Sam
It was a good story, though it felt a little short. It definitely has vibes of Fruits Basket.
A great storybook adaptation of the movie! The book was so cute and had all the key scenes from the film. I would definitely recommend this book as a collectible for fans of the movie!
I wasn't sure what to think going into this book. I never really read books on body positivity as they usually over-do it. This book however was a pleasant surprise. While I found some of the situations a little over-done and extra dramatic, the message about loving who you are regardless of your size was portrayed very well in this book. I related a lot to Rory as I also have many of the same struggles she faces as well. While I probably appreciate a story like this more now at age 30 and after going through everything I have, I do wish I had had a book like this when I was Rory's age. I am definitely looking forward to reading the side-stories and the next book!
A couple of fun spooky stories good for all ages. It's also informational! Never heard of mooncussers before, aka, “land pirates.”
I really loved the first part of this webtoon, but this second part just felt all over the place. Kind of like the author added extra drama just because they could.
LOVED the book! It was just like the Disney Channel movie. I wish there was a junior novelization for the second movie instead of a early reader version. This first one was so well done. It would have been fun to read the book for the second film. Maybe once the third one comes out we will get a complete set?
Very cute artwork! I did like the incorporation of math skills in the story. Also, I learned about a new holiday! Overall, a good read!
100 Disasters That Shaped World History by Joanne Mattern
This book covers all the disasters you can think of and even some you probably never thought could happen. Fires, floods, tornadoes, explosions, volcanic eruptions, plane and train crashes, building collapses, dust storms, oil spills, nuclear meltdowns, and even a molasses flood! I really liked that this book covered a wide variety of disasters and explained what caused them, how they were solved, and what changed because of them (including laws, regulations, and safety advances). Each event is a page long with a simple black and white illustration of the disaster. I also liked that the book had a mini-quiz and a suggested project for readers in the back.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joanne Mattern, and SOURCEBOOKS Kids (publisher) for allowing me to read this review copy of 100 Disasters That Shaped World History! I really enjoyed the book and will be checking out the rest of the 100 Series. I also plan to purchase this book to add to my collection of history books!
Never Give Up: Dr. Kati Kariko and the Race for the Future of Vaccines by Debbie Dadey
Never Give Up is about Kati Kariko and her passion for researching mRNA and its potential uses in vaccines. She was interested in science from a young age and ended up going to competitions while in school. She went on to get a doctorate and continued her research. Many of the other scientists thought she was crazy and that using mRNA couldn't be done. Eventually she found the way to accomplish her goal and it ended up helping create the COVID-19 vaccine! I really enjoyed this book. I liked that it explained things thoroughly but in an easy enough way to understand. It also included a time-line of her life and a glossary. The illustrations were nice too! Dr. Kati is a true inspiration for anyone looking to get into science or for anyone who has a dream. The book also had inspirational quotes by Dr. Kati.
Thank you NetGalley, Debbie Dadey, and Millbrook Press for allowing me to read this advanced copy of Never Give Up! I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in science.
Prancer the Demon Chihuahua by Pam Pho
Read On: 1/3/2023
As an owner of a pack of three chihuahuas (now two sadly), I know that these little dogs can often get a bad rap. I have had many people tell me how bad chihuahuas are, but very few have ever owned them or even hung out with one for a while. They are very loyal, spunky, and fun little dogs. They can also be very friendly if you socialize them enough.
I remember reading about Prancer last year and hoping he would find a good home. I was so happy to hear that he finally did! This book captures many of the ups and downs of living with a chihuahua. They do bark (A LOT) and usually at nothing. Peeing around the house can be an issue. However, they also love to explore, play with toys, run around, and most definitely hang out with their family. Prancer is no different than any other chihuahua. He and Ariel (his owner) have become a family who love to go to new places, watch movies, eat bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches (excellent and yummy choice!), and put on fashion shows. While he does pee on her belongings around the house and likes to chase squirrels, Ariel has seen past his bad behaviors and has come to love Prancer for the good doggie that he can be when given a chance.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Pam Pho, and Andrew McMeel Publishing for allowing me to read this advanced copy of Prancer the Demon Chihuahua. It was a fun book that made me smile and laugh. I would also like to mention that the illustrations by Cloris Chou were so adorable!!
Madam C. J. Walker Builds A Business by Denene Millner and Rebel Girls
This book focuses on Sarah Breedlove (aka Madam C. J. Walker). She was quite the amazing person! She was the first person in her family not born into slavery. She was also the first person to go to school in her family, even if it was only for a short amount of time. She learned the importance of education and made sure to send her daughter to a good school and then went to night school herself. It was once she met Annie Trunbo that her life changed forever. Annie had a hair care product that could help regrow hair! It was really a scalp treatment, but Sarah became a representative for Annie and sold her products. Eventually Sarah thought she could make a better product and went out on her own. She moved to Denver and experimented with different ingredients until she found the perfect mixture. She offered demonstrations and started going by Madam C. J. Walker as it had more of a mysterious feel to it which drew people in. Sarah's husband and daughter (who went to a beauty college) started helping with the business. Eventually they were the number one hair care product for black women in the US and had distribution centers around the country. She also offered classes and helped women have the skills they needed to set up their own salons, in which they would sell her products. Sarah was also the first woman to be a self-made millionaire in the United States. She truly was and still is an inspiration for any woman, regardless of background, who wants to start her own business. Sarah faced many obstacles including racial discrimination and sexist behavior from male entrepreneurs, but that never stopped her from reaching her goals! She truly was an inspirational business pioneer of her time! Even now her mansion is owned by an organization who helps women become entrepreneurs!
I would like to thank NetGalley, Rebel Girls, and Denene Millner for allowing me to read this advanced copy of Madam C. J. Walker Builds A Business. I would also like to mention that the illustrations in this book by Salini Perera were great! They were very vibrant and helped enhance the story! I also enjoyed that the back of the book had activities to practice your business skills. I would definitely recommend this book to young and/or aspiring entrepreneurs!
The Carrefour Curse by Dianne K. Salerni
This book has everything for those who love magic and mystery! The power of gems and stones, an old house, time-travel, a creepy old man, a possible murder, a large and quirky family, elemental magical powers, and so much more! I didn't know what to expect when I started this book, but I was hooked almost instantly! The book reminded me a bit of A Series of Unfortunate Events. From the moment Garnet arrives at Crossroad House, one bad thing after another takes place. Everyone in the family is on edge waiting for the next heir of the family's magic to be named. The book had me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next!
I would like to thank NetGalley, Dianne K. Salerni, and Holiday House (publisher) for allowing me to read this advanced copy of The Carrefour Curse. It was an exciting read with a lot of twists and turns. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys magic and discovering hidden powers. I would also like to mention that I loved the cover art!
Of Blood and Crowns by Raven More (Broken Bonds Series: Book 1)
I wasn't sure what to think of this book when I first requested to read it, but I am glad that I did. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down! Of Blood and Crowns is a dystopian novel that hits the ground running right from the beginning and is action packed the entire rest of the book. It follows Princess Valencia and her quest for freedom from her mother, who happens to be an evil queen who hates a race of people with special powers. Valencia happens to have those very powers. Along the way she meets the girl she saved 4 years prior and her brother, who both have special powers like Valencia. Together they escape a mining town, survive the desert with giant sand creatures, end up at a city straight out of Mad Max: Fury Road, then head to the ruins of Chicago where they meet some mutant assassins, and finally reach their destination after a long road trip just to face their biggest obstacle yet! I thought the book was well written overall and was a quick read. The only slightly unbelievable part was the romance between the two leads. From the first kiss (which was not in a romantic way) they were drawn to each other like magnets. In a span of three days they went from strangers to inseparable. It was still a fun read and I definitely recommend this book for anyone who likes dystopian thrillers! Thank you NetGalley and Raven More for allowing me to read this advanced copy!
Tiny Travelers Lebanon Treasure Quest by Steven Wolfe Pereira and Susie Jaramillo
This adorable book takes you to the country of Lebanon, which I learned is in Asia. The book is definitely geared for younger children as the seek-and-find is very easy. It does have fun facts which would be good for older children. I liked that the book showed different cities and sites around the country, as well as taught you about traditions, foods, and animals. The book also had a pronunciation guide for each word in Arabic. The artwork was so cute! I would definitely recommend this book for younger children, but anyone reading it to them will find something to enjoy as well.
Thank you NetGalley, Steven Wolfe Pereira, Susie Jaramillo, and Encantos (publisher) for allowing me to read this advanced copy of Tiny Travelers Lebanon Treasure Quest. I look forward to reading more books in the Tiny Traveler series!
Little Detectives: Dinosaurs by Carine Laforest
A Look-and-Find Book
This little book had fun facts and cute illustrations about dinosaurs. All the dinosaurs looked friendly and colorful. I would say this book is good for around 2-5 years old as far as the look-and-find part of the book goes. The facts might be good for that age group and maybe slightly older. I also liked that they showed how we look for dinosaur bones in modern day. Overall, a cute book that is definitely great for younger kids!
Thank you NetGalley, Carine Laforest, Karina Dupuis (illustrator), and Chouette Publishing for allowing me to read this advanced copy of Little Detectives: Dinosaurs.
How To Hug A Cactus by Emily S. Smith
This is an adorable book about a girl and her cactus. All the little girl wants to do is hug her cactus and show it the love it needs to grow. She asks various members of her family for ideas on how to hug her cactus but none of them work. The suggestions were accompanied by cute illustrations of the girl and her cactus testing each one out. Just when the girl and her cactus are about to give up hope, they find a way to finally share a hug!
I found that this book is a great lesson in never giving up on your dream. If it is something you really want, you will find a way to make it happen!
I would like to thank NetGalley, Emily S. Smith, Aleksandra Szmidt, and Windmill Books for allowing me to read this advanced copy of How To Hug A Cactus.
Finding Freedom: A Ukrainian Tale of Home by Maryna Kariuk
Finding Freedom is a book about Ukrainian culture and their freedom as a people. The book takes you to various locations in Ukraine and the illustrations really help bring the story to life. The book also shows readers Ukrainian foods, traditions, crafts, and more. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to learn a little bit more about Ukrainian culture and customs. The book was written and illustrated by women born and raised in Ukraine, the illustrator is still there now.
Thank you NetGalley, Maryna Kariuk, Ksenia Markevych, and Kohana Books for allowing me to read this advanced copy of Finding Freedom. I stand with Ukraine and wish all of the Ukrainian people the freedom they are fighting so hard for.
Not-So-Common Cents by Sarah Wassner Flynn
This is a review for a sample of the upcoming book by the same name. In the sample I learned about the US dollar bill and how it has the number 13 hidden throughout it to represent the original 13 colonies. It also discussed credit cards versus cash and debit. The sample talked about currencies from around the world. Finally it mentioned how to make a monthly budget. From the content of this sample, it would seem the book will cover a wide range of topics about money. I would say this is a great book for kids learning about spending and saving. The book sample was laid out well and had vibrant colors. I have read many other books by National Geographic Kids and this book meets their same high standards that are found in their other books.
Thank you NetGalley, Sarah Wassner Flynn, and National Geographic Kids for allowing me to read this sample of Not-So-Common Cents!
The book was alright. I liked the multiple endings. Over all, it kind of reminded me of A Series of Unfortunate Events. The writing style that is, not the story. Can't wait to read Lulu's next adventure!
It was cute and a real blast from the past when I was in high school. I definitely can't wait to read the next book!
While I did enjoy the book, I had a few issues with it. Mostly the large gaps of time that the author jumped bothered me. It just felt like we were missing chunks of their lives. I don't normally mind time jumps, but these just kind of felt out of place when they occurred. I could also just be spoiled from Kdramas and Cdramas that show a lot of the cuter interactions between the leads during their everyday lives. I did like that the book focused on robotics and described their battles really well so it felt like I was actually there watching it. I also like that it tackled a lot of the discrimination that girls face in STEM fields simply for just being a girl.
In some ways I was a little sad to read this book as I never had the opportunities Bel had at my school. The only robotics program we had was introduced to the middle school (the announcement made in my final month of 8th grade) and was not offered to the high school students the next year despite us all being in the same building. I am glad that girls have so many more opportunities to try out STEM related subjects and careers nowadays.
Finally on a side note, I actually started to read the book because the title sounded like My Chemical Romance (my favorite band) and I was delighted to see the song Teenagers mentioned in the book!
I don't normally read biographies and I don't usually finish a book within 24 hours of starting it, but I could not put this one down. I watch a lot of Yeonmi's videos on YouTube and knew some of her story, but this book was really eye opening as to what daily life was like in North Korea. Something that came to mind often while reading was that she was living in a real world Hunger Games reality. Then when they finally reached “freedom” only to enter a new kind of horror, my heart sank for Yeonmi and her mother. I am so glad that after everything they endured, they were finally able to reach true freedom. Yeonmi is a brave woman and a true inspiration! Thank you for sharing your story. I hope one day your dream comes true and all of NK will know true freedom.
I had wanted to read this book for quite a while, and so when I found it at walmart for 97 cents, I said why not. It turns out this book was great! I found myself laughing out loud, getting fed up, and smiling the whole book. I really couldn't put it down.