The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers

A couple years ago, I was doing something online and saw The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers: Spiritual Insights from the World's Most Beloved Neighbor by Amy Hollingsworth. I wanted to read it, but I couldn't find it at the library--so I asked for it for Christmas and got it this past week. :) The book description reads, "For more than 30 years, Fred Rogers was the kindly neighbor of children worldwide. Why were kids drawn to him? Mining personal interviews and correspondence, this book goes beyond Rogers's gentle manner and signature red sweater to reveal the deep faith that sustained him in his many roles—television personality, educator, philosopher, and minister."

This was a great read. I finished it in pretty much one sitting on a long airline flight, and it was an engaging book. Even though I didn't watch much Mister Rogers as a kid, I've been a big fan of his as an adult as I've seen some articles and videos that highlight important messages he taught children. (My two favorite examples: episode with Officer Clemmons and episode with Jeff Erlanger, a child in a wheelchair) I liked reading this book and seeing the impact of faith on Mister Rogers's decisions to go into television and what he focused on in his work. The last pages share Mister Rogers's words about what he would want people to know if he had one final opportunity to address his television neighbors. He said, "I would want [those] who were listening somehow to now that they had unique value, that there isn't anyone in the whole world exactly like them and that there never has been and there never will be. And that they are loved by the Person who created them, in a unique way. If they could know that and really know it and have that behind their eyes, they could look with those eyes on their neighbor and realize, 'My neighbor has unique value too; there's never been anybody in the whole world like my neighbor, and there never will be.' If they could value that person--if they could love that person--in ways that we know that the Eternal loves us, then I would be very grateful." I really loved that. This book focused on the author's interactions with Fred Rogers after she interviewed him and then began a years-long friendship. In some ways, I liked this because it helped me see what Mister Rogers was like in these kind of day-to-day relationships/interactions. In other ways, I wish this was more of an autobiography by Fred Rogers himself so I could get his take on things rather than the author's interpretation of her interactions. But overall it was a great read.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Outliers

Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell has been on my to-read list for awhile, and I got it on audiobook from Libby. The book description reads, "In this stunning new book, Malcolm Gladwell takes us on an intellectual journey through the world of 'outliers'--the best and the brightest, the most famous and the most successful. He asks the question: what makes high-achievers different? His answer is that we pay too much attention to what successful people are like, and too little attention to where they are from: that is, their culture, their family, their generation, and the idiosyncratic experiences of their upbringing. Along the way he explains the secrets of software billionaires, what it takes to be a great soccer player, why Asians are good at math, and what made the Beatles the greatest rock band."

This was a really interesting book. I don't know if the book description above really captures the book, but to me, it was about how super successful people who are "outliers" in terms of their success are more than just a self-made person or rags to riches story. Instead, they were extraordinarily lucky or had a life filled with circumstances that put them in the the position to have the success they did. I found his examples super interesting and fun to follow. (Like the fact that an incredibly significant number of professional hockey players are born in January.) Great read and one I'd recommend to others. I'm rating it 2/3 stars since it wasn't one I 100% loved as much as some books I've read, but I still really, really liked it.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

The Wild Robot Protects

I was excited to see a new book in the Wild Robot series and got The Wild Robot Protects by Peter Brown from the library. The book description says, "Life for Roz and the animals on their island is perfect. But when mysterious, dangerous waters surround the island, the animals are forced inland to fight over dwindling resources. Roz calms and organizes the animals, but the poison tide takes a terrible toll on the island. So the wild robot sets out across the ocean, determined to stop the poison tide. During her journey, Roz encounters amazing geological formations and incredible creatures, and she sees the devastation caused by the toxic waters. Can the wild robot save the ocean and her island and everything she loves?"

This was a good read. I really loved Roz in the first two books, and it's always fun going back to a character you haven't been with for awhile. I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as the first two, and it may have just been because Roz was on her own for a lot of the book, and there weren't other characters to love and grow close to. But I was still interested to see how the story would turn out and was glad I read it.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Something Like Home

I saw Something Like Home on the new book shelf at the library and recognized the author from a book I read earlier this year (Iveliz Explains It All) and loved. The book looked like one I'd enjoy, so I checked it out. This book description reads, "Laura Rodríguez Colón has a plan: no matter what the grown-ups say, she will live with her parents again. Can you blame her? It’s tough to make friends as the new kid at school. And while staying at her aunt’s house is okay, it just isn’t the same as being in her own space.
So when Laura finds a puppy, it seems like fate. If she can train the puppy to become a therapy dog, then maybe she’ll be allowed to visit her parents. Maybe the dog will help them get better and things will finally go back to the way they should be. After all, how do you explain to others that you’re technically a foster kid, even though you live with your aunt? And most importantly . . . how do you explain that you’re not where you belong, and you just want to go home?"

This was a great read. It was written in verse (which I love) and was a quick and engaging read. I loved Laura as a character and felt she was a well-developed, believable character. I also loved her friend Benson and her aunt. I thought the author did a great job helping the reader get into the mind of a child placed in foster care and all the emotions that experience might entail. This was a really good book--glad I read it. Passing it onto my 13-year-old next!

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

Game Changer

My daughter read Game Changer by Tommy Greenwald for her Battle of the Books club at school and was super into it and finished it in a day, so I decided to give it a read too. The book description says, "Thirteen-year-old Teddy Youngblood is in a coma, fighting for his life after an unspecified football injury at training camp. His family and friends flock to his bedside to support his recovery—and to discuss the events leading up to the tragic accident. Was this the inevitable result of playing a violent sport, or did something more sinister happen on the field that day?"

This was a good read. It was a fun format (Amazon describes it as "an innovative multimedia format combining dialogue, texts, newspaper articles, interview transcripts, an online forum, and Teddy’s inner thoughts"), which made it a quick read. The story was definitely engaging and made you want to keep reading to see what was going on and get the truth. I was annoyed by some of the characters (like the parents constantly fighting), but I thought the book was thought-provoking and addressed some issues to be considered surrounding football and hazing.

* * (2/3 = Liked it)

The Magical Imperfect

I saw The Magical Imperfect on the middle school list for Virginia's Readers' Choice and thought it looked like a book I'd enjoy. The book description reads, "Etan has stopped speaking since his mother left. His father and grandfather don’t know how to help him. His friends have given up on him. When Etan is asked to deliver a grocery order to the outskirts of town, he realizes he’s at the home of Malia Agbayani, also known as the Creature. Malia stopped going to school when her acute eczema spread to her face, and the bullying became too much. As the two become friends, other kids tease Etan for knowing the Creature. But he believes he might have a cure for Malia’s condition, if only he can convince his family and hers to believe it too. Even if it works, will these two outcasts find where they fit in?"

This was a nice read. I really liked the premise of the book and liked both main characters. It was cool how the book was based in real history (a World Series, earthquake, etc.) I also liked that the book introduced some important issues (mental health struggles, selective mutism, bullying, losing/finding faith during difficult times, etc.).

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

The Wild Robot

I read The Wild Robot by Peter Brown aloud to my 6-year-old, so I figured I'd just document that briefly here and leave a link to my original post about this book. It was my son who brought the book to me and asked me to read it to him, and I kind of thought it was a little old for him, but it ended up being a great read with him. The short chapters made it very accessible (easy to stop for bedtime), and he was able to follow the story well. It took us a month or so to finish. Fun to read together!

Never Enough

Someone at book club recommends Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-and What We Can Do About It by Jennifer Breheny Wallace, so I got it from the library on audiobook. The book description says, "In the ever more competitive race to secure the best possible future, today’s students face unprecedented pressure to succeed. They jam-pack their schedules with AP classes, fill every waking hour with resume-padding activities, and even sabotage relationships with friends to “get ahead.” Family incomes and schedules are stretched to the breaking point by tutoring fees and athletic schedules. Yet this drive to optimize performance has only resulted in skyrocketing rates of anxiety, depression, and even self-harm in America’s highest achieving schools. Parents, educators, and community leaders are facing the same quandary: how can we teach our kids to strive towards excellence without crushing them? In Never Enough, award-winning reporter Jennifer Breheny Wallace investigates the deep roots of toxic achievement culture, and finds out what we must do to fight back. Drawing on interviews with families, educators, and an original survey of nearly 6,000 parents, she exposes how the pressure to perform is not a matter of parental choice but baked in to our larger society and spurred by increasing income inequality and dwindling opportunities. As a result, children are increasingly absorbing the message that they have no value outside of their accomplishments, a message that is reinforced by the media and greater culture at large. Through deep research and interviews with today’s leading child psychologists, Wallace shows what kids need from the adults in the room is not more pressure, but to feel like they matter, and have intrinsic self-worth not contingent upon external achievements. Parents and educators who adopt the language and values of mattering help children see themselves as a valuable contributor to a larger community. And in an ironic twist, kids who receive consistent feedback that they matter no matter what are more likely to have the resilience, self-confidence, and psychological security to thrive."

This was a great read. I already feel like the topic is something that's been important to me subconsciously for years as a parent, but I liked how this addressed it so directly. The premise of the book is the importance of children understanding that they matter--outside of achievement or success or anything else. They just matter. This is something that is emphasized in my religion as well, but I liked how the book gave lots of real-life examples and helped me see times I may unintentionally be putting pressure on my kids or making them feel like I care about their achievement too much. I think this is an important read, and I'm glad I read it before my daughter starts high school. (We live in a pretty competitive academic environment, so I think it was a good pre-high school read for that reason.) Highly recommended!

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

The Puppets of Spelhorst

I follow Kate DiCamillo on Facebook and saw she was writing a new book so was already in line on hold for The Puppets of Spelhorst when it came out this month. The book description says, "Shut up in a trunk by a taciturn old sea captain with a secret, five friends—a king, a wolf, a girl, a boy, and an owl—bicker, boast, and comfort one another in the dark. Individually, they dream of song and light, freedom and flight, purpose and glory, but they all agree they are part of a larger story, bound each to each by chance, bonded by the heart’s mysteries. When at last their shared fate arrives, landing them on a mantel in a blue room in the home of two little girls, the truth is more astonishing than any of them could have imagined."

This was a nice, quick read with well-developed characters (puppets) that made me chuckle. It was classic Kate DiCamillo with beautiful writing that somehow just puts you in the mood of the story by the words alone. The book overall wasn't super eventful or monumental but it was a sweet read that could be a good read aloud with my kids. It sounds like this is going to be a trilogy of Norendy Tales books, so I'll likely read the others when they come out too.

* * (2/3 = Liked it)

One Book One School

I am part of a committee at my son's elementary school to select a book for a One Book, One School program. (Basically, every student/family gets a copy of one specific book and reads it over the course of a month, and the school does activities connected to the book throughout the month. It's a little bit of a process to choose the book because it needs to appeal to grades K-6, not be controversial in any way, be relatively short, etc.) So, in helping select the book, I read a bunch of our short list books and figured I'd document them here:

The Water Horse by Dick King-Smith

Book description: When eight-year-old Kirstie brings home a strange egg from the Scottish shore, her family never expects it to hatch. But the next day, Kirstie discovers a baby sea monster swimming in her bathtub! Part horse, part toad, part turtle, and part crocodile, he's the oddest-looking creature Kirstie's family has ever seen. Only Kirstie's grandfather knows what the beastie really is: a Water Horse! This lovable creature is the perfect pet. The only trouble is, he can't stop growing. He gets bigger. And Bigger. And BIGGER. Before long, he's outgrown every loch in sight. Will they ever find a home that's large enough for their Water Horse?

My thoughts: This book was super fun! I thought it would definitely appeal to all ages, and it was an engaging story. If this one isn't picked for the school, I'll read it aloud to my kids.

The Secret School by Avi

Book description: More than anything, Ida Bidson wants to become a teacher. To do that, she must finish eighth grade, then go on to high school. But her dream falters when the one-room school in her remote Colorado town shuts down. Her only hope is to keep the school open without anyone finding out. Yet even a secret school needs a teacher. Ida can't be it. . . . Or can she?

My thoughts: This was another great read. I didn't think it was as good for younger grades, but I thought Emmeline would have fun with this story. It was a great story.

Future Hero by Remi Blackwood

Book description: Jarell has never quite known where he belongs. He’s ignored at home and teased at school for wanting to draw instead of playing sports with the other boys. The only place he’s ever felt truly at ease is his local barbershop where the owner hangs Jarell’s art up on the walls. When Jarell discovers a hidden portal in the barbershop, he’s transported to a magical world that’s unlike anything he’s seen before. But it’s not just the powerful gods and dangerous creatures that makes this world different―it’s that everyone believes Jarell is the hero they’ve been waiting for.

My thoughts: This was a fun read. It was a super short fantasy book, which isn't something I've really read before. Like the book was short, but the authors packed a lot of action in there. It had a nice character arc as well. This one also didn't seem quite as good for younger grades (K/1).

Stella Diaz Has Something to Say by Angela Dominguez

Book description: Stella Díaz loves marine animals, especially her betta fish, Pancho. But Stella Díaz is not a betta fish. Betta fish like to be alone, while Stella loves spending time with her mom and brother and her best friend Jenny. Trouble is, Jenny is in another class this year, and Stella feels very lonely. When a new boy arrives in Stella's class, she really wants to be his friend, but sometimes Stella accidentally speaks Spanish instead of English and pronounces words wrong, which makes her turn roja. Plus, she has to speak in front of her whole class for a big presentation at school! But she better get over her fears soon, because Stella Díaz has something to say!

My thoughts: I've read this book before, but it's been forever, and it must have been when I wasn't updating this blog. This is a sweet book and definitely a fun one for grades 2-4 (but I didn't think it would be a good fit for this one book program).

The Show Must Go On by Kate Klise

Book description: When Sir Sidney, a kindly old circus owner, becomes too tired to travel with his show, he places a Help Wanted ad in the newspaper. Enter Barnabas Brambles: “I have a degree in lion taming from the University of Piccadilly Circus.” But does Leo the lion need taming? Will Elsa the elephant still get her gourmet peanuts? And what will Brambles say when he discovers Bert and Gert--two mice who travel with the circus on popcorn cleanup patrol? Brambles has big plans: More cities! More shows! No more free popcorn. Soon he’s made a big mess of Sir Sidney’s Circus, but Leo, Elsa, Bert, Gert, and the rest of the performers agree: The Show Must Go On!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this book and thought both my kids would have fun with it if we read it aloud together. Some others on the committee thought the book wasn't as good for the teacher read aloud videos and such since the book has a lot of pictures, so we're not going with this one. But I thought it was a really fun story that kids would enjoy.

The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney

Book description: You can learn a lot about life by observing another species. That’s what Humphrey was told when he was first brought to Room 26. And boy, is it true! In addition to having FUN-FUN-FUN in class, each weekend this amazing hamster gets to sleep over with a different student, like Lower-Your-Voice-A.J. and Speak-Up-Sayeh. Soon Humphrey learns to read, write, and even shoot rubber bands (only in self-defense, of course). With lots of friends to help, adventures to enjoy, and a cage with a lock-that-doesn’t- lock, Humphrey's life is almost perfect. If only the teacher, Mrs. Brisbane, wasn’t out to get him!

My thoughts: I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It was entertaining and engaging and sweet, and I definitely think Ollie would enjoy this one. I thought the story was clever--it kinda reminded me of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. Fun read!

The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo

Book description: When a fortuneteller's tent appears in the market square of the city of Baltese, orphan Peter Augustus Duchene knows the questions that he needs to ask: Does his sister still live? And if so, how can he find her? The fortuneteller's mysterious answer (an elephant! An elephant will lead him there!) sets off a chain of events so remarkable, so impossible, that you will hardly dare to believe it’s true.

My thoughts: This is another one that I've read before, but it must have been when I wasn't updating the blog. But like all of Kate DiCamillo's books, this is a beautiful read. And while it's definitely "meant" for the older grades, I totally think younger kids could follow it and enjoy it--and adults will love it too. This is a great book.

American Nations

I read American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America by Colin Woodard for my book club. The book description says, "According to award-winning journalist and historian Colin Woodard, North America is made up of eleven distinct nations, each with its own unique historical roots. In American Nations he takes readers on a journey through the history of our fractured continent, offering a revolutionary and revelatory take on American identity, and how the conflicts between them have shaped our past and continue to mold our future. From the Deep South to the Far West, to Yankeedom to El Norte, Woodard reveals how each region continues to uphold its distinguishing ideals and identities today, with results that can be seen in the composition of the U.S. Congress or on the county-by-county election maps of any hotly contested election in our history."

This book was really not my type of book, and I knew that from the beginning. But I pushed through, alternating between reading and audiobook, and I managed to finish a few hours before book club. Phew! For me, the topic was just a little dry, and it wasn't super engaging. I did find some parts interesting (like the history of the Tidewater region, where I grew up), and the overall topic itself is kind of an interesting premise (like the history behind each region affects the behavior, attitudes, and beliefs of the people who live there even now). It was also a pretty good book to discuss at book club, especially with a group of women who grew up and have lived in different places. Overall, I'm proud of myself for reading it, but I probably would have been content with a 40 page summary on the topic. (But everyone else in book club seemed to love it, so if you're into this kind of thing, go for it.)

Rating: * (1/3 = It was okay)

A Woman of No Importance

My mom recommended A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II by Sonia Purnell, so I got it on audiobook. The book description says, "In 1942, the Gestapo sent out an urgent transmission: 'She is the most dangerous of all Allied spies. We must find and destroy her.' The target in their sights was Virginia Hall, a Baltimore socialite who talked her way into Special Operations Executive, the spy organization dubbed Winston Churchill's "Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare." She became the first Allied woman deployed behind enemy lines and--despite her prosthetic leg--helped to light the flame of the French Resistance, revolutionizing secret warfare as we know it. Virginia established vast spy networks throughout France, called weapons and explosives down from the skies, and became a linchpin for the Resistance. Even as her face covered wanted posters and a bounty was placed on her head, Virginia refused order after order to evacuate. She finally escaped through a death-defying hike over the Pyrenees into Spain, her cover blown. But she plunged back in, adamant that she had more lives to save, and led a victorious guerilla campaign, liberating swathes of France from the Nazis after D-Day. Based on new and extensive research, Sonia Purnell has for the first time uncovered the full secret life of Virginia Hall--an astounding and inspiring story of heroism, spycraft, resistance, and personal triumph over shocking adversity. A Woman of No Importance is the breathtaking story of how one woman's fierce persistence helped win the war."

This was a pretty amazing, true story! I loved Virginia and how brave and persistent she was and the amazing things she was able to do that no one else could (like the networks she created). Her ability to do hard things (like climb a mountain with a prosthetic leg) was so inspiring. The only downside of this book for me was that I listened to it on audiobook, and there were a lot of French names that were hard for me to keep track of when only hearing them (not reading them). I think that made it so I missed some side characters and couldn't keep track of side stories as well as I would have otherwise. But overall it was a really neat story.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Clap When You Land

I was recently looking for new books to read and was checking for audiobooks that won the Odyssey Award (best audiobooks for children and young adults). I saw Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevado on the list, but when I looked it up and saw it was written in verse, I decided I'd rather read that one than listen to it--so I got it from the library. The book description reads,  "Camino Rios lives for the summers when her father visits her in the Dominican Republic. But this time, on the day when his plane is supposed to land, Camino arrives at the airport to see crowds of crying people… In New York City, Yahaira Rios is called to the principal’s office, where her mother is waiting to tell her that her father, her hero, has died in a plane crash. Separated by distance—and Papi’s secrets—the two girls are forced to face a new reality in which their father is dead and their lives are forever altered. And then, when it seems like they’ve lost everything of their father, they learn of each other."

This was a good read. I thought it was a super engaging premise, and Camino and Yahaira were both really well-developed characters. It was interesting to consider their father as a person and why he did the things he did. Like he was a good dad to both girls but definitely lived a double life, which is not something I'd consider "good." Anyway, I liked the engaging story and liked how the author pulled things together in the end. The book does have some language and other stuff in it, so I'd say it's definitely an older young adult book.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Land of Broken Promises

I got Land of Broken Promises by Jane Kuo from the library after reading its predecessor, In the Beautiful Country. This book continues Anna's story, and the book description reads, "After a rocky first year, Anna’s family have settled into life in California—their small restaurant is even turning a profit. Then her parents make a shattering discovery: their visas have expired. Anna’s world is quickly overwhelmed by unfamiliar words like 'undocumented' and 'inequality.' She longs to share with a friend the towering secret that looms over every aspect of her life, but her parents strictly forbid her from telling anyone. As Anna grapples with the complexities of being undocumented, the strain that it places on her family, and the loneliness of keeping it all to herself, she has to wonder—if America is the promised land, why does everything she’s hoped for feel like a lie?"

This was a great read. I really like Anna as a character, and I think it's really cool that the author loosely bases these books on her own childhood experience (growing up in CA, working at her family's fast food restaurant, living as an undocumented immigrant). Just like the first, this book was a great reminder of the sacrifices many immigrants have to make as they try to make a new life in America.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Lovely War

I read Lovely War by Julie Berry for my new book club. The book description says, "They are Hazel, James, Aubrey, and Colette. A classical pianist from London, a British would-be architect-turned-soldier, a Harlem-born ragtime genius in the U.S. Army, and a Belgian orphan with a gorgeous voice and a devastating past. Their story, as told by goddess Aphrodite, who must spin the tale or face judgment on Mount Olympus, is filled with hope and heartbreak, prejudice and passion, and reveals that, though War is a formidable force, it's no match for the transcendent power of Love."

I enjoyed this book. It was an engaging story with completely lovable characters (the main 4 of Hazel, James, Colette, and Aubrey) that I was rooting for the whole time. I haven't really read much (any?) WWI historical fiction, so I found it interesting and liked learning about perspective of how blacks were treated during that time (especially comparing France and the US). One of my favorite things about the book was when people died and we saw their conversations with Hades. It was kind of touching to see how they were able to look out for the people they left behind and things like that. Due to life circumstances, I had to listen to more than half of it on audiobook, which isn't my preferred method for reading a book like this, so I'm not sure if that affected my level of love for this book--but either way, I liked it.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Why We Sleep

My brother-in-law recommended Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams, so I got it on audiobook from Libby. The book description reads, "Sleep is one of the most important but least understood aspects of our life, wellness, and longevity. Until very recently, science had no answer to the question of why we sleep, or what good it served, or why we suffer such devastating health consequences when we don't sleep. Compared to the other basic drives in life—eating, drinking, and reproducing—the purpose of sleep remained elusive. An explosion of scientific discoveries in the last twenty years has shed new light on this fundamental aspect of our lives. Now, preeminent neuroscientist and sleep expert Matthew Walker gives us a new understanding of the vital importance of sleep and dreaming. Within the brain, sleep enriches our ability to learn, memorize, and make logical decisions. It recalibrates our emotions, restocks our immune system, fine-tunes our metabolism, and regulates our appetite. Dreaming mollifies painful memories and creates a virtual reality space in which the brain melds past and present knowledge to inspire creativity. Walker answers important questions about sleep: how do caffeine and alcohol affect sleep? What really happens during REM sleep? Why do our sleep patterns change across a lifetime? How do common sleep aids affect us and can they do long-term damage? Charting cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs, and synthesizing decades of research and clinical practice, Walker explains how we can harness sleep to improve learning, mood, and energy levels; regulate hormones; prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes; slow the effects of aging; increase longevity; enhance the education and lifespan of our children, and boost the efficiency, success, and productivity of our businesses."

This book was fascinating! I felt like if I needed convincing on the importance of sleeping well, this book would have convinced me in a billion different ways. Luckily I am already a believer in the importance of sleep, but this book engaged me with so many interesting facts and studies. I came away from this book feeling like the power of sleep is just truly incredible. I got some great tips for things to try with some of my family members who struggle with sleep, and it gave me some good pointers going forward in life. (For example, I learned to get the flu shot after a week where you get good sleep. The flu shot is significantly more effective in well-rested people.) At times the book got a little boring or too fact-heavy for me, but overall, it was super interesting and important, and I'm thinking about things from the book all the time. It's the sign of a good book when you can't stop thinking about it!

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

Some Places More Than Others

I recently looked up books by Renee Watson (since she's an author I like) to see if she had anything new I wanted to try, so I got Some Places More Than Others from the library. The book descriptions says, "All Amara wants for her birthday is to visit her father’s family in New York City--Harlem, to be exact. She can’t wait to finally meet her Grandpa Earl and cousins in person, and to stay in the brownstone where her father grew up. Maybe this will help her understand her family--and herself--in new way. But New York City is not exactly what Amara thought it would be. It’s crowded, with confusing subways, suffocating sidewalks, and her father is too busy with work to spend time with her and too angry to spend time with Grandpa Earl. As she explores, asks questions, and learns more and more about Harlem and about her father and his family history, she realizes how, in some ways more than others, she connects with him, her home, and her family."

This was a nice read. It was different than a lot of realistic fiction books I've read in that the conflicts were different. Amara has two stable parents who weren't fighting, her family had plenty of money, she didn't fight with her BFF, etc. Instead, the book was more of a journey of discovery with her extended family, and there was a conflict between her dad and grandpa that she tried to help resolve. I also liked the side story of her mom expencting a baby and Amara's well-deserved worries. I just liked the vibe of the book and loved the message about learning about your family and finding meaning in where you came from. The book kept me interested throughout and was a pretty quick read.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Normal: A Mother and Her Beautiful Son

I came across Normal: A Mother and Her Beautiful Son by Magda Newman online while looking up Treacher Collins syndrome after my daughter re-read Wonder. I decided to get it from the library. The book description says, "For Magda Newman, normal was a goal—she wanted her son Nathaniel to be able to play on the playground, swim at the beach, enjoy the moments of childhood that are often taken for granted. But Nathaniel’s severe Treacher Collins syndrome—a craniofacial condition—meant that other concerns came first. Could he eat without the aid of a gastrointestinal tube? Could he hear? Would he ever be able to breathe effortlessly? In this moving memoir, Newman, with the help of her son, tells the story of raising Nathaniel, from the shock she and her husband faced when he was born, to the inspiration of Nathaniel’s own strength and quirky humor. All this while also facing both non-Hodgkins and Hodgkins lymphoma diagnoses of her own. This uplifting story of a family tackling complex and terrifying circumstances with love and resilience is a true testament to Magda and her family, and to families everywhere who quietly but courageously persist."

Wow! What a wonderful book. I ended up finishing the entire book in one day because it was just so engaging that I could not stop reading. I loved Magda and Nathaniel and their family and how resilient they were during so many difficulties. I just could not believe at times all that they had to go through. The book was really real and inspiring and just a great read. I've recommended it to my family and put on hold the young reader's edition (written by Nathaniel) for my daughter.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

Silent Souls Weeping

I heard about Silent Souls Weeping by Jane Clayson Johnson on a podcast one time and so asked for it for my birthday. I read it a couple months ago but just realized I somehow forgot to put it on this blog! The book description says, "Through the power of story, nationally recognized journalist Jane Clayson Johnson shines a light on the desperate, dark, and lonely reality faced by those who struggle with clinical depression. At once hopeful and heart-wrenching, Silent Souls Weeping examines the stigma and isolation associated with depression, as well as the dangers of perfectionistic tendencies and suicidal ideation. Beginning with an open and frank exploration of her own experience with clinical depression, the author goes on to share stories gathered from interviews with more than 150 men, women, and teens all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have suffered from depression. Within these stories is a plea to change the dialogue surrounding depression, particularly among Latter-day Saints, who face unique struggles as they try to fit a disease manifest through sorrow into a religion centered on a 'plan of happiness.'"

This book was SO GOOD. When I was only like a quarter-way into it, I already felt the need to recommend it to others. I feel like it was such an important read to either help those suffering from depression to feel less alone and more understood or to help those who don't "get" depression to gain a greater understanding of what others are going through. It was from an LDS perspective, and I just thought the book was incredibly meaningful and inspiring and helped me see better ways to help others who are suffering.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

The Best Liars in Riverview

I got The Best Liars in Riverview by Lin Thompson from the "new books" shelf at the library. The book description says, "Aubrey and Joel are like two tomato vines that grew along the same crooked fence: weird, yet the same kind of weird. But lately, even their shared weirdness seems weird. Then Joel disappears. Vanishes. Poof. The whole town is looking for him, and Aubrey was the last person to see Joel. Aubrey can’t say much, but since lies of omission are still lies, here’s what they know for sure: For the last two weeks of the school year, when sixth grade became too much, Aubrey and Joel have been building a raft in the woods. The raft was supposed to be just another part of their running away game. The raft is gone now too. Aubrey doesn’t know where Joel is, but they might know how to find him. As Aubrey, their friend Mari, and sister Teagan search along the river, Aubrey has to fess up to who they really are, all the things they never said, and the word that bully Rudy Thomas used that set all this into motion."

This was a great read. Once I got into it, I wanted to keep reading to see how things were going to turn out. I really liked the well-developed characters (Aubrey, Mari, Joel, Teagan) and was so frustrated by the bully at school and the adults at school's unwillingness to address the issues. The book also addressed issues that kids face when they are LGBTQ+, which I think is important to have in children's literature. This was one of those books where the main character child doesn't tell adults things that I wish they would, so that's always hard for me. (I want my kids to just talk to me when they have problems or need help!)

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

In the Beautiful Country

I saw In the Beautiful Country by Jane Kuo on the new book shelf at the library and thought it looked like one I'd enjoy. The book description says, "Anna can’t wait to move to the beautiful country—the Chinese name for America. Although she’s only ever known life in Taiwan, she can’t help but brag about the move to her family and friends. But the beautiful country isn’t anything like Anna pictured. Her family can only afford a cramped apartment, she’s bullied at school, and she struggles to understand a new language. On top of that, the restaurant that her parents poured their savings into is barely staying afloat. The version of America that Anna is experiencing is nothing like she imagined. How will she be able to make the beautiful country her home?"

This was a great read. It was written in verse and quick to get through, and I loved the main character, Anna. The book was pretty heavy at times and reminded me of books like Front Desk where these immigrant families come to America for a better life and find that instead, they are facing so many difficult things that it seems impossible for them to endure and survive. But things looked up by the end, and I loved that Anna and her parents were good people who sought to be kind and do the right thing (even when others didn't). I also loved the example of Terry and her family who befriended Anna and her family when no one else did. I saw that the author has a companion book to this, so I alreayd put it on hold at the library.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it....but really liked it!)

Brave Like That

I found Brave Like That by Lindsey Stoddard on the new-book shelf at the library and decided to give it a try. The book description says, "Cyrus Olson’s dad is a hero—Northfield’s former football star and now one of their finest firefighters. Everyone expects Cyrus to follow in his dad’s record-breaking footsteps, and he wishes they were right—except he’s never been brave like that. But this year, with the help of a stray dog, a few new friends, a little bit of rhythm, and a lot of nerve, he may just discover that actually…he is."

I loved this book so much! It definitely had me crying happy tears numerous times toward the end of the book. Cyrus was just such a sweet kid, and I loved seeing him navigate the challenges in front of him and trying to figure out who he was. I thought the book taught some really important lessons for kids, and I also loved all the mentions of Wonder, one of my favorite books.  I also just loved Cyrus's relationship with his grandma and thought the author did a wonderful job developing that character. Great read.

* * * (3/3 = Loved it)

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone

I saw Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb advertised on social media and was intrigued by the title, so I got it from the library. The book description reads, "From a New York Times best-selling author, psychotherapist, and national advice columnist, a hilarious, thought-provoking, and surprising new book [memoir] that takes us behind the scenes of a therapist's world--where her patients are looking for answers (and so is she). One day, Lori Gottlieb is a therapist who helps patients in her Los Angeles practice. The next, a crisis causes her world to come crashing down. Enter Wendell, the quirky but seasoned therapist in whose of­fice she suddenly lands. With his balding head, cardigan, and khakis, he seems to have come straight from Therapist Central Casting. Yet he will turn out to be anything but. As Gottlieb explores the inner chambers of her patients' lives -- a self-absorbed Hollywood producer, a young newlywed diagnosed with a terminal illness, a senior citizen threatening to end her life on her birthday if nothing gets better, and a twenty-something who can't stop hooking up with the wrong guys -- she finds that the questions they are struggling with are the very ones she is now bringing to Wendell. With startling wisdom and humor, Gottlieb invites us into her world as both clinician and patient, examining the truths and fictions we tell ourselves and others as we teeter on the tightrope between love and desire, meaning and mortality, guilt and redemption, terror and courage, hope and change."

This book was SO good! I really just loved it. It made me laugh out loud, it made me cry, it made me reflect on myself--It was just a wonderful read. (The only downside of the book is it had quite a bit of bad language, which isn't usually my preference in reading. But mentioning this for others who try to avoid bad language in books.) I loved Lori and how real she was as she struggled to cope with the hard things she faced (especially since she's a therapist and has so many good answers for those she worked with). I loved following her behind the scenes thought processes throughout the book. I loved her therapist, Wendell. I loved the patients she met with. All of it. It was just a very thoughtful read that also is such a positive look at the benefits of therapy.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

The Alchemist

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho has been on my to-read list for awhile. (I saw someone recommend it one time on social media, and then I found it at the thrift store and so had it on my shelf. Then at my last book club, a friend recommended it.) Originally written in Portuguese, this book is the story of "an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried near the Pyramids. Along the way, he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles in his path. But what starts out as a journey to find world goods turns into a discover of the treasure found within."

This was SUCH a good book! I was surprised how quickly it engaged me, and I just loved the story and each adventure Santiago went on and the people he met. I also just loved how the story ended and the deeper message the book taught. As soon as I finished the book, I kind of wanted to re-read it, which like never happens to me. I just think it was an interesting and thought-provoking book and an excellent story. Great read!

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

Dare to Be Kind

I saw Dare to Be Kind: How Extraordinary Compassion Can Transform Our World by Lizzie Velasquez advertised somewhere and was intrigued, so I got it on ebook from the library. The book description reads, "Born with a rare genetic condition, Lizzie Velasquez always knew she was different, but it wasn't until she was older that she understood what that meant to herself and others. In this daring, inspirational book, Lizzie reveals the hidden forces that give rise to self-doubt and empowers us to unlock empathy and kindness for ourselves and others. Through her own battles with anxiety and depression she demonstrates how we can overcome obstacles and move forward with greater positivity and hope."

This was a great read. I really liked the message of kindness (why I chose the book) but also the additional lessons about facing mental health challenges, overcoming difficulties, and facing the future with faith. Lizzie is an inspirational person who has gone through some rough times and shares how she has moved forward and grown despite all she's been through. I really liked these words at the end of the book, speaking to those who are going through a tough time: "That's why I urge you to start simple: Start with kindness, and start with yourself. Dare to be as good to yourself as you would be to someone you truly loved--because that's how you should feel about yourself. Dare to treat yourself as a dear and precious friend. Then, when you're ready, dare to turn your kindness outward into the world. Bathe the world in your warmth and compassion. Shower the people you encounter with love and acceptance....In flooding this world with love, we will be taking active steps toward creating a better future for our children and a better culture for everyone--a culture of kindness."

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

The One and Only Ruby

I saw that The One and Only Ruby (the newest book in the One and Only Ivan series) came out, so I got it from the library. The story picks up after The One and Only Bob and follows Ruby in her life in a wildlife sanctuary. After Ruby sees the caretaker from the elephant orphanage where she lived in Africa, she starts remembering the beginnings of her life in Africa and begins telling her story to Ivan and Bob.

This was a great read. It was a super quick read that I finished in just a morning, so I feel like I wasn't as engulfed in the story like I am with some books. But it was engaging and sweet, and I loved getting the backstory on Ruby's life and also remembering how wonderful Stella the elephant (from book 1) was. I also liked the message throughout the book and at the end about reflecting each day on two questions: What gifts did the world give you today? and What gifts did you give to the world? I definitely recommend this book to anyone who has been reading this series. It's a great continuation.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Hey, Kiddo

I got a copy of Hey, Kiddo: How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father, and Dealt with Family Addiction by Jarrett J. Krosoczka that someone was giving away and decided to give it a read. It's a graphic novel format memoir of author/illustrator Jarrett Krosoczka. The book description reads, "In kindergarten, Jarrett Krosoczka's teacher asks him to draw his family, with a mommy and a daddy. But Jarrett's family is much more complicated than that. His mom is an addict, in and out of rehab, and in and out of Jarrett's life. His father is a mystery -- Jarrett doesn't know where to find him, or even what his name is. Jarrett lives with his grandparents -- two very loud, very loving, very opinionated people who had thought they were through with raising children until Jarrett came along.Jarrett goes through his childhood trying to make his non-normal life as normal as possible, finding a way to express himself through drawing even as so little is being said to him about what's going on. Only as a teenager can Jarrett begin to piece together the truth of his family, reckoning with his mother and tracking down his father."

This was a good read. I was really amazed by all that Jarrett went through as a kid and how he sorted through a lot of difficulties to make the life he has now. I originally read it to see if it'd be a good book for my daughter to read (since she loves graphic novels), but it has quite a bit of bad language, so I don't think I'll recommend it to her at this point. But I thought it was an engaging, meaningful book, and I liked the lesson of the power of adults who love and believe in you even when you don't have that in your birth parents.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Becoming Free Indeed

I saw Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentangling Faith from Fear by Jinger Duggar Vuolo advertised somewhere and was intrigued so got it on audiobook from Libby. It is a memoir about Jinger's faith journey as she separated herself from the beliefs of Bill Gothard (the religious leader who guided her family's beliefs when she was growing up) and centered her life based on the Christianity of the Bible.

This was an interesting read. It made me sad to read about how much of her childhood and teenager years were founded in fear (being scared of God punishing her for various things that really weren't a big deal). I found it interesting to follow her thought process as she disentangled her faith and figured out what she truly believed as an adult. The book was a good reminder about focusing on what truly matters in Christian faith (following Jesus Christ) and teaching your children about God in a way that is not based in fear.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Good Different

I found Good Different by Meg Eden Kuyatt on display at the library with new books and thought it looked like one I'd enjoy. The book description says, "Selah knows her rules for being normal. She always, always sticks to them. This means keeping her feelings locked tightly inside, despite the way they build up inside her as each school day goes on, so that she has to run to the bathroom and hide in the stall until she can calm down. So that she has to tear off her normal-person mask the second she gets home from school, and listen to her favorite pop song on repeat, trying to recharge. Selah feels like a dragon stuck in a world of humans, but she knows how to hide it. Until the day she explodes and hits a fellow student. Selah's friends pull away from her, her school threatens expulsion, and her comfortable, familiar world starts to crumble. But as Selah starts to figure out more about who she is, she comes to understand that different doesn’t mean damaged. Can she get her school to understand that, too, before it’s too late?"

This was a nice read. I thought it gave a great glimpse into the mind of a young person on the autism spectrum, and I really liked the part of the book where she went to FantasyCon and met people like her or who understood her. At first I thought the book seemed unrealistic, like that Selah and her mom didn't realize that she had autism. But after reading the author's note, I came to understand that a lot of people struggle with certain things but don't discover till later in life that it actually falls under the autism spectrum. I thought this book could be really meaningful to kids who are neurodivergent, and I really liked following Selah's journey of self-discovery.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Just Jerry

I read Just Jerry by Jerry Pinkney after seeing it on the new-book shelf at the library. It is a memoir by Jerry Pinkney (well-known children's book illustrator) written for a young audience. The book description says, "Jerry Pinkney—creator of Caldecott Medal-winning The Lion & the Mouse and The Little Mermaid—drew everywhere, all the time. Since childhood, it was how he made sense of the world—how he coped with the stress of being a sensitive child growing up in crowded spaces, struggling with a learning disability, in a time when the segregation of Black Americans was the norm. Only drawing could offer him a sense of calm, control, and confidence. When friends and siblings teased him about having the nickname “Jerry” as his only name, his mother always said, “Just ‘Jerry’ is enough. He’ll make something of that name someday.” And so he did, eventually becoming one of the most celebrated children’s book illustrators of all time and paving the way for countless other Black artists." 

This was a great read. It's a little bit shorter of a book than I usually include on this blog, but I thought it was worth including. I really liked learning about how Jerry struggled with dyslexia and the people in his life who believed in him and helped him become all that he did. The book was engaging and inspiring, and I think anyone who has read any of Jerry Pinkney's books would enjoy this memoir.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Life with Father

I read Life with Father by Clarence Day for my book club. It was written in 1935 and is an autobiographical book of short stories. Wikipedia describes the book this way: "Clarence Day wrote humorously about his family and life. The stories of his father Clarence 'Clare' Day were first printed in The New Yorker. They portray a rambunctious, overburdened Wall Street broker who demands that everything from his family should be just so. The more he rails against his staff, his cook, his wife, his horse, salesmen, holidays, his children and the inability of the world to live up to his impossible standards, the more comical and lovable he becomes to his own family who love him despite it all."

This was another one of those books that I would have never read if it weren't for book club, but the stories were engaging enough and made me chuckle at times. I was also just appalled by the lifestyle/dynamic that existed back in the day (like the wife not having access to money or things like that). I wouldn't say I super enjoyed the book or anything, but it was interesting enough that I was tempted to continue reading his other book, Life with Mother, just to see stories from the mother's side, since she seemed likable and entertaining.

Rating: * (1/3 = It was okay)

Wildoak

I read Wildoak by C.C. Harrington after seeing it won the Schneider Family Book Award this year. The book description says, "In 1963 London, Maggie Stephens’s stutter makes school especially hard. She will do almost anything to avoid speaking in class or calling attention to herself. So when her unsympathetic father threatens to send her away for so-called “treatment,” she reluctantly agrees to her mother’s intervention plan: a few weeks in the fresh air of Wildoak Forest, visiting a grandfather she hardly knows. It is there, in an extraordinary twist of fate, that she encounters an abandoned snow leopard cub, an exotic gift to a wealthy Londoner that proved too wild to domesticate. But once the cub’s presence is discovered by others, danger follows, and Maggie soon realizes that time is running out, not only for the leopard, but for herself and the forest as well."

This was a nice read, and I got through the book very quickly. I really liked Maggie as a character, and based on my limited experience with stutters, I feel like the book did a good job describing what it would be like to live with that difficulty. (My 6-year-old has a mild stutter, and his speech therapist has given advice like to give him time to finish and not finish words/phrases for him, which Maggie had someone doing to her and it really bugged her.) I was kind of hoping at the end to find an author's note saying the author struggled with stuttering, but she didn't. But I did enjoy the story and seeing Maggie find herself throughout the book and also watching her dad change. I really liked the character of Maggie's grandpa as well. My daughter loves snow leopards, so I think she'd enjoy this book.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Hummingbird

I saw Hummingbird by Natalie Lloyd received a Schneider Family Book Award this year (which honors an author for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences). The book description says, "Twelve-year-old homeschooled Olive is tired of being seen as 'fragile' just because she has osteogenesis imperfecta (otherwise known as brittle bone disease) so she's thrilled when she finally convinces her parents to let her attend Macklemore Elementary. Olive can't wait to go to a traditional school and make the friends she's always longed for, until a disastrous first day dashes her hopes of ever fitting in. Then Olive hears whispers about a magical, wish-granting hummingbird that supposedly lives near Macklemore. It'll be the solution to all her problems! If she can find the bird and prove herself worthy, the creature will make her most desperate, secret wish come true. When it becomes clear that she can't solve the mystery on her own, Olive teams up with some unlikely allies who help her learn the truth about the bird. And on the way, she just might learn that our fragile places lead us to the most wonderful magic of all . . ."

This was a good read. It was a little slow for me until closer to the end, and I found myself a little confused by the genre (was it realistic fiction or fantasy?), which was distracting. (But by the end I figured out it was a little bit of both--magical realism.) But I loved Olive from the start and thought she was just a wonderful character. I thought the author did a great job with so making so many of the characters so likeable, including Olive's parents, Grace, and Hatch. I really loved the ending of the book and how things fell together; I may have shed a tear or two. I also loved reading the author's note at the end and learning that the author has OI just like Olive. I really loved the author's description of her journey of creating Olive's character in the book. I think I'll recommend this book to my 12-year-old daughter.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

The Downstairs Girl

I read The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee for my book club with friends at church. The book description reads, "By day, seventeen-year-old Jo Kuan works as a lady's maid for the cruel daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta. But by night, Jo moonlights as the pseudonymous author of a newspaper advice column for the genteel Southern lady, "Dear Miss Sweetie." When her column becomes wildly popular, she uses the power of the pen to address some of society's ills, but she's not prepared for the backlash that follows when her column challenges fixed ideas about race and gender. While her opponents clamor to uncover the secret identity of Miss Sweetie, a mysterious letter sets Jo off on a search for her own past and the parents who abandoned her as a baby. But when her efforts put her in the crosshairs of Atlanta's most notorious criminal, Jo must decide whether she, a girl used to living in the shadows, is ready to step into the light."

This book was my suggestion for the group, and I recommended it because I had liked Stacey Lee's book Under a Painted Sky last year. This was a great read (though I did it via audiobook, which isn't my preferred method of reading--so I think I may have liked it even more if I had read it normally). I loved the unique approach to historical fiction (1890s southern United States but a Chinese main character) and getting a glimpse into that world. Jo was a great character, and it was fun to follow her and her life and secrets. I really liked some of the side characters (Old Gin and Nathan) and also felt like the author did a great job making me super annoyed with some of the other characters (Caroline). I thought this was a fun read. I would definitely pick up another book by this author.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Honestly Elliott

I read Honestly Elliott by Gillian McDunn after seeing it won the middle grade Schneider Family Book Award (which honor books that well represent the disability experience). The book description reads, "Elliott has been struggling since his closest friend moved away, and he's not too sure where he fits into his own family, especially since his newly remarried dad and stepmom are expecting a baby. His grades aren't too great, he's always forgetting things, and he doesn't really like sports. All together, the result is someone the complete opposite of his dad--a fact they're both very aware of. Elliott's only solace is cooking, where he can control the outcome, testing exciting recipes and watching his favorite cooking shows. When he's paired with the super smart and popular Maribel for a school-wide project, Elliott worries they won't see eye to eye. But Maribel is also looking for a new way to show others her true self and this project could be the chance they've both been waiting for. Sometimes the least likely friends help you see a new side to things . . . and sometimes you have to make a few mistakes before you figure out what's right."

I really enjoyed this book. Elliott has ADHD, so the book gave some insight into what it's like to live with that disability. He was a great character, and the author did a great job with giving us a look into so many relationships in his life--his parents, therapist, classmates, friends, etc. I felt like I really got to know the characters. The story was engaging and fun, and I really liked how things came together in the end. This is another book that my daughter read before me on vacation, and she also sped through it--which to me showed it was an excellent read.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Maizy Chen's Last Chance

I read Maizy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee after seeing it won the Newbery Honor Award this year. The book description says, "Maizy has never been to Last Chance, Minnesota . . . until now. Her mom’s plan is just to stay for a couple weeks, until her grandfather gets better. But plans change, and as Maizy spends more time in Last Chance and at the Golden Palace—the restaurant that’s been in her family for generations—she makes some discoveries. For instance: *You can tell a LOT about someone by the way they order food. *People can surprise you. Sometimes in good ways, sometimes in disappointing ways. *And the Golden Palace has secrets... But the more Maizy discovers, the more questions she has. Like, why are her mom and her grandmother always fighting? Who are the people in the photographs on the office wall? And when she discovers that a beloved family treasure has gone missing—and someone has left a racist note—Maizy decides it’s time to find the answers."

This was a great read. I had a library copy on the Kindle when we went on vacation overseas, and Emmeline (my 12-year-old) read the book before I even got a chance to. She was super engaged from the start and finished the book in a few days--which is saying a lot because she hasn't been a super engaged reader lately. I then read it on the flight home and really enjoyed it. I did shed some tears at the end but was able to keep it together since I was surrounded by people on the airplane. :) The author did a great job creating an interesting story with lovable characters, and I liked how the book taught meaningful lessons about racism and prejudice and on knowing and learning from our family history. Great read.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)