Good Enough by Jen Petro-Roy
Ok, let’s cut to the chase; this novel is an honest portrayal of a 12-year-olds struggle with anorexia. It is written as journal entries that provide an intimate look into her thoughts and emotions concerning: her motivation for not eating, her feelings of inadequacy, and her relationship with food. The author, Jen Petro Roy, was … Continue reading Good Enough by Jen Petro-Roy
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
A novel is written in verse. This novel made me tear up, not only because of the storyline but how beautifully it is crafted. Acevedo weaves together the story of two sisters: Camino Rios who, lives in The Dominican Republic, and Yahaira Rios, who lives in New York. When their father is tragically killed in … Continue reading Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
What About Will by Ellen Hopkins
So I’m looking for new books for junior high classrooms. NEW books. Not Holes, or Hatchet or The Outsiders. NEW titles. I found one. And, read it in a day and I loved it. I even teared up at the end. What About Will is written by Ellen Hopkins. Now for those of you who … Continue reading What About Will by Ellen Hopkins
To String Near Misses (an attempt at poetry)
“…the chances we failed to seize, the moments of happiness we allowed to drift away. Today it seems to me that my whole life was nothing but a string of those small near misses: a race whose result we know beforehand but in which we fail to bet on the winner.” Jean-Dominique Bauby, The Diving Bell … Continue reading To String Near Misses (an attempt at poetry)
Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart
“His shirt was freshly laundered, a sharp crease ran down the sleeve, and Mungo took that as a sign that some woman cared for him, that he was worth something to someone.” (Douglas Stuart). This novel sucks you in, rips your heart out, and leaves you sobbing on the floor. Seriously. I haven’t been this … Continue reading Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart
Unvarnished by Emily Carr Edited by Kathryn Bridge
I love Emily Carr’s paintings. Whenever I get the chance to visit Victoria, BC, I try to see the Art Gallery of Victoria to view their collection of her works. I have, however, never read any of her prose. Unvarnished me is a phrase Carr used to “describe herself, her personal writings, private papers, and objects … Continue reading Unvarnished by Emily Carr Edited by Kathryn Bridge
When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
“ And yet, the stars are not lost. They form patterns. Constellations. If you know how to look, there are stories woven into the very essence of stars” (When Stars are Scattered). Graphic novel grades 8-12 Themes displacement, political unrest, resilience, family, loyalty The story takes place over three significant times in the life of … Continue reading When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
The Potential That Lies in the Question
“…every question possessed a power that did not lie in the answer.” Elie Wiesel Night A question can be significantly more important than the answer. If we don’t question, we naturally assume the “truth” we are presented with is just that,the truth.Then acceptance leads to manipulation and ultimately, for lack of a better term,mush for … Continue reading The Potential That Lies in the Question
The Midnight Killing by Sharon Dempsey
If you’re looking for an engaging, suspenseful whodunnit with interesting characters, look no further. The Midnight Killing starts with a gruesome murder presented in the first few pages. However, we soon meet Detective Inspector Danny Stowe and forensic psychologist Dr. Rose Lainey whose shoulders we peer over throughout the investigation. Having been good friends during … Continue reading The Midnight Killing by Sharon Dempsey
The Maid by Nita Prose
I have a wonderful NEWLY Published book recommendation!! Brand spankin’ new in fact. Released January 4th. Molly is an interesting girl. Some would say quirky…some are crueler and say she is weird. You see, Molly can’t read social cues, isn’t very good at small talk, isn’t the best judge of character, and is obsessed with … Continue reading The Maid by Nita Prose
Ink And Spine 