Holiday Haikus

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, happy holidays, and Happy New Year! That's a lotta happy. LOL

I really miss books. I will be happy to become engrossed again soon. In the meantime, I wish you all health, joy and love; whatever that means to you.

I have two haikus, because, why not? 💝 I encourage everyone to write a haiku now and then. It's fun.

Christmas Haiku

Anticipation

Tree lots, cider and cocoa

Frozen toes, warm smiles.

 

New Year’s Haiku

Reminiscing time

Happy, heartbreak, breakthrough growth

Future begins now.

Thanksgiving Haiku

Sorry I've been MIA. Seems this time of year there's always something going on. I remember saying in January that this year was going to be a year of big life events. DO NOT SAY THIS OUT LOUD. The universe will hear you and deliver! And it has, in spades. I have a laundry list of big life events that have happened, and it hasn't stopped yet. The most recent was my husband had surgery and was in the hospital for two weeks. Then a friend passed away, and that was a very tough funeral. The end of the year is just around the corner so it'll be a good time to say what next year will be about. Like, easy peasy skate through life stuff. One can hope - and then say it out loud. 

But I do have fabulous books to review and an incredible 2023 book release and author interview ahead.

So how about a Thanksgiving Haiku:

Cooking smells delight
Wafting over TV din
Filling heart and home

I know this isn't everyone's thanksgiving experience and the holiday means something different to everyone. Especially if you're Chandler from Friends.

Whatever it means to you, I wish you peace. 

You Need to Read This Book

When I read this book, I thought, if you read only one book this year, read this one. It’s one of the best books of the year. So many incredible elements and depth.

Attack of the Black Rectangles by Amy Sarig King

From the publisher, Scholastic: available September 2022

Award-winning author Amy Sarig King takes on censorship and intolerance in a novel she was born to write.

When Mac first opens his classroom copy of Jane Yolen's The Devil’s Arithmetic and finds some words blacked out, he thinks it must be a mistake. But then when he and his friends discover what the missing words are, he's outraged.

Someone in his school is trying to prevent kids from reading the full story.

But who?

Even though his unreliable dad tells him to not get so emotional about a book (or anything else), Mac has been raised by his mom and grandad to call out things that are wrong. He and his friends head to the principal's office to protest the censorship... but her response doesn't take them seriously.

So many adults want Mac to keep his words to himself.

Mac's about to see the power of letting them out.

In Attack of the Black Rectangles, acclaimed author Amy Sarig King shows all the ways truth can be hard... but still worth fighting for.

 

It’s not just about censorship. Friendship, first crush, a father who isn’t who you’d like him to be, doing what’s right, finding courage, protesting, and truth. How very important truth is. And who wouldn't want Jane Yolen their book?!

Now, Amy Sarig King does not need my help selling books. She’s a force on her own with each book being unique and uniquely hers. But this is still one of the best books of the year. And that’s the truth.

Here’s another review of this book from Lynn Becker's blog. She always has awesome reviews.

LynnBecker Books Blog: August's Book of the Month--Attack of the Black Rectangles

 

Middle Grade Madness! Three Reviews

I'm so happy to be reading such great books. It's fun to post about them. I always appreciate a good recommendation. Yes, not all books are for everyone. That's the beauty of books, something for everyone. Same with films, art, music. It's awesome. 

The Callers by Kiah Thomas

From the publisher Chronicle Books: available April 5, 2022:

In the world of Elipsom, the ability to Call, or summon objects, is a coveted, crucial skill, revered among its people as both a powerful tool and an essential way to sustain life. But despite an elite family history, a phenom for an older sister, a best friend who is set to join the Council of Callers, and his mother's steely insistence that he learn to Call, Quin doesn't have the gift—an embarrassment made worse when his mother gets his sister to cheat for him on his Calling exam. But everything changes in a moment of frustration when Quin, instead of summoning an object, makes something disappear. And what's more, he quickly discovers that the objects Callers bring into their world aren't conjured at all but are whisked away from another world and a people who for years have had their lives slowly stolen from them. Now Quin must team up with Allie, a girl who's determined to stop this unfair practice, and decide whether he should remain loyal to his family or betray them—and save the world.

In a story that explores some of the most crucial topics of our time—our relationship to consumerism, the exploitation of natural resources, colonialism, and the consequences of wanting more than we need—magic is sought, and truth is found.

This was a fascinating read. How calling one thing takes it from another person/place. And the depletion of the earth/wares/crops. It’s a very satisfying circle how the story is intertwined. A great new perspective on resources and standing up for yourself when you feel you have no choice. The truth is what’s important. 

Freestyle: A Graphic Novel by Gale Galligan

This book was a fun read. Not knowing anything about Celtic mythology, it’s a pretty cool introduction to it.

From the publisher, Scholastic: Graphix: available October 18, 2022

Cory's dance crew is getting ready for a major competition. It's the last one before they graduate eighth grade and go their separate ways to high schools all over New York City, so they have to make it count! The group starts to have problems as their crew captain gets increasingly intense about nailing the routine, and things go from bad to worse when Cory's parents ground him for not taking his grades seriously. He gets stuck with a new tutor, Sunna, who he dismisses as a boring nerd… until he catches her secretly practicing cool yo-yo tricks. Cory wants to learn the art of yo-yo, and as his friendship with Sunna grows, he ends up missing practice and bailing on his crew -- and they are not happy about it. With mounting pressure coming from all sides, how is Cory supposed to balance the expectations of his parents, school, dance, and his new friend?

This has a very diverse and complex cast of characters. They all have a lot going on: friendship, dance competition, family expectations, school, yo-yo competition, not judging a book by its cover, standing up for yourself and what you really want. That might sound overwhelming but it’s not. It all fits perfectly in this graphic novel. The relatability factor is high – I could relate to all of them even if I haven’t been in that situation. The feelings were exactly right.

The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat & Joanna Cacao

From the publisher Scholastic Graphix: available September 6, 2022:

Trying out for middle school cheerleader means: performing in the giant school gym, with the whole school watching, and risking total humiliation. If Christina can make it through this, she can make it through anything. ​​​​​​​ As one of the only Asian American kids in her small Texas town, Christina just wants to fit in. Luckily, her best friend, Megan, who is Iranian American, can totally relate. The two girls have always been inseparable and relish creating elaborate fantasy worlds together.

But middle school is a reality-check, and suddenly popularity is way more important than playing pretend. ​​​​​​​ When cheerleading tryouts are announced, Christina and Megan literally jump at the chance to join the squad. But does fitting in actually equal belonging? Will they survive the terrifying tryouts? And most importantly, will their friendship withstand the pressures of heated competition and rivalry? ​​​​​​​

Hilarious and heartfelt, The Tryout is Christina Soontornvat's personal story, sure to make you laugh, cry, and cheer!

This story is about friendship, racism, family generations, working hard and wanting something so badly, and what do you do if you don’t get it. How you deal with that – grieving it, figuring out what’s next. And just maybe, it turns out better than the original plan. It’s something we all go through, whether in a big or small way. That pain and hurt and coming to terms with what happens in life.

Young Adult Review with a wee bit of horror 😲

First, I wanted to say Happy Canada Day and Happy July 4th - I hope your holiday weekend is fun and safe!

Second, let's get to the boooook! I have been reading SOOOO many good books! I can’t wait to post them all. I’m trying to go in order with a couple at a time even though I really want to list them all. Soon. I’ll pace myself. LOL

The one today is young adult. I don’t think I’ve ever read a horror novel, nope, not even Stephen King. So, I wasn’t sure what it was supposed to be like. I read fantasy and love that. Read some sci-fi. Is horror kind of a combination? I have no idea. And I’m sure I’m way off base.

The Honeys by Ryan La Sala

From the publisher, PUSH, a Scholastic Imprint: available May 2022

From Ryan La Sala, the wildly popular author of Reverie, comes a twisted and tantalizing horror novel set amidst the bucolic splendor of a secluded summer retreat.

Mars has always been the lesser twin, the shadow to his sister Caroline's radiance. But when Caroline dies under horrific circumstances, Mars is propelled to learn all he can about his once-inseparable sister who'd grown tragically distant.

Mars's genderfluidity means he's often excluded from the traditions -- and expectations -- of his politically-connected family. This includes attendance at the prestigious Aspen Conservancy Summer Academy where his sister poured so much of her time. But with his grief still fresh, he insists on attending in her place.

What Mars finds is a bucolic fairytale not meant for him. Folksy charm and sun-drenched festivities camouflage old-fashioned gender roles and a toxic preparatory rigor. Mars seeks out his sister's old friends: a group of girls dubbed the Honeys, named for the beehives they maintain behind their cabin. They are beautiful and terrifying -- and Mars is certain they're connected to Caroline's death.

But the longer he stays at Aspen, the more the sweet mountain breezes give way to hints of decay. Mars’s memories begin to falter, bleached beneath the relentless summer sun. Something is hunting him in broad daylight, toying with his mind. If Mars can't find it soon, it will eat him alive.

I like this book and think it’s light horror. There are some gross parts but like movies with gross parts, I put my hand up, or in this case, skim over any grossness. I know I’m a wimp – I’m okay with that.

The opening sequence is mind-blowing. This novel is gripping and engaging. The characters make you feel like you might know what they’re like, but there are great twists and turns, so you realize you can’t judge a book by the cover. The story plays with your mind making you wonder what’s real. It keeps you guessing.

And what’s more fun than a summer camp novel?! I can totally see this being a movie.

What’s also fun is the chapter headings and how they continually get more warped; similar to what’s on the cover. The six sections gathering more flowers – could that be bee related???

I still think of this book even though I read it weeks ago. There’s something about it that gets under your skin, like a bee sting, perhaps? Sorry, I don’t seem to be able to contain myself. But the characters stay with you.

There are a lot of layers in this book, and now I definitely want to read La Sala's Reverie!

Two Most Excellent, Wonderful, Lovely, Fun Picture Books!

I am so surprised and impressed that I'm getting a post out. LOL I ended a job, went to Canada, and then started a new job. And now I am so happy to present these two incredible books.

Where the Wee Ones Go: A Bedtime Wish for Endangered Animals by Karen Jameson, Illustrated by Zosienka

From the publisher, Chronicle Books: available April 2022

Wee readers will connect with wee endangered-animals in this mesmerizing bedtime book by Karen Jameson (Woodland Dreams, Farm Lullaby), promoting environmental awareness and encouraging the very sweetest of dreams!

When stars are out and the moon's above,

where do the wee ones go, my love?

Where do the wee ones go?

Where do endangered animals go to sleep? Immerse yourself in the lush beauty of this bedtime picture book and find out. From the Pacific Ocean to China's mountains, the Australian outback, and beyond, each baby animal has a warm, safe place to fall asleep.

With a variety of baby endangered animals and their mamas gracing each gorgeous spread, readers will be transfixed by richly-illustrated scenes that span the globe and capture each creature's unique habitat. Snuggle close like a sweet panda, curl up like a cozy koala, and drift off like a drowsy elephant, letting the sweeping environments and soothing bedtime rituals of this gentle animal lullaby lull even the most restless little dreamers into a deep and peaceful sleep.

Lovely to read, just lovely.

I was fortunate enough to read this at a book signing this past weekend. The last page gave me goosebumps. 

It’s so lyrical: beautiful and soothing text and illustrations. And I even learned something! It really is a treasure, this book, a wonderful addition to all bookshelves.

 

Monsters in the Briny by Lynn Becker, Illustrations by Scott Brundage

From the publisher Sleeping Bear Press: available April 2022:

What do you do with a grumpy kraken, a sickly sea serpent, and a tearful gigantic tortoise? You sing them a tune, of course! Following the sea shanty rhyme of "What Do You Do With . . . ," a ship's crew of sailors has to contend with a coterie of mythical sea creatures, all demanding comfort and attention. As each creature threatens to swamp the ship, the quick-thinking crew knows just what to do to save the day, from serving pancakes to mopping a sweaty forehead to sharing an umbrella to keep the rain away. But what happens when the sailors have had enough? Back matter includes information about the sea creatures featured, music and lyrics, along with a brief history of sea shanties

This book is so much fun to read! And sing! The words and illustrations are expressive and colorful, lifting the story to the next level. With this book, you can read to your child, sing to your child, and encourage participation, too. I don’t think it’ll take that much cajoling for anyone to sing along.

If you’re able to catch Lynn Becker reading it at a bookstore, like I was, you’ll be engaged, enjoy the musical accompaniment and be ready to sing the song yourself. I believe there is an awesome book trailer out there, as well as a video with book loving folks singing the story.

Another excellent addition to all bookshelves. Trust me.

 

Two more quick reviews - one MG, one PB

Witchlings by Claribel A. Ortega

From the publisher, Scholastic Press: available April 2022

A magical adventure for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers and Nevermoor, about three witchlings who must work together to do the impossible if they have any hope of earning their full powers.

Every year, in the magical town of Ravenskill, Witchlings who participate in the Black Moon Ceremony are placed into covens and come into their powers as full-fledged witches.

And twelve-year-old Seven Salazar can't wait to be placed in the most powerful coven with her best friend! But on the night of the ceremony, in front of the entire town, Seven isn't placed in one of the five covens. She's a Spare!

Spare covens have fewer witches, are less powerful, and are looked down on by everyone. Even worse, when Seven and the other two Spares perform the magic circle to seal their coven and cement themselves as sisters, it doesn't work! They're stuck as Witchlings—and will never be able to perform powerful magic.

Seven invokes her only option: the impossible task. The three Spares will be assigned an impossible task: If they work together and succeed at it, their coven will be sealed and they'll gain their full powers. If they fail... Well, the last coven to make the attempt ended up being turned into toads. Forever.

But maybe friendship can be the most powerful magic of all….

I am always a sucker for witch stories, fantasy, something that takes me away to another place. This did exactly that. Along with the books listed above, I’d add The Apprentice Witch by James Nicol.

All the witches have the areas they excel in and get sorted into covens. Three do not and are called the Spares. I liked how the three very different girls are thrown together and have to sink or swim together to do the impossible task. It’s more than an adventure, it’s a mystery with good witches and bad warlocks, nice families and not so nice families, rich and not rich. There was a small part at the end that felt a little preachy, but that might be an adult perspective. There is a very nice full circle moment when the girls find out what their names mean and why they got those specific names. And the names are all very unique.

I Color Myself Different by Colin Kaepernick

From the publisher Scholastic Inc: available April 2022:

When Colin Kaepernick was five years old, he was given a simple school assignment: draw a picture of yourself and your family. What young Colin does next with his brown crayon changes his whole world and worldview, providing a valuable lesson on embracing and celebrating his Black identity through the power of radical self-love and knowing your inherent worth.

I Color Myself Different is a joyful ode to Black and Brown lives based on real events in young Colin's life that is perfect for every reader's bookshelf. It's a story of self-discovery, staying true to one's self, and advocating for change... even when you're very little!

First a funny story – I read this book – it is an advanced reading copy and it wasn’t making sense and I felt like it was backwards. When I got to the end, I discovered it WAS backwards. LOL Not sure how it got printed that way, but it was an adventure and then really made sense when I read it the correct way. Even though it was from the back of the book forwards. Someone else got this ARC and theirs started at the beginning, so mine was just a fluke. Anyway… onto the story.

This felt like a very special book from the start. It was inspiring to see a child embrace being different, being adopted, being special. He loved his brown skin and he loved his family. He was proud of it and that made all the difference. It’s a profound story.

There is a spread with other people who inspired him and changed the world and gave him confidence to be himself, like Toni Morrison and Muhammad Ali They are listed in the back and with their accomplishments.

Reading Kaepernick's bio in the back was eye opening. Seeing the different ways he has made an impact and difference, just like his heroes, was touching to read.

I finally read a book! Actually two!

I could have sworn I had posted in December, but alas, I did not. Nor February or March. I wanted to. Unfortunately, there was too much going on and some things end up taking a back seat. My mother-in-law passed away in January, and that's been a lot to deal with on many levels. Then my husband got laid off. So, I've taken the liberty of calling this year, the year of big life events. Lots of changes, processing and adjusting. But I'm so happy I'm back to reading. I couldn't read anything close to real life. Luckily, my very good friend, Lynn Becker (her book comes out soon!!!) sent me a fantasy middle grade to help me get back on track. And it worked! 

Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts by Erika Lewis

This book was a fun read. Not knowing anything about Celtic mythology, it’s a pretty cool introduction to it.

From the publisher, Starscape: available March 1, 2022

Brimming with Celtic mythology, action, and danger, Erika Lewis's Kelcie Murphy and The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts introduces readers to a new kind of magical school and a warrior who must choose with which side of an epic battle her destiny will lie.

The Otherworld is at war. The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts trains warriors. And Kelcie Murphy―a foster child raised in the human world―is dying to attend.

A place at AUA means meeting Scáthach, the legendary trainer of Celtic heroes. It means learning to fight with a sword. It means harnessing her hidden powers and―most importantly―finding out who her parents are, and why they abandoned her in Boston Harbor eight years ago.

When Kelcie tests into the school, she learns that she’s a Saiga, one of the most ancient beings in the Otherworld. Secretive, shunned, and possessed of imposing elemental powers, the Saiga are also kin to the Otherworld's most infamous traitor.

But Kelcie is a survivor, and she’ll do whatever it takes to find her parents and her place in their world. Even if that means making a few enemies.

All the characters are unique with different gifts/powers. They have their own fiannas, which is like being sorted into a house in school. All the regular high school drama is there along with Kelcie figuring out how to control her newfound powers. Themes of family, friends and belonging are strong throughout. There is a very nice full circle moment as well.

The definitions at the back of the book gives the definitions of all the terms and pronunciations for some, which is super helpful.

 

Miss Quinces by Kat Fajardo

Graphic Novels are always a quick read, and I really enjoyed this one a lot.

From the publisher, Scholastic Graphix: available April 5, 2022

Rising star Kat Fajardo's debut middle-grade graphic novel about a girl who would rather do anything other than celebrate her quinceañera! A funny and heartfelt coming-of-age story about navigating the expectations of family and cultural tradition.

Sue just wants to spend the summer reading and making comics at sleepaway camp with her friends, but instead she gets stuck going to Honduras to visit relatives with her parents and two sisters. They live way out in the country, which means no texting, no cable, and no Internet! The trip takes a turn for the worse when Sue's mother announces that they'll be having a surprise quinceañera for Sue, which is the last thing she wants. She can't imagine wearing a big, floofy, colorful dress! What is Sue going to do? And how will she survive all this "quality" time with her rambunctious family?

Miss Quinces is the first graphic novel published by Scholastic/Graphix to be simultaneously released in English and Spanish editions.

I loved the characters and the settings. The cast is diverse and well developed. The story is a great twist on the quinceañera tradition. There are great family moments included and Kat Fajardo nailed the teen tug of war between spending time with family or friends. Fajardo show the compromise possible and the positive outcome that can be reached.

I also learned so much about quinces and the words and symbolism. Well done!