Week of Mondays

A Week of Mondays by Jessica Brody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was so much fun! If you like the movie Groundhog's Day, you'll enjoy this book! Can you imagine living a Monday over again each day to figure out what went wrong? Ellison Sparks has to do just that. Being dumped by boyfriend Tristan is bad enough, but for it to keep happening over and over again is pretty terrible. Ellie needs to figure out what in her day needs to change to determine her happiness. Her best friend Owen is sweet and kind and fortunately is with her every step of the way.

I wasn't sure how I would feel about a book that constantly repeats itself, but author Jessica Brody does a great job offering humor and sarcasm to a day that just won't end! What looks like a "big" book reads effortlessly!

This book will be available in the fall at LV IMC! Happy reading!

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Review: The Running Dream

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

Jessica is a star track athlete whose world instantly changes on the way home from a track meet. The bus got into an accident killing one teammate and leaving Jessica with an amputated leg. This fast paced book takes a real look at what it must be like for a junior high school to learn how to do everything again. She constantly questions her worth, what life will be like not running and just trying to walk again and appear to be the same as everyone else.

With a strong support system of friends and family, nobody will let Jessica give up. I have been wanting to read this book for a long time as I recommend it to many at my library due to how many girls enjoy reading the book. I'm so glad I did and will continue to recommend it for year's to come.

The book is sad, hopeful and encouraging. Jessica discovers who she really is as well as seeing others for who they are as well - not just their disabilities.


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Review: Design Destiny

Design Destiny by Margaret Gurevich
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Chloe enters the final rounds of the reality show competition. Mean girl Nina is at it again. Will Chloe fold under the pressure? This is book #4 in the series. I was ultimately confused when I got to the end of this one because it "wrapped things up." I had to do some research to find out what books 5-8 would be about. I don't want to say because it would ruin it for you.

Again - super cute books if you are into fashion. Appropriate for grades 6-8 as well. I just wish they were condensed into one book.

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Review: Glow: Animals with Their Own Night-Lights

Glow: Animals with Their Own Night-Lights by W.H. Beck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Maybe a new favorite for me on the Monarch list! Both of the kids thought this book was so cool! A book entirely about animals that glow and have their own night lights! What I liked the most about the books is that there is larger print at the top that my son could mostly read on his own and small print at the bottom that gave the facts about each animal. A great book for parents and children to read together. At the end of the book there are additional facts about each animal as well. These pages answered many of the questions the kids had while reading the book.

Don't pass this one up!

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Review: Crossing Niagara: The Death-Defying Tightrope Adventures of the Great Blondin

Crossing Niagara: The Death-Defying Tightrope Adventures of the Great Blondin by Matt Tavares
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a great book! Both of my kids loved the suspense of the real life tight rope walker "The Great Blondin." The book explains how Blondin had a mission to not just tight rope walk across Niagra Falls, but do many different stunts as well! Great illustrations and a great story!

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Review: The First Cut

The First Cut by Margaret Gurevich
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I said I would continue with this series. It is fun and a quick read. Book 2 puts Chloe in the next audition round against her frienemy Nina. These books are cute and the illustrations that go with them really set them apart from other books. The only thing I wish was that 2 of the books were combined because they are such quick reads - only about 90 pages and not with a lot of depth so I was able to read one book yesterday while my kids played at the park.

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Review: Backlash

Backlash by Sarah Darer Littman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I decided to pick this books up after it came up as a, "if you liked, then..." list after I re-read 13 Reasons Why. I was interested in reading more books like 13 reasons because of its popularity and to see what else I could add to my junior high library. This book will definitely be added.

Told from 4 different perspectives. Lara who attempted suicide. Bree, Lara's former best friend and next door neighbor. Sydney - Lara's sister. Liam - Bree's little brother who is the same age as Sydney.

Be careful of reviews of this book because it may sound a bit cheesy because nobody wants to give anything away.

Lara meets a boy on Facebook who she believes likes her and may even ask her to the dance at his local high school until he tells her off publicly on her wall. This sends Lara into a downward spiral and ultimately attempts to take her life.

Trust me - there is much more to this story that will suck you in and show you exactly how one bad decision can destroy the lives of many.

A very quick read with great discussion opportunities with kids and parents.


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Review: Feed

Feed by M.T. Anderson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I know this book is very popular and I've wanted to read it for a long time. I listened to the audio version over the weekend while doing yard work outside. The narrator was fantastic and did a great job with varying characters.

Overall, I was left with a blah by the end. The characters live in a society where they have a "Feed" that is connected with their brain. It streams a live feed and recognizes your like and dislikes and you can also communicate with people through it.

I think if I read this book when it first came out, I would have been more impressed, but now that there are so many sci-fi dystopia books I think there are better.

Strong language is in this book. It is currently not at the LV IMC, and I don't think I'll be purchasing it.

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Review: To All the Boys I've Loved Before

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book soooo much! A great and realistic look at teenagers and the drama within their lives. A fast read - chapters only a few pages long so you'll fly through it.

Lara Jean is one of the 3 Song sisters. Their family lost their mother at an early age so older sister Margot has stepped effortlessly into the role with Lara Jean learning and youngest sister Katherine "Kitty" at only 9 years old.

The girls are extremely close and are a well oiled machine, but it now time for Margot to go off to college and she has chosen a school in Scotland! Lara Jean feels the pressure of trying to be able to keep the house in tact with her sisters absence and wants to make her proud.

Don't worry - it gets better. Lara Jean has always had a habit of writing love letters to the boys she has loved over the years. She writes them out completely, sealed in an envelope with an address. One day Lara Jean's letters go missing and Peter Kavinsky (8th grade crush) approaches her at school about the letter! She feels like life should be over.

More drama develops as Lara Jean's next door neighbor, Josh, and Margot's boyfriend also receives a letter! Margot and Josh break up at the beginning of the book, but it still doesn't change the fact that Josh now knows how Lara Jean felt about him! In order to save face - Lara Jean and Peter pretend to go out to save Lara Jean from embarrassment of Josh and to help Peter get over his breakup with Genevieve.

The books is fun, and the characters are enjoyable. There is some language in the book, but nothing surprising, and I know students are saying. I'm considering adding this to our YA/H level section in our library because I love the realism of this book and how students will relate to it. I"ll definitely read the next book P.S. I still Love You.


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Review: Red: A Crayon's Story

Red: A Crayon's Story by Michael Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another adorable book that gives our kids something to talk about, think about, and celebrate! Poor "Red" a crayon who is the color blue, but has a red label on it. Everyone just wants red to fit in and do the work of a red crayon. That is until Purple sees potential! The perfect book to share with youngsters to let them be who they want to be and seeing their true potential.

Cute & fun!

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Review: Exit, Pursued by a Bear

Exit, Pursued by a Bear by E.K. Johnston
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Meet Hermoine, senior cheerleader living in Canada. She lives in a small town, so small that sports are a small thing, but cheer is what they are known for. Hermoine and her best friend, Polly, are co-captains of the squad - this year is going to be great. However there town is cursed with 2 things. In each grade it seems that one person is killed by a drunk driver and another becomes pregnant before graduating high school. Hermoine's class already lost a classmate to a drunk driver in grade school, and nobody has plans to be the one who gets pregnant.

That is until a cheerleader does. Don't let this summary fool you into thinking this is a YA easy read. The story built around what happens and how it happens leads to what could be interesting discussion as well as real take away moments for teenagers.

While there were parts of the book that left me "mehhh," I credit E.K. Johnston with her ability to create strong female characters and friendships. Too many times YA novels leave me disappointed with mean girls and the lack of support of girls raising other girls up. This novel does just that. During some hard times, and tough decisions, friendships are fierce and do not waiver - which I think might just the perfect message for some of our YA readers.

It's a very quick read - only 3-5 pages per chapter. Don't pass it up - I think you'll find something there worth thinking about it.

Sorry friends, this will not be in the LV IMC due to mature content & language.

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Review: Design Diva

Design Diva by Margaret Gurevich
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Fans of Project Runway will gobble up this series! A short, quick read - 9 chapters and less than 100 pages. Chloe LOVES fashion. She hopes to be a fashion designer when she grows up. Her favorite TV show is Design Diva. A fashion design reality show where people present their designs to 3 judges. Of course one is snarky and rude, the other complimentary and the third is super handsome. Chloe and her best friend watch the show every week, and this week the show announced there will be a competition specifically for teens! Of course auditions will be near Chloe's house in California so she begins sketching and hopes to make it to the competition. No story would be complete without a rival named Nina who also wants to make it to the competition. Back story: Nina has been stealing Chloe's ideas for years...I think we see where this is going.

This is just the 1st book in the Chloe by Design series. Because they are so short, I'm going to continue the series.



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Review: Thirteen Reasons Why

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had to re-read this book since the Netflix series started. I watched the first episode and suddenly couldn't take it because I couldn't remember what happened in the book, and I wanted to see how much the book would be changed for a film adaptation. So take two, I read the book in a few days and am slowly following behind with the series.

I love re-reading a book - looking at it from a different lens depending what is happening in your own life. When I first read this book, I didn't have children. Now, I have a 7 and 8 year-old. Reading this as a parent made me look at this book differently. I started thinking about my own children when they are in high school and the struggles and pressures they will be faced with.

Sure, Asher's books isn't that realistic in the fact that there is a lot of planning Hannah has to do ahead of time in order for her tapes to go out and start to circulate after her death. What Asher does is give Hannah a voice after she is gone. Answering the question of why - which most families and friends are left with and don't get an answer.

It is apparent that Asher lost someone to suicide and really thought a lot about what it must have been like for this person, and what they were going through before coming to the decision to die. A friend I had in high school committed suicide in college. We were left with so many questions. There were no answers and no note. It devastated so many people around him and there will always be a void.

This book is creative, intricate and though provoking. We don't know how fragile people are, we don't know how one action or word could be their tipping point. This book lets the reader think about everything that happened to Hannah - no matter how big or minuscule - these things lead up to her unhappiness and not having an outlet.

I hope this book teaches kindness, compassion and the ability to accept those for who they are. Thank you Jay Asher for giving us something to think about.

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Review: All the Bright Places

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Violet and Finch first meet at the top of the bell tower. Both contemplating suicide. Less than a year ago, Violet's sister was killed in a car crash when they were driving home from a party. Finch is struggling with depression.

I'm always drawn to books told in multiple perspectives and this one drew me right in. I'm a sucker for a good YA story with teen wonderment. It brings me back to a time when I felt I "knew it all" and loved fast & hard.

Theodore Finch is known as "Freak" around his school due to erratic behavior and a short fuse which has caused him now weekly sessions with the school counselor.

Violet feel lost without her sister. Once an aspiring writer, she co-wrote for an online web magazine with her sister. She has lost the drive to write or do much of anything. Her sister was her best friend and now she is trying to figure out where she belongs in a school she is fairly new to from when her family moved from California to Indiana.

Finch and Violet are bound together immediately due to Finch helping her down from the bell tower and saving her from following through with jumping to her death. In order to keep her secret he tells everyone she saved him. Finch later makes sure they are partners for a history project in which they are assigned to "wander Indiana." Find the great natural wonders in their home state.

For fans who enjoyed The Fault within our Stars & 13 Reasons Why.
Unfortunately this book will not be on the LV IMC shelves as it is too mature. I will be donating my copy to the DGS library.

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Review: Book Scavenger

Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book! Best suited for grades 5-7. Rebecca Caudill 2018 nominee.

Book Scavenger is book 1 in the series. The book did start out a little slow, but with a nice introduction to the characters.

Emily's family moves around a lot! So much that her parents have started a blog entitled 50 homes in 50 states. Emily and her brother, Matthew, have learned to be adaptable and go with the flow. With her brother's obsession with the band Flush, he always seems to find a group of friends to connect to when they move. Emily is a bit of a loner and reads. One thing she has that can take her no matter where she is moves is the Book Scavenger game. An online game that can be played in any state because people are constantly hiding books and offering clues to scavengers to find them. Scavengers can find and hide books and will receive points.

Emily starts to become friendly with her neighbor James and an instant friendship is developed. James also likes logic puzzles so he is interested in the book scavenger game too. When Emily wants to take James to find a book, that's when the real adventure begins. Emily finds a book she believes someone has meant to hide, but it is actually a book that Book Scavenger creator, Mr. Griswold loses when someone tries to mug him in the subway station.

Emily and James don't realize the danger they could be in by having this book. Instead they discover they are part of a game Mr. Griswold has created - his newest game yet!

A book too fun to pass up. I'm looking forward to book 2 - The Unbreakable Code.

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Review: Awkward

Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fans of Raina Telgemeier's graphic novels will enjoy Awkward just as much! A cute story about how all kids feel awkward in different situation in school, home and life! Penelope is new to school and immediately does something she regrets - pushing Jaime who was trying to help her, but he was being bullied. Penelope didn't want to get "linked" to Jaime so she pushed him away.

Penelope carries around this guilt while starting to feel comfortable in the confines of the school art club. However, every time she see Jaime she hides - but knows she needs to apologize.

While this is going on there is also a "war" between the art and science clubs which Penelope and Jaime are members of.

A cute story that reminds us all that we feel awkward at times.

This book is available in the LV IMC and is a Rebecca Caudill 2018 nominee.

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Review: I Let You Go

I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have mixed reviews about this book. We selected it for our book club because a few of us had marked it as a "to read" on Goodreads, but I just don't think this delivered in the way I was hoping. The book is told from multiple perspectives and is broken into 2 parts. I'm not spoiling anything, but at the beginning of the book there is a death which sets the book into motion. Alternating between Jenna's point of view and a police detective Stevens. I found the police sections to be confusing since the setting is in London and the jargon is different from here in the states. The first part of the book was slow moving where I found myself just wishing for something to happen.

Jenna has started over in a new isolated small town in Wales. The reader isn't given much, she is an artist and somehow injured her hand is now exploring photography. She is lonely and takes a long time to warm up to her neighbor. With too many references about the lock that is always sticking to her front door, one would have to be clueless to not know something will happen at the house!

When I finally reached part 2 of the book, I was instantly thrown in and couldn't put it down. Jenna's past is explained and we find out exactly what happened to her. But what about this death at the beginning of the book? You'll need to read it to find out for yourself.

Worth a read - knowing that it will start out slow.

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Review: A Man Called Ove

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Everyone should have an Ove in their life! I really enjoyed this book. Clever, witty and laugh out loud funny. Ove, a fifty-nine year-old man, has recently been pushed into early retirement from a company he has worked at for 40+ years. Also, being recently widowed, he is down and doesn't feel the need to keep living. Ove is committed to committing suicide to join Sonja in the afterlife. If only those pesky neighbors could stop needing so much and caring for Ove!

A book with heart and a strong message that anyone can be family.

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Review: I Was Here

I Was Here by Gayle Forman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

13 Reason's Why fans will enjoy I was Here.

Being a fan of Forman's book If I Stay, I was drawn to this book. While it is too mature to have at the LV IMC, I'm sure some students will seek it out on their own.

Cody Reynolds lost her best friend to suicide. She is distraught and doesn't know how her own life can continue when she's lost a part of herself. Cody & Meg have been best friends most of their life. Cody lives with single Mom Tricia - who seems more like a friend/roommate than mother. Meg has been her other family. The Garcia's include Cody as if she is one of their own and took care of her when Tricia would work late.

Meg's parents ask Cody if she can go to Meg's college town to pick up the last of her belongings. Maybe this is what Cody will need to be able to move on. As soon as Cody arrives, she knows something cannot be right about what happened to Meg. She discovers her laptop and something just doesn't feel right.

A journey begins with Cody feeling more alone than ever, but slowly getting to know the people in Meg's life and starts to fit the pieces of the puzzle together.

A book that will take you on an emotional journey of loss, friendship and love.

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Review: Trouble Makes a Comeback

Trouble Makes a Comeback by Stephanie Tromly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book #2 in this series.

Stephanie Tromly - not enough good things to say about this YA author and series! Digby is back and wherever he is adventure follows! Tromly cranks out another great mystery, but what I love is her whit, sarcasm and the reality of these characters. Her narration creates the scenes vividly that I beg for a TV series!

The book is too mature for my LV IMC junior high, but for high school students I totally recommend. These books are smart and I believe there will be more! I also like that Tromly has written this well enough that the 2nd book can stand alone without reading the first, but why would you do that and skip out on a book?!?!

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Review: Touch

Touch by Francine Prose
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Ugh...I cannot get the time back that I took to read this book!

A story that dragged on longer than it should have. Masie has been best friends with Kevin, Chris and Shakes since pre-school. Her eighth grade school year she decides to leave and go live with her mother and step-father in Wisconsin to escape her evil step-mother, step-brother and father.

She realizes this is a mistake as her step-father is even worse than her step-mother and returns back to her father's home for the start of her 9th grade year. She's so excited to see her friends again, but Masie has changed and her friends notice it too.

Since Masie has developed and her chest seems to be more of a focal point than her friendship, things just aren't the same with her and the boys. As her and Shakes become closer her other friends Chris & Kevin want to become "close" to. That's when an incident happens on the bus involving the boys touching Masie. Then a potential lawsuit. All the while, Masie can't seem to really remember how things happened.

The book attempts to look at sexual harassment, bullying and how these things deeply affect a child, but it never gets deep enough. Topics that should be taken seriously only ended up sounding fictional and not creating a serious enough story.

This book will not be available in the LV IMC.

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Review: Salt to the Sea

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Salt to the Sea is told through multiple perspectives by character Joanna, Florian, Emilia & Alfred. Joanna is a young and beautiful Lituanian trying to make her way to boats to escape the Germans and Russians during World War II. Florian, a Prussian, and Emilia a young pregnant Polish girl end up joining Emilia and her group of refugees by accident. Together this group survive through harsh conditions and finally arrive upon the Wilhem Gusthoff. While their story is being told, Alfred's letters to his beloved Hannahlore are intermingled. The group finally make way to the ship and they meet Alfred the German soldier.

I enjoyed this book because I haven't read anything like it involving people from different countries all striving for the same thing. I also wasn't aware of the Wilhelm Gusthoff being one of the greatest boat tragedies.

This book is available in the LV IMC.

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Review: Positive: A Memoir

Positive: A Memoir by Paige Rawl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent memoir for junior high and high school students! Paige Rawl was born HIV positive which she didn't know a life any different. Through daily medications, Paige lived a completely normal life. Through her innocence she told her best friend she was HIV positive in 6th grade. At that point, everything in Paige's life changed for the worse. Bullying, harassment, isolation, and unsupported administration which led to depression, stress induced seizures and an attempted suicide.

A book which students in grades 7+ should read. In order to understand the consequences of bullying as well as how students can empower each other and raise one another up rather than break each other down.

Paige's memoir shows how one person can rise up during what can be the hardest school years for some children, and how she currently continues to help others.

*Some language in the book, but used in context during conversations that took place.

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Review: The Sound of Gravel

The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An emotional journey of Ruth Wariner's childhood. She grew up in a polygamist community where her mother was wife #2 of 4. Ruth being one of the older children was tasked with caring for her siblings as well as being caretaker while her mother would take trips with her stepfather for work. As a child, Ruth was sexually abused by her stepfather. Even though her mother knew of the abuse she did not leave her husband. An interesting look at polygamist views as well as this particular group believed that some day the United States would be gone forever and made their home in a small village in Mexico with no running water or electricity for much of Ruth's life. The family moved around a lot, but always seemed to end up back in Mexico in a house with no heat, a dusty floor and no locks.

This book definitely read better than The Glass Castle which I thought was darker. Ruth's writing still highlights what points in her life were fun as well as the support and love between her and her siblings. The book is inspiring to see how she has risen from where she once was.

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Review: Trouble Is a Friend of Mine

Trouble Is a Friend of Mine by Stephanie Tromly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fun book filled with mystery and extremely likable characters! Zoe recently moved from NYC to upstate New York with her recently divorced mother. Quickly she meets Phillip Digby and her life is forever changed. A book review called Digby a modern day Ferris Bueller! I couldn't have said it better myself. Stephanie Tromly incorporates wicked humor, sarcasm and fun during Digby and Zoe's adventures - nothing that she ever plans on doing! The book is fast paced and fun. Unfortunately I cannot put it in LV IMC due to some mature topics about drugs, alcohol but a high school students would surely enjoy this. If you don't understand my Ferris Bueller's reference than you are missing out on one of the top 80's movies that is a must watch!

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Review: Finger Knitting Fun: 28 Cute, Clever, and Creative Projects for Kids

Finger Knitting Fun: 28 Cute, Clever, and Creative Projects for Kids by Vickie Howell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great books for students who aren't sure they are ready try knitting with needles! Try finger knitting! The book easily explains the how to finger knit followed by 28 different types of projects designed for children to create. Each project is labeled easily with a 1, 2 or 3 in range of difficulty. Looking forward to seeing what our students create!

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Review: Words to Live by

Words to Live by by Dawn Nicole Warnaar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Students will get a lot of inspiration from this book! What a great way for students to use watercolor, sharpies and scrap materials to create inspiring art, bookmarks and posters! This book will be available in the LV IMC Makerspace soon!

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Review: Sharpie Art Workshop: Techniques and Ideas for Transforming Your World

Sharpie Art Workshop: Techniques and Ideas for Transforming Your World by Timothy Goodman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this book because it will be added to my makerspace in our school library. Not a huge amount of information provided within the book itself, but beautiful visuals. Who knew sharpies could be used for so much! I hope the pages inspire students to go beyond the basics to create fantastic Sharpie Art using paper, canvas, post-it notes and more!

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Review: Spork

Spork by Kyo Maclear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What an adorable books sending a positive message to be who you are and not to change for anyone else. Spork, born from a fork and spoon family, just wants to fit in. He doesn't feel right with the forks or the spoons. One day a mess appears and nobody can stop it! Will Spork be able to fix the mess? Read it to find out.

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Review: We Were Liars

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An interesting, intriguing book that will keep reader's interest through the whole book. The Sinclair family has their own private island off the east coast. There are many houses where each of the families stay for the summer. This story is about the 'Liars,' the eldest of the cousins from the 3 Sinclair families.

The book is fast paced with short chapters weaving in and out of Cadence's story about her summer's spent on the island. The majority of the book is during summer 17 when Cadence finally returns to the island for 4 weeks. During summer 15, Cadence is in an accident. The reader and Cadence spend time trying to understand what happened that night on the island and why she can't remember. Cadence suffers form migraines and amnesia in which doctors don't want anyone to push her or tell what took place that night.

Coming soon to LV IMC!!!

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Review: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved this book! I so wish I could add it to LV IMC, but due to some language and content, I cannot. Simon is an amazing character who unfortunately gets outed by someone as gay. The anger I felt for someone taking away Simon's right to be able to tell his story on his terms was overwhelming. Simon (a junior in high school) is wise and says something like, why should people who aren't straight have to "come out?" Why shouldn't everyone in society have their coming out day? I couldn't agree more Simon! Don't pass up this book - recommended for high school students.

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Review: The Magnolia Story

The Magnolia Story by Chip Gaines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fans of HGTVs Fixer Upper will enjoy this autobiography told from both Chip and Joanna through alternating font. Joanna's voice is stronger throughout, but Chip's humor and honesty are perfectly inserted. The book takes readers through how they met, their many business endeavors and how they were approached about staring in their reality show. What's also interesting is through their 13+ years of marriage, they have never owned a TV or knew what HGTV even was! I really enjoyed reading about where they have come from and how they have built their Magnolia enterprise is inspiring and well deserved from two very good people.

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Review: Luna

Luna by Julie Anne Peters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I selected this book for our library hoping it would be something else I could add to our collection! I'm so glad I took a chance on this book! Main characters Reagan and Liam are in high school. Liam is transgender and feeling the weight of his secret and needs to come out as herself. She is known as Lia Marie & Luna to her sister Reagan.

What I like most about this book is that it is told from Reagan's point of view. She has always been extremely close to Liam and knows all of her secrets. Author Julie Anne Peters does an excellent job letting the reader inside what it is like to be a sibling of someone who is transgender and what that emotionally does to Reagan and the pressure she feels to protect Liam and keep her secret.

Flashbacks reveal how Liam has always known he is female and the readers sees how early Liam knew she wasn't born the right assigned gender.

A book that will suck you in, and wish you could be there for both Reagan & Luna.

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Review: Real Friends

Real Friends by Shannon Hale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*reviewed through NetGalley - advanced read
What a great memoir in graphic novel format! Shannon Hale tells the tale of her elementary school experiences with friendship. Bullying is a prominent theme and how to deal with "mean girls", cliques and groups. I appreciated the honesty and reality of how girls really behave and how as parents, we can give advice, but sometimes easier said then done. I like how Hale came to her own conclusions and trusted her instinct to guide her to better choices for friends.

Book isn't being released until May, but it will be add LJHS library collection!

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Review: Rethinking Normal: A Memoir in Transition

Rethinking Normal: A Memoir in Transition by Katie Rain Hill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As I continue my search for books about transgenders that can be added to our library, I am still learning a lot. Katie Rain Hill's memoir takes the reader on her journey of growing up as Luke and transitioning to Katie. This is the first book I've read which goes into more detail about the surgical process of full transformation of male to female. Katie also has a serious relationship with another transgender teen Arin. This book has so much to offer, but too much on page relationship information to be able to place in our library. I recommend this book for high school and above.



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KING'S CAGE by Victoria Aveyard | Official Book Trailer

CARVE THE MARK by Veronica Roth | Official Book Trailer

Review: In Real Life: My Journey to a Pixelated World

In Real Life: My Journey to a Pixelated World by Joey Graceffa
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had no idea who Joey Graceffa was, but was directed to this book from a teacher whose student said it was one of his favorites. When I started to research Joey, I knew I needed to read more about a 24 year-old young man who already wrote a memoir!

Joey Graceffa's memoir will instantly connect to junior high and high school students. His message is clear - it's okay to be different as long as you stay true to yourself.

Readers will learn about Joey's childhood with an alcoholic mother, being in special education classes, bullied by students, troubled friendships and him publicly coming out gay. Each chapter offers great advice to people in similar situations.

Best of all for me, I learned how Joey became a YouTube sensation. How he took a passion for creating original videos and turned into an internet sensation. Self motivated, driven, silly & all things fun he is followed by over 7 million viewers. I admit - I became one of his followers too.

Well done Joey Graceffa for letting all kids be themselves!

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Review: Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall

Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall by Wendy Mass
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Wendy Mass has always been popular in our library. I was excited about her newest book, and made sure to read it right away. Unfortunately, I was underwhelmed. Written in verse, the book is quick quick to read. Tessa, a high school student, is struck in the head during a dodgeball game in PE class. She believes to be in heaven when she is now in the neighborhood mall she has spent her life growing up in due to both her parents working there. Each chapter is titled with a different store name where something has happened in her life. Tessa is terrible person. I think this is why I struggled so much with the book. Each chapter I was forced to read another terrible thing this girl did during elementary, middle and high school. I still forged on and finished the book hoping that Tessa will come to her senses if she comes out of this life threatening situation and become a better person.

I was satisfied with the ending, but won't be shoving this book into students hands. On the bright side, I believe readers can learn from Tessa and hopefully make better decisions than she did.

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Review: We Are All Made of Molecules

We Are All Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A quick read and worth it! Told from both Steward and Ashley's perspectives, a unique take on what a now modern family looks like.

Stewart's mother died almost 2 years ago and his father has been dating someone and has asked them to move in to her house. Stewart is a gifted boy who is still trying to deal with his mother's death, but is hopeful about the new family he will have...including a sister!

Ashley's mother and father divorced about a year ago and now her mother is dating Stewart's father. They are coming to live them and Ashley is not happy. She is still mad at her father who broke their family up, but announcing he is gay. He now lives in the carriage house behind them and Ashley is mortified. Not only is she going to have to deal with nerdy Stewart, his cat, and father, but also getting used to her dad's new life.

Funny, realistic and at time sad. Each of these characters is unique and seeing them trying to live together is humorous!

Recommended for a YA audience
2 copies will be available soon at the LV IMC!

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Review: Masterminds

Masterminds by Gordon Korman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It took me a while to get to this book, but I was not disappointed! Great detail and plot to go along with the 12 year-old male and female characters. I can easily recommend this book to both boys and girls in grades 6 & 7.

Eli, Malik, Hector, Tori & Amber all live in a Utopian town. They basically live a perfect life until Randy & Eli venture outside of the town's limits. Instantly Eli is very sick and the "purple people eaters" (the town's police) come looking for them since they left the town limits. The peculiar thing is Randy is fine. That's when things start to change, and Randy suddenly is moving to his grand-parents house.

A story of twists and turns - don't pass it up!

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Review: The Adventures of Captain Underpants

The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've heard Dav Pilkey speak a few times and have always wanted to read the adventures he talks about, but I wanted to wait until my son wanted to read the books together. Even though we have a few books at home, to my surprise he came home from school with a copy from the library and eager to read!

What can I say, two mischievous little boys playing pranks in school - who doesn't love that? George and Harold are laugh out loud funny and always up to no good. I think I enjoyed it the most hearing my son giggle as we read through the adventures and talked about how silly everyone in the book behaves.

Looking forward to more adventures!

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Review: Emmy & Oliver

Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is just one of the books you don't want to end! If only I could continue reading about these characters and where life continues to take them! Thank you Robin Benway for creating a YA book that is age appropriate and "gets" teenagers. Thank you for keeping the material appropriate to put in a junior high library for my 8th graders to get excited about how great high school can be and strong friendships do exist.

Emmy & Oliver share the same birthday, live next door to each other and are best friends. That is, until Oliver goes missing after a long weekend with his dad. Oliver's parents are divorced and his father has decided to keep Oliver - permanently. Until one day when the kids are 17 years-old and Oliver has been found.

Emmy has waited her whole life to be reunited with Oliver. Will they still be best friends? How does Oliver now fit into the group of friends he was quickly whisked away from?

This story is beautifully written and you will feel like you know Emmy & Oliver as well as your own friends by the time you are finished with this book.

Laugh out loud funny, sarcastic and emotional.

Coming this spring to the LV IMC!

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