My Reading Week #IMWAYR- May 29, 2023

Thanks to Unleashing Readers and Teach Mentor Texts for this meme!

One of my goals in 2023 was to walk my 50th labyrinth. And, I’m happy to announce that I did it! Read about it here and see all the labyrinths I’ve walked since I started keeping track. http://a-semi-blogged-life.blogspot.com/2022/03/labyrinths.html

I’m also starting to transfer all my Filipino Reads book reviews to StoryGraph. https://app.thestorygraph.com/tags/8468c100-a420-4f5a-8efd-d9702cb6f273

Lia & Luís: Puzzled! by Ana Crespo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lia & Luis are back for another Storytelling Math tale. This time, they receive a mysterious package in the mail and they have to use logic and other skills to figure out the hidden message.

Cinda Meets Ella by Wallace West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fun western twist on Cinderella that’s just outright goofy and inclusive and perfect for fans of fairy tale retellings.

View all my reviews

A Kids Book About Banned Books by the National Coalition Against Censorship
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was impressed by how quickly they put this book out because it seemed timely but I saw it was published last year so it’s sad that it’s still relevant. A quick great introduction to start the conversations with young people about what book banning is, why it’s happening, and what we can do to prevent it.

Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’d been curious about this graphic novel but when I read someone review it on their IMWAYR post, it made me want to move it up my TBR because I’m sucker for anything that involves community involvement. A wonderful English-Spanish story of defying stereotypes and being good. It’s one of those books that you wish more adults would read so they can learn about their own bias and prejudices.

The Black Bestiary: An Alejandro Pardo Compendium by Budjette Tan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A follow-up to The Lost Journal of Alejandro Pardo, this multi-layer book explores more monsters of Philippine mythology using the aforementioned journal. It also continues to explore what sharing these stories have done to the narrator, who is now living in a compound to avoid whatever looms in the darkness. I felt like there were a couple typos that took me out of the story. While I didn’t particularly enjoy it, I thought the story within a story was cool.

You can view all my reviews over on Goodreads. Please consider supporting independent bookstores when you want to buy any of the books I’ve mentioned via Bookshop.org or Libro.fm.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy Reading!

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My Reading Week #IMWAYR- May 22, 2023

Thanks to Unleashing Readers and Teach Mentor Texts for this meme!

I had a bookish week last week. I feel like I haven’t shared non-reviews here as much but you can check my other site for that recap.

The Met Edgar Degas: He Saw the World in Moving Moments by Amy Guglielmo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Maybe because I wasn’t as familiar with Edgar Degas’s art than the other artists in this picture book biography series that I didn’t like it as much but I do enjoy this series for incorporating facts and including activities readers can do to imitate the artist’s style.

Bugblock by Christopher Franceschelli
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A blocky interactive board book to learn about insects.

Ty’s Travels: Camp-Out by Kelly Starling Lyons
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Branching out from early reader format into early reader comics, Ty continues to find imaginative ways to solve problems- in this instance, a storm ruins the family’s camping trip.

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom by Matthew Swanson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and The Terrible Two, this will have readers clamoring for more Ben Yokoyama. When he accidentally takes a fortune cookie too seriously and ends up believing that it’s his last day on Earth, he goes about doing everything to make sure it’s his best day ever. It ripples outward creating a chain reaction of sitcom style events affecting his family, his friends, and his neighborhood.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A delightful coming of age novel about a young girl who’s moved to a new place, to a new school, joined a secret club of other girls who talk about boys they like and what’ll it be like once they get their periods, and trying to fit in by figuring out what she believes in. I remember giving this book to a couple of my younger sisters when they were turning twelve. I found Margaret Simon’s voice and perspective very refreshing.

My Aunt Is a Monster by Reimena Yee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’d been curious about this graphic novel for awhile. I loved that it featured a blind girl going out on adventures. The premise is quirky and wild. Hopefully we’ll get more.

The Tryout: A Graphic Novel by Christina Soontornvat
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Based on the author’s childhood and experiences, this graphic memoir novel will be perfect for fans of Victoria Jamieson and Raina Telgemeier.

The Days of Bluegrass Love by Edward van de Vendel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wanted to like this more than I did, hoping I can find an LGBTQ+ YA novel I loved almost as much as Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. I really enjoyed the first quarter of the novel and my feelings eventually leveled out but I’m still glad I picked up what was groundbreaking when it was first released in the Netherlands over two decades ago.

You can view all my reviews over on Goodreads. Please consider supporting independent bookstores when you want to buy any of the books I’ve mentioned via Bookshop.org or Libro.fm.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy Reading!

My Reading Week #IMWAYR- May 15, 2023

Thanks to Unleashing Readers and Teach Mentor Texts for this meme!

I created a Twitter thread of my Filipino Reads this year. You can find it here if you’re interested.

Maribel’s Year by Michelle Sterling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sweet story that follows a young girl counting down the days until she’s reunited with her dad as she settles in her new home and remembering when she still lived in the Philippines.

A Year of Good News by Martin Smatana
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is like if you printed your Instagram feed if you followed all good news paired with fabric art. I think it’s a good book to have. A QR code allows readers to read more about each story.

Last Flight by Kristen Mai Giang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Based on the author’s childhood, this picture book recounts a harrowing time when families were trying to flee during the fall of Saigon.

Big by Vashti Harrison
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An empowering book about being brave, standing up for oneself, and finding one’s voice to speak up when other people’s words hurt you.

Rainbow Hands by Mamta Nainy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A nice enough picture book about being free to express yourself even if it’s not “the norm.”

Every Body: A First Conversation about Bodies by Megan Madison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What I appreciated most about it is all the backmatter material to help facilitate conversations about body positivity and body liberation.

Being You: A First Conversation About Gender by Megan Madison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great book to bring up the topic about gender identity to young kids. What I appreciated most about it is all the backmatter material to help facilitate the conversation which I’m sure some if not most adults find difficult.

Aaron Slater and the Sneaky Snake by Andrea Beaty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Questioneers are together again this time helping Rosie’s zookeeper uncle make sure the zoo doesn’t get shut down due to some misinformed citizens.

Sejal Sinha Battles Superstorms by Maya Prasad
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A fun new early chapter book series that includes a young Indian American girl into science (like her entire family) with a big imagination. Hopefully kids who like Magic Tree House will give this one a try.

She Persisted: Kalpana Chawla by Raakhee Mirchandani
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great addition to the series. I always enjoy the ones about people I wasn’t familiar with.

When Clouds Touch Us by Thanhhà Lại
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was surprised to find out about this book. I couldn’t wait to read it. As I suspected, it was well-written. Unfortunately, maybe because I hyped it up or maybe because I loved Inside Out and Back Again or maybe because I was in the wrong headspace, I didn’t really resonate with the book as much.

You Are Here: Connecting Flights by Ellen Oh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m glad I finally read this anthology. It’s a cool premise of twelve different kids who cross paths in the Chicago airport. I really appreciated the diversity shown within these different cultures and background. I did get anxious reading some (ok, most) of the stories because the racism and ignorance the characters had to endure aren’t things of the past. I thought not knowing who wrote which story (although one can guess) was a cool approach.

The Lost Journal of Alejandro Pardo: Meet the Dark Creatures from Philippines Mythology by Budjette Tan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Older fans of Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark will love the illustrations in this field guide of monsters and supernatural creatures from the Philippines.

The Man in the McIntosh Suit by Rina Ayuyang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My personal challenge to read more Filipino books has definitely led me to works and styles that I normally wouldn’t pick up otherwise. This noir graphic novel was a great example taking place in Depression era California from the fields to the Bay Area. It took me awhile to get used to the style but I ended up appreciating the twists and turns and how the story unfolded. I also liked the surprising yet not spoilery LGBTQ+ content.

You can view all my reviews over on Goodreads. Please consider supporting independent bookstores when you want to buy any of the books I’ve mentioned via Bookshop.org or Libro.fm.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy Reading!

My Reading Week #IMWAYR- May 8, 2023

Thanks to Unleashing Readers and Teach Mentor Texts for this meme!

Soon, Your Hands by Jonathan Stutzman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sweet story of each child’s potential through the eyes of three families. I loved the diversity and appreciated the backmatter material about ASL.

Día de Muertos: Números: A Day of the Dead Counting Book by Duncan Tonatiuh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m always excited for a new Duncan Tonatiuh book and this counting book is a fun way to also learn about Día de Muertos.

You Are a Story by Bob Raczka
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One of my favorite picture books of 2023. I love the message of what we are and that we are more than one thing. The part of us being astronauts was sort of a eureka moment. The playful illustrations really add to what makes this book great.

Some of These Are Snails by Carter Higgins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Classification made fun in this deceptive simple yet entertainingly layered picture book. Can be read multiples times without diminishing returns.

Frank and Bert by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A funny story about two friends who love to play hide and seek. It’s a nice way to think about whether one wants to always win or one wants to make sure their friend is having fun.

My Friend, Loonie by Nina LaCour
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A nice enough story about friendship and grief and moving on. I picked this up because it features two moms but it’s not about that.

Unstoppable: How Bayard Rustin Organized the 1963 March on Washington by Michael Long
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m thrilled that more and more picture books about this out activist are being released. The world needs to know about Bayard Rustin and his contributions in the Civil Rights Movement.

High Chair Chemistry by Jill Esbaum
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fun new board book series introducing science concepts to babies. I think this would be enjoyed more and more as the kid grows older.

Bath Time Physics by WonderLab Group
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fun new board book series introducing science concepts to babies. I think this would be enjoyed more and more as the kid grows older.

What Were You Expecting?: First Words for New Parents by Cameron Spires
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fun gift for new parents so they feel left out when a new baby arrives in the world and takes all of everyone’s attention and focus.

Chloe and the Kaishao Boys by Mae Coyiuto
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Young Adult romantic-comedy novel was a refreshing change of pace from the serious and/or fantasy titles I’ve been reading by Filipino authors. I laughed out loud multiple times throughout and overlooked the predictable parts to enjoy the ride. Basically, Chloe is a Chinese-Filipina getting set up on multiple dates to round up her “roses” for her debut or 18th birthday celebration. And as if complicated emotions weren’t enough to try and figure out, she’s also planning on going to the US for college leaving her family and friends behind. Readers looking for a lighthearted read who enjoyed Crazy Rich Asians might want to give this one a try.

You can view all my reviews over on Goodreads. Please consider supporting independent bookstores when you want to buy any of the books I’ve mentioned via Bookshop.org or Libro.fm.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy Reading!

My Reading Week #IMWAYR- May 1, 2023

Thanks to Unleashing Readers and Teach Mentor Texts for this meme!

In 2023, I’ve read 173 books so far. The breakdown is: 5- Adult novel 4- Adult non-fiction 18- Graphic novels 35- Middle Grade novels 108- Picture Books and Board Books 3- Young Adult novels of which 29- Nonfiction Picture Books 18- Audio Books 12- Books by Filipino Authors and/or Illustrators 8- Book by LGBTQ+ Authors and/or Illustrators Grandad’s Pride by Harry Woodgate
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw there was going to be a follow-up to Grandad’s Camper- and a bit apprehensive since that one was really good. So, I’m pleased to say this was as sweet as the first one- celebrating the past and moving into the future with pride.

Grandad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sweet and lovely picture book about loss and love and moving on. I loved seeing older LGBTQ representation and obviously the Grandad had lived a wonderful life with Gramps when they were together. This was like the relationship in Pixar’s Up and it’ll give you the same emotional reaction. You’d wish you had more time spent with these characters.

Only Only Marisol Rainey by Erin Entrada Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve started looking forward to more adventures with Marisol Rainey. I’ve just been enchanted with her little escapades with her friends. I appreciate her thought processes. This time around, a neighborhood dog which she’s not particularly fond of goes missing and her friendship with her BFF seems a bit strained when they start teaching a classmate how to ride a bike.

The House That Wasn’t There by Elana K. Arnold
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was enjoying the story and then veered off into a different type of story which I then became fine with them the ending was sort of abrupt.

Muros: Within Magical Walls: The Case of the Cemetery Girl by Paolo Chikiamco
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I think I would have liked this graphic novel more if I knew if it was a series or not and when the next book(s) will be out. It’s just too much for me to commit to an alternate world otherwise. It is an interesting premise, perfect for fans of Trese.

You can view all my reviews over on Goodreads. Please consider supporting independent bookstores when you want to buy any of the books I’ve mentioned via Bookshop.org or Libro.fm.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy Reading!

My Reading Week #IMWAYR- April 24, 2023

Thanks to Unleashing Readers and Teach Mentor Texts for this meme!

First of all, I transferred my reviews from The StoryGraph to Goodreads because I realized there were just too many I kept forgetting I read already.

Cely’s Crocodile: The Art and Story of Araceli Limcaco Dans / Si Cely at ang Buwaya: Ang Sining at Buhay ni Araceli Limcaco Dans by Gabriela Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’d been curious about this book and I finally got it as a birthday gift.

I didn’t realize it was a nonfiction picture book which was a pleasant surprise since I didn’t know anything about this artist and her signature style.

Araceli Limcaco Dans pursued her passion for art even when she was discouraged to do so. She used it as a way to express herself and to help others during World War II.

I Survived the Galveston Hurricane, 1900 by Lauren Tarshis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I finally picked up a book in this series. I didn’t realize how intense they were. Although, that’s pretty much on me considering what the series is called and what this book was about. I can see the kid appeal to this. Plenty of excitement in the safety of a book. Lots of additional information after the story for kids who are still curious about the subject.

Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea by Ashley Herring Blake
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I somehow managed to simultaneously end up reading two middle grade novels about dealing with the loss of a parent and how the eldest child sort of has to be the functioning grown up in the family. This one is the most serious of the two.

Ashley Herring Blake is a wonderful writer. This book was rather depressing. I was annoyed and angry at the mom. I feel like a lot of my dislike of this book comes from me wanting Hazel to hold on to her grief and anger longer which is not character growth at all for a kids novel.

MythSpace: Ignition by Paolo Chikiamco
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Even though this wasn’t for me, I could appreciate the fresh take on Philippine mythology. These six stories reimagine old lore into a futuristic intergalactic setting with anime-style illustrations.

You can view all my reviews over on Goodreads. Please consider supporting independent bookstores when you want to buy any of the books I’ve mentioned via Bookshop.org or Libro.fm.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy Reading!

My Reading Week #IMWAYR- April 17, 2023

Thanks to Unleashing Readers and Teach Mentor Texts for this meme!

Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth – An Inclusive Holiday Board Book for Babies and Toddlers by Mudpuppy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Simple text shows different ways to celebrate Juneteenth. Backmatter goes into more detail about the holiday.

Elena Rides by Juana Medina
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Fun beginning reader book about learning to ride a bike and not giving up despite not getting the hang out of it the first few tries!

A Flag for Juneteenth by Kim Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Beautiful, uplifting, and celebratory story of a girl’s birthday coinciding with the freedom announcement in Galveston, Texas. The quilt artwork adds a special layer to it.

She Persisted: Ella Fitzgerald by Andrea Davis Pinkney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great person to feature in this series. I’m sure readers will seek out Ella’s music after reading about her life!

Lowriders to the Rescue by Cathy Camper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s always impressive to see what this duo comes up with in the Lowriders series. This time they tackle climate change, gentrification, and the surprising similarities between two seemingly different cultures. Not to mention there’s an octopus who has poor eyesight and starts falling in love with inanimate objects.

The World of Andong Agimat: The Mystery of the Talisman by Arnold Arre
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A throwback to those old-fashioned (outdated) action movies where the hero is a silent, brooding type most likely with a cigarette in his mouth and most definitely has a drinking problem and a complicated relationship with an ex. Mix in supernatural elements and you have our hero’s story.

If Arnold Arre’s The Mythology Class has the epicness of Watchmen, I would say this has Constantine vibes.

The Children Of Bathala: A Mythology Class Reunion by Arnold Arre
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s always a mix of excitement and trepidation when a sequel is planned to such a masterpiece work because things need to be shaken up again for the characters who’ve more or less earned their happy endings.

Readers will be surprised at this new landscape The Mythology Class find themselves in and eagerly anticipate how it all plays out in the next book in the series.

You can view all my reviews over on Goodreads. Please consider supporting independent bookstores when you want to buy any of the books I’ve mentioned via Bookshop.org or Libro.fm.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy Reading!

My Reading Week #IMWAYR- April 10, 2023

Thanks to Unleashing Readers and Teach Mentor Texts for this meme!

Sari-Sari Summers by Lynnor Bontigao
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sweet story about a little girl who loves helping her Lola at their store whenever she visits the Philippines in the summer. When traffic slows down because of a heat wave, she worries that she may not be needed in the store anymore. Luckily, a solution presents herself during a quiet moment outside with her Lola.

Lolo’s Sari-sari Store by Sophia N. Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A girl misses helping out her Lolo at their sari-sari store in the Philippines and all the people who would regularly shop their. When she finds herself in a new faraway place, she realizes she could use the lessons she learned from her Lolo to make this feel more like home.

Everybody! by Elise Gravel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Simple text shares an inclusive message. Perfect for fans of Todd Parr.

Wallflowers by Mackenzie Joy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Finally, a book about celebrating the quiet ones instead of saying they need to be brought out of their shells.

We Are Earthlings by Rachel Qiuqi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A good idea but I wish the text or format was more consistent.

I Was Born a Baby by Meg Fleming
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A fun picture book celebrating baby animals. Readers will enjoy knowing the different names various animals have for their offspring.

Monster and Me 1: Who’s the Scaredy-Cat? by Cort Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A new early chapter book series perfect for Isle of Misfits and Desmond Cole, Ghost Patrol fans. This came up on a list that so far- at least with this particularly title- I can’t figure out how the book made it there. I may read one more title in the series to see if that’ll help.

Into the Shadow Mist by Christina Soontornvat
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bestselling, award-winning, and prolific author Christina Soontornvat creates a fantasy world perfect for fans of Upside Down Magic and Avatar: The Last Airbender. When traveling to a mysterious faraway island to continue their lessons, Plum and her friends someone is stealing great sources/resources of power for unknown purposes.

She Persisted: Florence Nightingale by Shelli R. Johannes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While I was familiar with Florence Nightingale, this was a great way to learn more about her and see just how much she contributed to modern nursing.

Marya Khan and the Fabulous Jasmine Garden by Saadia Faruqi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another fun installment in the Marya Khan series, perfect for fans of Jo Jo Makoons and Ivy & Bean. This time, an exciting school project has Marya having to compete with her arch-nemesis. But, she realizes maybe her rival isn’t as bad as she’s making her out to be!

Life in Five Senses: How Exploring the Senses Got Me Out of My Head and Into the World by Gretchen Rubin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gretchen Rubin does it again with her latest experiment turned book that I would say is on par with her other works The Happiness Project and The Four Tendencies. One would expect writing about the five senses- and how to be aware of them to enjoy life more fully- would be dry and boring with nothing new to learn about but with her signature conversational style, she manages to present them in a new way with lots of fascinating information. It was fun to hear bits she was working on on her podcast become sections in this book. She presents practical usage to apply what’s she written like keeping a Five Senses Journal and doing a Five-Senses Portrait. On a technical note, I enjoyed and appreciated the structure of the book including the parts she would visit the Met for each of the senses.

You can view all my reviews over on Goodreads. Please consider supporting independent bookstores when you want to buy any of the books I’ve mentioned via Bookshop.org or Libro.fm.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy Reading!

My Reading Week #IMWAYR- April 3, 2023

Thanks to Unleashing Readers and Teach Mentor Texts for this meme!

I don’t think I’ve been sharing my monthly recaps but here’s a reading one. In 2023, I’ve read 142 books so far.

The breakdown is:
5- Adult novel
3- Adult non-fiction
13- Graphic novels
24- Middle Grade novels
94- Picture Books and Board Books
3- Young Adult novels
of which
25- Nonfiction Picture Books
14- Audio Books
5- Books by Filipino Authors and/or Illustrators
6- Book by LGBTQ+ Authors and/or Illustrators

How to Write a Poem by Kwame Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A beautiful book to read, to read aloud, and to share. The text and illustrations are perfect together.

Fish and Crab by Marianna Coppo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A cute book dealing with nighttime anxieties.

Bridges by Marc Majewski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love bridges so was pleasantly surprised to see this book and I had to read it right away. Of course, I enjoyed it and I want to visit all these bridges!

A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Henry may be different but his experiences will be relatable to so many of his readers as he tries to find a friend.

Henry, Like Always by Mika Song
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A begining chapter book spinoff series of the picture book A Friend for Henry. Readers will welcome getting to know a boy who’s on the autism spectrum as he tries to deal with a sudden change in his school routine.

Be the Bus: The Lost Profound Wisdom of The Pigeon by Mo Willems
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It’s mind boggling to think that some of the kids who the original Pigeon book was read to are parents now. This would be a great gift for them.

You can view all my reviews over on Goodreads. Please consider supporting independent bookstores when you want to buy any of the books I’ve mentioned via Bookshop.org or Libro.fm.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy Reading!

My Reading Week #IMWAYR- March 27, 2023

Thanks to Unleashing Readers and Teach Mentor Texts for this meme!

The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bestselling, award-winning, and prolific author Christina Soontornvat creates a fantasy world perfect for fans of Upside Down Magic and Avatar: The Last Airbender. I look forward to the next books in the series.

Lotería by Karla Valenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A delightful fantasy adventure perfect for fans of Encanto. Life and Death play a game to see how a girl’s fate plays out.

Oh, Sal by Kevin Henkes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Charming book about a little girl who’s experiencing a lot of big feelings that she can’t understand and doesn’t know how to communicate. First, there’s the new baby who doesn’t have a name and her older brother who always makes fun of her. Second, there’s an uncle who’s staying with them for far longer than she wants and who keeps calling her salamander. Third, she never seems to have alone time with her mom and dad. And, finally, her favorite present has gone missing. Readers will be enchanted with Sal and her predicaments.

Odder by Charles Santoso
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Maybe I was in a certain frame of mind but I found this book super depressing. The shark attack I was fine with since it was a natural thing that happens but then add being separated from a parent, losing a child and the depression brought on from it, among other things, was just too much for me take.

How We Eat by Shuli de la Fuente-Lau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This board book series is great for providing representations of all types of people coupled in this case with the different ways we eat. Great backmatter with additional information and questions to engage the reader.

Churro and the Magician by Gastón Caba
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A wordless graphic novel with the same vibes as The Sorcerer’s Apprentice from Fantasia.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve been wanting to read this for awhile and was actually going to save it until Banned Books Week but with all the bannings going on now and the fact that Laurie Halse Anderson won the the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, it felt it was the best time to read this.

Not an easy read but an important one and portrays realistic inner conflicts of a rape victim. It doesn’t necessarily provide an ending which is another good thing. I mean the book does of course end but things aren’t wrapped up nicely.

You can view all my reviews over on Goodreads. Please consider supporting independent bookstores when you want to buy any of the books I’ve mentioned via Bookshop.org or Libro.fm.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy Reading!