samcmar
Markham Public Library
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samcmar's rating:
Added May 03, 2019
samcmar's rating:
Added May 02, 2019
Comment:
For those of us in the 90's who shipped Rogue and Gambit so hard -- this one is for you!
Sky in the DeepSky in the Deep, Book
by Young, AdrienneBook - 2019 | First Wednesday Books paperback edition.Book, 2019. First Wednesday Books paperback edition.
Added Apr 20, 2019
Comment:
I was so excited when Raincoast sent me Sky in the Deep. I haven't read a lot of novels featuring vikings, let alone one where the lead is a female warrior. Eelyn story is wonderfully compelling, and this book read like candy.
I won't lie, this book is not to most ground-breaking or well-written. It's a debut, and it makes a lot of the mistakes debuts have by giving so much in a story without properly providing necessary aspects such as strong world building or deep and developed characters. This is true for Sky in the Deep and yet, I didn't care. I was having so much fun reading this book, and while I didn't read it quickly, I appreciated what an easy read it was.
Eelyn is a fun heroine. She's strong, difficult, and she stands out. She takes to tasks and wants to get the job done, making her quite the boss. She's also wonderfully flawed, which made me happy given I like a heroine to have flaws that the reader can relate to. This is a heroine who is tough, she mows people down, she has a sense of justice and duty and yet she's a fighter. I just, I loved her so.
I just had such fun with all the action in the book. I also liked the political aspects between the viking groups, though I wish it had been more developed. I also appreciated that the romance wasn't the forefront in this story mostly because I found it to be very phoned in. I still say I loved the issues involving the clans (well, any bit of information we received).
I can't really explained why I liked this book. There's a lot of action, politics and an awesome heroine, but there's equally enough problems such as a lack of world-building and characterization among the secondary cast. But I found this to be such an enjoyable page-turner and even with the lack of information at times I was still loving the book, flaws and all. I wish we had more YA viking fantasy, and even with the book's problems, I am still so happy it exists in the world and I cannot wait to start recommending it.I was so excited when Raincoast sent me Sky in the Deep. I haven't read a lot of novels featuring vikings, let alone one where the lead is a female warrior. Eelyn story is wonderfully compelling, and this book read like candy.
I won't lie, this…
samcmar's rating:
Added Apr 20, 2019
Comment:
I loved Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak and it's one of my favourite books of all time. Reading Shout was a powerful and uncomfortable experience. Anderson digs deep into her childhood to share her experience as a sexual assault survivor and what it means to educate young men specifically about the role of consent. These poems are beautiful and haunting, and this book is easily worth the read.I loved Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak and it's one of my favourite books of all time. Reading Shout was a powerful and uncomfortable experience. Anderson digs deep into her childhood to share her experience as a sexual assault survivor and what it…
samcmar's rating:
Added Apr 15, 2019
Comment:
I have not read the first Mega Bat book, but now I kinda want to. This is a chapter book series that I'm positive you don't need to read in order, but considering how fun this book was, I wanna check out the first book. I can totally see why kids would love this chapter book series -- it's funny, clever, and super duper sweet.
This is a quick read, and Daniel, our main hooman character is wonderful. This book has a wonderful lesson teaching what it means to be different and how to love comes in different forms. Mega Bat and the cat's relationship is funny and I love how the author teaches these lessons through the two characters. Also I LOVED the artwork in this book and I think it reflects the characters and story well. It's cute, detailed, and very soft looking.
I look forward to sharing this series with parents and kids looking for chapter books that are great for beginner readers moving into that realm. It's so so so so adorable!I have not read the first Mega Bat book, but now I kinda want to. This is a chapter book series that I'm positive you don't need to read in order, but considering how fun this book was, I wanna check out the first book. I can totally see why kids…
All the Ways HomeAll the Ways Home, Book
by Chapman, ElsieBook - 2019 | First edition.Book, 2019. First edition.
samcmar's rating:
Added Apr 15, 2019
Comment:
I felt emotional reading All the Ways Home. Not only did the book make me nostalgic for my recent trip to Japan, but it made me feel for Kaede, a boy who just wants someone to love him after the death of his mother. While I cannot relate to way Kaede's mother dies, I can in the sense that like him, there are days where I pine for my folks because there is so much I want to tell them, and no way to truly do so.
This is the story of Kaede returning to Tokyo after the death of his mother. He's on the verge of failing 7th Grade, he's accidentally hurt his best friend back home in Vancouver, and he's trying to define what 'home' means to him. Arriving in Tokyo, he meets up with his brother Shoma, who takes him in for the three weeks he is there. Hoping to see his famous father while in Tokyo, Kaede learns that not every person is as they seem. The growth of Kaede and Shoma's relationship is one of my favourite aspects of this story. It's subtle, it shows how people can move from estrangement to a level of comfort, especially as Shoma recognizes that he hasn't been around for Kaede in such a long time, but when you learn why, you're able to empathize with him as much as Kaede.
I also loved the visuals that Chapman provides in this story. There's so many places that she references that I've been to, and it really took me back to my trip. At times I found myself poking my husband and yelling "WE'VE BEEN THERE!" which is silly, but it made me yearn for that kind of adventure again. Tokyo is an intense city, and I loved reading the bits where Kaede gets lost in Kabukicho, which was one of my favourite places to visit. Reading about the hustle and bustle of people's lives and being able to visualize it so clearly is a wonderful feat and Chapman makes the story feel so authentic, especially when she talks about both Canada and Japan. She reminded me of the beauty of both places in such a short novel.
Kaede's story is beautiful, and I was invested the whole way. My heart wept when he finally got to "meet" his father, his determination to find the meaning of home, and just how difficult it is to navigate the world when you're grieving everything you've lost. There is so much that me, as a thirty-year-old woman could relate to, even though this story is geared towards a middle grade audience. This is one of the sweet, most difficult middle grade novels I've read in a long time, and I urge everyone to check out because it's an emotional ride.I felt emotional reading All the Ways Home. Not only did the book make me nostalgic for my recent trip to Japan, but it made me feel for Kaede, a boy who just wants someone to love him after the death of his mother. While I cannot relate to way…
Ruby in the SkyRuby in the Sky, Book
by Ferruolo, Jeanne ZulickBook - 2019 | First edition.Book, 2019. First edition.
samcmar's rating:
Added Apr 15, 2019
Comment:
Holy cow, this book is a punch in the feelings. Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo's debut novel Ruby in the Sky is an amazing achievement in middle grade, as its a story that has so many layers in it, and each is done flawlessly.
This is the story of Ruby, a young girl who has had it rough and struggles to now find her voice. Her father is out of the picture, her mother has moved her to a new city in hopes for them to have a better life, until a situation at her job forces her into the court system. On top of being at a new school, Ruby is immediately ostracized by the female students in her class for being "weird" and she makes a wonderful friendship with a new Syrian immigrant named, Ahmed. On top of making friends with the town "Bird Lady," Ruby's journey of self-discovery is truly something special to read about.
Ruby in the Sky is one of those books where I was engaged from the first page. Ruby is a difficult character in that she doesn't allow herself to truly be known by the reader. She provides bits of information as the story goes on, building to a larger picture. She has amazing growth in this story, something that had such a spark when I read this book. I loved her friendship with Ahmed, and when it fell on hard times, I was rooting for both of them to find each other again.
I loved this book so much. I cried, it left me thinking about the kinds of challenges that children face, and the way in which we as adults may not be as empathetic as we should. Ruby is a wonderful heroine and her story is one I know I won't forget for a very long time.Holy cow, this book is a punch in the feelings. Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo's debut novel Ruby in the Sky is an amazing achievement in middle grade, as its a story that has so many layers in it, and each is done flawlessly.
This is the story of Ruby,…
You Must Not MissYou Must Not Miss, Book
by Leno, KatrinaBook - 2019 | First edition.Book, 2019. First edition.
Added Apr 12, 2019
Comment:
I adore Katrina Leno's writing, and You Must Not Miss reminded me of the level of versatility that she has when creating stories. While a lot of Leno's books have a magical or fantastical element, they are still deeply rooted in the real world and often its the overall tone that provides a uniqueness to each and everyone one of her books.
Magpie is wonderfully intense and destructive as a character. Her overall suffering and deep hatred of herself places the reader in a difficult position when reading this book. There's a lot of anger, there's so much venom being spouted throughout this story from both those that surround our heroine, but also Magpie herself. I won't lie, trying to be supportive of Magpie is challenging in this story, especially given some of the "decisions" she makes, but I think it's a great deconstruction of dealing with mental illness or dealing with immediate crisis even.
The suffering and self-sabotage by Magpie's character in this story is oddly a draw. Leno has this amazing way of dragging the reader into the minds of her heroines -- sometimes you feel like you are steps ahead of them, and others, like Magpie make you feel lost or question what will happen next. This reminded me a lot of Leno's first novel, The Half Life of Molly Pierce where I was so emotionally exhausted but equally invested in what was happening.
I recognize that I am being purposely vague about the plot in You Must Not Miss and it's with good intention. It's one of those books where the twists and turns feel weird, crazy, and often you'll ask yourself what the heck you read -- but that is actually what makes this story so appealing in my eyes. I got completely lost in it, but didn't feel a compulsive need to rush through the story. It's a difficult read, no questions asked, but it's equally a rewarding, twisty, mess of a story that keeps you guessing from the get-go.I adore Katrina Leno's writing, and You Must Not Miss reminded me of the level of versatility that she has when creating stories. While a lot of Leno's books have a magical or fantastical element, they are still deeply rooted in the real world and…
samcmar's rating:
Added Apr 11, 2019
Comment:
Such a fun and twisted little comic! This is definitely for fans of Max Mad, but who also don't mind a good forbidden love story as well. I'm curious to see where this series is going to go!
Nothing but TroubleNothing but Trouble, Book
by Davies, JacquelineBook - 2016 | First edition.Book, 2016. First edition.
samcmar's rating:
Added Apr 06, 2019
Comment:
This book started out a bit slow for me, but as I read on, I laughed quite a bit. Lena and Maggie are clever and cheeky! This is a great middle grade read for those who wants a more quirky and silly reading experience and is definitely recommended!
samcmar's rating:
Added Apr 01, 2019
Comment:
Susin Nielson is an amazing middle grade writer who tackles a variety of difficult subject matters, but makes them very accessible to her younger audiences. This book looks at homelessness and what it means to strive to do good things when you are in a difficult position. Felix is a lovable character, constantly wanting to pay his debts from people he's stolen from. He's starving, but hopeful, and I think he is a character many readers will easily fall in love with.Susin Nielson is an amazing middle grade writer who tackles a variety of difficult subject matters, but makes them very accessible to her younger audiences. This book looks at homelessness and what it means to strive to do good things when you are…
Ladybug Girl and the Rescue DogsLadybug Girl and the Rescue Dogs, Book
by Davis, JackyBook - 2018Book, 2018
samcmar's rating:
Added Mar 28, 2019
Comment:
Ladybug Girl and the Rescue Dogs is such an adorable book that teaches kids about the importance of adopting a pet rather than purchasing. Ladybug Girl and her pals try to come up with a crazy plan so that people consider adopting a new furry friend. I really love how hopeful the message is in this book!Ladybug Girl and the Rescue Dogs is such an adorable book that teaches kids about the importance of adopting a pet rather than purchasing. Ladybug Girl and her pals try to come up with a crazy plan so that people consider adopting a new furry…
Forever, InterruptedForever, Interrupted, BookA Novel
by Reid, Taylor JenkinsBook - 2013 | 1st Washington Square Press trade pbk. ed. --Book, 2013. 1st Washington Square Press trade pbk. ed. --
samcmar's rating:
Added Mar 26, 2019
Comment:
I cried through this book. While I didn't find it as intense as The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I found a different connection with this book. This book deals with a woman who is recently married, her husband goes out to buy her Fruity Pebbles and he stuck and killed by a driver. It looks at how she and her husband met, and the aftermath of his death. Oh boy, this book. While my husband is very much alive, Elise's descent into grief is perfectly captured and I found myself nodding along with her emotional state as I was that only a few years ago. It looks also at how grief impacts those around you, and how difficult it can be to be a good friend or family member when someone has lost what they consider to be most precious to them. Heartbreaking and sweet, I really did love this book.I cried through this book. While I didn't find it as intense as The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I found a different connection with this book. This book deals with a woman who is recently married, her husband goes out to buy her Fruity Pebbles…
A Life Less ThrowawayA Life Less Throwaway, BookThe Lost Art of Buying for Life
by Button, TaraBook - 2018 | First United States edition.Book, 2018. First United States edition.
samcmar's rating:
Added Mar 23, 2019
Comment:
I have been practicing the idea of mindful buying for awhile now, but what I loved about this book is how it teaches the types of tactics used by advertisers to get you to buy things. Going low waste has allowed me to see how much at one point I accumulated and this book offers a lot of useful tips and tricks about curating your objects, as well as your trash. It also offers a lot of resources regarding how find out if something is built to last or not. Lots of good, practical information about waste reduction and consumerism here.I have been practicing the idea of mindful buying for awhile now, but what I loved about this book is how it teaches the types of tactics used by advertisers to get you to buy things. Going low waste has allowed me to see how much at one point I…
Zero WasteZero Waste, BookSimple Life Hacks to Drastically Reduce your Trash
by Su, ShiaBook - 2018Book, 2018
samcmar's rating:
Added Mar 21, 2019
Comment:
As someone who is working to decrease their carbon footprint and work towards the goal of low/zero waste, I loved a lot of the recommendations, swaps and conversational tools provided in Shia Su's book. There's a lot of fantastic DIY options for sustainable swaps as well as some great food for thought regarding the plastic industry and how one person's difference CAN be enough.As someone who is working to decrease their carbon footprint and work towards the goal of low/zero waste, I loved a lot of the recommendations, swaps and conversational tools provided in Shia Su's book. There's a lot of fantastic DIY options for…
(Don't) Call Me Crazy(Don't) Call Me Crazy, Book33 Voices Start the Conversation About Mental Health
Book - 2018 | First edition.Book, 2018. First edition.
samcmar's rating:
Added Mar 21, 2019
Comment:
Once again Kelly Jensen creates an amazing and meaningful anthology, this time looking at the perceptions of mental illness. There are so many interesting and important stories being told here, from an actor who was addicted to plastic surgery, to an author who went to rehab more than once and her journey on getting clean. From discussions on anxiety to PTSD to suicide, (Don't) Call Me Crazy is an an insightful anthology that offers so many voices that need to be heard.Once again Kelly Jensen creates an amazing and meaningful anthology, this time looking at the perceptions of mental illness. There are so many interesting and important stories being told here, from an actor who was addicted to plastic surgery, to…
The War That Saved My LifeThe War That Saved My Life, Book
by Bradley, Kimberly BrubakerBook - 2015Book, 2015
samcmar's rating:
Added Mar 08, 2019
Comment:
I may have ugly cried my way through the end of this book. This is a story about being displaced, learning to cope with disability and abuse, and trying to forge out and find strength when everything seems hopeless. Yes, this storyline has been done before, especially in terms of books related to war, and yet I found myself completely absorbed into the pages of Ada and Jamie's story.
First off, the writing in this book is stunning. Ada's voice suits her age, but never feels dumbed down or completely mature either. She's young, disabled and uneducated, but she has a desire to understand the world around her. Her curiosity is easily her best asset, as Ada gets into a ton of trouble. However, she's very sincere and strong, and I love her desire to protect and even educate Jamie, her brother. Can I also just say I loved that Ada had a disability? I think her foot issues were an interesting addition to her characterization, and as someone who suffers from having one foot shorter than the other by an inch, she had my sympathy throughout!
Brubaker Bradley really breathes life into her characters and the World War II backdrop. There's something very vivid and chilling about Ada's home life and her desire to feel connected even in times of war. Moreover, every character feels fleshed out just enough without being over-developed. I adored Susan, and a lot of her story made me so sad, especially her attachment to the children. I wanted to smack Ada and Jamie's real parents I don't know how many times because their logic for raising children was insanely baffling.
The thing about The War that Saved My Life is that it's an emotional story, and one that keeps the reader engaged because you want to see the outcome of the story, even if it's a touch obvious. You want to read about Ada and Jamie's growth because they are so easy to empathize with. It's a book that makes you feel like your sharing in the children's triumphs as much as you are dealing in their disappointments. I cannot recommend this book enough, as its easily one of the most thoughtful and engaging middle grade novels I've read in recent memory.I may have ugly cried my way through the end of this book. This is a story about being displaced, learning to cope with disability and abuse, and trying to forge out and find strength when everything seems hopeless. Yes, this storyline has been done…
This Adventure EndsThis Adventure Ends, Book
by Mills, EmmaBook - 2016 | First edition.Book, 2016. First edition.
samcmar's rating:
Added Mar 04, 2019
Comment:
During the summer I read Emma Mills' first novel and I thought it was delight. It wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but she had a way of making me love her characters, even when they were being selfish or frustrating -- I had their backs. There is also just something in the way that Mills writes that I found easy to relate to as well.
I think This Adventure Ends blows First & Then right out of the water. This sophomore novel gave me everything I wanted from a great read: beautiful friendships, a wonderful story I could relate to, and Sloane was someone who could easily be identified with. I laughed out loud, I felt the pain of the characters, there is so much about this story that I just fell in love with and when it was over, I felt sad that the adventure had in fact, ended.
Sloane is wonderful as a heroine -- she has a fun relationship with her father, a writer/fan-fic author. Those moments were always by far my favourite. I loved the father/daughter chemistry between them, I adored the way they shared fandom together, I loved that they could call each other out on each others crapola. Seriously, their dynamic was a joy to read.
I also loved Sloane's school friends, especially Vera. I thought all the friends in the book were well developed and fleshed out. I found myself really caring about how Sloane was treating her friends and vise versa, as well as how they deal with each others "issues" within the friendship. I think where Mills' makes this book really shine is that she shows how organic friendship can be, as well as writing very realistic relationships where the secondary characters feel as though they have as much weight as the main character. It's a hard skill to master and I just found that Mills is great at developing relationships between characters.
This book will make you laugh and it will give you the feels. I just found so much I could relate to while reading this story (especially in regards to friendship and fandom) and I think that's why I had as deep a connection as I did. If you haven't read any of Emma Mills' books, read this one, because it's just the complete package for anyone who loves stories with well developed characters and fun friendships.During the summer I read Emma Mills' first novel and I thought it was delight. It wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but she had a way of making me love her characters, even when they were being selfish or frustrating -- I had their…
Foolish HeartsFoolish Hearts, Book
by Mills, EmmaBook - 2017 | First edition.Book, 2017. First edition.
samcmar's rating:
Added Mar 04, 2019
Comment:
I swear when it comes to writing friendship stories, Emma Mills always knocks it out of the park. What I love about Foolish Hearts is that this is a story about an unlikely friendship through boy band fandom.
Claudia and Iris do not seem like the kind of people who would be friends, but when Iris and her girlfriend Paige suffer a nasty break up, Iris is forced to work with Claudia to work on a school paper, as well as the school production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. However, one day while working on said project, Claudia learns that Iris loves TION (or This Is Our Now), a boy band that takes over every inch of her bedroom wall. They begin to foster a friendship through their love of TION, and it is adorable.
What I love about Emma Mills' books is that they are very genuine, her heroines very believable, and it's always chock full of humour and heart. I adored the characters in this story, I loved the building of Claudia and Iris' friendship, and I loved all the feelings this book gave me. Even the romance between Claudia and Gideon was adorkable. I just loved everything about this story and the cast and I just found myself in such a happy state of mind while I was reading this book.
Reading an Emma Mills book is like comfort food. It's happiness and fun, and I just love what she does with her characters. Much like This Adventure Ends, I feel like Foolish Hearts is just such a memorable read, and I will continue to support Emma Mills if she continues to keep writing fannish, fluffy, contemporary novels.I swear when it comes to writing friendship stories, Emma Mills always knocks it out of the park. What I love about Foolish Hearts is that this is a story about an unlikely friendship through boy band fandom.
Claudia and Iris do not seem like…
samcmar's rating:
Added Feb 27, 2019
Comment:
Chicken Girl is a tiny book with a big punch. The story involves Poppy and her brother Cam, as they navigate growing up. When a picture of Rosie the Riveter is posted online, Poppy feels shammed and can no longer see good in the world. Her twin brother, Cam, is learning to be "out" and Poppy wants to show her support. Poppy also meets six-year-old, Miracle, who shows her how wonderful the world can really be.
What I loved about this book is how it normalizes so many aspects of LGBTQIA culture. There's fantastic and frank discussion of what transgendered teens deal with, how homophobia comes in different (and awful) flavours, and how supportive people can be as well. Nothing in this book felt out of place and the conversations between characters felt so raw and true. My favourite parts were the interactions between Poppy and Cam, as well as Poppy and Miracle. I think these conversations about life, optimism, and finding strength will be so relevant to so many readers.
I think the only negative about this book for me, is that it's too short. Everything ties up a bit too nicely, and there is a huge part of me that wishes Smith had delved more into the characters further. That being said, I still think what we do know about the cast of characters is wonderful and heartfelt.
There is such an honesty in these pages, which is why I hope more people will pick up Chicken Girl. The story is well-paced, genuine and raw, and while it never goes to Baygirl (Smith's debut) levels of darkness, Chicken Girl offers readers a wonderful glimmer of hope that makes it a memorable read.Chicken Girl is a tiny book with a big punch. The story involves Poppy and her brother Cam, as they navigate growing up. When a picture of Rosie the Riveter is posted online, Poppy feels shammed and can no longer see good in the world. Her twin…
Black EnoughBlack Enough, BookStories of Being Young & Black in America
Book - 2019 | First edition.Book, 2019. First edition.
samcmar's rating:
Added Feb 20, 2019
Comment:
Anthologies are always hard to review. As a reader some author's styles or stories will gel better with you than others, and that is totally the case with Black Enough. This is a wonderful collection by a group of talented black authors, each of them with unique perspectives to share on what it means to be "black enough."
I have to say some of my favourite stories were "Oreo" by Brandy Colbert (I felt for the heroine in this one, oreo seems like a bit of a cruel term to use, especially for liking musicals!), "Half a Moon" by Renee Watson was a fantastic family oriented story, and "Kissing Sarah Smart"by Justina Ireland was a fantastic look at a young black lesbian learning what it means to capture her sexuality. I also adored "Ingredients" by Jason Reynolds, but I am a sucker for his character banter, and this one had me in stitches because the friendship between the boys was just hilarious and true to life.
And this is why anthologies are hard to rate. There are stories in this book I enjoyed, but didn't find as memorable. Despite them not being memorable for me, it doesn't make the collection itself any less valuable, and I know there are going to be so many young black readers who are going to be able to identify with the stories that are represented strongly in this collection. I look forward to sharing this book with the teens in library because I feel like it has so much to teach about race, racism, and what it means to feel marginalized. There is so much truth and value here that I fee like young readers are going to be able to identify issues in these stories and relate.
Black Enough is a great collection of stories by a group of amazing authors, and I think if you can get your hands on it, it's definitely worth checking out.Anthologies are always hard to review. As a reader some author's styles or stories will gel better with you than others, and that is totally the case with Black Enough. This is a wonderful collection by a group of talented black authors, each of…
The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. JamesThe Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James, Book
by Blake, Ashley HerringBook - 2019 | First edition.Book, 2019. First edition.
samcmar's rating:
Added Feb 19, 2019
Comment:
On my way to Montreal in February I decided I needed to read a new Ashley Herring Blake book. Both Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the Word and Girl Made of Stars got five stars from me because they left me an emotional train-wreck. Her books are challenging but they also give me hope, and The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James is no exception.
The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James follows Sunny, a girl who got a recent heart transplant. Having a new heart, Sunny believes that she feels different about herself, that she wants life to be something different. When her biological mother comes back into her life a new girl begins to challenge her perceptions of the world, Sunny's world is turned upside down. Sunny's story is beautiful and I felt a lot of sympathy for her. Sunny spends a lot of this book feeling confused about who she is, who she loves, and what kind of a person she is allowed to be. Her adoptive mother shelters her because of her transplant, but even in that situation, there's clearly more to it.
The writing in this book is stunning and Sunny's voice is one that will definitely capture readers. I spent my last morning in Montreal tearing up simply because there is such a huge emotional punch throughout the story, and it doesn't stop. I love when a book gives me so many emotions from start to finish, and there were parts of this book where I felt my heart beat faster and faster. This smart middle grade book will teach so many people about empathy and what it means to get a second lease on life, even at a young age.
I cried during The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James and I am not afraid to admit that. What I hope is that more people open their minds to more queer middle grade. Stories should transform our lives, and I think this book offers a transformation that readers will never forget.On my way to Montreal in February I decided I needed to read a new Ashley Herring Blake book. Both Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the Word and Girl Made of Stars got five stars from me because they left me an emotional train-wreck. Her books are…
On the Come upOn the Come up, Book
by Thomas, AngieBook - 2019 | First edition.Book, 2019. First edition.
samcmar's rating:
Added Feb 18, 2019
Comment:
Really loved this and thought it was a solid second novel from Angie Thomas. Definitely some parts I can relate to (Garden Heights always reminds me of growing up in Malvern). Bri is a fantastic heroine who grows in such a remarkable way, and I think she learns how to handle her harshest critics well by the end of the story. Found the beginning a bit slow (much like THUG) and then I hit 150 pages and flew this. Definitely check it out if you enjoyed THUG!Really loved this and thought it was a solid second novel from Angie Thomas. Definitely some parts I can relate to (Garden Heights always reminds me of growing up in Malvern). Bri is a fantastic heroine who grows in such a remarkable way, and I…
samcmar's rating:
Added Feb 09, 2019
Comment:
I swear Alice Oseman knows how to get me right in the feelings. This book is about a boy band and the girl who loves them. Things get intense when their worlds collide, and a unique friendship is born. While this book lacks some of the humour that was in Radio Silence, it has all the difficult subject matters that I love in a story, sprinkled with some darker moments. Still this book is such a fun ride, and I think my heart just feels so happy and full after finishing this book!I swear Alice Oseman knows how to get me right in the feelings. This book is about a boy band and the girl who loves them. Things get intense when their worlds collide, and a unique friendship is born. While this book lacks some of the humour that…
Who in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?Who in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?, eBook
by Tinker, RebeccaeBook - 2019eBook, 2019
samcmar's rating:
Added Feb 08, 2019
Comment:
Growing up, I was a huge Carmen Sandiego fan. I loved the cartoon, the game show, the education games, everything with her name on it, I was a fan. I was so excited when Netflix announced that they would be creating a new storyline for the iconic thief and that Gina Rodriguez would be the lead.
This book is an origin story of sorts. It looks at Carmen's background to how she got into becoming a thief, and her relationship with "Player." There's not really much to this story, though it was a quick romp to say the least. I liked how the relationship between Carmen and Player was portrayed, I loved how action-packed this story was as well!
There's not much too this book, and since I haven't watched the Netflix series yet, I'd be curious how the book and show work together. I think if you're a young reader, Carmen is a fun role model to have, especially as a feminist icon. However, if you're looking for something deep, this book is not it. If you want a fun, fluffy, romp, then give it a try!Growing up, I was a huge Carmen Sandiego fan. I loved the cartoon, the game show, the education games, everything with her name on it, I was a fan. I was so excited when Netflix announced that they would be creating a new storyline for the iconic…
Comment: