Early Book Review: Born to Dance: Celebrating Moments of Joy, from Toddler to Teen by Jordan Matter

Born to Dance: Celebrating Moments of Joy, from Toddler to Teen by Jordan Matter is a celebration of what it means to be young and full of possibility. The book is full of lovely color photographs of young dancers (ages 4-17) by Dancers Among Us photographer Jordan Matter, along with Jordan's personal observations and quotes from some of the dancers about joy, life, dance, and family.

Born to Dance: Celebrating Moments of Joy, from Toddler to Teen is a lovely and stunning collection of images of young dancers caught in motion. I love the fact that these are individuals that are out in the world, not in studios and in traditional dance attire. They are all different, utilizing different styles, of different builds, races, ages, genders, and many are in unconventional moments that might not seem like dance on the surface- while others are much more traditional. I like the wide variety of subjects, motions, and backgrounds. Dancers, those that dream about dancing, and those that have always enjoyed watching the beauty of dance will be thrilled with this collection. 

Book Review: Eavesdropping on Elephants: How Listening Helps Conservation by Patricia Newman

Eavesdropping on Elephants: How Listening Helps Conservation by Patricia Newman is a non fiction book for middle grade, and older, readers. The book tells the story of research and discovery about how elephants communicate, and why that information is important. Scientists hope to understand how forest elephants communicate help scientists find ways to protect them?

Eavesdropping on Elephants: How Listening Helps Conservation is a fascinating and well written book about the work scientists are doing to understand and protect elephants. The studies began with simple curiosity, wondering about a thrumming in the air around elephants, and lead to a greater understanding of their society and communication. The read was interesting and engaging from the very beginning, giving readers a narrative that just might encourage them to do their own research and conservation work. While I think it is definitely best for middle grade and older readers, as there is a lot of information that might be frustrating for younger or less skilled readers, I think the value of the information and the images used to help impart its importance will help interested readers make their way through the book. I like that there are some interactive moments in the book, where readers can scan a QR code, and the inclusion of source materials and resources for further research and reading for those that want more.

Eavesdropping on Elephants: How Listening Helps Conservation is an interesting and informative read, and one that would be a valuable addition to school and public libraries, as well as for personal libraries for interested readers- such as those already deeply invested in animals, science, and conservation. 

Early Book Review: Last Pick by Jason Walz

Last Pick by Jason Walz is the first volume of Jason Walz's dystopian graphic novel trilogy. It is currently scheduled for release on October 9 2018. The kids last picked are humanity's last hope. Three years ago, aliens invaded Earth and abducted everyone they deemed useful. The only ones spared were those too young, too old, or too “disabled” to be of value. Living on Earth under the aliens’ harsh authoritarian rule, humanity’s rejects do their best to survive. Their captors never considered them a threat—until now. Twins Sam and Wyatt are ready to chuck their labels and start a revolution. It’s time for the kids last picked to step into the game.

Last Pick is a very well written and drawn graphic novel. Sam and Wyat are a team, the twins only have each other since the aliens took their parents. They are focused on survival, and the hope that Wyatt's skills will help them find their parents. Sam goes out on scavenging trips to find what they need, but she also helps others get food and whatnot along the way. They end up facing bigger challenges as more aliens appear and their actions make the aliens look weak.They need to stay free, find their parents, and help the others that remain with them find and keep hope. Tall order for two newly minted sixteen-year-olds, but they might have the skills, intelligence, and more that they need. I like that the relationship between the twins, and their natures, is shown. I like that while Wyatt is different, and his sister has struggled with that, she has his back and sees his good qualities as greater than her own 'normalcy'.  The aliens are also not all the same, or all powerful and evil, I liked the use of one that is more like use in mentality than different. I liked the action, and the introduction and building of the world and characters. I am engaged and still thinking about the world and characters, and eager to see what will happen next. Although, I am not thrilled with the level of cliffhanger.

Last Pick is a great start to a series. My biggest issue with the book is that it left me with too many questions and not enough answers. I wanted some kind of resolution, and felt like ?I was left we a bigger question than the one that started the story. 

Book Review: One for the Rogue (Studies in Scandal) by Manda Collins

One for the Rogue is the fourth book in the Studies in Scandal series by Manda Collins. I have not read the previous books, and think that the romance stands well on its own. However, I think that those that read the series in order will enjoy it more than newcomers because of the knowledge of the characters, setting, and circumstances. 

Geologist Gemma Hastings has no interest in pursuing romance, and no patience for Lord Cameron Lisle- an esteemed fossil hunter who has a way of always honing in on her territory. But when a shocking attack puts Gemma in very real danger, she may have to accept Lisle’s offers of protection. Even if that means entering into a dangerous flirtation. Lisle was once amused by Gemma’s dedication to her work. But now that he understands how much he’s underestimated her—a woman whose beauty is matched only by her genius—Lisle is desperate to prove his respect and prove himself worthy of her. But is he too late? A bitter rival, desperate to steal Gemma’s scientific findings, is still at-large. Can Lisle help uncover the culprit and keep her safe—forever, in his loving arms?

One for the Rogue is aq fast, fun romance with a dash of enemies turn lover in the mix. Gemma and Cameron have been at odds since the first met. However, Cam is a better man than he might have appeared and is much more respectful towards the intelligence and accomplishments of the women around him than his peers. Unfortunately, he is only made aware of how far he has to go in this vein when he hears his colleagues belittle Gemma and other women he respects. Gemma is proud, and wants her work and discoveries to get the credit they deserve, which is near impossible in her field and time. When greed and conspiracy puts everything at risk Can and Gemma end up working together, and becoming friends.  I loved watching the two dance around each other, respect, friendship, and attracting making things both easier and more difficult as they try to solve the mystery of murder and theft. I like that both characters have faults, and need to work through them. I really enjoyed watching them work together, and get frustrated with each other and the secondary characters that offered either frustrating interruptions or substantial dangers. There was a nice balance of humor and suspense, with a nice dash of  extremely intelligent characters. 

One for the Rogue is a fun and engaging read that has me curious about the previous books in the series. I just might go back and start the series from the start, when I find the time.

Book Review: Willa of the Wood (Willa) by Robert Beatty

Willa of the Wood is the first book in the new Willa series by Robert Beatty. It is set in the same world as his Serafina series, and you will see some overlap, but it is not necessary to have read one series to enjoy the other. However, I absolutely loved the other series, so I recommend reading it regardless.

Willa, a young nightspirit of the Great Smoky Mountains, is her clan's best thief. She creeps into the homes of day-folk in the cover of darkness and takes what they won't miss. It's dangerous work because the day-folk tend to kill whatever they do not understand. But when Willa's curiosity leaves her hurt and stranded in a day-folk man's home, everything she thought she knew about her people, her enemy, and those she thought she could trust is forever changed.

Willa of the Wood is the start of another adventure in a fantasy series based on legends and the landscape of the Smokey Mountains. Like Serafina, Willa is a very special girl, but she is no Catamount. Willa is a Faeran girl, and she has some magic all her own. She can blend in with her surroundings and has a special connection to the world around her. However, the traditions of her people are changing and her kind are fading away, losing their gifts and dying out- partly because of their own actions. She is trying to come to terms with the world around her and understand how the day-folk are different from her, and through the kindness of Nathaniel, how much they have in common. She has to come to terms with herself, and the world around her. I found the read to be engaging and one that I had trouble putting down, or letting go of when I finished the book. Willa, Nathaniel, and the other characters were all very well built. The environment of the Great Smokey Mountains was extremely well described, and the flora and fauna were just as real as the landscape and people destroying it in the story. My only problem is that I just want more, but I do not want to rush the author because I want this level of quality story to continue. 

Willa of the Wood is a wonderful start to a new series, and a return to Serafina's world. It is just as suspenseful and engaging but carries a little more brightness and hope than the Serafina. This is a wonderful middle grade read. I had some serious trouble putting it down, and serious binge read it over a weekend around picnics and family activities.

Book Review: What it Seems by Sydney Blackburn

What it Seems by Sydney Blackburn is a LGBT romance, that is very much about people getting to understand themselves. Michael’s straight and infatuated with a woman he worked with one day, over a year ago. But when he finally sees her again, he’s astounded that the woman of his dreams is a man in drag. Darcy is ace and not interested in dating anyone, so he and Michael just hang out. A lot. When he needs to do an on-screen kissing scene, Michael is the best person to ask for help. Michael soon discovers he isn’t as straight as he thought he was, and Darcy likes kissing him a little too much for someone certain he never would. Those are a lot of changes to accept, but they just might be worth it.

What it Seems is a slow burn romance, that is as much about Michael and Darcy becoming friends, and getting to know their own selves better. Michael keeps proclaiming himself straight, but has shown bisexual tendencies in the past. He is a little shocked that the person he has crushed on for a year is not who he expects, but not so close minded. He wants to get to know Darcy better, and the more time they spend together the more they click, and the more he questions his own sexuality. Meanwhile Darcy is ace, and typically not physically attracted to anyone. The developing friendship leads to both Michael and Darcy to think hard about what they want, and I enjoyed their exploration. I loved the open and frank discussions, and how even the people firmly holding onto one label or another are willing to research and explore more, and willing to adjust their thinking as their world, and those around them, change. My only complaint is that I was left wanting more. I want to see where they go from here. I want to see their friends follow their paths and see what the future has in store for all of them. 

What it Seems is a wonderful read, and I think it could be an important read for young and new adults questioning who they are attracted to (or aren't attracted to) and those wanting to better understand how other people feel. Beyond that, it was just a pleasure to read and I would love to read more about these characters in the future.

Book Review: Meet Yasmin by Saadia Faruqi, Hatem Aly

Meet Yasmin is an early chapter book written by Saadia Faruqi, and illustrated by Hatem Aly. Yasmin Ahmad is a spirited second-grader who's always on the lookout for those "aha" moments to help her solve life's little problems. Taking inspiration from her surroundings and her big imagination, she boldly faces any situation, assuming her imagination doesn't get too big, of course! A creative thinker and curious explorer, Yasmin and her multi-generational Pakistani American family will delight and inspire readers.

Meet Yasmin is a sweet early chapter book about a young girl exploring her world, trying new things, and trying to decide what she wants to do. She tries out being an explorer, a painter, and a fashionista and learns something about herself and the task at hand each time. I loved the bold and bright illustrations, that add details to the story. I really love that the story is just about a kid exploring the world, and other kids or all ages, genders, and backgrounds can find something of themselves in the story. I find it important that Yasmin is Pakistani American, and some young readers that might never have seen someone like themselves in print can see themselves mirrored in the book, and those they might be being taught nationalism or racism at home can see how much kids are alike regardless of culture and background. We all just want to find and do things we enjoy, like Yasmin. I think it is also important and helpful to unfamiliar readers that the backmatter includes a section on learning Urdu, facts about Pakistan, a recipe for lassi, and instructions for making a flower motif bookmark. It just might help young readers take the next step and research even more about the Pakistani culture and hopefully other people and cultures as well.

Meet Yasmin is a wonderful transitional chapter book, with charm and humor that a wide range of readers will enjoy. I am hoping for more books like this in the near future. 

Book Review: An Affair with a Spare (Survivors) by Shana Galen

An Affair with a Spare is the third book in the Survivors series by Shana Galen. I think each book in this series can stand up well as a stand alone, but of course are more fun to read as a series.

Rafe Beaumont, fifth son of an earl, uses his irresistible charm with the ladies to glean dangerous war secrets. Now he's putting those skills to the ultimate test: capturing an elusive assassin by seducing his daughter. The problem? She's entirely immune to Rafe's flattery. Never before has Collette Fortier met a man as attractive as Rafe. But her father's life is at stake, and succumbing to Rafe would be disastrous. But when Rafe turns the tables on her, offering support and friendship instead of a fleeting affair, Collette finds herself tempted in ways she never could have imagined.

An Affair with a Spare is a historical romance with some fun characters. I really liked Collette's character, she is trying the best she can to follow the instructions she has while flying under the radar. She does not like crowds or being the center of attention- which I completely empathize with. Rafe is used to running from the ladies- sometimes quite literally. I cannot say that I had much sympathy for him, but enjoyed his frustration and fascination when Colette does not act like all the women (aside from family of course) that he knows. The combination of the two personalities and their secret purposes as they forge a friendship was highly entertaining, and I liked that emotional barriers as well as dangerous secrets were dealt with along the way. I will admit to being annoyed with Rafe on occasion, but overall found the characters and their story to be entertaining and engaging.

An Affair with a Spare is just what I expected from the author and the series, and I think that fans of either will want to pick this one up and will enjoy the read.

Early Book Review: One House by Sarah MacNeill

One House is a board book by Sarah MacNeill that is currently scheduled for release on September 25 2018. Crabs with clipboards and bears who build are some of the animals who come together to build a new home for their friend. Plans are drafted, holes are dug, and construction begins!

One House is a rhyming board book with counting and bright, bold illustrations to hold the attention of the youngest readers. The illustrations are fun, with a hidden heart on each page. Not only does it reinforce counting skills, but it only touches on friendship and helping each other or working with friends toward a common goal. A sweet, bright board book that might be just the right choice for sharing with your youngest book lovers. 

Book Review: (Whiskey Sharp) Torn by Lauren Dane

Torn is the third book in the Whiskey Sharp series by Lauren Dane. While each book is enjoyable on its own, the secondary characters and location is carried over from the previous books. I have read the previous books, and enjoyed them very much. 

Beau Petty has been searching his whole life. Searching for a place that fills all the empty spaces in him. Searching for a way to tame the restlessness. Searching for answers to the secret he’s never stopped trying to solve. What he wasn’t searching for was a woman to claim all of him, but when Cora Silvera walks back into his life, he’s ready to search out all the ways he can make her his. Cora has spent her life as the family nurturer, taking care of others. But now she’s ready to pass that job on to someone else. It’s time to make some changes and live for herself. It’s in that moment that her former teenage crush reappears and the draw and the heat of their instant connection is like nothing either of them has experienced. He craves being around her. She accepts him, dark corners and all. 
Beau thinks Cora’s had enough drama in her life. He wants to protect her from the secrets of his past, even if it means holding back the last pieces of himself. But Cora is no pushover and she means to claim all those pieces. 

Torn was a must read when I started, mainly because of the teaser I read at the end of the previous book. I had to read Cora's happy ever after. I still loved Cora through the whole book, and found her blend of strong and vulnerable to be well balanced and written. I thought Beau's character was well written, and his history and struggles with the issues it causes him was well done. I enjoyed seeing them get acquainted and deal with the complications brought on by friends and Cora's family. I like that both dealt with their personal issues, but was annoyed with Beau's efforts to 'protect' Cora by keeping thing from her. I also felt that something big was coming, something bigger than actually happened. I found the end to be a little anticlimactic, but I have hope that another book will come along (perhaps with one of Cora's siblings or one of the remaining single friends) that will include some big revelation to bring Beau's family back into play.  

Torn did not grab me with the same amount of emotion as the previous books in the series, but I still enjoyed it and will continue reading the author's work. I think fans of the author and series will want to pick this one up, but I hope the next is even better.