2017 NetGalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge (December)

If you are a member or Netgalley or Edelweiss, feel free to pop over to Bookish Things & More to join the Reading Challege!  Want to join Netgalley or Edelweiss?  Just follow the links on their names! (Please note, that I am only a member of Netgalley.)  I was hoping to reach 100 books, by the end of December, but we will have to see where we get.  I have also seen an increase in my feedback ratio, started the month at 31% and I am now at 31%.  That is still nowhere near the 80+% that they would like me to be at, but still an improvement!

December Books (with links to the reviews)

1. Clutter Intervention

December Total:1
Year to Date Total:49

Clutter Intervention -- Tisha Morris : A NetGalley Review

When I saw this book on NetGalley, I knew that I had to read it!  Just going through a break-up and moving them out of my house, I needed something to help me with the energies and memories that were still flowing.  While I haven't put the book into practice, there were several things that resonated in my head while I was reading them.  The energies of anything and everything flow through us and everything around us, so why wouldn't our feelings about things cause some of our insecurities or energy imbalances.  I hope to get into action soon!

Thank you Llewellen and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

Updates on Life

Thank you kind readers for putting up with my absence.  Several things have happened.  As stated in the April Reading Challenge post, I was a long-term paraeducator substitute for the last month or so of school.  When I was done with that I started planning Summer Reading Program.  That had to then be put into motion. 
Over the summer, while working on Summer Reading Program, I was approached by a principal about taking a teaching position.  I quickly turned it down, mostly because I couldn't take it.  I have an education degree for Earth Science and Chemistry for 6-12th grade.  This job I was offered, was for teaching preschool, 4 year olds.  Well, I am doing exactly what I would have been doing if I had accepted the position!  I took it as a long-term teacher substitute position, starting the first of August.  I have been doing exactly what a first year teacher would be doing.  From setting up the classroom to writing lesson plans to behavior management, I am doing it.  Some nights I leave as soon as school is over, but most of the time I am there until 6 or 7pm.  Creating everything from scratch takes a lot of time.  This long-term will be over in December.
I have already been approached by another school to do a long-term paraeducator substitution starting in February.  I have not given them an answer yet.

Other life events have happened.  At the beginning of September, my fiance of 9 years broke up with me.  I will say that we have been growing apart for at least the last year, so it wasn't completely unexpected.  One of his complaints was that I don't talk about what is going on with me.  So I broke down and told him exactly what I have been dealing with for at least the last 15 years.  I have undiagnosed/untreated depression and anxiety issues. 
After the breakup, I was trying everything I could to get some help with these issues.  It took over a month to even get into intake with a provider.  I just finished my 3rd counseling session yesterday.  I hope things get better for me, and I can learn from the sessions!

Once things calm down, I hope to get back to reading and getting reviews done!

2017 Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challege (April)

OMG!  This month has been super busy.  I just started a long-term substitute paraeducator position this month.  I will be in this position until the last day of school, May 23rd.  I hope to get caught back up at the end of May, or over the summer.

If you are a member or Netgalley or Edelweiss, feel free to pop over to Bookish Things & More to join the Reading Challege!  Want to join Netgalley or Edelweiss?  Just follow the links on their names! (Please note, that I am only a member of Netgalley.)  I hope to reach 100 books, or possibly more, by the end of December!  I have also seen an increase in my feedback ratio, started the month at 18% and I am now at 20%.  That is still nowhere near the 80+% that they would like me to be at, but still an improvement!

April Books (with links to the reviews)

1. Cimarron Girl
2. Church and State
3. Lethal Weapons

April Total: 3
Year to Date Total:49

Lethal Weapons --- A NetGalley Review

 Once again, we have a Great Debates book!  This book talks about Gun Rights and the lethal weapons that may want taken off the streets.  Since it is part of the Great Debates series, this book is setup in debate style, giving views from both sides.  This seems like the perfect book for middle school age group.
Thank you Norwood House Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

Church and State -- A NetGalley Review

I wonderful book for the junior high setting that gives a history of the separation of church and state.  I definitely like the debate style layout.  This book is only has 48 pages, but is one of the most inspired books on the subject.
Thank you Norwood House Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

Cimarron Girl -- A NetGalley Review

Cimarron Girl is told from the view point of an adult looking back to childhood during the Dust Bowl.  I personally do not think that this book was intended to be funny, but to tell a sad story of our country's past.  And even with this, it could still be a children's book. 
This book, is written in the eyes of Abigail.  She is seven years old when the dust bowl began.  She talks about all the hardships her family and neighbors faced.  Many people don't really talk about this time, so I feel that it is important that this book is shared with children.  It may even teach the children that they have it better than they think.
Thank you Vanita Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

2017 Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challege (March)

If you are a member or Netgalley or Edelweiss, feel free to pop over to Bookish Things & More to join the Reading Challege!  Want to join Netgalley or Edelweiss?  Just follow the links on their names! (Please note, that I am only a member of Netgalley.)  I hope to reach 100 books, or possibly more, by the end of December!  I have also seen an increase in my feedback ratio, started the month at 15% and I am now at 18%.  That is still nowhere near the 80+% that they would like me to be at, but still an improvement!

March Books (with links to the reviews)

1. Indivisible: Poems for Social Justice
2. Edge of Everything (eSampler) (only the first 3 chapters of the book)
3. Transformed: Paris
4. Garden Flora
5. Size Matters
6. When My Senses Don't Make Sense
7. Caraval
8. The Amazing Crafty Cat
9. Mrs. White Rabbit
10. The Blue Hour
11. Piper Perish
12. The King of Average

March Total:12 Books
Year to Date Total: 46  (54 to go!)

The King of Average -- A NetGalley Review

 James.  What an average name that is.  James is 11 years old.  He is working through his abandonment issues, as his dad left when he was born.  He is dealing with a mother that has told him that her life would have been better if he didn't exist.  Heavy things to be dealing with in a children's book (late elementary into middle grades).  I think that for children that have not dealt with this situation, might find it a bit scary or be very off put. 
James is average in school, and according to himself, in everything.  So when he wishes to become the most average kid in the world, his life gets a little weird.  He ends up in another world, to become the King of Average.  He has to go on a quest to find the previous king and find out why he left, then James can become the King.
While I understand that their are children that are going through this, I feel that the book is written very light and comedic for the themes being discussed.  This book might be very scary for children, even if they are dealing with some of the same issues. 
Thank you Bunny Moon Enterprises, LLC and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

Piper Perish -- A NetGalley Review

A diary style book about a teenage girl about to graduate high school.  There are dealings with insecurity about turning her (ex)boyfriend gay.  She also has to find her way to get her dreams.  Piper lives in small town Texas, but dreams of going to art school in New York.   Things get messy with her family and friends, while trying to make those dreams come true.
I believe that this book is way more realistic than many think.  Who wouldn't question themselves if their ex comes out as gay while you are dating, especially when growing up conservative in high school.  My sisters and I fought much like they did and there really isn't much explanation as to why, but our relationships are much better now.  Sometime boys get in the way of what we really want and our friendships.  Piper learns that sometimes she has to work really hard to get what she wants, and even then it may not happen.
I really wish the book wouldn't have had a happy ending for Piper.  Rarely are opportunities like the one Piper gets happen.  Why are there not a lot of books that have the main character not get what they want?  Everyone needs to learn to respect what they have and expand on them by working hard.
However, I am hoping that there will be a sequel.  I want to know about Piper's adventures!
Thank you Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

The Blue Hour -- A NetGalley Review

 Do you know the time of day where everything seems to go blue?  Everything slows down as it gets darker to start the night?  That is the time of day that this book takes place.
This book is perfect for preschool or early education, when presenting the color blue.  Learn about several things that are blue and what happens at this darkening time of day!
Thank you William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

Mrs. White Rabbit -- A NetGalley Review

Ever wonder what date the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland was late for?  Wonder what his wife was doing?
Read the diary of Mrs. White Rabbit to see Wonderland through her eyes.  An excellent book for young children, or even adults, who love Alice in Wonderland!
Thank you William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

The Amazing Crafty Cat -- A NetGalley Review

Birdie has a secret identity, Crafty Cat!  When she is Crafty Cat, there is no craft that can't be done.

In this book, Birdie is getting prepared for her birthday snack at school.  She has prepared Panda cupcakes.  While on her way to school she has an accident, which means no more cupcakes for school.  Birdie, with the help of Crafty Cat, she has to come up with something to do during her birthday celebration at school.  Will everyone enjoy it?

This is an honest review based on the digital ARC received from First Second Books and NetGalley.

Caraval -- A NetGalley Review

What do we have in this book? Sisters that will do anything for each other.  Magic.  Evil Father.  Missing Mother. Adventure  Legend. Love.  And I probably missed a few others.
This book will be one of my favorites for time to come!  Who wouldn't want to get away from their abusive, controlling father.  Especially one that will not let his 2 daughters leave their island, and controls the elder sister by punishing the younger.  That is why Scarlett writes to Legend, the magician that runs Caraval.  She wants him to come to her island, but after a death he refuses to leave his island, and leaves Scarlett's letters be unanswered.  That is until, Scarlett announces, in her last letter to him, that she is to be married to a man that her father doesn't want her to meet until the wedding. She is sent 3 tickets to this years Caraval. One for her, one for her sister, and one for her betrothed. 
Scarlett has to find a way there!  Step in Julian.  Once there, she has to figure out what is real and what is part of the game.  She thinks she is going mad when she sees her father, and her sister goes missing. 
I read the entire book in less than 6 hours!  I could not put it down!  The whole story grips you and won't let you go until that cliffhanger ending.  I need the second book, NOW!
Thank you Flatiron Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

When My Senses Don't Make Sense -- A NetGalley Review

What a wonderful book for those with sensory issues!  I love the social stories that are attached to this story.  Social stories help students with special needs to know what to do in certain social interactions.  This book I hope, will help those with these sensory issues!

Thank you Dog Ear Publishing and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

Size Matters -- A NetGalley Review

When I first started reading this book, I thought is was going to be another BBW romance.  The female lead would put herself down, and well, take every comment that might be construed as her weight or eating habits to heart or taken out of context.  Well, lets just say, that part is true.  When it come to her mother, well, there was no taking it the wrong way, her mother was just that abrasive to me.  Sam and Leah meet at a bar, only because Sam's friend wanted to talk to Leah's friend.  Sam and Leah are instantly attracted to each other, but his sense of chivalry leads him to dance with someone else, pissing Leah off and leads her to over drinking!  Sam ends up taking Leah home, but before he could find out where to take her, she passes out, and he takes her to his house.  In an effort to make it up to her, he does some repairs to her bakery, and helps her take the cake to her ex-boyfriends wedding.  While at the wedding, he opens his mouth and tells the ex-boyfriend and her mother that they are engaged.  They had just started to get to know each other, why would he do that?  Now for the plan to get them not engaged!
I loved this book, except for 2 things.  Leah not verbalizing her comfort of her body.  The internal dialog made it seem like she was, but all of her outer dialog made it seem like she was absolutely ashamed of it, for it not being a size 2.   Takes a man for her to realize she is perfect the way she is.  Why do women always need the validation of a man, for us to decide that we are fine? 
This book is hilarious when Sam is on vacation with Leah's family, trying to break up the "engagement".  I wish I could have been a fly on the wall watching this actually happen.  Some of the responses to the things Sam says or does, I can imagine my family doing the same thing!
Thank you Forever and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

Garden Flora -- A NetGalley Review

Garden Flora is an amazing reference book.  Because it is a reference book, I found it very hard to just sit down and read, one page at a time.  The sketches are amazing!  Each plant has detailed information about where it came from and how to use it in your garden.  I would think this would be perfect for anyone that loves gardening, just beginning or a professional!  Come learn something new!
Thank you Timber Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

Transformed: Paris -- A NetGalley Review

This is the second Transformed novel.  We find transman Charley and his Society Dom girlfriend, Electra, on their way to Paris, where Charley will be working with the French police to stop a bombing.  Electra has the hard decision to work with Charley or not.  She doesn't want to do all the testing and training that is needed, and besides she is in her 50's.  Who joins a spy agency when they are in their 50's.  Because she has not done the training, she is to have no part in Charley's work.  When Electra becomes friends with the person believed to be the mastermind behind the upcoming bombing, Charley lets her do some investigating.  Charley's boss, however, is not happy with this.  In the mean time, we learn about polyamory.  Charley wants it, Electra doesn't.  This leads to a big fight and break up of Charley and Electra, and causes Charley to become a huge wuss.  Just like the first Transformed book, all ends well, with Charley and Electra on their way home, back together again.
This book (and series) is probably best  left for adults due to the polyamory remarks and the possible bombing.  I love Charley and Electra.  They are both very ambitious and intriguing.  They both have their flaws, but who doesn't.  Their love for each other is very strong, but can also cause each other pain when they have disagreements.  Charley and Electra a fully wrapped up into themselves, and that is the kind of love that I want to have!  I hope that their will be another novel!  I can't wait to see what Electra can do while fully working with Charley!
Thank you New Heights Publishing and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

Edge of Everything eSampler -- A NetGalley Review

 I was given the first three chapters to read and review.  These chapter are about Zoe, her brother Jonah, their attacker, and the mysterious X.  They are about to have a major snow storm, and Jonah is outside.  Zoe goes to look for him, and takes him to a neighbors home.  The neighbors are not there, and soon a guy comes to take the dogs, and possibly some other things.  Then X appears when the attacker takes the dogs to a hole in the frozen lake.
Maybe 3 chapters wasn't enough for me to get into the book?  Maybe I would have never gotten into this book?  All I can really say is, I will probably not be reading more that these three chapters of this book.
Thank you Bloomsbury USA Children's Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

Indivisible: Poems for Social Justice -- A NetGalley Review

When I think of Norwood House Press, I think about Dear Dragon or other books for preschool aged children.  This is what was in my mind when I started reading this book.  I soon realized that this was not the case.  This book is geared more toward late middle school and high school, but I think that adults should read it too.

This is an anthology of 50 or so poems based on social injustices in the United States.  These injustices include discrimination based on color, sex, sexual orientation, ethnicity, as well as the struggle for equality and justice. 

In school, I struggled through all poetry sections in English classes, and I'm pretty sure I made a joke out of them.  While reading this book, I loved the free form of most of the poems, which made it a bit easier to read.  Some of them, I am still not sure what I was supposed to get out of them, but others made me look inside myself, to see what I could be doing better.  Everyone could do better!

Thank you Norwood House Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

2017 NetGalley & Edelweiss Reaching Challenge (February)

If you are a member or Netgalley or Edelweiss, feel free to pop over to Bookish Things & More to join the Reading Challege!  Want to join Netgalley or Edelweiss?  Just follow the links on their names! (Please note, that I am only a member of Netgalley.)  I hope to reach 100 books, or possibly more, by the end of December!  I have also seen an increase in my feedback ratio, started the month at 11% and I am now at 15%.  That is still nowhere near the 80+% that they would like me to be at, but still an improvement!

February Books (with links to the reviews)

1. Gone Camping 
2.  Nobody's Girl
3. Science Comics: Bats
4. Transformed: San Francisco
5. I Love Science
6. Wild For Horses
7. Revenge of the Green Banana
8. Life in a Fishbowl
9. Kids Go to Work Day
10. Sea Otter Rescue
11. Our Cats Are More Famous Than Us
12. World Money
13. Country Money
14. Family Money
15. Your Money
16. Compact Farms
17. If You Were the Moon 
18.  Noah Webster's Fighting Words
19. The Search for Olinguito

February Total: 19
Year to Date Total: 34 (66 to go)

The Search for Olinguito -- A NetGalley Review

The Search for Olinguito shows us just how hard it is to say that a new species has been found.  The Olinguito discovery was 11 (or more) years in the making.  First, Kristofer Helgen had to look at what we already knew about Olingo.  When things started to look different he had to use his scientific tools to make sure they were different.  He knew that this was not going to be enough to publish saying that he made this discovery; he needed to find evidence that they were still alive.  With a team, they disembarked for Ecuador and Columbia, to search the forest.  We have a whole page just describing what the forest is and why it has the name it does!  Once they found the animal, pictures were taken and they had to learn about the habits.  Finally after all of this, on August 15, 2013, we have a new species! 
What an amazing story of how we came to have the Olinguito, but how difficult the scientific process can be! 
Thank you Millbrook Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.  A special thank you to Sandra Markle for writing this story down!  What an amazing scientific discovery this was!

Noah Webster's Fighting Words -- A NetGalley Review

Noah Webster's Fighting Words looks like it is a meticulously researched book about the life, from boyhood to death, of Noah Webster.  I, personally, hope that everyone in the United States knows of Noah Webster.  This book is set out to entertain, but also educate children.  It is very entertaining to think that Noah Webster, himself, helped to revise this book.  I feel that this book is perfect for anyone who would want to learn about Noah Webster!
Thank you Millbrook Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

If You Were the Moon -- A NetGalley Review

If You Were the Moon is a gorgeously illustrated book about what happens when the moon is out.  A perfect book for active reading as the child will be fascinated by the illustrations, but the parent or teacher could read the more detailed (scientific) parts and have more engagement.  This book is set up to help young children learn about the moon in a fun environment.
Thank you Millbrook Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

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Compact Farms -- A NetGalley Review

Compact Farms takes us through 15 small farms across the United States, with one of them being his own.  This books preface gives an idea of what the author wants us to get out of the book and explain John Jeavon's ideas for small, less than 5 acre, farms should look like.  Part One asks and, for the most part, answers the question, "Why Farm Small?"  Part Two gives us the detailed look at the 15 profiled farms.  For each of these farms, the reader is given a look into what the farm does, including: a back story for the farm, map, the basic things they do on the farm, how and who they sell their produce, harvest windows, labor, water, fertility, tools and infrastructure, crop care, harvesting, and post-harvesting events. Part Three goes into starting your own compact, small farm.  Giving ideas on what you can do, but also, asking, "What do you want to do?"

Thank you Storey Publishing, LLC and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

Your Money -- A NetGalley Review

Is talking about money hard for you educators or parents?  Why not give the How Money Works Series a try!
In Your Money, the reader is reminded that we all need money for certain things.  When we get money, we can do one of three things: spend it, save it, or give it away.  When is the right time to do these things?  Why do we need to do these?  Why do I need a budget?  All of these questions are answered at the level of the intended reader.  The illustrations go very will with the short, detailed paragraphs.  Perfect for late elementary and early middle grades to read and understand.  This book is laid out to not overwhelm readers of this age group, nor does it feel like they are given overly simplified answers.  The "Let's Discuss This!" section would be good for the middle grade students to do research on, to learn even more!
Thank you Norwood House Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

Family Money -- A NetGalley Review

Is talking about money hard for you educators or parents?  Why not give the How Money Works Series a try!
In Family Money, we read a lot about budgets and budgeting and how they are very important at this level.  The reader is then asked to look at expenses of the household: housing, utilities, car, family fun, taxes, cleaning up, education, doctor bills, savings, etc.  Each of these expenses are given their own chapter to explore further in depth.  The illustrations go very will with the short, detailed paragraphs.  Perfect for late elementary and early middle grades to read and understand.  This book is laid out to not overwhelm readers of this age group, nor does it feel like they are given overly simplified answers.  The "Let's Discuss This!" section would be good for the middle grade students to do research on, to learn even more!
Thank you Norwood House Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

Country Money -- A NetGalley Review

Is talking about money hard for you educators or parents?  Why not give the How Money Works Series a try!
In Country Money, we have discussion about why countries need money, how they get their money, what an economy is, and how each person is part of the economy.  All governments need money for social programs, education, employment, defense, housing, transportation, etc.  There are several economic influence factors listed, such as, geography, climate, natural resources, education, agriculture, population, etc, and then go into more detail about them.  The illustrations go very will with the short, detailed paragraphs.  Perfect for late elementary and early middle grades to read and understand.  This book is laid out to not overwhelm readers of this age group, nor does it feel like they are given overly simplified answers.  The "Let's Discuss This!" section would be good for the middle grade students to do research on, to learn even more!
Thank you Norwood House Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

World Money -- A NetGalley Review

Is talking about money hard for you educators or parents?  Why not give the How Money Works Series a try!
In World Money, we are given a look at the history of money, how it is spent and received world wide, and why all money is different.  The illustrations go very will with the short, detailed paragraphs.  Perfect for late elementary and early middle grades to read and understand.  This book is laid out to not overwhelm readers of this age group, nor does it feel like they are given overly simplified answers.  The "Let's Discuss This!" section would be good for the middle grade students to do research on, to learn even more!
Thank you Norwood House Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

Our Cats Are More Famous Than Us -- A NetGalley Review

I feel that I must start this review by saying that I am usually not a fan of graphic novels/comics. Secondly, I had never heard of Johnny Wander before reading this book.  I do, however, love cats!  This book  was amazing!  Even though there didn't really seem to be a smooth transition from page to page, it was hilarious.

Ananth and Yuro seem to find humor, or at least draw/write, in everyday occurrences.    I mean, who could laugh at a cat coughing up a hairball?  It really made me open my eyes to the joys of life and what could really be seen as funny if I just thought about it.

I, personally, did not like that each section of the book was done in a different color.  Some of the colors made it very hard to read on my computer.  Maybe it will be better with a print version?

Thank you Diamond Books Distributors and NetGalley for the digital ARCs (as this was split into 2 volumes for the advanced copies) of this book to give an honest review.

Sea Otter Rescue -- A NetGalley Review

This book is published toward the elementary age range, but I feel that it is perfect for  anyone that wants to know more about Sea Otters or the Alaska SeaLife Center.  This book describes how Sea Otter live, as well as, how they arrive at the SeaLife Center.  The reader is also given reasons why an otter may or may not be released back to the sea.  Wonderful images to go with the text!  Everyone should read this book!
*Be sure to buy this book, as a portion of the money goes to the Alaska SeaLife Center!*
Thank you Owlkids Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

Kids Go to Work Day -- A NetGalley Review

Growing up in a small town, in central Kansas, I know what it is like not having a lot of jobs available that matched my interests, or even the career education that would help lead me to interested jobs.  I found this book highly educational.  Made me wish that this would have been written when I was a child.  Who wouldn't want to know more about what a non-profit is, or what exactly they do at a magazine?  Several other careers are also exposed in this book!

Thank you Greenleaf Book Group Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

Life in a Fishbowl -- A NetGalley Review

Jared Stone is diagnosed with an non-operable brain tumor.  What can he do to insure the livelihood of his family, wife and 2 daughters?  Without any discussion with his family, he decides to sell his life on eBay.  When his listing is taken down, as he had broken rules about what can be listed, he is approached by one of the bidders, a television executive.  The other bidders are upset, as well as Jared's family, when a television crew show up to start a reality series about his last days alive.  His daughter, Jackie, does not want the tv crew there and starts her own behind the scenes webseries.  This webseries shows the exagerations that the show is making, and does not make the executive or his boss very happy.

When I read the blurb about this book, I thought that it would be more centered on Jackie, and what she does to deal with her father's diagnoses and death.  Instead, I get a book that is hard to follow because of all the characters that come in and out of this book.  The reality show doesn't even start around 100 pages in the book.  It was very hard to read, or stay interested in reading, for this reason.  I did, however, finish the book. I thought that the ending was forced, but I also know that cancer can have a person feeling fine one day and gone the next.

Thank you Bloomsbury Children's Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

Revenge of the Green Banana -- A NetGalley Review

Jimmy is in 6th grade at a Catholic school in the 1950s.  He is trying to no longer be the trouble-maker and horrible student he was in previous years, mostly to impress a girl.   When a new teacher arrives, he sees no way out from her picking on him, other than revenge.  Jimmy is recruited to be the Green Banana in the second grade play.  Him and his friends plot their revenge on Sister Angelica Rose. 

I never have attended Catholic school, but I was able to pick and choose teachers from my past that would have fit many of the teachers that we were given information on.  I was also able to find classmates that reminded me of Jimmy and his friends.  The beginning also reminded me a bit of Frindle by Andrew Clements.  The revenge that Jimmy wanted seems to be very different from what his friends have planned, but he goes along with it anyway. 

Being a librarian and educator, I can also see from where the teacher, Sister Angelica Rose, is coming.  Who wouldn't want to help a child, or student, do better?  Isn't that what Jimmy wanted, to do better, be better!  Students always think that a teacher is picking on them, because they usually only see their side.  As this story is seen only from Jimmy's perspective, we don't really know what else is going on. 

Thank you Clarion Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book, which made this honest review possible.

Wild For Horses -- A NetGalley Review

Ever want to know why horses have the coloring they do?  This is an excellent book for that.   A unique layout to keep everyone's attention while reading.  Learn about different horse breeds, where phrases involving horse came from, where the live in the wild, and basic grooming.  A small book packed with information.

Thank you Storey Publishing, LLC and NetGalley for the digital ARC so I could give an honest review!

I Love Science -- A NetGalley Review

I Love Science is a journal for those with a love of science.  The scientific method, physics formulas, star charts, periodic table, star charts, and more start the book.  Pages to write or draw things that come into your mind, or answer questions.   Wonderful pictures, quotes, and color though out!

Even though it is not available for another month, I wish that I would have had access to it when I was just starting my scientific journey.  Perfect for anyone wanting to go into science and wants a place to put their thoughts!

This honest review in thanks to Ten Speed Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC.

Transformed: San Francisco -- A NetGalley Review

 Come meet Charley, a transman that hasn't fully gone through the change; Electra, a dominatrix that has come to California for a change of scenery; and Frankie, a lesbian San Francisco police officer, trying to clean up her precinct.  Charley has never had anyone stay with him.  Electa basically got kicked out of her former life.  Frankie has been on the outskirts of her job, since getting a new chief.  They all meet because of their circumstances.

In the beginning, I found this book hard to get into.  Once I had met all the characters and the intrigue started, I couldn't put the book down.  Who is Roscoe and where will he show up next?  Will they get together?  To me it seems like Charley and Frankie already know who they are and what they want to do, but Electra is trying to figure out her place in the world.

The characters seem to be thought out.  The timeline, however, seems a bit thin.  Several months go buy in some chapters, but others aren't even a full day.

For my honest review, I must thank New Heights (the publisher) and NetGalley for the digital ARC!

Science Comics: Bats -- A NetGalley Review

This book was an interesting way to learn about bats!  Laid out in a graphic novel, we learn about all types of bat habits: echolocation, feeding, sleeping, flying, etc.  Also learned, is about human interaction with bats: how some are afraid of them, interference, how humans can help them, etc.

This book would be perfect for any age, but especially for reluctant readers or those in late elementary school.  It is an easy read for anyone that wants to learn about bats!

Thank you for the free digital ARC for my honest review, First Second Books and NetGalley!

Nobody's Girl -- A NetGalley Review

I am glad that I did not have to endure what Barbara Amaya went through.  Sexual abuse at a young age from her father, then her brother.  Running away when her alcoholic mother would not believe her. Going through the juvenile corrections system.  Getting sold to a pimp, to be one of his under-aged prostitutes,  in New York and the physical and mental abuse from him. Addiction to heroine.  All of this before the age of 16. 

This book comes about from Barbara finally breaking her silence of her story.  Her daughter was one of the biggest influences in her adult life.  She is now  known for her human rights advocacy.

This book had me yelling at her to get away from her pimp.  Had me crying and discouraged when her family abused or ignored her.  Thrilled when she finally got away and started being able to be herself. 

Even though it is written very matter of fact, this is a great book for those that have gone through any of the things she has, or older middle school and high school.  Everyone needs to know that there is evil in the world, but that doesn't mean we need to hide.  We need to let that evil be known, shed light on it, to get rid of it.

For my honest review, I received a free digital ARC from Animal Media Group LLC and NetGalley!

Gone Camping -- A NetGalley Review

What an amazing poetry book!  Tamera Will Wissinger did a wonderful job using many different forms of poetry, some of which I don't think I have heard.  This book is perfect for learning about camping and the different forms of poetry in the early elementary grades.  I firmly believe that this would be a great attention holder for most students in those grades.  My favorite poems in this book are the ones that are spoken in multi-person: dramatic; rondel, and tongue twister poems. 

Read this book to learn about poetry provisions, techniques, and forms!

I received a free digital ARC of this book for an honest review from HMH Books for Young Readers and NetGalley!

2017 Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge (January)

If you are a member or Netgalley or Edelweiss, feel free to pop over to Bookish Things & More to join the Reading Challege!  Want to join Netgalley or Edelweiss?  Just follow the links on their names! (Please note, that I am only a member of Netgalley.)  I hope to reach 100 books, or possibly more, by the end of December!

January Books (with links to the reviews)

1. We Are Still Tornadoes
2. I Feel Worried
3. Outcome: LGBT Portraits
4. See Your Way to Mindfulness
5. Sheriff Updown Turns the Bad Guys Good 
6.  Twilight the Unicorn's Sleepytime Quest
7. Believarexic
8. The Green Umbrella
9. The Best Mistake Mystery
10. Beastly Monsters
11. Rails Across Britain
12. Porcupine's Picnic
13. I am Josephine
14. Abigail the Whale
15. Malala: Activist for Girls' Education

 January (Year to Date) Total: 15 books  (85 more to go!)

Malala: Activist for Girls' Education -- A NetGalley Review

 The first part of the book is a book for young readers to learn who Malala is, what happened in her life, and for what she stands.  The second part of the book is a more detailed timeline of her life and some of her quotes. 
This is a simplified story of Malala's life, but does not fully shy away from the most tragic events in her life.  The talk about the Taliban and what they did to her, how she was afraid when she woke up, in a strange country, without her family. 
Malala is an important figure for children and young women.  She shows that you should always fight for what you believe!

Thank you Charlesbridge and NetGalley for the digital ARC so I could give an honest review.

Abigail the Whale -- A NetGalley Review

Abigail goes to swimming lessons and believes that they are calling her a whale because of her size.  (This is typically how I felt, when kids would say things to me.)  Her swim instructor gave her a way of trying to see things differently.  She finds out that when she looks at things differently, others will see her differently.  In this book, Abigail finds out that her classmates are calling her a whale because of how good of a swimmer she could be. 
Abigail reminds me of, well, me.  Being larger in frame makes it hard, sometimes, to trust in ourselves and others. Several teachers tried to do similar things for me, but just one perceived hurtful thing can lead those with little self-confidence back to where we once were.

Thank you OwlKids Books and Netgalley for the digital ARC for me to give an honest review!

I am Josephine -- A NetGalley Review

A simple book, for preschool or kindergarten aged minds, to teach what humans are to the world.  We find out that humans fit into several categories, but are extremely different from those that are also in the category.  For example, humans are animals, but so are  deer.  If care and attention are taken, while reading this book to a child, it should be emphasized that we all have similarities, but we are all different in our own ways, and that it is the way we are meant to be!

This honest review was able to happen due to a digital ARC via OwlKids Books and NetGalley!

2017 Netgalley and Edelweiss Reading Challenge

 

Today I joined the 2017 Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge hosted by Bookish Things & More.  Even though I am starting at a month in, I can still post all the Netgalley books I have done this month. If you have a Netgalley or Edelweiss account, why not join today to help get your review ratios up.  I know that my addiction to clicking the "review" or "read now" buttons are hurting my review ratio (currently at 10%)!

I really hope to get to the Diamond  Level (explained below), which would be 100 books for the year!  I just turned in 11 books for January!  To get to that 100, I better get to reading!

Haven't joined Netgalley or Edelweiss, but love to read, why not join today? Then join the challenge!  Guidelines and Levels copied from Bookish Things & More.

Challenge Guidelines

• The challenge will run from Jan 1, 2017 – Dec 31, 2017.
• Anyone is welcome to join. You do not need to be a blogger, just post your reviews and come back every month to link them up.
• Any genre, release date, request date, length, etc. counts so long as it came from Edelweiss or Netgalley.
• At the beginning of each month there will be a roundup post for you to add your reviews.
• If you forget to link up one month it’s not a problem just add your reviews next month.
• If you would like to move up or down levels that is completely fine and at your discretion.
• If you have any questions tweet me @BookishThings or e-mail katrina@bookisthingsandmore.com!
• Hashtag: #NGEW2017

Levels

Bronze – 10 Books

Silver – 25 Books

Gold – 50 Books

Platinum – 75 Books

Diamond – 100 Books

 

Porcupine's Picnic -- A NetGalley Review

What an interesting book to learn about what different animals eat.  We are exposed to 22 animals and what they would prefer to eat at the picnic.  The book has a very "exciting" ending when a tiger shows up.  A great way to introduce herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores to children of a young age!

Thank you Millbrook Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC that allows me to give my honest opinion!

Rails Across Britain -- A NetGalley Review

 I love trains!  When one is going through town, I will purposefully go stop at the tracks!  While I am in the United States, I still enjoyed this book!  It was exciting for me to look at the different styles and colors of trains and cabs for the British rail system. The pictures are usually clear and crisp to see what the description is wanting you to zoom in on! Personally, I think there could have been more of a description of each picture, but it works for the purpose of the book.  I am glad to see the pictures in chronological order, rather than based on design or use.

Thank you for the digital ARC Pen & Sword and NetGalley to give an honest opinion.

Beastly Monsters -- A NetGalley Review

Ever wonder if dragons or other mythical creatures are/were real?  Learn more about a few kinds of beastly monsters with this book. This book describes the monsters, how they could have been made, and evidence of the monsters.  This book describes the griffin, dragons and the chupacabra.

Thank you for a digital ARC for my honest opinion, Lerner Publishing Group and NetGalley.

The Best Mistake Mystery -- A NetGalley Review

Do you overthink things?   Well, Stephen Noble does it every day, by counting his mistakes.  His need to think everything to the end is kicked into high gear when two crazy events happen only a few hours apart from each other.

When going to school was there a person that was really annoying, like smart annoying?  Do you think you could become friends with them? Stephen gets teamed up with that person, Renee, unexpectedly.  Renee turns to Stephen when her brother is being questioned about the events.

 What would you have done, when you were in grade 7, if you started getting threatening texts?  Do you keep them a secret?  Do you try to figure out who they are coming from?

Read "The Best Mistake Mystery" to find out if Stephen, with Renee's help, can solve the crimes!  I did not want to put it down!

Thank you Dundurn and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book to give an honest review.

The Green Umbrella -- A NetGalley Review

What could you imagine a green umbrella being?  Go on an adventure with elephant to find what his friends imagine the green umbrella could be.  This is also a great book to read to young children about sharing.

Thank you NorthSouth Books Inc. and NetGalley for the digital ARC to give an honest review!

Believarexic -- A NetGalley Review

Jennifer is finally tired of having the monster inside telling her that she wasn't good or skinny enough. She went to her parents that didn't believe that she had an issue, but went ahead and signed her in to a Eating Disorder facility. While there, she had to eat everything that was given to her, go to individual/group/family therapies, and deal with untrusting nurses. Jennifer has many realizations that deal with the individual, family, and friend relationships. This true fiction Young Adult novel, starts with her realizing that she wants help and ending when she leaves the facility. I do not feel qualified to review this book, as I have never been in any type of facility or therapy, and I don't mean this as bragging. Some of the insights that Jennifer comes to in the novel struck a cord with me on how my relationships have progressed or even came to be. JJ did her best to not give numbers or specifics of the disease, most to keep from triggering other people. I would recommend this book to parents of teens, and teens that may be struggling with some thing in their lives. This honest review was inspired by the free digital ARC given to me by Peachtree Publishers via NetGalley!

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Twilight the Unicorn's Sleepytime Quest -- A NetGalley Reivew

This is a story and yoga all rolled into one.  All children need to be read stories and have exercise, so why not let them help with the story by doing yoga poses that match what is happening.

In this Cosmic Kids story, we have Twilight the Unicorn.  She had a bad dream and now doesn't want to go back to sleep.  We learn that it is important to have sleep, because it helps us be strong.  We also need to know that no matter what our dreams are, good or bad, that we are safe.

Thank you for the free digital ARC for me to give an honest review, Watkins Publishing and NetGalley!

Sheriff Updown Turns the Bad Guys Good -- A NetGalley Review

This book brings together story telling and yoga.  It is important for children to get exercise and to be read to, so why not have them help tell the story with yoga poses!  When following the yoga poses, it is easy to understand how each pose is related to the person or thing that it represents.

As for the story, itself, I personally don't think that a weapon, like the Zappy Happy, is really the way to teach kids to share their kindness with others.  It is at the end of the book that we find that the Zappy Happy is all inside us, but do they have to use a weapon of any kind to spread happiness?

Thank you for the free digital ARC for me to give an honest review, Watkins Publishing and NetGalley!

See Your Way to Mindfulness -- A NetGalley Review

Simple ways to change your view.  Change your view, change your life.  Change your life, See Your Way to Mindfulness!

David Schiller gives 26 exercises to try.  These exercises are to help us gain mindfulness of the things around us.  When we have mindfulness, we can fell a sense of peace and gratitude.  Within these exercises, wonderfully beautiful pictures are matched to equally amazing quotes!

I feel that if I would have actually used the book and tried the exercises, I would have liked it much better than I did.  Just reading it to read it, doesn't do this book justice!

A special thank you to Workman Publishing Company and NetGalley for the free digital ARC to be able to give my most honest opinion of the book!

Outcome: LGBT Portraits -- A NetGalley Review

What an amazing book!  It is great inspiration for all in the LGBT community, or those that haven't come out.  It is amazing  to learn that everyone can become what they want to be.  This book shows that no matter who you are, you can achieve whatever you want; become whatever you want!

Thank you Arachne Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC so I can give an honest opinion.

I Feel Worried -- A NetGalley Review

This is a wonderful book for children and their parents to use together to help reduce anxiety and worry.  The games could even be played by the children with a school councilor, social worker, or therapist for them to explain why their feelings more fully. 

This book helps explain ways to change though processes when worrisome events happen, or how to give yourself time to adjust to changes in the daily schedule.

 I personally think that this book would be good for anyone of any age to help with anxiety.  There are several ways to help or change thinking.  It is very good for helping to explain why a certain feeling is happening.

Thank you for the free digital ARC for my honest review, How To Make and Keep Friends, LLC and NetGalley!

We Are Still Tornadoes -- A NetGalley Review

Cath and Scott have been best friends and almost inseparable since they were 5 years old.  Now Cath goes on to college and Scott is left at home.  Scott has not cared about grades through high school and now has to go work in his father's men's clothing store.

This book is written in letters back and forth between Cath and Scott.  We can tell that they genuinely care for each other, and see the potential each other has.  In these letters, we can feel their teasing, heart breaks, and love.  The bad part of the letter format is that some letters will say, things similar to, "Thank you for the talk last night, I really needed it" or "I was really glad to see you" but we are clueless as to what happened during those phone calls or personal visits.

I could see this book for those nearing the end of high school or just entering college, late YA and New Adult.  With Cath and Scott's friendship, we can all learn that we always need someone to be there to help us through new adventures, dealing with the past, and family issues that may arise. 

Thank you St. Martin's and NetGalley for the digital ARC in order to give an honest review.