Nevermoor

Book #38 Read in 2018
Nevermoor:  The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessican Townsend

This middle grade/young adult fantasy is a must read for Harry Potter fans.  Morrigan Crow is taken on by Jupiter North as a prospect to join a magical society.  But Morrigan does not know what her magical talent, or knack, is and does not know if she will make it into the society.  She makes good friends, meets interesting magical people and will keep readers engaged while she goes through four trials to get into the society.  I will read the sequel.

The Orphan's Tale

Book #36 Read in 2018
The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff

This historical fiction book is told by two brave women--Astrid and Noa.  Both end up performing at the same circus during World War 2 and both have secrets to hide from the Nazis.  This book is at times difficult to read due to content but is always powerful.  There are elements of romance in a trying time.  Jenoff writes well and this book flows wonderfully to be a quick read.

Luna Loves Library Day

Book #35 Read in 2018
Luna Loves Library Day

This is a cute picture book for children. It shows the importance of a love of reading, of visiting the library and of having a nice relationship with your father. I borrowed this book from the public library.

The Book Thief

Book #34 Read in 2018
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

This was a class read for the students in my Young Adult Literature class, and no less a powerful read for me as when I read it ten years ago when it first came out.  Liesel is a book thief and this helps shape her as she grows up in Hitler's Germany.  This book is extremely well written and is a powerful read about the Holocaust.  Readers will come to care greatly about the characters. I recommend it to high school and adult readers alike.

The Cruel Prince

 

 

Book #33 Read in 2018

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

 

This is the first book in a young adult fantasy series and it was an excellent read.  Jude is a mortal living in a fae world and Cardan, the prince, takes a liking to making her life hell.  This book has a good mix of action and romance, as well as the historical feel with the throning of a new king coming into play.  I look forward to the sequel.

By Your Side

Book #32 Read in 2018
]By Your Side by Kasie West

This is a well-written YA romance book.  Autumn gets locked in a library for the weekend but quickly realizes she is not alone; her classmate and edgy guy Dax is also locked in with her.  The two begin a sort of friendship over the weekend, until Autumn sees on the news that her parents believe she was killed in a car crash.  She has a panic attack and Dax hits the fire alarm.  After being rescued from the library, the two rejoin their normal lives but are still drawn to each other.  Will Autumn decide to go after what she wants, even if it is out of her comfort zone?

In Conclusion, Don't Worry About

Book #31 Read in 2018
In Conclusion, Don't Worry About It by Lauren Graham

This book is really a graduation speech and probably is one that should be borrowed from the library than purchased.  That being said, I love Graham and her wit and humor shows through in this piece.  She is basically advising people to not sweat the small stuff.

180 Days

Book #30 Read in 2018
180 Days by Kelly Gallagher and Penny Kittle

Gallagher and Kittle are two premier English Teachers and this book details their school-year long collaboration to build a successful reading and writing program in their high school classrooms.  Heading back into the classroom full-time in September for the first time in 11 years, I needed this book to reenergize me and give me some ideas to keep the focus on creating a love of reading within my students.  A must read for English Teachers!

A Court of Frost and Starlight

 

 

 

Book #29 Read in 2018

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J Maas

 

This is the fourth book in a great young adult fantasy series.  Feyre and Rhys are back and their love story is still unfolding.  Their friends are finding their way into a new world after the war.  This was a great addition to the series and I read it in one sitting.  I recommend this series highly!