It's Monday! What Are You Reading?
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn here at The Book Date.
Jen Vincent, Teach Mentor Texts, and Kellee of Unleashing Readers decided to give It’s Monday! a kidlit focus. If you read and review books in children’s literature – picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, young adult novels or anything in those genres – join them.
What I Read Last Week:
Another chaotic week for me! We're still getting used to both kids being in school and their various schedules. My four year-old is NOT happy about getting up early every morning, although she enjoys her Montessori preschool and is making new friends. For me, every school day is about three hours worth of driving! I'm going to start listening to audio books, to keep on track with my reading while getting everyone to where they need to be! As I did last year, I'm also managing my stepson's elementary school Battle of the Books group, which is equally exciting and stressful. More on that later!
There were a few disappointing reads for me this time around. I did enjoy Bob and When Mischief Came to Town.
Synopsis:
A classic middle-grade tale of magic and friendship, about a girl who helps an old friend find home, by two New York Times–bestselling authors Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead.
It’s been five years since Livy and her family have visited Livy’s grandmother in Australia. Now that she’s back, Livy has the feeling she’s forgotten something really, really important about Gran’s house.
It turns out she’s right.
Bob, a short, greenish creature dressed in a chicken suit, didn’t forget Livy, or her promise. He’s been waiting five years for her to come back, hiding in a closet like she told him to. He can’t remember who—or what—he is, where he came from, or if he even has a family. But five years ago Livy promised she would help him find his way back home. Now it’s time to keep that promise.
Clue by clue, Livy and Bob will unravel the mystery of where Bob comes from, and discover the kind of magic that lasts forever.
Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead, two masterminds of classic, middle-grade fiction come together to craft this magical story about the enduring power of friendship.
It’s been five years since Livy and her family have visited Livy’s grandmother in Australia. Now that she’s back, Livy has the feeling she’s forgotten something really, really important about Gran’s house.
It turns out she’s right.
Bob, a short, greenish creature dressed in a chicken suit, didn’t forget Livy, or her promise. He’s been waiting five years for her to come back, hiding in a closet like she told him to. He can’t remember who—or what—he is, where he came from, or if he even has a family. But five years ago Livy promised she would help him find his way back home. Now it’s time to keep that promise.
Clue by clue, Livy and Bob will unravel the mystery of where Bob comes from, and discover the kind of magic that lasts forever.
Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead, two masterminds of classic, middle-grade fiction come together to craft this magical story about the enduring power of friendship.
Synopsis:
The letters went out in mid-February. Each letter invited its recipient to spend a week at Camp So-and-So, a lakeside retreat for girls nestled high in the Starveling Mountains. Each letter came with a glossy brochure with photographs of young women climbing rocks, performing Shakespeare under the stars, and spiking volleyballs. By the end of the month, twenty-five applications had been completed, signed, and mailed. Had any of these girls tried to visit the camp for themselves on that day in February, they would have discovered that there was no such mountain, and that no one within a fifty-mile radius had ever heard of Camp So-and-So . . .
Synopsis:
Harper Raine faces new challenges ahead when her parents take the whole family to a remote tropical island for vacation. As Harper starts to have visions of the resort’s history of disappearances and discovers more about the island’s dark and fabled past, she must use her newly acquired spirit hunting talents to save everyone on the island from murderous spirits on the attack.
Synopsis:
Everyone in the universe knows his name. Everyone in the universe fears him. But no one realizes that notorious outlaw Ia Cōcha is a seventeen-year-old girl.
A criminal mastermind and unrivaled pilot, Ia has spent her life terrorizing the Olympus Commonwealth, the imperialist nation that destroyed her home. When the Commonwealth captures her and her true identity is exposed, they see Ia’s age and talent as an opportunity: by forcing her to serve them, they will prove that no one is beyond their control.
Soon, Ia is trapped at the Commonwealth’s military academy, desperately plotting her escape. But new acquaintances—including Brinn, a seemingly average student with a closely-held secret, and their charming Flight Master, Knives—cause Ia to question her own alliances. Can she find a way to escape the Commonwealth’s clutches before these bonds deepen?
A criminal mastermind and unrivaled pilot, Ia has spent her life terrorizing the Olympus Commonwealth, the imperialist nation that destroyed her home. When the Commonwealth captures her and her true identity is exposed, they see Ia’s age and talent as an opportunity: by forcing her to serve them, they will prove that no one is beyond their control.
Soon, Ia is trapped at the Commonwealth’s military academy, desperately plotting her escape. But new acquaintances—including Brinn, a seemingly average student with a closely-held secret, and their charming Flight Master, Knives—cause Ia to question her own alliances. Can she find a way to escape the Commonwealth’s clutches before these bonds deepen?
Synopsis:
Ivy and her sisters have a secret: their reclusive Great-Aunt is actually Adela Martin, inspired author of the fantasy classic, Ivory Apples. Generations of obsessive fans have searched for Adela, poring over her letters, sharing their theories online, and gathering at book conventions. It is just a matter of time before one fan gets too close.
So when the seemingly-perfect Kate Burden appears at the local park, Ivy knows that something isn’t right. Kate has charmed the entire family, but she is suspiciously curious about Ivory Apples. And Ivy must protect what she and her Great-Aunt share: magic that is real, untamable, and—despite anyone’s desire—always prefers choosing its own vessel.
So when the seemingly-perfect Kate Burden appears at the local park, Ivy knows that something isn’t right. Kate has charmed the entire family, but she is suspiciously curious about Ivory Apples. And Ivy must protect what she and her Great-Aunt share: magic that is real, untamable, and—despite anyone’s desire—always prefers choosing its own vessel.
Synopsis:
In the tradition of ANNE OF GREEN GABLES and PIPPI LONGSTOCKING comes a heart-warming novel about love, family, grief, joy and the power of laughter and imagination.
When Inge Maria arrives on the tiny island of Bornholm in Denmark to live with her grandmother, she's not sure what to expect. Her grandmother is stern, the people on the island are strange, and children are supposed to be seen and not heard. But no matter how hard Inge tries to be good, mischief has a way of finding her. Could it be that a bit of mischief is exactly what Grandmother and the people of Bornholm need?
When Inge Maria arrives on the tiny island of Bornholm in Denmark to live with her grandmother, she's not sure what to expect. Her grandmother is stern, the people on the island are strange, and children are supposed to be seen and not heard. But no matter how hard Inge tries to be good, mischief has a way of finding her. Could it be that a bit of mischief is exactly what Grandmother and the people of Bornholm need?
Currently Reading:
I'm reading The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street for Battle of the Books, trying to finish The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls before my library copy is due, and reading All the Bad Apples gloriously slow, just because I love it!
Up Next:
Reading Challenge Updates:
Goodreads Challenge 2019: 335/400
YARC 2019: 16/50
Popsugar Challenge: 45/50
What are you reading?
Nice assortment of books. I like Ignite the Stars but all the rest are new to me. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Kathy!
DeleteI loved the Boy Called BAT series. Bob was a favorite of mine last year. I'll be reading the third Vanderbeekers book soon. My weekly update
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to read Boy Called Bat for years now. I almost jumped for joy when we had to get a copy for my stepson's Battle of the Books. Wish fulfillment!! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteOh my, YES, a three hour drive is definitely a great time to use audio books (unless the kids need to talk with you, of course). Often the kids will really get into the story, too. When we lived in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, if we had to go anywhere it was a very long day of driving. Even during grad school, we lived practically right across the highway from our university. But it took at least 20-30 minutes to get to class because of traffic and trying to find a parking space. Unbelievable! Now that we live in the middle of nowhere, we can get to anything in this little town in under 5 minutes and hubby walks to/from work every day so we still only need one car. What a difference! I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed When Mischief Came to Town. I'll have to see if we can get that one here. Looks cute! I hope it's a great reading week for you, Wendi!
ReplyDeleteOh, I wish I could get everywhere in under 5 minutes, and/or walk. That would be lovely! I don't especially like driving, and it's been a long trek. Have a great week!
DeleteDo indeed get into audiobooks while in the car with all that travelling because it sure is a lot. I love the sound of When Mischief Comes to Town.
ReplyDeleteIt is really cute, I recommend it. I love anything that reminds me of Anne of Green Gables, and she certainly has that spark.
DeleteBob is the only one a read of these and also liked it. A LOVED A Boy Called Bat - can't wait to hear what you think!
ReplyDeleteOh, I can't wait to read A Boy Called Bat. I really like the YA Elana Arnold has written. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI loved A Boy Called Bat, but still haven't read the next one. And I enjoyed Bob, too. I don't know if I'll ever get to another Vanderbeekers, know they are good, just not enough time. I noted When Mischief Comes to Town. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited to read A Boy Called Bat. It's been on my TBR for a long time. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI loved the first Spirit Hunters title and so I'm excited to read about The Island of Monsters!
ReplyDeleteThree hours a day of driving sounds terrible. You definitely need audiobooks!
I enjoyed The Island of Monsters, but I have to admit I loved the first Spirit Hunters book better. And yes, I think I do! It's a lot of driving. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI still need to read the second Spirit Hunters - just need to find time in the daylight to read it, lol!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, I know exactly what you mean! It's definitely worth the read. Have a great week.
DeleteI love listening to audio books. Some days I wish my short, little commute was longer so I could keep on listening. You have a great assortment of books here. Most are new to me since these are not my usual genres but they look fantastic. Happy reading, and listening!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan. I definitely need to delve into audiobooks, they might make the drive less crazy!
DeleteI've read Bob, The Vanderbeekers and A Boy Called Bat, all of which are awesome. I'm looking forward to checking out the other books on your list. One of these days, the weather will turn cold and I'll be ready to curl up in my cozy spot with a pile of books. Thanks for sharing and have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for fall and cozy reading as well. Thanks for dropping by, Jana!
DeleteBob does sound good. Camp so-and =so too so I am sorry that one was disappointing. Hoping this week will bring you a better reading batch.
ReplyDeleteCamp So-and-So was really interesting, I just felt a little let down at the end. It certainly was an unique book, though! Thanks, have a great reading week as well.
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