Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures

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Genre: Contemporary Young Adult Romance Fiction
Pages: Print 417
Digital: eAdudiobook 13 hours
Release Date: May 5, 2017
Author: Sarah Dessen
Rating: ★★★★★

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I checked out an e-aduiobook copy of this book from my local library using Libby by Overdrive. The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or the publisher. The copy used in this review is an unabridged e-aduiobook. Image taken from https://sarahdessen.com/book/saint-anything/

Goodreads Synopsis 

Peyton, Sydney’s charismatic older brother, has always been the star of the family, receiving the lion’s share of their parents’ attention and—lately—concern. When Peyton’s increasingly reckless behavior culminates in an accident, a drunk driving conviction, and a jail sentence, Sydney is cast adrift, searching for her place in the family and the world. When everyone else is so worried about Peyton, is she the only one concerned about the victim of the accident?

Enter the Chathams, a warm, chaotic family who run a pizza parlor, play bluegrass on weekends, and pitch in to care for their mother, who has multiple sclerosis. Here Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance. And here she meets Mac, gentle, watchful, and protective, who makes Sydney feel seen, really seen, for the first time.

The uber-popular Sarah Dessen explores her signature themes of family, self-discovery, and change in her twelfth novel, sure to delight her legions of fans.

Final Thoughts

This contemporary young adult fiction romance is written so well. The novel starts with a scene of Sydney and her family in a court room. Then from their the book continues by following her life after that day in the court room. Sydney, a junior in high school, is used to being invisible. Her brother Peyton has always been the center of her family’s attention and she has been in his shadow. Peyton has made a grave mistake that has changed her family’s life and the life of another family. Somehow Sydney carries some of the guilt from his mistake as she tries to start over at a new school. Imagine being invisible to everyone and then someone finally notices you. Sydney adjusts to her new school, she makes a friend that leads her to other friends, and she finds a new home in the Chathams family restaurant. She truly learns the meaning of friendship, of being there for someone, and she finds her voice in the shadow of her brother’s mistake. Her mother and father continue to put Peyton first, ignoring Sydney, until she makes a mistake that causes them to pay attention to her. In that moment Sydney wishes to become invisible again. In this novel written by Sarah Dessen, I could feel the emotions of each character and understand each decision made. Dessen has done an amazing job with this novel and the events inside felt real. Each supporting character playing a huge role in the overall dynamics of the story. The plot is captivating enough to make you want to not put this book down.

I stumbled upon this book while browsing through the available e-audibooks in Libby by Overdrive. I remember seeing this book when it first released in 2015 but I didn’t purchase it. I was so glad to get a chance to listen to the audio version of this novel. If you are interested in reading a novel that focuses on the importance of family, forgiveness, friendship, and first loves, then you should check this one out. The beginning will grab your attention, the middle will keep you interested, and the ending will have you wanting more. This novel is appropriate for upper middle school, teens, and adults interested in a good young adult romance novel. The romance in this novel is subtle, which is why I say it is appropriate for tweens.

To purchase your copy of this novel, visit Sarah Dessen’s website at https://sarahdessen.com/book/saint-anything/  for access to purchasing links. 

Happy Reading and I hope you enjoyed my honest opinion of this novel!

Enjoyed this review or have book suggestions? Leave a comment below!

Contact me at librarielbookreviews@gmail.com for book reviews.

*You can also check out Libby by Overdrive, a new way to checking out e-books from your library. (This is not sponsored. I just love this app!)* 

Crush by Svetlana Chmakova

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures
vqyrcvhzsyugeco4km9ogGenre: Middle Grade Fiction Pages: Print 240 Release Date: October 30, 2018 Author: Svetlana Chmakova Rating: ★★★★★ Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I checked purchased a copy of this graphic novel from my local book store. The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or the publisher. The copy used in this review is a finished print copy.
Goodreads Synopsis Following the overwhelming success of AWKWARD and BRAVE, Svetlana Chmakova’s award winning Berrybrook Middle School series continues with its next installment – CRUSH! Jorge seems to have it all together. He’s big enough that nobody really messes with him, but he’s also a genuinely sweet guy with a solid, reliable group of friends. The only time he ever really feels off his game is when he crosses paths with a certain girl… But when the group dynamic among the boys starts to shift, will Jorge be able to balance what his friends expect of him versus what he actually wants?
Final Thoughts This middle grade graphic novel is the third in the Awkward series and the story continues with Jorge. A middle schooler who is just trying to navigate his first crush. Readers of the first two graphic novels watch as each character develops and Jorge explores his feelings. This graphic novel showcases the typical woes of any middle school student faced with dealing with their feelings and navigating the social hierarchy. The author does a great job showcasing realistic emotions, typical every day challenges, and the power of friendship. Svetlana also showcases a bit of girl power in this novel as the female lead is viewed as confident young girl who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. I have been personally following this series since the first book and it is my absolute favorite. The graphics in this book are amazing and with my job working with middle grade, I am constantly recommending this novel to them. If you you know someone in middle school or elementary then this is a great graphic novel series to have them read. It is a great intro to the common challenges they will face. Jorge, although rather large for his age, comes to realize he is more than his size and the importance of friendship. This graphic novel showcases the characteristics of good friends and what lengths some will go to fit into the “popular” crowd. If you want to check out the other books in this series, follow this link http://svetlania.com/comics.shtml  !

Happy Reading and I hope you enjoyed my honest opinion of this graphic novel!

Enjoyed this review or have book suggestions? Leave a comment below!

Contact me at librarielbookreviews@gmail.com for book reviews.

I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures

c+E3loN5QcykIQPFTL+u4wGenre: Contemporary Young Adult Romance Fiction
Pages: Print 312
Release Date: May 30, 2017
Author: Maurene Goo
Rating: ★★★.5

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I checked out a copy of this book from my library. The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or the publisher. The copy used in this review is a finished print copy.

Goodreads Synopsis 

Desi Lee believes anything is possible if you have a plan. That’s how she became student body president. Varsity soccer star. And it’s how she’ll get into Stanford. But—she’s never had a boyfriend. In fact, she’s a disaster in romance, a clumsy, stammering humiliation magnet whose botched attempts at flirting have become legendary with her friends. So when the hottest human specimen to have ever lived walks into her life one day, Desi decides to tackle her flirting failures with the same zest she’s applied to everything else in her life. She finds guidance in the Korean dramas her father has been obsessively watching for years—where the hapless heroine always seems to end up in the arms of her true love by episode ten. It’s a simple formula, and Desi is a quick study. Armed with her “K Drama Steps to True Love,” Desi goes after the moody, elusive artist Luca Drakos—and boat rescues, love triangles, and staged car crashes ensue. But when the fun and games turn to true feels, Desi finds out that real love is about way more than just drama.

Final Thoughts

This contemporary young adult fiction follows the journey of Desi, an overachiever Korean American teenager raised by a single father. Desi is smart but seems to fall short when it comes to dating. Desi is starting her Senior year of high school off with a bang of embarrassments. She fails at an attempt to go on a date with a guy who is clearly interested in her and also fails as noticing when a guy is flirting with her. That is until she meets Lucas, a new boy in town who seems to be interested in Desi depict her lack of dating skills. Desi sets her mind on attaining Lucas, disregarding all social norms, and consulting her dad’s favorite K drama series as a source for dating advice. As the story unfolds, we watch as Desi learns that not everything can be controlled and how listening to those around you is something that always needs to be done.

The author took a common approach when developing this love story. I literally just grabbed this book randomly off the shelf at my library and decided to give it a read. I typically enjoy contemporary young adult romance novels but this one fell a little bit short for me. The huge scene toward the end of the book wasn’t actually that thrilling and left me wanting to making it more thrilling. I am not looking for a sparks to fly when something dramatic happens but I am looking for something more realistic. The emotions displayed by Desi when her secrets start to unravel felt real but the moment leading up to Lucas discovering them, was not. I personally wanted more depth in the story and more realism when it came to meeting the parents, going to a big event, and an accident. It is like there was a complete disregard for what would happen in the real world if someone did this. I mean I am no wizard in the dating scene but I somehow managed to snag my current boyfriend with me being myself. However, I do commend the author on showcasing the importance of being yourself and I did like the scene at the end. Unfortunately, I got to a point in the book where I was getting anxious and wanted it to end. I read as Desi went through a lot of unnecessary antics to gain the attention of a boy but in the end the truth came out. If the goal of this book was to be a mushy young adult romance novel then it did its job and more. If you are interested in getting your sweet tooth itched with contemporary young adult novel, then this is your book. Otherwise I suggest reading something a little more tame with more depth in the storyline. I recommend this book to early teens and adults interested in novel with a potential happy ending ( I will not spoil the ending). Sometimes the geeky, overachiever, underdog can have things malfunction but still learn from their mistakes.

Happy Reading and I hope you enjoyed my honest opinion of this novel!

Enjoyed this review or have book suggestions? Leave a comment below!

Contact me at librarielbookreviews@gmail.com for book reviews.

 

Borrowing Christmas by Kat Bellemore

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures

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Genre: Adult Romance Fiction
Pages: eBook 253
Release Date:
Author: Kate Beasley 
Rating: ★★★★

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.  The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or the publisher. The copy used in this review is a finished digital copy of this book.

Synopsis 

Two weeks before Christmas, Katie is kicked out of her apartment. Again. Rather than wander the streets and continue to work for a dirty cop, she decides to leave the city and disappear for good. But her car breaks down in a New Mexico town, and everything is threatened when she falls for the charming mayor.

Sam Freedman is the first bachelor mayor of Amor. After convincing the locals that having a mayor without family responsibilities means he can dedicate all his time to the community, townspeople watch his every move. Then Katie Andersen shows up. Against Sam’s better judgement, he hires her to replace his event coordinator. Now he can barely think straight, let alone run a town.

In the midst of half-truths and outright lies, Katie and Sam desperately search for the place where honesty and trust lead to love. Can they find it before the past catches up with them?

Final Thoughts

This book follows the life of the main character Katie who has been put in a challenging situation. She is forced to make fast decisions to either salvage the life she had or build a new life in a new town under a new name. She struggles to answer the following questions: 

Can she run from her past forever? Will her past catch up with her? Can she start a new life based purely on lies? 

Katie is developed as a strong character who has been given a short hand at life. She wants to run and start over but there are consequences for her actions. As she tries to restart her life in the small town of Amor, how ironic of the name as this is a romance novel, she meets a handsome gentleman who has more power than she could imagine. She continues to grow as a person and grows those around her. She grows close to the town bachelor, making enemies, friends, and making changes. Along the way she runs into problems as the lies she has told start to causing her problems. Soon she will realize she cannot run from her past forever. 

Overall I thought this novel took a unique approach to a romance. The main character is developed in a way that allowed for an understanding of her past and present. There are portions of this book that made me think, “yep this is a fictional novel, stuff like this doesn’t happen in real life.” This novel has the happy ending theme attached to it and I knew the ending before I finished based on the way the story was written. If you are looking for a fast paced romance adult novel then this is the novel for you. I personally would have loved for more of a character development and more depth added to Katie. I understand she had a hard life but I wanted to know more about her past to better understand her. I also wanted a bigger plot twist. The action/drama filled scene toward the ending fell a bit short for me. I was holding my breath the entire novel waiting for something big to happen but it fell short for me. There were also pieces that I felt was missing from the story, like how did I get from point A to point B. Overall, I thought this was a great novel and I would recommend this to anyone who is into adult romance. 

Interested in me reviewing your book or have suggested reads? Email me at librarielbookreviews@gmail.com

Lions and Liars by Kate Beasley

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures

LL_JKT_template.inddGenre: Middle Grade Fiction
Pages: Print 304
Release Date: June 5,  2018
Author: Kate Beasley 
Rating: ★★★★★

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I received a free copy of this book while attending the Texas Library Association Conference in 2018. The opinions in this review are solely my own and do not reflect the views of the publisher or the author. 

Synopsis:

Frederick Frederickson has a food-chain theory about life. There are lions, like the school bully. Gazelles, like the bullied kids. There are meerkats, and the fleas that live on the butts of meerkats. Frederick’s a flea.

Fifth grade is off to a terrible start when Frederick is sent to a disciplinary camp for troublesome boys. His fellow troop mates—Nosebleed, Specs, The Professor, and little-yet-lethal Ant Bite—are terrifying. But in between trust-building exercises and midnight escape attempts, a tenuous friendship grows between them. Which is lucky, because a Category 5 hurricane is coming and everyone will have to work together—lions and fleas alike—to survive!

*synopsis take directly from Goodreads.com*

Final Thoughts:

I first met Kate at a discussion panel at the Texas Library Association Conference this past April. I feel in love with her book then and new I had to attend her book signing. Lions and Liars is a creative novel that discusses the importance of friendship. Kate uses a variety of approaches to showcase the woes of friendships and the challenges each character must overcome. The main character Fredrick Frederickson is a charismatic self enthused young boy who wants to be seen as a lion. He wants to win so much that he starts to loose sign of what is important, friendships.

I actually selected this novel for my recent tween book club and they loved it. Some of course stated they were more a lion versus a flea. I would say I am a tie between a flea and a lion. I enjoyed the interaction between each character in this story and the relatable of each scene. Sometimes you want something so bad but in the end you realize that the thing you wanted wasn’t that important. Fredrick comes to that realization at the end of the story and finally understands what is important. I enjoyed watching him grow as a character throughout this novel. I actually really liked this book and am excited to read more books by this author. 

So, if you are in the market for good middle grade read about friendship, camp, and surviving the odds, then this the book for you. It has mild language and content is appropriate for all ages. 

nterested in me reviewing your book or have suggested reads? Email me at librarielbookreviews@gmail.com

Bus 59 and a Half by Mel Ingrid

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures

fMK4uviYToO8k+ioThLdEgGenre: Young Adult Psychological Thriller
Pages: Print 153
Release Date: June 7,  2018
Author: Mel Ingrid
Rating: ★★★★

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I purchased a copy of this book on my own from Amazon.com. The opinions in this review are solely my own and do not reflect the views of the publisher or the author. 

Synopsis:

In a tranquil town where no one pays attention, June of 2016 means three things to three people–the start of summer vacation, the conclusion of a divorce, and a plethora of cardboard boxes. But when a sculpture exhibit near the local high school opens, June 2016 isn’t just about three things. There’s a flyer inside the exhibit–a job opening hiding underneath an innocent façade, waiting to lure victims into an anomalous trap.

A few traffic jams and a pine thicket away from the suburbs is the worn down warehouse of two sculptors. They’re slaving over a collection with a deadline that puts their lifelines at risk, but that’s the least either of them is worried about. Art is a form of life that exceeds the limitations of reality, and it can be dangerous.

So what is one to do when the muses want their encore?

Author Bio:

Mel Ingrid is the teen author of a YA psychological thriller entitled BUS 59 AND A HALF and a short story, WHEN WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO, featured in the 2017 All In! Snack Fiction Anthology. She’s also a hardcore Sherlockian and a lover of movie posters, among several other things.

She was born in Long Island, New York, raised by loving Taiwanese parents and delicious food. When she was in the first grade, she and her family moved halfway across the world to Singapore, where she resided before her early adolescent years.

In her spare time, she enjoys playing her violin, playing online Scrabble, and doodling weird drawings. She also wants to mother a dog someday.

Her real name is Melissa Lee, and she uses Mel Ingrid as her pen name solely because she does not want to be confused with the CNN reporter.

She now writes and procrastinates in New Jersey.

*Taken from Goodreads author profile. Click this link to go to page.*

Final Thoughts:

Bus 59 and Half was a book that I stumbled on through another indie author on instagram. I was interested in reading more independent author novels and I found a few. This young adult psychological thriller takes you on a journey through the intertwining of a variety of characters. We watch each character play it’s own part in the story and mingle with other characters. The plot was definitely a twist no one will see coming but it was an interesting surprise. This novel is short but thrilling, so be prepared to finish it in one sitting.

The author did a great job starting the story off by introducing one of the characters Alexi. The author provided back story on Alexi and actually introduced members of her family. From there the story takes you on a journey that connects Alexi to another character and so on. Alexi is only the beginning of the start of the flowchart of character connections. We learn that she is offered a job as a model for a sculptor. We then are taken on a journey through the perspective of each person that will come in contact with the sculptor and the sculptor himself. We learn more about him and his past which becomes important as the story moves forward. However, I started to get lost closer to the end of the story. I could understand the structure behind the main plot but I was starting to get confused as people disappeared then reappeared in the story later. I was confused as to where they went and how they got there. I enjoyed the different dialogue perspectives portrayed and the chapter style of leading up to the main event in the story. It help understand how each supporting character intertwined with the main male character. I especially enjoyed the psychological aspect of the story but wanted to know more about the big ending and why the main character did what he did in the ending scene. The book was a bit short and I personally wanted more of an explanation of some of the events. However, the author did a great job of keeping me on my toes and guessing what the next action in the story was. I enjoyed the dialogue between the different characters but also hoped for a bit more romance and action. This book had a lot of potential and moments that made me gasp because of the absurdity. (I mean this in a grip your chair kind of moment.) The author nailed the suspense aspect of the book which made it more appealing to actually finish it. Mel did a great job on this book and I am excited to see more novels written by her in the future. See the link above to check out her book and learn more about her.

Interested in me reviewing your book or have suggested reads? Email me at librarielbookreviews@gmail.com

Mightier Than The Sword by Drew Callander and Alana Harrison

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures

Mightier Than the Sword CoverGenre: Middle Grade Fiction
Pages: Print 320
Release Date: July 10, 2018
Rating: ★★★★

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of this book from Penguin Kids and Penguin Young Readers partner in exchange for my honest review.  The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or the publisher. The copy used in this review is an uncorrected copy from the publisher, some quotes may have been changed prior to publishing.

Book Description

Wildly funny and inventive, this interactive book pulls you, the reader, into the action. Yes, YOU!

You wake up in the fictional land of Astorya, where stories from our world come to life. You’re a real human being (we assume), and in this fictional world, that makes you a superhero. Armed with your trusty pencil you have the power to create: what you write, draw, or scribble in the book becomes part of the story!

Only you can rescue Prince S. from the evil Queen Rulette. Aided by the Couriers–a French stoat with dangerous dance moves, a giant dung beetle, a fire ninja, a Pegasus-centaur-cowgirl and a super-intelligent femalien chameleon–you must write, draw, and puzzle your way through a hilarious adventure that is unique to every reader! And most importantly, you must prove that the pencil is mightier than the sword.

Author Bio

Alana Harrison.jpgAlana Harrison and Drew Callander have spent their lives telling stories and cracking jokes. Alana graduated from The College of William and Mary with a degree in Comedic Writing and Performance. Drew graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Fiction Writing. Together they have created cartoons and short films with Jon Stewart, Conan Drew CallanderO’Brien, John Oliver, and Kristen Schaal. Their work as writers and improv comedians has aired on Sirius XM Radio, NBC, and Comedy Central. Mightier Than the Sword is their first full-length middle-grade novel. They live with their baby daughter and exquisitely talented cat (neither of whom help with the dishes).

Illustrator Bio

Ryan AndrewsRyan Andrews lives in the Japanese countryside, with his wife, two kids, and their dog, Lucky. A friendly Kodama or two have been known to take up residence in the giant acorn tree that shades the house. Ryan often works at his drawing desk in the early-morning hours, to the sound of rummaging wild boar and badgers, who come from the surrounding forest seeking out shiitake mushrooms and fallen chestnuts.

Final Thoughts

This interactive novel takes each reader on an imaginative journey. This book is definitely designed to allow the reader to interact more with the story line. You journey through from the beginning of the novel trying to figure out how the story will end. It is an interesting approach to an interactive novel.

Activity

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See what you can unscramble from this image and comment below!

Interested in me reviewing your book or have suggested reads? Email me at librarielbookreviews@gmail.com

ARC: This Moment is Your Life

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures

CoverGenre: Middle Grade Fiction
Pages: Print 248
Release Date: May 22, 2018
Rating: ★★★★★

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of this book from Penguin Kids and Penguin Young Readers partner in exchange for my honest review.  The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or the publisher. The copy used in this review is an uncorrected copy from the publisher, some quotes may have been changed prior to publishing.

Book Description

Don’t just do something, be here.

The key to happiness is being able to find comfort in this moment, here and now. When you are completely present and not distracted by regrets, worries, and plans, even for a little while, you begin to feel more confident and can deal more easily with everything you experience. This is mindfulness: paying attention to this very moment, on purpose and without judgment–simply being present with curiosity.

This engaging guide, packed with simple exercises and endearing full-color artwork, provides a handy starting point for bringing mindfulness into your daily life. Chapters on meditation, yoga, and mindful breathing explain the benefits of these practices, and you are free to pick and choose what to try. There are quick exercises throughout, and a more extensive tool kit at the end of each chapter. The final chapter offers satisfying five-day challenges that map out ways to pull all of the book’s mindfulness techniques together in your day-to-day life.

With the appeal of a workbook or guided journal, and full of examples relevant to tweens and teens today, this book will be your trusted companion as you begin the valuable, stress-relieving work of being still with skill.

Author

Mariam Gates (c) Junneen Lee McCombs

Mariam Gates has a master’s degree in education from Harvard University and has been teaching children for more than twenty years. The founder of Kid Power Yoga, she now devotes herself to training children and adults in yoga and mindfulness. She is the author of the picture books Meditate with Me, Good Night Yoga, and Good Morning Yoga. She lives with her husband, Rolf Gates, and their two children in Santa Cruz, California.

Illustrator

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Libby VanderPloeg is an illustrator and designer living in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. She grew up in Grand Haven, Michigan, on the edge of the Great Lakes, and since then, she has lived in Grand Rapids, Chicago, New York, and Stockholm. She’s created book covers and editorial illustrations for the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and Design*Sponge, among others, and as well as a line of cards and prints that she sells via her Etsy shop and in stores.

Final Thoughts

Overall this book is amazing! Imagine if you’re a teen and wanted to learn more ways to chill, this is your book. I honestly wish I had this when I was in school. This book is filled with a variety of calming techniques that discuss how to take care of your body. This is appropriate for all ages but it geared toward youth. It is important to understand all the dynamics associated with having a good mind and this book helps with that. It also has pictures and diagrams on how to do some of the exercises!

Favorite Yoga Poses

  • Downward Facing Dog
  • Cobra
  • Cat
  • Warrior
  • Resting Pose

Share with me what your favorite yoga poses are and what you do to relax! I like to take a deep breath and go for a walk when I feel the need to relax.

Interested in me reviewing your book or have suggested reads? Email me at librarielbookreviews@gmail.com

ARC: Out of Left Field by Ellen Klages

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures

img_3839Title: Out of Left Field 
Author: Ellen Klages
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Sports Fiction
Pages: Print 320
Release Date: May 1, 2018
Rating: ★★★★★

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of this book from Penguin Young Readers partner in exchange for my honest review.  The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or the publisher. The copy used in this review is an uncorrected copy from the publisher, some quotes may have been changed prior to publishing.

Goodreads Synopsis 

Every boy in the neighborhood knows Katy Gordon is their best pitcher, even though she’s a girl. But when she tries out for Little League, it’s a whole different story. Girls are not eligible, period. It is a boy’s game and always has been. It’s not fair, and Katy’s going to fight back. Inspired by what she’s learning about civil rights in school, she sets out to prove that she’s not the only girl who plays baseball. With the help of friendly librarians and some tenacious research skills, Katy discovers the forgotten history of female ball players. Why does no one know about them? Where are they now? And how can one ten-year-old change people’s minds about what girls can do?

Set in 1957–the world of Sputnik and Leave It to Beaver, saddle shoes and “Heartbreak Hotel”–Out of Left Field is both a detailed picture of a fascinating historic period and a timelessly inspiring story about standing up for equality at any age.

Final Thoughts

This middle-grade historical fiction book provides information on women in baseball. This book is based in the fifties and discusses some of the obstacles women faced. Katy wants to play on her local little league baseball team with her best friend, PeeWee. Her and PeeWee were playing a game of baseball when a little league coach suggested she try out. Katy didn’t correct the coach when he referred to her as a boy; she merely informed him her name was Casey. Katy earns her place in the league but gets removed once the coach finds out her gender. She decides to write a letter to the league to get the decision overturned but to no avail, they respond by stating the sport is only for boys. Katy decides to fight it and starts digging for more information about female baseball players. With the help of her friend Jules, both girls find out the real challenge of being a woman in the sports industry. Katy gathers information, conducts interviews, and makes a new friend. Will she succeed in her quest to get the league? Will her efforts go unnoticed?

Overall, this is a well-written novel that focuses on critical issues that needed to be discussed. The book showcases the challenges women faced in the 1950s when trying to play a sport that was deemed appropriate only for men. Katy’s character is developed in a manner that emphasizes determination and perseverance in women. Katy does not give up, but she does run into more obstacles. I enjoyed the historical references, list of female baseball players, and the author’s note at the end. I would recommend this girl power book to any middle-grade youth who is interested in learning more about women in sports from a fictional point of view.

Interested in me reviewing your book or have suggested reads? Email me at librarielbookreviews@gmail.com

The Boy, The Bird, and The Coffin Maker by Matilda Woods

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures

CoverTitle: THE BOY, THE BIRD, AND THE COFFIN MAKER
Author: Matilda Woods
Genre: Children’s Fantasy Fiction
Pages: Print 189
Release Date: May 4, 2018
Rating: ★★★★.5

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of this book from Penguin Young Readers partner in exchange for my honest review.  The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or the publisher. The copy used in this review is an uncorrected copy from the publisher, some quotes may have been changed prior to publishing.

Description:

Friendship and magical realism sparkle on the page in this heartwarming, delightfully eccentric illustrated middle-grade gem from an extraordinary new literary voice. Perfect for fans of A Snicker of Magic and The Penderwicks.

Alberto lives alone in the town of Allora, where fish fly out of the sea and the houses shine like jewels. He is a coffin maker and widower, spending his quiet days creating the final resting places of Allora’s people.

Then one afternoon a magical bird flutters into his garden, and Alberto, lonely inside, welcomes it into his home. And when a kindhearted boy named Tito follows the bird into Alberto’s kitchen, a door in the old man’s heart cracks open. Tito is lonely too–but he’s also scared and searching for a place to hide. Fleeing from danger, he just wants to feel safe for once in his life. Can the boy and the old man learn the power of friendship and escape the shadows of their pasts?

With a tender bond that calls to mind The Girl Who Drank the Moon, charming characters reminiscent of The Penderwicks, and the whimsy of A Snicker of Magic, this is a novel to curl up with, an extraordinary work of magical realism that makes the world feel like a warmer and happier place. Complete with dazzling interior illustrations, a gem from start to finish.

Author Bio:

Matilda Woods (www.matildawoods.com) grew up in the small town of Southern Tablelands, Australia. She graduated from Monash University with a Masters of Social Work. Matilda splits her time between writing middle grade fiction and working as a youth social worker. The Boy, the Bird, and the Coffin Maker is her debut novel. She currently lives in the same small town where she grew up, with her four chickens, three dogs, two cats and one bird.

Final Thoughts:

This entrancing middle grade read follows the life of a boy, a bird, and a coffin maker. Alberto has been making coffins since the death of his family. Allora, once a thriving town, is merely a place of silence. Sickness has taken over many lives and in the wake of death, silence is imminent. Alberto continues to make coffins in hopes of giving back to the dead. One night, Miss Bonito is brought in. She was found in her home in a still warm bed. As the weeks follow after her funeral Alberto starts noticing food items missing. Who is the their in his home? Did Miss Bonito really die alone?

Overall, this was such a great book. I loved the interaction between characters and the turmoil between the thief and Alberto. I would have liked for more of a backstory on Miss Bonito and more explanation about Mister Bonito. The author did a great job portraying the challenges of diseases during a time where there was no cure. I assumed the story was written in a time before medicines were popular. It was a bit harder to tell the setting and time frame of this novel. The text had me wanting more. I would recommend this book to any middle grader looking for a good read pertaining to families, friendships, and unlikely relationships with animals. Birds are free, are you?

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