REVIEW: The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas

Summary


Monica knew it was probably a bad idea to hook up with a guy so much older than her. It didn’t take long to get pregnant. And even less time to end the pregnancy. And that’s what started it all. One time rifling through her step-father’s desk, looking for painkillers for the cramping. That’s when she found the letters. One for each year after her sister’s death. “It wasn’t him. Connect the dots.”

Five years ago, five cheerleaders died within weeks of each other. Two in a horrendous car accident. Two were murdered. And one committed suicide. Monica’s sister, Jen.

But the letters in her step-father’s desk call all of Monica’s assumptions into question. And finding Jen’s old cell phone stashed in the desk, too, raises new questions. Why would her step-father keep the old phone? Are there secrets on it that explain what might have caused five girls from the same squad to die so suddenly? Monica is determined to keep digging, no matter what, until she finds the truth.

Review


Wow! This was stunning. A start-to-finish read in the spirit of We Were Liars or One of Us Is Lying. Tightly plotted and suspenseful with fascinating characters. This is the sort of book that will hang with me, every time I see that cover.

My heart broke for Monica. She and her family are still grieving the loss of her sister – after the losses of four of her friends in tragic circumstances. Monica seems to be going through the motions of her life to the point of sleeping with this adult as maybe a way to shake things up. But her investigation takes over in a similar way, changing her behavior and her relationship with everyone around her. She’s desperate for answers, for the truth, and it’s compelling.

When all the pieces of the story were finally laid out in front of me, I was pleasantly stunned. I put pieces of it together, but the full picture was a satisfying surprise. This is an author I would read again.

(Lots of mature content in this one – suicide, statutory rape, abortion, etc., and some language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

REVIEW: Coach Yourself with the Father by Sally Hanan

[I received a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary and Review


This is part of a series of self-help workbooks by this author who works as a life coach. This particular book focuses on identity work – understanding who you are in Christ, knowing your skills and gifts, and finding your purpose.

Each chapter includes quotes from individuals about chapter topic, a few pages of teaching. There are also several pages of questions including Bible verses to look up. Finally there is a testimony and then blank pages for notes. Several chapters include assessments.

The material is well-written, easy to understand, and well-organized. The content reminds me of work I have done before with both the Network program and workbook as well as the SHAPE program and workbook by Eric Rees. I think this workbook could be used in a group setting or by individuals looking to anchor their identity in Jesus and learn more about how they have been gifted.

Readers who enjoy this can check out the author’s other workbooks as well, all in this Christian self-help sort of area.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Mac B. Kid Spy – Mac Undercover by Mac Barnett

[I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher in an online contest. All opinions are my own.]

Summary


Mac Barnett is the author of the Brixton Brothers series and the Terrible Two series for middle grade readers as well as a bunch of picture books. What you might not know is that as a kid, Mac was a spy for the Queen of England!

Mac is first called into service when something is stolen from the Crown Jewels. The case takes Mac to England, France and the Soviet Union (this happens in 1989) in search of the missing item.

Review


This is a fun, silly story for kids ready to branch out into chapter books (low to mid-elementary school). There are lots of brightly colored illustrations in blue and gold – really eye-catching. There are hilarious moments (like the redacted steps for a heist) and questionable ones (What adult wants a kid’s pair of jeans?) But I know kids are going to love this! Hand this to readers who want an funny adventure story. They won’t be disappointed. Book 2 will release at the end of this year.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

BOOK NEWS: September 25, 2018

September is coming to a close. One more Tuesday release day for this month – and it is chock full of reading goodness! Take a look at some of the books releasing this week.

Books for Kids


 

This Little Scientist (Board Book) – Board book highlighting scientists like Isaac Newton and Jane Goodall. This looks delightful.
An Inconvenient Alphabet: Ben Franklin & Noah Webster’s Spelling Revolution – A history of language and spelling in America. I’ve seen a few sample pages of this, but I’d love to read the whole story. It’s fascinating!
Benji, the Bad Day and Me – A boy and his autistic younger brother are both having a bad day. This looks sweet. I can’t wait to read the whole thing!
Giraffe Problems – Along the lines of its predecessor, Penguin Problems, comes this book about a giraffe who is self-conscious about his long neck.
King Alice – A girl writes a story when her family is snowed in for the day. Adorable!
Quiet Wyatt – A shy and quiet boy is paired with a loud know-it-all for the school field trip. This looks terrific.
The Sun Is Kind of a Big Deal – A fun and factual book about the sun. Looks like a great resource for space-loving kids and for classroom use.
Take Your Octopus to School Day – From the author of Is Your Buffalo Ready For Kindergarten? (which I loved) comes this story of a kid who wants to “win” Show and Tell. I can’t wait to read this one!
What Do You Do with a Voice Like That?: The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan – This picture book biography would be fantastic for middle school history classrooms (and upper elementary ones) as well as school libraries.
Eleanor Roosevelt’s in my Garage – Book 2 in the History Pals series for readers ready for chapter books. This series looks SO fun, and I love anything about the Roosevelts.
The Princess in Black in the Science Fair Scare – The Princess in Black gets a little help battling a monster at the science fair. I love this series!
Shine of the Silver Dragon – Book 11 in the BRANCHES Dragon Masters series
Tornado Hits! – Book 5 in the BRANCHES series Hilde Cracks the Case. I thought the third book was great. I’m happy to see the series continue!

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults


 

I Survived the Attack of the Grizzlies, 1967 – Book 17 in this terrific series.
It’s the End When I Say It’s the End – The 7th and final book in the Timmy Failure series that looks like the Wimpy Kid books, but this series focuses on Timmy and his polar bear partner in crime-solving.
Little Red Rodent Hood – Book 6 in the fun Hamster Princess series of fractured fairy tales.
A Perilous Journey of Danger and Mayhem: A Dastardly Plot – A new alternate history series (about an Inventor’s Guild in 1883) by Christopher Healy, author of the terrific Hero’s Guide series. I’m excited about this one!
The Second Story – Magic Misfits book 2 by Neil Patrick Harris. I enjoyed book one and I’m looking forward to reading the second one.
Trapped! – Book 3 in the fantastic mystery series by James Ponti. This time, Florian and Margaret are trying to clear their FBI handler of a crime. Part of this one takes place at the Library of Congress. I am SO excited to read this! This is at the top of my list for this week.
Two Cats and a Baby – Book 4 in the Stick Cat series, by the same author as the Stick Dog books. Cute series that looks like Wimpy Kid in style. In this book, the cats are trying to watch the baby when the sitter gets stuck in the bathroom.
The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden – Book 2 in the Vanderbeekers series which has received RAVE reviews. In this book, the kids decide to build a garden to help their neighbor. I have book one on my wishlist for the library.
You Don’t Know Everything Jilly P! – Jilly P learns that life is different for her Black friends and her Deaf friends. I’m curious to read this one because it sounds like Jilly stumbles through her interactions like I’m always afraid I will. I think I can learn some things from Jilly – and kids can learn from her, too.
500 Words or Less – To salvage her reputation at school, a high school senior starts writing college admissions essays for her peers. I’m eager to read this one.
A Blade So Black – An urban fantasy version of Alice in Wonderland. In general, I don’t like Alice in Wonderland. And I’ve not had a ton of luck with retellings of the story either. But that cover has been taunting me all summer long. I think I will try this one from the library and see if it can redeem the Alice story for me.
Olympian Heritage (ebook – Sept. 29) – Sequel to the terrific Olympian Challenger. In this book Hope is on a quest for the gods to find the Fountain of Youth. I felt like the first book was a teen version of Percy Jackson with some elements of The Hunger Games thrown in. I am looking forward to reading this one!
Unstoppable Moses – A prank gone horribly wrong leaves Moses with one chance to have his record expunged by volunteering as a camp counselor. I am curious to read this and find out just what Moses did and if he is able to redeem himself.
The War Outside – In 1944 a German teen and a Japanese teen find themselves in a family internment camp in Texas, wondering what the future holds for them and who they can trust. Sounds like a fascinating premise for fans of historical fiction!
The Lego Architecture Idea Book: 1001 Ideas for Brickwork, Siding, Windows, Columns, Roofing, and Much, Much More – The latest Lego building book for Master Builders.

Books for Adults


An Absolutely Remarkable Thing (Hardcover) – The fiction debut of Hank Green (brother of John Green) focuses on huge Transformer-like statues in samurai armor that appear overnight around the world. This has been getting a lot of buzz since it was first announced.
The Amish Christmas Letters (Trade Paperback) – A collection of three Amish Christmas stories. This is the time of year when I get in the mood for Christmas fiction. There are several new books out this week that are on my Christmas reading wish list.
Assault and Beadery (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 4 in the Cora Crafts mystery series about a craft retreat business and the woman who runs it. This time, Cora  is trying to prove her friend innocent of the murder of the local theater director.
A Catered Cat Wedding (Hardcover) – Book 14 in this mystery series with recipes. This time the crime is focused around a wedding for a pair of cats. This premise is unusual enough to get me to jump into a series in the middle just to find out what happens.
Christmas by Accident (small Hardcover) – A car accident throws together an insurance adjuster who doesn’t like Christmas and a bookseller who loves it in this book that sounds like the premise for a Hallmark Christmas movie.
Christmas Cake Murder (Hardcover) – Book 23 in the Hannah Swensen mystery series.
The Christmas Sisters (Trade Paperback) – Three adopted daughters head home for Christmas, each carrying her own burdens and secrets. I’m looking forward to this one.
Death of a Neighborhood Scrooge (Hardcover) – Book 16 in the Jaine Austen mystery series about a freelance writer. I might have read book one when it first came out, but it’s been so long I’m just not sure. This sounds like a series I would enjoy.
Final Roasting Place (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 2 in the Cook Off Mystery series. This time a TV personality is killed just after Sherry wins their cooking contest. I haven’t read the first one, but this one sounds terrific! This is on my list!
Forever Fudge! (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 6 in the Candy-Coated mystery series. This time there’s a murder while a film crew is in town filming a new TV mystery pilot.
Just in Time (Trade Paperback) – Book 4 in the Dodie O’Dell mystery series. You can read my review of book one here. In this book,  the theater is putting on their first musical – Bye Bye Birdie – when their accompanist is murdered.
One in a Million (Trade Paperback) – Annie accepts a challenge to make a stranger Instagram-famous in just thirty days, but her subject is a social media-hating historian. Annie has her hands full. A contemporary take on My Fair Lady. I love stories like this!
The Peppermint Mocha Murder (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 5 in the Chocolate Whisperer mystery series. I am several books behind on this series, but I love the premise. This is on my TBR list.
Premeditated Peppermint (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 3 in the Amish Candy Shop mystery series by Amanda Flower. I have loved both of the previous books and pre-ordered this one back in March. Looking forward to reading it. Can’t go wrong with a peppermint-themed mystery!
Sadie (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 3 in the Amish Fairytale Retellings series by Sarah Price. I’ll be reviewing this one next week, but I’ll say right now that it is just as fantastic as the first two!
Vengeful (Hardcover) – Sequel to Villains by V.E. Schwab. I am waiting for book one from the library right now. This superhero fantasy series sounds right up my alley!
The Walking Bread (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 3 in the Bread Shop mystery series about a Mexican bakery. I’m looking forward to reading this one, but I know it will make me hungry!
Jesus Calling for Christmas (small Hardcover) – 50 holiday season devotions from Jesus Calling  by Sarah Young.
This Is the Day: Reclaim Your Dream. Ignite Your Passion. Live Your Purpose. (Hardcover) –  The latest from Tim Tebow focuses on inspiration and encouragement for those feeling “stuck” in their lives.

REVIEW: The Supervillain and Me by Danielle Banas

Summary


Abby Hamilton knows more about the superheroes around the town of Morriston than most people. And she’s not impressed. When you’ve known the Red Comet your whole life, because he’s your older brother, some of the mystique is lost. Rather than an awe-inspiring superhero, he’s just the same goofball she’s always loved.

But there’s a new superpowered guy in town. The Iron Phantom. At least that’s what they are calling him on the news. After finding video of him setting fire to the mayor’s office, they’re also saying he’s a supervillain. Abby’s not sure what to believe.

Iron Phantom saved her from a mugger with a knife. He fed a homeless guy. How can that same guy be this awful villain the news says he is?

Iron Phantom insists he isn’t a villain. He was in the mayor’s office because he thinks the guy is up to something. (The mayor happens to be Abby’s dad.) But the other things he’s being blamed for weren’t him. Abby wants to believe him. She even thinks she might know who he really is! But the sister of the city’s biggest superhero really shouldn’t be falling for a villain.

Review


This was fantastic! This lived up to and exceeded all my hopes for this based on the description. I love superhero stories and teen romances, and this was a great example of both. It’s smart, funny, romantic and engaging.

Abby is awesome. She’s bright and strong yet cautious with this new super in town. But the chemistry between them is too strong for her caution to hold out for too long. I enjoyed the puzzle of Iron Phantom’s true identity. The author did a good job of keeping the reader guessing, although I think most will have a favorite they hope it will be. I loved that Abby is a hero in her own way without any of the powers the other supers around her have.

The mystery/conflict is not complex or especially intricate. The first question is who Iron Phantom is and if he is a good guy or a bad guy. Then it’s what’s up with the city government. Finally it’s the kids’ efforts to foil the bad guy plot. But I was along for the ride with these terrific characters no matter what happened.

Aside from a couple minor plot questions and my frustration with the cover photo (which doesn’t match Iron Phantom’s description at all), everything else about this was perfect for me. Highly recommend. (Some language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Happy Blogiversary to Me! {GIVEAWAY}

Two years ago today I launched The Neverending TBR blog. I have loved sharing book reviews and news about upcoming releases for the last 2 years. I hope you have enjoyed it, too. To celebrate, I am giving away three sets of books! Comment on this post for a chance to win. [Details below.]

Giveaway


Set One – Year Two Favorites

These are three of my favorite books from the last year of reviews. One for each age group – Middle Grade (Captain Superlative), Teen/YA (Prince in Disguise) and Adult (Ella). You can read reviews of these favorites at the links provided. These are the books that I recommend over and over and over again because they are outstanding. You can’t go wrong with any of these.

Set Two – Putman/Whitlow Legal Thrillers

This includes two titles by Cara Putman (Beyond Justice and Imperfect Justice) and two titles by Robert Whitlow (The Witnesses and A Time to Stand). These books are graciously provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers and HarperCollins Publishers. These are titles I have received as part of the Fiction Guild promotion from Thomas Nelson. {Neither Thomas Nelson nor HarperCollins Publishers are sponsors of this blog or of this giveaway.}

Beyond Justice – A lawyer is assigned a wrongful death case against the government, but she’s not sure if the case is her chance at a partnership or an attempt to destroy her career.
Imperfect Justice – An attorney and a dead woman’s brother work together to uncover the truth about the woman’s death and fight to save her surviving daughter.
A Time to Stand – A young African American attorney feels drawn to defend a white police officer accused of killing an unarmed black teen.
The Witnesses – A young lawyer and his grandfather share an ability to see future events.

Set Three – Coble/Dickerson Romance

This includes two titles by Colleen Coble and two titles by Melanie Dickerson. These books are graciously provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers and HarperCollins Publishers. These are titles I have received as part of the Fiction Guild promotion from Thomas Nelson. {Neither Thomas Nelson nor HarperCollins Publishers are sponsors of this blog or of this giveaway.}

The View from Rainshadow Bay – Book one in the Lavender Tides series. A widow and her young son struggle to make ends meet with her helicopter charter business. When her business partner is murdered, the widow is sure she is in danger, too.
The House at Saltwater Point – Book two in the Lavender Tides series. A house flipper and a Coast Guard intelligence officer are hunting for the same woman, one because she is family and the other because he is convinced she stole a shipment of cocaine.
The Orphan’s Wish – A retelling of the Aladdin story.
The Silent Songbird – A member of the royal family flees an arranged marriage and hides out with a band of servants, hoping no one will discover her true identity.

The Rules


The contest will run from today – September 20th, 2018 at 10am Eastern time – through September 28th, 2018 at 11:59pm Eastern time.

The winners will be announced here and on the blog’s Facebook and Twitter pages by October 1st at 4pm Eastern. The winners will have until October 8th, 2018 at 11:59pm Eastern to contact me with their mailing address to claim their prize. Any prizes that go unclaimed after the deadline will be given away to someone else.

How you can enter:

  • Comment on this post with your first, second and third choice of the three sets available. I know  different readers enjoy different genres. Let me know which of these sets catches your eye. You MUST comment on this post to be entered into the contest. The other options below will earn you additional chances to win, but only if you comment here FIRST. Commenting on this post is what earns you entry into the giveaway. (There is no guarantee that you will win your first choice, or even your second choice. Winners will be randomly drawn.)
  • Subscribe to the blog feed by email. There is a field for your email address on the right hand side of the blog. If you already are subscribed, that counts! Subscription by email earns you two additional entries into the giveaway; this form of entry is optional. (This subscription is only to receive the regular posts by email. You will not receive spam from me.)
  • Like the Neverending TBR Facebook page.  You can find the page here. Liking our page gives you one additional entry into the giveaway; this form of entry is optional. If you already like our page, that counts.
  • Follow us on Twitter. You can find our Twitter page here. Following us on Twitter gives you one additional entry into the giveaway; this form of entry is optional. If you already follow us on Twitter, that counts.

It’s that easy!

The fine print:

  • Open to US residents only.
  • Winners will be chosen by random draw.
  • Winners will be announced on the blog as well as on the blog’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Winners must submit their mailing address by October 8th, 2018 at 11:59pm Eastern to claim their prize.
  • No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning.

REVIEW: Vox by Christina Dalcher

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary


In the “before,” Dr. Jean McClellan was an accomplished neurolinguist studying aphasia (loss of speech or understanding of speech) in the Wernicke’s area (aphasia in this area means the person can still speak, but the words don’t make sense). She and her team were on the brink of developing a serum to cure Wernicke’s aphasia.

In the “after,” Jean is relegated to her home with no job and no resources of her own. A device on her wrist counts her words each day with a limit of 100. She isn’t allowed to write, read, sign or otherwise communicate beyond her 100 words or she receives increasingly painful electric shocks.

The “moral majority” and extremists in the Christian faith, led by Reverend Carl Corbin, right hand man to the president, implemented the changes in the country over a period of time. In their new system, ultra-conservative religious values are taught in schools (men are in charge and women belong at home and should stay quiet), and homosexuals are jailed and sent to work camps unless they renounce their sexual orientation and pursue a heterosexual relationship. Women and girls who have sex outside of marriage are severely and publicly punished while high end “men’s clubs” have cropped up for those who can afford them. Men are the only ones allowed to work and girls are sent to separate schools from the boys where they are only taught home management skills – cooking, bookkeeping, etc. They are not taught to read, and they are rewarded if they get through the whole day without using any of their 100 words.

Dr. McClellan can feel her fury grow as she watches her daughter wilt under these rules and watches her oldest son become a judgmental misogynist. But she is powerless to change anything for her own family, much less anyone else. Until the government asks her to resume her research to help an important presidential ally. But is the president’s request really as simple as it seems?

Review


I found the premise of this fascinating! I’ve read reviews from other Christians who found the premise unbelievable. I disagree. I found threads of truth in some of the world building. Our country is struggling. Our moral compass is off track in some ways. And pockets of the population are angry and afraid. If you have enough anger and fear in one direction, things could get worse – things of faith could get twisted. One of the messages of the book is a call to engagement – vote, march, talk to your representatives. I found that whole part of the book on target.

Unfortunately, there were others things I did not like. The main character didn’t click for me. I just didn’t like her. Her choices and her language and attitude (in general – not just her anger over the oppression) were off-putting. And the ending was a disappointment. For a girl-power sort of story, it was odd to have the final action take place off the page without any of the women directly involved. I heard a writing teacher recently say that your protagonist has to be the agent of the resolution of the story. The ending the author chose to write could not have included a woman in this world – I get that. But it left me frustrated that the main character is sitting around waiting for something else to happen and the reader only hears about it second hand.

If you’re curious about the dystopian world and how the writer envisions us getting there, give this a try. I will say within just a couple chapters, I was angry. The author did a great job of drawing me into the world and pulling at my emotions over the injustice. I was stirred up by the whole thing. Let the story inspire you and challenge you to use your voice for whatever your politics call for. I think this would be a great book club choice because I think it would draw out a lot of great discussion, no matter what readers think about the book as a whole. (Language, violence)

Rating: ♥♥♥½

REVIEW: Property of the Rebel Librarian by Allison Varnes

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary


When June’s parents find a school library book in her bag that they think is inappropriate, she’s mortified that her parents are being so overprotective. The idea of them complaining to the librarian is embarrassing! But the idea that her favorite teacher could lose her job over it wasn’t on her radar at all.

But that’s what happens. Ms. Bradshaw is suspended. Then a group of parents starts weeding “inappropriate” books out of the library. And being found with a banned book becomes a detention-worthy offense.

June is determined to keep reading, hiding a book in her bedroom or between the pages of a text book and taking advantage of a neighborhood Little Free Library. And over time, she finds a few fellow rebels at school who are eager to find new reading material. So June starts sharing her stash. The kids know they have to keep this secret, but school administrators are watching. They are determined to “protect” the students from books they think are dangerous.

Review


June is a great character. She has some excellent moments that made me want to cheer. Her parents and the school board, PTO and administration were infuriating. I was appalled by the idea of such an extreme censorship response, especially with so little input from any true educational experts. June’s parents’ “solution” for June’s personal library at home was ludicrous.

As a kid, my parents let me read anything I wanted. As a parent myself, I try to speak into what my teen reads. We talk about what we are reading and why one of us might not keep reading a particular book. We talk about listening to your conscience and the Holy Spirit when that voice tells you something isn’t a good thing to read. I want my child to be a thoughtful and critical reader. Those are skills in short supply these days, but they can’t be developed if I control his reading life.

This book has some things in common with Ban this Book which I reviewed earlier this year, although I think Ban this Book has more to offer readers than just the censorship story. Each one has its own “flavor” and stands on its own.

Lots of terrific books are cited in this one. Hand this to any reader who loves books about books or who enjoys a little rebellion in their protagonists.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

BOOK NEWS: September 18, 2018

How is it that we are already half-way through September?! The official start of Fall is upon us. Happy Pumpkin Spice season to one and all. Here are some of the books releasing this week.

Books for Kids


Crash, Splash, or Moo! – A new picture book from the author of Ballet Cat. It’s a game show where readers guess if the action stunt will end in a “crash,” “splash,” or “moo.” I can not wait to read this one!
Pete the Cat’s 12 Groovy Days of Christmas – A Christmas picture book starring Pete the Cat.
Beatrice Zinker: Incognito – Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker is back in her second chapter book which is a continuation of Operation Upside.
Go Mo Go: Monster Mountain Chase AND Dinosaur Dash – Go Mo Go is a new transitional chapter book series about a group of kids who run everywhere, even running into Bigfoot and running backwards into the past. A third book is also out this week – Seaside Sprint.
Ra the Mighty Cat Detective – Pharaoh’s beloved cat and a scarab beetle investigate a missing amulet. I am so excited to read this series starter!
Snazzy Cat Capers – A famous cat burglar is sent to steal a diamond, but her new partner is a little fishy. This looks adorable! This is on my list for the week.
Spy Penguins – Two penguins long to join the FBI – The Frosty Bureau of Investigation. Yep, I’ll be reading this one, too.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults


  

The Eleventh Trade – A boy trying to recover something precious stolen from his grandfather wonders if he can trade enough things to get the money he needs. This looks really interesting.
Friday Night Stage Lights – A ballet-loving girl finds herself in football-loving Texas, trying to figure out where she fits in. I have already pre-ordered this one. I LOVE books in the MIX line from Aladdin.
A Nancy Drew Christmas – Book 18 in the latest Nancy Drew series finds Nancy at a Montana ski resort where she breaks her leg while a series of accidents takes place.
Property of the Rebel Librarian – A girl’s parents decide one of her school library books is inappropriate and they decide to take action. I’ll be reviewing this one tomorrow, so be sure to come back!
The Storm Runner – Book one in a new series from the Rick Riordan imprint of mythology stories, this time a Latin American story. A boy’s destiny is tied to a Mayan god imprisoned in a volcano.
Thundercluck! – A Norse mythology series kicks off with this book about a superhero chicken. No, I’m not kidding. I have to read this one!
Time Castaways: The Mona Lisa Key – The author of the awesome Fairly True Tales series (Rump, Red, Jack, Grump) kicks off a new series about three kids who get on the wrong subway car and end up on a ship in 1911. I’m really looking forward to this new series!
The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler – A new nonfiction book for older middle grade readers (middle school) focuses on the life of Bonhoeffer, a German pastor in World War II. I’m eager to read this one!
Our Place in Space (GN) – The latest Science Comic
Where Is Area 51? AND Where Is the Tower of London? – The latest from the Who Was series.
The Deepest Roots – Girls born in a Kansas town all have a special Talent, but they don’t always help in ways the girls really need – or help at all. I am fascinated by the whole idea of this. This is on my list.
Here to Stay – A Middle Eastern student wants to be recognized for who he really is and his gifts, not to be the target of Islamophobic bullies in his school. A timely story.
PridePride and Prejudice gets a fresh twist with characters of color. I’m not a fan of the original but I might give this one a shot.
Unclaimed Baggage – Three teens spend their summer working at a store where they catalog and sell the contents of unclaimed luggage. I love the unusual setting for this one. I’m looking forward to reading this!
Wildcard – The sequel to Warcross where Emika has a bounty on her head after the events of book one.
Coffee Shop Devos: Daily Devotional Pick-Me-Ups for Teen Girls

Books for Adults


The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle (Hardcover) – Aiden has eight days to discover Evelyn’s killer, and eight suspects to inhabit over those eight days to figure it out. What a clever concept!! I have to check this one out.
I Know You Know (Trade Paperback) – A man whose two childhood friends were murdered starts a podcast to record his findings as he digs into the twenty-year-old case. This sounds SO twisty!
Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds (Hardcover)- A novella collection from Brandon Sanderson. Stephen Leeds is a genius, but in order to manage all of the information in his brain, he creates hallucinatory personalities or “aspects.” It looks like maybe the first two stories were previously published and the third is new. They are all new to me, and I’d like to try this one out.
A Willing Murder (Hardcover) – Romance author Jude Deveraux releases her first mystery about a retired romance author and her niece and a boarder who team up to solve a mystery no one else in town seems to want solved. I would absolutely try this one out!
The Cookie Book: Decadent Bites for Every Occasion 
Eliza Hamilton: The Extraordinary Life and Times of the Wife of Alexander Hamilton (Hardcover)- I’m a little disappointed in the subtitle which might leave readers feeling like Eliza is only worth reading about because of her husband, but otherwise I am eager to check this one out. As I’ve mentioned before, the Hamilton musical has left me curious to know more about Eliza.
Leadership: In Turbulent Times (Hardcover) – A Pulitzer Prize-winning author looks at the development of leadership through the lives of four presidents (Lincoln, Truman and both Roosevelts). I’m curious about this one, too. I love reading about the Roosevelts.
Math with Bad Drawings: Illuminating the Ideas that Shape Our Reality (Hardcover) – A celebration of math for everyone. I really want to see this one in person.
This Book Changed Everything: The Bible’s Amazing Impact on Our World (Hardcover) – Looking forward to this one.
Women Who Write Are Dangerous (Hardcover) – A celebration of women writers and the impact they have had.

REVIEW: The Pros of Cons by Alison Cherry, Lindsay Ribar and Michelle Schusterman

Summary


Vanessa is attending the We Treasure Fandom con where she is hoping to enjoy some fanfiction with her fellow Wonderlandia fans. It will also be her first chance to meet her fanfic writing partner – and online girlfriend – in person.

Phoebe is attending the Indoor Percussion Association convention with her percussion team from school. While they don’t have the resources that their competition does, the team is really talented. They have a chance to perform really well this week – until a mishap in the hotel lobby with a xylophone.

Callie and her dad are at the World Taxidermy Championships. Things have been rough since Callie’s mom left.  But Callie keeps hoping that by working together her dad will remember she’s his daughter and not just his assistant.

All three conventions are happening in the same convention center at the same time.

When the convention week becomes a disaster for each of the girls, they find each other. And when their relationships from their regular lives are at their worst, this new friendship  may be what each girl needs to redeem her convention experience.

Review


What a fun story! I loved the three girls. Each one was distinct and yet all were endearing in their own ways. Their interpersonal issues – Vanessa with a “girlfriend” who is flirty online but distant in person, Phoebe whose friendships are changing, and Callie who wants to feel like she matters to her dad – are rich and complicated and realistic. I can’t even pick a favorite. I loved each of them for different reasons.

My favorite feature of the book was the way each of the girls found her voice or her place. Vanessa found the confidence to confront the mixed messages. Phoebe’s injury early on opened up an opportunity to find out she’s gifted in a way she never recognized before. And Callie asks for what she wants and needs (after trying a more passive-aggressive approach first). And when each girl finds her voice, she has something to contribute to the new friendship that is developing between them.

Con stories are my new favorite theme in books for teens and young adults. Our family loves going to cons, and I felt at home in the setting the author created for this book. There’s a fourth con interwoven in the story which made for a fun ending. I love what these authors created with these three characters!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½