However horrible 2016 has been, I fear we are in for even darker times ahead. That’s not me being a pessimist or dramatic but what I think is bound to happen with what has happened and is happening. All actions have their consequences and we’re about to experience more of it. (To use another metaphor, if 2016 felt like a major earthquake, get ready for aftershocks.)
Never before have I felt a person with such power have what’s best for America and its people as the last thing on his mind, his least priority. When people are feeling like they somehow got trapped in a pro-Hitler amusement park, then something’s wrong. I take comfort in the fact that the majority of the people didn’t actually vote for him.
We have to stick together during these tough times, help each other out. Be the light to shine the way. Be the rock to lean on. We will be strong and resilient because we are strong and resilient. Let’s be stronger together.
Commitment to Literacy
I am rededicating myself to volunteering. I will do as much good as possible to as many people as possible.
Bookselling
I will continue being a passionate and dedicated bookseller. I strongly believe that the more books we read- and the more often- the smarter and kinder people become.
Blogging
Participate in
-Non-Fiction Picture Book Challenge #NFPB2017 Goal: 104 books including MG and YA
-Must Read in 2017 #MustReadin2017
Reading
Read more books by Filipino, LGBTQ, and local (Portland/PNW) authors and illustrators- and showcase these books better!
Attend book clubs.
Writing
Find a critique group.
Send my manuscript(s) to an agent.
Work on completing rough drafts of at least three stories.
Share at least one original story on my blog.
Participate in StoryStorm.
My Must Read list constantly changes throughout the year but for the most part the majority of the books stay the same. And I try to never make my goal count less than the original. Often I would replace a title I took out with one or two that were similar in format. For example, I didn’t really feel like reading Ron Chernow’s Alexander Hamilton after all- I got caught in the fad- and so I replaced it with The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee.
Like Herman Melville’s Moby Dick of last year, there were books I started but couldn’t force myself to read for various reasons. I read the first part of Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury but maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for it. The Emperor of All Maladies was too painful to read subject-wise. Maybe I’ll pick it up again.
Also, I would end up wanting to read the entire works of certain authors and would them on my list- only to not be able to actually get to them. I added Matt de la Pena’s novels too late into the year to make a dent. And I’ve decided I may enjoy them more if I just randomly pick them up when my mood strikes me.
Click here to see my Must Read in 2016 list. (I have to do a better job updating the page with links once I post them!)
Agatha Christie Reading Challenge
I read the 15 novels for the year and most of them were rereads of my favorites!
Non-Fiction Picture Book Challenge
I exceeded my goal of reading 104 NFPB’ers by 30 for a total of 134!
Books I Didn’t Finish -Ready Player One by Ernest Cline -The Martian by Andy Weir -I Am Malala: Young Reader’s Edition by Malala Yousafzai, Patricia McCormick -The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
Books I Couldn’t Finish -The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee -Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
2016. What a year it was. But looking back and trying to find a rhyme or reason to it, I have to say 2016 was a year of coming together. Coming together in celebration- getting to spend time with family and friends. Coming together in grief- of lives lost and of what I truly believe is an attack on the American dream and basic human decency.
In February, I went back to the Philippines after 15 years. I loved getting to see my mom, grandma, nieces, and all my relatives there. I wish I could go there more often and I definitely don’t want to wait as long next time! I had a layover at San Francisco and managed to sneak some family time there as well.
*Read about my Philippines trip here.
*Read about the bookstores I visited in the Philippines here.
I went on my annual trip to Las Vegas and I had a great time with family and friends. And throughout the year, I had visits from other people. May we all spend more time with people we love!
My Vegas trip took place during one of my blogging hiatuses so I didn’t get to write about it. I did end up going to the Vegas Valley Book Festival and got to see Nathan Hale, Adam Silvera, Eliot Schrefer, Stephen Savage, Megan McDonald, Selina Alko and Sena Qualls just to name a few.
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June was Pride Month and I decided to go all out in my first year actually celebrating it- walking in the parade and even running a 5K!
But, of course, we also took time to honor the lives lost during the senseless violence of the Pulse Night Club shootings.
Even though I wasn’t going to chase hours, I’m glad I managed to do 100 volunteer hours for the year! I really enjoyed volunteering with Multnomah County Library- primarily in their Every Child department but also during Staff Day.
I do feel rededicated to volunteering- to do as much good as I can for as many people- after the outcome of the election and being part of the Volunteer Expo and the Volunteer Leader Appreciation Party that Hands On held, as well as reading Spirit of Service.
I ended up donating more money this year than I budgeted for- with the Children’s Book Bank (for my sister Charmaine), Literary Arts, ACLU, Human Rights Campaign, and Donors Choose.
Bookstores and Bookselling
I had a goal to spend at least $12 a month at an independent bookstore for an entire year- 12X12X12 Bookstore Challenge- but it just wasn’t I could do financially.
As a bookseller, I feel I’m pretty good already what I do- and I shouldn’t be too tough on myself for not reading as much of our inventory or getting to know the authors and illustrators who do readings or even the regular customers better. Of course, I want to read more because I’m always impressed by how voracious as readers our shoppers are. They keep me on my toes.
Blogging
I had started a new blog this year to coincide with my One Little Word- Kindness Conversations– but I had too much on my mind, especially the last quarter of the year. In fact, I even took a couple blogging hiatuses to not feel too overwhelmed.
My Reading Life
I ended up reading 666 books n 2016- at least, according to Goodreads.
I’ve definitely met up with Bookish People over the year- maybe not as consistently as I originally intended but more realistic in terms of everyone’s schedules including mine.
I organized all my story ideas and works-in-progress by consolidating my multiple notebooks into a binder. It’s been helpful to have them all in one place. By going through my journals, it’s been fun discovering ideas I forgot I had. Of course, since then, I’ve had other ideas I have to compile from my other notebooks!
I did a month-long challenge in January to come up with an Idea a Day. For 2017, January will be when the new Picture Book Idea Month challenge- now called StoryStorm- takes places so I’m going to participate in that.
When my schedule changed for work, I was able to dedicate my Sunday mornings before going to work on writing. It’s something that fell on the wayside that I’m hoping to get back soon.
I finally joined SCBWI as a birthday present for myself in April. I’ve barely scratched the surface of all the things they offer but I highly recommend any aspiring or even established book creators to join it.
I managed to finish a first rough draft of a second picture book manuscript. Once I got over the idea of needing to illustrate them, the words came more easily. I’m able to focus more on the story.
Thanks to Ruth Ayers of Discover. Play. Build. for creating this meme!
This week I’m celebrating my favorite books of 2016!
Overall Favorite Books of 2016
You can read my review of this graphic novel memoir trilogy here. I’ve been telling everyone it’s a must read for everyone ages 10 and up. Not only will readers learn about history but maybe inspire them to be part of history and thinking about how their actions can shape current events!
Picture Books
Be a Friend by Salina Yoon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
My first favorite picture book of 2016 is a great story about being oneself and friendship. Being extraordinary can be lonely and sometimes it takes someone just as special to break down the wall between them, even if the wall is imaginary. View all my reviews
Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wow! This is a book I’d been wanting to read since I knew they were working together and the book managed to live up to all the expectations. Great father and son tale about finding one’s own identity within the family structure. Run- don’t walk- to your nearest independent bookstore to get a copy! View all my reviews
Nanette’s Baguette by Mo Willems
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mo Willems never fails to entertain. He’s really this generation’s Dr. Seuss! This picture book has become one of my favorite books to listen to as adults read it to their kids at the store! View all my reviews
This charming picture book introduces a newly built school wondering how the students will like him! He worries they don’t like him. He’s a little bit mean to one of them. He’s embarrassed when his fire alarm goes off. But as the day progresses, he’s excited to learn new things and meet new friends.
Paired with Christian Robinson’s vibrant and playful illustrations, Adam Rex has created a story perfect for any classroom read-aloud.
The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles by Michelle Cuevas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book deserves all the pre-pub positive buzz it received. Absolutely beautiful in both written and visual storytelling and style. Reminiscent of the Stead’s A Sick Day for Amos McGee, it truly is a tender tale of kindness (and appreciating the good works of others) one should experience. Caldecott contender. View all my reviews
Nonfiction Picture Books
(Caldecott Pick #1)
Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photograph by Roxane Orgill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jazz Day deserves all the awards it should receive. Just thinking about this book makes me happy because it’s just that good. Taking a photograph and giving it context through poetry is brilliant. Focusing on the different musicians and making up backstories to the kids featured on the famous Harlem 1958 photo, we are taken back to that day and that place. The illustrations are as lively as the subjects. Also included are the actual photo itself in a beautiful foldout, an author’s note, short biographies on certain musicians, and a look into the impact of it. I definitely want to see the other works about this photo including the documentary. View all my reviews
There’s a whole slew of picture books focusing on presidential hopeful Hillary Rodham Clinton that have just come out. It is incredible to read about all her accomplishments- and what else she has yet to accomplish.
Michelle Markel’s Hillary Rodham Clinton: Some Girls Are Born to Lead seems to be the most kid-friendly (with LeUyen Pham’s signature illustrations) with an invitation for girls to pave their own way despite obstacles. I appreciate all the details Pham includes and the explanations of who the people are who she drew.
When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my favorite middle grade of 2016! I love the entire series, comparing it often to The Wizard of Oz. Grace Lin manages to get better with each book. I love the smaller stories of Chinese fairy tales and folk tales interwoven to the larger narrative and the moment every time the connections are made. The illustrations are stunning as well. View all my reviews
(Newbery Pick) Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book reminded me of Tuck Everlasting, which is kind of misleading since I didn’t like that book but enjoyed this one. A girl and her family end up staying with her grandfather over the summer as they help him with his dementia. She wonders if her friendships can survive the distance and where she fits in with her family who are close at hand but feel distant. And then her grandfather begins telling her a story about a magical tree and she’s torn between believing in it or just treating it as a fairy tale. View all my reviews
(Newbery Pick) Some Kind of Courage by Dan Gemeinhart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Some Kind of Courage had everything I detested in a book: a sob story premise (his parents and sister are dead) about an animal (his horse gets taken away from him and he’s out to get her back) set in a historical setting. Luckily, the writing was superb. The pacing was great in what is basically a chase novel. The main character is just so darn likable that you want to make sure he’s at least in a good place by the end of the novel. One of the strongest friendships I’ve ever read despite their language barrier and cultural differences. Plus, there was a rather intense bear scene that was very gripping.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love that I didn’t even know about this new release and it’s one of my top middle grade novel of 2016! It reminded me a little bit of Maniac Magee because of the running aspect. And while I was annoyed at Ghost’s character in the beginning- but only because I hate it when people are randomly picked out for their “special-ness” like he was when he decided to crash their practice- I loved the authenticity of his thoughts and actions. Of all the drama they threw at him, I appreciated how Jason Reynolds decided not to overdo it and it made the story flow so much better. I’m hooked. I can’t wait for the other books in the series. (This is also a great example of a novel with which I think people are calling “casual diversity.”) View all my reviews
Booked by Kwame Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This year has completely surprised me in terms of what books I’ve ended up liking. You may or may not know how I absolutely didn’t like The Crossover but I was hooked on Booked! I kept wanting to talk about it with someone.
Maybe I knew what to expect with a novel told in verse. But I think the characters were definitely more likable and relatable. And the “corny like Fritos” factor was still there but it worked with Booked.
I would have enjoyed a list of all the books mentioned in this book. And props to Kwame Alexander for being such a literacy advocate! View all my reviews
The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was afraid The Key to Extraordinary would suffer from the sophomore slump but I should have had more faith in Natalie Lloyd’s writing and storytelling skills. Her first middle grade novel, A Snicker of Magic, is one of my favorite books to recommend. It truly is a wonder of a book. I admit Key started off slow for me- and I felt the language was too flowery for my taste. I’m such a manly man you see. And I’m also quite vain so when a character named was Earl was introduced, the book got all the more interesting. I’m always curious how Earl’s in the media fare and I always want them to do well in their respective stories. Once the story picked up a few chapters in, I couldn’t put the book down. I stayed up all night so invested was I to know what would happen next. I loved the friendships and other relationships. I loved the adventure and the magic and the realness of the situations. I loved the little surprises here and there. With some books, you can feel the heart and soul of the writer in the words they share with the readers. And I feel with this book, we get a more of a glimpse of how extraordinary a human being Natalie Lloyd is! View all my reviews
Slacker by Gordon Korman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is one of my favorite novels of the year- surprisingly so considering the awful cover which was why I never had the desire to read it in the first place. I love books about kindness and always am in the look out for books for kids that wasn’t depressing or overly serious. Slacker is fun and substantial. It’s about a gamer boy who almost burns down his house. To avoid getting into trouble, he creates a fake school club- the Positive Action Group- that, before he knows it, becomes something real. Today through different characters’ perspectives, we see how a little good can go a long way. I’d love kids to read this and see themselves with that same power and still be kids. View all my reviews
Full of Beans by Jennifer L. Holm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I didn’t know what to expect from this novel plus it was a prequel to another book and I tend to read things in chronological order. But Full of Beans was a great standalone novel and full of surprises. I loved the characters and the lively language. I’m not usually a fan of historical novels but this had enough to actually get me curious. There are some historical contexts included at the back of the book as well. I’m looking forward to actually reading Turtle in Paradise now! Definitely one of my top 5 middle grade novels of 2016! View all my reviews
We dig deeper into the histories of characters we’ve come to know revealing surprising secrets. We learn of dark forces ready to make their ultimate moves to get what they want. Our heroes undertake unique ways to fight back but things will never be the same which makes me wish the fourth and final book is out already!
I love this series for its cleverness, sophistication, and its ability to speak on certain topics you wouldn’t expect in a supernatural mystery.
Plus, I celebrated and reviewed the entire series (so far) here. And, I’m excited that book four- The Dire King– is expected to come out August 22nd, 2017! That’s definitely on my Must Read in 2017 list!
I was so impressed by this retelling of Snow White. It’s very artsy and noir-ish. Evocative illustrations and sparse text. Set in the Roaring Twenties and Depression eras. I would say fans already familiar with the awesomeness of graphic novels will appreciate this more than casual readers. Of course, fairy tale fans would want to add this to their collections as well.
You can read my review of this series in this Gene Luen Yang mega-post featuring all his other graphic novels!
You can read my review of this nonfiction graphic novel series here.
Adult Fiction
Further Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin
Apparently I’ve been reading one Armistead Maupin Tales of the City novel a year. I find myself completely engrossed in them every time I pick one up but I haven’t had a desire to binge read them. Book three in the series brings back the characters readers have grown to love and putting them into even more ridiculously good situations. (Depending on which edition you read, the publisher-provided summary is too spoilery considering some of the thing it mentions doesn’t happen until much later in the book.) There was hardly a chapter I didn’t at least laugh out loud or shake my head in disbelief at what was happening. View all my reviews
A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A gripping read. I was familiar with the plot because it’s such a big part of pop culture but I hadn’t read it until now when a local theater company staged it. Memorable characters and stand-out dialogue and such a sensational story. I can only imagine how this was received when it was first released! View all my reviews
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Even though I feel burnt out with all the Harry Potter releases this year, I decided to read this because I’ve read all the other books so why not? While I appreciated the illustrations, I wish they would have released a bare bones screenplay as well. This is definitely a more difficult read than Cursed Child because of its technicalities. Fortunately, a glossary of these terms is included in the back. I actually enjoyed the screenplay but have no desire to see a film- although I know I will eventually. View all my reviews
Adult Non-Fiction
Spirit of Service: Your Daily Stimulus for Making a Difference by HarperOne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a great inspiring read for people who want to make a difference in the world. Each day of the week focuses on a different category- like money, energy, companion, and passage to name a few- and invites readers to mull them over and perhaps act upon what they’ve read. It took me awhile to get through this because I was constantly having ideas! A worthwhile read. View all my reviews
We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’d been hearing a lot about this book recently. Adapted from her Tedx Talk, this is a call to action to change the way women are being treated and mistreated. By simply allowing things to continue as they are, we unknowingly promote outdated and harmful and disrespectful behavior. We should indeed all be feminists because it’s just an extension of fighting for human rights. View all my reviews
Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Some insights that stuck with me: -Read bibliographies. It’s not the book you start with; it’s the book that leads you to. -Write what you like. -The manifesto is this: Draw the art you want to see, start the business you want to run, play the music you want to hear, write the books you want to read, build the products you want to use- do the work you want to see done. -Keep all your passions in your life. -Keep a log book.
There was another passage that I wrote down but I couldn’t read my note. It started with, “Study everything there is to know about them.” And I guess it goes off to say to then find three people they admire and find out all there is know about them.
This quick read is great to have for instant motivations. View all my reviews
Audio Books
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I listened to the audiobook version of this which was a treat since it was narrated by Maya Angelou herself. It’s a very candid look into her childhood full of escapades and adventures in a small town. However enthralling the situations were and the beauty of her text, she also suffered greatly in the forms of a racist society and the abuse she endured as a child.
This being the first part in a seven part memoir series, it ended at a good place. I don’t know if I’ll read the other books but her and her family have been so fascinating to know.
I was surprised that the kids (Maya and her brother Bailey) were reading such advanced books for their age. I think it just goes to show that kids can handle what is usually thrown at them. If you expect great things from them, you will likely get great things. View all my reviews
(Reread)
I listened to the audiobook version of Benjamin Alire Saenz’s Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. (I hadn’t planned on doing so but it was narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda. I don’t know if it’s even called a coincidence but Alexander Hamilton was mentioned in the story.) I loved it when I first read it a couple of years ago. I may love it even more now.
I tweeted that after reading a few pages of Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” which now has made my list of favorite favorite books, which currently has 37 titles.
I wasn’t even aware of it until the American Library Association’s Youth Media Awards where it won multiple awards- the Pura Belpre (Author), the Stonewall, and as a Printz Honor Book.
Official Summary:
A lyrical novel about family and friendship from critically acclaimed author Benjamin Alire Sáenz.
Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.
Immediately, I wanted to read it. Plus, I love long titles!
I literally couldn’t put the book down. I was so engrossed with the story, the characters. I wanted to know what happened next. I wanted to see how the inevitable conflicts were handled. I wanted to make sure they were in a good place when I said goodbye to them.
I wasn’t particularly in love with the ending. It’s not that it was bad, it was just a bit overdramatic. But the majority of the book was great.
It’s when you can’t stop thinking about the characters even after the last page that made “Aristotle and Dante” a favorite of mine. And, I relate when there’s an issue of identity, when the characters show actual, realistic growth. This was more than a book about being gay, though. Sáenz’s words were powerful and emotional. He put his characters in beautiful and awful situations- just like life.
After finishing this, I wondered what it was that made a book truly stand out to make it be not just a favorite book of mine but a favorite favorite. I really shouldn’t have overanalyzed because the answer was simple. It’s when I feel grateful that a book like that exists in the world and “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” is definitely one of those! View all my reviews
I’m excited that there will eventually be a sequel to this called There Will Be Other Summers which I will definitely read when it does come out!
Little People, Big Dreams is a new series imported from Spain.
“In this new series, discover the lives of outstanding people from designers and artists to scientists. All of them went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream. “
I wasn’t all that impressed by this one. It didn’t seem to do a good job of making me care for Amelia Earhart’s accomplishments. The books include a timeline and photos.
History of Fun Stuff is a new Ready to Read series. Readers learn the story of comics and its other forms as it evolves through the ages. Also serves as a great introduction on how to familiarize oneself on reading comics. Includes activities in the back. I’ll probably check out more in the series.
I was immediately drawn into this story within a story. (I recommend getting an edition where they use different colored fonts depending on which world you’re in- the real world or in Fantastica.) I could have done with a shorter second half but who hasn’t ever wanted to enter a storyland?
A must have for every true Reader. Great as a read-aloud and one definitely worth rereading as an adult.
I had high hopes for this one since I loved her first novel, Under the Egg. This one also centers around art but this time during the Roaring Twenties. The set up and the characters were so promising but the ending felt like such a let down.
One of the most engaging and exciting middle readers for me. Of course, having a mystery center around ripping a page out of a library book may not be everyone’s cup of tea but readers will enjoy these tween investigators as they find themselves in unexpected dangerous situations. I can’t wait for more books in this series!
I love David Wiesner’s illustrations and, this story, being water-themed, reminds me of his incredible picture book Flotsam. I loved the story behind the story- that he had images but not an actual story to tie them all together. Hence, his partnership with Donna Jo Napoli. Together, they weave a tale of a mermaid trapped as a tourist attraction. What happens when she befriends a girl? How can she part of a world that was forbidden to her? This graphic novel would be perfect for fans of The Little Mermaid.
I’d been wanting to read local (Portland) author Tom Spanbauer’s works for awhile now. And this was an interesting choice.
A wild western-ish tall tale with lots of soap opera moments and revelations. One of (if not) the most sexually explicit books I’ve ever read.
I was hoping to enjoy this more because the characters were surely very memorable and the situations they found themselves were real pageturners. But it also seemed too much.
Review Notes
I’ve decided not to post reviews for books I didn’t particular care for (unless I feel strongly against it.) If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Plus as an aspiring published writer myself, I know how much work one puts into a story so I naturally have great respect towards writers and illustrators and everyone else responsible for that creation.
Thanks also to Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers for their focus on Children’s Literature of this meme!Please like The Chronicles Of A Children’s Book Writer Facebook page!
If you’re on Twitter, don’t forget to use the hashtag #IMWAYR when sharing your link!
Thanks to Ruth Ayers of Discover. Play. Build. for creating this meme!
This week I’m celebrating festive moments I’ve had this month.
This year’s book tree is made from a paperback book. And it seemed fitting to put William Shakespeare as the tree topper since I used his Complete Sonnets!
I’m not going to lie. It seems every year, it’s harder to find these festive moments- especially more so with all that’s happened (and is happening).
That’s why I love being part of this weekly challenge- we find time to think about the good even when times are bad.
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I hope everyone finds their festive moments this season. Happy holidays!
I’m blogging again- and it involves lots of catching up!
This week, I posted:
–Celebrate This Week– This week, I’m celebrating the nonfiction picture books I read since my hiatus. There are lots of good ones and I wish I could have spotlighted them better so please them out!
Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m considering this the first must read middle grade novel of 2017. More accessible and just as good as Counting by 7’s, which I also loved. Maybe I just have an instant fondness for books with short people being part of musicals. Fans of Tim Federle’s Nate books will enjoy this. View all my reviews
A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A current festive read of the day was Dylan Thomas’s A Child’s Christmas in Wales. A very lyrical, inviting tale of the holidays that will make for a great read aloud. Chris Raschka’s fluid illustrations goes well with the flowing text. I also had a copy that had wood engravings by Fritz Eichenberg. What’s a Christmas book that you would recommend? View all my reviews
The Friend Ship by Kat Yeh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sweet super cute story perfect for read-aloud. A lonely hedgehog overhears something about a Friend Ship and ends up going on a quest to find it for herself. Along the way, other animals join her in her adventure. View all my reviews
Gertie’s Leap to Greatness by Kate Beasley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I felt I had to read this novel since lots of people raved about it. I wasn’t particularly taken with it though. Fans of Beverly Cleary’s Ramona Quimby will enjoy Gertie’s personality. The writing style is reminiscent of Kate DiCamillo’s Raymie Nightingale. View all my reviews
Rescue on the Oregon Trail by Kate Messner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thought this was going to be a hokey book but, after having to read it for work, I actually found it quite enjoyable. I can see it being action-filled enough to capture a reader’s attention. It also provides historical facts as part of the story. Great to entice readers to know more about the Oregon Trail. View all my reviews
The Princess in Black Takes a Vacation by Shannon Hale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
After a somewhat lackluster entry in the series with The Princess in Black and the Hungry Bunny Horde, this latest adventure is a return to what made the books so fun to read in the first place with the added bonus of being familiar with the characters and their backstories. Even taking up the mysterious Goat Avenger’s offer to keep the kingdom safe as she goes on vacation, Princess Magnolia soon learns there’s no R&R for superheroes! View all my reviews
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When I’d ask people what they’d read recently that they’d recommend, this was one I heard often about. I would’ve waited to add this on my TBR list but I saw a copy of it at the library and looked like a quick read. This memoir focused on the life of a neurosurgeon diagnosed with lung cancer. His struggle to find meaning with his mortality is written in an engaging almost poetic way that doesn’t seem sappy. View all my reviews
The Well of Being: A Children’s Book for Adults by Jean-Pierre Weill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A beautiful book that caught my eye as I browsing the shelves of a bookstore. (And I admit, the tagline “a children’s book for adults” caught my eye- which as a children’s bookseller who is amazed by the quality and depth of lots of picture books out there. It annoyed me a bit, almost as much as the trend of adult coloring books.) With that rant aside, this book focuses on learning to be one with self. Everyone will get something different out of this book.
I appreciated the end notes and attributes at the end of the story and also includes a few blank pages designated for the reader’s thoughts.
I was really taken by the line: I believe evolution to be based on love. View all my reviews
[Off the Shelf Reading Challenge][Agatha Christie Reading Challenge]
Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I didn’t really like this one. Maybe it was because I remembered who the murderer was so the clues seemed heavy handed. Plus this edition needed better editing which bothered me. Still brilliant, though. View all my reviews
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Even though I feel burnt out with all the Harry Potter releases this year, I decided to read this because I’ve read all the other books so why not? While I appreciated the illustrations, I wish they would have released a bare bones screenplay as well. This is definitely a more difficult read than Cursed Child because of its technicalities. Fortunately, a glossary of these terms is included in the back. I actually enjoyed the screenplay but have no desire to see a film- although I know I will eventually. View all my reviews
Review Notes
I’ve decided not to post reviews for books I didn’t particular care for (unless I feel strongly against it.) If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Plus as an aspiring published writer myself, I know how much work one puts into a story so I naturally have great respect towards writers and illustrators and everyone else responsible for that creation.
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It’s been awhile but I’m slowly getting back to blogging. I just spent about an hour or so catching up and reviewing all the nonfiction picture books since I took a break. There’s a lot of them! But I’m celebrating the fact that there are so many incredible titles! I hope you find some that inspire and/or entertain you!
Living in . . . India by Chloe Perkins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Living in… is a new series that will introduce beginning readers to kids from around the world. We learn some of the different geographies of the land and some of the major cities. Then, we spend a day in the life of each child from getting to ready for school to the end of the day. In between, we learn a little bit of history and some other facts pertaining to arts, culture, or sports. A page of country facts is included at the end. View all my reviews
Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds: The Sammy Lee Story by Paula Yoo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was reading through some Lee & Low books and came across this one. I’m not a big fan of sports but this was a great inspirational read. Not only did Sammy Lee (and lots of other people of color) have to deal with unfair treatment but also familial expectations. Somehow he overcame these and I’m glad people will know his story now. View all my reviews
Who Was Anne Frank? by Ann Abramson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
With our current political climate, it was rather hard to read this since I couldn’t help but compare the situation Anne Frank, her family, and Jews found themselves in during Hitler’s reign (and all the victims of World War II, particularly the Japanese Americans being sent to internment camps) as what could happen if we don’t stand up to hate and abuse of power. This provided a broad look at the times and the legacy of Anne Frank’s diary. View all my reviews
Who Was Nelson Mandela? by Meg Belviso
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Alongside Gandhi and MLK, I wanted to learn more about Nelson Mandela and his practice of nonviolent protests and noncooperation. I’ve really been impressed with the Who Was…? series so this was a great way to read about him. Great to pair with the picture book Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. View all my reviews
Peaceful Heroes by Jonah Winter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I don’t know how this skipped my radar so I’m glad I stumbled upon this wandering around one of my neighborhood libraries! Beautiful illustrations accompany the short biographies of 14 people who fought to change the world not with violence but through love and peace! Inspiring. I definitely learned about some people I want to know more about- like Paul Rusesabagina of Rwanda, Ginetta Sagan of Italy, and Corrrie ten Boom! View all my reviews
Preaching to the Chickens by Jabari Asim
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
With the March trilogy being my favorite book(s) of 2016, I was very interested in this picture book focusing on John Lewis’s childhood activity of (as the title says) preaching to the chickens as a way of practicing his sermons. The illustrations are glorious. View all my reviews
I am America by Charles R. Smith Jr.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book celebrates the diversity in our country. We are struggling to remember that it was our differences that were the building blocks of this nation. We must continue to build upon that- not a wall to keep others out but a platform to raise each other up. And I hope we continue to fight for our melting pot, our rainbow, and our divided but still united states of America. View all my reviews
Science Comics: Volcanoes: Fire and Life by Jon Chad
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Science Comics continues to impress with their latest installment- this time focusing on volcanoes. I’ve enjoyed Jon Chad’s other works (his Leo Geo series) and looked forward to reading more of his storytelling style mixed with nonfiction elements. In a future frozen world, Aurora and her tribe must rummage through people’s rubble to find things to burn for their survival. She feels there must be another solution to their problems. After stumbling upon books on volcanoes in a deserted library, she’s convinced she’s found the answer. Readers will learn what she learned as she tries to get her team on board with her recent discovery. This is a great example of educational entertainment! View all my reviews
Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille by Jen Bryant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A fascinating look into the life of Louis Braille. (As mentioned in the Author’s Note,) I didn’t realize he was so young when invented this alphabet for the blind. It was truly inspiring to read about someone who didn’t settle for what life dealt them but tried to improve their lot- and ended up helping others along the way. It would have been cool if some of the text (particularly the cover or the endpapers with the Braille alphabet and a quotation by Helen Keller) had raised dots. View all my reviews
My Night in the Planetarium by Innosanto Nagara
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
From the author of A is for Activist and Counting on Community, Innosanto Nagara shares a story from his childhood. His dad puts on plays that provide social commentary on the political landscape which sometimes gets him in trouble. This shows how important the arts are and how we must speak out against injustice despite the consequences. Very timely. View all my reviews
I’m sure everyone has heard about Malala right now. I’m sure everyone’s been inspired by her strength and determination to ensure that education is a right for everyone, especially girls. I’ve read plenty of picture books about her but, because of all her accomplishments, it was kind of hard to imagine her as a real person. After watching the outstanding documentary- He Named Me Malala-, I saw she was just an ordinary girl forced into extraordinary circumstances. I’m glad kids- and adults- have someone like her to look up to! View all my reviews
Gay & Lesbian History for Kids: The Century-Long Struggle for LGBT Rights, with 21 Activities by Jerome Pohlen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jerome Pohlen’s Gay & Lesbian History for Kids and hoping that kids and their families will actually read it as well. It’s a great introduction to LGBTQ history and the people who fought for rights. Marginalized people have often found ways to get their voices heard in the face of injustice and oppression. May people who are feeling lost, afraid, and angry now find the power and the inspiration to come together and stand up against evil. And let us encourage our youth to find their own passions because they can learn from our mistakes and our struggles to create a better world for themselves and for everyone.
I definitely learned about some people I hadn’t heard of people. The activities were unnecessary and seemed out of place. View all my reviews
Once I found out Wendy Pfeffer wrote nonfiction picture books for all seasons, I was eager to check them out. I really enjoyed We Gather Together and The Shortest Day. As with those two, A New Beginning and The Longest Day– in turn- provided some background about the spring equinox and summer solstice respectively as well as some cultural celebrations. Activities are included in the back of the books.
I’ve been inspired to read about people who’ve made differences in times of adversity- particularly using nonviolence means but still managing to accomplish something. Of course, I’ve read books about Martin Luther King, Jr. and Nelson Mandela and my favorite book is John Lewis’s March trilogy. I hadn’t really read about Gandhi.
The first two picture books I ended up reading about him were coincidentally about the Salt March incident. A Taste of Freedom: Gandhi and the Great Salt March (not pictured since it’s a fictional account) was told through the eyes of a boy who was intrigued and inspired by Gandhi and his actions. Gandhi: A March to the Sea is a beautiful nonfiction picture book, very lyrical in its storytelling.
Demi’s picture book gave an overview of Gandhi’s life. I felt it was lacking even though I had nothing to compare it to and since I wasn’t even all that familiar with him.
Who Was Gandhi? provided a more comprehensive look. I can’t say enough good things about this series!
I definitely want to know more about Gandhi and to practice his beliefs.
The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer - Earl Dizon 