• Reviews

    Book Review: The Painting

    The Painting by Charis Cotter is a story of mystery and intrigue but at its heart its the story of loss and relationships among family. Annie loves painting, drawing, and art and is nothing at all like her parents who just can’t seem to understand their daughter. But, when Annie’s…

  • Lists

    (Unofficial) Top Ten Tuesday: Back to School

    There are probably hundreds, if not thousands of “Back to School” and school-themed kids books. Here are a few of my favorite back to school stories to share with your kids! If you have other titles that you can’t live without, share them in the comments! Is Your Buffalo Ready…

  • Lists

    It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 8/7/17

    I finished Calling My Name by Tamani Liara and really enjoyed the perspective of this story, it’s not one you read about very often (check out my review). I also read Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham, a graphic novel I grabbed off the shelf for a patron (she decided on Babysitter’s…

  • Lists

    It's Monday! What Are You Reading 7/31/17

    I was able to accomplish just about what I set out to do this week – I read Miss Ellicott’s School for the Magically Minded by Sage Blackwood and also read Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever. edited by Betsy Bird (check out my review). I started working on Calling My…

  • Lists

    Transgender Characters in Kid Lit

    As I’ve stated previously on my blog, I choose not to make this blog political, that being said, because I have a platform that reaches more than my immediate circle of friends, I also feel that it’s important to take a stand. These are just a few of the transgender…

  • Reviews

    Book Review: Funny Girl – Funniest. Stories. Ever.

    My favorite picture books are funny picture books – ones that make you think and pay attention and are filled with moments where you can’t help but laugh out loud. And the other commonality? Many of them are written by men. It’s not a bad thing necessarily, but if kids…

  • Lists

    (Unofficial) Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Titles for Shark Week

    I’ve had a number of kids interested in shark books – everything from picture books (for those who frighten easily) to nonfiction titles that show rows of teeth and talk about sharks as apex predators and an important part of the ecosystem. So while everyone watches Michael Phelps race a…

  • 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

    The War That Saved My Life Readalikes

    horse field

    When your friend/colleague/children’s librarian comes into your office with a huge smile and twirls, you know life must be good. Her most recent book discussion for middle school students was on The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley – a book that all eleven kids LOVED and were…

  • 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…