Reading Between the Lines

Unlikely Friendships: Dogs: 37 Stories of Canine Compassion and Courage by Jennifer S. Holland My rating: 5 of 5 stars Unlikely Friendships Dogs is a fantastic book of stories of dogs and some of their unusual friends. Each story is unique and shows the devoted, warm, and unconditional love a dog brings to each relationship. Even the Shepard in the story, which was going to be put down as he bit everyone he came in contact with, brought friendship and love to his buddy the goose. The goose, of course, bit the Shepard upon meeting him, but they bonded and were inseparable from that point forward. The Shepherd mourned the goose when he passed. The heart of these creatures carries through several stories of dogs rescuing horses from a burning building, to a Pit Bull momma caring for a small kitten before the kitten's eyes even opened. Anyone who knows me knows my love for dogs and this book once again reminds me that we should love and accept others...

Awesome Robotics Projects for Kids: 20 Original STEAM Robots and Circuits to Design and Build by Bob Katovich My rating: 5 of 5 stars I received a copy from the publisher for my honest review. Excellent STEAM projects, including robot and circuit building. Step by step photo diagrams will aid students as they delve into their creations. I am adding this book to my classroom library for Genius Hour/Passion Projects! Release date-December 17th View all my reviews

Ultimate Trivia, Volume 1 by Donna Hoke My rating: 5 of 5 stars I received a copy from the publisher for my honest review. I highly recommend Ultimate Trivia Volume 1! So much fun to challenge family members and get students thinking! This edition covers animals and nature, arts and literature, food and drink, and U.S. and World History. View all my reviews

Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay My rating: 5 of 5 stars Patron Saints of Nothing is a read that touched my heart. Jay is finishing high school and has been accepted at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. His dad was born and raised in the Philippines and his mom is American. Jay's cousin, Jun writes letters back and forth with his cousin. Suddenly Jun dies and no one will answer Jay's questions regarding how. Jay ventures to the Philippines to get answers and visit family over spring break. Will Jay unearth the truth surrounding his cousin's death? Jay is a strong character, who learns more about his culture right along with the reader. The happenings brought me closer to the characters and left me in tears at its conclusion. View all my reviews

Peanut Butter and Jelly by Ben Clanton My rating: 5 of 5 stars Excellent addition to Punny Friday! My 7th graders loved it! They even thought it was "Fin-tastic"!! View all my reviews

The 4-Week Fast Metabolism Diet Plan by April Murray, RD My rating: 5 of 5 stars I was given this book as an ARC by the publisher for an honest review. The beginning focuses on the reasons why metabolism may be waning and offers a variety of herbs and foods to ramp up your metabolism. Shopping lists are given for each week and the recipes are detailed. I tried the breakfast sandwich without the meat and loved it. I am excited to incorporate more of the recipes as I tackle my own metabolism and get moving! View all my reviews

Brightstorm by Vashti Hardy My rating: 0 of 5 stars I received an ARC of Brightstorm and loved the characters. Twins have lost their dad while he was venturing to South Polaris. Maudie and Arthur are struggling to find food after losing Dad, but more importantly struggling with accepting their father is gone. They need to know what happened, but how...Miss Harriet Culpepper offers the twins jobs during the Transcontinental Expedition race to South Polaris. Will they find the answers they desire? What happened to dad? Could he be alive? Excellent middle grade read! View all my reviews

I Go Quiet by David Ouimet My rating: 5 of 5 stars I Go Quiet is a book you will want to fill your soul and reflect upon. The illustrations bring new thoughts each time I have read it. I feel for the character as she travels through hours and days going quietly and feeling insignificant. The character is introverted or avoiding social anxiety, but feels alive within the pages of a book. She is discovering how her voice will sound when she demands others take notice. Absolutely beautifully told and the illustrations bring her story to life. A must read for all ages!! View all my reviews

The Old Truck by Jerome Pumphrey My rating: 0 of 5 stars The Old Truck is beautifully illustrated with nostalgic art from farm life. The truck is integral to the family in different ways throughout the years, such as a work help, but also as a piece used in imaginative ways. The truck grows tired with age, as does the farmer, but the story moves full circle. Determination, hard work, and dedication reap rewards for all, including the truck! View all my reviews

Blood Will Tell by April Henry My rating: 5 of 5 stars Blood Will Tell is amazing! Women are found stabbed and the DNA of a teenager, Nick, who collects knives, plays violent video games, and draws disturbing images is found on one of the bodies. Immediately, Nick becomes the prime suspect. Will his friends be able to clear his name? Secrets are revealed along the way. April Henry requires the reader to follow the forensic clues and tips throughout the mystery. Excellent YA Read! View all my reviews

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven My rating: 5 of 5 stars I will try to write between the tears. All the Bright Places will stick with me for a long time. Beautifully written story of struggling with loss, mental illness, and a broken home life. #middleschoolela #yareads #ya #marchbookmadness View all my reviews

Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia My rating: 5 of 5 stars Eliza and Her Monsters will be a book students who love online forums, comics or anime will enjoy. Eliza is the designer of the comic Monstrous Sea and has a ton of followers. She hides her identity from the real world until... “Not all of them will have the boon of their own creations to tether them down; not all of them will be able to create their own spaces where they can be who they want to be and love what they want to love without the fear of someone judging them.” #identity #middleschool #nerdybookclub #yareads #7thgrade #middleschoolela #middleschoolteacher #beyourself #youmatter View all my reviews

Extraordinary Birds by Sandy Stark-McGinnis My rating: 5 of 5 stars December touches the reader’s heart, as she moves to yet another foster home and has lost trust in people. Throughout the book, the reader learns a bit more about a variety of birds, as December believes she is a bird. December believes she has wings which will come through the scar on her back. Both her foster Mom, Eleanor and December learn so much about life together. Highly recommend! #ExtraordinaryBirds #NetGalley View all my reviews

Heroine by Mindy McGinnis My rating: 5 of 5 stars Heroine is a novel about addiction and the fact that the main character Mickey is a high schooler brought another layer of empathy for a young person pulled into such a life. Mickey and her best friend are in an accident and seriously injured. They are star players on their softball team and colleges are already scouting. Mickey is in extreme pain as her leg was essentially removed from it socket. The author compares it to tearing the leg off a Barbie doll. Mickey becomes reliant on Oxy and then heroine. This is a view into an addict’s life and the need for family intervention. A novel that brings awareness and anger about the opioid crisis. View all my reviews

Caraval by Stephanie Garber My rating: 5 of 5 stars Wow! Pulled me into Caraval. The adventure, potions, rules, and adventures capture you into their world as Scarlet tries to escape her father, his planned marriage for her, protect her sister, and live life her way! Caraval is like a carnival none of us have truly experienced! The tunnels and rules are truly magical and not always a “good” magic! I cannot wait to read Legendary! Love, Love, Love!!❤️ View all my reviews

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert My rating: 5 of 5 stars The Hazel Wood pulled me into Alice’s life with her mother, Ella. The two struggled to find any good luck. When things appeared to be improving, word is sent that Alice’s grandmother has passed away. Alice knows her grandmother is a famous author of fairy tales, but her mom wants her to stay far away from anything having to do with her grandmother. Alice’s mom is taken and Alice must enter the Hazel Woods to save her. Mind you, this fairy tale is unlike any other. Every corner brings suspense and adrenaline spikes as Alice explores the world of her grandmother’s fairy tales. View all my reviews

The Crowns of Croswald by D.E. Night My rating: 5 of 5 stars The Crowns of Croswald was an adventure I did not want to leave. I was pulled into Ivy’s adventure from the very beginning. Croswald is a magical place that brings happy vibes. Between the potions, the library with books appearing, the teacher, and her friends, you are pulled completely into a land of magic. The Halls of Ivy were a lovely escape, as Ivy learned how to use her magic. Of course, everything cannot stay at peace and whimsical, as Ivy must be strong if she wants Croswald to stay the same. A lovely read of magical moments, fairy dreams, and beauty. Excellent middle grade and up read! View all my reviews

Good Enough by Jen Petro-Roy My rating: 5 of 5 stars View all my reviews

You Are Enough: Your Guide to Body Image and Eating Disorder Recovery by Jen Petro-Roy My rating: 5 of 5 stars Excellent read for students and adults with disordered eating tendencies, but also a reminder that You are Enough! View all my reviews

Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson My rating: 5 of 5 stars Powerful read! I want my daughter to read this. View all my reviews

Losing Normal by Francis Moss My rating: 4 of 5 stars Losing Normal keeps you guessing. The chapters switch between characters and nothing is truly normal. The videos are not safe! Sara and Alex try to fight back against “losing normal” for themselves and their families. #LosingNormal #NetGalley View all my reviews

Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott My rating: 5 of 5 stars A beautiful story of two teens struggling with life threatening illnesses, but trying to live and love with no barriers. They will do anything to find a way to be happy together-even if it means staying five feet apart. The strength of Stella, Will, and Poe is amazingly touching! I cried, I laughed, and I loved right along with the characters! A Beautiful Book-highly recommend!! View all my reviews

Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly My rating: 5 of 5 stars Iris has such a kind heart! Iris and her grandmother are deaf and their togetherness is so sweet throughout the novel. Iris uses her tech skills to find a way for a whale to communicate with others. She worries the whale is lonely without having others to communicate with in the waters. Will her idea work? Excellent middle grade read! View all my reviews

New Kid by Jerry Craft My rating: 5 of 5 stars I love this graphic novel for middle schoolers! My son mentioned the lower case “i” in kid and asked if this was important to the story. I had not thought about that, but it must be as it is about being different and everyone respecting and accepting each other’s differences. Cannot wait to book talk it tomorrow with my 7th graders! @jerrycraft #yareads #beyourself #middleschoolela #7thgrade #ya #middleschool View all my reviews

Legendary by Stephanie Garber My rating: 5 of 5 stars One of the best series books I have read in a long time! The world around you washes away as you enter Caraval. I found myself living Tella’s story and crossing my fingers for her success throughout each challenge!! Stephanie Garber is beyond amazing! I cannot wait for the third book, Finale! A must read YA series!! View all my reviews

Shouting at the Rain by Lynda Mullaly Hunt My rating: 5 of 5 stars https://youtu.be/VpWHcZ7s5y0 View all my reviews

Waiting for Fitz by Spencer Hyde My rating: 4 of 5 stars Mental health is an important issue and Waiting for Fitz includes two main characters suffering with mental health issues. Both Fitz and Addie find each other in the psych ward. Addie suffers from OCD and is working on healing. Fitz is schizophrenic. Both find common ground through knee slapping humor, opening up about their past, and bringing meaning to their present. #mentalhealth #booksofinstagram #iteach7thgrade #yareads #middleschoolela #booklove #7thgrade #7thgradeela #middleschool #middleschoolteachers #teachersofig #teachersofinstagram View all my reviews

Black Sheep Rebel Girl: The Almost True Tales, Thoughts, and Observations of a Life Long... by Rachel Hutcheson My rating: 5 of 5 stars Such a fun book! I found myself laughing and sharing her thoughts with anyone who would listen! View all my reviews

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson My rating: 5 of 5 stars Lia and Cassie are best of friends, but sometimes friends are not what they seem. Lia’s best friend died after suffering from anorexia, Lia is suffering, too. Throughout the novel, Lia struggles with her body image, anorexia, and feelings about Cassie. “And that’s the problem. When you’re alive, people can hurt you. It is easier to crawl into a bone cage or a snowdrift of confusion.” Will she acknowledge “Food is life.” before it is too late? View all my reviews

If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo My rating: 4 of 5 stars I wanted to read this novel as it is part of the March Book Madness challenge. I loved the way acceptance of others was offered by some, while others struggled with what they did not understand. Amanda’s character shows bravery throughout and just wants to be understood. Grant’s character is understanding and open, which I thought was refreshing, as he tried to understand Amanda never felt like Andrew. View all my reviews

Unwind by Neal Shusterman My rating: 5 of 5 stars I loved Scythe and Thunderhead and have recommended both to anyone I encounter and discuss books. Our 8th grade ELA teachers recommended the series, Unwind, and I am in aww...um...perhaps, startled by the first book and cannot wait to delve into the next. Such a disturbing world, but intriguing at the same time. It will suspend you in a world of unwinds looking to escape their destined future. Book talked Unwind for my 7th graders today and they are eager to check it out tomorrow. :) View all my reviews

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo My rating: 5 of 5 stars Last summer, I was engrossed in Poet X and Elizabeth Acevedo has not disappointed with her new YA novel, With the Fire On High. I was thoroughly pleased with this story of Emoni. She not only lost her mother at birth, her father is in and out of her life, but ‘Buela is there for Emoni and her daughter, Emma. Emoni is a senior in high school and as others are planning for college or trade school, she is focused on a job to support her little girl. Her Buela is going to doctor’s appointments, Emma’s father is adding social and family pressure, and her father is in Puerto Rico helping those in need, as he runs his barber shop. Emoni loves to cook and has a natural talent with her dish creations. Will Emoni find her way? Will ‘Buela be okay? What is best for Emma and Emoni? Highly recommend this YA novel for our secondary ELA students! A story of determination when faced with challenges. ...

Internment by Samira Ahmed My rating: 5 of 5 stars I found myself shaking my head and emotional throughout Internment. So disappointing that people experience this separation and imprisonment for their diversity. I highly recommend this read! I empathized with the characters throughout. Peaceful acceptance of our differences and a celebration of diversity would be such a beautiful concept! View all my reviews

Bloodleaf by Crystal Smith My rating: 4 of 5 stars View all my reviews

Wishtree by Katherine Applegate My rating: 5 of 5 stars Wow! Such a sweet story of an optimistic tree and a child looking for a friend in a world sometimes separated by differences rather than relishing in developing connections through friendship. #middleschoolela #middlegradebooks #middleschool View all my reviews

Wishtree by Katherine Applegate My rating: 5 of 5 stars Wow! Such a sweet story of an optimistic tree and a child looking for a friend in a world sometimes separated by differences rather than relishing in developing connections through friendship. #middleschoolela #middlegradebooks #middleschool View all my reviews

When by Victoria Laurie My rating: 5 of 5 stars My 7th graders recommended I read this book and I am so glad they did! Such an interesting and scary concept to see each and every persons’ death date ominously over their head. Maddie’s character tries to use her knowledge to help others, but ends up a suspect in recent crimes. Her family dynamics require strength and resilience even as chaos ensues. Excellent YA novel! View all my reviews

Finale by Stephanie Garber My rating: 5 of 5 stars Caraval, Legendary, and now Finale! I count myself extremely lucky to have been approved by NetGalley to read an advanced copy of Finale! I have to say I allowed myself to devour every moment, as I did not want the story to end. Every moment, with the descriptive details, the wonder-filled adventures, magic, and novel characters I have connected to throughout the series did not disappoint, but rather pulled me into a stunning adventure! Finale was astonishing and left me quite pleased! Highly recommend the entire series!! View all my reviews

The Seclusion by Jacqui Castle My rating: 4 of 5 stars For my second adventure, I traveled to the year 2090. I found myself yearning to escape the confines as much as Rexx and Patricia. America, in this dystopian novel which takes place in 2090, is a controlled society under continuous surveillance as cameras lurk everywhere. The Board controls what its members see, hear, and profess as truth. Patricia (Patch) and Rexx find themselves desiring to find what is beyond the walls. I followed them throughout their adventures and willed them to be successful in finding freedom, but were they able to find truth outside of the walls? Check it out for yourself! View all my reviews

The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur My rating: 4 of 5 stars View all my reviews

Louisiana's Way Home by Kate DiCamillo My rating: 5 of 5 stars Aww! Impossible to read without empathizing with Louisiana and hoping she finds family. Louisiana is taken from the place she calls home as her granny takes her on a road trip without reason. Louisiana does not understand why this is happening. Granny reveals family history with Louisiana, which leaves Louisiana looking for family, home, and a future. Highly recommend for middle grade readers! View all my reviews

Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams My rating: 5 of 5 stars Genesis Begins Again is a book that touched my heart. Genesis hates everything she is, as she has been told she is less than the beauty her mother beholds. Her father tells her she has her mom’s smile, but is most like him. Mind you, he is a drunk who causes the family to be evicted from house after house. Genesis wants a home and to be beautiful, which is obvious as she composed a list of 100 things to hate about being her. Genesis’s strength looking for her voice and finding beauty in herself pulled me in and rattled my heart. View all my reviews

We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia My rating: 4 of 5 stars We Set the Dark on Fire envelops the reader in a different land where your status determines your future. Dani’s parents wanted better for her, so they forged identification papers. Dani attends an all girl school prepping her for a prearranged marriage. Dani cannot stand by as her husband and his family allow such horrible injustices to take place. Dani needs to decide if she wants to risk everything for what she knows needs to change. Excellent YA novel! View all my reviews

Swipe Right for Murder by Derek Milman My rating: 4 of 5 stars View all my reviews

Crush by Svetlana Chmakova My rating: 3 of 5 stars View all my reviews

Love, Hate & Other Filters by Samira Ahmed My rating: 5 of 5 stars View all my reviews

The Game by Monica Hughes My rating: 4 of 5 stars Interesting premise! Lisse is deemed unemployable. Their only hope is to join the Game. This game is unlike any other! They find themselves fighting for survival and in an unknown world. I felt like they entered the Twilight Zone, as they realized what the world had planned and executed for them. Student recommended this book for me to read:). View all my reviews

Legend: The Graphic Novel by Marie Lu My rating: 5 of 5 stars Fighting with purpose brought Day and June together. She thinks he is the enemy until she takes the time to understand his purpose and what the Republic is trying to accomplish. Common goal brings a united fight! View all my reviews

The Season of Styx Malone by Kekla Magoon My rating: 5 of 5 stars What a summer adventure of exploration, trouble, realizations, and living! Styx brings adventure, life lessons, and appreciation for the families we have. Excellent middle grade read with heart:). View all my reviews

Mike by Andrew Norriss My rating: 5 of 5 stars I honestly picked up this book at the library because of the front and back cover. It was marked new at the library and I thought I would give it a try. This was an amazing book with a deeper meaning. You see-we all have a “Mike” and when “Mike” is around we should listen closely. “Mike” is trying to guide us towards our best life rather than settling for less than our purpose! Live with passion following your “Mike”! Highly recommend! View all my reviews