Favorite Books From My Childhood

Warning: nostalgic content ahead. Yep, it's one of those posts where I reminisce and celebrate my own fond memories.

Okay, really, it's not going to be sappy or anything. It's just a list of some of the books that were my favorite favorite growing up. You see, sometimes, when you stumble upon a collection of your old books at your parent's house, you can't help but be nostalgic, right? Right. Yeah, I've got you thinking about your own childhood favorites, huh?

Here's mine...

Reviews of the Week 9/26

Happy Banned Books Week! In honor of the occasion, I've read Tru & Nelle, a fictional account of two authors-of-banned-books' childhood friendship. Yep, we're talking about Truman Capote (who's book In Cold Blood was first banned at Windsor Forest High School in Savannah, Ga. in 2000 due to a parent's complaint of sex, violence, and profanity) and Harper Lee (who's book To Kill a Mockingbird—one of my favorites!—has been banned/challenged at least 15 different times due to such reasons as profanity, racism, racial slurs, bad community values, and the good ol' fashioned reason of it being a "filthy, trashy novel"). Also, a HUGE Happy Book Birthday to the middle book here, Pug Meets Pig! Just be prepared if you choose to invite a T. Rex to your Book Birthday party...

  

11 Banned Books Week Display Ideas

Ah, Banned Books Week. It's coming up, just next week! Remember when I shared my library's display from a couple years back? Well here's where a lot of the ideas came from. In honor of the banned and challenged books, I thought I'd share many of the displays and posters that I find to be most inspiring or intriguing.

It's not about forcing books on people or celebrating negativity, but merely reminding patrons that they have the freedom to read what they want. So please don't take that right away from others.

I love this quote from Roberta Stevens (image from Ebook Friendly) because it really sums up that sentiment in one easy sentence. I would make this into a big poster and hang it front and center.

Here are some more display ideas!

Reviews of the Week 9/19

Today's books almost took a "sports theme" turn, but I wanted to talk about a middle-grade novel that's been receiving some acclaim and starred reviews. So maybe a "fall theme"? "Admired people theme"? Yeah, no. I'm gonna give up trying to find a theme now...

  

Flannel Friday: There's a Castle in the Middle of the Moat

Hi, all! I thought I'd share a flannel on this Flannel Friday that's served me well in the past.

There's a Castle in the Middle of the Moat. And it's going to get crazy!

I got the idea for this flannel from Mel's Desk and adjusted the song only slightly for what I wanted. It turned out to be a lot of fun, once I learned that I should sing it slow so that the kids can sing along (it gets pretty hard by the last verse!).

9 Newly Published Amazing Biographies for Kids (Plus One)

Biographies may inspire dread in some kids. It did for me, as a child, because the word "biography" was usually followed up with "book report" or "homework assignment." But reading biographies does not have to be a chore! No, there are so many awesome biographies of amazing people that are targeted at kids, that I'm going to share a few of my newest favorites here.

Reviews of the Week 9/12: Picture Book Edition

Actually, it might be better to say "Adam Rex Edition." Or even, "Mac Barnett & Adam Rex Edition." Because these guys are geniuses. I had the awesome opportunity to go to a book event with the two of them this last weekend here in Arizona, and, I must say, if you ever have the chance to see either one of them in person (or the jackpot of seeing them both!), then you should definitely go. Here are the reviews for their most recent book, and some past publications.

  

The Beauty of Darkness

The Beauty of Darkness 
(Remnant Chronicles #3)
Mary E. Pearson

My rating: ★★★★½

ISBN: 978-0805099256
Publisher: Henry Holt & Co.
Date of publication: August 2, 2016
Age: Grades 9 and up
Genre: Fantasy

Themes: leadership, love, survival, kingdoms, war, peace

"Lia has survived Venda—but so has a great evil bent on the destruction of Morrighan. And only Lia can stop it.

With war on the horizon, Lia has no choice but to assume her role as First Daughter, as soldier—as leader. While she struggles to reach Morrighan and warn them, she finds herself at cross-purposes with Rafe and suspicious of Kaden, who has hunted her down.

In this conclusion to the Remnant Chronicles trilogy, traitors must be rooted out, sacrifices must be made, and impossible odds must be overcome as the future of every kingdom hangs in the balance."

Yep, time for another random YA review because I am here to RAVE. This is a review that's definitely on a more personal enjoyment level than professional level. Pearson, I am such a fan. You won me over with book 1, I was a little worried after book 2, but oh. Now the series is whole and I love it. This is just all the things I love: high, epic fantasy; heart-wrenching battles; life-changing choices; and just plain awesomeness (I know, I'm getting so technical).

Okay, so this, the conclusion to the trilogy, once again starts right up in the middle of the heart-stopping action. But after Lia reaches safety, yes, there is a bit of a waiting game again (Pearson does have a fair share of downtime in each book--which can become boring, but can also be appreciated for the foundation it's laying). It's the decisions Lia needs to make, however, that has me raving over her character and how Pearson wrote her development. Speaking of the writing, Pearson has such an elegant style. There are some beautiful passages that just make me sigh with satisfaction. She knows how to immerse the reader and control the story.

Yes, I did mark off a half star, and that's because I loved the book, but I wasn't too sure about the last chapter. I don't know if it was really needed. But hey, overall, I do recommend this trilogy, especially now that they're all out. Book 1 and 2 were tough with the cliffhangers, so reading it all together is a must. If you're a fantasy fan, enjoying the likes of Throne of Glass and An Ember in the Ashes (and all the others like it), then this one is definitely for you.

Warning: Explicit Content
Sexuality

Find it at your library or on Amazon

The Problem with Loving Books

Sometimes, life becomes pretty difficult when you love to read. It's true. Look at all these issues I've found...

Reviews of the Week 9/5

Did you have a good Labor Day? Back to work, now, sadly. Ooo, there are some good reviews this week, though! Mostly, the books here catered to my humor and love of all things adorable. But! There are also some great underlying messages about bullying and appreciating one's self...

  

Encouraging Book Returns with Library Memes (with free printables!)

I'm a nerd. Let's be honest. If I could venture a guess, I would say that a lot of librarians are. In any case, this nerdiness is really making itself known today. Because I have designed some library memes (memes make a great display topic). But not just any library memes! Nerdy library memes. That are, in fact, very cool at the same time.

That's right, I made posters for a library to display to help encourage patrons to return/renew books on time. Avoid those icky penalties or late fees, you know? Anyway, I'm sharing these designs with you. All out. Do what you want with them. I just appreciate the credit.

Here are the files: Google Drive .pdf or you can download the individual pictures...