Book 2 complete - Astrid the Unstoppable

Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria Parr

A clever, if decidedly foreign feeling, adventure for fans of Pippi Longstocking and the work of Polly Horvath.

Book 1 complete - All Our Broken Pieces

All Our Broken Pieces by L. D. Crichton

Periodically, I read teen romances. Romance is in no way my favorite genre but on occasion a book transcends simple romance, tells a more complex story. This book makes a strong stab at being more. It is, at heart, still a romance and has some tropey, eye-rolling moments and overly convenient plot points. Still, a decent read.

And we're off

Once again, I find myself generally obligation free during Dewey's Hour Read-a-thon so I figure I'll read today. This is my official starting line post. I'll be posting here as I finish books so check in with me through the day.

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. 29 Dates by Melissa de la Cruz
2. Come Find Me by Megan Miranda
3. Paper Girl by Cindy R Wilson
4. Pretty in Punxsutawney by Laurie Boyle Crompton
5. Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner
6. Field Notes on Love by Jennifer E Smith

Non fiction book review - Follow Your Stuff

Follow Your Stuff by Kevin Sylvester and Michael Hlinka

One might not think that the global economy could easily be explained for a young audience but Sylvester and Hlinka put in a solid effort. Through three concrete examples they break down the minutiae of the cost of a product: raw materials, transport, marketing, and profit. Not only do they discuss the money, though. They devote a fair amount of space to ethics. Sure some products are cheaper but that means that someone in the chain is taking less money and that someone is usually low level workers. That or the product is being produced in a more ecologically destructive way. Through the text we're being asked to be more mindful consumers. And that's always a good thing.

More information: Follow Your Stuff releases April 9.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - In the Key of Nira Ghani

Title: In the Key of Nira Ghani
Author: Natasha Deen
Genre: realistic fiction
Similar books: 29 Dates by Melissa de la Cruz
                      Breakaway by Kat Spears
Rating:

thought provoking

Summary (provided by publisher): Nira Ghani has always dreamed of becoming a musician. Her Guyanese parents, however, have big plans for her to become a scientist or doctor. Nira's grandmother and her best friend, Emily, are the only people who seem to truly understand her desire to establish an identity outside of the one imposed on Nira by her parents. When auditions for jazz band are announced, Nira realizes it's now or never to convince her parents that she deserves a chance to pursue her passion.
As if fighting with her parents weren't bad enough, Nira finds herself navigating a new friendship dynamic when her crush, Noah, and notorious mean-girl, McKenzie "Mac," take a sudden interest in her and Emily, inserting themselves into the fold. So, too, does Nira's much cooler (and very competitive) cousin Farah. Is she trying to wiggle her way into the new group to get closer to Noah? Is McKenzie trying to steal Emily's attention away from her? As Farah and Noah grow closer and Emily begins to pull away, Nira's trusted trumpet "George" remains her constant, offering her an escape from family and school drama.
But it isn't until Nira takes a step back that she realizes she's not the only one struggling to find her place in the world. As painful truths about her family are revealed, Nira learns to accept people for who they are and to open herself in ways she never thought possible.
A relatable and timely contemporary, coming-of age story, In the Key of Nira Ghani explores the social and cultural struggles of a teen in an immigrant household.

My opinion: I found Nira to be a frustrating character. While her struggle to get her parents to understand her dreams is relatable, she's so judgemental when it comes to her peers that her story was difficult to read at times. This is especially true with McKenzie, who Nira paints as racist and inherently hateful. While McKenzie has an ignorant and dismissive vibe, she doesn't play all that hateful. What it comes down to is the secondary characters being under described, under-characterized. I liked the messages about looking beyond a person's surface, recognizing what things influence their decision making, the kind of person they are becoming. Well intentioned but far from perfect

More information: In the Key of Nira Ghani releases April 9.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

A super-cute peg

I realized recently that my superhero peg doll collection skews pretty heavily to the Marvel side. So I set out to specifically make a DC peg. I settled on Bumblebee this time. She's a pretty great peg doll.