Just Pretend by Tori Sharp

3 stars I’ll start by saying I’m not usually a huge fan of realistic, middle-grade graphic novels and did not initially realize this was a memoir. Overall, I thought the story was okay. There is plenty readers can relate to: parental divorce, fighting with siblings, new friendships, school drama, growing need for independence, friends moving…

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Ada Lovelace: Poet of Science: The First Computer Programmer

3 stars I have loved seeing the recent flood of materials about Ada Lovelace and was excited to find a picture book among them. Hers is a fascinating story. The combination of creativity and original thinking with an interest in math and science makes for some truly remarkable accomplishments. I really enjoy learning more about…

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Black Canary: Ignite by Meg Cabot, Illustrated by Cara McGee

3 stars A nice updated version of Black Canary suitable for young readers. Dinah Lance has to navigate the world of junior high complete with arguments with friends, that one bully who’s mean for no reason, and a principal that seems to be out to get her… as well as the strange happenings of things…

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Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie, Illustrated by Yuyi Morales

3 stars A sweet story about the link between names and identity, and the love between a father and a son. Love the colorful illustrations. They tell a story of their own, strengthening the story and sometimes adding some humorous details. The words and illustrations blend together at times, making for a fun and engaging…

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The Searcher (Audiobook) by Tana French, Read by Roger Clark

3 stars Listened to for my library’s book club. There were parts I liked and parts that weren’t for me. The pace of the book is quite leisurely. Things unfold in their own time and there is quite a bit of description and getting lost in the main character’s thoughts. None of this is necessarily…

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Take Me With You by Andrea Gibson

3 stars I love Gibson’s poetry. There’s a certain dark magic to the words and images they weave together that I can’t get enough of. My complaint with this book is not about Gibson’s words or style. It’s with the book in general. I was a little disappointed once I realized this is mostly a…

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