• Lists

    Themes in Middle Grade Fiction

    I had the funniest realization while I was reading over the past week, each book I read fed into the next in with its theme. I’ll show you what I mean: The first title I read of this group of books – it’s about a child growing up as (you…

  • Lists

    It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 7/17/17

    I read a lot this week, which probably equates to my stress level! We’re in the midst of hiring two full-time employees and making sure the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed is enough to make anyone crazy. I also finished shifting the entire adult fiction section (all…

  • Reviews

    Book Review: Brightwood

    Daisy only knows the house and gardens of Brightwood Hall, her mother suffered from a horrible tragedy and only goes out when it’s completely necessary and never allows Daisy to leave. With a stockpile of food and her mother’s Day Boxes (a box for each day filled with things that…

  • Lists

    It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 5/1/17

    I finally finished The Unexpected Life of Oliver Cromwell Pitts by Avi, you can read my review about this historical, adventure story and the first in the series. I also finished the book, Strengths-Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Teams, and Why People Follow by Barry Conchie and Tom Rath for a leadership institute that I’m participating…

  • Reviews

    Book Review: The Unexpected Life of Oliver Cromwell Pitts

    I was finally able to sit down and finish The Unexpected Life of Oliver Cromwell Pitts by Avi. Yes, that Avi, the Newbery Award Winner. This story is a combination of adventure and historical fiction and would be the perfect book to give to a reluctant historical fiction reader. The adventure…

  • Lists

    It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 4/24/17

    I haven’t had any time to read, working 60 hours this week (all weekend included) plus social and familial obligations have kept me from reading pretty much anything. I’m still working through The Unexpected Life of Oliver Cromwell Pitts by Avi and it’s not because it’s a bad story, it’s just I’ve…

  • Lists

    It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 4/9/17

    I really enjoyed The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge this week – a mystery story with a fantastical element set in 19th century Victorian England. It’s an interesting look at gender roles at a time when women were not expected or encouraged to be educated. I also, finally, got my…

  • Lists

    It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 3/27/17

    I finally finished Carmer and Grit: The Wingsnatchers by Sarah Jean Horowitz – it took me quite a while to finish and it wasn’t because I didn’t enjoy reading it, for whatever reason it just took me some time. It’s the perfect book if you have a middle grade reader who likes fairies…

  • Lists

    It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 3/6/17

    I read two amazing young adult books this week. I finished up The Girl From Everywhere by Heidi Heilig – and fell completely in love with the story, the characters, the plot, absolutely everything. I definitely want to spend more time talking about this book, so I’ll be writing up a…

  • Lists

    It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 1/16/17

    I didn’t get much reading done, but I did read The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz. It’s definitely a very different book than anything I ever read, it was interesting and unique and fun to read. I love historical fiction books and…