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The Crossover (The Crossover Series)
The Crossover (The Crossover Series)

Review:This newly announced winner of the 2015 Newbery award took my breath away. Written in a variety of poetic styles, the story flows seamlessly from an introduction of the characters to it's all too quick ending. Written in a style sure to appeal to middle grade readers, it fills a much-needed hole in the choices of quality sports fiction for young people. Well done! Read more

Crenshaw
Crenshaw

Review:Crenshaw could have been so much more. It should have been so much more. The premise of the book held such potential: an imaginary cat as a friend to support a young boy through his family's economic struggles. Crenshaw, the imaginary cat, certainly did not deserve to have a book named after him. His character was not developed and rarely made an appearance. The cover and title of the book set the reader up for a lot of disappointment. There was so much room for more warmth and humor provided b... Read more

A Single Shard
A Single Shard

Review:I enjoyed this book, perhaps, because I have been to Korea twice and could visualize the trip taken to deliver the pottery to the Royal palace. The ethical lessons were excellent and the characters well developed. I have seen the ovens used to develop the Celedon color and marvel at the technique and results. I would recommend this book to anyone from age 10 and up. Read more

A Story of Addiction (The Memoir Series Book 1) - Memoirs Aren't Fairytales
A Story of Addiction (The Memoir Series Book 1) - Memoirs Aren't Fairytales

Review:This was a real, in-depth look at drug addiction and just how much it can take over and ruin a person's life. The things that Nicole went through were terrible, scary and astonishing, I'm actually surprised she made it through. Drugs are no joke, and this memoir explored how one decision changes the course of a life. A must read! Read more

UnDivided (Unwind Dystology)
UnDivided (Unwind Dystology)

Review:Unwind is the book that I recommend more than any other. It's hard to sell it as a "good book" because the subject matter is too dark and twisted to explain. It's not a fun ride, it doesn't have a happy ending. But it is impossible to sear from your brain. UnDivided is a worthy finale.

I thought I was prepared for the final chapter. I didn't particularly care for the third book in the series, which I thought telegraphed the end-game too heavily, and didn't advance the plot much. I was wro... Read more

Thunderhead (Arc of a Scythe)
Thunderhead (Arc of a Scythe)

Review:You'd think that by now I'd be getting pretty used to writing five-star, gushing reviews for Neal Shusterman's books, but I'm definitely not. Full Tilt is in my top three books ever. The Unwind Dystology is genius. Scythe blew me away last year. Not to mention ALL of his other amazing books. And somehow, somehow Thunderhead managed to top them all.

...except for Full Tilt because I'm sentimental like that...

This book was incredible. The characters introduced in Scythe were all bac... Read more

Last Stop on Market Street
Last Stop on Market Street

Review:Bought this book to read to my daughters, ages 6 and soon to be 2. I like the story immensely, as it illustrates to them that not everyone is as economically fortunate as we are, but are still loved and are good people. What I don't like is the author's decision that we need to take all grammar and throw it out the window. It wasn't a problem for me to fix the language on the fly when I was reading it to my girls, but when my 6 year old went to read it on her own, she couldn't figure out the ... Read more

Scythe (Arc of a Scythe Book 1)
Scythe (Arc of a Scythe Book 1)

Review:I checked this book out of my public library to review for suggesting as a read to my middle school students. I did suggest this book as a "must read". The love of this book spread like wildfire. This book is very well written. In fact, it is a Printz Honor–winning book. This book has several plot twists that I never saw coming. They also surprised and thrilled my students. Schusterman does an excellent job with his character development. It is unique how the author exposes the characters ... Read more

97 Things to Do Before You Finish High School
97 Things to Do Before You Finish High School

Review:I originally purchased this book for my high school nieces and nephews as I have children ages 5 & 8. Before deciding to package it I began reading a few chapters as I wanted to confirm the high ratings for the book. Ultimately, "I" ended up KEEPING it for me & my husband. I was beyond pleased with the information it provides, tips & knowledge from the author & sources. I know we will most definitely used it as we help our children make the right decisions for their future. ... Read more

The Magician's Elephant
The Magician's Elephant

Review:The Magicians elephant is a wonderful brilliant book. In The Magicians Elephant the main charecters are Peter Augustus a young boy also the main charecter Vilna Lutz,retired soldier also Peters care taker, Madam Lavaughn very rich lady, The magician, The Elephant, The Police Man Peters friend, and Adele, Peter's little sister. The setting is in Baltese.

In this story it starts with Peter living with Vilna Lutz because his parents both died. Peter has dreams and remembers that he has a lit... Read more

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