BOOK NEWS: October 10, 2017

Peanuts! John Green! Laura Ingalls Wilder!

Schools around here are kicking off the fall break season. Some kids even get two whole weeks off this month to rest up for the second quarter of the school year! That’s a perfect time to pick up a new book or two to help fill the time. Here are some of the titles debuting this week:

Books for Kids


Everything Is Mama – Companion book to Jimmy Fallon’s Your Baby’s First Word Will Be Dada.
Last Laughs: Prehistoric  Epitaphs – Pithy poems about the demise of prehistoric creatures.
Me and Mr. Fluffernutter –  Her cat is her best friend, but what happens when a girl and her cat want to do different things? This looks adorable!
Ninja Claus! – A young ninja tries to catch a glimpse of Santa
The Wolf, The Duck and the Mouse – A mouse is eaten by a wolf and discovers a duck living comfortably in the wolf’s stomach. This is the latest from the team of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen
Thor vs Hulk (Leveled Reader) – I don’t know that I have been this excited about a Marvel movie since the first Avengers came out. I can’t wait to see Thor Ragnarok in November.
Eugenia Lincoln and the Unexpected Package – This is the latest early chapter book in the Deckawoo Drive series. I loved the Mercy Watson books that started this series. And the book before this, Where Are You Going, Baby Lincoln?, is my absolute favorite. I’m looking forward to reading this one!
Louie in a Spin – Book 3 in the Unicorn in New York series about a unicorn who can’t dance but ends up in a dance competition.
Rabbit & Robot and Ribbit – Sequel to Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover. Now, two friends become three which leads to hurt feelings. This sounds cute.
Super Turbo Protects the World – The hamster sidekick from Captain Awesome tells his own story in this spin-off series.
Tug-of-War – Book 2 in the Chocolate Lab series. I read book one and it was adorable.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults


 

Dog Day After School – Book 3 in the Crimebiters series about a group of crime-fighting kids and their pets. I read the first book in this delightful series a couple years ago. I’d love to read this one!
The Downward Spiral – Book two in the Lock and Key series which re-imagines the relationship between Sherlock Holmes and James Moriarty. I’d love to read this series!
Kid Authors: True Tales of Childhood from Famous Writers – This explores the childhoods of popular authors like JK Rowling and Stan Lee.
The Kids Who Knew Too Little – Book 3 in the League of Unexceptional Children series about a pair of completely average kids who get to be spies. I have book 1 on my TBR list.
Laura Ingalls Is Ruining My Life – A girl’s family moves to Walnut Grove because her Laura Ingalls-obsessed mom is convinced the environment will help her write a book. I’m not even that into Little House, but I can’t wait to read this book!
The Magical Match – Book 4 in the Fairytale Matchmaker series. I read the first book in this series, and it’s a lot of fun. This is from the author of the Wide-Awake Princess series, which is one of my favorites.
Molly in the Middle – The latest in the MIX line from Aladdin is this story about a girl who is tired of always being in the middle so she decides to stand out. I love this line of books! This one sounds great.
Mr. Lemoncello’s Great Library Race – Book three in the awesome Mr. Lemoncello series. This is at the top of my wish list for this week!
The Silver Mask – Book 4 in the Magisterium series about kids with magic powers and a magician who has hijacked the life of a young man. I read the first book in this series, and it was fascinating!
Snow and Rose – Snow White and Rose Red, reimagined.
Spy School Secret Service – Book 5 in the spy school series. I have these on my reading wish list. I love the graphic covers for this series. This time, Ben is assigned to stop a presidential assassination.
Thor Ragnarok Junior Novel – A kids’ introduction to the new Thor movie releasing in November.
What Are the Ten Commandments?
What Was the Ice Age?
What’s Wrong Dog Lips? – A collection of Snoopy comics
Gatekeepers – A trio of teens react to the suicide of a peer and to their own pressures and doubts. This is high on my list for this week, too.
Into the Garden – Earlier this year I reviewed a terrific YA book called Dividing Eden. This novella, set decades before the events of that book, releases this week for Kindle and other ebooks. I’ve already requested this one from the library!
Librarian of Auschwitz – Based on real-life people and events, this story focuses on a teen in Auschwitz who is the keeper of the 8 books the prisoners were able to sneak into the camp.
Turtles All the Way Down – John Green’s latest story is about a teen investigating the mystery of a fugitive billionaire. I am #42 on the waiting list at my local library. This one is going to be huge.

Books for Adults


Death Overdue – The first book in a new Haunted Library mystery series. A man who says he has information about a 15 year old cold case keels over at a library event. The events librarian will partner with the library ghost to solve the mystery.
Homicide For the Holidays – Book 2 in the Viv and Charlie mystery series is a holiday mystery set around a radio actress and private detective. I love the creative premise of this. This is on my list.
Perilous Poetry – Book 3 in the Book Barn Princess series. In this one, a new book app  brings a famous author to the Book Barn and a murder to the community. I’ll be reviewing this one next week.
Running Out of Time – Book 3 in the Dodie O’Dell  mystery series about a restaurant manager who finds a body at an adaptation of Our Town.
Twelve Slays of Christmas – The first book in a Christmas Tree farm mystery series. This sounds perfect – great cozy mystery and a Christmas story. This is the time of year I love to start reading holiday stories.
Beyond the Messy Truth: How We Came Apart, How We Come Together – Journalist Van Jones weighs in on our current political culture in America. I have enjoyed some of Jones’ work over the last year and I’m looking forward to reading this.
Grant – Ron Chernow, renowned author of the Alexander Hamilton biography that led to the Broadway show, looks at the life of Ulysses S. Grant.
My Time with God – A new devotional from Christian speaker and Bible teacher, Joyce Meyer.
Norbert’s Little Lessons for a Big Life – Lessons from an adorable therapy dog.
Only Dead on the Inside – Twitter sensation, James Breakwell’s first book about surviving the zombie apocalypse with your family. Our whole family enjoys Breakwell’s humor on social media. I can’t wait to see what the book is like.

BOOK NEWS: June 6, 2017

Happy June! It’s the first full week in June which means LOTS of new releases tomorrow. Let’s check them out!

Books for Kids


Don’t Blink – A picture book staring contest!
Garcia and Colette Go Exploring – Two friends want to go exploring, but they have different ideas of where they should go
There, There – A bear tries to teach a grumpy rabbit to appreciate what he has
World Pizza – A wish for world peace plus a sneeze leads to World Pizza!
Shark Lady – Picture book biography of Eugenie Clark.
Aleca Zamm Is a Wonder/Is Ahead of Her Time – New early chapter book series about a girl who can stop time.
Tales of Rapunzel: Secrets Unlocked/Opposites Attract – The first two chapter books connected to Disney’s new Tangled series. Includes two episodes from the show in each book.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults


Broken Pride – First book in the new Bravelands series by Erin Hunter, author of the Warriors series, about a lion, elephant and baboon.
Doctor Strange – Novelization of the Marvel movie about Doctor Strange.
Exit Strategy – A kid tries to find the scientific formula for “funny” to make  friends at a new school. Part of the MAX line from Aladdin.
Holly Farb and the Princess of the Galaxy – Holly is kidnapped by alien pirates who think she is the Princess of the Galaxy.
Middle School Mayhem – Max Crumbly, book 2 from the authors of the Dork Diaries series.
Princess Juniper of Torr – Book 3 in the Princess Juniper series. I have read – and loved – the first two books. You can read my reviews here. I’ve already got this one on hold from the library!
Rogue World – Book 3 in the Dark Gravity series about a world-wide catastrophe (starting with a new ice age in book one, The Arctic Code) and the kids who are trying to save the day. I have book one on my shelves, but haven’t read it yet.
Spider-Man Homecoming Junior Novel – Junior novel for the new Spider-Man movie releasing in July.
Tournament of Champions – Book 3 in the Rip and Red series for middle grade readers. I really enjoyed the first book and would love to get caught up with this series about two friends (one on the autism spectrum) who love basketball.
What Was the Holocaust? – The latest additions to the Who Was/What Was series.
Who Was Bob Marley?
Who Was Pete Seger?
And Then There Were Four – Five teens seem to be the target of their parents’ murderous plotting. Sounds like a great mystery.
Dividing Eden – From the author of The Testing, this is about a set of twins pitted against each other for control of their kingdom. This is absolutely at the top of my list for this week.
Dramatically Ever After – Sequel to Bookishly Ever After. I just finished this and it was fun.  I’ll be reviewing it later this month. This story focuses on two of the secondary characters from book one – the dramatic Em who is on the hunt for a college scholarship to pursue her dream and her “nemesis,” Kris.
Endgame: Complete Fugitive Archives – Companion to the Endgame series. I have book one in my TBR pile right now. This is a collection of prequel stories.
Here Lies Daniel Tate – Daniel Tate went missing at age 10. Six years later he has returned – except this boy isn’t really Daniel Tate. He’s a con artist who has found the perfect scam. But what if someone knows what really happened to Daniel?
Liberty: The Spy who (Kind of) Liked Me – Spy novel about a teen given the chance to go undercover and maybe find out what happened to her parents. This sounds terrific!
Once and for All – The latest story from Sarah Dessen, ultra-popular Teen/YA author, about a wedding planner with a second chance at love.
Unlikelies – Five teens decide to be Good Samaritans and help right local wrongs.
What I Lost – Teen novel about a girl in an eating disorders treatment program.
Wildman – A stranded young man gets a chance to re-invent himself and discover who he is at the same time.
Words in Deep Blue – A grieving teen works with her former crush and wonders if second chances are possible.

Books for Adults


Before We Were Yours – Historical fiction about orphaned siblings from 1939 and a contemporary young woman who discovers some family secrets. This sounds excellent.
Black Cat Sees His Shadow – Book 3 in the Bad Luck Cat mystery series. I am eager to check out this series from the beginning.
Camino Island – The latest novel by John Grisham about a heist from Princeton University and rare books. This one is on my list!
The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes – Dr. John Watson Jr. joins forces with Sherlock Holmes’ secret daughter, Joanna Blalock. This sounds awesome!
French Fried – Book 2 in the Ethnic Eats mystery series with a French spin this time, celebrating the anniversary of the Statue of Liberty
Love Story – A Baxter Family story from Karen Kingsbury. I’ve only read one book about the Baxter family. Long-time fans will be excited to read this one with the love story of John and Elizabeth.
Once Upon a Spine – Book 11 in the Bibliophile series. I have several books from this series on my TBR shelves.
Only Skein Deep – Book 15 in the Knitting series. Even though I don’t knit, I have enjoyed several of the books in this series.
Patterned After Death – Book 12 in the Southern Sewing Circle mystery series. I am woefully behind in this series, but I enjoyed the first one.
Road to Paradise – The first  Vintage National Parks novel about Mount Rainer in 1927. I’m not much for historical fiction, but the emphasis on our National Parks sounds awesome. Christian mystery/romance.
Treble at the Jam Fest – Book 4 in the Food Lovers’ Village mystery series. I loved book one and would like to get caught up with this series.
Doctor Who: A Brief History of Time Lords – A history of the Time Lords and Gallifrey. Looks like a great resource for Doctor Who fans.
Seed to Vision: How God-Inspired Ideas Become Reality (June 5) – Eight tools you can use to turn your idea into reality. The author’s story sounds inspiring.
Ultimate Exodus: Finding Freedom from What Enslaves You – Looks at the Biblical story of the Exodus and how it relates to freeing all of us from the things that enslave us.

 

So, what books are you adding to your TBR list this week?

BOOK NEWS: April 25, 2017

Lots of new reading treasures releasing this week!

Books for Kids


   

Dr. Eleventh – A Doctor Who book in the style of Mr. Men
Dr. Twelfth  – A Doctor Who book in the style of Mr. Men
Plankton Is Pushy – From the author of Barnacle is Bored (which is hysterical) comes this story of a pushy plankton.
Rolling Thunder – Picture book about the Rolling Thunder Ride to Freedom
Shawn Loves Sharks – Shark-lover Shawn does not get the Shark assignment at school – it goes to Stacy instead.
Looking Up!: The Science of Stargazing – latest in the Early Reader line from the Science of Fun Stuff series. I love these books.
Evil Emperor Penguin – First book in a graphic novel series about a penguin determined to take over the world.
Rogue City – A LEGO Batman Build Your Own Adventure book. Brilliant!
Bad Guys: The Furball Strikes Back – Book 3 in the Bad Guys series for early readers
The Mystery of Mr. E. – New story in the Wellie Wishers line from American Girl
The Rainstorm Brainstorm – New story in the Wellie Wishers line from American Girl
Remy Sneakers vs the Robo Rats – From the author of the Yeti Files comes a new series about a raccoon falsely accused of stealing
Ugly Cat & Pablo – Unlikely friends work together to get a treat

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults


The Cat Stole My Pants – Timmy Failure, book 6
Cats in the CityStick Cat and Edith are off to rescue another neighbor in book 2 of this series by the author of Stick Dog.
Hello Stars – Book one in the Lena in the Spotlight series from FaithGirlz about a girl who auditions for a movie
Key Hunters: The Titanic Treasure – Book 5 in the Key Hunters series
Revenge of the Happy Campers – Book 4 starring the Brewster triplets.
The Unbreakable Code – Book Scavengers book 2. Book 1 is on my TBR
What Was the Wild West?
The Wingsnatchers: Carmer and Grit, Book 1 – A magician and a fairy princess join forces to solve the mystery of fairy disappearances.
The Whole Thing Together – Two families, connected but estranged, share a beach house in the summer.

Books for Adults


Every Body on Deck – Book 22 in the Savannah Reid mystery series. I already have a hold on this one from the library!
Good Day to Buy – Book 4 in the Sarah Winston Garage Sale mystery series
The Librarians and the Mother Goose Chase – An original story based on the Librarians TV show. Our family has enjoyed the episodes of the TV show that we have seen.
No Charm Intended – Book 2 in the Cora Crafts mystery series about a crafting retreat
Though This Be Madness – Book 2 in the Lilly Long mystery series which takes place in 1881 Chicago
Rediscovering the Holy Spirit – I’m really looking forward to reading this study of the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of Christ-followers.