ARC Review: Sleight by Jennifer Sommersby

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures

img_2562Title: Sleight 
Author:  Jennifer Sommersby 
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: Print 408
Release Date: April 2018
Rating: ★★★★★

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of this book from Skyhorse Publishing Inc #partner in exchange for my honest review. Thanks again to Skyhorse Publishing Inc #partner for access to review a free copy of this book! The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author the publishing company. The  copy used in this review is an uncorrected copy from Skyhorse Publishing Inc. 

Goodreads Synopsis:

Growing up in the Cinzio Traveling Players Company, Genevieve Flannery is accustomed to a life most teenagers could never imagine: daily workouts of extravagant acrobatics; an extended family of clowns; wild animals for pets; and her mother, Delia, whose mind has always been tortured by visions—but whose love Geni never questions. In a world of performers who astonish and amaze on a daily basis, Delia’s ghostly hallucinations never seemed all that strange . . . until the evening Geni and her mother are performing an aerial routine they’ve done hundreds of times, and Delia falls to her death.

That night, a dark curtain in Geni’s life opens. Everything has changed.

Still reeling from the tragedy, the Cinzio Traveling Players are also adjusting to the circus’s new owner: a generous, mysterious man whose connection to the circus—Geni suspects—has a dark and dangerous history. And suddenly Geni is stumbling into a new reality of her own, her life interrupted daily by the terrors only Delia used to be able to see.

As the visions around her grow stronger, Geni isn’t sure who she can trust. Even worse, she’s starting to question whether she can trust her own mind.

Favorite Quotes:

“Genevieve, the key to good is found in truth.”

“Henry places one of his now very warm hands on my cheek, the flush of memory pushing through me as the scene unfolds in the forefront of my mind- that day at the circus when we first met in the mess tent as I stood between Baby and Lucian.”

Final Thoughts:

After reading the synopsis of this book, I thought it would be great to request an advanced reader copy of this novel. I have not yet read a book that involved a circus and was very intrigued by the different components showcased in this book. I am a fan of fantasy novels and enjoy books that have some mage component in the storyline. The book starts off with a thrilling opening act involving Delia and her daughter Genevieve. This opening chapter is the part of the book that grabbed my attention from the moment Delia fell to her death while her daughter watched from afar. I almost shrieked in horror after reading this part of the book. The author did a great job capturing this moment in the opening chapter. The book continues with us watching how Gen deals with the loss of her mother and how the circus must move on. A new owner has purchased the circus and while Gen is still trying to figure out the cryptic message her mother left behind, she must also watch her every corner in this new place. She has to figure out who she can trust while diving into her mothers past and trying to connect the puzzle pieces Delia left behind for her. With Baby as her trusted companion, the help of Alicia (a friend of her mothers), and the support of family friends Genevieve will learn more about her mothers past leading to discoveries about herself. Family history is essential in this book as we watch Genevieve, dive into her family tree. She must fight to protect her mothers secrets and protect the ones she loves. Will Genevieve discover the secrets her mother kept hidden from her and will she be able to protect them? What happens when all of her mothers secrets are uncovered? Can she protect everyone she loves and fight for everything her family’s legacy? This is a lot of pressure for a seventeen year old!

Overall this book is written well with copious amounts of descriptive terminology that comes in handy. I was able to imagine the circus based merely on the words used in this novel. The author did a great job capturing my attention throughout this book. It is filled with some subtle and action-packed scenes. I would have preferred to learn more about Henry’s mother and the supporting member’s roles in Delia’s life. I wanted to know more about the other members of the circus and more about Genevieve’s desire to become a Vet. I would have liked more circus action, but the balance seemed adequate with the length of the novel. How has Gen be able to keep that big secret about the power she holds and how long can she keep it?

The story completely entranced me from the moment I opened this book to the ending. The cliffhanger at the end had me wishing for more. I recommend this book to anyone interested in a Young Adult Fantasy novel that focuses on family history, family ties, magic, romance, and circus with a hint of historical references. This book combined all of my favorite genres into one all-encompassing novel. I am more than excited to see what this author does with the second book and am curious as to how Genevieve and Henry’s journey will unfold.

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

The Great Shelby Holmes by Elizabeth Eulberg

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures

Title: The Great Shelby Holmes 
Author: Elizabeth Eulberg 
Series: Trilogy
Next Book in the Series: The Great Shelby Holmes Meets Her Match 
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Pages: Print 243
Rating: ★★★★

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

Goodreads Synopsis:

Meet spunky sleuth Shelby and her sports-loving sidekick Watson as they take on a dog-napper in this fresh twist on Sherlock Holmes.
Shelby Holmes is not your average sixth grader. She’s nine years old, barely four feet tall, and the best detective her Harlem neighborhood has ever seen—always using logic and a bit of pluck (which yes, some might call “bossiness”) to solve the toughest crimes.

When eleven-year-old John Watson moves downstairs, Shelby finds something that’s eluded her up till now: a friend. Easy-going John isn’t sure of what to make of Shelby, but he soon finds himself her most-trusted (read: only) partner in a dog-napping case that’ll take both their talents to crack.

Sherlock Holmes gets a fun, sweet twist with two irresistible young heroes and black & white illustrations throughout in this middle grade debut from internationally bestselling YA author Elizabeth Eulberg.

Favorite Quotes:

“I observe. Then I assemble all my observations into several different theories and pick the on with the likeliest narrative. It’s called deductive reasoning. I don’t understand why others don’t do  it. I realize some people find my observations rude, but I don’t know when to stay quiet.” -Shelby-

Final Thoughts: 

This book is filled with a set of diverse characters. We follow the story of Shelby Holmes and John Watson, two unlikely friends who grow to learn something new from each other. John is new to the busy New York City, and he is looking for someone to guide him around his neighborhood. Shelby seems like a nice person who looks to be about his age, so why not follow her around for a bit. Shelby is not too excited about her new follower. Shelby is a smart, outspoken, seven year old who solves mysteries in her neighborhood. She doesn’t have friends she has contacts. Watson just moved to the community with his newly divorced military doctor mother. He is slowly adapting to his new neighborhood and trying to find his motivation to write again. The two unlikely pair are approached by Tamra after her prized show dog goes missing. Shelby and Watson search through clear clues while Tamra and her family argue over which one of them stole the dog. Will Shelby and Watson solve the mystery? Will Shelby accept Watson as a friend?

This is my first middle-grade mystery novel involving a stolen dog. The book was fascinating, but the idea of the family arguing with each other over who took the dog was a bit far-fetched. I also did not like the part in the story where Shelby was interacting with a “sketchy” character. I thought that part of the story was wholly inappropriate and should not have been included in the book. I could not believe this was in there. I also thought two young children exploring the streets of New York unsupervised was a bit unlikely in today’s society. I would have liked that part to be a little more realistic. I did like the idea of freedom of expression and the mystery solving tactics in this book. Some tactics were unnecessary but comical. The author did a great with this book by capturing the attention of the reader, and it makes me want to read the second one in this series. I thoroughly enjoyed each character, and I am hoping to learn more about Shelby Holmes’ family. I recommend this book to middle-grade students in the earlier grades. It is on the Texas Bluebonnet List.

Have you read any good mysteries lately?

Share them in the comments below!

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

Just For A While by Zoe Haslie

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures
just for a while
The following image is taken from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38102679-just-for-a-while

Title: Just For A While 
Author: Zoe Haslie
Genre: Young Adult Romance
Pages: E-Book
Release Date: January 21, 2018
Rating: ★★★★.5

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of this book from the author #partner in exchange for my honest review. The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author. The  copy used in this review is a final copy of the published book.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Charlotte Harrington is capable of love, but the feelings of love, of letting anyone close to her, scare her. Seventeen-year-old Charlotte’s life turns brusquely when her mother sends her away to spend the summer before college with her father—a man she knows nothing about and cares even less for. Thus, forced by a promise she made to her mom, and having secretly thrown her future away, Charlie finds herself stuck for an indefinite time in the coastal town of Rosetown. Raised by a single mother, Charlotte grew up to be an independent, suspicious, and lonely girl. To make matters worse, she is stubborn to the bone. Moving in with Daniel proves to be a challenge for both of them, as he will try his best to get to know her, and she will systematically undo his every attempt.
When Misha Breckenridge literally bumps into her life, along with his mesmerizing black eyes and his challenging ways, Charlotte finds herself stepping in quicksand. Despite her attempts to keep him —and every other person, for that matter—at a safe distance, Misha will soon find his way into her heart, making her lower her guard and open her long-closed heart to love.

As the summer unfolds, Rosetown and its memorable inhabitants inevitably start to grow on Charlotte. But, will she ever manage to forgive Daniel for walking out on her and her mother? Will she be able to let him into her heart and her life.

Favorite Quotes:

“But all those worries, all those ugly memories, and all that sadness now belonged in the past.”

“Charlotte Harington was truly remarkable at keeping her distance from anyone who might jeopardize her emotional safety.”

“I loved the feeling of not being charge for  a change and having no other choice but to let go, and hope for the best.”

Final Thoughts: 

Just For A While, is a debut novel for upcoming author Zoe Haslie, and I think she did a fantastic job with this book. I usually am leaning more towards fantasy novels, but this book exceeded my expectations of a romance novel. I loved the hint of drama and family relationships throughout this book. Charlotte struggles with learning how to love herself before she can genuinely open herself up to new relationships. Charlotte must learn not to let the failed relationship of her parents and the disease that has caused pain to her mother, affect her life. She has to learn to regain those feelings she put aside to support her mother and learn to accept her father. Charlotte learns to accept the new town she is living in and learn to be a friend to a person in need. She steps up to the plate when needed, taking full responsibility for her actions. In the end, will she find love, or will she lose more than she thought while protecting a friend? The growth of Charlotte as a character is something that I loved about this book. The author did a great job highlighting the struggles of having a parent that is battling something you cannot control.

Overall, I thought this was a well-written book. I enjoyed the heartfelt moments, the building of relationships, and the ending. This book filled with swoon-worthy moments that had me feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside. I felt the plot twist a bit last luster, and some parts could have developed more. For example, I wanted to know more about Charlotte’s mom, Natalie, and more about Daniel’s relationship with Olivia’s mom. I thought there was a hint of something more, but then it was not explored in the book. I did like the explanation of the relationship between Natalie and Daniel. I did, however, want to know more about the letters that discussed in this book. I gave this book a four-star rating because of the areas that I felt could have been developed more. I think the author did a fantastic job on this book and the overall story-line is clear. I recommend this book to anyone interested in a heartfelt, family drama filled novel that follows the journey of a girl who just wants feel love.

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

ARC Review: Dory Fantasymagor

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures

Title: Dory Fantasymagory: Head in the Clouds
Author: Abby Hanlon

Genre: Elementary/ Juvenile Fiction

Pages: Print 147
Release Date: March 6, 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.

Synopsis:

A loose tooth leads to hilarious hijinks with the tooth fairy in book four of the wonderfully imaginative Dory Fantasmagory series Dory has her first loose tooth, and, with her usual over-the-top excitement, she cannot stop talking about the tooth fairy. Naturally, this drives her brother and sister crazy. But it also sparks a serious jealous streak in her nemesis, Mrs. Gobble Cracker, who wants all of Dory’s attention to herself.

But Mrs. Gobble Gracker has decided to steal the tooth fairy’s job, and flying around in a tutu from Rosabelle, she heads for Dory’s house. It’s time for Dory to come up with a serious plan to get the tooth fairy her job back.

The fourth installment in the wildly popular Dory Fantasmagory series delivers laughs on every page as Dory teams up with her pals, real and imaginary, to save the tooth fairy for all the world’s children–and get her dollar!

Author Bio:

Abby Hanlon has taught creative writing and first grade in the New York City public school system. Inspired by her students’ storytelling and drawings, Abby began to write her own stories for children, and taught herself to draw after not having drawn since childhood.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, this book is filled with a large amount of imaginative actions. The book encourages younger children to challenge their imagination. Huge kids shouldn’t be afraid to take risks and embrace imagination. The author did a great job capturing the attention of the reader based on the intended age. There is a hint of sibling rivalry, family quirks, and problem solving. Dory faces many challenges but she continues remain imaginative.

The book is written well and enforces the idea to act accordingly. It does encourage the aspects of imaging. The author emphasizes the reader to consider different options on their actions. This book is intended for grades one to two. I recommend this novel to elementary school children who are in earlier grades. It’s developed well enough to serve as a guide in a reading class.

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

ARC Review: Let’s Talk About Love

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures

Title: Let’s Talk About Love
Author: Claire Kann
Genre: Young Adult LQBTQ Romance
Pages: Print 277
Release Date: January 23, 2018
Rating: ★★★★.5

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of this book from @KidLitExchange #partner in exchange for my honest review. Thanks again to @KidLitExchange  #partner for access to review a free copy of this book! The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or KidLitExchange. The  copy used in this review is an uncorrected copy from Swoon Reads.

Goodreads Synopsis:

College student Alice Johnston, 19, is in the closet—sort of. Her friends and family know that she is bisexual, but what they don’t know (and what Alice isn’t really ready to tell them) is that she’s also asexual. Alice is hurt when Margot, her roommate and girlfriend, breaks up with her, but she isn’t surprised. Giving up on love seems to be the best solution until Takumi enters the picture. Registering an unprecedented “black” rating on Alice’s “Cutie Code,” Takumi makes Alice’s heart beat faster than normal, and their developing friendship allows Alice to slowly begin to reveal things about herself, her friendship with Feenie and Ryan (her now-engaged best friends from high school), and her family. Debut novelist Kann thoughtfully tackles what it means to be asexual and gives Alice a platform to discover who she is and what it means for her relationship with Takumi. Asexual readers will appreciate the visibility, and those—like Alice’s ex—who know poorly understand it, will gain a better sense of what love without sex can look like.

Favorite Quotes:

“A curious, nervous sensation wriggled and rooted itself inside her chest.” -Alice’s first impression of Takumi, this gave me warm and fuzzy feelings.

“You’ve exceed my Cutie Code,” she said. “You’re the reason why I retired it. I don’t need it anymore.” -Alice to Takumi

Final Thoughts:

Let’s Talk About Love is a young adult fiction romance novel that sheds light on LGBTQ issue. The main character, Alice, must learn to accept herself while trying to figure out exactly who she is. This ranges from her selecting a major, being in a relationship, and the relationships with her friends and family. The book starts with Alex, who identifies as asexual, getting dumped by her girlfriend Margot for not feeling a physical attraction. Alice blames herself the entire novel while trying to move forward into a new relationship with the new worker at her library. Alice seems to struggle with every relationship in her life. Her parents and her siblings are presurring her to go to Law School throughout the entire novel. I felt this book could have been developed more to shed light on the challenges of being asexual. However, I did get to see a glimpse of the challenges as Alice came to terms with her sexuality. You watch her build relationships and struggle with connecting with Takumi. Will he understand her sexuality? Will be accept her for who she is or will she be alone forever?

I recommend this novel to anyone interested in reading a young adult romance novel. This book had me entranced the whole time. I loved the awkward moments of Alice and seeing her learn. I commend the author on writing a truly informative novel. I would have loved for a bit more and there were small details missing that I thought were important. Overall, I did not want to put this book down until I finished it.

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

ARC Review: How to Sell Your Family to the Aliens

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures

img_2475Title: How to Sell Your Family to the Aliens
Author: Paul Noth
Genre: Middle Grade Contemporary, Fantasy
Pages: Print 210
Release Date: April 3, 2018
Rating: ★★★★★

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of this book from @KidLitExchange #partner in exchange for my honest review. Thanks again to @KidLitExchange  #partner for access to review a free copy of this book! The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or KidLitExchange. The  copy used in this review is an uncorrected copy from Bloomsburg Publishing.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Ten-year-old Hap’s grandmother has experimented on his family and confined them to the basement of a mansion paid for by his father’s inventions, but his plan to sell her to aliens goes awry.

Rear Cover Synopsis:

Happy Conklin Jr. is the only 10-year-old who has to shave three times a day. Hap’s dad is a brilliant inventor of screwball products, and being a Conklin kid means sometimes being experimented on. So Hap has his beard, and his five sisters each have their own unique–and often problematic–qualities too. And although Hap’s dad has made a fortune with his wacky inventions sold via nonstop TV infomercials, all of that money has gone to Hap’s tyrannical Grandma. While she lives in an enormous mansion, the rest of the family lives in two rooms in the basement.

All Hap has ever wanted is to have a normal life, so when he sees a chance to get rid of Grandma, he takes it! He only means to swap out Grandma, but when he–oops!–sells his whole family to the aliens, he wants nothing more than to get them back. He just has to figure out . . . how?

Favorite Quotes:

“Before you assume I’m a bad person, you should know that I had originally only planned on selling Grandma to the aliens.”

This is the opening line of the book. The first line really grabbed my attention. I enjoyed reading further on in the story to understand why Hap wanted to sell his family to aliens.

Final Thoughts:

First off, I want to say that I laughed a lot throughout this entire novel. I thought it started off a bit slow for me, but it picked up fast. The author did a fantastic job capturing my attention throughout this book, and the small illustrations provided an excellent basis for the description of the characters. The author offered detailed backstory on each character in this novel except for Chip, the grandmothers assistant, the wrestler, the zookeeper, and the detective. These supporting characters did not need a backstory or explanation in the novel, so it worked well for the author to leave that extra information out. Hap Senior is a business partner for Conklin Business which sells products to “enhance” the lives of people in the area. Hap Senior is the star of many of the businesses commercials.

I enjoyed the hint of diversity in this story in Hap Junior’s family. Hap’s mom is from Romania, and all the kids are bilingual. Hap spends the entire book trying to both get rid of his family and protect them at the same time. He has to figure out who he needs to protect them from, his grandmother, the FBI, or the potential alien threat. The book focuses on the importance of family and accepting each other’s differences. Hap is a member of a unique family, and he must learn the importance of family while his siblings learn to accept themselves for who they are. Each young member of the Conklin family has undergone many experiments to “enhance” their lives, but these tests have consequences. Will Hap sell his family to the aliens? Is that actually what he wants to do? He will have to create a plan, which has three parts, and one outcome.

I am going to recommend this book added to my library collection. I thought the author did a great job highlighting the importance of family. Also no matter how annoying your family is, they are your family. I was excited to receive a copy of this book to review and enjoyed reviewing it. I recommend this book to anyone in late elementary and early middle school. It is an easy-to-read and is very captivating. If you are looking for a story that will make you laugh and think of your family, then this is the book for you!

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

Prodigy Prince by Natasha Sapienza

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures
36277347
The following image was taken from : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36277347-prodigy-prince

Title: Prodigy Prince
Author: Natasha Sapienza
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: E-Book 328 Pages
Release Date: December 17, 2017
Rating: ★★★★.5

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a free 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. 

Goodreads Synopsis:

At seventeen, all Prince Nuelle had ever known was safety and peace while living in the Supreme Palace of Zephoris.

But one night, his older brother, Tane, defies their father by traveling to a cursed land. Now Nuelle holds the signet-ring and carries more responsibility than even Tane bore. Thrust from the palace and sent to a knight-building academy, Nuelle must discover his purpose for the entire kingdom’s sake.

From his place of banishment, Prince Antikai has been exacting revenge through fear and rebellions. Nuelle has the potential to defeat him, but he needs the help of a powerful book called the Acumen and six gifted youths.

Summoned by Antikai, shape-shifting beasts and other enemies hunt Nuelle and the Acumen. If either is destroyed, the faithful citizens in Zephoris will perish, and darkness will rule forever.

Favorite Quotes

“There are worse enemies than fear.”

“If you are not willing to give your life for a friend, then you’r not a true companion.”

Final Thoughts

Overall, I thought this book is well written. It started off a bit slow for me in the beginning but started to pick up the further along I read. I like the development of the main characters and enjoys the overall storyline. The plot twist was fascinating, and I assumed there would be a different outcome for the ending. The author did a fantastic job ensuring the novel grabbed the attention of the reader. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time wanting to find out the ending. However, I wanted to know more about each character and personally wanted to know more about Ave. I also found it interesting about Nu’s past and his brother; I expected Tane brother to be adopted. I also wanted to know about his mother, but I wasn’t entirely sure that the youth of this nation was born the human way. I was also a bit confused on the age of the King and how each person received their gifts. However, the story continued to progress with more action, love, fighting, loss, and characters finding themselves. Each character must learn who to trust and whether or not they are ready for the responsibility that awaits them.
I enjoyed reading about the overall message and the hint of family drama. There is also a lot of unique abilities displayed in this novel that I felt really contributed to the overall story. There are a lot of strange creatures that lurk in the shadows but the group of Sentiels must decide which one is real and which one is out to kill them!
I recommend this book to anyone interested in reading a fiction novel. It starts off a bit slow, but the story progressively gets more interesting. There are a few jokes in this story that made me laugh and want to read more.

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

ARC: Payback on Poplar Lane by Margaret Mincks

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures

CoverTitle: Payback on Poplar Lane 
Author: Twitter, Margaret Mincks Blog
Genre: Middle Grade Contemporary, Realistic
Pages: Print 315
Release Date: February 6, 2018
Rating: ★★★★.5

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of this book from Penguin Young Readers as a part of Viking Publishing #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. 

Margaret Mincks_copyright Kelli Ward 2009Author Bio:

Margaret Mincks grew up the second oldest of eight kids. When she wasn’t swimming, acting, making up slightly disturbing songs, or filming B-movie parodies with siblings and friends, she was writing and illustrating stories. After graduating from the University of Virginia, she moved to Chicago to perform improvisational comedy with the iO Theater. She later worked at Spider, a literary magazine for six- to nine-year-olds, as an editor. Margaret has also written for children’s nonfiction series like Ripley’s Believe It or Not. She now lives in Florida with her husband, young daughter, and her Staffordshire bull terrier named Reesie.

Book Description:

“ABC’s Shark Tank meets The Terrible Two when a pair of sixth grade entrepreneurs compete to become top mogul on their block.

Twelve-year-old Peter Gronkowski prides himself on being a professional businessman. Tired of the clichéd lemonade stands that line his block, he decides to start a better business with the help of an intern. But his intern of choice, the quiet and writerly Rachel Chambers, turns out to be more than he bargained for. Rachel is innovative, resourceful, driven–and when she’s had enough of Peter’s overbearing management style, she decides to start a competing empire next door. As their rivalry and sabotage tactics become more outrageous–Slander! Espionage! Lemonade threats!–Peter and Rachel ultimately learn the hard way that “nothing gold can stay” and that friendship is more important than money.

Alternating perspectives reveal what really motivates each character to win. And Peter’s memos and “business tips” as well as excerpts from Rachel’s melodramatic novel-in-progress generate fresh hilarity and tension at every page turn. Payback on Poplar Lane is a pitch-perfect comedy with heart, reminiscent of your favorite classic middle-grade series.”

Favorite Quotes:

“Business tip: you can be nice or you can be honest. Choose wisely.”

-One of Peter’s many business tips. I loved this tip. It is hard to emphasize in students on how to be honest without being rude.-

“Business tip: A strong person can admit weakness.”

– I encourage people to share this with others. Peter fails in this novel but he learns from his mistakes each time. He learns to adapt to each situation and grow.-

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I thought this book was adorable. I have heard about this book before its release. The idea of a young boy trying to support his family is a greats storyline. I enjoyed reading how Peter learned to build his own business and how he learned what is important in life, relationships. Peter provides these business tips throughout the novel to the readers. The author used this to connect with the reader, and I felt like Peter was giving me business tips this entire book. The character development and the back story created for Peter and Rachel provided an excellent basis for understanding their actions. I felt that Clover and Peter’s supplemental friends could have been developed more, but that did not take away from the overall message. I liked how Rachel struggle with finding her voice throughout the novel and also loved how the author developed Rachel to be an author in this book. Rachel’s form of escaping is by writing about a character that best describes her situation. Inserted in between a few chapters is excerpts from Rachel’s book about Cyrano. It was fascinating to see Rachel develop throughout the entire novel. I also felt the argument between Rachel and Clover was lackluster and could have been improved more. The author did a great job of showcasing the fact that people fail but you have to learn from your mistakes. Peter and Rachel both fail a lot in this novel, but each time they pick themselves up and try again. This is a great message to emphasize with any age group. The strategically placed business tips also added to the overall delivery of the clear message.  Also, kuddos to the author for making Rachel’s dad a librarian. That was a fantastic idea of enforcing the idea they could go to the library to get information.
I am a Youth Librarian and this book definitely made me want to share it with the young patrons that come into my library. The grade range for this novel is 6th and up, but you could give this book to an advanced 4th and 5th grade. I recommend adding this book to your collection. The message is clear, you should always discuss your issues, friendships are meaningful, and family is there to support you.

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

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures

img_2167Title: A Court of Thorns and Roses 
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Trilogy
Next Book in the Series: A Court of Mist and Fury 
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: Print 419
Rating: ★★★★★

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

A Court of Thorns and Roses is a Young Adult Fantasy fiction novel that follows the journey of Fayre. Fayre is an outspoken, energetic, defiant female character. She has taken on the responsibility of ensuring the upkeep of her family by serving as the provider. After her father’s accident and her mother’s death, Fayre decided to take care of her family as a promise to her mother. She must hunt, kill, and trade with the people of the village to feed her father and two sisters. Unfortunately, one kill may be her last. Fayre lives in a land separated from the High Fae, which are magical beings with a variety of powers. The High Fae are known to have a disdain for humans and have slaughtered them in the past. Fayre hunts for survival, when she encounters a wolf in the woods, she has no choice but to kill it. She has no idea that the wolf she murdered is a fairie until she is taken back to the other side of the wall meant to protect them. The High Fae who takes her is wearing a mask. Fayre discovers all of the occupants of this kingdom are forced to wear masks due to a curse that was placed on the entire kingdom out of hatred. Fayre must find her place in this new territory, learn who trust, and fight for the man she loves.

Favorite Quotes:

“Tam told me that your first shot was to save the Suriel’s life. Not your own.” ” It seemed like the right thing to do.”

-I loved this interaction between Lucien and Fayre after she survived an attack that could have killed her. This quote shows a compassionate side to Fayre that I did not get to see earlier in the novel.-

“I’m sending you away because it makes me sick thinking about you in their hands.”

-These were the words Tamlin uttered to Fayre before sending her away to be safe. He made a decision to do what was best for her. I cried when I read this part.-

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I thought this was a great novel. I loved the development of each character, especially Fayre. I also enjoyed the backstory of Lucien and the history of how he became a part of Tamlin’s closest friends. I enjoyed the building of Fayre and Tamlin’s relationship. Tamlin’s strong character fit well with Fayre as they both worked to decide their importance to each other. Fayre is portrayed as a strong female character and faces many obstacles throughout this novel. The writing style of this book was particularly important to me since this book is over four hundred pages. The author did a great job capturing my attention during the entire story. I loved the plot twist, and I especially loved the last few chapters of the book where there is a significant action scene. I think throughout this entire book I hoped that Fayre would overcome her disdain for the High Fae and that she would become a key component in them breaking the curse. There were a lot of moments in this book where I was mainly on the edge of my seat, and I loved it. I enjoyed the build-up of each vital scene and the interaction between each character. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in young adult fantasy fiction. If you are giving this book to a teen, there is a bit of a tame love scene in the middle of the novel (be mindful of this). I am excited to see Fayre and Tamlin’s characters developed more in the next book in this series. I hope to learn more about a particular part of the ending that had me question why Lucien’s father would come to his aid in those challenging moments. (If you’ve read the book then you know what I am referring to.) My feelings were all over the place once I finished this novel. I was angry, and I cried for a moment. I felt a secure connection to each character and that only happened because of the fantastic writing by Sarah J. Mass.

Will I continue to read the remaining books in this series? Yes, of course!
Will I read more books by this author? Yes!

Have you read this series? If so, what were your thoughts?

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

ARC Review: Lou Lou and Pea and The Bicentennial Bonanza

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures

img_2084Title: Lou Lou and Pea and the Bicentennial Bonanza
Author: Jill Diamond ; Pictures by Lesley Vamos
Genre: Middle Grade Contemporary, Realistic
Pages: Print 251
Release Date: April 24, 2018
Rating: ★★★★★

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of this book from @KidLitExchange #partner in exchange for my honest review. Thanks again to @KidLitExchange  #partner for access to review a free copy of this book! The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or KidLitExchange. 

This Middle-Grade contemporary novel provides a realistic view of two friends, Lou Lou and Pea. This book is the second book written by this author about these two friends who seem to have an eye for solving mysteries. Lou Lou and Pea are incredibly excited about their neighborhood hosting the two hundred year anniversary of the town. The Flyers have both their names showcased. Lou Lou is a horticulturist and will be showcasing her prized honeysuckles at the event. Pea is a designer and will be showcasing her hats from the hat shop where she is an apprentice. Unfortunately, Mayor Montoya’s dog becomes ill a few weeks before the ceremony, leaving the vice mayor in charge. Andy Argyle will stop at nothing to get to the Bicentennial Bonanza moved to Verde Valley from El Corazon. Andy and his daughter Amanda create a scheme together to get the event relocated. How far will these two go to get what they want? Will Lou Lou and Pea save the day with the help of a few friends?

Favorite Quotes:

” If conclusions were a pool, Lou Lou would be constantly wet.”

I laughed so hard after reading this because it is just too clever. This is an iconic moment in the story where the plot starts to unravel.

“‘Being kind is always in style,’ Pea replied with one of her fashion quotes. ‘Who said that?’ Lou Lou asked. ‘Peacock Pearl, of course.’ Pea winked one bright blue eye.”

This is an absolutely amazing lesson to teach young readers. Kindness is important regardless of the way others may treat you.

Final Thoughts:

I adored this novel and thought the author did a great job capturing the essence of Lou Lou and Pea. I also loved the author used a Spanish influence throughout the entire novel, providing text in a bilingual manner was very creative. I was able to learn a few words throughout the story. I enjoyed the instructions on how to make a hat and the Spanish-English dictionary at the end of the story. I loved the connection between friendship throughout this novel and the emphasis on kindness. The author spent time providing details of the characters that fueled my imagination throughout the entire book. I loved the portrayal of Lou Lou’s parents and their uniqueness. I thought it was a bit strange that her parents went with a nautical theme for their home, but it does happen. I would have liked a bit more explanation of Pea’s parents instead of the full focus on her grandmother. This novel is well written, and I recommend it to any in middle school who is interested in a little bit of mystery, friendship, and excitement.

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