As a teacher-librarian, I have the opportunity to read young adult books to share with my students. The list that I have provided will have an overview of the book and personal comments. They are on a Book-mercial style image to get a taste of the essence of the book.
Friday, April 25, 2025
Little Creeping Things by Chelsea Ichaso
Little Creeping Things by Chelsea Ichaso is fine for school libraries. I figured out who the murderer was but not the reason. Of course I'm way old and know alot about plot and such. It's fine to add to any high school library for teens looking for a thriller. Enjoy.
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon
Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon
I liked this book a lot because Evie grows through out the book. Her parents are divorced, she had caught her father cheating with another woman. Her father is getting married to the other woman and she is upset about it. She finds a book and returns it to the dance studio and ends up taking lessons with the owner's grandson. She also has the ability to see when people kiss their past, present and future. Fine for all high schools.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Nigeria Jones by Ibi Zoboi
Nigeria Jones by Ibi Zoboi
Wow! This book takes you on a young girl's journey as she looks for truth, her own identity and being a teenager. Her father is the leader of a Black movement and she's involved with it. Her mother is missing and she's been taking care of her baby brother. There are many people who live in her house. She just wants her mother and is desperate to look for her. She also wants to go to a school that her mother wanted her to attend against her father's wishes. Fine for high school.
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
The Apprentice Witch #1 The Apprentice Witch by James Nicol
The Apprentice Witch #1 The Apprentice Witch by James Nicol I liked this book. The main character Arianwyn has a haunting glif that she knows is dangerous. Learning from her grandfather and goes out to help another village, she makes new friends. And then the mayor's niece shows up. A girl who tormented Arianwyn back in their home town. Meanwhile danger becomes much more intense. A good read. Fine for any school library.
Monday, April 21, 2025
Seaside Knitters Society #2 How to Knit a Murder by Sally Goldenbaum
Seaside Knitters Society #2 How to Knit a Murder by Sally Goldenbaum I'm on Spring Break so I'm catching up on my cozy murder mysteries on audiobooks. Enjoy.
Kitchen Witch Mysteries #6 Six Stunning Sirens by Lynn Cahoon
Kitchen Witch Mysteries #6 Six Stunning Sirens by Lynn Cahoon I like Lynn Cahoon and her varied cozy murder mysteries. This is one of her paranormal series. We have witches, ghosts and other fantasy creatures.
Labels:
Adult,
adults,
audiobook,
contemporary,
magic,
magic.,
magical,
murder mystery,
mystery,
paranormal
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Shackled: A Tale of Wronged Kids, Rogue Judges, and a Town that Looked Away by Candy J. Cooper
Shackled: A Tale of Wronged Kids, Rogue Judges, and a Town that Looked Away by Candy J. Cooper Oh wow! So many children messed up because of corrupt judges who worked back room money to line their pockets. Thousands of dollars to inflate judges and business and preying upon children who had no chance for a fair case. These men were evil. And this is nonfiction.
The Genius of Judy: How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us by Rachelle Bergstein
The Genius of Judy: How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us by Rachelle Bergstein Judy wrote books that were authentic and popular for teens and for adults. Sexual situations appropriate for children's readings has caused controversy and good for her to write books that teens want to or need to read. She also wrote for adults as well, reflecting on times and the changing of women's roles over the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80s. A good book to read.
Hazel the Handful by Jamie Michalak , Matt Myers (illustrator)
Hazel the Handful by Jamie Michalak , Matt Myers (illustrator) A little dog is jealous when a new baby shows up in his family. He was the star of the family until the baby gets all the attention. He learns that he is an important part of the family and is included in the family. A good book for children with pets and a new baby.
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Finlay Donovan #5 Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano
Finlay Donovan #5 Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano This is one of the best cozy murder mysteries series that I have read. This should be on screen either tv or movies. A great story to follow. I'm hooked. Enjoy.
Labels:
Adult,
adults,
audiobook,
contemporary,
murder mystery,
mystery,
thriller
Friday, April 18, 2025
The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop
The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop I really like this book. I recommend listening to the audiobook and hear Kelly Bishop tell her story. A good book. I was surprised to hear she was in Chorus Line as one of the originals. I love Gilmore Girls. Very glad to have heard Kelly Bishop's story.
Labels:
Adult,
adults,
audiobook,
biography,
contemporary,
nonfiction
What Coco Can Do by Maribeth Boelts , Stephanie Laberis (illustrator)
What Coco Can Do by Maribeth Boelts
Do you love dogs? Add this book to your school library. It celebrates various dogs but Coco is the star and how she provides emotional support with her cuddling. I have a dog named Coco and so I may be a bit bias but I liked this book.
Lord Edgington Investigates #11 A Killer in the Wings by Benedict Brown
A Killer in the Wings by Benedict Brown This is a good series. Have fun going to historic England with a grandfather who loves good food and cars and solving murder mysteries as he teaches his grandson the art of being a detective. This would make a great PBS series. BBC are you listening?
Kiki's Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono , Emily Balistrieri (Translator
Kiki's Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono This is an adorable book that is fine to add to any school library. Kiki is a sweet resourceful young witch with great parents who support her to go out into the world. She ends up helping people and making a difference.
Letters to a Young Athlete by Chris Bosh
Letters to a Young Athlete by Chris Bosh I thought it was a great book to add to any high school library. A good read filled with advice to encourage young people either in sports or not to encourage young people to be successful. Enjoy.
Labels:
audiobook,
biography,
contemporary,
nonfiction,
self help,
sports,
teen,
teens
Secret Staircase Mystery #4 The Library Game by Gigi Pandian
Secret Staircase Mystery #4 The Library Game by Gigi Pandian A very interesting book. I'm not sure if I like this cozy mystery. I would try another book to see if I like this series yet.
Labels:
Adult,
adults,
contemporary,
murder mystery,
mystery,
thriller
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Molly the Maid #1 The Maid by Nita Prose
Molly the Maid #1 The Maid by Nita Prose is an interesting murder mystery. Not really a cozy one. Molly works at a hotel. Her ill grandmother has passed away, she's behind in her rent and she clearly is in the spectrum and has trouble reading people's expressions is a good natured and always helpful young woman of 25 years. She accidentally gets involved with a murder when she finds a regular guest dead in the hotel room she cleans. Told in her perspective, she goes from an innocent trusting woman to a woman accused of murder. It's an interesting read. There are mixed reviews. I'm on the cusp and I would read another sequel to the series.
Labels:
Adult,
adults,
asperger,
audiobook,
contemporary,
murder mystery,
mystery
It Happened in Salem by Jonah Winter , Brad Holland (illustrator)
It Happened in Salem by Jonah Winter , Brad Holland (illustrator) a older picture book for readers, it goes back to historic times of the Salem Witch Trial but the scarry thing is that it could happen now and looking back at history has happened as well. Add this one to your school libraries.
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry
The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry Beautifully written. I wanted to travel to all the places the author described. The characters are fantastic and the plot well crafted. I highly recommend this as an adult read. Enjoy.
Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection by John Green
Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection by John Green The audiobook was read by the author. I highly recommend this book. Maybe not for high school libraries unless there is research on disease or a ROP nursing program. Very informative. I learned a lot. Glad the book was written.
Trixie Belden #2 The Red Trailer Mystery by Julie Campbell
Trixie Belden #2 The Red Trailer Mystery by Julie Campbell This is a vintage story and the characters reflect the time. It's still entertaining and perfect for private libraries. Enjoy.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla
The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla It's a good book to add to any school library. It's not often you come across a character that is a girl in the autistic spectrum.
The Comfort Book by Matt Haig
The Comfort Book by Matt Haig I think this is an important book to read.
Seven Dirty Secrets by Natalie D. Richards
Seven Dirty Secrets by Natalie D. Richards I liked this story a lot. and is fine for school libraries. It's a thriller and nicely crafted. One problem with the story is the lack of adults. They aren't really present. Other then that it's fine.
Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law by Mary Roach
Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law by Mary Roach A good book to read about animal attacks, some historical perspectives and what people are doing to help their communities.
Sunday, April 13, 2025
From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life by Arthur C. Brooks
From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life by Arthur C. Brooks I liked this book. I read this for me since I'm a bit over 50. I found it helpful.
Labels:
Adult,
adults,
audiobook,
contemporary,
nonfiction,
self help
Spy×Family #10 SPY×FAMILY 10 by Tatsuya Endo
Spy×Family #10 SPY×FAMILY 10 by Tatsuya Endo
It's a fine story to add to a high school library. It's good to get the back story on the main spy in this series.
Spy x Family – Band 13 by Tatsuya Endo , Lasse Christian Christiansen (Translator)
Spy x Family – Band 13 by Tatsuya Endo , Lasse Christian Christiansen (Translator) Turns out I like this series of graphic novels. Fine to add to a high school library.
The Gorgon's Fury: Tales of Newel and Doren, a Fablehaven Adventure, Book 1 by Brandon Mull
The Gorgon's Fury: Tales of Newel and Doren, a Fablehaven Adventure, Book 1 by Brandon Mull It's a fine book with lots of fun and adventure to add to any school library. Brandon Mull always takes readers on an adventure. Enjoy.
Noodle Shop Mystery #2 Dim Sum of All Fears by Vivien Chien
Noodle Shop Mystery #2 Dim Sum of All Fears by Vivien Chien I like the main characters and community of this cozy murder mystery. A good series to follow.
Lord Edgington Investigates #12 The Christmas Bell Mystery by Benedict Brown
Lord Edgington Investigates #12 The Christmas Bell Mystery by Benedict Brown I like this series. You get to know what this young man is thinking and learning from his grandfather, a retired detective. There is a lot humor in this story series. Enjoy.
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Sweet Tea Witch Mysteries #12 Southern Wands by Amy Boyles
Sweet Tea Witch Mysteries #12 Southern Wands by Amy Boyles Magic used to solve a witches murder. This is filled with humor and an interesting murder mystery.
Labels:
Adult,
adults,
contemporary,
magic,
magic.,
magical,
murder mystery
The Great Stink: How Joseph Bazalgette Solved London's Poop Pollution Problem by Colleen Paeff , Nancy Carpenter (illustrator)
The Great Stink: How Joseph Bazalgette Solved London's Poop Pollution Problem by Colleen Paeff , Nancy Carpenter (illustrator)
A good book to add to any school library. Makes you appreciate what people did to clean up a rive and make things safe.
Trixie Belden #1 The Secret of the Mansion by Julie Campbell
Trixie Belden #1 The Secret of the Mansion by Julie Campbell This is a vintage story. About the time of Nancy drew series. A time before cell phone. Fine for personal libraries.
The Obsession by Jesse Q. Sutanto
The Obsession by Jesse Q. Sutanto Logan is a stalker obsessed with Delilah. She just excaped her mother's abusive boyfriend in which he was crushed to death by a car falling on him. Logan has damaging video on Delilah. He has been stalking her since the first time he saw her. This is a thriller. Heads up, off page abuse by mother's boyfriend. Still a good book and okay for high school libraries.
Cape Bay Cafe Mystery #2 Tea, Tiramisu, and Tough Guys by Harper Lin
Cape Bay Cafe Mystery #2 Tea, Tiramisu, and Tough Guys by Harper Lin If you follow me, you know I like to escape in a good cozy murder mystery. I'm adding this series to my books that I follow. Enjoy.
The Fifth Realm #1 Spin of Fate by A.A. Vora
The Fifth Realm #1 Spin of Fate by A.A. Vora is a book with a lot of characters. I'm going to pass on this one for my school library. It's okay but just that in my thinking.
The Ice Guy and the Cool Girl, Vol. 1 by Miyuki Tonogaya
The Ice Guy and the Cool Girl, Vol. 1 by Miyuki Tonogaya is fine for high school. Students are always looking for anime/manga to read. This is fine to add to any high school library. I thought it was a bit boring but its a safe book to add.
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