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