WWW Wednesday

 What are you currently reading?

Hazelthorn by CG Drews - When his guardian suddenly dies under strange and suspicious circumstances, a young man with holes in his memory must unravel the truth about his past, the rules he has always had to follow, and the horrors lurking in the shadows of the estate where he lives.

What did you recently finish reading?

Rise of the G.E.M.S. by Marian Dealy - A team of lab mice are mutated by scientific testing and sent into space.

What do you think you'll read next?

The Witching Wind by Natalie Lloyd

Non-fiction book review - The Lost Women of Science

 

The Lost Women of Science by Melina Gerosa Bellows and Katie Hafner

At first glance this is a fairly expected book - a series of profiles of women and their contributions to science. What sets this one apart is depth. These are not quick overviews. We learn at least a little about each woman's background and the importance of their contributions. Even more than that, we learn why they are overlooked. With multiple fields of science represented there is a fair range of information here. If you have any interest in lesser-known history this book is probably worth a look.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Graphic Novel Spotlight - Brume

 

Brume: The Dragon Awakens by Jerome Pelisser

Brume is the tale of a foundling who is certain that not only is she a witch (despite not having any particular evidence of this notion) she is the one who will protect her village. Accompanied by her best friend and a pig she sets out to do just that. The bulk of the plot is playful and a bit silly but with the promise of much more. Most importantly, the art is fantastic. There are plenty of details and a super appealing bright style. The humor blends with a more serious plot to create a story with broad appeal. Originally written in French, this translation is clear and easily understood.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - Finding Lost

 

Title: Finding Lost

Author: Holly Goldberg Sloan

Genre: realistic fiction

Age range: middle grade

Similar book: Gooseberry by Robin Gow

Summary (provided by publisher): Cordy Jenkins is searching for something that will change her life, and for the safety that vanished when her father died. She is convinced that if she just tries hard enough, she will find part of what her family lost, which will stop her mom from wanting to leave the small town she and her little brother have always called home. What Cordy finds instead is a muddy, hungry little dog with bad breath. And he's the start of her family's new beginning.

What I liked: The characters here are strong and realistic. Cordy and her family aren't perfect. Each person has enough flaws to ring true as real people. Their emotions are complex. It's a relatable story with reasonable scope.

What I didn't like: The plot is a bit idealized and predictable. A kid going through a rough patch connecting with a dog is a familiar plot and we generally know where such plots are headed. While it doesn't stand out dramatically from the crowd it remains pleasant and readable.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

WWW Wednesday

 What are you currently reading?

The Free State of Jax by Jennifer A Nielsen - Frustrated by the mistreatment he experiences at the hands of his guardians, Jax forms a micronation on a raft in his neighbor's pond.

What did you recently finish reading?

The Letters We Keep by Nisha Sharma - An ambitious young woman and a privileged young man find hidden letters that might hold the key to the truth behind a campus legend at their college.

What do you think you'll read next?

Jackson Bright in Spotlight by Eureka O'Hara

I have returned

 

Sort of fell off the earth there for a while, didn't I?

I started a new job in May and life sort of got away from me for a while. By the time I got my schedule figured out I was really behind on blogging and got super overwhelmed so I figured it was time for a break. But I'm back now and should be posting reviews again soon. 

If you stuck with me all this time, I truly appreciate it.

Graphic Novel Spotlight - Sib Squad

 

Sib Squad by Steve Breen   

This book is ideal for elementary readers who are ready for something beyond the most basic graphic novels. The vocabulary is still simple and accessible. The illustrations are easily understood and dynamic with a nice level of detail. The book is broken down into shorter stories so a kid who struggles with following a storyline for a long period will have an easier time with this one. The messaging is straightforward, addressing basic interpersonal issues. The characters are distinct visually and by personality. It may not be a book that a kid will turn to time and again but it's a solid read.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley