Thursday, October 25, 2018

Everland by Wendy Spinale



In an alternate reality, a mash up of Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz this series has been very interesting.  Fine for any high school library.  Enjoy.

Illegal by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin

This is an important graphic novel.  Can we even imagine what people go through to make a better life for their future.  It is based on a ship that was loaded with immigrants that capsized and many drowned.  The graphic novel is done well and the story told puts a face on the situation.  It's a good job.  Needs to be in all libraries.

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Sweet Black Waves by Kristina Perez



It's a good read.  A bit on the sexy side.  A good personal book or a public library book.  I do like the first book in the series.  I don't think I'll get for the library but it's fine for personal collections.

Dry by Neal Shusterman & Jarrod Shusterman

Oh my goodness.  If you ever read: Life as We knew It and that whole series, then this should be the next book on your reading list.  It is intense.  And it read like it could happen.  The authors gave this story a lot of thought.  I'm getting this for my high school library.  It's scary because it feels like it could happen.

The Thing about Jelly Fish by Ali Benjamin


It's a good book.  Suzy reminds me of someone in the spectrum.  She has trouble relating to people, sharing facts that are ill timed or inappropriate.  When tragedy strikes, she and her former best friend had a huge falling out.  Now she is dealing with grief and students who bully her.  It's a good read.

Monday, October 22, 2018

Scottish Bookshop Mystery Of Books and Bagpipes by Paige Shelton

I love a good murder mystery.  And a good book store.  And setting in Scotland.  Enjoy. 

Saints and Misfits by S K Ali


I don't know a lot about the different cultures in the Muslin world.  This book is perfect to have any high school library to bring diversity of all cultures in to the access of reading teens.  It also deals with attempted rape and how the victim feels.  It's a good book.  I'm adding it to my library.

Friday, October 19, 2018

The Blue Zones Solution by Dan Buettner



I liked this book because it is balanced with groups of people who live a life style that has naturally been part of their particular society.  Then groups of people in the US who is trying to live healthier lives as a community and the results of changing to a healthier life.  It's a good read.

Find Your Why by Simon Sinek


What is a adult book doing in a young adult blog?  I'm looking for books to help students but I am also looking for books to help me improve upon being a leader.  It's a good book.  Not for high school libraries because it would be over the students head.  But it is good if you have teachers, staff and other people that  you are working with.

Thursday, October 18, 2018

What I Know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey



I really liked this book.  It was inspirational and I know i would like to get for my high school library.  I'm adding it to my shopping list.  Oprah, if you catch this blog, would you write something personal in the book for our students?

How Successful People Think by John C. Maxwell

Have great books to help us grow and become better are important.  Finding books for teens to inspire them to become better people can be challenging.  I am planning to get this book to see if students might find this inspirational.  I'm adding this book to my books to purchase list for my high school.  Audiobook also good.

Andy Carpenter Deck the Hounds by David Rosenfelt


You had me at rescue dog.  And I love murder mysteries.  This is a new series to me and I am looking forward to reading more.  If you enjoy a good "who done it"  then add this to your reading list.

Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith


I liked this book and will get for my high school library.  The characters learn a lot about life, relationship and the responsibility of money management.  There's romance and friendship.  There is the loss by death of parents and being raised by family, there is the dad with the gambling addiction that affects the lives of family as well.  The characters grow from teens to young adults and learn to see life with new lenses.  Enjoy.

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Brave New Girl by Rachel Vincent


I ended up liking this book.  Part romance and all dystopian, imagine the government controlling every element in your life.  Imagine the government hiding everything.  Imagine having so many clones that look like you and you are the one that is completely different.  Imagine a new possibility.

Monday, October 15, 2018

Rosalind Thorne A Purely Private Matters by Darcie Wilde


I enjoy a good murder mystery and this one is a great read.  More for adults and the public library.  I kept guessing who did it and I was wrong.   It's a smart book to enjoy. 

Grenade by Alan Gratz

Alan Gratz brings history alive in his stories.  You care about his characters as you read about their lives.  And brings light to difficult situations.  He truly does a great job on his research.  History is important to read about so that the generations that follow understand and learn and grow from the readings.

Misty Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry

It's a classic written in a different time.  The wild  horses are real and it's based on the history of the island.  It's perfect for young horse lovers. 

Saturday, October 13, 2018

Bruce Santa Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins

This story is so funny.  It's a great series.  Enjoy.

Summer Bird Blue By Akemi Dawn Bowman

It's a story about loss, survivor guilt and music.  Family is everything unless you feel your mom has abandoned you in your greatest need.  It's a great story.  I'm going to get for my high school library.  It's a good read.  Audio book also very good. 

A Blade So Black by L. L. McKinney


This story is a modern contemporary years later mesh of the human world and Wonderland.  Think Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Alice in Wonderland and you'll have a modern adventure.  Fine for high school libraries.  Enjoy.

Todhunter Moon Starchaser by Angie Sage



It's a great series and perfect for any school library.  Fantasy and adventure with a strong girl to save the day.  It's a great read.  Enjoy.

TodHunter Moon Sandrider by Angie Sage

I love this series.  It is well written and a great adventure.  Alice is a great hero because she is loyal and determined.  Perfect for any school library. enjoy.

Friday, October 12, 2018

ToddHunter Moon Pathfinder by Angie Sage


I like this series a lot because it's part fantasy and part family.  There is danger on every page you turn as you read through the story.  Loyalty of friendship is tested.  It's a great read!

Your money or your life by Vicki Robin


This is a good book to add to a high school library.  I would put in the reference section of the library. 

Agatha Raisin Mystery The Dead Ringer by M C Beaton


I love a good murder mystery.  This is set in England, out in a little town.  I love the dynamics of the characters in this book and Agatha always almost ends up nearly getting killed.  Enjoy.

Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech



Think Charlotte' Web meets modern times.  It is a sweet story.  Enjoy.  Fine for any library.

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Congratulations, By the Way: Some Thoughts on Kindness by George Saunders



This is a perfect gift for those looking for inspiration for themselves or for others.  It's based on a speech given for graduation.  It is heartfelt and brilliant.  Enjoy.

https://www.goodreads.com/videos/69773-george-saunders-commencement-speech-2013https://www.goodreads.com/videos/69773-george-saunders-commencement-speech-2013

Impostors Impostors by Scott Westerfeld



I loved the Uglies series.  I've had to replace those books in my high school library twice.  Now there is a new series an it's just as good.  I'm looking forward to book 2.  Scott Westerfeld don't leave me waiting.  Hurry up and print up book 2 to this new series.  Enjoy.

Children of Eden Rebels of Eden by Joey Graceffa


I like this series.  I have the first two books in my high school library.  I liked the audiobook as well.  It reads at a good pace, lots of adventures, twists and turns and dangers.  It's a good read.  Enjoy.  Fine for high school libraries.

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

A Thousand Beginnings and Endings by Ellen Oh and more

I have this in my library.  It's a great collection of short stories with many cultures infused in these stories.  Legends and lore.  Enjoy.  You'll thank me later.

Wait, What? By James E. Ryan


This is a good book that I will add to my high school library.  Also good for graduates.  It's a good read with great examples.  Lots to learn.  Enjoy.

Sarah, Plain and Tall Caleb’s Story by Patricia MacLachlan

Fall in love with Sarah Plain and Tall series all over again.  Go back in history as pioneers farm the land.  Family can have it's share of dysfunction and secrets.  It's a good read and fine for any school library.  Enjoy.

Listen to your heart by Kasie West



I enjoyed this story because it reminds me of Bass Lake and Oakhurst.  I have a feeling the area was an inspiration for the story.  It's fine for high school libraries.  I get the question, Do you have any romance for teens?  This is the book to offer up.  Enjoy.

Pride by Ibi Zoboi



A modern retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.  Set in Brooklyn five sisters encounter the Darcy family.  A well to do family.  As ideas change and our two central characters grow to learn about each other, you will see the parallels between the classic and this modern retelling.  enjoy.

Women & Money by Suze Orman



It's a good book for adults to read about managing money. I'd say the soon the better but not suited for teens.  It is a good read.

Faerie Knitting by Alice Hoffman


Alice Hoffman can tell a great story.  This book has 14 stories and they are all enchanting.  If you are  a fan of Hoffman, you will enjoy these stories. 

The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future by Chris Guillebeau

I think this would be a good book for adults.  Maybe not the best book for teens.  It's an interesting read. 

The War Outside by Monica Hesse


This is a good story and fine for high school library.  There is the possibility of a love interest with one of the girls interested in the other girl.  Everything is forbidden in camp life with guards and no privacy.  No freedom and family dynamics infused in a way of life that is different then regular life once the families are fenced in.  It's a good book.

The Storm Runner by J. C. Cervantes


The audiobook is a great listen to and the story is perfect for those who enjoy mythology.  If you enjoy Rick Riordan's work then add this to your book shelf.  Set in New Mexico, in current times and the fantasy adventure begins with Mayan gods and prophecies.  Enjoy.  Fine for any school library.

Higher is Waiting by Tyler Perry

I liked this book. The audio book was also very good.  Tyler Perry is a good role model and his faith serves him well.  Or he serves his faith well.  It's a positive book about family, some abuse and a role model for others.  I plan on getting this book for my high school library.

Full of Beans by Jennifer L. Holm



The audiobook is a great listen.  I know the book is also.  Blended with history, this story should be in all libraries.  Enjoy reading about Beans.  It's a good read.

Strange the Dreamer Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor


I enjoyed this fantasy a lot but I don't think that I would put it in a high school library.  There are a few scenes in the story that might be a bit much.  It's perfect for public libraries and personal libraries.  Enjoy.

Swing by Kwame Alexander

This is a must for all high school libraries.  Read all the way to the end.  You'll need a hanky.  It's a powerful read about friendship and love interests and family.

Friday, October 5, 2018

Gone Monster by Michael Grant

Just when you thought that it would be safe, new dangers and old dangers are back ready to take over the world.  It's a good read.  Enjoy.

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Darius The Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram



I liked this book.  Is it for everyone?  No but I think I will put it in my high school.  There is one problem when Darius becomes self conscious about his body.  He is half of two different cultures.  It's an excellent book on so many levels.

How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind: Dealing with Your House's Dirty Little Secrets by Dana K. White


I liked this book about organizing life and home.  It's honest and funny and some good perspectives.  I will have to check out her blog. Enjoy.

EntreLeadership by Dave Ramsey



I like Dave Ramsey,  I think he knows what he is talking about.  He's been wealthy, then broke and then wealthy again.  There are some good leadership suggestions. 

Ghosts of the Shadow Market: An Anthology of Tales


Backstories on various characters in a short story version written by multiple authors.  It's a good read.  On the image are several of the different stories.  These are just a sample of what to enjoy. 

On Writing A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King 

I really liked this book.  I listened to the audio and I believe Stephen King was the one speaking on the audiobook.  This book is fine for any high school library.  Enjoy

Gone Light By Michael Grant



Xmen meets Lord of the Flies with this series.  Now adults can look in and see if their child has survived or not.  Lots of violence and death.  The series is a dark series but it's a good one.  The series is fine for high school libraries.