3.5 stars Despite my less than stellar rating, I did pretty much listen to this almost in one go. It reminded me of the book "Sadie" (which I loved) du3.5 stars Despite my less than stellar rating, I did pretty much listen to this almost in one go. It reminded me of the book "Sadie" (which I loved) due to its podcast format - but was not quite as well done as that. Blair and Cam have decided to try to solve a cold case murder from 1999 featuring a missing girl (Clarissa) from their small town of Oreville, WA. Give this to your podcast and mystery fans ...more
Sophie is a 12-year-old human girl who lives with her two vampire moms. All vampires have to sign a contract of sorts and abide by a curfew but this hSophie is a 12-year-old human girl who lives with her two vampire moms. All vampires have to sign a contract of sorts and abide by a curfew but this has led to good relationships between the two races. Unfortunately some vampires are starting to go rogue, including one of Sophie's moms. She and her best friend vow to find out what is going on and reverse what happened to her mom. CW: Violence, blood (it is vampires after all). I was meh on this but I've heard it is good for those who like "Stranger Things"...more
Short stories set in the world of the Daevabad trilogy. I liked hearing additional stories from this interesting and beautifully crafted world. AdditiShort stories set in the world of the Daevabad trilogy. I liked hearing additional stories from this interesting and beautifully crafted world. Additionally, the author tells where the short story fits into the timeline of the other stories as well as warning of any spoilers for the 3 books of the trilogy...more
Bumped up from 3.5 stars because this was a debut novel Sonia loves cosplay - especially the making of the costumes. She has made an amazing costume thBumped up from 3.5 stars because this was a debut novel Sonia loves cosplay - especially the making of the costumes. She has made an amazing costume this year and she is wearing it when she rescues her crush from drowning in a canal. However, she can't afford to let anyone know that it was her because her mom has already been deported back to India and her older sister and guardian is also undocumented. Sonia cannot afford to let anything else happen to her family. The video has gone viral though so she will need to stay on her toes - not only with her crush but also with his handsome older brother! There are lots of layers here: family, immigration, friendship, romance. An engaging and fun read that also packs a lot of depth into its pages. Content: undocumented families, leukemia, queer representation, cyberbullying Grades 7+...more
Kiki is a gamer who, tired of all the harassment received when she plays as a female character, plays as a male character instead. She befriends anothKiki is a gamer who, tired of all the harassment received when she plays as a female character, plays as a male character instead. She befriends another person in one of the games that she frequents, never dreaming that they would ever meet in real life as she is in Jakarta and they are in Singapore. When Kiki's parents force her to switch into an elite school, she gets on the wrong side of a popular influencer because she had the audacity to speak her mind and he gets her labeled as "crazy Kiki". And of course, her online friend turns out to be a student at her new school as well. This is a fun read but also explores the important topics of toxic masculinity, cyber/bullying, and sexual harassment. I love how Kiki finds her voice again. Stands alone even though it is a companion to Well That Was Unexpected CW: bully, swearing, misogyny, sexual harassment Grades 7 and up...more
3.5 stars Kai is the daughter of a general in 16th century Korea. She wants to be a martial artist like her brothers and her father indulges her but th3.5 stars Kai is the daughter of a general in 16th century Korea. She wants to be a martial artist like her brothers and her father indulges her but the other soldiers are shocked. When Kai hits puberty, however, and a hidden secret about her (view spoiler)[gumiho (hide spoiler)]past comes to light, she is forced to flee. A kind turn she had done in her past serves to play a huge part in the future paths her world will take. This tale is a bit uneven and confusing in parts but there is a lot to be said for the queer, feminist way the gumiho tale is retold as well as the amazing digital graphics. They are extremely well done with a very well-chosen color palette.
CW: violence/blood, nudity (bare bottoms) Grades 7 and up...more
I used this as a mentor text with my 6th grade Humanities classes who are just starting work on a unit about activism. This strong Indigenous communitI used this as a mentor text with my 6th grade Humanities classes who are just starting work on a unit about activism. This strong Indigenous community working together to save their rain forest from being destroyed in the search for oil speaks strongly to people of many ages. One of the authors was deeply involved in the work. Illustrations are lush and add to the depth of the content. Back matter adds even more, especially about the Kichwa people in Ecuador and standing up for the land....more
Sasha lives with anxiety (The Gray) and it has been getting worse. His dad telling him to "toughen up" turns into an incident at school and his parentSasha lives with anxiety (The Gray) and it has been getting worse. His dad telling him to "toughen up" turns into an incident at school and his parents decides it will be best for him to go live with his aunt for the summer. Sasha's aunt is very kind and understanding but Sasha is worried about being away from his best friend and his video games. Baron writes complex, authentic characters that are very relatable. While the cover and title may not immediately draw students in, there are many who could benefit from reading it. Recommend! CW: bullying, mental health/anxiety...more
Sid lives in a town that sits on a magical faultline. When strangers come into town and kill one of the 8 guardians and steal his key, zombies are setSid lives in a town that sits on a magical faultline. When strangers come into town and kill one of the 8 guardians and steal his key, zombies are set free to wreak havoc on the town. Sid and a few friends, including the remaining guardians must fight to overcome the strangers, get back the key, return the zombies from whence they came - and also find Sid's missing brother who just happens to be one of the guardians. Lots of action and adventure. Lots of violence and death. There are some great characters here but some of the world building and plot become too tangled and are too much to sort, especially at the beginning. Buffy fans may find some similarities they will enjoy. Grades 8 and up for content....more
Student recommendation. Elliott's parents have divorced. Dad has remarried and step-mom is expecting a baby. Elliott finds living with mom to be very eStudent recommendation. Elliott's parents have divorced. Dad has remarried and step-mom is expecting a baby. Elliott finds living with mom to be very easy but thinks dad has too many rules, high expectations, and does not understand him and what he wants. Elliott loves to cook and hopes that this will be the way to both bring him joy and somehow reconnect with dad. A lovely story about food, family, and friendship. highly recommend! ...more
A fun reimagining of the Arthurian legend. In this one, the king has summoned Merlin's son to court to apprentice to be the next court wizard. HoweverA fun reimagining of the Arthurian legend. In this one, the king has summoned Merlin's son to court to apprentice to be the next court wizard. However, Emmett is a bit of a screw-up so he sends his more responsible and more talented twin sister, Emry, in his place. Leaves room for a sequel. CW: violence, kissing, off-page sex/implied/lots of innuendos...more
Donovan's teacher assigns his class to read an exciting adventure book. He has left it out and his mom sees it and raises a fuss about the last sentenDonovan's teacher assigns his class to read an exciting adventure book. He has left it out and his mom sees it and raises a fuss about the last sentence which raises a question about whether or not the 2 main characters might be queer. Soon the whole town is upset and trying to get the book removed from the curriculum so that the students will not be "harmed". Donovan and his friends come together to defend the book and their teacher. A lovely book about the need to defend the right to read!! I also appreciate the fact that Levithan has expanded to middle grade writing in addition to YA....more
Sade Hussein is starting at an elite boarding school after being homeschooled. When her roommate disappears, Sade suspects something sinister is goingSade Hussein is starting at an elite boarding school after being homeschooled. When her roommate disappears, Sade suspects something sinister is going on at the school and she is determined to figure out what that is, even though the personal cost may be very high. This is very dark, the content is intense. Gear towards grades 8 and up
CW: sexual assault, rape, grief, suicide, death of family...more
When Channi's younger sister was born, it was a very difficult birth and so her father made a sacrifice to the gods (the Demon Witch). This one act haWhen Channi's younger sister was born, it was a very difficult birth and so her father made a sacrifice to the gods (the Demon Witch). This one act has repercussions that will change Channi's life forever.
I absolutely LOVE all of Elizabeth Lim's books. Her characters and world-building are so clever and unique. I could not put this book down. Highly recommend!
3.5 stars For those looking for a new take on Arthurian legends, this would be a solid choice. However, I felt like I needed a bit more info to help me3.5 stars For those looking for a new take on Arthurian legends, this would be a solid choice. However, I felt like I needed a bit more info to help me get into the world Bracken was creating. Finally about halfway through the book, I was solidly hooked but I don't know many students who will hang in that long....more
Chess, Emma, and Finn are startled by the news that 3 children in another state with their exact names and birthdates have been kidnapped. But they doChess, Emma, and Finn are startled by the news that 3 children in another state with their exact names and birthdates have been kidnapped. But they don't think too much more about it until their mom leaves suddenly for a "work trip" and they realize their might be some mysterious connection.
Give this to students who want a mystery and action (but no dead bodies). Definitely upper elem/middle grade. ...more
Sasha lives in Southern California. It's a given that an earthquake could happen at anytime. But still no one really expects it when it does happen. USasha lives in Southern California. It's a given that an earthquake could happen at anytime. But still no one really expects it when it does happen. Unfortunately the one that hits when Sasha is working at the museum is devastating. Sasha ends up having to go live with her estranged grandparents who do not know that she is bisexual. They keep trying to set her up with Cole while Sasha is drawn to neighbor Lily. Sasha has lots of issues to contend with: grief, identity, communication, friendships, relationships, family. I think some of the characters were a bit stereotypical and some of the plot was predictable - but I also liked that people had room to grow and change. I liked the author's style and immediately put some of her other books on hold. ...more
Lyla is writing a fantasy book in her head, so she's thrilled when her favorite (and very supportive teacher) announces a creative writing unit. But tLyla is writing a fantasy book in her head, so she's thrilled when her favorite (and very supportive teacher) announces a creative writing unit. But thinking and doing are two very different things and Lyla finds herself stuck with writers block as she tries to impress family, friends, and teachers.
A very relatable story about the pressures we put on ourselves and the pressures put on us by others - and how to deal with them....more
For middle schoolers (and upper elem) looking for a horror/suspense book that is not *too* scary, this felt just right. Evie lives in the 7th most hauFor middle schoolers (and upper elem) looking for a horror/suspense book that is not *too* scary, this felt just right. Evie lives in the 7th most haunted town in the US with her aunt, a paranormal expert. When her aunt, her only remaining family, goes missing in a supper creepy abandoned slaughterhouse, Evie is determined to find and save her, despite all her aunt's warning's about the building. She encounters a creature she calls The Clackity who makes a deal with her but it involves the ghost of a serial killer. CW: loss of family, serial killer, violence...more
Mama rabbit isn't feeling well so while papa rabbit is out getting medicine for her, the 10 little rabbits do their best to take care of her by givingMama rabbit isn't feeling well so while papa rabbit is out getting medicine for her, the 10 little rabbits do their best to take care of her by giving her things like hot chocolate, fruit, ribbons, a good book, etc. Lo and behold, she miraculously starts feeling better! It's a sweet enough story about taking care of those you love. My students enjoyed guessing ahead of time what things the little rabbits would give to mama rabbit....more
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