Brittany C

While the pacing was slow, the information about incorporating AI into instruction was detailed and useful for educators of all age groups.

The goal of this text is admirable- pushing for equity to be at the forefront of AI usage/creation. I was excited to hear from 2 authors belonging to marginalized groups regarding this topic.

While the text did have some good insights, the text overall was repetitive and dry. There were also some editing errors missed that made the text difficult to read in certain places. Overall, the text read more like a compilation of essays on a topic rather than a united book.

This text is a great read for teachers who want to rejuvenate excitement and authentic enjoyment of reading within their students. The text has an honest portrayal of what doesn't work while also offering suggestions for how to change. Definitely more geared towards an elementary audience, library media specialists, or schools looking to do a while building initiative - however, there are nuggets of wisdom for all educators to learn from! Overall a thought provoking look at the ways in which we can spark or stifle the joy reading brings based on the tasks we pair with it.

This text was a great exploration of how subjective and incomplete schooling can be, as well as the effects that can have on students and current events. I read this text as a part of a teacher book study and found it very helpful in raising questions of equity and highlighting ways in which educators can improve the experiences of students in all classrooms. I appreciated the book's stance that educators do not need to be perfect in implementation- rather, they have to be committed to doing better and responsible for doing research and receiving feedback. The overall message of the book is that a paradox mindset is critical for being able to view reality as it is. As countries are driven by people, they will (like those people) have positive and negative attributes and events in their past. It is essential to embrace and teach both aspects to students. At times, I found this text a bit drawn out or repetitive; however, overall the subject of the text and insights provided within it were beneficial and an asset to modern education.

A great text to make teachers think about AI possibilities in education while also providing quality, realistic suggestions for implementation. I am normally very critical of these kinda of texts- but this one was solid!

Surprisingly upbeat compared to the title, this family story and murder mystery was engaging and had great forward momentum. The plot and style reminded me of a mix of Knives Out and old murder mystery tales.

Review courtesy of an ARC from NetGalley.

This YA fantasy takes place in a world where magic is determined by the moon phase on the day you are born. While all 4 phases have their place and values, individuals born under an eclipse face fear and often mistreatment. Aldryn College is the center for magical education for all with enough skill, but is reeling from the recent loss of 8 students in a tragic drowning. The sole survivor, Emory, is wracked with guilt and the pain of losing her best friend- and determined to find out what the students had been doing in the cave she followed them to just before the accident.

When a student reappears who was thought drowned, things get more complicated. Emory is shocked to learn that her healing magic has morphed into something much more intense - and dangerous if discovered. She must balance her quest for knowledge, her need to avoid detection, and a pull between 2 love interests who both seem key to solving the puzzle.

The characters were engaging, as was the plot. While a bit predictable, it was never the less a captivating and engaging read. I could have done without the romance, but it was a relatively small part of the overall tale.

This story follows Galadriel, a student in a school for magically gifted individuals where danger is common place. With no adults in the school, students must be responsible for their own learning while avoiding the mals- creatures drawn to magic that cause only harm and destruction. Students are forced to walk a fine line between finding allies to support them while also competing in the cuthroat environment. Unfortunately, Galadriel more often than not finds herself a loner due to a mix of how others perceive her and her less than desirable social skills. When a fellow junior throws off the balance with his actions, Galadriel and the entire school find themselves at even greater risk than anticipated. Even worse, Galadriel worries that her classmates actions might ultimately destroy her chances for success both in school and beyond.

This story takes the premise of Lord of the Flies but creates a very unique and interesting social structure. The characters are perfectly flawed and relatable, and the plot has good pacing. I am excited to see where this series goes next.

I really liked the overall concept of this story, and found the plot cute overall. It was a bit predictable in terms of the overall arc,.but the steps taken along the way were fun and refreshing. Would have liked a bit less lightheartedness- and felt the abandonment of the arc about other “sliders” was missed opportunity. Still, overall was drawn to keep reading to see what would happen.

Great topic and good information on historic roots of problems and solutions. Was a bit repetitive. Would recommend for social studies teachers especially.

The premise of this book was very intriguing. A researcher at an experimental communications lab realizes her city is facing a crisis that defies the laws of physics- and that might be connected to her work. When a duplicate of herself suddenly appears, she struggles to balance between saving the city and satisfying her need to know what is happening regarding herself and her double.

My main issue with the text was the amount of time it took me to feel invested in the characters and plot. While the second half was much more compelling, the first half of the text seemed to drag for me.

This was a refreshing and compelling read! The main character is very relatable and flawed in ways that make her endearing. The story line draws you in and makes you want to go through the adventure with the characters. While it is a bit predictable, it is so well written that it is forgivable. The narrator does a great job bringing the story to life and keeping your interest. Definitely a read and audiobook worth your time!

This story and author have a lot of potential- I was maybe just not the perfect reader for it. This story reads very much like a Dungeons and Dragons' DM's notes outlining a one shot session. Most of the characters, spells, and mechanics were structured around that game's structure. The story starts in an intriguing way, finding Malfus right in the action of a sticky situation. However, it lacked the momentum I was looking for in the plot and story line. I was hopeful to be given more vivid insights into the key moments in Malfus' past, but those moments were glazed over. Instead, the bulk of the story is focused on a single battle, detailing each characters specific step by step actions in detail.

There were some moments of impressive curiosity- such as a chapter that bounces through the perspectives of a variety of individuals in a way to give you a creative look at the chaos of the events- but overall the story felt like it was dragging and might have been more successful condensed into a short story. However, if you are someone who enjoys reading campaign overviews, this book would be a good fit for you!

As a junior high educator, I found this text insightful and highly relevant to the lives of my students. It follows the story of high school students caught in a negative spiral of the worst social media has to offer. As I read through the book, the perspectives of the various students brought to mind specific students that I myself have taught throughout the years. Their stories had significant parallels to those that Slater was following in this book. As social media continues to take over as a controlling force in the lives of youth, this book provided a reminder about the negative consequences that can come from the content an individual chooses to post. I will be recommending the read in the future once it comes out to students, as I think it is important for them to see how social media has impacted the lives of individuals like themselves.

Great story about being different, struggling to find your place, and the importance of friends and family. I loved the windows of Iranian culture that this book opened up for readers- overall, a beautiful piece of literature.

Slow at first, but the story and characters quickly and quietly wrap themselves around your heart. By the time you reach the end, you are wishing for just one more page, one more moment with them- and, for this story, there is no higher praise I can think of.

Good story and imagery. I liked the way the story was structured, as you are able to put together more and more pieces along the way. That said, I had trouble getting lost in the story and could only read small bits at a time before moving on to something else.

Needed a detour from my normal genres, and this was just the trick! Lots of drama, and pieces left like breadcrumbs throughout the story (a bit too obviously at times, but it is YA so that is understandable). Overall, a great summer read.

There are some sensitive subjects discussed in the book- I would recommend checking with someone who has read it before ( including myself) if you have any severe triggers before reading.

I liked that this book gave a lot of selpecific details and examples to explain internment. The author's experiences were related in a way that was emotional and heartfelt, but also with information, evidence, and historical context to further educate people about this important and tragic event. Definitely recommend to anyone who wants more information on internment and its impact.

A very honest, heartfelt, and personal look at internment. They way fiction and nonfiction were blended helped to craft a reading experience that invited the reader to think about how the experience of internment impacted individuals and generation one far beyond the closing of the camps. The book also had a list of resources at the end so readers could further their education if they wished.

Great information about the LGBTQIA+ history in the U.S.. Lots of examples of individuals and organizations who helped shape history throughout the years. At times, the writing was a bit bland, but overall a lovely read to become more informed.

A good, albeit slow adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. The story was unique and provided a well developed setting in which the story could unfold.

This book had good descriptions about the connections between student behaviors, the brain, and strategies that can be used to promote successful and healthy student development. The text was easy to read and understand, and many practical research based suggestions were made in each chapter.

Great, easy to read analysis of the history of fake news and what people can do to activity avoid falling for it. The text is accessible to most readers, as it does not attempt to be overly complex or sophisticated. A practical approach to an important topic!

Great perspective on teaching and how it needs to evolve. Content is research based and focuses on a skills driven curriculum. I wish the book had spent time on the more practical aspects of how to go about making the changes suggested. Still, a compelling look at how historical thinking is essential.