Book Review: Skyward: the Story of Female Pilots in WWII by Sally Deng

Skyward: the Story of Female Pilots in WWII is a children's, informational picturebook written and illustrated by Sally Deng. The year is 1927, and in America, England and Russia, three young girls share the dream of becoming pilots. Against the odds, these ambitious young trailblazers follow their hearts, enrolling in pilot school (some in secret) and eventually flying for their countries in World War II. This book lets readers follow the adventures of these young female pioneers as they battle not only enemies in the skies but sexism and inequality in their own teams. It includes legends like Jackie "Speed Queen" Cochran. Risking their lives countless times in feats of incredible bravery, the female air pilots--WASPS--of the Second World War are honored in this beautiful story based on actual events, illustrated in Sally Deng's raw, dynamic style.

Skyward: the Story of Female Pilots in WWII is a fabulous fictional reimagining of what a few real female pilots might have felt and endured before, during, and after WWII. Like may females in fields typically dominated by men the three pilots Deng focus's on face more hurdles than simple mastering a skill set. They face the hardships of regular life during the war, but also breaking barriers that allow them to train and then use their talents for the greater good. they each faced different issues and challenges along the way, but young readers will be able to empathize with their needs to follow their dreams and fit in with their family and friends. I really like that the three pilots are from different backgrounds and face different reactions from their families. I also enjoyed the information on the day to day lives of the pilots during the war,m showing the hard work and comradery that was part of the journey.  It really shows the differences and similarities we all have underneath it all. I hope young readers come away from this book with that message, and determined to follow their dreams and support others along the way. 

Early Book Review: Cooking with Scraps: Turn Your Peels, Cores, Rinds, Stems, and Other Odds and Ends into Delicious Meals by Lindsay-Jean Hard

Cooking with Scraps: Turn Your Peels, Cores, Rinds, Stems, and Other Odds and Ends into Delicious Meals by Lindsay-Jean Hard is currently scheduled for release on October 16 2018. Do you want to stop throwing away food scraps or composting them? Well, you can start enjoying some of them on your table! This book is a collection of 80 surprising, creative, delicious recipes for anyone who wants to cook smart, sustainable, and impressive meals out of unused bits of produce, cheese rinds, stale bread, and other oft-discarded foods.

Cooking With Scraps is a well written and forgiving cookbook. I like that it opens with the idea that no recipe or person is perfect, or unchangeable. Doing the best we can in our shopping and cooking is the goal. I found the recipes to be well organized, in alphabetical order by the type of food you are using in the process. This makes finding a recipe to deal with a specific type of scrap easier. I like that there are alternatives and further suggestions for foods that can be used recipes as applicable. There are also some hints and tricks included through the book, some of which will be helpful to new cooks, and others that will be useful to everyone. Some I found to be common sense, but I also grew up in a household that saved everything, canned, and scrimped much more than I currently do. The instructions and ingredient lists are well written and clear, letting even new cooks keep up and find success in their cooking. While many of the recipes are thing that would not be well received in my house, there were some idea that I will be using and some changed I will be making to my cooking and baking habits. I found the read to be interesting, inspiring, and important to those that will make the effort to create as little waste as possible.

Cooking With Scraps is a valuable cookbook for those looking to save money and resources, while willing to put in the necessary planning and work. I found it interesting, and it helped me plan my meals with the idea of limiting the waste I produce.

Early Book Review: The Brain: The Ultimate Thinking Machine (Science Comics) by Tory Woollcott, Alex Graudins

The Brain: The Ultimate Thinking Machine is another installment to the Science Comics series. It was written by Tory Woollcot, illustrated by Alex Graudins, and is currently scheduled for release on October 16 2018. Nour wants to sell the most cookies for her Woodland Adventure Troop. Her sister Fahama is helping her, not necessarily by choice. When they split up, Fahama ends up in a old mansion with a mad scientist and his sidekick who want to take her brain to study. In an attempt to stall them, she asks a lot of questions about the brain. Along with Fahama reader learn all about the brain: what it does, how it does things, what it is made of, the role of the various parts, and so on. Meanwhile her sister is busy selling cookies, and looking for her sister.

The Brain: The Ultimate Thinking Machine is both entertaining and education- as I fully expected from this series. I like the fun and touch of adventure in the set up story. Sisters selling cookies, one of which is a little controlling, and then the search for the missing sister. I liked that Fahama is smart enough to keep the scientist and his henchman talking and explaining the brain and nervous system. The brain is described in great detail, and I will admit that it might be too much in a single sitting for some. I had to reread a few bits to make sure I fully understood it, and there is just so much information that it could be overwhelming for some readers. That being said, the information is well presented, the framing story well told, and the artwork was wonderful. Readers interested in learning about the brain will get a lot out of the book, and even those not looking for this amount of information can enjoy the story and learn some of the information along the way. This series offers a wonderful balance of information and entertainment, and I have yet to be disappointed. 

The Brain: The Ultimate Thinking Machine is another Science Comic installment that combines entertainment with information. It is packed with information and vocabulary, and might be a little overwhelming for some readers, but if they take it in small doses and persevere in reading they will enjoy learning from this book quite a bit. 

Early Book Review: Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas by Katie Ruggle

Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas by Katie Ruggle can be counted as the 5th book in the Rocky Mountain K-9 Unit series, but it reads more like the first book in a related series. It can stand up fine all on its own regardless. It is currently scheduled for release on September 25 2018.

When firefighter and single dad Steve Springfield moved his four kids to a Colorado Christmas tree ranch, he intended for it to be a safe haven. But he never expected that he would come face-to-face with the one girl he could never forget. Folk artist Camille Brandt lives a quiet life. As the town's resident eccentric, she's used to being lonely, until Steve freaking Springfield changes everything. Brave and kind, he's always had a piece of her heart, and it doesn't take long before she's in danger of falling for him and his rambunctious kids. But as mysterious fires break out across the sleepy Colorado town, Steve and Camille will have to fight if they want their happy family to survive until Christmas.

Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas is a contemporary romance with the touch of suspense that I have come to expect from Ruggle. I adored Camille's character. She is not a fan of attention, and just wants to go about her day with as little small talk and conversation as possible- a trait that I share (to a smaller extent). Steve is trying to be a good father, and give his children a safe and happy home. Working with the fire department and at the family tree farm- as well as getting them involved- seems like the way to go. When Camille and Steve reconnect the attraction is there- but self doubt from both and parties and some interfering family make things more complicated. Then there are the nosy neighbors, fires, and personal quirks make things even more interesting. I greatly enjoyed watching the two dance around each other, and loved getting to know Steve's kids better. I found the suspense part to be well done, and had my suspicions as to who was behind the danger, and why. I will say I was partly right, but loved the ride to get to our happy ending. I love this story, and series, and will continue reading everything I can from the author.

Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas is another great romance from Ruggle. I like her character work and am always left wanting more, even though the story is complete.

Book Review: Cleo and Cornelius: A Tale of Two Cities and Two Kitties by Elizabeth Nicholson, Janine Pibal, Nick Geller, Michelle Thies

Cleo and Cornelius: A Tale of Two Cities and Two Kitties is a picturebook by Elizabeth Nicholson, Janine Pibal, Nick Geller, and Michelle Thies. This book offers a twist on Aesop’s classic “The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse” fable featuring adventurous feline Cleo and couch potato Cornelius. The pair live in ancient Egypt, where cats are worshiped like gods and goddesses. When Cornelius accidentally boards a boat departing on a voyage across the sea, Cleo and Cornelius find themselves in the faraway city of Rome, a place where dogs are treated like kings.  In Rome, the activities never end! Cleo and Cornelius race chariots, play games, perform in a theater, and more. Do they even want to return to Egypt? 

Cleo and Cornelius: A Tale of Two Cities and Two Kitties is a well drawn and fun picturebook. I like the concept and the story. I like that while we get the different feline life styles, we also get some real information about living in ancient Egypt and Rome.There was some good humor, some adventure, and some information. It balanced well and worked. The images and text were paired well, and the images were adorable. However, I do need to admit that the digital copy I received via Netgalley had some formatting issues, which made it more challenging to follow and enjoy. I was able to figure it out, and enjoy it, but  I think I would have enjoyed a physical or properly formatted version better. 

Book Review: Night and Silence (October Daye) by Seannine McQuire

Night and Silence is the twelfth book in the October Daye series by Seanan McGuire. You do need to read these books in order to understand the characters and world. I highly recommend the series, but you do need to start from the beginning.

In the aftermath of Amandine's latest betrayal, October "Toby" Daye's fragile self-made family is on the verge of coming apart at the seams. Jazz can't sleep, Sylvester doesn't want to see her, and worst of all, Tybalt has withdrawn from her entirely, retreating into the Court of Cats as he tries to recover from his abduction. Toby is floundering, unable to help the people she loves most heal. She needs a distraction. She needs a quest. What she doesn't need is the abduction of her estranged human daughter, Gillian. What she doesn't need is to be accused of kidnapping her own child by her ex-boyfriend and his new wife, who seems to be harboring secrets of her own. There's no question of whether she'll take the case. The only question is whether she's emotionally prepared to survive it. Signs of Faerie's involvement are everywhere, and it's going to take all Toby's nerve and all her allies to get her through this web of old secrets, older hatreds, and new deceits. If she can't find Gillian before time runs out, her own child will pay the price. One question remains: Who in Faerie remembered Gillian existed? And what do they stand to gain? No matter how this ends, Toby's life will never be the same.

Night and Silence is a book that made me wonder how we got to book 12. So often by this point in a series characters and the problems they face start getting old or predictable. Somehow McGuire keeps avoiding all of those pitfalls. Toby is facing her own crisis, dealing with the fact that she can not fix the damage her mother has cause to Tybalt and Jazz. Those are battles that she can not fight for them, and talking and facing emotions head on (not her strong suit) is all that she can do to help. The latest crisis falls in Toby's lap she discovers more secrets and complications that lead her on another crazy quest, dealing with dangers and conspiracies, to save her daughter again. I loved that October had to face her emotions and deal with facing big surprises. I loved seeing the characters from previous books make their appearances, some of which were key to the story and seeing everything come together to make things work they way she needs it to. Sometimes I worry that the story will end, and the series will stop- others I worry that not everything can come together in time- but McGuire makes it all work. I really loved the short story at the end of the story, giving readers a look at Gillian's point of view.

Night and Silence is another nail biting adventure for October, with plenty of character and emotional crisis along side the physical. Fans will need to pick it up, and will likely devour it as quickly as I did. 

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.