Alias Anna by Susan Hood with Greg Dawson tells a true story about two young Jewish sisters who were able to outwit the Nazis and survive during Hitler's reign. This is a really good book told in verse so is a quick read. This is worth the read for sure. I found it hard to put down. (5++ stars)
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
"Alias Anna" by Susan Hood with Greg Dawson is Hard to Put Down!
Alias Anna by Susan Hood with Greg Dawson tells a true story about two young Jewish sisters who were able to outwit the Nazis and survive during Hitler's reign. This is a really good book told in verse so is a quick read. This is worth the read for sure. I found it hard to put down. (5++ stars)
Saturday, December 24, 2022
Beware of "The Perfect Child" by Lucinda Berry which is WILD and Extremely Sad!
In The Perfect Child by Lucinda Berry, a young girl is found who has been mistreated and needs help in the worst way. Christopher, a surgeon, fixes her up. He wants to adopt her since the girl has no relatives. His wife, Hannah, agrees and they take her in. Is it happy ever after? or the worst decision they ever made? This book is wild! The storyline kept my interest. (4 stars)
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
"A Midwinter's Tail" by Bethany Blake is a Cozy Mystery
In A Midwinter's Tail by Bethany Blake, there is a murder in a small town and Daphne is out to solve it with a little help from her dogs. This book was okay, but needed more action for me. I enjoyed how the dogs were used in the story though and liked the storyline. (Gerard's review, 4 stars)
Thursday, December 15, 2022
"All Good People Here" by Ashley Flowers Does Not Live up to the Hype
In All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers, Margot goes back to her home town. It has been 20 years since a young girl was found killed there and now it has happened again. Was it the same person both times who did the killing and if so, why? Margot's job depends on her getting answers. Somebody wants her to leave it alone, or else! This book needed more action. It did pick up at the end at least. I liked the storyline, but the characters were just so-so. I don't get what all the hype was about for this one. (Gerard's review, 4 stars)
Saturday, December 10, 2022
"The Winners" by Fredrik Backman
The Winners by Fredrik Backman is the last of the three books about Beartown and its hockey team. Beartown and their rival, Hed, still hate each other. Beartown is really good and plans to shut down Hed from playing hockey again. There is so much stuff that goes on in this that it would take too long to explain it all. I will just say I got to know the characters very well. I think this is a great series and this book is as good as the first two--Beartown and Us Against You. (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)
Thursday, December 8, 2022
"Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six" by Lisa Unger is Fantastic!
In Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six by Lisa Unger, six couples rent a cabin in the woods for a weekend. It is away from everyone, very secluded. They look forward to a week of fun, relaxation and making happy memories. One person wants these people to remember this weekend too for all the wrong reasons. This is a fantastic book that kept me turning pages. (5++ stars)
Saturday, November 26, 2022
"The IT GIRL" by Ruth Ware is Fantastic!
In The IT GIRL by Ruth Ware, Hannah is a girl from a small town who is a hard worker and finds herself at Oxford College. Her roommate is April, who is different from Hannah in every way. They become close friends. Hannah finds April dead in her bed and wonders why and who would do that. This book is fantastic with good writing, storyline and characters. LOVED IT! (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)
Sunday, November 20, 2022
"Foster" by Claire Keegan
In Foster by Claire Keegan, a little girl is sent to a neighbor's house because her mom is going to have a baby and cannot look after her. She likes the people who look after her but finds out that there are secrets to be kept. This is a short 92-page book that is okay. I thought it was pretty good. (Gerard's review, 4 stars)
Friday, November 18, 2022
"What Happened to the Bennets" by Lisa Scottoline
What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline is the story of a family whose daughter is fatally shot when two thugs hijack their car. The family is put into the FBI's witness protection program because Milo, the thug is after the father, who is a court reporter. The family grieves and two FBI agents live in a house next to where they are staying. Their friends and co-workers all wonder what happened to them and rumors begin to fly. The father, Jason, makes a shocking discovery and chooses to go get justice for his daughter on his own.
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
"This Time Tomorrow" by Emma Straub
In This Time Tomorrow, Alice's dad is very sick with tubes in him as she is on the verge of turning 40. She remembers the fun times she had with her dad. On her birthday, she wakes up back in time when she was 16 and her dad was healthy. This book could have been so much better if it was about Alice and her dad instead of time travel! (Gerard's review, 3 stars)
Saturday, November 12, 2022
"The House Across the Lake" by Riley Sager
In The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager, Casey Fletcher goes to a lake to relax. She takes an interest in the house across the lake. She becomes friends with the woman who lives there. When that woman goes missing, Casey investigates.
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
"Fantasy League" by Mike Lupica is a Fun Football Read!
"The Speckled Beauty...A Dog and His People" by Rick Bragg
Saturday, November 5, 2022
"The Lost Girls of Willowbrook" by Ellen Marie Wiseman is Based on True Events
Monday, October 31, 2022
"The Family Game" by Catherine Steadman
In The Family Game by Catherine Steadman, life is good for Harriet. Her new book is flying off the shelves! She is engaged to a very handsome rich man and is about to have a baby. One thing left to do is meet her future husband's family. There are a lot of them who are also very rich. When she meets her future father-in-law, he gives her a tape of a book he's been working on to listen to. Then it's game time!
Friday, October 28, 2022
"Ms. Krup Cracks Me Up!" by Dan Gutman is about a Field Trip
1.
Ms. Krup Cracks Me Up! By Dan Gutman (My Weird School Book 21) is a children’s book about the class going to an overnight field trip to a natural history museum. They see dioramas, learn about dinosaurs and poop mostly. It was okay but not as funny as others. (Karen's review, 3 stars)
Thursday, October 27, 2022
"Confessions on the 7:45" by Lisa Unger is Unpredictable!
In Confessions on the 7:45 by Lisa Unger, Selena is on a subway train thinking of the problems she is having with her husband. The train is not moving because the rail is blocked. So Selena gets to talking with another woman and tells her about the problems she has. She feels better when she lets it out. Little does she know that by talking, her problems are about to get a whole lot worse!
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
"The First to Die at the End" by Adam Silvera
In The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera, two young men meet in Times Square on New Year's Eve. It is the beginning of a new year and the start of death cast. Death cast calls people on the day they are supposed to die. Can they really do that? One of the young men gets a call. It could be a very short friendship. This book is the prequel to They Both Die At the End. I enjoyed this book just as much as the other one. I liked that this book has more characters. (Gerard's review, 5 stars)
Friday, October 21, 2022
"Mrs. Patty Is Batty!" by Dan Gutman (My Weird School Series Book 13)
Mrs. Patty Is Batty! by Dan Gutman is a children's Halloween story that is about trick-or-treating. I thought it was pretty good because it had some humor and suspense to it. I think young children would like it. (Karen's review, 4 stars)
Thursday, October 20, 2022
"Back to School, Weird Kids Rule!" by Dan Gutman (Weird School Special)
Back to School, Weird Kids Rule! by Dan Gutman is a bit different from other books I read in this series because instead of AJ being the narrator, it's Andrea! Andrea explains why she loves school so much and focuses on the week before school starts. She and AJ are thrown together by their parents (the mothers are best friends), and spend their time arguing. It includes some history of school supplies and some puzzles in the back. I liked this one all right. The interaction between Andrea and AJ was funny. (Karen's review, 3 stars)
"What Comes After" by Joanne Tompkins
In What Comes After by Joanne Tompkins, two young teen boys are found dead in the woods of a small town. They were friend. A few weeks later, a young teen girl comes out of the woods but who is she and why is she here now? She gets involved in the lives of both of the dead boys' families. What are her secrets? This book is really good. I enjoyed all the characters and the good story line. (Gerard's review, 5 stars)
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
"Miss Suki is Kooky!" by Dan Gutman (Book 17 in My Weird School Series)
In Miss Suki is Kooky! by Dan Gutman, the students read The Fearless Falcon by Suki Kabuki and then the author visits their school with a falcon! I liked this book because it gives some interesting information about falcons and is humorous. (Karen's review, 4 stars)
"It's Halloween, I'm Turning Green!" by Dan Gutman
It's Halloween, I'm Turning Green! by Dan Gutman is part of My Weird School series. It's a special because it includes games and puzzles in the back. AJ and his friends go trick or treating, but run into the Halloween monster who takes their candy! I think kids would enjoy this book simply because it is a Halloween story. For me, it was okay. (Karen's review, 2 stars)
Monday, October 17, 2022
"We're Red, Weird, and Blue! What Can We Do?" by Dan Gutman
We're Red, Weird, and Blue! What Can We Do? by Dan Gutman is a children's book that teaches some facts about presidents in a fun way. A.J. and Andrea are chosen to represent their school in a President's Day Challenge against Dirk School. This is both educational and funny with a surprise ending. This book also includes some puzzles and review questions in the back. I enjoyed this book because I learned some things and it made me laugh. (Karen's review, 5 stars)
Saturday, October 15, 2022
"Killers of a Certain Age" by Deanna Raybourn
Friday, October 14, 2022
"For the Wolf" by Hannah Whitten (a fantasy debut)
In For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten, Red has one purpose in life: give herself up to the woods and hope the gods will return. I thought this book was pretty good because Red was a good character, had enough action and the ending chapters were very good! There will be a sequel. (Gerard's review, 5 stars)
Friday, October 7, 2022
"The Woman in the Library" by Sulari Gentill
In The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill, there is a scream in the library. Four people sit at a table and talk about it. Three of the four do not realize the murder is sitting at their table with them! I thought this book was very good. I enjoyed the characters and the unusual story line. Although the book started slow, it made up for it as it went along and I didn't figure out who the murderer was until the last page. (Gerard's review, 5 stars)
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
"Mr. Macky Is Wacky!" by Dan Gutman is about President's Day (Book 15 in My Weird School Series)
Mr. Macky Is Wacky! by Dan Gutman is Book 15 in My Weird School series. It is a funny book about a school celebrating President's Day. I enjoyed this one because it made me laugh. It is actually somewhat informative because teachers and students share facts about some of the presidents. (Karen's review, 4 stars)
Monday, October 3, 2022
"The Replacement Wife" by Darby Kane
In The Replacement Wife by Darby Kane, Elisa does not trust her brother-in-law, Josh, at all with good reason. Women seem to come to a bad end when they are with Josh. Now he has a new girlfriend. Elisa wants to know the truth about Josh. This book is really good, wild in a good way! It has a good story line, a great ending, and does not go back and forth in time. (Gerard's review, 5++ Stars)
Saturday, October 1, 2022
My Weird School FAST FACTS Series by Dan Gutman
Explorers, Presidents, and Toilets by Dan Gutman is a FAST FACTS series book that I found extremely interesting and filled with fun facts about U.S. history. I learned new things in an enjoyable way and highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about U.S. history, including the history of toilets! (Karen’s review, 5 stars)
Dogs, Cats, and Dung
Beetles by Dan Gutman is a FAST FACTS series book I found to be informative
and funny! It is filled with interesting
fun facts about all sorts of animals as well as some jokes throughout the
book. I especially enjoyed the chapter
on presidents’ pets. Arlo and Amanda
both alternate sharing facts in a fun way.
I highly recommend this book to any animal lover. (Karen’s review, 5 stars)
Sports by Dan Gutman if a FAST FACTS series book I found to be interesting and funny. Arlo and Amanda both alternate sharing facts as in the other books in this series. Most sports are covered, but I noticed pickleball was not included. I especially liked the baseball and basketball facts, but enjoyed the whole book. I liked that at the end it encourages kids to search the internet for their own weird facts about a subject that interest them. (Karen's review, 5 stars)
Dinosaurs, Dodos, and Woolly Mammoths by Dan Gutman is a FAST FACTS series book that I skipped because I just am not interesting in reading about dinosaurs and other extinct animals. I included it here because it is part of this series.
Thursday, September 29, 2022
"Wish You Were Gone" by Kieran Scott
In Wish You Were Gone by Kieran Scott, Emma's husband, James, died in an accident. This novel goes into the time before and after James' death. This book is very good! It is told by many people which I enjoyed very much. The ending was just fantastic! I highly recommend this one! (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)
"Mr. Granite If from Another Planet!" by Dan Gutman
Mr. Granite Is from Another Planet! by Dan Gutman is the first book in the My Weird School Daze series that I didn't enjoy at all. It was about going green but things in it made no sense at all and it wasn't as funny as the others either. It was just stupid. The only good thing about this one is that it's a quick read! I would recommend skipping this one! (Karen's review, 1 star)
Tuesday, September 27, 2022
"Babysitter" by Joyce Carol Oates Is Based on a True Story
In Babysitter by Joyce Carol Oates, Hannah and Wes live in an upscale neighborhood with their two small children. Hannah makes a decision that puts her marriage at the breaking point and children are being taken! Are Wes and Hannah's kids in danger? I thought this book was very good! The story line is great and the writing was really good too. Hannah was a wonderful character! (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)
Friday, September 23, 2022
"My Darling Husband" by Kimberly Belle is a Nail-Biter
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
"The Woods Are Always Watching" by Stephanie Perkins
The Woods Are Always Watching by Stephanie Perkins is about two teen girls going on their first camping trip. They are best friends but will be separated when they go to different colleges in the fall. What should be a fun time turns into a nightmare! This book is good stuff! I liked both girls and the story moved along. (Gerard's review, 5 stars)
Monday, September 19, 2022
"Mr. Klutz Is Nuts!" My Weird School 2 series by Dan Gutman
Mr. Klutz Is Nuts! is the second book in My Weird School series by Dan Gutman. In this book is all about the principal doing funny things to motivate the students. The reader learns about incentives. I liked that the students became concerned about their principal and were willing to learn without his incentives. I enjoyed this one but it didn't make me laugh out loud like some of the others in this series did. (Karen's review, 3 stars)
Saturday, September 17, 2022
"Little Eyes" by Smanta Schweblin is a Strange One!
1.
In Little Eyes by Samanta Schweblin people buy a Kentuki to keep them company. It’s like a robot pet, but not all of them follow the wishes of their owners. I thought this was pretty good. It went to different people so I never knew what was going to happen next. (Gerard's review, 4 stars)
My Weird School I Can Read! Series (Level 2—Reading With Help) by Dan Gutman
All the books in this series have large colorful pictures that little kids would enjoy with very little reading. They are very short but are great for young readers.
AJ and Andrea get to go on a field trip to the museum. Although AJ is the one who usually gets into
trouble, on this trip Andrea is the one who causes trouble. It’s a cute story.
The class votes on what pet to get for their class and snake
wins. This is pretty funny and also
gives some interesting information about hognose snakes.
The class is having a talent show and AJ doesn’t know what
to do. His talents really aren’t things
he can do in a classroom. He signs up
last hoping to think of something. It’s
his teacher who recognizes his talent.
Ryan is forming a curling team. AJ says he wants to be on it, but Ryan
already has enough. When one of his
players gets hurt, AJ comes in to replace him, but can AJ and Andrea play
together without fighting?
Friday, September 16, 2022
"Dr. Brad Has Gone Mad!" by Dan Gutman (My Weird School Daze #7)
Dr. Brad Has Gone Mad! by Dan Gutman is about a counselor who does some testing on AJ to see if he is a genius and should be transferred to a different school for the gifted and talented. Of course, AJ does not want to change schools. He faked being hypnotized and later tried hypnotizing Andrea. Things went really crazy from there.
Monday, September 12, 2022
"Don't Tell A Soul" by Kirsten Miller
1.
In Don’t Tell a Soul by Kirsten Miller, Bram needs to go to a new place. The trouble is that the place she decides to go to is haunted, or so they say. Gram does not believe in ghosts. I thought this book was very good. I loved the story line because it kept me engaged through the whole book and Bram was a good character. (Gerard's review, 5 stars)
Sunday, September 11, 2022
Found a Funny Children's Book Author!
I happened to choose a kid's book from our free library and discovered a new author for me--Dan Gutman. I Enjoyed MISS DAISY IS CRAZY so much that I ordered all the Dan Gutman books I could get from the library (39)! They are quick reads and funny! They are aimed at 6 to10-year-olds but I think any elementary child would enjoy them. If you want a laugh, go read one of his books! They make me laugh out loud!
"Coach Hyatt Is a Riot!" by Dan Gutman
Coach Hyatt Is a Riot! by Dan Gutman is about AJ's Pee Wee football team. The new coach is a woman and does some goofy things. Her son is on the team but just stands around picking his nose all the time. Some girls make up some cheers, which are super corny, and the coach even adds a the girl AJ hates to the team! I think girls would enjoy this one more than boys, even though it is about football. I liked it all right, but didn't think it was as funny as others I have read by this author in the "My Weird School" series. (Karen's review, 3 stars)
Friday, September 9, 2022
"Ms. Hannah Is Bananas!" by Dan Gutman
Ms. Hannah Is Bananas! by Dan Gutman is book 4 in the "My Weird School" series. This one is about the art teacher who says "Art is everywhere." The animosity between AJ and Andrea is really funny and I enjoyed this book as well as the others in this series that I have read so far. The ending of this book made me laugh out loud, it was hilarious. I think elementary children would like this one. (Karen's review, 4 stars)
Thursday, September 8, 2022
"I'll Never Tell" by Catherine McKenzie
In I'll Never Tell by Catherine McKenzie, five children from the same family are all grown up. It has been 20 years since a young girl was found dead at a camp run by the family. Their parents are both dead, but before the children can do anything with the camp and the land it is on, they must solve who killed that girl.
"Mr. Hynde Is Out of His Mind" by Dan Gutman
Mr. Hynde is Out of His Mind by Dan Gutman is Book 6 in "My Weird School" series. This one is about a new music teacher who gets the kids moving and uses rap which is very different from what the kids were used to. Most kids like him, a few do not. The kids get a big surprise when the principle tells the teachers to turn on their TVs in the classrooms.
Monday, September 5, 2022
"Lock Every Door" by Riley Sager
In Lock Every Door by Riley Sager, Jules has a job as an apartment sitter at one of the most high profile buildings in Manhattan. Jules hears about the building's bad history but brushes it off until her friend turns up missing. This book was okay for me. It has a good ending, but needed more action. I wasn't that impressed with the storyline in general. (Gerard's review, 4 stars)
Saturday, September 3, 2022
"Miss Daisy Is Crazy!" by Dan Gutman (Book 1 of My Weird School Series)
Miss Daisy is Crazy! by Dan Gutman is the first in the Weird School Series. This is a funny read that I really enjoyed, even though it is a children's book. It's about A.J. who hates school and his 2nd grade teacher, Miss Daisy who says she hates school too! This is the first book I read by this author and look forward to reading more. It is a quick read and good for a laugh. I think this is a great series for younger grades. (Karen's review, 5 stars)
Friday, September 2, 2022
"Alone Yet Not Alone" by Tracy Leininger Craven
Alone Yet Not Alone by Tracy Leininger Craven is the story about the faith of two sisters who were captured by Indians during the French and Indian War. Barbara and Regina are just young girls when they get captured after the Indians killed their father and a brother. Although they stick together, they are separated and find themselves in two different tribes, being raised to become Indian squaws. They keep their faith and hope to be reunited with each other and what's left of their family one day.
Thursday, September 1, 2022
"The One" by John Marrs
In The One by John Marrs, five people take a DNA test hoping they will be matched with the perfect person for them. They are all notified that the perfect match for them has been made--let the fun begin! I thought this book was really good. Loved all the characters and the five storylines to keep things interesting. There is always something going on! I LOVED IT! (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)
Monday, August 29, 2022
"Dark Horses" by Susan Mihalic
In Dark Horses by Susan Mihalic, Roan, 15-yr-old girl, has a love for riding horses in shows. She wants to be in the Olympics like her dad who won a bunch of medals and now oversees Roan's training. However, when a boy moves into the picture, things get complicated! If you enjoyed V. C. Andrews' old books, this is for you. I did and got through this one quickly! It has a good storyline, interesting characters and the ending was one for the books! (Gerard's review, 5 stars)