tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9980736179769475772024-03-17T22:04:02.520-05:00I'd So Rather Be ReadingNathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04142633015127113671noreply@blogger.comBlogger1688125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-62124617365312679062020-04-29T21:06:00.001-05:002020-04-30T20:52:09.711-05:00Little Free Library: The Buzz Box<br />
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I am so excited to announce our second <b>Little Free Library</b>
in our tiny Texas town of Vidor has made its debut.<i><b> </b></i><b><i>The Buzz Box</i></b> has been in the planning phase for far too long (first Hurricane Imelda made for delays but COVID-19 gave me ALL the time I needed to get to the finish line #thanksRona) but it has officially arrived!<br />
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This LFL is located at Pine Forest Elementary in Vidor, Texas and will serve grades pre-K to fourth. Obviously our school(s) is/are currently closed like most of the nation but with the help of the school librarian, we wanted something to smile about and a place for our kids to explore (alone) and share in a little excitement. <br />
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The Buzz Box can be found <b><a href="https://littlefreelibrary.secure.force.com/mapPage" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>
on the Global map (you can find it quickest by searching by our zip
code, 77662). This library is obviously inspired by <span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/11446.Tedd_Arnold" target="_blank">Tedd Arnold's</a></span> series Fly Guy and will be stocked with Children's books! All donations are welcome and can be mailed to the following address:<br />
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Pine Forest Elementary<br />
C/O Krista King<br />
4150 N. Main St.<br />
Vidor, TX 77662<br />
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And BIG thank you to:<br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/heather_noland_art/" target="_blank">Heather Noland</a> for the art work! You are amazing. Visit her on the 'gram <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/heather_noland_art/" target="_blank">HERE</a></b></span><br />
Krista King, PFE librarian, for helping me find the perfect home.<br />
Mr. Clark, principal of PFE, for encouraging and promoting literacy during these challenging times.<br />
And my awesome boys for doing all the hard work and making mom proud! 🥰<br />
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If you are not familiar with Little Free Libraries, visit <a href="https://littlefreelibrary.org/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. The theme of this wonderful organization is <b><i>Take a Book, Share a Book</i></b>. To date there are over 100,000 Little Free Libraries across the globe and now we have one of our very own!<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">📖📚🐛 </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">📖📚🐛</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 📖📚🐛 </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">📖📚🐛</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 📖📚🐛 </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">📖📚🐛</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 📖📚🐛 </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">📖📚🐛</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>And don't forget about our middle grade little library, <span style="color: #990000;"><i>Mailbox 9 3/4</i></span> >><a href="http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2018/12/mailbox-9-34-our-first-little-free.html#.Xqoxg5p7lBy" target="_blank">HERE</a><<</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">#littlefreelibrary #LFL </span><b> </b></span>
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Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04142633015127113671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-41130338039178159762019-03-30T09:59:00.000-05:002019-03-30T09:59:10.515-05:00Book to Movie for the Family: A Dog's Journey <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Some Friendships Transcend Lifetimes.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.bhmassets.com/assets/Universal/adogsjourney.zip&source=gmail&ust=1548863929795000&usg=AFQjCNH3ozqNaHA_emntYCyCChcpYOfV0Q" href="http://www.bhmassets.com/assets/Universal/adogsjourney.zip" target="_blank">Download</a> and share all four posters for <b>A DOG’S JOURNEY</b>, the sequel to the heartwarming global hit <i>A Dog’s Purpose</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Stay tuned for the trailer debut tomorrow and don’t miss #ADogsJourney in theaters this May!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">A DOG’S JOURNEY – IN THEATERS MAY 17</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.adogsjourneymovie.com/&source=gmail&ust=1548863929796000&usg=AFQjCNHJdFbV4DOFzIM2d4ghKcnjOF12nQ" href="http://www.adogsjourneymovie.com/" target="_blank">Official Website</a> | <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/ADogsJourneyMovie/&source=gmail&ust=1548863929796000&usg=AFQjCNHHvuRDXstJdbS3zATL1CgpeX-vzg" href="https://www.facebook.com/ADogsJourneyMovie/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/a_dogs_journey&source=gmail&ust=1548863929796000&usg=AFQjCNFssJfQAhS5JqZUfudp9rbU4HgFXw" href="https://twitter.com/a_dogs_journey" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/adogsjourneymovie/&source=gmail&ust=1548863929796000&usg=AFQjCNHPf8F18hniFVQWT033ZTViAvxJHQ" href="https://www.instagram.com/adogsjourneymovie/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | #ADogsJourney</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Some
friendships transcend lifetimes. In A Dog’s Journey, the sequel to the
heartwarming global hit A Dog’s Purpose, beloved dog Bailey finds his
new destiny and forms an unbreakable bond that will lead him, and the
people he loves, to places they never imagined. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Bailey
(voiced again by Josh Gad) is living the good life on the Michigan farm
of his “boy,” Ethan (Dennis Quaid) and Ethan’s wife Hannah (Marg
Helgenberger). He even has a new playmate: Ethan and Hannah’s baby
granddaughter, CJ. The problem is that CJ’s mom, Gloria (Betty Gilpin),
decides to take CJ away. As Bailey’s soul prepares to leave this life
for a new one, he makes a promise to Ethan to find CJ and protect her at
any cost. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Thus
begins Bailey’s adventure through multiple lives filled with love,
friendship and devotion as he, CJ (Kathryn Prescott), and CJ’s best
friend Trent (Henry Lau) experience joy and heartbreak, music and
laughter, and few really good belly rubs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Directed
by Emmy winner Gail Mancuso (TV’s Modern Family), A Dog’s Journey is
produced by Gavin Polone (A Dog’s Purpose), and written by W. Bruce
Cameron & Cathryn Michon, and Maya Forbes & Wally Wolodarsky,
based on the best-selling novel by Cameron. The film, from Amblin
Entertainment and Reliance Entertainment, in association with Walden
Media and Alibaba Pictures, will be distributed by Universal Pictures
domestically, and by Universal Pictures and Amblin Partners
internationally.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Genre:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Family </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Cast:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Marg Helgenberger, Betty Gilpin, Henry Lau, Kathryn Prescott, with Dennis Quaid and Josh Gad </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Director:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Gail Mancuso</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Screenplay By:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> W. Bruce Cameron & Cathryn Michon and Maya Forbes & Wally Wolodarsky</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Based on the novel by:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> W. Bruce Cameron</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Producer:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Gavin Polone</span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Executive Producers:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Seth William Meier, Lasse Hallström, Luyuan Fan, Wei Zhang</span>Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04142633015127113671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-81098533561785553452019-03-06T11:34:00.001-06:002019-03-06T11:37:31.161-06:00Guest Post & Review: Crow Not Crow by Jane Yolen & Adam Stemple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i><b>Today
we're honored to have author Jane Yolen guest posting about her new childrens book CROW NOT CROW!
And a quick fun fact, </b></i><i><b>Jane is the author that inspired a love of reading for our Macy Kate through her childrens book <i>How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?</i> </b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i><b>📚 Welcome to I'd So Rather Be Reading, Jane! 📚</b></i></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">CROW
NOT CROW began many years ago when my son Adam <span id="m_-200207241720759614:151.2">Stemple</span> taught his girlfriend
Betsy (soon to be wife) how to bird. Adam had been taught birding as a child by
his father (the original Pa in my book OWL MOON.) But Betsy was a city
girl—like me—though her city was Minneapolis and mine had been New York. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">We
had both needed help seeing birds as something more than pigeons. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">So
Adam invented a method he called “Crow Not Crow” by which he taught Betsy to
bird.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Years
later, when Adam was already a published author, and he and Betsy had two
children, I said, “You should write that as a picture book.” He said, “I don’t
know how to write picture books.” But he’d already had two solo adult novels
published, 10 music books (with me) published, six middle grade novels (with
me) plus published, poems and short stories. And dozens upon dozens of songs
and song lyrics.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">“We'll
do it together,” I said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">And
we did.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> 🐦 <i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Jane </span></i></span></div>
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➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ </div>
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Summary: <i><span id="freeTextContainer690758239967255063">Tells the story of a child's first birding expedition on a golden autumn day.</span></i><br />
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Release Date: August 2018<br />
Age Group: Childrens, Family, STEM, Picture <br />
Source: Review Copy from Publisher<br />
Reviewed By: Nat<br />
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Review:<br />
I love gardening, flowers and birds... I kill 75% of what I garden. I buy WAY to many flowers from Hobby Lobby. And there are only two birds that I feel confident in identifying: a hummingbird and a crow.<br />
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Crow Not Crow was a sweet, simple introduction to the world of birding through the endearing perspective of a father-daughter outing.The simplicity and joy of identifying birds in nature was just great. I loved Crow Not Crow as a mother, as a birding novice and as a teacher. <br />
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This is the perfect book to use for a STEM science lesson for the classroom or even as an interactive library lesson for small group discussions. Once you finish the story, the last 5 pages are filled with bird facts and QR codes! <br />
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There are two QR codes for each bird discussed. One takes you to specific bird facts and another plays the call of the bird. It's really neat and exciting to listen to the different sounds and connect the image of the bird to the sound.<br />
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Highly recommend for ages 4-7. And I will be donating my copy to my sons' school library!<br />
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<br />Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04142633015127113671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-92072721346885925142019-02-21T10:14:00.000-06:002019-02-21T10:24:59.857-06:00Book Review: The Crush Collision by Danielle Ellison (Southern Charmed #2)<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3yu4x4uulTo/XG7DzNnLjYI/AAAAAAAAPFo/rV_ORS284wUw3-IAFYJpr2Md-dvkQ7g5gCLcBGAs/s1600/43602666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3yu4x4uulTo/XG7DzNnLjYI/AAAAAAAAPFo/rV_ORS284wUw3-IAFYJpr2Md-dvkQ7g5gCLcBGAs/s200/43602666.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Summary: <i><span id="freeText4691405000875659175">Haley Howell has had a
hopeless crush on her brother’s best friend, Jake Lexington, for as long
as she can remember. Too bad to him, she’ll forever be off-limits. But
with senior year and acceptance to a college outside their tiny southern
town of Culler, South Carolina, comes new confidence. Haley’s ready to
get Jake to notice her—whatever it takes.<br /><br />No one in Culler
notices the real Jake anymore—to them, he’s nothing more than the star
football player or the kid with the family tragedy. When one mistake
lands him in community service, he’s shocked to find his best friend’s
little sister there, too, looking cute as hell and threatening all his
no-friends-with-benefits rules. But Jake isn’t ready to take a chance,
no matter how crafty Haley’s willing to get to prove him otherwise…</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Release Date: February 2019</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Age Group: YA, Contemporary (clean), Sports Romance</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Source: Review Copy from Publisher (<i><b>Entangled Teen <span style="color: #990000;">Crush</span></b></i>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reviewed By: Nat</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Review:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First off, I live in Southeast Texas where football is king. I have 8 football season passes for my family of 5 and no high school-er on the team. As a matter of fact, we are the last family that should be at a high school football game considering my kids are action sports athletes... but alas, we love it! #itsagreatdaytobeapirate</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>The Crush Collision</i> was everything I hoped it would be (minus the cover). I am SO happy I did not see the cover of this book until now... STOP looking! I imagined Jake Lexington much different. Basically, Jake Lexington was loosely based off of the character Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) from the hit TV series <i>Friday Night Lights</i>. And it was awesome. #fistpump</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">image source: google.com</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think teens will be drawn to this story because of the coming-of-age theme and relatability. Ellison nailed the feel of first love mixed with a nice dose of teen jealousy and tragedy. The characters are well developed and flawed. You'll both love and hate Jake, he's a real wreck... "put the beer down, son".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I also enjoyed the alternating POV's between Haley and Jake. The journey each one had to go through to discover who they wanted to become was very different and needed to be explored through their own voice. And of course one of my favorite plot points,
neither one gave up a dream for love! 🎉🎉🎉 Points for both love &
life goals!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The real gem in this story was the coach! He embodied everything you hope and pray for in a coach-- a role with so much power and influence, he was a real winner.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is definitely a touchdown for fans of YA Contemporary and Sports Romances! It's an easy and engaging read with swoon worthy appeal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SeDRc2Gaago/XG7NFXzLVnI/AAAAAAAAPGA/f1y4mfm3J4sl2mvW4YoPLBhkrBVVUS0mACLcBGAs/s1600/nat_sig%2Bcopy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1600" height="86" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SeDRc2Gaago/XG7NFXzLVnI/AAAAAAAAPGA/f1y4mfm3J4sl2mvW4YoPLBhkrBVVUS0mACLcBGAs/s200/nat_sig%2Bcopy.png" width="200" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>_____________________________________________</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I read <i>The Crush Collision</i> as a standalone but it the second in the <i>Southern Charmed </i>series. I plan to snag book one, <i>The Sweetheart Sham</i> because I was introduced to Georgia Ann and I think I'm going to love her story!</span><br />
<br />
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<br />Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04142633015127113671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-64712454205160453852019-02-11T05:00:00.000-06:002019-02-15T20:50:56.747-06:00Book Review: Sadie by Courtney Summers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hu1aK7Maq2Y/XE4jv9VlckI/AAAAAAAAPB8/nkxygKE9M8clM0-ctJKHvJCl470FaTuPQCLcBGAs/s1600/34810320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hu1aK7Maq2Y/XE4jv9VlckI/AAAAAAAAPB8/nkxygKE9M8clM0-ctJKHvJCl470FaTuPQCLcBGAs/s400/34810320.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
Summary:<i> <span id="freeText8007378191705596400">A missing girl on a journey of revenge. A Serial―like podcast following the clues she's left behind. And an ending you won't be able to stop talking about.<br /><br />Sadie
hasn't had an easy life. Growing up on her own, she's been raising her
sister Mattie in an isolated small town, trying her best to provide a
normal life and keep their heads above water.<br /><br />But when Mattie is
found dead, Sadie's entire world crumbles. After a somewhat botched
police investigation, Sadie is determined to bring her sister's killer
to justice and hits the road following a few meager clues to find him.<br /><br />When
West McCray―a radio personality working on a segment about small,
forgotten towns in America―overhears Sadie's story at a local gas
station, he becomes obsessed with finding the missing girl. He starts
his own podcast as he tracks Sadie's journey, trying to figure out what
happened, hoping to find her before it's too late.<br /><br />Courtney
Summers has written the breakout book of her career. Sadie is propulsive
and harrowing and will keep you riveted until the last page.</span></i><br />
<br />
Release Date: September 2018<br />
Age Group:Contemporary, True Crime, Podcast, YA (but I think more New Adult content)<br />
Source: Review Copy from Publisher<br />
Reviewed By: Nat<br />
<br />
Review:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>Sadie was raw, gritty and relevant. </b></i></div>
<i><b>
</b></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I listened to <i>Sadie</i> as an audiobook and I couldn’t be
happier in that decision. Summers has an exceptional writing style that delivered
a story partly as a podcast that bounced between past and present events- the
reporter present day and Sadie’s POV. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was an absolute treat to listen to all the different
characters come to life! I felt like I was a part of a true crime story and was actively searching for Sadie. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The plot was so darn good. The imagery was both incredible
and tormenting. With every word that Sadie stuttered or thought, I felt it.
This story makes you feel so many different emotions: love, loss, hate, disgust,
shock, empathy, anger and resolve. I was emotionally drained by the end, that
is a clear sign of great writing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sadie, herself, hit me pretty hard. From her stutter to her
internal monologue, I just loved her. I cheered with each triumph of justice
she felt and mourned with each tragic revelation. Her story and character were executed
in such a way that you were left punched in the gut and gasping for air as you
cheered “keep going!”. </div>
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<br /></div>
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As I finished the last page, my first thought was <i>this
could be someone’s real story</i>. That hurt. And I think that is was supposed
too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<b>____________________________________________________________</b><br />
<br /></div>
<i><b>I would not recommend this to a teen due to the language and nature of the violent crimes.</b></i> I felt <i>Sadie</i> read more as New Adult lit versus YA.<br />
<br />
I would recommend this read as an audiobook and for fans of <i>Making a Murder </i>and True Crime stories. It's not pretty and a solid reminder that there are ugly people who appear innocent-- the true monsters in the dark.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXYhtkyRiVo/XFBlyP85iOI/AAAAAAAAPCg/yY8Lh_ezGXMpEFB0R3R9iPUXJfiTPTQYwCLcBGAs/s1600/nat_sig%2Bcopy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1600" height="87" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXYhtkyRiVo/XFBlyP85iOI/AAAAAAAAPCg/yY8Lh_ezGXMpEFB0R3R9iPUXJfiTPTQYwCLcBGAs/s200/nat_sig%2Bcopy.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04142633015127113671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-8553324699170061872019-02-08T05:00:00.000-06:002019-02-15T20:51:48.987-06:00Book Review: Pride by Ibi Zoboi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YYS7-ADdhbU/XFBZ8W_7f5I/AAAAAAAAPCU/ppp4OlV2XnkQ0d6beX3eH0ae0xLHmx1bACLcBGAs/s1600/35068632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YYS7-ADdhbU/XFBZ8W_7f5I/AAAAAAAAPCU/ppp4OlV2XnkQ0d6beX3eH0ae0xLHmx1bACLcBGAs/s400/35068632.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
Summary: <span id="freeText18370531915695145446"><b><i> </i></b></span><br />
<span id="freeText18370531915695145446"><b><i>Pride and Prejudice</i>
gets remixed in this smart, funny, gorgeous retelling of the classic,
starring all characters of color, from Ibi Zoboi, National Book Award
finalist and author of <i>American Street</i>.</b><br /><br /><i>Zuri
Benitez has pride. Brooklyn pride, family pride, and pride in her
Afro-Latino roots. But pride might not be enough to save her rapidly
gentrifying neighborhood from becoming unrecognizable.<br /><br />When the
wealthy Darcy family moves in across the street, Zuri wants nothing to
do with their two teenage sons, even as her older sister, Janae, starts
to fall for the charming Ainsley. She especially can’t stand the
judgmental and arrogant Darius. Yet as Zuri and Darius are forced to
find common ground, their initial dislike shifts into an unexpected
understanding.<br /><br />But with four wild sisters pulling her in
different directions, cute boy Warren vying for her attention, and
college applications hovering on the horizon, Zuri fights to find her
place in Bushwick’s changing landscape, or lose it all.<br /><br />In a timely update of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice,
critically acclaimed author Ibi Zoboi skillfully balances cultural
identity, class, and gentrification against the heady magic of first
love in her vibrant re-imagining of this beloved classic.</i></span><br />
<span id="freeText18370531915695145446"> </span>
<br />
Release Date: January 2019<br />
Age Group: YA, Contemporary, Retelling<br />
Source: Review Copy from Publisher<br />
Reviewed By: Nat<br />
<br />
Review: <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am always a sucker for a retelling of P&P. And about
50% of the time I’m disappointed with the conclusion, they always seem to fall
flat. Why can’t they wrap up in blazing glory?!</div>
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<b><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Here’s what I loved:</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>I really enjoyed Papi and Mama's strong relationship and presence. I especially loved Papi's voice--</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"read to travel," Papi always says.</i></blockquote>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
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The best advice. Ever. I swear I could shout that from the roof tops life a crazy woman<br />
and it still wouldn't be enough.</div>
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<br />
<ul>
<li> The clash of culture within a culture (“the
block”): Madringa herself and all that she represented, the meshing between Haitian
and Dominican decent, and of course gentrification. </li>
</ul>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> <span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>I enjoyed the poetry, haiku and metaphors that
Zuri uses to express herself. They were clever and beautiful.</li>
</ul>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> <span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The story is written in an easy manner that I
think teens will enjoy.</li>
</ul>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> <span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The characters fit into the basic blueprint of
P&P but with a nice cultural twist. It was like stepping into another way of life. I loved learning all the common terms of the Benitez culture-- the corner bodega, the goddess Ochun, and what is bougee.</li>
</ul>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> <span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>For me this retelling kept reminding me of the
short story “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker. I think they would actually pair
well together for a high school setting or cultural study.</li>
</ul>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The discussion of “privilege” was done really
well. Benitez versus Darcy. Black versus Black. London roots versus Dominican-Haitian
descents. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This </i>block versus <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i> block. </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b>You do know there are black people who have money out there in the world, Z, right?</b> ~Janae</i></blockquote>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b>Here’s what I didn’t enjoy:</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>If you are going to bring Darcy to my door you
better bring a strong broody hunk. Darius was a hunk but pretty weak. I don’t
think I was ever convinced that he was madly in love with Zuri. And Zuri sure
wasn’t in love, she flat out said she didn’t know what it was yet. Meh.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>I just didn’t like Zuri. I liked her poetry and
seeing how her world was expanding with life experience but she herself was too
judgmental and rude. </li>
</ul>
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</span></span></span>The story is truly a telling. No build up. Very
anticlimactic and P&P needs the build up! I need the moment when Elizabeth
and Darcy realize they are both madly in love with each other.</li>
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<li> Overall, I liked it. I’d recommend it to teens, teachers and
P&P fans. It’s an easy read. I don’t think a teen audience will pick it
apart like I did.</li>
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I actually read half the book and started over with the audiobook. I wanted to make sure I heard all the terms and language correctly and not in my butchered Southern drawl. I am so glad I listened and got the full effect of what it means when something is bougee. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uXYhtkyRiVo/XFBlyP85iOI/AAAAAAAAPCk/ZQAk1JTWzhMbq6F7geKr5jYa7-31RhgXQCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat_sig%2Bcopy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1600" height="87" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uXYhtkyRiVo/XFBlyP85iOI/AAAAAAAAPCk/ZQAk1JTWzhMbq6F7geKr5jYa7-31RhgXQCEwYBhgL/s200/nat_sig%2Bcopy.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04142633015127113671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-5902023506094523302019-02-01T21:47:00.000-06:002019-02-15T22:11:39.241-06:00Keeper of the Bees (Black Bird of the Gallows #2) by Meg Kassel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eKT2DOsomOw/XGd9ZiTEzBI/AAAAAAAAPEw/z-qCCsptvJUiyRKk1DweQkKct4lkyMRxgCLcBGAs/s1600/37638219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eKT2DOsomOw/XGd9ZiTEzBI/AAAAAAAAPEw/z-qCCsptvJUiyRKk1DweQkKct4lkyMRxgCLcBGAs/s400/37638219.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
Summary: <i><span id="freeText7114742418148244444">A
tale of two teens who are both beautiful and beastly, and whose pasts
are entangled in surprising and heartbreaking ways.<br /><br />Dresden is
cursed. His chest houses a hive of bees that he can’t stop from stinging
people with psychosis-inducing venom. His face is a shifting montage of
all the people who have died because of those stings. And he has been
this way for centuries—since he was eighteen and magic flowed through
his homeland, corrupting its people.<br /><br />He follows harbingers of
death, so at least his curse only affects those about to die anyway. But
when he arrives in a Midwest town marked for death, he encounters
Essie, a seventeen-year-old girl who suffers from debilitating delusions
and hallucinations. His bees want to sting her on sight. But Essie
doesn’t see a monster when she looks at Dresden.<br /><br />Essie is
fascinated and delighted by his changing features. Risking his own life,
he holds back his bees and spares her. What starts out as a simple act
of mercy ends up unraveling Dresden’s solitary life and Essie’s
tormented one. Their impossible romance might even be powerful enough to
unravel a centuries-old curse.</span></i>
<br />
<br />
Release Date: September 2018 <br />
Age Group: YA, Paranormal, Entangled Teen<br />
Source: Review Copy from Publisher<br />
Reviewed By: Nat<br />
<br />
Review:<br />
<br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575">The cover got me. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"> I judged it. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"> I went in blind. </span></span><br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"> </span></span><br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"> 🐝'lieve me, it was a fantastic wild card. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575">Right off, I felt the sweeping romance of a <b><i>Fear Street Saga</i></b> by RL Stine... did you just have the feels?! Me too. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575">I mean, come on, a small town, a beautiful crazy girl (certifiably nuts), a boy with a changing face and body full of bees AND a freaking straw man straight from your nightmares... It SERIOUSLY takes talent to make all that work.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575">I have read a lot of paranormal YA and it can feel repetitive but </span></span><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><i><b>Keeper of the Bees</b></i> was such a treat-- wonderfully odd, creepy and unique! </span></span></span></span><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575">The writing was engaging, the plot was fast-paced and the characters were so unbelievably interesting. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575">It is sure to be a favorite for fans of paranormal YA. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575">It MUST be on your TBR list!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXyBPi5tRjQ/XGeG1q2TnDI/AAAAAAAAPFA/E9zp8z10ddo89NAM8Nk3Lcxlzu0GaeeGwCLcBGAs/s1600/natblack_sig%2Bcopy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="147" data-original-width="262" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXyBPi5tRjQ/XGeG1q2TnDI/AAAAAAAAPFA/E9zp8z10ddo89NAM8Nk3Lcxlzu0GaeeGwCLcBGAs/s200/natblack_sig%2Bcopy.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><b>_______________________________________________</b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575">Now, here is the real kicker-- I had no idea that this was the second in a series. I have a very strict rule that I never read out of order! I didn't discover this little tragedy until I got on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/2543118-natalie-i-d-so-rather-be-reading" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> to snag a picture of the cover! I was like what the WHAT!?! 🤔 </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575">Lucky for me <i>KoB</i> can be read as a standalone. THANK GOODNESS. But I will be reading the first, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33509076-black-bird-of-the-gallows" target="_blank"><i>Black Bird of the Gallows</i></a>, because I got a little taste of that story and wanted to know more. I'm coming for you Reece. 🐦</span></span></span></span><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575">🐝</span></span>🐦</span></span></span></span><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575">🐝</span></span>🐦</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2529262157"><span id="freeText12908939692600875575"> </span></span> <br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2458448366"><span id="freeText5170750828027891383"></span></span> </span></span>Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04142633015127113671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-1698465272531427242019-01-04T10:28:00.000-06:002019-02-15T20:54:12.030-06:00Book Review: Love and Other Secrets (The First Kiss Hypothesis #2) by Christina Mandelski<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zWL37v5xCvI/XFB-nC7oqKI/AAAAAAAAPC0/-I29aOy6aIQODtPNk5JRZu26oi7li_NeQCLcBGAs/s1600/41025334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zWL37v5xCvI/XFB-nC7oqKI/AAAAAAAAPC0/-I29aOy6aIQODtPNk5JRZu26oi7li_NeQCLcBGAs/s320/41025334.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Summary: <span id="freeText2546226959416149425"><i>Star lacrosse player
Alex “Kov” Koviak has it all. Or so everyone thinks. He’s real good at
pretending his life is perfect...until he meets Bailey. The girl
challenges him and pushes him and makes him laugh like he’s never
laughed before. Their friendship is their little secret, and he’s happy
to keep her to himself.<br /><br />Between school, two jobs, and trying to
get into NYU film school, Bailey Banfield has zero time for a social
life. But then she meets Alex in her express lane at the grocery store,
and their secret friendship becomes the only place she can breathe. She
refuses to complicate that with more. No matter how charming Alex can
be.<br /><br />When Bailey decides to film outrageous promposals for her NYU
application, she enlists Alex’s help to plan an over-the-top, epic
promposal to someone else. Too bad the only prom date Alex wants
anywhere near Bailey is him. <br /><br />For a guy who seems to have it all, he’s about to lose the only thing he’s ever wanted.</i></span><br />
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Release Date: September 2018<br />
Age Group: YA, Contemporary (clean), Sports Romance<br />
Source: Review Copy from Publisher (<i><b>Entangled Teen <span style="color: #990000;">Crush</span></b></i>)<br />
Reviewed By: Nat<br />
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Review:<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-size: normal;">It's no secret that I'm a fan of Entangled
Crush reads and Mandelski's style of writing. It's fun, fast and a
little predictable. If you like Sweet Valley High style books then you
have found new author and a new <a href="http://www.entangledteen.com/tag/crush/" target="_blank">publisher</a>! Stand tall friends, don't let people dim
your light for SVH! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: #ea9999;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span>Promposals.</b></span> </i><span style="font-size: large;">🤔</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">I feel confident that if promposals existed when I was in high school, I would have been the girl watching on the side, turning beet red just witnessing the entire scene unfold, all while secretly hoping I had it happen to me (but NEVER revealing such a girly secret).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">I've seen these proposals range from simple & sweet to holy-crap-that-was-more-expensive-than-my wedding. It really gives a new meaning to <i>go big or go home</i>. <i>Love and Other Secrets</i> really tapped into what it's like to be in high school right now. Secret crushes, promposals, popularity and coming of age pains all tied into public displays of {affection}. Are promposals affectionate or a show?? 🙄</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Teens will easily relate to the plot and teenage angst. Bailey and Kov were relatable and terrible at <i>communicating</i>. 👈🏽 C-O-M-M-U-N-I-C-A-T-I-O-N kids! It really can solve world problems.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: normal;"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2173118439"><span id="freeTextContainer5115171697246812220"><i>Love and Other Secrets</i> is sure to be loved by YA contemporary fans. It's fast, funny, relatable and like everything else, it's all caught on film. You poor YouTube generation... I'm so glad all my teen fails were not recorded and archived for all of time. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uXYhtkyRiVo/XFBlyP85iOI/AAAAAAAAPCk/ZQAk1JTWzhMbq6F7geKr5jYa7-31RhgXQCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat_sig%2Bcopy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1600" height="87" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uXYhtkyRiVo/XFBlyP85iOI/AAAAAAAAPCk/ZQAk1JTWzhMbq6F7geKr5jYa7-31RhgXQCEwYBhgL/s200/nat_sig%2Bcopy.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04142633015127113671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-34527693752384210042018-12-18T22:43:00.001-06:002018-12-18T22:51:24.173-06:00Mailbox 9 3/4, Our FIRST Little Free Library! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUNbTycmPzI/XBm-w5I2miI/AAAAAAAAPA4/V7QO3GNKpI0wGhk_apkXO0897p7-Lt3lACLcBGAs/s1600/LFLannouncement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUNbTycmPzI/XBm-w5I2miI/AAAAAAAAPA4/V7QO3GNKpI0wGhk_apkXO0897p7-Lt3lACLcBGAs/s640/LFLannouncement.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am so excited to finally announce that <span style="color: #a64d79;"><i><b>I'd So Rather Be Reading</b></i></span> has opened our first <b>Little Free Library</b> in the tiny Texas town of Vidor. This is the first of three that I have planned and each one will have its own theme and the books will be age specific.<br />
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Mailbox 9 3/4 can be found <b><a href="https://littlefreelibrary.secure.force.com/mapPage" target="_blank">HERE</a></b> on the Global map (you can find it quickest by searching by our zip code, 77662). This library is obviously Harry Potter themed and is filled with <b>Middle Grade</b> & Children's books!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-45HQ_33H6z8/XBm_7vBUULI/AAAAAAAAPBA/ly8AoXlJC60eMpAu1SDA8WBSMSl5I7gzACLcBGAs/s1600/little-free-library-logo-nav.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="72" data-original-width="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-45HQ_33H6z8/XBm_7vBUULI/AAAAAAAAPBA/ly8AoXlJC60eMpAu1SDA8WBSMSl5I7gzACLcBGAs/s1600/little-free-library-logo-nav.png" /></a></div>
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If you are not familiar with Little Free Libraries, visit <a href="https://littlefreelibrary.org/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. The theme of this wonderful organization is <b><i>Take a Book, Share a Book</i></b>. To date there are over 75,000 Little Free Libraries across the globe and now we have one of our very own!<br />
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I saw my first #LFL while visiting my SIL in Daybreak, UT a couple years ago (#32633).<br />
I literally squealed and made my entire family trudge through snow and investigate! I was instantly hooked and knew I wanted (needed) these in our hometown. I think I visited that box at least a dozen times. I had drank the <i>literary KoolAid</i>!<br />
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I've received a lot of books from publishers and authors over the years and I give a lot of them away but I had always wanted a better way to share a good book. This was it!<br />
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When we returned home, I quickly began my <i>Honey Do</i> list-- all my great ideas require extensive <i>Honey Do</i>'s. Don't worry, I tell him he's hot stuff and bring him water while he works and makes my little dreams come true. <br />
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I had planned to have these up and running quickly. I went around town and scoped out the right spots, got permission and even ordered the official registration plates. And then Hurricane Harvey hit. Our tiny town received over 50 inches, to say it was a tragedy still doesn't do it justice. <a href="http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2017/09/hurricane-harvey-updates-book-donations.html#.XBPjkX4nZBw" target="_blank">Our own Macy Kate lost her home and most over her books</a>! So, I shelved the plans until we were rebuilt and ready. Fast forward two years and...<br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>🎉🎉 <span style="color: red;">WE ARE READY! </span>🎉🎉 </b></span></span></div>
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And to start off, I have filled Mailbox 9 3/4 with one of my favorite short stories that I read each Christmas, The Gift of the Magi. <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oK5ZbVuODnI/XBnC97iY5pI/AAAAAAAAPBM/dOVDFYl1Kh0vXqWRQpvRNZhu5f5OlLL3ACLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1223" data-original-width="1600" height="305" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oK5ZbVuODnI/XBnC97iY5pI/AAAAAAAAPBM/dOVDFYl1Kh0vXqWRQpvRNZhu5f5OlLL3ACLcBGAs/s400/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>_________________________________________________________</b></div>
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Obviously, many of you are not physically close and cannot visit our super awesome library, but you can find one near you and support it! Fill it up, visit it, #hashtag it and post important-- make getting a new book seem like the coolest event ever! There are always people watching you, let them see you excited about reading.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pI2ZBSazcLQ/XBm5_Sw06KI/AAAAAAAAPAs/dJ7BSCd5t7kvsKm9C8OMHYkMf72AmuVjwCLcBGAs/s1600/Map-pinterest.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="400" height="247" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pI2ZBSazcLQ/XBm5_Sw06KI/AAAAAAAAPAs/dJ7BSCd5t7kvsKm9C8OMHYkMf72AmuVjwCLcBGAs/s320/Map-pinterest.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visit the Map <b><a href="https://littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/" target="_blank">HER</a><a href="https://littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/" target="_blank">E</a></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If there isn't a #LFL near you, consider starting your own. If you need help planning I will help! Send me an email and I will guide you through the process. iwouldratherbereading@gmail.com</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">A special thank you to: </span></span></b></div>
<ul>
<li>The Dulaney family for their support! You gave Mailbox 9 3/4 a home and a good start.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/bmtenterprise/" target="_blank">The Beaumont Enterprise</a> for donating a newspaper stand.</li>
<li>All the publishers that send us great stories to share.</li>
<li>Ms. Leger for donating LOADS of books. </li>
<li>To <a href="http://tailormadestamps.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Tailor Made Stamps</a> for making such an awesome book stamp!</li>
<li>To <a href="http://www.instagram.com/thebluebonnetnook" target="_blank">The Bluebonnet Nook</a> for designing our stamp image</li>
<li>To <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling" target="_blank">JK Rowling</a> for creating one of the greatest escape, the ultimate world of Wizards! </li>
</ul>
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<b>_________________________________________________________</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">📫 </span>WATCH FOR OUR NEXT <span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>TWO</i></span> LIBRARIES:</b></span></div>
<ul>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>FLY GUY to make his debut when we open our Childrens #LFL</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8uCEz6Subb8/XBPk5IdJXGI/AAAAAAAAPAQ/fXz1EmrrQS40q0ev3yBFL5yOH3_yUtliQCLcBGAs/s1600/flyguy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8uCEz6Subb8/XBPk5IdJXGI/AAAAAAAAPAQ/fXz1EmrrQS40q0ev3yBFL5yOH3_yUtliQCLcBGAs/s200/flyguy.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div>
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<ul>
<li>YOUNG ADULT #LFL... we need a location and theme! SHARE YOUR IDEAS!</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
</ul>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J7xEnyD-7ZA/XBnMW5amiEI/AAAAAAAAPBY/-DHqelgICVojng079u-33kZ_0kOblMuswCLcBGAs/s1600/IreadYA-680x450%2Bcopy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="432" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J7xEnyD-7ZA/XBnMW5amiEI/AAAAAAAAPBY/-DHqelgICVojng079u-33kZ_0kOblMuswCLcBGAs/s320/IreadYA-680x450%2Bcopy2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">image sources: littlefreelibrary.org and google.com (fly guy)</span>Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04142633015127113671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-35401903327161531752018-12-14T08:06:00.000-06:002018-12-14T09:26:41.573-06:00Midwinter's Eve Giveaway & Blog Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WAz33rIQ1Gk/XBPJiLS_5CI/AAAAAAAAO_s/tINcyzDL8xUnGbhaMBUyCPBPeh_iOFN_wCLcBGAs/s1600/18722380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WAz33rIQ1Gk/XBPJiLS_5CI/AAAAAAAAO_s/tINcyzDL8xUnGbhaMBUyCPBPeh_iOFN_wCLcBGAs/s320/18722380.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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<i><span id="freeText18413882799038613944">Written with a blend of humor and practical wisdom, The Same Sweet Girl’s Guide to Life
by Cassandra King offers inspiration and solid advice to new graduates
that can sustain them through life’s inevitable ups and downs. In this
small book you will find advice that will only grow in meaning
throughout the years. It can - and should - be read again and again, by
thoughtful people of all ages.</span></i></div>
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<i><span id="freeText18413882799038613944"> </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span id="freeText18413882799038613944">Review <a href="http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2014/05/book-review-same-sweet-girls-guide-to.html#.XBPK334nZBw" target="_blank">HERE </a></span></i></div>
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<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="https://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=286585" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04142633015127113671noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-50710881334533258682018-12-01T12:34:00.000-06:002018-12-11T12:36:20.738-06:00Book Review: Laugh Out Loud Christmas Jokes for Kids by Rob Elliott<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EI0AGiJ73DY/XA_7slmXm4I/AAAAAAAAO_E/w9BcuzzKwG49_uEyUVywkZBv630AEcAlgCLcBGAs/s1600/28510825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EI0AGiJ73DY/XA_7slmXm4I/AAAAAAAAO_E/w9BcuzzKwG49_uEyUVywkZBv630AEcAlgCLcBGAs/s1600/28510825.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="freeText12433841016963500589">The first-ever Christmas collection from the #1 bestselling author of <i>Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids</i> is finally here with hundreds of holiday- and winter-themed jokes to make the season bright.</span><br />
<span id="freeText12433841016963500589"></span><br />
<span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><br />The
holiday season just got a whole lot merrier now that Rob Elliott is
back with another instant classic full of fresh, frosty fun to bring the
whole family together. These pages are bursting with laughter to warm
up the fireside, the sledding slopes, and everywhere in between.<br /> </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span id="freeText12433841016963500589">↳ <i><b><span style="color: #990000;">Why don’t lobsters give Christmas presents?</span></b> </i><br /><br /><i> </i></span><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><i><span id="freeText12433841016963500589">→ <i></i></span><span style="color: #990000;">Because they’re <b>shellfish</b>!</span> </i></span><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"> <i></i></span>
</blockquote>
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<b>______________________________________________________________ </b></div>
<br />
Release Date: September 2016<br />
Age Group: Children, Family<br />
Source: Gifted<br />
Reviewed By: Nat<br />
<br />
Review:<br />
<br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer1846230432"><span id="freeText11827940826283407043">This is a great family funny! I brought this book out at breakfast and read a few of the jokes out loud while my kids were <strike>fighting, wailing, gnashing their teeth</strike> getting ready for school. It started off with an eye roll and an "it's too early for this" <b>but</b> by the time we were ready to go, I'd gotten a few smirks and a "this are so corny but funny when you get all excited reading them". I'll take it thank you very much!</span></span><br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer1846230432"><span id="freeText11827940826283407043"><br /></span></span>
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer1846230432"><span id="freeText11827940826283407043">My first grader thought a few were so great that he tried memorizing a couple to re-tell to his friends at school. He really got a kick out of the knock, knock jokes too. </span></span><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer1846230432"><span id="freeText11827940826283407043"><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="font-size: large;">😂 </span></span></span></span><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer1846230432"><span id="freeText11827940826283407043"><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer1846230432"><span id="freeText11827940826283407043"><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>🎅🏽 </b></span></span></b></span></span>What's Santa's favorite candy? </span></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
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<span id="freeText12433841016963500589">↳ <i></i></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Jolly</i> Ranchers, of course! </span></span></blockquote>
<br />
And a little trivia too.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer1846230432"><span id="freeText11827940826283407043"><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="font-size: large;">What do you have in December that's not in any other month?</span></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
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<span id="freeText12433841016963500589">↳ <i></i></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">The letter <i>"D" </i></span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="freeText12433841016963500589">🤓</span> </span></span></blockquote>
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<span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>🎁</b></span></span></b></span></span><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>🎁</b></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>🎁</b></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b> This little gem is a great gift for: any family, a children's book exchange, teacher gift or even a stocking stuffer. I found it on Amazon for less than $5 (and it's prime)!</b></span></span><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b> 🎁</b></span></span></b></span></span><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>🎁</b></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>🎁</b></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span></b></span></span><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b> </b></span></span><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span id="freeText12433841016963500589"><span style="color: #274e13;"></span></span></b></span></span></b></span><br /><i></i></span> <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--svkSbnRTgI/XBADMXxa_2I/AAAAAAAAO_Q/TPvCY5r8FJY-8Zx2Tb5aJ4gQxXFJZAeVQCLcBGAs/s1600/nat_sig%2Bcopy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1600" height="87" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--svkSbnRTgI/XBADMXxa_2I/AAAAAAAAO_Q/TPvCY5r8FJY-8Zx2Tb5aJ4gQxXFJZAeVQCLcBGAs/s200/nat_sig%2Bcopy.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04142633015127113671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-80133469096154745712018-11-27T09:20:00.000-06:002018-11-27T09:28:53.171-06:00Book Review: The Reader by MK Harkins (The Immortal Series #1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mKvsAP-pxZo/W0Fn4dCtBsI/AAAAAAAAO4M/ampO2hf_gGw0Vd_rY59o6RahfiHLEVHxACLcBGAs/s1600/31327668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mKvsAP-pxZo/W0Fn4dCtBsI/AAAAAAAAO4M/ampO2hf_gGw0Vd_rY59o6RahfiHLEVHxACLcBGAs/s320/31327668.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
Summary: <i><span id="freeText14602581149399600552">Hunted, shot, and
without her memory, eighteen-year-old Ann Baker wakes in shallow water
on a deserted Pacific Northwest island. She is soon approached by two
young men claiming to be her friends. Something isn’t right, but when
gunshots sound, Ann is left with little choice but to allow Devon and
Archer to help her escape. Soon she finds herself in their North Bend
mountain compound, where the higher evolved humans claim to be
mind-readers. While Ann heals, she realizes they believe her to be one
of the last and most powerful of all – The Lost One.<br /><br />She’s
welcomed by most with opened arms, but not everyone is happy about her
arrival. A jealous adversary has plans for Ann, which spirals the entire
Reader community into chaos.<br /><br />As lies, murder, and betrayal
threaten to rip apart the once harmonious mountain dwellers, Ann is
thrust into making a decision that could save or devastate not only The
Readers, but all of mankind. But there’s just one glitch: by doing so it
may require her to make the ultimate sacrifice.</span></i>
<br />
<br />
Release Date: August 2016<br />
Age Group: YA, Paranormal<br />
Source: Kindle Unlimited<br />
Reviewed By: Nat<br />
<br />
Review:<br />
I've read several Harkins contemporary books, I like the easy flow of words and the angst she gives her characters when it comes to love. However, the cover of <i>The Reader</i> is what initially caught my attention, the freckles reminded me of our middle grade reviewer Macy Kate. A simple, raw beauty. When I realized that it was Harkins work and her shift into the paranormal/dystopian genre I was interested!<br />
<br />
Y'all, THE HOOK! Nothing like starting right off with a little amnesia, hot guys and bullets flying! This is the stuff YA dreams are made of... #allthefeels<br />
<br />
At first the world building seemed simplistic and a bit mysterious but it didn't take long to realize that this was headed into a paranormal setting. The premise of genetically superior humans, divided by divine roles felt a tiny, tiny bit mythological/historical and it worked. The hidden city in the mountain was written very vividly and I really could picture the beauty of it all. <br />
<br />
Humans with unique gifts, long life expectancy, bad guys, love triangles and mind reading is really what every <strike>woman</strike> <i>YA teen girl</i> pines for, right?!<br />
<br />
The MC, Ann, is both strong and flawed. She isn't too go to be true but relatable... you know, she will scissor kick you in the throat if you cross her yet she can't make a decent judgment on a guy.<br />
<br />
Devon & Archer were so <i>Edward and Jacob</i> for a hot minute but it worked. The character development was pretty steady and the plot twists kept making me love someone one minute and hate them the next. Good stuff.<br />
<br />
The ending was a bit anti-climactic for me BUT that's because it isn't over yet! This is a duology and concludes with <b><i>The Jack</i></b>!<br />
<br />
Overall, <i>The Reader</i> is a nice addition to the YA genre and fans of dystopian & paranormal lit. will enjoy its fast pacing and unique imagery.<br />
<br />
<b>If you liked: <a href="http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2014/08/series-review-books-1-2-of-age-of-x.html#.W_1dD34nZBw" target="_blank">Gameboard of the Gods</a>, <a href="http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2015/03/book-review-perfected-by-kate-jarvik.html#.W_1dPX4nZBw" target="_blank">Perfected</a>, <a href="http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2018/08/book-review-uncharted-by-erin-cashman.html#.W_1dXH4nZBw" target="_blank">Uncharted</a> you will enjoy <i>The Reader</i>.</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vtzuuW2HA2U/W_1feN9gk-I/AAAAAAAAO9o/8Lm5OwLXiOIqGjeBYycVhJt6k7mW6tHGACLcBGAs/s1600/nat_sig%2Bcopy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1600" height="87" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vtzuuW2HA2U/W_1feN9gk-I/AAAAAAAAO9o/8Lm5OwLXiOIqGjeBYycVhJt6k7mW6tHGACLcBGAs/s200/nat_sig%2Bcopy.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*I waited FOREVER for book 2... I started to loose hope. But one morning BAM! there it was on NetGalley, just waiting for me to download!-- review coming soon (*spoiler: it was better than The Reader #sorrynotsorry).</i></span></span></b><br />
<br />Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04142633015127113671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-91163493881858639702018-11-22T11:07:00.000-06:002018-11-27T11:15:50.876-06:00Book Review: The Thank You Book by Mary Lyn Ray<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><b><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2519249169"><span id="freeText13690122914646929467">I
saved this little gem until today, in the <span style="color: #a64d79;"><i>Spirit of Thanksgiving</i></span>, THANK YOU to
all the authors, readers and friends who share the love of a good book!</span></span></b></span></span></span> </blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><b><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2519249169"><span id="freeText13690122914646929467">You are special. </span></span></b></span></span></span></blockquote>
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Summary: <span id="freeText8422848177367008524"><br /></span><span id="freeText8422848177367008524"><i><i><span id="freeText8422848177367008524"><b>"Perfect for fans of Margaret Wise Brown and Pat Zietlow Miller’s Be Kind, The Thank You Book explores
the many ways of being thankful that can fill a child's day. Timely,
wise, and accessible, the poetic text and tender illustrations celebrate
the powerful impact gratitude can have on our lives."</b></span></i></i></span><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText8422848177367008524"><i><i><span id="freeText8422848177367008524"></span></i>Thank you isn't just for learning manners.<br /> It's also for when something wakes a<br /> little hum</i>—<i>a little happy hum</i>—<i>inside you<br /> and you want to answer back.</i><br /><br /><i>The Thank You Book</i> explores the
many ways we can be thankful for the pleasures great and small that
await us every day. Tender and poetic, it reflects on the role gratitude
can play in our lives and celebrates the powerful impact it can have on
us.</span><br />
<br />
Release Date: September 2018<br />
Age Group: Childrens, Picture, Read-Aloud<br />
Source: Publisher<br />
Reviewed By: Nat<br />
<br />
<b>Review:</b><br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2519249169"><span id="freeText13690122914646929467"><i>The Thank You Book</i>'s target audience may be children but this is such a sweet reminder to everyone to simply be thankful, in all things. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2519249169"><span id="freeText13690122914646929467">"Thank You" and "I'm Sorry" are probably two of the hardest phrases for people to express to one another and yet they mean so much. Teaching young kids to say them may start out in an effort to teach a child good manners but it needs to progress into so much more. I think worldwide, we could use a good book full of Thank You's right now. Life is hard but it can still be happy.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2519249169"><span id="freeText13690122914646929467">This book is a sweet and gentle expression of simply being thankful for the big and little things, the good and the not-so-good times and everything in-between. I loved how the simple pleasures in life that we may take for granted were celebrated. I mean, I am pretty grateful for puddles. They sure brought me a lot of joy as a kid. They have also saved my sanity when all my kids were little and I'd yell "Go play in the puddles!" It's a real game-changer when you tell kids to go and get muddy. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2519249169"><span id="freeText13690122914646929467"><b>Art. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2519249169"><span id="freeText13690122914646929467">The illustrations are beautiful and so detailed. I really enjoyed studying the pictures and finding little treasures (like the bear dressed as Harry Potter for Halloween!).</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2519249169"><span id="freeText13690122914646929467">And I have to mention that the physical copy of this book, it is very nice quality! I know I am thankful for the good feel of a book. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2519249169"><span id="freeText13690122914646929467">This would be a perfect book to gift for a new mom, preschool teacher, and/or makes a great read for a new Thanksgiving tradition. I paired my book with our <a href="https://turkeyonthetable.com/" target="_blank">Turkey on the Table</a> this year. Even though it's for a much younger audience than I have, it was still fun to read and have the older kids teach the younger ones about being thankful.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LlOtl3yUkOw/W_15grLr5hI/AAAAAAAAO-M/UGMNWwEyXvcatMeLdvFbNlamxI4mXP52ACLcBGAs/s1600/thanksgivingtradition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LlOtl3yUkOw/W_15grLr5hI/AAAAAAAAO-M/UGMNWwEyXvcatMeLdvFbNlamxI4mXP52ACLcBGAs/s640/thanksgivingtradition.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2519249169"><span id="freeText13690122914646929467">Hats off to Mary Ray & Stephanie Graegin for creating such a sweet reminder of gratitude.</span></span></span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vtzuuW2HA2U/W_1feN9gk-I/AAAAAAAAO9s/KT9Orfb0yI0CwX-GJy9vCPzmlWe15qyugCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat_sig%2Bcopy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1600" height="87" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vtzuuW2HA2U/W_1feN9gk-I/AAAAAAAAO9s/KT9Orfb0yI0CwX-GJy9vCPzmlWe15qyugCEwYBhgL/s200/nat_sig%2Bcopy.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04142633015127113671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-83494773858188384202018-11-13T22:36:00.000-06:002018-11-26T09:21:08.768-06:00Book to Movie Spotlight: Mortal Engines<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">MORTAL ENGINES – In Theaters December 14</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.mortalengines.com/&source=gmail&ust=1542254883830000&usg=AFQjCNGxsQLORb7EvSMP64kU1eKji2VCWA" href="https://www.mortalengines.com/" target="_blank">Official Website</a> | <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/MortalEnginesMovie&source=gmail&ust=1542254883830000&usg=AFQjCNErArdtzCrEc3Dkmr29V2wo2cntAg" href="https://www.facebook.com/MortalEnginesMovie" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/mortal_engines&source=gmail&ust=1542254883830000&usg=AFQjCNEg5i6Awyd2bavyB2ClO4zSZaA1Vg" href="https://twitter.com/mortal_engines" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/mortalengines/&source=gmail&ust=1542254883830000&usg=AFQjCNEh0vw0D9_L6HR2knhzUXmu1MUgNQ" href="https://www.instagram.com/mortalengines/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.youtube.com/universalpictures&source=gmail&ust=1542254883830000&usg=AFQjCNEe3GlrY-pxlvExj5znfESk7RPwdw" href="https://www.youtube.com/universalpictures" target="_blank">YouTube</a> | #MortalEngines</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Hundreds
of years after civilization was destroyed by a cataclysmic event, a
mysterious young woman, Hester Shaw (Hera Hilmar), emerges as the only
one who can stop London — now a giant, predator city on wheels — from
devouring everything in its path. Feral, and fiercely driven by the
memory of her mother, Hester joins forces with Tom Natsworthy (Robert
Sheehan), an outcast from London, along with Anna Fang (Jihae), a
dangerous outlaw with a bounty on her head.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Mortal
Engines is the startling, new epic adventure directed by Oscar®-winning
visual-effects artist Christian Rivers (King Kong). Joining Rivers are
The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies three-time Academy
Award®-winning filmmakers Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens,
who have penned the screenplay. Visual effects are created by a Weta
Digital team led by Ken McGaugh, Kevin Smith, Luke Millar and Dennis
Yoo. The Universal and MRC adaptation is from the award-winning book
series by Philip Reeve, published in 2001 by Scholastic. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">On
board as producers are Zane Weiner (The Hobbit trilogy), Amanda Walker
(The Hobbit trilogy) and Deborah Forte (Goosebumps), as well as Walsh
and Jackson. Ken Kamins (The Hobbit trilogy) joins Boyens as executive
producer. Universal will distribute the film worldwide. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.mortalengines.com&source=gmail&ust=1542254883830000&usg=AFQjCNEmcwHLfCrHfBVSBRbdlhrxZHfh1g" href="http://www.mortalengines.com/" target="_blank">www.mortalengines.com</a></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Genre:</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> 3D Epic Adventure</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Cast:</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Hugo Weaving, Hera Hilmar, Robert Sheehan, Jihae, Ronan Raftery, Leila George, Patrick Malahide and Stephen Lang</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Directed by:</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Christian Rivers</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Writers:</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Based on the Book by:</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Philip Reeve</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Produced by:</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Zane Weiner, Amanda Walker, Deborah Forte, Fran Walsh, Peter Jackson</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Executive Producers:</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Ken Kamins, Philippa Boyens</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3Ds-Q-wgosfKg&source=gmail&ust=1542254883829000&usg=AFQjCNHsPgd7vRu2ZD2BtsZ_sQPkCzeFHA" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-Q-wgosfKg" target="_blank">Watch</a></span></u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> and share the new <b>MORTAL ENGINES</b> extended look. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">#MortalEngines is in theaters December 14.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Facebook:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/MortalEnginesMovie/videos/275557463305737&source=gmail&ust=1542254883829000&usg=AFQjCNEUerWk1ZTM6PD3vPLiliVxPIpicA" href="https://www.facebook.com/MortalEnginesMovie/videos/275557463305737" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>MortalEnginesMovie/videos/<wbr></wbr>275557463305737</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Twitter:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/mortal_engines/status/1060336102169399296&source=gmail&ust=1542254883829000&usg=AFQjCNEE0Jcazov75D098vRHdHwJGZNu0Q" href="https://twitter.com/mortal_engines/status/1060336102169399296" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/mortal_<wbr></wbr>engines/status/<wbr></wbr>1060336102169399296</a></span><br />
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Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04142633015127113671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-24310843453791201302018-10-30T09:48:00.000-05:002018-10-31T10:29:39.417-05:00BOOKtober: EERIE Non-Fiction that Middle Schoolers will Love!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uadEWW1WA5s/W9m_S1bUgdI/AAAAAAAAO8c/cTA1_ZlWhVIeIjY7QtJo1uXTRoLPMLsJQCLcBGAs/s1600/eerienonfiction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uadEWW1WA5s/W9m_S1bUgdI/AAAAAAAAO8c/cTA1_ZlWhVIeIjY7QtJo1uXTRoLPMLsJQCLcBGAs/s640/eerienonfiction.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><i><b>They Lost Their Heads!:</b> What Happened to Washington's Teeth, Einstein's Brain, and Other Famous Body Parts</i> by Carlyn Beccia </span><br />
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Summary:<i> </i><span id="freeText9871454997337749886"><i>From the kidnapping of
Einstein's brain to the horrifying end of Louis XIV's heart, the
mysteries surrounding some of history's most famous body parts range
from medical to macabre. Carlyn Beccia explores the misadventures of
noteworthy body parts through history and springboards to exploring STEM
topics such as forensics, DNA testing, brain science, organ donation,
and cloning. The engaging tone, wonderfully creepy subject matter, and
delightfully detailed art are sure to capture even the most reluctant
readers.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span id="freeText9871454997337749886">The famous people and their body parts include:</span></b><br /><span id="freeText9871454997337749886"> Galileo Galilei / Fingers</span><br /><span id="freeText9871454997337749886"> Louis XIV / Heart</span><br /><span id="freeText9871454997337749886"> George Washington / Teeth</span><br /><span id="freeText9871454997337749886"> Franz Joseph Hadyn / Head</span><br /><span id="freeText9871454997337749886"> Beethoven / Hair</span><br /><span id="freeText9871454997337749886"> Abraham Lincoln / Body</span><br /><span id="freeText9871454997337749886"> Chang and Eng Bunker / Liver</span><br /><span id="freeText9871454997337749886"> Phineas Gage / Skull</span><br /><span id="freeText9871454997337749886"> John Wilkes Booth / Neck vertebrae</span><br /><span id="freeText9871454997337749886"> Sarah Bernhardt / Leg</span><br /><span id="freeText9871454997337749886"> Vincent Van Gogh / Ear</span><br /><span id="freeText9871454997337749886"> Mata Hari / Head</span><br /><span id="freeText9871454997337749886"> Albert Einstein / Brain</span><br /><span id="freeText9871454997337749886"> Elvis Presley / Wart</span><br /><span id="freeText9871454997337749886">Thomas Edison / Last Breath</span></i></span></span></blockquote>
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Release Date: April 2018<br />
Age Group: Childrens, Middle Grade, Non-Fiction<br />
Source: Purchased at a Book Fair<br />
Reviewed By: Nat<br />
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Review:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Gross. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Fascinating. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Odd. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Unbelievable. </i></span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>I READ EVERY WORD!</i></span></span> </b></div>
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This book causes severe "googling" and really brought out my Southern drawl as I kept saying things like: <i>"Oh no they didn't"</i> or "<i>Bless their hearts</i>". <br />
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I have also lengthened my bucket list because you know I want to track down Elvis' mole. 😂😂😂 I couldn't even type that without cracking up! Dang people are so weird!<br />
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If anyone wants my body parts and can sell them for millions, they are yours! I just request that you give my kids at least 33% (I don't want them getting too rich off my parts, they need to work!) <br />
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<br />Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04142633015127113671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-51100415190700931852018-10-18T09:45:00.000-05:002018-11-27T09:48:38.071-06:00Book to Movie Review: The House with the Clock in Its Walls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5yQ4yiOK8Bk/W75U_rhY4hI/AAAAAAAACZ4/m-UWo7sywYIglngcViWZPu2AzcuxMB1dwCLcBGAs/s1600/clock.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1251" data-original-width="790" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5yQ4yiOK8Bk/W75U_rhY4hI/AAAAAAAACZ4/m-UWo7sywYIglngcViWZPu2AzcuxMB1dwCLcBGAs/s640/clock.jpeg" width="404" /></a></div>
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I am not sure where to begin... I'll start with two names: Jack Black & Eric Kripke. Now sprinkle in Eli Roth's debut into family entertainment and you have the oddest cocktail ever!<br />
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When you set out to scare, Eric Kripke is your man! One, glorious title <span style="color: #073763;"><b>Supernatural</b></span>. Ahhhh, the Winchesters. Now combine Jack Black <b>AND</b> Kate Blanchet, pure magic!<br />
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I wasn't sure how in the world someone from the realm of <i>Supernatural</i> was going to hone it in for a "family" friendly scare but man did he deliver. <i>The House with a Clock in Its Walls</i> was everything!<br />
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Louis was weird and it was a celebration to watch. This movie was jam packed with themes: family loss, bullying, the underdog, persistence, believing in yourself and so on. <br />
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<b>I left loving the color purple, wanting a ginormous fireplace, feeling the need to burn all dolls and a little afraid of Jack-o-Lanterns. It was G-R-E-A-T. </b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>🎃🕷💀😳🎃🕷💀😳🎃🕷💀😳🎃🕷💀😳🎃🕷💀😳🎃🕷💀😳🎃🕷💀😳🎃🕷💀😳🎃🕷💀😳🎃🕷💀😳</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Scare factor according to <i>The Mob</i></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">✔︎ </span></span>Pre-teens: loved it. <br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">✔︎ </span></span>Middle schoolers: loved it. <br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>𐄂</b> </span></span>1st grader: had to sit in my seat and remind me he loved me and thought I "just needed a hug" right at that pumpkin filled moment. No crying. If your youngsters can't handle the Goosebumps flicks, you might want to wait until they are a bit older and desensitized.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>🎃🕷💀😳🎃🕷💀😳🎃🕷💀😳🎃🕷💀😳🎃🕷💀😳🎃🕷💀😳🎃🕷💀😳🎃🕷💀😳🎃🕷💀😳🎃🕷💀😳</b></span> </div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS – In Theaters September 21</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.housewithaclock.com/&source=gmail&ust=1543419482901000&usg=AFQjCNFwl8tMyJYQE57kyjHiYL6S-3x-yA" href="http://www.housewithaclock.com/" target="_blank">Official Website</a> | <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.facebook.com/housewithaclock&source=gmail&ust=1543419482901000&usg=AFQjCNEVf9HIkYOi5de_RFha2heopXB6Jw" href="http://www.facebook.com/housewithaclock" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/housewithaclock&source=gmail&ust=1543419482901000&usg=AFQjCNEFwqbGQCcRRvxExFvlAweBD_3AOw" href="https://twitter.com/housewithaclock" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/housewithaclock/&source=gmail&ust=1543419482901000&usg=AFQjCNFm8MjeZ1EEfmGzzxvM_x4Lm18YjQ" href="https://www.instagram.com/housewithaclock/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.youtube.com/universalpictures&source=gmail&ust=1543419482901000&usg=AFQjCNEZ6GrNjinQ2Ax8pvhNBEmm7w4FHA" href="https://www.youtube.com/universalpictures" target="_blank">YouTube</a> | #HouseWithAClock</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">In
the tradition of Amblin classics where fantastical events occur in the
most unexpected places, Jack Black and two-time Academy Award® winner
Cate Blanchett star in <b><i>The House with a Clock in Its Walls</i></b>,
from Amblin Entertainment. The magical adventure tells the
spine-tingling tale of 10-year-old Lewis (Owen Vaccaro) who goes to live
with his uncle in a creaky old house with a mysterious tick-tocking
heart. But his new town’s sleepy façade jolts to life with a secret
world of warlocks and witches when Lewis accidentally awakens the dead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Based on the beloved children’s classic written by John Bellairs and illustrated by Edward Gorey, <i>The House with a Clock in Its Walls</i> is directed by master frightener Eli Roth and written by Eric Kripke (creator of TV’s <i>Supernatural</i>).
Co-starring Kyle MacLachlan, Colleen Camp, Renée Elise Goldsberry,
Vanessa Anne Williams, Lorenza Izzo and Sunny Suljic, it is produced by
Mythology Entertainment’s Brad Fischer (<i>Shutter Island</i>) and James Vanderbilt (<i>Zodiac</i>), as well as Kripke.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Executive produced by William Sherak, Tracey Nyberg, Laeta Kalogridis and Mark McNair, <i>The House with a Clock in Its Walls</i> will be released by Universal Pictures. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.housewithaclock.com&source=gmail&ust=1543419482901000&usg=AFQjCNH3lLHD7vEumT2koX0423niV2A-FA" href="http://www.housewithaclock.com/" target="_blank">www.housewithaclock.com</a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Genre:</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Adventure</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Cast:</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Jack Black, Cate Blanchett, Owen Vaccaro, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Sunny Suljic and Kyle MacLachlan</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Directed by:</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Eli Roth</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Writer: </span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Eric Kripke</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Based on the Novel by:</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> John Bellairs</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Produced by:</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Brad Fischer, James Vanderbilt, Eric Kripke</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Executive Producers:</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> William Sherak, Tracey Nyberg, Laeta Kalogridis, Mark McNair</span></div>
Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400850819037800916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-86189711566832066392018-10-15T08:48:00.000-05:002018-10-15T08:57:03.868-05:00Book Spotlight: Roald Dahl's Book of Ghost Stories<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>If you are in need of a quick classic tale, this is the collection for you! </i></span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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This is not a work of Dahl himself but a compilation of some of his favorite ghost stories (and authors). He read close to 800 stories in the late 1950's/early 60's and these are the few that made the cut.<i> </i><i><i>Each short story is unique and unexpected. </i>I loved the classic feel of each authors writing-- although I did not love every one I read. </i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="232" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcwjDKG_Dnc/W8SWucuL7NI/AAAAAAAAO8A/SjgsxMHHtlU-Rn3N4TcabCW8Z8gCh7kfQCLcBGAs/s640/765395.jpg" width="429" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span id="freeText13816472439899922866"><i>Who better to
investigate the literary spirit world than that supreme connoisseur of
the unexpected, Roald Dahl? Of the many permutations of the macabre,
Dahl was always especially fascinated by the classic ghost story. For
this superbly disquieting collection, he selected fourteen of his
favorite tales by such authors as E.F. Benson, Rosemary Timperley, and
Edith Wharton</i></span></div>
<span id="freeText13816472439899922866"></span><span id="freeText13816472439899922866"><br />Includes:<br />"W.S." L.P. Hartley<br />"Harry" Rosemary Timperley<br />"The Corner Shop" Cynthia Asquith<br />"In the Tube" E.F. Benson<br />"Christmas Meeting" Rosemary Timperley<br />"Elias and the Draug" Jonas Lie<br />"Playmates" A.M. Burrage<br />"Ringing the Changes" Robert Aickman<br />"The Telephone" Mary Treadgold<br />"The Ghost of a Hand" J. Sheridan Le Fanu<br />"The Sweeper" A.M. Burrage<br />"Afterward" Edith Wharton<br />"On the Brighton Road" Richard Middleton<br />"The Upper Berth" F. Marion Crawford</span>
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Release Date: October 1984<br />
<br />Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04142633015127113671noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-22961843699131854682018-10-13T23:30:00.000-05:002018-11-26T09:41:30.735-06:00Spoktacular Giveaway!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">👻🕸🎃🕷👻🕸🎃🕷👻🕸🎃🕷👻🕸<span style="color: #990000;"><b>CLOSED</b></span>🎃🕷👻🕸🎃🕷👻🕸🎃🕷👻🕸🎃🕷</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_7Oa_0Oh7bM/W8NaD25f__I/AAAAAAAACag/8l-1lS5Gy-gBFAlVc1l8zYKjBusvTXNAgCLcBGAs/s1600/amazon-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="272" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_7Oa_0Oh7bM/W8NaD25f__I/AAAAAAAACag/8l-1lS5Gy-gBFAlVc1l8zYKjBusvTXNAgCLcBGAs/s1600/amazon-10.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Let's be honest, there isn't anything better than a gift card! </span></span></div>
<br />
<center>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="5dfba6e156" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5dfba6e156/" id="rcwidget_udb9gbr2" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></center>
<center>
</center>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">👻🕸🎃🕷👻🕸🎃🕷👻🕸🎃🕷👻🕸🎃🕷👻🕸🎃🕷👻🕸🎃🕷👻🕸🎃🕷</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TB7wey6FZYM/W8Ndd8O-hMI/AAAAAAAACas/4bYuCBas8Q4nOX-TL7fmelONLhyw5ZV6ACLcBGAs/s1600/spooktacular%2B2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="800" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TB7wey6FZYM/W8Ndd8O-hMI/AAAAAAAACas/4bYuCBas8Q4nOX-TL7fmelONLhyw5ZV6ACLcBGAs/s320/spooktacular%2B2017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="https://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=286582" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400850819037800916noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-13368958463961380612018-10-11T05:00:00.000-05:002018-10-15T08:49:14.976-05:00BOOKtober Fest: Kindle Unlimited Spooky Stories for Beginner Readers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zXWZrFma1Uo/W76s24n4s5I/AAAAAAAACaE/hpf-2Nc0rDgggU839tQh1lXvELBBDRxvwCLcBGAs/s1600/spookybeginners_KU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="700" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zXWZrFma1Uo/W76s24n4s5I/AAAAAAAACaE/hpf-2Nc0rDgggU839tQh1lXvELBBDRxvwCLcBGAs/s1600/spookybeginners_KU.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Each book has been Monster tested and APPROVED! </b></span></span></span></div>
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{Click titles for KU link to download} <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>1.<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Arthurs-Halloween-Arthur-Adventure-Brown-ebook/dp/B00NKQCQPI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1539223726&sr=1-1&keywords=arthur%27s+halloween">Arthur's Halloween by Marc Brown</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>2. </b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/This-Book-Haunted-Haven-Dexter-ebook/dp/B07HGJ3GF7/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1539223692&sr=1-1&keywords=this+book+is+haunted"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">This Book is Haunted! by Haven Dexter</span></span></a></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>3. </b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Halloween-Hustle-Charlotte-Gunnufson-ebook/dp/B00C7XTOJ6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1539223649&sr=1-1&keywords=halloween+hustle"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">Halloween Hustle by </span></span></a></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Halloween-Hustle-Charlotte-Gunnufson-ebook/dp/B00C7XTOJ6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1539223649&sr=1-1&keywords=halloween+hustle"><span itemprop="name">Charlotte Gunnufson</span></a> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>4. </b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077RY1MRS?pf_rd_p=d1f45e03-8b73-4c9a-9beb-4819111bef9a&pf_rd_r=RJJRDKS5XNDG52SDEQXV">Sammy's Spooktacular Halloween by Mike Petrik</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><b>5. </b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/School-Little-Monster-Helen-Ketteman-ebook/dp/B00N58XLNM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1539223760&sr=1-1&keywords=go+to+school+little+monster"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">Go to School Little Monster by Helen Ketteman</span></span></a><b><br /></b></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">> Goodnight, Little Monster is also available o KU</span> </blockquote>
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<b>6.</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/There-Was-Mummy-Swallowed-Spider-ebook/dp/B00N58XLLY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1539223850&sr=1-1&keywords=there+was+an+old+mummy+who+swallowed+a+spider"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">There Was an Old Mummy Who Swallowed a</span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Spider by Jennifer Ward</span></span> </a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
> I ended up purchasing a hard copy of this one because we <b>HAD</b> to add it to our "<i>Somebody Swallowed Something</i>" collection. It was less than 5 bucks and totally worth it!</blockquote>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YU3T-xbKBFs/W75D_NRGFiI/AAAAAAAACZA/XP9ZKKhmxG4-ctePQmJkiak6w8KPeIIaQCLcBGAs/s1600/natblack_sig%2Bcopy.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="147" data-original-width="262" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YU3T-xbKBFs/W75D_NRGFiI/AAAAAAAACZA/XP9ZKKhmxG4-ctePQmJkiak6w8KPeIIaQCLcBGAs/s200/natblack_sig%2Bcopy.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400850819037800916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-45056603684886614332018-10-08T13:58:00.000-05:002018-10-15T08:48:49.236-05:00Easy Character Costume: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-OSORUT8qs/W75GMwlUD3I/AAAAAAAACZM/Xb-TCOGTeGE3zUqw2DXF61ZOudACNFR6ACLcBGAs/s1600/easycostume-%2Bmouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="1600" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-OSORUT8qs/W75GMwlUD3I/AAAAAAAACZM/Xb-TCOGTeGE3zUqw2DXF61ZOudACNFR6ACLcBGAs/s640/easycostume-%2Bmouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm pretty sure reading <b><i>If You Give a Mouse a Cookie</i></b> is a rite of passage in childhood; which makes this an easy sell to tweens/teens when trying to get them to dress up! The best part, it is so cheap and quick to throw together, I only had to buy a few supplies for about 10 bucks and <i><b>BAM</b></i> props & costume done.<br />
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What you need:<br />
<ul>
<li> Cookie</li>
<ul>
<li>Cardboard box (poster board, old box, whatever you can find that is big enough to make the circle)</li>
<li>Light brown paint & dark brown paint (about 97 cents each)</li>
<li>Sheet black poster board (cut odd shaped "chocolate chips"</li>
<li>Large bowl (to trace perfect circle) </li>
<li>Scissors</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Ears</li>
<ul>
<li>Brown headband (I got a pack of three at Dollar Tree)</li>
<li>Dark brown felt (33 cents a sheet)</li>
<li>Light (or dark) pink felt</li>
<li>Craft glue</li>
<li>Ear template (the one I used is found <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1kbyoJIaA_GMGUwZTg5OWMtYjE3OC00MGEyLThhMjMtNjU3ODc0ZTljM2Uy/view">HERE</a>)</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Outfit</li>
<ul>
<li>Overalls</li>
<li>White tee</li>
<li>A pair of white shoes (Vans, Keds, really any slip-on will work- cheap Wal-Mart pair of Faded Glory will do the trick)</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Face Paint</li>
<ul>
<li>Black eye liner </li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #b45f06;"><b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Happy Tricks & Treats Friends!</span></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pfbcKHn-FzA/W75MGVZv0LI/AAAAAAAACZY/jQki7yPw64sTRd_fodEwqLv4G10vy5hYQCEwYBhgL/s1600/nat_sig%2Bcopy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1600" height="87" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pfbcKHn-FzA/W75MGVZv0LI/AAAAAAAACZY/jQki7yPw64sTRd_fodEwqLv4G10vy5hYQCEwYBhgL/s200/nat_sig%2Bcopy.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04142633015127113671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-12875793956926598142018-10-05T13:02:00.000-05:002018-10-10T13:33:09.095-05:00BOOKtober Fest: 5 Must-Read YA Thrillers 👀<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-53EHjRXcozw/W74-8Kv2aiI/AAAAAAAACYc/w5l58kuC2Q0E5sEb0urKq4Gm4UIt20UKACEwYBhgL/s1600/5yathrillers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1419" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-53EHjRXcozw/W74-8Kv2aiI/AAAAAAAACYc/w5l58kuC2Q0E5sEb0urKq4Gm4UIt20UKACEwYBhgL/s640/5yathrillers.jpg" width="566" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Read the <i>Reviews</i> if you must, but a thrill you will find come dusk! </b></span></span></span></div>
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{Click titles for reviews} <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>1. <a href="http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2013/01/book-review-girl-in-wall-by-daphne.html#.W75BV34nZBw">The Girl in the Wall by Daphne Benedis-Grab </a></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>2. <a href="http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2018/05/book-review-aftermath-by-kelley.html#.W75FgH4nZBw">Aftermath by Kelley Armstrong</a></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>3. <a href="http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2017/04/book-review-missing-by-kelly-armstrong.html#.W75BkX4nZBx">Missing by Kelley Armstrong</a></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>4. <a href="http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2015/11/book-review-need-by-joelle-charbonneau.html#.W75Bsn4nZBw">Need by Joelle-Charbonneau</a></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><b>5. <a href="http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2013/07/book-review-girl-who-was-supposed-to.html#.W75B1H4nZBw">The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die by April Henry</a></b></span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YU3T-xbKBFs/W75D_NRGFiI/AAAAAAAACZA/XP9ZKKhmxG4-ctePQmJkiak6w8KPeIIaQCLcBGAs/s1600/natblack_sig%2Bcopy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="147" data-original-width="262" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YU3T-xbKBFs/W75D_NRGFiI/AAAAAAAACZA/XP9ZKKhmxG4-ctePQmJkiak6w8KPeIIaQCLcBGAs/s200/natblack_sig%2Bcopy.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><i>I'd sleep with the light on... and watch your back because you know someone is following you... just sayin' </i></b><br />
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<i> </i>Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400850819037800916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-17872189797511828472018-10-01T14:24:00.000-05:002018-10-10T20:53:42.719-05:00BOOKtober Fest: You've Been BOO'ed! 👻<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u_VSbMpe_1w/W75NRTl9UPI/AAAAAAAACZg/f1folXNngus0QcMqkFD3ecTo6ql8RRA_gCLcBGAs/s1600/booed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1030" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u_VSbMpe_1w/W75NRTl9UPI/AAAAAAAACZg/f1folXNngus0QcMqkFD3ecTo6ql8RRA_gCLcBGAs/s640/booed.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As my 7 year old said to me today, <i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Happy Halloween First</span></b></i>! </span></div>
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{And tomorrow <span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Happy Halloween Second</b></span>... you get the idea here- we are pretty excited.}</div>
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A fun Halloween family tradition that I have shared before is <i><b>Boo'ing</b></i> and today you have officially been "<i><b>BOO'ed</b></i>" 👻.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You are <i><b>IT</b></i> and you <i>must</i> join in the fun! People are counting on you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">🚨 AND DON'T GET CAUGHT! 🚨</span></div>
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To get a better idea of what <i>Boo'ing</i> entails visit last years post <a href="http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2017/10/youve-been-booed.html#.W75O4n4nZBw">HERE</a>. Honestly, my digital images last year were pretty lame. You can do a quick search on Pinterest and get a lot of fancy (better) printable options. In my defense-- last year we <i>Boo'ed</i> about 30 people and the monsters even had the unique (and unforgettable) experience of having a gun pulled on them (only once-- good times). </div>
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To get the printout for the ghost you have been <i>Boo'ed</i> with click <i><b><a href="https://caravanshoppe.com/collections/holidays/products/weve-been-boo-ed">HERE</a></b></i>. Caravan Shoppe is one of my absolute favorite digital sites. There are several freebies and this kit is one so hurry over and download all the goodies.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visit <a href="http://caravanshoppe.com/">Caravanshoppe.com</a> to download a copy!</td></tr>
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Happy Haunting!</div>
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<br />Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400850819037800916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-90222463192809006682018-09-29T12:17:00.000-05:002018-10-02T15:38:12.053-05:00Book Review: Freedom Trials by Meredith Tate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5d0NDCU8_9g/W7OZFAz1sSI/AAAAAAAACW0/efmNBLlwue0DMvS6QOFEB_QWgk_QFCJGACLcBGAs/s1600/37941585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5d0NDCU8_9g/W7OZFAz1sSI/AAAAAAAACW0/efmNBLlwue0DMvS6QOFEB_QWgk_QFCJGACLcBGAs/s400/37941585.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
Summary: <i><span id="freeText15237633399786932010">Evelyn Summers is imprisoned for a crime that was wiped from her memory.<br /><br />In
order for Evelyn to be released, she―along with other “reformed”
prisoners―must pass seven mental, physical, and virtual challenges known
as the Freedom Trials. One mistake means execution and, with her
history of being a snitch, her fellow inmates will do everything they
can to get revenge.<br /><br />When new prisoner Alex Martinez arrives,
armed with secrets about Evelyn’s missing memories, she must make a
choice. She can follow the rules to win and walk free, or covertly
uncover details of the crime that sent her there. But competing in the
trials and dredging up her erased past may cost Evelyn the one thing
more valuable than freedom: her life.</span></i><br />
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Release Date: October 2018<br />
Age Group: YA, Dystopian<br />
Source: Review Copy from Publisher<br />
Reviewed By: Nat<br />
<br />
Review:<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37941585-freedom-trials?ac=1&from_search=true"><i>Freedom Trials</i></a> has a very familiar and identifiable feel to it. It is undeniably the offspring of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37941585-freedom-trials?ac=1&from_search=true"><i>The Maze Runner</i></a> & <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37941585-freedom-trials?ac=1&from_search=true"><i>Divergent </i></a>with maybe<i> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37941585-freedom-trials?ac=1&from_search=true">The Last Girl</a></i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37941585-freedom-trials?ac=1&from_search=true"> </a>as its aunt. YA fans of the dystopian genre are going to either fall in love or outright resent this one. The world and plot are so relatable that you are either going to dive in and be excited to re-enter a familiar world or you are going to just not be interested in a re-run.<br />
<br />
With that said, I really enjoyed the ride! The story pace is fast and had a very easy flow to it. I liked piecing things together with Evelyn and the feelings of uncertainty & confusion; the slang took me a bit of time to figure out because there wasn't a lot of explanation to it (<i>hacks, slingers,</i> etc) but it worked out.<br />
<br />
Because this is a first in the series there is a lot we just don't know {yet}.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I don't know:</i><br />
<ul>
<li><i></i> <i>how I feel about Evelyn.</i> I hope she gets a bit more Katniss-y.</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><i>if I like the love interest.</i> Really needs to be fleshed out in the next book with either their history or some serious dialogue. Make me either love him or hate him! Right now I think he is a really cool GI JOE but I don't trust him.<i><br /></i></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><i>who are the "good/bad" guys</i>. </li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There is a lot of build-up for book two. It is either going to set this series apart from its predecessors or its simply not. I think<i><b> </b>Freedom Trials</i> is off to a good start. Welcome the Dystopian Family Ms. Tate! Bring the fire in book two, we can take the heat!</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--M6dJKqeAdg/W7On17-aWfI/AAAAAAAACXg/zHbwMt4Qzr01j3X_6x2oU94VJnbyLZ0_ACLcBGAs/s1600/nhallosign_edited-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1500" height="80" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--M6dJKqeAdg/W7On17-aWfI/AAAAAAAACXg/zHbwMt4Qzr01j3X_6x2oU94VJnbyLZ0_ACLcBGAs/s200/nhallosign_edited-2.png" width="200" /></a><b>________________________________________________________________________</b></div>
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I would recommend this to reluctant teen readers. The style of writing
is easy to follow. There are a lot of characters in the prison but
forgetting one will not hurt in following the story plot.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">👇🏽 I would also recommend <i>Freedom Trials</i> to teens who enjoyed the books listed below.👇🏽 </span></b></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cqUlH-VlhUc/W7Ol0nylZ4I/AAAAAAAACXE/CiCgkm8FsqMjwLlMCdQwic62rUr-LVcswCLcBGAs/s1600/18630496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cqUlH-VlhUc/W7Ol0nylZ4I/AAAAAAAACXE/CiCgkm8FsqMjwLlMCdQwic62rUr-LVcswCLcBGAs/s200/18630496.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2015/03/book-review-perfected-by-kate-jarvik.html#.W7OkzH4nZBw">Perfected by Kate Javik Birch</a> {trilogy}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sU36wxofDMo/W7OlpToeiEI/AAAAAAAACXA/FMHlbDqKoZU_m2_-KyRQku_BKKSF5C3BACLcBGAs/s1600/17402117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sU36wxofDMo/W7OlpToeiEI/AAAAAAAACXA/FMHlbDqKoZU_m2_-KyRQku_BKKSF5C3BACLcBGAs/s200/17402117.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18392661-ordinary">Branded by Abi Ketner </a>{trilogy}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KEhXk366VQA/W7Ol9QvGsXI/AAAAAAAACXI/KyHZaGVi1OUWEoyNryeJLTlJbxLnw-xbgCLcBGAs/s1600/33825938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="209" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KEhXk366VQA/W7Ol9QvGsXI/AAAAAAAACXI/KyHZaGVi1OUWEoyNryeJLTlJbxLnw-xbgCLcBGAs/s200/33825938.jpg" width="130" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2017/04/book-review-ignite-by-danielle-rogland.html#.W7Okin4nZBw">Ignite by Danielle Rogland</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qP7ZVGxJrlE/W7OmGzbYSVI/AAAAAAAACXQ/qbpqPeZcWNEJNPaDMN66Z4usXPJ1bxF1ACLcBGAs/s1600/18392661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qP7ZVGxJrlE/W7OmGzbYSVI/AAAAAAAACXQ/qbpqPeZcWNEJNPaDMN66Z4usXPJ1bxF1ACLcBGAs/s200/18392661.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18392661-ordinary">Ordinary by Lindy Zart</a> {trilogy}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400850819037800916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-66462195133165873802018-09-17T14:21:00.001-05:002018-09-17T14:24:20.332-05:00Book Review: The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fhxU7Q8AI3g/W5KjCLh92SI/AAAAAAAACVQ/hTUrt4klto4l5997lCLiO114rMlCfxTBwCLcBGAs/s1600/30969755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="311" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fhxU7Q8AI3g/W5KjCLh92SI/AAAAAAAACVQ/hTUrt4klto4l5997lCLiO114rMlCfxTBwCLcBGAs/s400/30969755.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
Summary: <i>T<span id="freeText10056722900808171496">here are no more cheerleaders in the town of Sunnybrook.<br /><br />First
there was the car accident—two girls gone after hitting a tree on a
rainy night. Not long after, the murders happened. Those two girls were
killed by the man next door. The police shot him, so no one will ever
know why he did it. Monica’s sister was the last cheerleader to die.
After her suicide, Sunnybrook High disbanded the cheer squad. No one
wanted to be reminded of the girls they lost.<br /><br />That was five years
ago. Now the faculty and students at Sunnybrook High want to remember
the lost cheerleaders. But for Monica, it’s not that easy. She just
wants to forget. Only, Monica’s world is starting to unravel. There are
the letters in her stepdad’s desk, an unearthed, years-old cell phone, a
strange new friend at school. . . . Whatever happened five years ago
isn’t over. Some people in town know more than they’re saying. And
somehow Monica is at the center of it all.<br /><br />There are no more cheerleaders in Sunnybrook, but that doesn’t mean anyone else is safe.</span></i><br />
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Release Date: July 2018<br />
Age Group: YA, Dark Thriller<br />
Source: Review Copy from NetGalley<br />
Reviewed By: Nat<br />
<br />
Review:<br />
I read <i>The Cheerleaders</i> about a month ago and I 've been sitting on the review because I was left uneasy. With that said, it was a good YA thriller filled with mystery and murder but there were two reoccurring issues that were pretty heavy-- suicide & abortion. I wasn't sure how I felt about it when it all ended but now I do and I hated it.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2492919964"><span id="freeText17445793485104947741"><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer2314448938"><span id="freeTextContainer6708886080679126558"><i>I am a victim, whether or not I feel like one.</i></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
It's not that I don't think these two topics are appropriate for YA literature, as a matter of fact, I've read a few that addressed hard issues beautifully: <a href="http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2018/04/book-review-neanderthal-opens-door-to.html#.W5_45H4nZBw">Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe</a>, <a href="http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2017/08/book-review-short-history-of-girl-next.html#.W5_4tX4nZBx">The Girl Next Door</a> or <a href="http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2018/01/book-review-ryans-bed-by-tijan.html#.W5_4lH4nZBw">Ryan's Bed</a>.<br />
<br />
I do believe if you are going to bring the tough stuff in you better take the time to work through each and every detail, really dive into the characters' emotional processes and specifically identify instances that are wrong... DO NOT LEAVE GREY AREA for teens to read and walk away doubting they were victimized.<br />
<br />
I never felt any closer, yes the mystery and sleuthing was original and clever but again, there was this whole situation that just kept getting but on the back burner. The continued thoughts of the victim constantly blaming herself for what should have been identified as statutory rape was just sad. Only to be followed by zero parental involvement in the decision of an abortion and not because the mom wasn't present.<br />
<br />
It was basically a girl (with a lot of baggage🚨) telling her mom she was pregnant (by someone other than her boyfriend 🚨) and that her mom didn't need to know or worry about "him" 🚨. Followed by said teen making a "quick" decision before she could "think" about it 🚨. WHAT!?!?! Red flags for dayyysssss. 🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨 #redALERT<br />
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In all honesty, this story would have been better if the abortion was left out, yes it stung hard but it wasn't the real punch to the gut in the overall story arch and it actually caused more harm than awareness. The phrase "less is more" comes to mind.<br />
<br />
As far as a dark thriller goes, the mystery was great and unpredictable. There were several plot twists that kept me going and it definitely flowed like an episode of Riverdale. I hung in there until the end but it did feel a bit flat at the conclusion, very anticlimactic. I really wanted it to be so much more.<br />
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Nathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14400850819037800916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-998073617976947577.post-14657279859033682552018-09-14T06:00:00.000-05:002018-09-17T15:02:38.150-05:00GIVEAWAY: Clear Your Shelves!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">📖🎉📖🎉 It's time to share! 📖🎉📖🎉 </span></b></span><br />
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