It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?
For readers of all ages
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly blog hop we host which focuses on sharing what we’re reading. This Kid Lit version of IMWAYR focuses primarily on books marketed for kids and teens, but books for readers of all ages are shared. We love this community and how it offers opportunities to share and recommend books with each other.
The original IMWAYR, with an adult literature focus, was started by Sheila at Book Journeys and is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. The Kid Lit IMWAYR was co-created by Kellee & Jen at Teach Mentor Texts.
We encourage you to write your own post sharing what you’re reading, link up below, leave a comment, and support other IMWAYR bloggers by visiting and commenting on at least three of the other linked blogs.
It’s my week off! You can always learn more about any of the books I’ve been reading by checking out my read bookshelf on Goodreads.
Ricki
I had to take a break this week because my son’s team made it to Odyssey of the Mind Worlds, so I’ve been planning that!
Author Guest Post: “The Girl Who Gets the Girl” by Zakiya N. Jamal, Author of If We Were a Movie
Link up below and go check out what everyone else is reading. Please support other bloggers by viewing and commenting on at least 3 other blogs. If you tweet about your Monday post, tag the tweet with #IMWAYR!
Sofia is a 13-year-old brilliant reader who aspires to be a book reviewer. Since she was 8 years old, on select weeks, Sofia shares her favorite books with other young people her age! She is one of the most well-read youth that we know, so she is highly qualified for this role!
Dear readers,
Hello and welcome to another book review! This time, I am excited to present… Two Sides to Every Murder by Danielle Valentine! This is a page-turner! I am pretty into YA mysteries right now and when I saw it, I knew I had to read it! I have also already read How to Survive Your Murder and I was super excited when I saw this book come out! I must say, I was not at all disappointed! It has many twists and turns and though I tried to figure out the murderer, I only knew a little before it ended. I must also say that this could be a nice rainy day book because it is more on the gloomy side. Additionally, there are a TON of characters which I found quite hard to keep track of (especially) for the first quarter of the book and found that it was just better if I read it all pretty much in one go. This is also a book with three perspectives which I also found aided in the storyline. Two of the points of view were people and the other one was essentially a time capsule back to when the murders happened.
Goodreads Summary
From the author of How to Survive Your Murder comes a propulsive thriller about two teens who return to the site of the famous murder case that sealed their fates. Most people’s births aren’t immortalized in a police report-but Olivia was born during the infamous Camp Lost Lake murders. Seventeen years later, Olivia’s life looks pretty perfect… until she discovers the man she calls dad is not her biological father. Now she wants answers about her bloodline, and the only place she knows to look is Camp Lost Lake. Most people don’t spend their formative years on the run with an alleged murderer-but Reagan did. In the court of public opinion, her mom was found guilty of the deaths at Camp Lost Lake, and both of them have been in hiding ever since. But Reagan believes in her mother’s innocence and is determined to clear her name. Luckily for Olivia and Reagan, Camp Lost Lake is finally reopening, providing the perfect opportunity to find answers. But someone else is dead set on keeping the past hidden, even if it means committing murder.
My Thoughts
I loved this book! It was super thrilling and I literally COULDN’T put it down! I was immediately drawn to it by the author (and cover) and am happy I was. I found it interesting that one of the perspectives was from the daughter of the camp director and that the other one was the daughter of the accused murderer. I also love that there was a perspective that took you back in time so you could gradually gather more information about the case, instead of it all being dumped on you at some point in the book. Since this was so fast paced, I would recommend this as a book to get a “non-reader” more interested in reading! I read this mostly on a sunny day which was nice but I, again, think that the atmosphere would have been better on a rainy day since it is darker, but not the night, because that would feel too spooky for me! Overall, I think this is a page-turning YA book with horror and mystery. Enjoy!
On Amazon, most of the reviewers were people buying it for people 14+. I would agree with this since it was pretty frightening in some scenes, especially the ones with the murderer! It was also a little hard to follow the characters since there are so many, and a lot of them with similar sounding names and little backstories you need to remember. Otherwise, I think if you or the person you are getting this for can handle those things, then I would let them read it!
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?
For readers of all ages
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly blog hop we host which focuses on sharing what we’re reading. This Kid Lit version of IMWAYR focuses primarily on books marketed for kids and teens, but books for readers of all ages are shared. We love this community and how it offers opportunities to share and recommend books with each other.
The original IMWAYR, with an adult literature focus, was started by Sheila at Book Journeys and is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. The Kid Lit IMWAYR was co-created by Kellee & Jen at Teach Mentor Texts.
We encourage you to write your own post sharing what you’re reading, link up below, leave a comment, and support other IMWAYR bloggers by visiting and commenting on at least three of the other linked blogs.
Happy reading!
Tuesday: Werewolf Hamlet by Kerry Madden-Lunsford
**Click on any picture/link to view the post**
Kellee
It’s my week off! However, you can learn more about any of the books I’ve been reading by checking out my read bookshelf on Goodreads.
Ricki
Young Adult
I have never read a book that depicts homelessness in such a raw, emotional way. This memoir is beautifully written, and I am in such awe of Rex Ogle. I will be using Road Home with my young adult class.
In Katherine Center’s Hello Stranger, a woman goes in for brain surgery and ends up emerging with face blindness. I have read a lot about this condition, and it was really helpful to read and understand more about it.
Jasmine Guillory’s While We Were Dating is a sweet romance. I loved the strong woman lead. Her confidence was really fun to read.
Thursday: Sofia’s YA Book Nook: How to Survive Your Murder by Danielle Valentine
Link up below and go check out what everyone else is reading. Please support other bloggers by viewing and commenting on at least 3 other blogs. If you tweet about your Monday post, tag the tweet with #IMWAYR!
Ben is an 8-year-old who reads hundreds of books each year. He reads middle grade and young adult books and especially loves fantasy. When I asked Ben which recent book was his favorite, he didn’t hesitate. Imagine Nation by Matt Myklusch. Because he is a pro reader who is never caught without a book in his hands, I thought he might share with other kids why he loves this book so much.
Summary: A brave warrior fights to protect his home from threats both outside and within in this first book in the middle grade graphic novel series by Matt Myklusch set in the same Imagine Nation from his acclaimed Jack Blank series.
The Imagine Nation is the origin of all stories, made up of worlds inhabited by everything from comic book superheroes to embattled knights of medieval epics.
Ever since failing to save his parents from a terrible fate, young swordsman Skerren has molded himself into a fearless warrior to defend his home, the medieval borough of Varagog Village—and to never again be as powerless as the was the day he lost his family. History comes dangerously close to repeating itself when Skerren’s mentor, King Hovarth of Varagog nearly dies on his watch.
With the king’s life hanging by a thread, Skerren is named as Hovarth’s heir, prompting an arrogant prince to challenge him for the throne. Skerren is forced to split his attention between political enemies inside the village threatening the title he never asked for and the villainous Night Lander Horde still circling outside following their strike against Horvath—all while being unsure who he can trust.
Skerren must face devastating betrayals, the looming threat of war with the Night Landers, and the haunting truth about his parents’ death. He may even find out if he has what it takes to be a king…if he survives the experience.
Ben’s Review: I love this book because Varagog Village is forever in 1404. That makes it so cool because flowers bloom and die on schedule. They know exactly when it is going to rain and when it is going to be windy. The setting was really great because there were cool things like a giant bell and a castle. Of course there was a castle! I like the character Skerren a lot because he is really smart. On one page, he does something really awesome, but I won’t tell you what happens because my mom said I can’t tell you spoilers. Also, I really think you should read the book. It is so good! One more thing: Skerren and Zorn are fighting on three trials to become king. But I won’t tell you what they are. You will have to read the book! I love the book Imagine Nation: The Blood of Kings, and I hope you will too!!!
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?
For readers of all ages
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly blog hop we host which focuses on sharing what we’re reading. This Kid Lit version of IMWAYR focuses primarily on books marketed for kids and teens, but books for readers of all ages are shared. We love this community and how it offers opportunities to share and recommend books with each other.
The original IMWAYR, with an adult literature focus, was started by Sheila at Book Journeys and is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. The Kid Lit IMWAYR was co-created by Kellee & Jen at Teach Mentor Texts.
We encourage you to write your own post sharing what you’re reading, link up below, leave a comment, and support other IMWAYR bloggers by visiting and commenting on at least three of the other linked blogs.
It’s my week off! You can always learn more about any of the books I’ve been reading by checking out my read bookshelf on Goodreads.
Ricki
Middle Grade
I really enjoyed The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly. After it won the Newbery, I immediately checked it out of the library. This is a fantastic middle grade book that is engaging and literary.
My son read Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston for Battle of the Books, so I decided to read it, too. My middle son also read it. We all loved it. It swept us away into the fantastical world, and we are all looking forward to snagging the second in the series.
Young Adult
When I first read Jen Ferguson’s A Constellation of Minor Bears, I felt like it was different from other books that I’d read. I really like the hiking journey (especially as a Coloradoan), and I appreciated the care that she takes to discuss trauma. I decided to reread it last week, and I am glad I did. This time, I listened to the audio and loved it in this format, too.
The History of Everything by Victoria Evans is a graphic novel that transported me to high school and all of the feelings associated with it. It authentically portrays friendship and the tensions that come with first love and life changes.
I really loved Lily Braun-Arnold’s The Last Bookstore on Earth. It is a dystopian novel set in a time when weather has ravaged Earth, and the narrator lives in a bookstore. I love how it took on climate and the ways tragedy can change and shape who we are.
Adult
I was fortunate to meet Kristina McMorris a few weeks ago, so I read The Ways We Hide in anticipation of her upcoming book. Whew, this woman can really write historical fiction. This novel is beautifully researched.
I had been hearing a lot about The Wedding People by Alison Espach, so I picked it up. It’s about a woman who is recently divorced and goes to a beautiful hotel because she decides she wants to die by suicide. But when she gets there, the entire hotel is booked by people attending a very wealthy woman’s wedding. I appreciated the way this novel depicted the humanity of people.
Adult Romance
Ashley Poston’s The Seven Year Slip is about a woman whose apartment is being rented by a man who is living seven years in the past. It is a romance, but the question is whether they would still be in love when she leaves the apartment (which is set in present day).
Obviously I had to read Rebecca Yarros’ Onyx Storm. I liked it! You’ve heard about it, so I will say no more.
Elena Armas’ Know Your Newlywed is a full cast audiobook (only) that is about two people who pretend to be newlyweds and go on the game show. It’s very sweet.
Ali Hazelwood’s new book, Deep End is extremely spicy. That’s all I will say. If you really like spice, this is the book for you. Mature audiences only!
Ricki
I never read TJ Klune’s House of the Cerulean Sea, so I think I might check it out.
Thursday: Ben’s Kids’ Corner: Imagine Nation by Matt Myklusch
Link up below and go check out what everyone else is reading. Please support other bloggers by viewing and commenting on at least 3 other blogs. If you tweet about your Monday post, tag the tweet with #IMWAYR!
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?
For readers of all ages
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly blog hop we host which focuses on sharing what we’re reading. This Kid Lit version of IMWAYR focuses primarily on books marketed for kids and teens, but books for readers of all ages are shared. We love this community and how it offers opportunities to share and recommend books with each other.
The original IMWAYR, with an adult literature focus, was started by Sheila at Book Journeys and is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. The Kid Lit IMWAYR was co-created by Kellee & Jen at Teach Mentor Texts.
We encourage you to write your own post sharing what you’re reading, link up below, leave a comment, and support other IMWAYR bloggers by visiting and commenting on at least three of the other linked blogs.
It is my week off. But you can always learn more about any of the books I’ve been reading by checking out my read bookshelf on Goodreads.
Ricki
I am writing this on a shuttle on my way home from the fantastic NCTEAR Conference (woohoo!). I am full of love and learning, and so excited to go back to my students tomorrow. But because typing on a bus isn’t good for motion sickness, I’ll have to update you with my reading next time.
Sunday: Author Guest Post: “The Best Advice is Free” by David A. Anderson, Author of The Drowners
Link up below and go check out what everyone else is reading. Please support other bloggers by viewing and commenting on at least 3 other blogs. If you tweet about your Monday post, tag the tweet with #IMWAYR!
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?
For readers of all ages
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly blog hop we host which focuses on sharing what we’re reading. This Kid Lit version of IMWAYR focuses primarily on books marketed for kids and teens, but books for readers of all ages are shared. We love this community and how it offers opportunities to share and recommend books with each other.
The original IMWAYR, with an adult literature focus, was started by Sheila at Book Journeys and is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. The Kid Lit IMWAYR was co-created by Kellee & Jen at Teach Mentor Texts.
We encourage you to write your own post sharing what you’re reading, link up below, leave a comment, and support other IMWAYR bloggers by visiting and commenting on at least three of the other linked blogs.
It’s my week off! You can always learn more about any of the books I’ve been reading by checking out my read bookshelf on Goodreads.
Ricki
I am seeing Christine Day speak, so I am unable to update this week! I will catch you all the week after next!
Tuesday: Jeffrey Ebbeler’s I Like to Read Comics: Wait a Minotaur, I’m Ogre It, Kraken Me Up, & A Giant Mess
Link up below and go check out what everyone else is reading. Please support other bloggers by viewing and commenting on at least 3 other blogs. If you tweet about your Monday post, tag the tweet with #IMWAYR!
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