I think I may have been a bit overzealous with my reading list. I underestimated my work schedule for the next few months and haven’t had much time to really read. So I’ve made some changes to my reading list that will hopefully make it more doable. I’m scratching the themes I had going except for November – I’ll be reading a lot of children’s picture books that month since they don’t take up very little time to read (but as long as they are available to borrow from the library at the time). For the rest of the time I’ve chosen books that I really really want to read as soon as possible.
Magic Steps by Tamora Pierce (The Circle Opens, book 1) – review coming Oct 1 Slaves of Socorro by John Flanagan (Brotherband Chronicles, book 4) – review coming Oct 8
Other TBRs
Lady Knight by Tamora Pierce (Protector of the Small, book 4) (ARC)Tess of the Road by Rachel Hartman (ARC)The Song of Seven by Tonke Dragt Foreverby Maggie Stiefvater (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, book 3) River of Dreams by Lynn Kurland (A Novel of the Nine Kingdoms, book 8) Mastiff by Tamora Pierce (Beka Cooper, book 3) For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund (book 1)
Tentative Reads
The Winter King by C.L. Wilson (Weathermages of Mystral, book 1) Shadowstorm by Dianne Slyvan (Shadow World, book 6) Thirteen Rising by Romina Russell (Zodiac, book 4) Siege of Shadows by Sarah Raughley (Effigies, book 2)
Picture Books
How To Babysit A Grandma by Jean Reagan, Illus. Lee Wildish The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires Press Here by Hervé Tuliet The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin Lilly’s Big Day by Kevin Henkes Chicken in Space by Adam Lehrhaupt, Illus. Shahar Kober Dragons Love Tacos 2 by Adam Rubin, Illus. Daniel Salmieri Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, Illus. David Roberts If You Give a Mouse a Brownie by Laura Numeroff, Illus. Felicia Bond Wolfie the Bunny by Ame Dyckman, Illus. Zachariah OHora The Pigeon Wants A Puppy by Mo Willems
Does anyone else ever have trouble with getting through books on their reading list? Do you have any tips on how to better manage a TBR list?
Genre: Children’s Fiction, Picture Book Rating: 5/5 Recommend to Others?: Yes
Book Summary (via NetGalley): Sometimes the unlikeliest friends form the greatest friendships. A funny, charming picture book from a dynamic duo.
Friends Yak and Dove are complete opposites. Yak is large and Dove is small. Yak has fur and Dove has feathers. Yak is polite. Dove is ill-mannered. Yak likes quiet. Dove likes noise. One day as Yak and Dove list their differences they come to the conclusion that maybe they aren’t meant to be friends. In the hope of finding a new best friend, Yak holds auditions. But when a small feathered contestant sings Yak’s favorite song, the two begin to think that maybe they are alike after all . . .
Yak and Dove whimsically captures the highs and lows of friendship through the three interconnected tales of two very different friends.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing me with an e-ARC to read and review. Happy Book Released Day to Me, Me, Me by Annika Dunklee!
Note: I received an e-ARC before the publication date
Image via NetGalley | Published September 5, 2017 by Kids Can Press
Genre: Picture Book, Children’s Fiction Rating: 3.5/5 (NetGalley rating was a 4) Recommend to Others?: Yes
Book Summary (via NetGalley): When best friends Annie, Lillemor and Lilianne learn their school will be having a talent show, Annie says they should enter as an all-girl singing group. Her friends are all in — until Annie tries to force everyone to go along with her choice of song, costumes, band name and lead singer. When Lillemor and Liliane tell Annie they’ve had enough of her “me, me, me” attitude, the band splits up, with Annie intent on performing solo. But it doesn’t take long for her to realize it’s just not the same without her friends. Can Annie find a way to make things right before it’s too late? Annika Dunklee’s trio of multicultural friends will charm and delight young children with their true-to-life relationships and spot-on dialogue, while Lori Joy Smith’s irresistible art brings a playful humor to the girls and their enthusiasm. Annie, the lovable, perfectly imperfect girl, will have readers rooting for her as she struggles to find her way to doing the right thing. With its positive, non-preachy approach, this book could easily spark conversations about friendships and dealing with hurt feelings. With select words in French and Swedish included in the story (with translations) as well as other details sprinkled throughout that illustrate the girls’ different backgrounds, this makes a terrific title for exploring other cultures in social studies classes. And the intriguing idea of a talent show shines a light on the performing arts and creativity within a school setting.
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My Review: [* slightly edited *]
While I wasn’t surprised by what happened, I did enjoy reading this book. Me, Me, Me is a lovely mixture of art, dialogue and language. It exposes kids to other languages – French and Swedish – and includes translations that are clearly indicated out of the way on the page. The only thing I had trouble with was telling who was who. You know who Annie is but which girl is Lillemor and which girl is Lilianne?
Annika Dunklee touches upon things all kids need to learn. That it is important to include, not exclude. You should be open and listen to all other’s ideas. Friends don’t boss each other around. That you should treat others the way you’d want to be treated. The illustrations by Lori Joy Smith are so cute and really suited the story and characters.
Playful but serious, I would recommend this book as a fun story to read to kids but also as a teaching tool on friendship.
I finally finished my 2017 Reading Challenge on Goodreads! My goal was to read 30 books this year and I managed – miraculously – to accomplish that goal. To celebrate I thought I’d look back on some of the books I read as a part of this challenge, including post-read thoughts and highlights from the reviews I wrote. Note: title links lead to my review of each individual book.
A book finale I won’t soon forget. I gave this book a 4 out of 5 but it still makes me smile with happiness and sadness to this day – so is the way of a story come full circle.
Review Excerpt: “The storyline was amazing and suspenseful. I thought, Holy guacamole! That just happened. and Oh no! and What in the world?! and Please tell me there’s a way out of this. I had no idea what would happen next or how characters would overcome, which made me feel fearful for everyone involved. The strain of it was exhausting but I enjoyed every minute of it. It was an entertaining story.”
Goodness, this whole series was a lot to take in but so worth it. I enjoyed each book and it all culminated into a wonderful finale. Snow Like Ashes series is now one of my new favorite YA Fantasy series
Review Excerpt: “A long read but worth it. I’m very satisfied with how everything came together as the conclusion of this series.”
I remember needing a book to read for something but I couldn’t use this one. I still kept the title written down to read later because the plot interested me and the cover was just gorgeous. I was so glad my local library had a copy. This book was amazing – as was book 2 – and I cannot wait to read book 3, Heart on Fire, when it’s released in early 2018.
Review Excerpt: “A Promise of Fire was really good. I couldn’t put it down and finished reading it within a couple of days. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a 400+ book so fast and laughed so much.”
I am so happy to have discovered this book because I am in love with this series. It’s so good and different and everything I love about YA sci-fi and fantasy. Rho is such aThe fourth and final book of the Zodiac series just came out and I can’t wait to read it.
Review Excerpt: “Zodiac has been one of the best YA books I’ve read in a long time. This book was amazing – I loved it so much. I had only read a few chapters before I decided that I had to read the other books in this series.There are so many twists and turns that’ll keep you guessing and enthralled for the entirety of the story.”
I remember adding this to my reading list this year because the book I had read before it was just….ugh. I needed a pick me up and a Lynn Kurland romance novel was just what I needed. I would read this book a third time, it was that good.
Review Excerpt: “This is my second time reading this book and it was just as good and sweet and lovely as I remembered.”
This was the first ARC I’ve ever read and reviewed and also the first book I read and reviewed for NetGalley. It was so good and refreshing to read. Loved it and the strong sense of community it highlights. I also did an interview with the author, which was really cool.
Review Excerpt: “Hannah Bucchin’s debut novel, Paintbrush, was a delightful story that had me falling in love with the characters, on the edge of my seat with its plot, and feel all the feels with its touch of romance. This was a big win for me. And I look forward to reading more from her.”
Yak and Dove by Kyo Maclear, Pictures by Esmé Shapiro (ARC review)
I really really want to read book 2 because this book was so amazing. I love werewolves in fiction so this was just right for me.
Review Excerpt: “This book was everything and then some – perfect for a paranormal romance-loving, wolf-obsessed, hopeless romantic like myself! One of my new favorite books ever and of 2017.”
I’m so glad I got to read this book! It’s just…everything you want from a book and does a great job expressing what mental health issues look and feel like.
Review Excerpt: “Beautiful, poignant, and honestly portrayed, All Things New is an enchanting story that gives hope for a brighter today and an even brighter tomorrow. I underestimated how good All Things New would be – it was unbelievably fantastic!”
I am still reeling over how amazing this book was. I highly recommend this wonderful middle grade novel based on a true story.
Review Excerpt: “Maddie’s voice is clear, distinct, and her personality shines through every line. Her active imagination colors every word and phrase, making the reading experience extremely enjoyable. Her perspective on life made me think about my own, especially when I was her age. I felt included in her world. Maddie is a sweet, admirable individual who anyone would feel lucky to have as a friend.”
This was the first book by Sarah Dessen I ever read and oh my goodness it was good. Any recommendations which other books by Dessen I should read?
Review Excerpt: “This novel really pulls at the heart-strings, especially with what incites the conflict and every obstacle that follows. What made me pick up this book was that it involved wedding planning and the premise seemed really interesting. Those two things combined surely would make a great story, right? It did. Also, let’s not forget that the cover is simple but gorgeous.”
Blood Guard by Megan Erickson (ARC review COMING SOON)
Me, Me, Me by Annika Dunklee, Illustrated by Lori Joy Smith (ARC review COMING SOON)
Thanks for reading today’s post! I hope you enjoyed it. More reviews are to come within the next four months.
My Fall 2017 TBR List is up – check out what books I’ll be reading. I update my Currently Reading page and Goodreads regularly when changes in books occur. I’m still reading Slaves of Socorro by John Flanagan and The King’s Champion by Xina Marie Uhl (ARC), but I hope to finish those really soon.
You can also follow me on Twitter for updates on my reading list and about the blog.
Royalty Free Image via pixabay.com | Edited in Paint
The official TBR list for the Fall is here! I am so excited to read all of these books and get back to non-stop reading. The summer months drastically slowed down my ability to get through books but now it’s back to work! As stated previously, each month has a certain “theme” or “plan.” I did this because it made crafting a TBR list easier/more organized for me.
Quick side notes –[1] The December books marked tentative mean that I will be buying them at a later date (if I can) unless my local library acquires them first. [2] I will be reading titles from NetGalley throughout if I find any books to read and get approved for them. [3] Any books I don’t get to will be saved for the 2018 TBR lists (tba in Dec).
SEPTEMBER – Books by Tamora Pierce
Mastiff (Beka Cooper, book 3) Magic Steps (The Circle Opens, book 1) Lady Knight (Protector of the Small, book 4) Battle Magic (Circle Reforged, book 3)
OCTOBER – Catch-Up On Book Series
River of Dreams by Lynn Kurland (A Novel of the Nine Kingdoms, book 8) Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard (Red Queen, book 2) Forever by Maggie Stiefvater (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, book 3) Scorpion Mountain by John Flanagan (Brotherband Chronicles, book 5)
NOVEMBER – Picture Books
How To Babysit A Grandma by Jean Reagan, Illus. Lee Wildish The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires Press Here by Hervé Tuliet The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin Lilly’s Big Day by Kevin Henkes Chicken in Space by Adam Lehrhaupt, Illus. Shahar Kober Dragons Love Tacos 2 by Adam Rubin, Illus. Daniel Salmieri Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, Illus. David Roberts If You Give a Mouse a Brownie by Laura Numeroff, Illus. Felicia Bond Wolfie the Bunny by Ame Dyckman, Illus. Zachariah OHora The Pigeon Wants A Puppy by Mo Willems
DECEMBER – Newly Released Books
Loved by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast (Other World, book 1) Shadowstorm by Dianne Slyvan (Shadow World, book 6) ~ tentative Thirteen Rising by Romina Russell (Zodiac, book 4) ~ tentative Siege of Shadows by Sarah Raughley (Effigies, book 2) ~ tentative
Publisher: Tundra Books Genre: Children’s Fiction, Picture Book Rating: 5/5 Recommend to Others?: Yes
Book Summary (via NetGalley): Pepper is getting a dress made for a special occasion. It’s the first dress that has ever been made just for her, and she wants it to be perfect. But what pattern is right for her? Pepper is particular, and nothing works at first. Dotted Swiss? Too plain. Houndstooth? Not enough color. Pinstripe? Too glum. As Pepper learns about each fabric, she finds a reason why it’s just not the one. Will Pepper ever be able to find the perfect pattern? Julie Kraulis takes readers on a journey through gorgeous patterns and their origins–from the mountains of Switzerland to the green grass of Scotland–in search of Pepper’s ideal pattern. The incredible illustrations make for a dress, a character and a book that are impossible to forget.
Publisher: Three Saints Press Genre: Young Adult Fiction Rating: 5/5 Recommend to Others?: Yes
Book Summary (via NetGalley): From the author of Parallel and Free to Fall comes a novel about how it feels to be broken and what it means to be real.
Seventeen-year-old Jessa Gray has always felt broken inside, but she’s gotten very good at hiding it. No one at school knows about the panic attacks, the therapy that didn’t help, the meds that haven’t worked. But when a severe accident leaves her with a brain injury and noticeable scars, Jessa’s efforts to convince the world that she’s okay finally crumble—now she looks as shattered as she feels.
Fleeing from her old life in Los Angeles, Jessa moves to Colorado to live with her dad, but her anxiety only gets worse in the wake of the accident. That is, until she meets Marshall, a boy with a heart defect whose kindness and generous spirit slowly draw Jessa out of her walled-off shell and into the broken, beautiful, real world—a place where souls get hurt just as badly as bodies, and we all need each other to heal.
All Things New is a love story about perception and truth, physical and emotional pain, and the messy, complicated people we are behind the masks we put on for the world.
I’m super excited about the books I have planned to read this coming fall (that is, want to get through). Each month – September to December – has a “theme” I guess (but not really). There will likely be a few NetGalley books randomly throughout. Grouping the books this way just made sense and felt organized. It took away some of the pressure I usually feel when compiling a TBR list. Below you’ll find a TBR list for each month (note: this isn’t the official list; it’s still a work in progress):
September – Books by Tamora Pierce She has so many great books that it was hard to make this list. Spending a month reading her books is going to be so much fun!
Magic Steps (The Circle Opens, book 1) The Will of the Empress (Circle Reforged, book 1) Lioness Rampant (Song of the Lioness, book 4) Lady Knight (Protector of the Small, book 4)
October – Catch-Up On Book Series I have a lot of book series I need to catch up on since I won’t have time for them this summer.
Dreamer’s Daughter by Lynn Kurland (A Novel of the Nine Kingdoms, book 9) Scorpion Mountain by John Flanagan (Brotherband Chronicles, book 5) The Ghostfaces by John Flanagan (Brotherband Chronicles, book 6) Forever by Maggie Stiefvater (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, book 3) Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard (Red Queen, book 2)
November – Picture Books This month will be all about picture books. I really enjoyed all the ones I read earlier this year that I wanted to make time to read some more.
How To Babysit A Grandma by Jean Reagan, Illus. Lee Wildish The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires Press Here by Hervé Tuliet The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin Lilly’s Big Day by Kevin Henkes Chicken in Space by Adam Lehrhaupt, Illus. Shahar Kober Dragons Love Tacos 2 by Adam Rubin, Illus. Daniel Salmieri Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, Illus. David Roberts If You Give a Mouse a Brownie by Laura Numeroff, Illus. Felicia Bond Wolfie the Bunny by Ame Dyckman, Illus. Zachariah OHora The Pigeon Wants A Puppy by Mo Willems
December – Newly Released Books These are all books that have already been released this year but I haven’t had a chance to read/acquire yet. This may or may not happen but I won’t know until it gets closer to this month.
Shadowstorm by Dianne Slyvan (Shadow World, book 6) Thirteen Rising by Romina Russell (Zodiac, book 4) Siege of Shadows by Sarah Raughley (Effigies, book 2)
That’s all for today!
Have you read any of these books? If so, what did you think of them? If you have any book recommendations, let me know in the comments below; I’m always on the hunt for new books to read.
Thanks for reading today’s post! I hope you enjoyed it. More reviews are to come within the next four months.
