My Books

This was a fun read. Beatrice Zinker likes to do things a little different than everyone else but she is true to herself. Many students will be able to relate to her friendship problems and how she worked through to solve those problems.

I read this book with a small group of girls this summer. It made us laugh out loud at times! I will be adding to my classroom library along with book 2 in the series. In this book Prof. Fauna runs a secret society that protects mythical creatures. We are introduced to the first creature with is pictured on the front cover.

This story I may use as one of my new read alouds this year! It was a pure delight to read. The author seesawed between the two main characters, Livy and Bob so I got to know them both very well. The main themes are about friendship and loyalty. I just love the character, Bob. I enjoyed all his little antics and couldn't wait to see if he ever made it home.

This book is for upper elementary/middle school. Children are sent to an island one at a time on a little green boat. When one comes, the eldest must leave. This story revolves around the main character Jinny. Who when her time comes to leave doesn't want to leave. Lots of philosophical questions could be raised while reading this book. It would make a good book club book because it would be interesting to listen to other's perspectives and points of view about the characters, the setting, and the plot.

This is an adult fiction book about a chef, her students, and how food can teach life lessons. I enjoyed this book for a couple of reasons. One, I love to cook/bake and it actually taught me a couple tricks in the kitchen! And two, the author did a wonderful job of weaving different relationships into the story that were very heart warming.

This is another adult fiction about a woman who struggles through her past and uses her gift for flowers to help others with their problems. It was a unique story and very real to some people who struggle with a past that is difficult to let go of as society sometimes makes us think.

This book touched my heart strings as the main characters, Piper (the mom), and Fred (her son), work through several family crisis. Some of which are aging parents and the new diagnosis that Fred has autism. The author did a fantastic job of showing Piper's fears of the unknown and how she handles situations with the school district. Simultaneously, Piper is also needing to attend to her aging father. Beautifully written.

This was LOL funny. If you have ever had a puppy or would like to have one, you will enjoy Fenway! A story the whole family would enjoy.

This is a cute story about hope and friendship. Ulysses (a squirrel) discovers he has super-hero powers after an unfortunate accident.

This is based upon a true story. There are parellel stories taking place between Nya who must walk very far in order to get water for her family. And a boy named Salva who becomes a refugee of Sudan (one of the "lost boys") and walks across the continent of Africa in search of his family.

In this story, a teenage girl struggles with police brutality, gangs, racism, and interracial dating. Obviously, not topics for young children but definitely young adults. This book is honest and the characters are strong.

I loved reading this adult fiction. Ove is grumpy and just wants to give himself peace but the world around him does not allow that. His character reaches out to others whether he likes it or not. A very enduring story.