The Cafe Competition (Jasper and Scruff)

 The Café Competition by Nicola Colton is the fourth book in this funny series. It is about Jasper and Scruff, who are best friends and amazing cooks who decided to open their own café called “Paws Café.” Everyone loved their food. But one day, no one came to the café, and Jasper thought it was odd that the café was empty. It turned out a new café called the Sophisticafé had opened across the street. The new café was owned by the sneaky Lady Catterly and the Sophisticats! The new café was fancy. Jasper and Scruff thought they had to make a fancy menu to get their regular customers back.

This was a funny book full of colorful illustrations. It had a good lesson about not worrying too much about what other people who aren’t your true friends think. It’s good to be true to yourself. I loved the creativity of the book. The name Sophisticafé was so funny, and of course, the food sounded fancy. It was a quick and easy book to read. It is best for children who are starting to read on their own, ages five to seven.


Stravaging “Strange” (Russian Library)

There’s a lot to unpack with this book. Unpublishable under Stalin, Sigizmund Krzhizhanovsky has been called one of the greatest Russian writers of the last century. His book, Stravaging Strange, translated by Joanne Turnbull with Nikolai Formozov, includes a series of short stories.

The first story, “Stravaging Strange,” tells of a lovesick magus who imbibes a potion that shrinks him down to the size of a dust mote. In “Catastrophe,” a ruthless sage makes a serious and deeply affective decision in effort to understand reality. And an otherworldly outsider faces a ridiculous trial in “Material for a Life of Gorgis Katafalaski.” But perhaps most revealing are the excerpts from the author’s notebooks and the afterword written by his companion, Anna Bovshek, describing the man himself.

Overall, this volume of Krzhizhanovsky’s surrealistic fiction won’t suit causal readers. It is definitely equal to the comparisons to Kafka. But it’s also a richly rewarding read with great depths to mine for the dedicated reader. In the rich feast that is 20th century Russian literature, Krzhizhanovsky should not be forgotten.


The Next Time I Die (A Hard Case Crime Book)

Steven Blitz is a hot-shot defense attorney with an emotionally unstable wife. When his wife kicks him out of the house, he attempts to do the noble thing and break up a domestic disturbance at a gas station when he is stabbed in the gut; when he wakes up in the hospital, the world around him has changed, and he no longer knows what is real. Blitz must work out to find the answers to this new reality, a reality where there is no 9/11 or Netflix, and Blitz is not a very nice man. This book initially felt a bit like the old Twilight Zone series where an individual wakes up in a world kind of like their own, but different, mixed with some crime noir thrown in. It is generally a fast read, but Blitz gets on the readers' nerves, and it is not easy to cheer for him to find a way back. There are too many pages of him trying to convince everyone that this is a dream, and his quest to put away someone who may or may not be a killer seems far-fetched and page-consuming. Overall fairly uneven from start to finish.


Moonlight Mischief (Star Friends)

Moonlight Mischief (Star Friends #7)  by Linda Chapman is a chapter book in a series about friends with magical powers. The town entered a competition, and someone cleaned up the town overnight. But other weird things started to happen– like toys and pets mysteriously disappearing. The friends and their special animals will have to use their magic to figure out what is happening.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was exciting and full of mysterious adventures. Other kids who like books with magic and solving mysteries will like this. The book was easy to read, and the illustrations were in black and white but seemed perfect for the book. You had an idea of what would happen by just looking at the pictures.

My favorite part was when I discovered what was causing all the pets and toys to be taken away. That was kind of a surprise to me.

This book is for kids who are six to nine-year-olds and who are starting to read chapter books.


Groundskeeping: A novel

Owen Callahan is floundering. At a loss for how to shape his life, he’s moved back to Kentucky, where he lives with his uncle and grandfather. For work, he works as a landscaper and tree trimmer at a local college, receiving one free writing course as part of his compensation. He feels, blurrily, that he wants to be a writer; he’s smitten, instantly, with the college’s writer-in-residence, Alma, whose parents are Bosnian immigrants. Alma isn’t single, at least not at first, but she’s charmed by Owen’s earnest quest for self-discovery. Owen may be from Kentucky, but he doesn’t feel like he belongs there; he feels disconnected from his right-leaning family and sees a disjunct between his own political and personal beliefs and those permeating his home state. The romance that develops between Alma and Owen isn’t easy or straightforward, and both love and Owen’s search for meaning are complicated even more as Trump and the 2016 election set normalcy spinning in wild directions.

Groundskeeping is a coming-of-age novel that examines how difficult it can be to define oneself and visualize a possible future when the culture at large has lost all logic and coherence. Cole is an earnest, subtle debut author who strikes a careful balance between introspection and broader social commentary.


The Deepest of Secrets: A Rockton Novel (Casey Duncan Novels, 7)

The Deepest of Secrets is the seventh installment in Kelley Armstrong's Rockton novels. A town built in the secluded Yukon, Rockton consists of a group of people whose pasts are as good as erased. No one knows where they came from or who they were before Rockton. This includes the town's own Deputy Eric Dalton and his girlfriend Detective Casey Butler. The Rockton novels are easy to read as standalone books without feeling like you're missing out on any pertinent information. In fact, this book gives a little synopsis at the beginning of the book about what has happened in Rockton in the past without giving too much away.

In this story, a sign is posted that reveals the past of one of the residents as a murderer. The town goes into an uprising and before Eric and Casey can put out the fire, rumors start flying, and people start ending up murdered. This book is fast-paced with all of the elements of a fantastic thriller and suspense novel. Perfect for fans of Chevy Stevens and Karin Slaughter.


InvestiGators: Braver and Boulder (InvestiGators, 5)

The InvestiGators are on another mission! Brash and Mango are trying to find out what happened to Anjie, the owner of a shop that sells suspicious glowing green rocks called Boulder Buddies. Brash and Mango discover that the Boulder Buddies have started to move all on their own! The InvestiGators are the best ones for the job. Just one question: can they do it?

This book is great in my opinion, just like all the other books in the series. This book has a good plot, good art, and is very funny. My favorite part was that Brash and Mango’s headquarters looked just like Brash, so everyone didn’t even think Mango was an InvestiGator. However, my favorite character is actually Mango. I like Mango because he is very funny.

I really like the name of the book, InvestiGators: Braver and Boulder, because the book is all about the Boulder Buddies that Anjie sells. I would recommend this book to people who love books with investigation and to people who love the other InvestiGators books.


A Catalog of Such Stuff as Dreams Are Made On (Weatherhead Books on Asia)

Dung Kai-Cheung’s A Catalog of Such Stuff as Dreams Are Made On is a literary collection fixated on things. More fragments of life than short stories, each vignette features an item or cultural phenomenon and spins it on its tail, exploring the relationship between humans, our things, and the way we create meaning and culture from them. Out of plastic, wood, and fabric, Dung constructs a still-life of 90s Hong Kong that is absurd, outrageous, fantastical, and true.

From cargo shorts to My Melody to Tomb Raider III, Dung’s collection is a museum of oddities, a time capsule of what it meant to be a person during that era and place, in the middle of radical political and social movement. Zooming in with blurred eyes, the stories together also form a parody of the social and material ego. Each one features a character who is changed by the chosen material item on physical and spiritual scales. While these transformations read very specific to the time, they also have a sense of timelessness, a universal feeling of never feeling quite right amid a global yet exponentially intimate society.

In the forward, Dung acknowledges the obscurity of these materials and the book’s subject matter, pointing to obsolescence “itself an aesthetic value.” They wrote their vignettes from 1998 to 1999, choosing topics from local papers and magazines and letting each item take its own life. As a time capsule of an increasingly distant era and culture, A Catalog of Such Stuff as Dreams Are Made On also stands in a wave of Y2K nostalgia, a yearning for all things unabashed, pixelated, and metallic.


Rodney Was a Tortoise

He’s been alive longer than Great Aunt Clara and is a comforting constant in her life. Bernadette loves her pet turtle, Rodney, like a best friend. They play games like Crokinole together and share stories at bedtime. She reads as he drifts off to sleep. As the days pass, she notices he’s slowing down, and then, he ceases to move at all. The depth of her sadness is inconceivable. The next day at school, it seems no one understands. She retreats inside herself until one day, a boy from her class, Amar, approaches her and offers his condolences, opening a pathway to her heart and to healing.

This is a heartwarming book about love, loss, friendship, and restoration. Children ages four to eight who’ve lost a pet will be touched by this sweet tale. It’s likely to help them process their experience and put their sentiments into words they might not otherwise have been able to express.

The illustrations are presented in soft, pastel watercolor hues. They beautifully portray the array of emotions expressed by the characters, especially Bernadette. The text is relatively brief and is written at approximately a second-grade level, making it ideal for young readers.


100 Days of Adventure: Nature Activities, Creative Projects, and Field Trips for Every Season

If you’re running out of ideas for things to do with your family, you may find some great new options in 100 Days of Adventure. There are one hundred ideas to explore in this book from natural choices such as a meteor slumber party and exploring ecosystems to making fruit crumble. There are simple instructions for each idea (which is only a two-page spread per activity.) There is something for every season, including snowy weather activities. There are some holiday activities listed, such as Christmas and Valentine’s Day, but they also include Winter Solstice. It does encourage a lot of getting out into nature, so you’ll want to have access to the great outdoors and natural spaces if you want to get the most out of this book.

Overall, lots of suggestions for families to have fun together, both inside and outdoors.


Rolo's Story (Dog's Eye View)

Rolo's Story is about a dog who escaped his old owner, who he did not like. He decided it would be better if he lived on his own. He then realizes that it is hard living on the street. Will he find a new owner?

The book teaches Rolo about trusting humans ("Two Legs") and friendship. It made me sad because his old owner did not treat him nice and sometimes forgot to feed him. Dogs have feelings, and we should treat them nicely. I am so sad about how the old owner treated Rolo. Reading this book makes me want to adopt a dog.

Rolo's Story is so interesting. It is one of my favorite books, and I have reread it many times. I like how Blake Morgan writes and will read other books by him. Kids around ages eight to ten who like dogs would like this book. I definitely would recommend reading it.


The Stardust Thief (Volume 1) (The Sandsea Trilogy, 1)

Loulie is the Midnight Merchant. With the help of her Jinn-in-disguise companion Qadir, she finds lost Jinn relics and sells them to the highest bidder. The sultan desires the most well-known relic, a lamp containing a Jinn that grants the possessor any wish. He sends Loulie on this quest with his son, Omar, The Stardust Thief.

Omar received that title due to his many Jinn kills as well as being the leader of the Forty Thieves. Things aren’t quite what they seem, though, as Omar convinced his brother Mazen to trade places with him, also in disguise. Mazen, Loulie, and Qadir will battle ghouls, Jinn, thieves, sandstorms, and betrayal in this perilous quest, but they will also discover the truths about themselves.

What a beautiful, epic beginning to an incredible saga! It’s so well written, you don’t even care that it’s more than four hundred pages. I couldn’t put it down and was disappointed when it ended. I sincerely hope it doesn’t take too long to write the next installment. The desert comes alive in this story, with richly crafted characters and a landscape that has its own character. The storytelling is amazing and will sweep you away. It’s a must-read book!


The Devil's Dictionary

New Science Fiction and Fantasy

This roundup comprises five of the best new science fiction and fantasy novels published in the last few months. Action-packed and astoundingly imaginative, they all offer to transport readers to exciting otherworldly locations populated by extraordinary beings. In fact, if you aim to explore strange new worlds and seek out new life and new civilizations, then these are the books for you.

Where the Drowned Girls Go by Seanan McGuire

In Where the Drowned Girls Go, the seventh volume in Seanan McGuire’s Wayward Children series, a new anti-magical school is introduced and its students are forced to rebel against the overly authoritative faculty, which makes for a tense and fantastical read. When Eleanor West first opened her Home for Wayward Children, she had to acknowledge the fact that she wouldn’t be able to help all those who arrived at her door, although she determined to do her best to assist as many as possible. She’s surprised, however, when Cora turns out to be one of the children who might need to pursue their fate elsewhere. For her part, Cora is desperately seeking a different life, a different prophecy, and the ability to make her own fate. At Cora’s urging, Eleanor reluctantly agrees to transfer her to the Whitethorn Institute, a school that is run according to very different principles than the Home for Wayward Children. Once there, Cora soon realizes that something distinctly sinister is going on and that she might just be the only one capable of overcoming it.

The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer by Janelle Monáe

With  The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer, Janelle Monáe and a host of collaborators have put together a collection of powerful short stories that explore what life is like under a near-future totalitarian regime and if there is any possibility of escape. Set in the Afrofuturistic world that informs one of Monáe’s albums, the stories interrogate issues such as sexuality, race, and gender, and they do so against a backdrop of a world in which thoughts can be controlled, modified, or even erased by a select group of powerful elites. As a consequence, the lives of all individuals—whether human, AI, or something else entirely—are overseen by a cabal of megalomaniacs who have assigned themselves the power to control the fate of everything. Well, that was the case until Jane 57821 took the chance to break free and start thinking for herself. The stories in this collection build on and expand the world inhabited by Jane 57821, fleshing it out in all its repressive horror and amazing opportunity.

The Devil’s Dictionary by Steven Kotler

An empathy tracker and emotional forecaster, Lion Zorn is unique. He is also uniquely placed to know why the world is the way that it is and what the future is likely to hold, although he mostly concentrates on more day-to-day matters. Still, his skills are very useful to have in a highly competitive market, despite occasionally brining him into contact with the less desirable members of society. When what should have been a standard em-tracking mission suddenly goes wrong and his fellow em-trackers start disappearing, Lion is left without allies and with a serious puzzle to solve. As he searches for the truth, Lion finds himself on a collision course with the shadowy parties behind the mega-linkage, a continent-spanning national park that was billed as the best way to avoid environmental collapse and protect the planet’s biodiversity. Filled with action and intrigue, Steven Kotler’s The Devil’s Dictionary is pure cyberpunk weirdness that both thrills and amazes.

Mickey7 by Edward Ashton

A thought-provoking blend of weighty science fiction concepts and hazardous moral dilemmas, Mickey7 by Edward Ashton is part futuristic farce and part all-too-likely horror story. Seeking away to escape both his debts and the boredom of life on Midgard, the original Mickey signed up as an expendable on a mission to colonize the ice planet of Niflheim. He probably should have enquired further into why the position was vacant despite the mission being so prestigious, although he soon learned that the expendable is the person sent to do all the dangerous and likely deadly jobs that no one else on the crew wants to do. For the sake of efficiency, each time a Mickey dies, a clone is created that has most of the memories of the original guy and the subsequent iterations. For the Mickeys, space travel turns out to be not much fun after all, but when Mickey7 is erroneously declared missing and presumed dead, the newly created Mickey8 diligently reports for duty, which is when things really take a turn for the weird.

Curfew by Jayne Cowie

In the Great Britain of the not-too-distant future, women have taken charge of society and imposed a curfew on men, who must all wear electronic tags and stay in their homes between the hours of 7pm and 7am. While women no longer need to fear being out after dark, the curfew hasn’t proved great for all of them. In the case of single mother Sarah, for example, the curfew law resulted in her husband being sent to prison, although it isn’t going to do much to protect her now that he’s been released. Their daughter Cass also has issues with the curfew and the restrictions that it puts on the lives of boys like her friend Billy, which makes her determined to prove that he’s not a threat to anyone. Meanwhile, teacher Helen has applied for a cohab certificate with her partner, Tom, so that they can finally live together and have a baby. When one of these three women is murdered during the night, it seems clear that the killer can’t have been a man, but is that really the case? Jayne Cowie’s Curfew is a complex futuristic thriller that poses important questions while also delivering a heart-pounding story.


If You Change Your Mind

Harry has two main goals this summer: to finish his script and to forget about what happened with Grant. But when he’s so close to finishing his script and submitting it to the school of his dreams, Grant re-enters his life, ripping open a not quite healed scar in his heart. To complicate his life further, a new boy named Logan arrives in town, making Harry question his choice to leave for school at all. All of a sudden Harry’s peaceful summer turns into a roller-coaster of drama and heartbreak, ending in a place where he never expected to find himself…

I liked this book because it was a dramatic and entertaining rom-com, fun and eye-catching on every page right up to the end! I liked all the realistic and funny characters, and many parts of the book were relatable. I found myself rooting for Harry, and I was hooked on every word. The relationships were written amazingly, and the romance was beautiful. I loved this dreamy summer romance so much, and I would definitely re-read it again and again!


I Love You Forever and a Day

I Love You Forever and a Day is a sweet story, but I think that it is too short. If it were a bit longer, then it would be nice to hear about more details of the bears’ adventure. It is nice how the parent bear is imagining such a sweet time for the little one. There are a lot of “I love you, I love you,” kinds of pages.

The illustrations in the book are absolutely gorgeous. They are so pretty when showing nature, and they make you want to go exactly where the bear and the bear cub are. This book is probably best for kids five years old and younger or for older kids who just want a very short story.


Home Is Where the Heart Is

Home is Where the Heart Is is the story about a bear and a rabbit who become and stay good friends when you wouldn't think that they would. Bear moves into the woods and makes himself a home. One day, Bear is walking and finds Rabbit who is old, but nice, and invites him into his home, which is a little too small for them both. Bear and Rabbit become friends, do things together, and help each other out. A storm happens and bear's house gets blown over and destroyed! Rabbit invites Bear to live with him and they have to figure out how to still be friends after living in a really small space for so long.

I like Home is Where the Heart Is because it is a happy story. You wouldn't think that a bear and a rabbit would be friends, but the story shows how it works out. I have read other books by the author and have liked them all because the stories are funny. I like the color in the pictures and how they fill up the whole page. I would read more books by this author!


Other People's Clothes: A Novel

Calla Henkel’s latest novel, Other People’s Clothes, has all the right ingredients to serve up a delicious literary treat, but unfortunately the bake is inconsistent and while some elements of the book are so beautifully written you want to savor each word, other elements are too much and too little at the same time.

Zoe, an outcast, latches on to popular Hailey when the two end up in Berlin to study art for a year abroad through their college. They are complete opposites, but while they forge a kind of friendship, there is resentment at the heart of it. They embark on wild nights of drinking too much, taking drugs, hooking up with strangers, and generally behaving like most late teens/early twenty somethings, but there is little to develop the story line. Without giving away too much, something dark and terrible happens to one of the girls and the other spends way too much time trying to unravel it.

Henkel’s prose is beautiful, though, which is part of the letdown of the novel. She has a great ear for dialogue and eye for specific, vivid detail—particularly in terms of architecture—that gives flavor and spark to the book, but the story is ultimately unsatisfying. Henkel has a foothold in the art world as a director and artist and one has to wonder if she should stick to those performative mediums rather than venturing into the world of writing.


Tripping Arcadia: A Gothic Novel

Tripping Arcadia is a deliciously twisted gothic novel with a sapphic subplot that leaves the reader dazed and delirious in the most wonderful way. Mayquist is stunning in her rendition of the standard gothic plot; think Masque of the Red Death meets Jane Eyre splashed with a tinge of proletariat revenge. The novel follows Lena, a med school dropout with a background in medieval poisons thanks to her academically inclined Italian aunt. After fruitlessly searching for employment to help her struggling working-class Bostonian family, she lands a position with the famously wealthy Verdeau family to aid in taking care of the mysteriously ailing oldest son, Jonathan. The plot is an almost non-stop fever-dream full of glittering and elaborate parties for the wealthy and debauched, deadly familial subterfuge, righteous revenge, and ultimately death. This novel is incredibly difficult to put down and does not disappoint with its many twists and turns before revealing a most satisfying conclusion. Unlike many other novels in this genre that tend to resort to queerbaiting, the sapphic subplot to the story is genuine and refreshing.


A Train to Moscow: A Novel

As a little girl, Sasha dreams of being an actress. Growing up in Ivanovo, a quiet town in post-Revolutionary Russia, such aspirations are thought to be nonsensical. So, she holds it in her heart and passes the time by reenacting plays and being with her best friends, Andrei and Marik. One day, she finds a journal in her grandmother’s attic. It steals her attention and helps her cope with unimaginable loss. It’s the journal of her Uncle Kolya, who has been MIA for years, believed to be a casualty of war. Over a decade later, after achieving her childhood ambitions, Sasha discovers an unforgivable secret of her grandfather’s that leads her all the way to America.

A Train to Moscow is Elena Gorokhova’s first novel. It’s poignant and masterful, beautifully and intricately laced with imagery, intrigue, and emotion. Sasha’s passion for theatre and a better life, one free of the lies her family has held onto, is palpable. The storyline is riveting, corkscrewing into an array of twists and turns. Despite being fictional, the contents are reflective of the cultural and political environment of post-Revolutionary Russia. Stalin’s uncompromising grip on power and its effect on everyday citizens is mindfully depicted. It’s unquestionably a notable and splendid piece of literature.


Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor

“A fantastical futuristic world of myth legend, and adventure.”

Zachery Ying is just trying to fit in. But by doing so he is caring about others’ opinions too much. He starts throwing out his mom’s lunch since he’s afraid people will judge the food. There's a voice that tells him how it is, and how he cares too much. Zachery brushes off the voice until he’s attacked. The voice offers him a deal. In return for hosting the emperor’s spirit, the emperor will help him grow stronger. But, something goes wrong, and instead of being one with Zachery, he’s one with an Ar headset. Zachery must seal the gate to the underworld, save his mother's soul, and stop a doomsday.

I really liked this book with the witty conversions, the pop culture references, and relatable characters. This book was really easy to fly thru because of the characters they were relatable and believable. Another thing I liked about the book was the diversity of the characters and how the author went into detail about where they came from and didn't just say they were all Chinese. Finally, I would recommend this book to anyone who liked Percy Jackson, Avatar the Last Air Bender, history, mythology, and futuristic worlds.


A Caribbean Heiress in Paris: A Novel (Las Leonas, 1)

Luz Alana Heith-Benzan and Evanston Sinclair, Earl of Darnick, are primed from the start for sparks to fly: they are both vendors at the Paris Exposition, looking to sell their rum and whisky, respectively. This novel is more than just a story of rival merchants filled with belligerent sexual tension; that’s only the first few chapters. Before long, they learn they both need one another to achieve their respective ends. That’s when the book leaps into one of my favorite romance tropes: the marriage of convenience, made difficult by mutual attraction.

Luz and Evan are both delightful to read about, and Herrera has a sharp, friendly writing style that drew me in at once. My one complaint was with the pacing. At times, it felt like the romance of the novel moved faster than Luz’s and Evan’s individual plots. When I was caught up in the story, I didn’t mind it too much. What bothered me more was that Luz’s subplot, involving her inheritance placed in a trust, was largely in the background. Surely, such a vibrant protagonist deserves to have both her plotlines have equal weight, or at least equal weight with her man’s plotlines?


Ada Twist, Scientist: Show Me the Bunny (The Questioneers)

Ada Twist is told by her parents that she will be the Easter egg hider this year for her family's annual Easter egg hunt on Easter morning. Ada is excited, but hears her older brother, Arthur, say that he isn't interested in doing the hunt this year because it is usually too easy for him; this makes it a challenge for Ada! With the help of her friends Iggy and Rosie, they work hard to find good spots to hide their eggs to stump Arthur and get him to do the egg hunt again. The friends get some help from the Easter bunny to figure out a way to really hide their eggs.

Ada Twist, Scientist: Show Me the Bunny is a fun book that is both Eastery and teaches you about camouflage. I already knew about camouflage but hadn't ever thought about using it to hide Easter eggs, and I like that at the end of the book there are some paper eggs to practice camouflage for when Easter comes soon. The story was easy for me to read and understand and made me think about ways of solving other problems I might have.


Cady and the Bear Necklace: A Cady Whirlwind Thunder Mystery, 2nd Ed.

Cady and the Bear Necklace is a great mystery story about a young Native American girl. It is the first book in the Cady Whirlwind Thunder Mysteries series. In this story, Cady discovers an eagle feather on the floor of her school. Upon turning it into the principal she is told she will encounter a mystery in her life. Soon, she discovers a beaded necklace with a small statue of a bear. With some help from her friends, she sets out to learn where the necklace came from and to whom it belonged. In her research, she will learn more about how her grandmother used to live. Overall, this was an amazing book. It was very well written and I enjoyed reading all of it. The story behind the necklace was intriguing, and I liked hearing it explained by Cady's grandma and Grandma Eunice. I also liked the cultural aspects of the book, such as the beaded clothing and jewelry. I would recommend this book to kids from fourth grade to seventh grade, especially if they enjoy mystery novels.


Blood Scion

Blood Scion is about a young fifteen-year-old girl named Sloane. Sloane’s life has always been difficult since the Lucis took over years ago. To make matters worse, Sloane is a “scion,” a descendant of the fire god Shango, the very people that the Lucis are trying to wipe out. On her fifteenth birthday, Sloane gets drafted into the Lucis army for a period of three years. Sloane must now hide her scion abilities amongst the very people trying to kill her kind. Get the book to discover how Sloane survives amongst the Lucis army and makes allies along the way.

This story had me on the edge of my seat every time I flipped the page. It was filled with plot twists, pain, grief, joy, and a whole lot of mystery! This book is for anyone ages eleven and up. I even told my mom that she needs to read it and I am pretty sure she will love it just as much as I do. Blood Scion is great for fantasy lovers and anyone who believes in Black girl magic. This book is amazing. Get yours now before the rest of the world finds out about it, because it is going to be flying off the shelves!


Cats & Books

I don't think I've smiled so much as when I read through Cats & Books,/em>! The book is calming and will do nothing but bring a smile to your face (unless, maybe, you are one of the people who unfathomably doesn't like cats). The book is one big story about many cats who have their own opinion on books, but it is read by readers who love them and maybe books as well. The cats live around the world, with a handful listed in the USA while others live in England, France, Australia, and elsewhere. The cats live in homes and bookstores alike.

I just feel so happy talking about Cats & Books because it's a (literal) no-brainer to read because it is comprised of high-definition, close-up pictures of cats (usually posed on or by books) and several facts about the individual cats that celebrate the feline species! If you are a cat owner/parent, you can easily relate to and understand what you are reading. Cat owners/parents/lovers or not, anyone will enjoy this book regardless of feelings because it takes no effort to read/scan and is an immediate mood booster.


The Goldenacre

Thomas Tallis arrives in Edinburgh tasked with proving that the Goldenacre, Charles Rennie Macintosh’s last masterpiece, has a sound provenance before it is transferred to the Public Library. Tallis’s sudden departure from his previous job and his decidedly one-sided relationship with his father, a former deputy director of MI6, give him an air of mystery.

Separately, Shona Sandison, senior reporter at the Edinburgh Post, is following up on the murder of a local artist. She is an old-school journalist, with a chip on her shoulder, a sharp tongue, and a limp. The two follow their individual paths, him finding himself blocked at every turn from actually seeing the painting, her plugging away at background information on the art world.

Seasoned mystery readers will spot where this tale is heading, and even guess the nice little twist toward the end. The plot, however, is not the driving force behind this story. That honor falls to the writing. It is the magic way oddly juxtaposed words manage to convey the essence of a scene, the feelings of a character, or the ugliness of an act, more vividly than any dictionary-precise language, that makes The Goldenacre a thoroughly worthwhile read.


Born to Be Hanged: The Epic Story of the Gentlemen Pirates Who Raided the South Seas, Rescued a Princess, and Stole a Fortune

Born to Be Hanged is a non-fiction narrative that reads like historical fiction. It chronicles the story of a set of pirates who are commissioned by a Native American leader to rescue his daughter. Later, they go on to steal multiple treasures from the Spanish.

By utilizing the diaries of seven pirates and some of the more law-following figures in their story, Born to Be Hanged gives the reader an amazing sense of what the men experienced in their unlawful adventure. Excerpts from the diaries of these seven, modified only to fix the grammar and make them more readable, are sprinkled throughout the book. These passages from historical texts keep what would otherwise seem like a piece of fantasy firmly rooted in reality.

Though it is aimed at adults, Born to Be Hanged is easily readable by teens. Every library should have a copy, and it is worth having at home for a pirate enthusiast or a lover of historical adventures. Born to Be Hanged is a worthwhile book for anyone to read.


The Grand Design: A Novel of Dorothy Draper

In chapters alternating between 1908 and 1946, The Grand Design tells the story of two formative visits to the Greenbrier in West Virginia. In 1908, we follow Dorothy Tuckerman as she pursues a tumultuous romance with a visiting Italian racecar driver. In 1946, she is Dorothy Draper, a divorced woman managing her own interior design company. World War II has just ended, and she has been called back to the Greenbrier to restore it to its former glory and then some. She plans not to recreate the place she knew but to revitalize it for a new era, even as others argue against her vision and ghosts of the past threaten to distract her.

The first few chapters were not as engaging as the rest of the book proved to be. I felt as though there was too much to catch up on in the first 1946 chapters and too much already revealed for the first 1908 chapters. As the book went on, those balanced out, and I found myself drawn into the story. This is a deep, engaging story about some of the quieter aspects of history, and one of the too often unnoticed ways women can raise their voices.


Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s We Should All Be Feminists: A Guided Journal is based on the author’s book-length essay of the same title. The journal edition reiterates important points on the intersectionality of oppression that manifests in how women-identified people experience race, gender, national origin, and other salient identities. Journal prompts are pre-empted by quotes from the author’s writings, as well as important moments in U.S. and global feminist history. The final pages include lists of nonprofits whose missions are centered around uplifting women and girls.

The hardbound volume is beautifully rendered in pages that will inspire introspection and self-revelation. If you’re looking for a muse, there are full-color photographs of the author looking fashionable and fabulous. Trivia about feminist icons such as Rosa Parks, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Malala Yousafzai is a great reminder about how courage and bold vision made way for progress.

The guided journal offers an invitation to reflect on lived experiences, while also developing a lens to see the world through the experiences of women with different backgrounds.  While the journal may be targeted at those who identify as women, it can be useful for anyone who wants to embark on a journey of self-discovery to examine deeply held beliefs, while also focusing attention on what can be done to advance the feminist cause.


The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare

Kimberly Brock has tackled an engrossing and suspenseful subject—the lost colony of Roanoke—in her latest novel The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare. The story of the recovery of that book by Eleanor’s sole surviving descendent, Alice, takes readers back in time and forces them to confront whether they would want all the answers to their own histories, should they suddenly be made available.

Upon her father’s death, Alice and her daughter Penn return to the family estate, Evertell, that Alice tried to separate from years before. It is a place filled with mystery and fears Alice has tried to forget, but as a widow with little prospects, she must confront the place and the secrets it holds. Their arrival is greeted by Sonder, a man a few years Alice’s senior who has cared for the land ever since she and her father left when Alice was just a child. With his help, Alice learns how to use and trust the commonplace book Eleanor protected fifteen generations before.

At times the novel runs a bit into itself; the historical fiction aspects press up too tightly against the narrative of a young woman trying to heal from her own pain as she nurtures her daughter into young womanhood. The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare is worth the time, though, especially for people interested in the earliest days of colonists in America and the rich tradition of women passing down their stories over generations.


Ocean State

Readers find out at the beginning of the book that one of the characters, Angel, assists in the killing of someone. Ocean State is about two sisters, Marie and Angel. Angel, the older sister, has been dating Myles for three years now, however Myles has been cheating on Angel with a girl named Birdy. This love triangle continues throughout the book with Birdy secretly going to meet Myles for champagne and an evening of romance here and there. In the meantime, Marie, the little sister, narrates the story from her point of view. I found the premise of the story to be good, but there were also too many uninteresting parts in the book. The family is very dysfunctional with the mother, Carol, dating all sorts of men. Marie is coming-of-age and loves snooping around in her sisters stuff. Angel is your typical rebellious teenager. Myles is a wealthy rich boy that all the girls want. And Birdy is one of them. The climax of the story appears suddenly with very little detail as to the murder itself. I feel that this book fell flat in so many areas and had potential to be so much more.


And They Lived . . .

YA For the Forever Young

If you prefer your young adult fiction to feature some romance or maybe a poetic memoir, then the books included in this list will appeal to you. There’s a mix of contemporary, paranormal, and science fiction to dip into as well as a hint of horror and some LGBTQ+ vibes.

And They Lived . . . by Steven Salvatore

Steven Salvatore brings us an emotionally vibrant story that celebrates self-acceptance. It is the perfect novel for young adults, especially those who are questioning their sexuality and/or gender, and their allies. Chase Arthur, a Disney-obsessed romantic and promising animator, is preoccupied with finding the love of his life. The trouble is, he has body dysmorphia and is recovering from an eating disorder caused by his father, and he is also struggling with his gender identity. In the thick of starting college, Chase meets Jack Reid, who seems to be a dream come true: a romantic with a longing to experience all that there is beyond his small world. However, Chase soon discovers that Jack has to deal with many hurdles when overcoming his internalized homophobia due to his conservative upbringing. When Jack gets a surprise visit from his family, it throws Chase and Jack’s relationship into disarray. Chase soon finds that he needs to learn how to love and accept himself above all else in order to thrive. The author of Can’t Take That Away, Salvatore gives us another beautiful story with And They Lived; your heartstrings will be pulled and you won’t regret it.

Star Child: A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler by Ibi Zoboi

In Star Child, renowned author Ibi Zoboi shines the spotlight on starry-eyed Octavia Butler, the New York Times Bestselling author of Parable of the Sower and Kindred, in both poems and prose. This is a must-read for any fans of Octavia Butler, and Zoboi truly highlights the inspirational and memorable nature of Butler’s work, particularly her formative years and how she integrated her life into her work. This book is a one-of-a-kind read, especially in its form and content, and you can definitely say it is groundbreaking for science fiction and for biographies. Butler was raised around the time of the Space Race and the Civil Right Movement, which informed her views from that point onwards, as is evident in her literature. Zoboi makes it very clear that she admires Butler, using poetry and prose to offer an account of Butler’s life, and it is beautifully done. If you have not previously read anything by Butler, this memoir is the perfect introduction to her work.

The Kindred by Alechia Dow

The bestselling author of Wings of Ebony, Alechia Dow gives us an action-packed science fiction story about the power of love and its ability to change the world in The Kindred. In order to save a galaxy from insurgency, kindred mind pairings were put together to make sure every person has a voice, regardless of class and hierarchical structure. Joy Abara lives an uncomplicated life. Well, aside from the fact that her kindred pairing is with the notorious Duke Felix Hamdi, she is very much a working-class girl. Felix, on the other hand, is a well-known playboy who chooses to rebel against his noble obligations in the hope of one day being free to make his own choices. However, circumstances are working against him and he finds himself next in line for the throne after the royal family are assassinated. To make matters worse, he is accused of committing the murders. Additionally, Felix realizes that he is a target and so is Joy as his kindred match. During their first meeting, they decide to bolt to another planet and end up crash-landing on an underdeveloped planet called Earth. They soon find that, as they are now out of sight, they are able to further develop their kindred attachment, as well as their growing emotional bond, in order to uncover a wrongdoing that could determine the fate of the galaxy.

Golden Boys by Phil Stamper

Raised in a small town, best friends Gabriel, Reese, Sal, and Heath are facing their last year of high school, with every one of them heading in a different direction afterwards. Golden Boys is the story of the boys’ last summer together as a close-knit group as well as of the complexities of finding their own identities and exploring their feelings. Stamper relates a heart-warming and captivating coming-of-age tale of queerness that you will undoubtably find gripping from the first few pages onwards. As a reader, you will be torn between wanting the characters to stay together in their safe and comfortable bubble and wanting them to individually explore exciting new things away from each other. Every character is distinct and believable, and they all bring things to the table. Golden Boys sees all four boys overcoming their own issues and barriers in order to grow, and it is a story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading.

Extasia by Claire Legrand

The New York Times critically acclaimed author of Sawkill Girls, Claire Legrand brings us an eerie novel about a brave girl who decides to join a witch's coven in an effort to uncover the malevolent force that threatens her village. Her new novel, Extasia, shows us a world that has been destroyed, with a few survivors who all live in Haven, a village that is tormented by grisly deaths. With the protagonist becoming one of the four saints of Haven, she works with her sisters to protect the village against the evil that abides beneath the black mountain. There are also strange and vicious creatures that pursue her, as well as witches that call to her from past the outer walls. She soon finds that the village’s fate is in her hands, but she is ready to take on the fight. This lyrical novel may even make you feel ill at ease at times, as it is certainly enthralling. It is definitely worth reading.


The Night Shift: A Novel

Alex Finlay does it again in his newest suspense thriller Night Shift. It’s New Years Eve 1999. A group of Blockbuster Video employees gets murdered. There is only one survivor. A girl named Ella. Fast forward to 2015. Ella is now a therapist, helping others find their way through life’s problems. She gets a call while out one night to come to the local hospital. Someone has killed all of the employees at the local ice cream shop. Only one survivor. Just like Ella.

This book will have its readers’ attention held from start to finish. The FBI gets called in on the case and a very pregnant Sarah Keller and her assistant Atticus start their mission to try and find the killer. Could it be the young man first accused and acquitted of the video store murders? Or his abusive father? This book had me guessing the whole time. There was never a dull moment. And of course, there was a twist at the end which is always my favorite part of any well-written thriller. I would recommend this book to fans of Harlen Coben, Karin Slaughter, and Ruth Ware.


Dance of Light: Christian, Sufi and Zen wisdom for today's spiritual seeker

In Dance of Light, scholar, teacher, and writer Alice McDowell discusses the process of spiritual journey as a dance, from the perspective of mystical traditions of Christianity, Sufism, and Zen Buddhism. In this offering, McDowell draws upon her training in theology and transpersonal psychology, as well as life-long experiences in developing her spiritual path and guiding others to forge their own journey. Noting similarities and contrasts between Eastern and Western approaches to spiritual awakening, McDowell merges lessons from divergent traditions to deliver a nuanced understanding of the universal human quest for deeper meaning. Teachings across time and cultures coalesce to reveal enlightened truths about the way of the seeker.

Certain people are predisposed to looking beyond material pursuits. The spiritual path could at times be discouraging, and one may feel stuck or lack inspiration to move forward. Readers at different stages of learning about and achieving spiritual consciousness will delight in the poignant lessons of Dance of Light, and be encouraged to continue the journey when it seems difficult to go on. By using the metaphor of the Zen ox-herding pictures and timeless stories from Sufi and Christian sojourners, McDowell explains the spiritual path in accessible language that is relatable and inviting. Her tone and approach are designed to reach a wide audience of spiritual seekers who may be on different paths and stages of the journey.

I read Dance of Light from my lived experiences that merged a Christian upbringing and being a student of Buddhism for more than a decade. I am least familiar with the tenets and practices of Sufism. McDowell’s cross-cultural, interfaith approach is affirming and welcoming for people of diverse and agnostic spiritual orientations. She discusses similarities between faiths and offers common grounding on both direct and indirect paths to journeying inward and attaining deep knowledge about the true nature of the quest. Seeing the common threads that bind distinct spiritual traditions is useful for readers who are intent in forging a path of understanding. Reflection questions at the end of each chapter allow the opportunity for journaling and introspection. McDowell reminds us that every spiritual journey is lifelong work, and each experience of advancing and stopping should be seen as instructive.

This is an excellent book for anyone who is curious about contemporary applications of mystical spiritual traditions. McDowell writes in an engaging way, creating space for curiosity to flourish. She describes her own journey of self-discovery as a spiritual seeker and guide, offering examples of her lived experiences and cognitive synthesis of the three traditions. Through the experiences of others she has guided along the way, she explains the process of unlearning and unraveling to define one’s true nature and purpose: who we are and why we are here.

Wisdom Editions, an inprint of Calumet Editions


The Darkest Place: A Robin Lockwood Novel (Robin Lockwood, 5)

An absolutely thrilling book, The Darkest place takes its readers from Portland, Oregon to Elk Grove, a farming community in the Midwest, in the fifth installment of the Robin Lockwood series. Robin is a top-notch attorney, but when a tragedy strikes at home, she finds herself back at her mother's house in Elk Grove to convalesce. While in Elk Grove, a past schoolmate turned attorney asks for her help in a case that he has just taken on. A woman named Ruth Larson has been arrested for assaulting a woman and kidnapping and possibly abusing her baby, a baby that Ruth was the surrogate for. What Robin soon finds out is that Ruth is actually Marjorie Loman, a police officer from Portland who the Portland police are looking for in connection with the murder of her husband.

This book has twists and turns at every corner and at times, it's hard to tell if the characters who are in question are being truthful or tricky. I love how the author had the characters change settings and then head back to the original setting. From a big city to a small town, the author was able to convey how each scenario differed both in the courtroom and out of it. An excellent read for mystery lovers.


Dead Collections: A Novel

Dead Collections is certainly one of those novels that lingers with you long after you’ve put it down. The story is centered on Sol, a vampire transman working and living in the basement of a large archives department. Things are going perfectly well for Sol; he’s good at his job, he has creative hobbies (like reading fanfiction theories about his favorite show in his spare time), and he has regular access to fresh blood from the local transfusion clinic.

But things start to go awry when the widow of his favorite television writer donates her wife’s papers to the archive. A very attractive widow named Elsie, who once argued with him online about their mutual fandom years ago. As their relationship develops, strange things start to happen at the archives, and once it’s revealed that Sol has been living in his office, both his job and his life are at risk.

A moving allegory of what it means to live as a transperson in a world that often doesn’t even understand its own prejudices, Dead Collections isn’t afraid to shine a light on the sometimes dark corners of life.


The Secret Love Letters of Olivia Moretti is a beautiful book about love, misunderstandings, and missed opportunities. Sisters Pris, Dev, and Bailey are grieving the death of their mother Olivia who unexpectedly passed from pneumonia. While going through her belongings, they find a chest filled with letters from a man named "R" as well as a deed to a house in Positano, Italy. They realize these letters are love letters between their mother and "R" and decide to take a trip to Italy to not only see the house but to also find "R".

Jennifer Probst does a wonderful job of giving her readers the whole story albeit in little pieces. The relationships between the sisters are wonderfully described as they are able to be themselves and create a bond when working together. The letters between Olivia and Rafe are heartwarming and wrenching at the same time and I'm sure many readers like myself wondered while reading what would have happened if they had ended up together. This book is perfect for fans of Jane Green, Nicholas Sparks, and Emily Giffin.


The Turning Point: 1851--A Year That Changed Charles Dickens and the World

In 1851, the Industrial Revolution was transforming England, as new innovations changed how work was done. The literary world was undergoing a similar transformation, as there was a changing of the guard in terms of favored authors. Charles Dickens was straddling the fence during this transformation, as he was widely read and renowned. Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickelby, and A Christmas Carol had already been written and published. Critics opined that Dickens’ best work was behind him.

Dickens would prove his detractors wrong, however, as he was involved in editing and writing for a magazine entitled Household Words. Dickens’ work in the magazine and his later novels would possess biting social commentary and satire reflective of the growing economic divisions in England. Dickens’ concern for the social betterment of the downtrodden was on display in both literature and his involvement with Urania Cottage, a home for displaced women. As the seasons changed in 1851, Dickens worked on his next memorable book, Bleak House.

The Turning Point charts a crucial year in the life of the prolific and legendary author Charles Dickens. The appreciation for Dickens and his body of work after 1851 will only grow after reading this fine book. A noteworthy history and biographical work.


Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland's Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World

Iceland sounds idyllic with gender equality a tempting selling point. Women stride through the pages showing their position alongside rather than behind the menfolk. And until later sections when the equality frays just a little at the edges in workforce leadership the equality, even preference for women holds firm. The government’s social services contribute substantially to birth, schooling, and childcare, and generous post-natal leave for both ‘parent one’ and ‘parent two.’ Extended family and the camaraderie of traditional women’s groups are an added blessing.

Eliza Reid, a Canadian journalist wears another hat as the wife of Gudni Jóhannesson President of Iceland. Playing an almost symbolic rather than political role, she presents a charmingly personal account of life in contemporary Iceland, Readers enjoy her mildly sedate romp through the joys of guilt-free sex, and readily available contraception and abortion, which may raise a few eyebrows.

Farming and fishing are the country’s two economic mainstays and both well served by women, likewise sport on land and sea. Several grants help women, almost all working outside the home, to pursue their literary and artistic talents. Secrets of the Sprakkar translates to Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and shows pleasure need not be a guilt trip.


Your excellency free will. Excelentísimo albedrío

With the expertise of a skilled surgeon, the vision of a dreamer, and the soulfulness of a broken-hearted lover, Amparo Casasbellas Alconada explores different profound subjects in Your Excellency Free Will Excelentisimo Albedrio—including love and its loss, the beauty of life, and humanity's struggle with pain and suffering. Amparo Casasbellas Alconada's debut book of poems reflects her experience of life and her ponderings during a period of ten years.

Some poems are dedicated to the author's relations and some others are dedicated to places and things that hold a nostalgic value for the author. Ninth of November, a poem dedicated to "Papa", depicts Amparo's connection with her father through poetry. She recalls bittersweet memories of her grandparents' house in the poem, Monteagudo. A Church in Oviedo portrays a man who "wipes the benches of the sinners" as if they are being cleansed by his wipes.

Amparo Casasbellas Alconada paints images and plants ideas in the minds of readers with carefully selected concepts—like the moon, trees, horses, churches, the sun, healing, roots, silence, and songs. It's hard to select a favorite as the poems are so creative and profound that I spent a good while contemplating the messages they pass. One of my favorite quotes in the book is from the poem, Fraternal Land: "We shall understand that we have too many borders that have heartbreakingly stolen our embraces." The word "borders" from the poem signifies to me the different stereotypes people have about one another based on their identities, which create unnecessary strife and pain.

I liked that each poem is tagged with a location and a date as I got a glimpse of the environment of the author at the time of writing the poems. Literature enthusiasts will appreciate the use of personification, metaphor, simile, and other figures of speech in the book. I was completely immersed in the poems as I enjoyed the tasteful selection and combination of words.

Your Excellency Free Will Excelentisimo Albedrio is a gift of comfort and companionship for readers on a path of remembrance or deep reflection about life. Reading the first poem in the book was like taking the first bite of a rare, delicious delicacy. After devouring the book and feeding my soul with its passionate and deeply meaningful words, I felt a need to return to it again and again for a refill in the future. I applaud the author and the translators that contributed to creating this tour de force!


A Noise in the Garden

Taken from Doreen Stock’s background as a memoirist and literary translator, the poems in this collection, A Noise in the Garden, turn memory into poems and history into tenderness. In a humble gesture, Stock lends her skills to the world by way of embracing and seeking this memorialization of photographs, events, and people.

The opening section shares the title of the book, and the titles thereafter refer to the central object of each section. Thoughtful and provoking, certain poems contain epigraphs pertaining to different myths and religions, such as King David and the Angel of Death. One could argue that the voice of each poem is akin to mythology, steeped in the curious tone of knowing. With the poet’s experience and practice comes a contemplative mindset and an assuredness that comes with this wisdom. The callbacks to religion and history continue with biblical imagery of wine, fish, and salmon.

Stock marries history to the present with her ekphrastic poems, the most striking being “Man, Head in Hand, Resting on the Banks of the Euphrates,” in response to a New York Times photograph by Tyler Hicks. This decision to include a response to an existing work continues the theme of this collection as a whole: sharing the beauty and breath of the world should we dare to live in its blazing present.

Alongside world histories, Stock shares personal, touching moments of her own. In “On Leaving the Academy of Science,” the reader is transported through time, from January 2015 to the next section marked 2016, with the whimsy of twilight and warmth upon seeing Stock’s living legacy: her children and grandchildren.

Into the next year, the reader is taken on travels with Stock, exploring this feeling of longing and observing places such as Germany, Argentina, and Haiti. Despite this fusion of past, fantasy, and memory, we are ever rooted in the floating present, including nods to the Black Lives Matter movement.

As the book continues, we don’t necessarily leave the reminiscence of memory and the past, but it is as though the reader catches up to Stock and where she is as we move closer to the now, especially as the sections continue through the years, exploring moments in 2017, 2018, and 2019, until we arrive in 2020. The topics remain relevant, such as touching upon a pandemic that lingers with us to this day. Stock is honest and raw, and readers should be warned to take care with the heavy topics and intense verbiage used, especially if they and their families were personally affected by COVID-19 deaths and restrictions.

Stock creates a portal through time with A Noise in the Garden, and we sift through the weaving of her life and experiences throughout the book. Through these significant moments in time and history, Stock returns to what’s most important: her family, people, and us, as a whole.


Chatsworth Royalty

Chatsworth Royalty is a well-written book with elements of danger, suspense, romance, and humor. After being let go from his job after a horrible and tragic event, Jake Wood decides that he needs a change of scenery. He decides to go to Sherman Oaks, California to visit his cousin Jana whom he has newly connected with. Being from Iowa, Jake isn't quite used to the people or the fast-paced culture in the busy cities. The strange thing is, when Jake arrives, Jana is nowhere to be found. He tries calling and texting but does not get an answer so he does the next thing he can think of and shows up at her place. There, he meets her best friend Laurie who explains that Jana's boss has her all over the place doing things for work.

During this interchange it is clear that Jake and Laurie click with each other and a little romance is also foreshadowed. This is despite the fact that Laurie has an abusive boyfriend named Danny. Although Jake is a small-town guy, he has no problem putting Danny in his place since he has wrestling experience. I really liked the way Jake and Laurie become friends naturally instead of too much romance all at once. Both characters are likable and really care about Jana's well-being.

When Jana doesn't turn up, Jake and Laurie know that something is fishy and they go to investigate her job as Dr. Gregory Mirek's assistant. Dr. Mirek is "a big shot in the field of primatology research". This book also ends up having a heavy section about animal cruelty beyond the testing of cosmetics. It is an eyeopener for people who know little about animal research and abuse. It would be great if at the end of the book there were some resources to animal rights groups as well as researched articles about animal abuse and the people who are trying to stop it. There is a character in the book named Hunter who is an advocate for animal rights. While Jake and Laurie are searching for Jana they find Hunter was one of the last people Jana had tried calling before her disappearance.

Jake and Laurie do a great job in putting the pieces of the puzzle together even though neither of them is anywhere close to being a detective. Chatsworth Royalty is fast-paced yet easy to follow and will have its readers chuckling, saddened, and cheering all at the same time. Enjoy the beautiful Southern Californian scenery and the cartload of colorful characters in this book.


The Paradox Hotel: A Novel

January Cole runs security for the Paradox Hotel. She witnessed many things during her tenure of employment, visiting the past up close. She is efficient and intelligent. She also lacks social niceties and is on the brink of insanity. If she could change the past, she would save her one true love. The constraints of time travel prevent this. The Paradox Hotel is the way station on a vacationer’s guide to the past. However, time travel has proven not to be lucrative. A bidding war has erupted to see who will assume control of the Paradox Hotel and Einstein Airport. January’s task is to secure the hotel and the well-being of the oligarch bidders. January’s plate is soon full with dinosaurs running loose, time seemingly moving backward and her mind doing somersaults. The bidders for the Paradox are targeted for death and January must find the culprit(s).

The Paradox Hotel proves entrancing in its pull right from the start. Science fiction mixed with the aching pangs of loss and romance will pull the reader towards January Cole’s side and bring them along for a thrill ride that threatens to go off the rails even after the book is concluded.


Pink, Blue, and You!: Questions for Kids about Gender Stereotypes

Boys can’t like the color pink. Only girls can play with dolls. Who made these rules? What does it mean to be a boy or a girl?  What does your family look like? These are some of the questions that you will think about in the book, Pink, Blue, and You!

I think it’s weird that people think only girls can like pink. Everyone should be allowed to do what makes them happy. If a boy wants to wear a dress, he can. Or if a girl wants to play with dinosaurs, she can. I also think it’s fine if families look different. If they have two dads or two moms or if their skin color is different, that’s great! Our world would be so boring if everyone looked the same. I like how the book showed real people who followed their dreams even though other people told them they couldn’t. I like all Elise Gravel’s books, and this is another hit. It’s not as funny as her other books, but this book is very interesting, and it made me think about the questions in the book.


The Stack

The Stack is a sweet story about a little girl who goes in search of a star because she’s scared of the dark at bedtime. She begins her quest by stacking books on a chair, but when that’s not high enough she goes to extremes in order to reach the tallest place she desires. The book is full of funny illustrations and little jokes all along the way that make you still keep guessing what more ridiculous things she could add. It’s a book that all ages will like, from babies to little kids to big kids and grownups, and it’s definitely the kind of book you can read over and over again.


She Persisted in Science: Brilliant Women Who Made a Difference

Women were told that they weren’t good enough in science. Women like Flossie Wong-Staal, Ynes Enriquetta Julietta Mexia, Rebecca Lee Crumpler, and others. They didn’t listen. They persisted and showed that they were good enough and smart enough to become scientists.

This is a great educational book about women in science. All the women scientists were told that they can’t be scientists, but they never stopped. I like all the stories about women scientists, but my favorite is the story about Flossie Wong-Staal. I like how she is named after a typhoon. I also like how her research helped with HIV and COVID-19. I’m glad these women scientists did not listen to all the people who said they couldn’t do it. If they had listened, our world would know less. This is a great book for girls and women to read to inspire them. I also recommend this book to people who enjoy real-life stories. If you like this book, you can read the other She Persisted books in the series.


Justice League by Scott Snyder Deluxe Edition Book Three

Lex Luther is back and more dangerous than ever. With an unwinnable war on the horizon, the League splits up to find fragments of the only thing that can save them. One team goes to the future, where the human population is all but extinguished. One team to the past, where it seems history is not what it's supposed to be. The last team stays behind to keep the portal open. But nothing ever goes as planned as Luther makes his own allies and sets out to destroy not only the Justice League but the multiverse as well.

This is a collection of Justice League issues from the early days, but it's late enough that if you're not familiar with the DC universe already, it'll be confusing. With my limited knowledge, I was able to enjoy the story without much problem, until I came to the end and found out that if I want to know the conclusion to the arc, I have to get the next issue. The art of the cover is amazing; it matches the style of the comics and brings the characters to life.


Climb On!

Dad is lying on the couch and announces it is a good day to watch “futbol,” but his daughter reminds him he promised they would hike that day to the top of a nearby mountain. They plan well and pack up water and snacks and a first aid kit and a camera. The girl takes the lead, and Dad starts asking if they are there yet. The way is convoluted, the path is difficult, and the forest is dense and filled with bugs, birds, flowers, and thick plants. But they climb on and on. Dad asks if they are there yet, but no, not yet. They take a short rest and look down on their town, but climb on until finally, they reach the top, ready to start the trip home.

Author Baptiste Paul has written a fun story sprinkled with the Creole patois native to the place the story takes place. The language is spare and lyrical, the story is compelling and fun. The rich and stunning illustrations created by Jacqueline Alcántara fill every page with marvelous details that will keep young listeners engaged throughout repeated readings. This is a real winner.


The Wolf Den (Volume 1) (Wolf Den Trilogy)

The Wolf Den largely takes place in a Roman brothel of the same name, in the city of Pompeii. The title is not inaccurate. Although the main reading of it comes from a quirk of Latin, making the word for prostitute the same as the word for a female wolf, it also offers another, more interesting reading. The women in this novel make up a pack of wolves themselves: fierce, loyal, cutthroat, and hungry. Yet, lupine as they are, the protagonists are some of the most human I have encountered in a book about the Roman Empire.

I expected to find The Wolf Den interesting for its unorthodox subject matter, since so many books about Ancient Rome focus on the men (and it was a very masculine civilization). I did not expect to fall in love with it, which I did all too easily. Amara and her fellows are flawed, strong, and incredibly compelling. Even when they made choices that I found distasteful, I understood why they did them. Better still, those choices seemed like part of the character as much as they served the story as a whole. I can’t wait for the rest of the series to reach the United States.


Batman: Detective Comics Vol. 1: The Neighborhood (Detective Comics (2016-))

Danger and mystery are afoot in Gotham as people go missing and turn up dead. And who does the blame fall on? Batman and Bruce Wayne, of course. With the police after both of his identities, Batman must search for clues and unlikely allies to help him save the people of Gotham before it's too late.

Huntress isn't good with the whole "friend" thing, but when the one person she's grown fond of is killed, she goes on a hunt for revenge, leading her to team up with the Batman himself in the search for a killer.

With interesting characters and colorful art, I was hooked from the beginning and easily finished this collection of issues in one afternoon. This was the first Batman comic I've read, but I was able to understand what was going on and who the characters are with my limited knowledge of the DC universe. A few things were referenced from past issues, but they were briefly explained so it wasn't confusing. Huntress isn’t the only other vigilante to make an appearance, many of the batfam do as well, if only briefly.


The Girl in Duluth

Catch Up on Thrillers

Packed with secrets, lies, and deadly danger, the five thrillers included in this roundup are tense, devastating, and likely to keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page through to the last.

Good Girls Die First by Kathryn Foxfield

“Eight o’clock, Portgrave Pier. Can you keep a secret?” When sixteen-year-old Ava receives this slightly sinister invitation, she immediately recognizes that the mystery assignation must be linked to a secret she’s been keeping, a secret that she’s being blackmailed about. Desperate to ensure that her secret stays hidden, she decides to risk keeping the appointment and, perhaps, discovering the identity of her blackmailer. When she arrives at the derelict carnival located at the end of the pier, she finds that nine other young adults have all received the same invitation, suggesting that they all also have secrets they want to keep hidden. As fog and possibly something supernatural result in the pier becoming cut off from the outside world, the ten teenagers start to realize that they might just have been given the opportunity to take revenge on both their blackmailer and unwelcome faces from the past. Once Ava understands that the others all intend to do what’s best for themselves, whatever the consequences, she has to decide how far she’s willing to go to protect her secret and ensure her survival. Kathryn Foxfield’s Good Girls Die First is a dark thriller tinged with horror and mystery, which is sure to particularly appeal to young adult readers.

The Appeal by Janice Hallett

Despite initial appearances, there are several decidedly sinister things bubbling away beneath the otherwise tranquil surface of Lower Lockwood, a picturesque country town worthy of being the setting for an Agatha Christie story. In the present day, barrister Richard Tanner QC tasks pupils Charlotte and Femi with wading through a large bundle of evidence––emails, text messages, and transcripts––in an effort to clear the name of someone who has been convicted of murder. That person has been in jail for a while, but it’s just possible that they might be innocent. Everyone featured in the documents is a possible suspect, and it seems like most of them have something to hide. Charlotte and Femi have to read through the conflicting evidence and determine what the Fairway Players’ rehearsals for their forthcoming performance of All My Sons and a charity appeal raising money to provide life-saving anti-cancer treatment for young Poppy Reswick have to do with a murder, which is likely to prove especially difficult given that they don’t know the identity of either the convicted murderer or the victim. With the novel format of The Appeal, Janice Hallett has crafted a fiendishly clever whodunnit in which it takes significant time and perseverance to identify both the crime and the criminal(s).

No One Notices the Boys by Michelle Birkby

Fed up of operating in the shadow of the great Sherlock Holmes, Mrs. Hudson and Mary Watson have established their own enquiry agency, which operates out of the kitchen of 221B Baker Street. In Michelle Birkby’s No One Notices the Boys, which marks the second investigation for the redoubtable duo of Hudson and Watson, an ill Mrs. Hudson has to cope with both the side effects of her medication slowing down her deductive reasoning and no one believing her observations about a spate of deaths of female patients on her hospital ward. Meanwhile, Mary has to deal with another problem that no one wants to recognize: the disappearances of several of the young urchins of have previously helped Holmes out with cases, homeless young boys whose presence people don’t like to acknowledge, let alone their absence. With Holmes and Watson unwilling to put aside more intriguing puzzles to look into these issues, Mrs. Hudson and Mary are the only ones left to follow the threads of the dying women and the disappearing boys and see how the two cases might connect. It all makes for an intriguing investigation and an exciting pastiche of the Sherlock Holmes adventures.

The Girl in Duluth by Sigrid Brown

With an atmospheric setting in a remote and densely forested patch of Minnesota adjacent to the Canadian border, The Girl in Duluth by Sigrid Brown tells the evocative and often troubling tale of a rural community populated by families with rumbling resentments and several secrets to hide. Following her mother’s disappearance and the local police force’s apparent inability to crack the case, eighteen-year-old June Bergeron decides to undertake her own investigation. She soon becomes suspicious that her mother’s case might be linked to a series of unsolved murders of women whose bodies were found dumped in the woods near Duluth, and as she investigates the matter further, she finds herself drawn into the hidden underbelly of the city, a grimy place characterized by poverty, exploitation, and abuse. As June comes to realize that many within the community are hiding disturbing secrets, she is forced to admit that she no longer knows what is true or who she can trust. While seeking to find out what really happened to her mother, she ends up finding out more than she ever imagined or wanted to know about the people of Duluth.

The Cage by Bonnie Kistler

On a cold Sunday night when people really ought to be at rest and safely tucked up at home, two employees of Claudine de Martineau International, a multinational fashion company, are burning the midnight oil at the Manhattan high-rise office. Lucy Barton-Jones, the head of human resources, and Shay Lambert, a newly appointed corporate lawyer, end up finishing their tasks and getting ready to leave for the night at around the same time. The pair enter the lift on the thirtieth floor together and prepare to descend, each preoccupied with their own thoughts and troubles. However, something goes wrong almost immediately as the lift stops, the lights turn off, and a gunshot rings out. Eventually, the lift starts to move again. When the lift’s doors open after it finally reaches the ground floor, one of the women is dead, but is it a case of murder or suicide? Bonnie Kistler’s The Cage is a suspenseful, action-packed, and tightly plotted legal thriller that starts with a bang and then whisks readers along on a breakneck journey full of twists and turns.


It's a Sign! (Elephant & Piggie Like Reading!)

In this book, there are four fox siblings. The youngest fox wants to make a club, but he is just learning how to write his letters. His older brother comes along and wants to help, but he only knows words in the “at” family. The third oldest brother wants to help, but he only knows a few more words. Next, the fourth oldest brother comes along and helps them put everything together to make the greatest club, maybe. Read this book to find out more about their club!

This is a funny book. It was easy to read, yet entertaining. The word bubbles look similar to those from the Elephant and Piggie books. The illustrations were pleasing to look at and colorful. I really liked this book and would like to see it become a series.


More Than You'll Ever Know: A Novel

Lore Rivera is married to Fabian and they have twin sons, but that doesn’t stop Lore from marrying Andres when in Mexico City. As an international banker, she is able to keep up the pretence for a while, traveling back and forth between Mexico and Texas. Eventually, the truth comes out and one husband is arrested for murdering the other.

Thirty years later, Cassie Bowman comes across the story and wants to tell it from Lore’s side. She begins interviewing Lore and her family and friends to discover what would make a woman who seemed to have it all risk everything? As Cassie starts to piece things together, she discovers that there may be more to that fateful night, maybe More Than You’ll Ever Know. She’ll have to decide what to do with the truths she discovers.

This book has great character development as it’s told from multiple perspectives and in multiple timelines. While you may not agree with Lore’s choices, the way the book walks you through it with her, you will at least understand why she did the things she did. I highly recommend that you check out this look into the lives of those who lead more than one.


Weird World War IV

Albert Einstein once spoke about not knowing how World War III would be fought, but that the next war would be fought “with sticks and stones.” Not even Einstein could dream up the future wars written about in Weird World War IV. U.S. Army Veteran and speculative fiction writer Sean Patrick Hazlett compiled and curated twenty-one stories into this weird anthology. Contributing writers include Steve Barnes, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Jonathan Maberry, Weston Ochse, and many more award-winning and bestselling authors.

Stories in this anthology range from dystopian in nature to hard-core sci-fi. Some are more fantastical, and others are just plain odd. While not all stories are written from a post-war point of view, they all deal with life after a world-changing event. With the diversity of authors in this collection, the stories cover a wide range of genres, viewpoints, and styles. From novella to screenplay, this book covers it all. Many of these post-apocalyptic stories were written during the global pandemic and reflect the authors’ distrust and ideologies. There is a short story for just about any type of audience. Come take a look at the absurdity of future wars.


The Lady and the Unicorn

The Lady and the Unicorn will mystify readers with its captivating illustrations and unique storyline. The mythical and woodland creatures of the forest feel threatened by the aggressive intruders who are invading their formerly peaceful land. The creatures try to hide or run from the hunters, but they will not leave until they get what they came for: the majestic unicorn. The frightened unicorn eventually finds a lady who makes him feel safe and calm. When she holds up a mirror to the unicorn, she discovers his true identity.

This story explains the intriguing unicorn tapestries created by European weavers from 1495–1505. These tapestries are displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York as well as in the Cluny Museum in Paris. The author has retold this story based on this series of seven intricate tapestries for children who are unable to view the works of art in person. The artistic images and surprising ending will astound readers who enjoy fairytales. Some of the images and the ending of the book contain mature themes that are best suited for children ages eight to twelve.


Astonishing the Gods: A Novel

Astonishing the Gods by Ben Okri relates the story of an unnamed young man as he travels through a land of invisible beings where he encounters strange places and sees marvelous things, although not without encountering challenges along the way. These challenges lead him to a greater understanding and insights that he wasn’t looking for but found anyway. The young man’s wanderings take the reader along with him and his guides on this classic hero’s journey.

A difficult yet deceptively simple book, Astonishing the Gods may be a challenge to readers. It can be, and has been, read as political allegory, myth, fable, social commentary, a discourse on the Atlantic slave trade, or a description of the illusive nature of storytelling itself. First published in 1995, this is the first US edition, after finding quite a following and much acclaim in the UK. This is the type of book where the meaning shifts with every read.

Told in an episodic style, the book is quick to read, but it leaves much by way of food for thought afterward.


Sunny the Sideloader

"Sunny the Sideloader and his friends are destined to take their rightful place alongside other classic children's books! This book is masterfully illustrated, filled with colorful characters, and contains an important lesson on the values of friendship. A unique, engaging, and charming tale that your child will treasure!" --Robert Buccellato, Seattle Book Review


Sunny the Sideloader

“Sometimes all it takes is a little teamwork to get the job done. Sunny the Sideloader is a story about a recycling truck and its friends that will have young children cheering as they turn the pages. Bright, colorful illustrations and adorable talking trucks cover the pages in this book about waste management and keeping the Earth clean.” --Kristi Elizabeth, Manhattan Book Review


Sunny the Sideloader

"Sunny the recycling truck is so excited for his first day of work at Sanitation Station. He rushes off in such a hurry that he forgets to follow Manager Mike’s instructions and makes a huge mess! Sunny and his friends exchange colorful commentary as they figure out how to clean up Workerville as a team." --Rita Long, San Francisco Book Review


Front Page Murder (A Homefront News Mystery)

Irene has worked to prove herself ever since taking over the Progress Herald after her father went away to war. When one of her reporters doesn't show up to work, she goes to check on him and finds his body. A mysterious letter found in his desk drawer suggests foul play was involved in his demise but how does a local robbery connect? The police chief doesn't suspect murder so Irene sets out to prove it herself but her digging into the business of the local factory could cause problems that could prove deadly.

The story revolves around Irene's role as editor in chief which sets the investigative elements from the beginning. The historical backdrop propels you back to War World II through mannerisms, dialogue, and themes contributed to the era such as sexism, female empowerment, the discrimination against the Jewish, and the war efforts. These are spun into a story that will make you fall in love with historical mysteries. Subtle details in the background set the era with sugar rationing, name-dropping movie stars, Irene's fiancé training for war, renting out a room, and scrap drives. Joyce St. Anthony makes this War World II era mystery shine with brilliant characters, a charming setting, a suspenseful investigation, and delightful sleuthing moments.


Wish You Were Gone

Wish You Were Gone is an exemplary tale about a man who treats his family so awful that he finally gets what he deserves. James Walsh is found in his convertible BMW which is lodged into the back wall of the family’s garage. Emma, his wife, and Hunter, their son, find him there in the wee hours of the morning. Close friends know that James has an alcohol problem and his wife and kids know all too well about his rage. Was this a drunk driving accident or was something more sinister behind it?

Wish You Were Gone is told in alternating points-of-view. Emma, James wife, Grey, Emma’s friend, Lizzie, Emma’s other friend, and Kelsey, Emma and James’ daughter tell the story through their own eyes until everything comes together piece by piece.

I absolutely loved the relationship between siblings Hunter and Emma, however I was confused at the relationship between Emma and Willow, Lizzie’s daughter until the story between the two girls finally unfolds. This book is fascinating and heart-stopping as secrets are revealed one by one. Recommended for fans of Liane Moriarty and Chevy Stevens.


Classroom Confidence: Georgie Dupree

Georgie Dupree recently moved from Louisiana to Washington D.C; she was excited to start a new school but worried that the other kids wouldn’t accept her. Some of the students laughed at Georgie for dancing along to the teacher’s positive affirmation; she became so embarrassed and anxious that she felt sick to her stomach. Georgie tried her best to think positive thoughts, draw pictures of her goals, and be optimistic about each new day. With help from her teacher and friends, Georgie learns to embrace her unique personality and find confidence in a confusing time.

This book is perfect for any young child that is starting school or embarking on a new adventure. Author Ceece Kelley has created an inspirational story that will encourage children to face their fears, persevere in challenging times, and be true to themselves. My favorite aspect of this book is the positive affirmations present throughout the story; encouraging children to repeat these words can increase their self-esteem in times of uncertainty. “Georgie Dupree: Classroom Confidence” is full of diverse and inclusive illustrations that will make children feel seen and understood. I highly recommend this story to all children ages four to nine.


Children of the Flying City

The Flying City of Highgate has been home to Milo Quick for as long as he can remember, having been left there by his father when he was five years old. He makes his way by stealing and relying on his friends Jules and Dagda, trying to stay one step ahead of the police. But an army of ships has surrounded Highgate, threatening an attack any day now and tipping everything he knows about his life into the cold and unforgiving waters below. Highgate is already at war with itself, and Milo has to rely on only his wit and luck if he wants to make it out alive…

I liked this book because it was fast paced and energetic, following Milo and his gang through the Flying City from multiple viewpoints with good storytelling and suspense. It weaves together relatable characters and an intriguing storyline, which makes you want to keep flipping the pages, even when it reaches the end! I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fun, heart-racing story with surprising twists and turns.


Charlie Thorne and the Curse of Cleopatra

There’s more to Cleopatra than most historians share, and Charlie Thorne has done her homework. When she sees a stone tablet in the background of a video by the son of a wealthy Egyptian aristocrat, presumably Cleopatra’s, Charlie decides she is going to break in. Crafting a perfect plan, she’ll sneak in as hired help and stay as a guest. She doesn’t plan to take it, but just needs a couple minutes to get a rubbing.

A slight hiccup has her racing across Egypt away from gunshots and speeding cars just to be caught by another group who wants her for Pandora (read book one in the series). However, if there’s one thing these men should know, it’s that Charlie always has a plan, and there’s no way they can keep up.

All of Gibbs’ books are fantastic, but Charlie raises the bar in this one. Her high intellectual ability combined with her independence and focus on doing what’s right for all could make her intimidating, but her youthfulness grounds her. The adventure doesn’t stop or slow in these books until the last chapter, so plan a chunk of time to get schooled by Charlie. It will be the best education available.

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers


Whitney Wins Everything: A Tiny Ninja Book (Tiny Ninja Books)

Whitney loves all sports, but more than anything, Whitney loves to win competitions. Whitney loves winning at sports so much that she makes everything a competition, and she wants to be first at everything she does! This sounds great, always coming in first place, but everyone around her gets tired of everything being a competition. Why play a game if the only person who will be in first place is Whitney?

Whitney learns that being first isn't always best when she isn't invited to a friend's party because they don't want Whitney to win every party game. Whitney is confused, but she hopes she can learn to just have fun with her friends instead of always making everything a competition.

This is a really cute book that shows that winning isn't everything. I tend to be like Whitney, but I see now that it's better to have fun than to always come in first place. The illustrations were fun and colorful.


Relic and Ruin

The war between necromancers and reapers has been going on for nearly as long as time itself. Caught in the mist is Nyx, a necromancer-raised reaper whose family changed sides generations ago. The only family to ever do so. Erebus is also caught in the middle, but for very different reasons: he's dead. A connection ties the odd pair together, a powerful connection that causes danger to themselves, their families, and possibly the whole world.

The book started off with an attention-grabbing bang and had me hooked and excited, but the further I got into it, the more bored I become. The story drags in the middle and doesn't quite recover, and it builds up to a disappointing end as well. There is a large cast of characters, many of whom I fell in love with, but many others added nothing to the story, and I was confused more often than not about who's who and who belongs to what family. The world building was also confusing, a lot of it useless information that has nothing to do with the story.


Work: A Deep History, from the Stone Age to the Age of Robots

Have you ever considered why people work, and work so much? Many people can (and do), even now, survive on much, much less than what is considered necessary for modern living, and certainly, across the eons of human existence our species has lived on (and with) much less. Hunter-gather and foraging societies typically spent much less time per week – around seventeen hours or so – providing for their basic needs. So why do we work as much as we do? How much is the right amount of time to spend on work? Why do we spend so much energy and effort on things that don't feed, shelter, or clothe us, and how do we even have the ability to move beyond merely caring for these basic needs? What is work, anyway?

This book offers answers that are often surprising and is unique in drawing together pieces of evidence from archeology, history, biology, anthropology, economics, and more, into one cohesive whole. Although the narrative occasionally veers into an unnecessary, politicized territory, and frequently pronounces judgment on currently unsettled science, the writing is engaging and compelling, resulting in a convincing story that will prompt you to reevaluate your own preconceptions about work.


A Taste of Gold and Iron

Ever since the queen gave birth, Kadou has been tasked with the Shipbuilder's Guild investigation, which comes into conflict with one of the ambassadors, who insists that his fellow countrywoman gets a fair trial. The body-father of his sister's newborn keeps making accusations about Kadou's intentions for the throne, which leaves Kadou shaking with anxiety. His paranoia over the ambassador's actions turns a trivial incident into a humiliation that forces him to accept the consequences and a new bodyguard who doesn't like him.

The mythology and creation of the world are beautiful, vivid, and rich, with an originality that sets high standards for all epic fantasies. Kadou is an amazing character and it’s a relief to see a protagonist who suffers from anxiety. His episodes of nerves are real and honestly portrayed as a natural part of his character, which is a lovely aspect of the character that Rowland has created. The relationships are complicated due to the inner workings of the royal court, which pits ambassador against prince with the queen in the middle.

Everything that epic fantasy should be, Alexandra Rowland takes A Taste of Gold and Iron and makes it shine with beautifully flawed characters, political complications, vivid mythology, and a simmering romance that will keep you turning the pages.


The Boy with a Bird in His Chest: A Novel

Owen is born with a bird, a wren, who lives inside of his chest and speaks to him. His mother keeps him safe from the Army of Acronyms—doctors, cops, scientists, the government, and anyone who might want to turn Owen and Gail, the bird, into an experiment, but to do so she must hide him away for years. But at fourteen, he insists on the freedom to attend school. All the agonies of adolescence are amplified for a boy like Owen: awkward, unskilled, shy, attracted to boys, and harboring a secret that must never be told. No one, never, is the mantra his mother teaches him, and when Owen finally trusts someone else enough to show them, Gail, he repeats the mantra endlessly. This is a beautifully painful story that could be read as a parable or fantasy, as magical realism, or as a coming-of-age novel. Unlike anything else I’ve read, it will appeal to booklovers who seek out tales of adolescence set in the Pacific Northwest, who appreciate characters who slowly learn to love themselves and embrace a life that may have seemed too challenging to exist


At the Sea

At the Sea is a giant book. In fact, it’s the biggest book that I have ever seen. There are lots of flaps that you can lift to discover different parts of the ocean. It is a really cool book where you can learn all about different types of animals and plants and also about sailboats and lighthouses and beaches—all sorts of things that are related to the ocean.

It’s not really a story, but it’s full of information that you’ve maybe never heard before. Unless you are a scientist, you will probably learn a lot from this and be really interested by everything. Kids aged five and up and also adults will like this book.


Last Summer on State Street: A Novel

FeFe Stevens is twelve years old in 1999 and ready to take on the world in Toya Wolfe’s excellent first novel Last Summer on State Street. Told in brief chapters with a focus on descriptive, powerful language, readers who enjoyed Sandra Cisneros’ House on Mango Street will fall in love with this book.

FeFe lives in Chicago in the Robert Taylor Homes, a housing project on the brink of being torn down. She and her friends Stacia and Precious are a tight-knit crew, each living in different buildings and moving as the projects are torn down or scheduled from demolition. As a new friend, Tonya, appears, the group has to negotiate their friendships’ boundaries and ties just as their neighborhood changes and they begin growing from the sheltered light of childhood into the bright glare of being young women.

As violence erupts and young men become objects of attraction rather than annoyances, the four girls choose sides and wind down their own paths, often having to make choices that draw dividing lines between them. There are successes and tragedies in this coming-of-age story which makes it all the more authentic to real life. It is hard to read it without thinking of the people we grew up with, wondering where they are, and who we would be without their influence on us when we were young.

Racism, the power of our own histories, and the regrets that shape our futures are all on gorgeous display in Toya Wolfe’s Last Summer on State Street.


There are so many plants and animals that you can learn about in The Atlas of Migrating Plants and Animals. It is a good book to pick one thing and then read about it, but it is probably not a book where you want to read the whole thing all at once because there are like a hundred different parts and all of the stories are about migrating.

It’s a heavy book that will keep you busy for a long time. You will like the pictures a lot because they are really good and make you want to know more. It is a great book for everybody, so you can pick what sounds interesting to you and then read all about it, especially if you’re doing a nature study on that type of animal.