Pick 6: love stories

Romance is definitely not my favorite genre. I try to read them occasionally just be aware of what's out there.  Here are 6 love stories published in the last 6 months.

6 new love stories:

1. The Stand-In by Steve Bloom

2. How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You by Tara Egglington

3. If I Fix You by Abigail Johnson

4. We Are Still Tornadoes by Michael Kun and Susan Mullen

5. The Radius of Us by Marie Marquardt

6. There's Something about Nik by Sara Hantz

Non-fiction book review - Smash!

Smash! by Sara Latta

My understanding of physics and subatomic particles has always been basic. Neutrons, protons, electrons. Anything past that was well beyond me. So I was pleased to find this book. Think of it like the Magic School Bus for a slightly more advanced crowd. Now, it is a very basic introductions. I wouldn't say that I have a clear understanding of physics having read this book. More like a better idea of everything involved and what scientists are trying to achieve with the Large Hadron Collider. A solid choice for a middle grader with an interest in science.

More Information: Smash! releases April 1.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Book review - The Mesmerist

Title: The Mesmerist
Author: Ronald L. Smith
Genre: fantasy
Similar books: The Diviners by Libba Bray
                     The Case of the Devil's Interval by Emily Butler
Rating:

a solid if simple adventure

Summary (provided by publisher): Thirteen-year-old Jessamine Grace and her mother make a living as sham spiritualists—until they discover that Jess is a mesmerist and that she really can talk to the dead. Soon she is plunged into the dark world of Victorian London's supernatural underbelly and learns that the city is under attack by ghouls, monsters, and spirit summoners. Can Jess fight these powerful forces? And will the group of strange children with mysterious powers she befriends be able to help? As shy, proper Jess transforms into a brave warrior, she uncovers terrifying truths about the hidden battle between good and evil, about her family, and about herself. 

My opinion: Think of this book as a younger, more transparent version of The Diviners. The source of these kid's abilities is known, as are the limits. Smith also incorporates more elements of magic: the fae, werewolves, seraphs, and so on. If you can put aside the obvious comparisons, we're left with a fairly strong team tale. Each character's abilities directly influence the plot, as well as their personal histories. Additionally, the setting is strong. We get a solid sense of historical London. Of course, that same setting will be a turn off for some young readers. It's a niche novel but a strong addition to that niche.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!

I've been re-watching Firefly lately, which is what lead to this drawing.

 I'd intended to draw the whole dinosaur, but t-rex arms are surprisingly tricky to draw

Book review - Captain Pug

Title: Captain Pug: The Dog Who Sailed the Seas
Author: Laura James
Genre: early chapter books
Similar books: Claude in the City by Alex T. Smith
                     Leroy Ninker Saddles Up by Kate DiCamillo
Rating:

ultimately forgettable

Summary (provided by publisher): On one very ordinary day Pug's nose knows that breakfast is on its way. And with breakfast, come crumbs – but not just any old crumbs, jam tart crumbs. Jam tarts are Pug's favorite food, and he loves nothing more than to share them with his best friend, Lady Miranda. But just before Pug can finish the last jam tart, Lady Miranda picks him up and whisks him away for a sea-faring adventure. Unfortunately for Pug, it turns out that water may be his biggest fear!
To avoid the water, Pug takes a well-timed snack break. But when his brief respite takes an unexpected turn, Pug will have to find his true Captain self and steer a path back home.

My opinion: This little book provides a simple but wild plot speckled with all manner of unusual details and supported by dynamic illustrations. This can work well if the characters and plot are charming, a goal Captain Pug doesn't quite achieve. While Pug is cute, Lady Miranda's extreme privilege and selfishness are neither relatable nor endearing. Pug's naivete is paired with a sort of laziness. An entertaining enough book to occupy a young reader but perhaps not the best choice for a group reading.

More information: Captain Pug releases March 14.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Picture books for everyone

How the Queen Found the Perfect Cup of Tea by Kate Hosford


This picture book is almost subversive. It's certainly sneaky, slipping messages of multiculturalism, self-sufficiency, and the value of friendship into an outwardly simple story about making tea. We see the Queen gradually learning how to make her own cup of tea and relaxing her stiff posture and formal appearance. She sacrifices strict dignity for happiness. . It's a pleasure to read. The text isn't overly complicated but flows naturally and conversationally. The detailed drawings convey their message well and do a great job of capturing facial expressions. A great book for older kids as you can build off so many topics

Book review - Goodbye Days

Title: Goodbye Days
Author: Jeff Zentner
Genre: realistic fiction
Similar books: For This Life Only by Stacey Kade
                     You Were Here by Cori McCarthy
Rating:

warning: likelihood of tears

Summary (provided by publisher): Carver Briggs never thought a simple text would cause a fatal crash, killing his three best friends, Mars, Eli, and Blake. But now Carver can’t stop blaming himself for the accident and even worse, a powerful judge is pressuring the district attorney to open up a criminal investigation.
Luckily, Carver has some unexpected allies: Eli’s girlfriend, the only person to stand by him at school; Dr. Mendez, his new therapist; and Blake’s grandmother, who asks Carver to spend a “goodbye day” together to share their memories and say a proper farewell.
Soon the other families are asking for their own goodbye day with Carver—but he’s unsure of their motives. Will they all be able to make peace with their losses, or will these Goodbye Days bring Carver one step closer to a complete breakdown or—even worse—prison?

My opinion: Given the concept here, I don't think anyone wold expect a joy-filled read. Indeed, the raw emotions are almost painful at moments, sitting right at the surface. Zentner doesn't shay away from harsh realities either. Carver deals with his grief in very visceral ways, at times nearly overwhelmed by guilt and blame, both internal and external. He's not only lost his friends, he is viewed by most of his town with suspicion. He's become something of a pariah. Grief on it's own is not unique. What makes this book stand out is the goodbye days, the way they illustrated the varied needs of grieving people. Each goodbye day presents the reader with a different approach to grief. Beyond simply exploring grief, Zentner explores how well we can ever truly know a person. And he does all this with prose that is beautiful in it's simplicity and artistry. Brace yourself before you start it, but do read this book.
 
More information: Goodbye Days releases March 7.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.