Refugee by Alan Gratz

I have to say this was my absolute favorite book in the Scholastic Book Fair Preview Pack.  Loved Refugee by Alan Gratz!

There are 3 stories from different historical events.  Each one is told from Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud.  Josef's story is from Germany during the time of the Holocaust and a group of Jewish refugees sail to Cuba on the St. Louis.  Isabel's story is from Cuba and there's a famine.  Fidel Castro encourages unhappy citizens to leave the country and try to make it to America.  Finally, the story of Mahmoud is current Syrian refugees fleeing their homes.

All of the stories are informative and moving.  I thought the author did a clever job of entwining their narratives.  This is a definite must read!

In the Shadow of the Sun by Anne Sibley O'Brien

Looking for something different?  In the sea of young adult novels, that starts to seem somewhat usual, this book is nothing like you've read before.  It's set in North Korea - I've never read a book with this setting before.  Definitely intriguing!

In the Shadow of the Sun by Anne Sibley O'Brien came with the fall Scholastic Book Fair Preview Pack I ordered.  I did enjoy it.  It's definitely got the adventure and drama in it.  Some parts get a little bogged down, but I think it was the author's intent to make sure the voices of the North Korean citizens and Mia, the main character, got heard.  Mia is South Korean, and was adopted when she was a baby.  The author adopted a Korean girl, and knows the struggles these young teens face when trying to fit in to an American family.

The story starts with Mia, her brother, and father on tour in North Korea.  The mother was going to go, but the grandmother got sick and she needed to stay behind to take care of her.  During the structured tour, Mia's dad is arrested.  Mia and her brother escape and decide to make it to safety at the Chinese border.  Their journey is dangerous, but through it they discover their insecurities and help each other become stronger.  I won't give away too much of the story!

I would recommend this book especially to those looking for something unique, especially where the story takes place.  North Korea is in the news, and this novel could help us see their country through their eyes.

The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge

Here's another book from the Scholastic Fall Book Fair Preview Pack, but it's not going to get as good of a review.  While it is definitely well written, I just don't see a middle school student enjoying this read.  It's historical fiction, but on a subject you would be hard pressed to find a young teen interested in.

The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge starts with a family having to leave behind their home in England after some kind of scandal.  The father is not only a pastor, but also an anthropologist, who's made a claim many cannot accept.  They move to an island, which currently is in the middle of a big promising dig.

The main character is the daughter, Faith.  She adores her father, but does not have a great relationship with her snobby high society mother.  Right after they arrive on the island Faith's father "commits suicide" because of the stress from his unusual claim, but Faith doesn't believe it.  Trying to prove her father's innocence and find the true murderer, she uncovers an even more mysterious find - the lie tree.  This plant feeds on the lies others say...

It's an intriguing read, but I found myself thinking... would a middle schooler want to read this?  Sadly, I don't think so.

Disappeared by Francisco X. Stork

This is a great read from the Scholastic Fall Book Fair Preview Pack, Disappeared by Francisco Stork.  Set in the border town of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, the narratives alternate between a sister and brother.  Both face difficult decisions - one is trying to expose the girl kidnapping ring after her best friend becomes one of the victims, and the other is being pressured to help smuggle drugs into the US.  Lots of suspense and drama!

Students looking for a fast paced tension filled book, direct them towards this title, and it will fulfill their wish!  Featured on the preview video, this novel would make for a wise purchase at the book fair.

Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley

Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley is the fantasy pick for this year's Sequoyah Intermediate Book List.  Have you ever wondered if the stories your grandfather told you are true?  Surely these wild tales can only be made up, right?  This is what Micah has always been lead to believe.  But when his grandpa Ephraim is on his death bed, he tells Micah the stories are indeed real.  Now Micah must try to figure out how to get into the mysterious circus and find Lightbender, the greatest magician.  Micah must believe in the magic and persuade the magician to keep his promise.  

With a little help from a great friend and the drama of a mean old aunt, this book will please those looking for a fun fantasy read.

Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Next on the list... the book for Wisconsin is Dairy Queen by Catherine Murdock.  This was a little hard to get into.  Subject matters was a little boring , not going to lie.  Finally about half way the book did take a turn and got a little more exciting.  The book's not bad, but not a great choice for building up the middle school collection either.

D.J. is the hard working daughter of a dairy farmer.  Suddenly her life becomes a routine of getting up early, milking the cows, cleaning the cow pens and equipment, working on the farm, milking the cows again, cleaning the milking machinery, and going to bed to start it all over again.  Her father hurt his hip and, with her two older brothers gone playing football, she's the only one left to take care of the daily operations of the family dairy farm.  The big problem... her dad is critical of everything, including her work on the farm.  He's already scared away the older brothers when they moved out of the house during a Christmas argument.

The dad used to coach football before his father passed away and left him the dairy farm.  He still has a great coaching buddy, Jimmy Ott, at the rival high school.  He sends his quarterback, Brian, to help D.J. on the farm, and asks if she'll train him on the side.  Well, D.J. does help improve Brian's football skills, and Brian helps her realize how important communication is for families.

I'm not going to spoil the rest, but there is an interesting twist as D.J. begins to realize there's more to life then being the self-sacrificing daughter.

Empty Places by Kathy Cannon Weichman

This school year I dedicated one bulletin board for a reading challenge - for myself and hopefully other teachers and students.  It my Read Along Road Trip Challenge - I'm trying to read a book with the setting from each of the states.  Every time I finish one, I print out the book cover and then cut it to the shape of the state - kind of like a giant puzzle.  to get me started, I did include the books I read this past summer on the Sequoyah Intermediate Book List.  I figure it's this school year's list and maybe it would help peak interest for them.  I was able to include 4 of these books - Boy in the Black Suit for New York, Blackbird Fly for Louisiana, I Am Princess X for Washington, and Orbiting Jupiter for Maine.  The Seventh Most Important Thing is perfect for Washington, D.C.; however, I don't have a good "puzzle piece" for this one, and it would be so tiny.  I will probably just include on the side of the big puzzle map.

In my quest for more states, I found this book in a stack of to be read books.  It definitely fits for my Kentucky pick.  Empty Places by Kathy Cannon Weichman is all about a struggling family in the hills of Kentucky, Harlan County to be exact in 1932.  The mother has run off, and the father is a hard working coal miner and an alcoholic.  The older sister, Raynelle, has taken the place as the mothering figure even though she is just a teen herself.  The older brother, Pick, is determined to get out.  He has no intention in following in his father footsteps as a cola miner.  The younger sister, Blissie, who is a ray of sunshine in a grim situation.  Then there's Adabel, the voice of the narration.  She just wants to remember things, especially why her Mama left seven years ago.

I would classify this as a historical fiction and coming of age book as Adabel learns the truths about her family.  It a good read, but I don't think it'll appeal to many teens wanting to read the next best novel.

Stealing Air by Trent Reedy

     I've decided to do a cool book challenge/bulletin board display this school year... Read Along Road Trip.  I want to see if I can read a book set in each of the 50 states, and, as I read it, post it on the bulletin board in the shape of that state.  I included the ones I read this summer.  I figured it was fair since I read all of this year's Sequoyah Intermediate Book List.  Plus, this gave me a push to get it going.
     For the state of Iowa I had a book by the author Trent Reedy.  I actually got to meet this author at a Scholastic event in Jenks.  At the time he was promoting his book If You're Reading This, and he explained his writing process.  He enlisted in the National Guards as a means to go to college, and then we had the war in Afghanistan.  He always loved telling stories, but he soon realized his experiences can enrich his writing.  he came back, finished college, and became a writer.  I love meeting authors and hearing their stories - amazing!
     Back to the task at hand, Trent Reedy's book Stealing Air just happens to be set in the state of Iowa - perfect!  Trent grew up in Iowa, so when he started writing this book it seemed like a natural fit and I couldn't agree more.  You need the wide open space if you're in a group of boys trying to build and fly your own airplane!
     This book is not a heavy read, but addresses everyday issues facing middle schoolers.  There's a bully and a crush, unlikely friendships, family drama, and the ending wraps it all up.  Kind of like a sitcom, but better because you're reading.
     It's a good book, but not the greatest.  Get if you have a need for books boys might be interested in.  The main character, Brian, is a huge skateboarder.  That, with the whole building and flying your own plane, could be appealing to some students.

The Dead Girls of Hysteria Hall by Katie Alender

     Sequoyah Book Lists always contain a ghost story/scary genre book pick.  This was the first one I read on this year's list - even though this year's has two of them and I've already reviewed it.  Scroll down until you find This Monstrous Thing...
     The Dead Girls of Hysteria Hall by Katie Alender surprised me by how well I enjoyed it.  Scary/ghost stories are usually not my go to book choice, but this one had it's surprises.  First off, the main character, Delia, dies right at the start - kind of like Psycho - you don't expect it to really happen so quickly.  She uncovers the many secrets of the house and witnesses how the death of a family member effects everyone, including her younger sister, Janie.
     I would recommend this book for teen collection.  It will make a great addition to the ghost books in the library.

Just Another Girl by Elizabeth Eulberg

     Here's another Scholastic Spring Book Fair preview pack book.  At first I thought Just Another Girl by Elizabeth Eulberg was going to be another sappy young adult romance with a jealous twist.  However, while it does have the envy of the other girl theme, this book offers a different perspective.  I think it's important for our teens to realize other people issues and develop empathy for one another.  This book tells the story of two girls with eyes on a boy for very different reasons.  One of them needs his support just for survival.  So while Hope is envious of Hope's slim body, it's because Parker doesn't always know what her next meal will be.

     Brady is Hope's best friend, and she's ready to take it to the next level.  But Brady has set his sights on the new girl, Parker.  Determined to put a wedge between this budding romance, Hope begins to unravel the mysterious behavior of Parker and her family secrets.

     Great read for those needing to see there are always two sides.  Highly recommend this book as our students are faced with real problems, such as food insecurities.

This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee

     Another scary title on this year's Sequoyah Intermediate Book List, This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee is just the thing to hand to those teens begging for a scary book.  This one also has a great theme of Frankenstein set in a steampunk thriller.
     Alasdair comes from a family of clockworks, and he knows the trade well, learning his skills from his father.  These are difficult times and people missing limbs often visit clockwork tradesmen to create working arms and legs for them.  However, using mechanics is deemed wrong, and the people using these devices are looked down as half human and the mechanics must work secretly.
     Alasdair loves the engineering aspect, even more so than his brother.  When his older brother, Oliver, gets an opportunity to work with the great Dr. Geisler, he gets jealous.
     On a stormy night while Dr. Geisler and Oliver are working on the clock tower, Oliver falls to his death (or was he pushed?) and Alasdair puts his brother back together.  But this thing is not the brother he remembers.
     There's also another character, Mary, but I don't want to give up too much information.  Just know she plays an important part in this novel.
      Definitely would recommend this book for middle school libraries.  What a interesting way for students to discover Frankenstein!

The Forgetting by Sharon Cameron

     The Forgetting by Sharon Cameron came with my preview book pack for the Scholastic Spring Book Fair.  The back cover states, "What isn't written, isn't remembered.  Even your crimes."  So with that we already know this is going to be a dystopia novel.
     It starts with Nadia, the main character, racing back to the city of Canaan after going beyond the wall.  Little does she know she's being watched.  Gray is also curious about what lies beyond the walls of their safe and secure city.  Together they began to unravel the secrets of "The Forgetting," a day filled with chaos as everyone's memories are lost unless they have been written down in your book.  Nadia realizes certain people are not writing down the truth, as she is the only one hasn't forgotten.  Memories come back to her, and she and Gray must race against time to stop the threat to the people and city of Canaan before it's too late.
    This is a good addition for teen libraries, especially ones with a high demand on dystopia genre.  This one fits nicely into this section, but has it's own uniqueness to set it apart.

In Case You Missed It by Sarah Darer Littman

Another book review from the Spring Book Fair Preview pack... In Case You Missed It by Sarah Darer Littman will be a hit among those loving high school drama with a side of romance.  The author does embed the importance of common sense use of technology, which as a librarian - she gets two thumbs up.

Sammy is the main character and just a typical teen.  She's having to study for tests, get good grades, seeking a prom date, and sneaking out with her friends to see her favorite band.  Her world comes crashing down when her father's work place is hacked.  He's the president of an international bank, and the hacking ultimately extends into his private accounts - including Sammy's.  Her emails, texts, photos, everything, including her online journal, are put out there for everyone.  Social media can be vicious, especially when you disregard appropriate social rules thinking no one else will see it.  Surprise!  Nothing in the cloud is private!  An important lesson for everyone to learn, and this book does it, along with addressing some racism issues.

While this is not my favorite book by Sarah Darer Littman, it will be a keeper for the middle school library.

Exo by Fonda Lee

Exo by Fonda Lee was one of the preview books from our Spring Book Fair.  I would not have personally selected this book, definitely not my go to reading for pleasure choice.  However, it has its place with sci-fi reads, especially in the young adult category.  I would recommend it for middle school collections.  And... I did enjoy it.

Earth has been invaded by aliens, and they decide to help protect Earth from other vicious aliens out there and another galactic war.  Certain kids are chosen to undergo a special procedure, which results in these kids developing the ability to have an outer skeleton.  They have "super human" powers.  However, the procedure is extremely painful and not all of the kids live through it.  Donovan's father holds a prestigious position as the Prime Liaison.  He goes against his wife's opinion and decides Donovan will undergo the procedure.  Donovan is lead to believe his mother died and grows up with an exo.  As a teen, he joins the patrol group to help keep his city safe and his father proud.  However, during a routine check a revolutionary group changes everything he's grown up believing.

This book screams for a sequel.

Blackbird Fly by Erin Entrada Kelly

I'm feeling pretty good this year's Sequoyah Intermediate Book List!  I'm plowing through these titles!  Next up is Blackbird Fly by Erin Entrada Kelly.  This book kind of reminded me of last year's book There Will Be Bears by Ryan Gebhart.  Socially awkward middle schooler discovers how to accept their uniqueness and realize opinion of their peers are not the most important thing in life.

Apple, who's real name is Analyn, moves to Chapel Spring, Louisiana from the Philippines after her father dies.  Her mother wants to make sure they have a better life, and with help from a friend, they make the across the world move and arrive on a snowy day.  Apple looks different, eats different foods, has an unusual nickname - and all of this causes trouble during the middle school years.

The author cleverly titles each chapter after a Beatles's song.  Before they left the Philippines, Apple took her father's favorite Beatles CD with her.  She develops a love for the music and desperately wants to learn to play the guitar, just like her favorite Beatles, George Harrison.  Her mother doesn't want Apple to waste her time with foolishness of learning to play the guitar.  However, Apple is determined and soon discovers she has talent.  All of this happens during the difficult time of navigating through middle school.

Definitely would recommend this book for the middle school collection.  It highlights the many kinds of "friends" during middle school.  Some are good choices and others are not...  You'll be rooting for Apple as she finds her place and better friends.

Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War by Steve Sheinkin

This book happens to be the nonfiction selection for this year's Sequoyah Intermediate Book List.  I was kind of interested in reading it because my father was actually in the Marines during the Vietnam War.  We were never allowed to talk about it while I was growing up... kind of this mysterious piece of US History not to dig too deep into.  I knew this is obviously a painful part of my dad's life, so while I did learn about through my school, I just didn't learn specific details.  I also knew this war is something of a thorn for all Americans to accept - what do you mean the USA didn't win?  Unheard of!  Aren't we the greatest country after all?

With some time to focus, I picked up Steve Sheinkin's Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War.  It turned out to be a fascinating read, so much so that I've already passed it along to Ken - a huge history fan.  I also found it intriguing with his ending tie in about Edward Snowden.  Is he our modern day Daniel Ellsberg?

Look, we already know our government keeps secrets.  It's understandable for our nation's security.  I get it!  But when we are continued to be lied to, just to save face... how far is too far?  I will definitely recommend this book, especially for those interested in history.  It was a great choice for this year's nonfiction pick.  It's written in easily understood manner and will definitely raise questions.  I learned details, and I know students will enjoy the controversial aspect of exposing the truth - even it's difficult.

The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall

A book created from the imagination of a true work of art she had seen 25 years ago.  Wow!  It's incredible, and I absolutely LOVED The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall!

This is a story of a boy trying to make sense of the world after his father is killed in a motorcycle accident - caused by his drinking problem.  Arthur is faced with 120 community service hours to help the Junk Man.  This Junk Man, as he's known around the neighborhood, is based off the real James Hampton.  Mr. Hampton is on a mission to create the Throne of the Third Heaven based off his visions he had while serving in the war. He wanted to create something beautiful out of death and war.

He creates a list for Arthur to collect for him to use, which at first Arthur has no idea what the Junk Man is even doing.  On his first Saturday of community service, Arthur gets a note printed on a piece of cardboard that says,
     ST. JAMES LIST OF THE SEVEN MOST IMPORTANT THINGS.
          1. LIGHTBULBS
          2. FOIL
          3. MIRRORS
          4. PIECES OF WOOD
          5. GLASS BOTTLES
          6. COFFEE CANS
          7. CARDBOARD

Arthur is so very grumbly about this project, but what's so cool about this book is how the author crafts her story into each of these items helping him mature and realize how great life is.  The ending is perfect!  And I also enjoyed the Author's Note with information about where her idea started and how this real piece of art can be found at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.  She even includes pictures, which I wish were in color.  But that would just make the book cost more, and I would rather more people have access to this fantastic read.

YES, this book belongs in a middle school library!  So far it has my vote for the Sequoyah Winner for 2018.  You've got to read it!

   
     

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes

“Anger is a kind of murder you commit in your heart.” If this is true, I’m a daily murderer. My heart is more full of blood than I ever imagined.” 
― Stephanie Oakes, The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly

As you can clearly see from the quote from this Sequoyah book, it's going to be a heavy one - and it is.  I'm a little surprised it was selected for the Intermediate List and not for high school.

This book starts off with a girl covered in blood from a crime she committed.  It slowly unravels to reveal her life has been a one filled with lies as her parents joined a religious cult when she was just a small child.  Realizing her life is a horror, as she scheduled to marry the "prophet," she finally stands up for herself.  Her punishment - her own father must chop off her hands at the wrist.  She struggles to escape and finds herself in prison.  Through the kindness of those around her, she learns to read, ask questions, and think for herself.

This is a hard read, with gruesome tales of a crazy life among people willing to believe in a "prophet."  There's language and "real" scenes of life in  a girls' juvenile detention center.  It's a well written book, but only for those mature readers.

orbiting jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

This one's going to be difficult to explain without giving away too much of the story line, but I'll do my best.

So far orbiting jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt is this year's tear-jerker for 2018 Sequoyah Intermediate Book List.  It's a quick read, but not for those wanting an easy read.  I guarantee you'll be crying, so have tissue ready when you sit down to read it.  Nonetheless, what a great book!  Difficult themes carry the plot along, and it doesn't shy away from any of it.  You'll be rooting for Jack, the narrator, his parents, but mostly for Joseph.  He's had a difficult life, and Jack's family has taken him in as their foster son.

I love the way Schmidt hints at the difference this family makes in the young boy's life.  Plus, Jack just seems like a great kid too.  The book covers real subjects and will cause readers to pause before making judgments about others - at least I hope so!

Even though it covers heavy issues, this book is a great addition to middle school libraries.

Shadowshaper by Daniel Jose' Older

Another Sequoyah title, and it's an adventurous one... kind of creepy... you'll want to keep reading to see how it ends.

Sierra is Puerto Rican, and it opens up with her painting a mural on the side of an abandon building in her neighborhood.  She's spunky and has some colorful, but great friends.  There's a new guy in town, Robbie, who is also an artist. Before heading out for the summer's first party, she goes to check in on her grandfather, who recently had a stroke and hasn't really talked much.  He keeps telling her he's sorry, he so sorry.  She tries to get her Abuelo La'zaro to tell her what he's sorry about and gets this cryptic message to finish the mural quickly... because they're coming... you must do it quickly... the shadowshapers are coming - and then weirdly he tells her to get Robbie to help her finish.  He doesn't even know Robbie!

Sierra goes to the party and finds Robbie, and, as she's explaining how she needs his help, a super creepy guy shows up at the party. Robbie tells her to run and hide because they're already here.  She has no idea what's going on and suddenly the creepy guy starts calling her name.  She ends up losing him, but not after being completely confused by what's happening.

I won't give away too much more, but know that she does do her research - good girl, Sierra!  Lots of cultural myths woven in the story line.  I honestly thought I had already read this year's spooky title, but this one will definitely be a favorite for those wanting something scary.  I definitely recommend this book title for a middle school library collection, and will have no problems suggesting it as a great Sequoyah read this year.

A Step Toward Falling by Cammie McGovern

I've got a whole stack of 2018 Sequoyah Intermediate List books that I'm trying to get through before my summer break is over. Want to be prepared for middle schoolers this year!

A Step Toward Falling by Cammie McGovern is one I would give to the more mature readers.  Subject mature is a sensitive one, with one of the character, a developmental disabled student getting raped at a football game.  It starts off a little disjointed with two of the three main characters narrating.  Of course, there's Belinda, which is the girl who is attacked.  The other narrator is Emily.  She witnesses the attack, but doesn't do anything to help.  This goes against what she knows to be true - after all, she helped co-found her high school's Youth Action Coalition.  The whole point of this club is to bring awareness to the needs of others.  A bit of a hypocrite.  The third main character is a football star, Lucas.  He's in the popular crowd and total opposite of Emily.  He's the second person to witness Belinda's attack, but he does nothing as well.  Both Emily and Lucas are faced with performing community service hours in the hopes it will bring attention to themselves and others that not helping victims is the wrong choice.  They both must help out with the "Boundaries and Relationships" workshops held once a week at the Lifelong Learning Center for people with disabilities.  

The book has the underlying theme of Pride and Prejudice, Belinda's favorite movie, running through it.  Both Emily and Lucas don't want to like each other, but as the story progresses they start to understand and appreciate their strengths and weakness.  You'll also be rooting for Belinda, who also discovers love and acceptance.

Even though the book might start off a little rocky for some readers, the character development and story line can make a positive impact for our students.  It'll shine some light on understanding people with disabilities.  They have plenty to offer the world too!  Everyone deserves a chance to shine!  This book does belong in a middle school collection, and I would recommend it to mature students - especially ones needing to see things from another person's perspective.

Looking for Me by Beth Hoffman

I just finished Looking for Me by Beth Hoffman.  This was the book chosen for next Book Club, and, even though it took me awhile to finish it, I enjoyed reading it.  I probably would not have picked this book - and that's one of the great things about being a part of a Book Club - but I'm so glad I read it. Our last book was a thriller.  I will admit it was written very well, the images and plot were a bit much for me.  While the others did enjoy the intensity, we all agreed for something a little more light hearted.  Julie and her husband love to go to estate sales, and even rented a space at an antique mall. Things were going well, so they decided to open their own antique shop - why shell out money to rent storage space and a booth, just pool the money together for a space to rent and fulfill the dream of owning their own shop.  It's adorable, by the way... Dog and Duck Antiques and Gifts.  I can't remember which one discovered this book on the many lists we looked through, but, after reading the description about the main character owning her own antique store, it seemed like a great choice.

Ken and I went to see the new store about 3 weeks ago.  You can easily tell they've been hard at work, and we had fun visiting and shopping.  Julie asked me if I had finished the book, and I had to sadly admit I hadn't even started it.  She said she enjoyed it and loved how it corresponding to her own life while starting their antique shop.  She said there's also a side story woven throughout.  With that we left the store with our "new" treasures and my intent on reading this book.

The author has a way with words, so that you truly understand the depth of the characters.  I won't give away much more of the book, except to state the people are "real" with "real" issues and you can't help but feel their highs and lows.  My favorite quote - "My mother used to say that each day was a gift and how we chose to unwrap it would determine our happiness."  It is my hope that during a personal struggle - because we all have them! - I will remember these words.

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend

I discovered this book during our Spring Book Fair.  I was thinking it might be a possibility for Book Club.  

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarin Bivald was a delightful adult read.  A little predictable with a few variations, but the cast of characters did not disappoint.  It makes a great vacation book, and leaves you feeling good about life.  I also enjoyed reading about the author at the end.  While she claims there's nothing in common with her main character, apparently her family and friends disagree.

The story starts off with an introverted Swedish woman, Sara, arriving in Iowa to meet her pen pal, Amy - who just passed away.  She literally goes straight to the funeral.  The townspeople insist she stay at Amy's house, and then they continue to do nice things for her.  Sara decides to return the kindness by opening up a book store, where books are either just given away or super cheap.  It's through this book connection that Sara finds friendship in this tiny farm town in Iowa.  But time is not on her side as her travel visa is about to expire.  I won't give away the rest of the story, but, like I stated before, pretty predictable.  

If you're looking for a carefree read, then this might be just the book you're looking for.

Crazy Life as a School Librarian in 2016-17!

So I just finished a great book and wanted to post about it on my blog.  Then I noticed the last date for an entry was back in Sept. 2016.  In my defense... this school year has been crazy busy!  Without an assistant and trying to maintain the library, teach lessons, collaborate, and utilize the MakerSpace has nearly driven me insane.  There simply is no way to do it ALL!  Even now I haven't closed out the library for this past school year.  I have already resolved there's no way to do a repeat this upcoming school year.  I'm going to have to take a step back and re-evaluate what is simply and must and the rest will have to go by the wayside.  That's just the way it goes in the land of not adequate funding for education, otherwise known as the state of Oklahoma.

With that off my chest... I can go back to book reviews and other highlights of my middle school library.