“Let me live, love, and say it well in good sentences."
~ Sylvia Plath
All tagged Anna Katrina Artistry
I first read The Hobbit when I was in third grade, and it was like learning how to run before learning how to walk. I didn’t really like reading before I stepped into Middle Earth. My dad had a yellow copy with tattered corners that I always looked at on his bookshelf. His bookshelf was impressive. I used to stand and run my fingers over the spines. I wanted to like reading, but it was too hard for a long time. I would look at his books, and The Hobbit was one of my favorites.
This book. This book is just what I want in historical and biblical fiction. It takes the building blocks of a well-known Bible Story and builds around it without changing the original story. There wasn’t a moment where I felt like Mesu Andrews crossed a line. You can tell that she has great respect for the source material.
I’m late to this party. Like, really late. A lot of people have already read these books and fallen in love with them. I remember when Cinder first came out—and I don’t know why I didn’t jump all over it. It’s definitely the kind of book that I would be drawn to … but maybe it came out when I was in my phase of YA fiction apprehension? I think that’s it.
I read this book because a friend co-wrote it with his sister and his best friend. My friend, Nathan, was in my grad school program and offered (and still offers!) me a lot of advice and support in my own writing. I respect him and his craft. He is very good at what he does.
The integration of James Bond spy-thriller and fantasy was fascinating. I didn’t know how I would feel about it, but I think it really worked. Colfer writes a vivid world, the concept of mixing the two genres adds nuance to both sides of the world. It’s well written, and easy to get swept up in the story.
This is a fun book that is sure to make kiddos and adults laugh together. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes dragons or anyone who likes tacos. Anyone, really. Track down a copy of this book and read it with your kiddos. Or read it for you. Adults can enjoy picture books too.
I bought this book on a whim at a Scholastic Book Fair. How could I resist a book about a fellow cupcake fairy? Surely she and I would be kindred spirits. And I’m also on the lookout for books to read with the kiddos in my life (someday I’ll share this with my daughter or granddaughter).
This is a book that I picked up on my April book haul. I recognized Peter Brown’s name from Mr. Tiger Goes Wild and thought that I would probably enjoy The Wild Robot.
I picked this book off of a shelf in an Omaha bookstore because I liked the cover. Simple as that.
This is the first book from my April Book Haul that I am reviewing—and I’m so excited to share with everyone! I love this book. I love the illustrations and the subtlety in the story telling.
The Day the Mustache took Over is a middle grade novel—meaning it’s great for upper elementary. It’s the story of a set of twin boys who get into a ton of trouble and can’t keep a nanny. They fight a lot and struggle with following rules.
Last week my brother and I went to Omaha for a concert and the next day we went bookstore hopping. I thought it might be interesting to share what books I got and why I chose them! I will be doing reviews of all (I hope!) of these in the future.
While it didn’t feel like his other books, it definitely did fit into the world of Westeros. And Martin’s voice still left its mark. I am intrigued by how this little story fits into the bigger picture—and it whetted my appetite for more of Martin’s books.
I bought this book twice. Last year at the Scholastic Book Fair there was a paperback copy of The Adventures of Beekle and the cover drew me in. I didn’t read it before I added it to my stack. At the time, I didn’t know it was a Caldecott Nominee—but the cover was so inviting and well crafted that it makes sense. (Honestly, if you had told me it was a nominee at the time I wouldn’t have known what that meant.)
Daughter of Smoke and Bone is a story of magic—of wishes—angels and monsters. It’s a paranormal Romeo and Juliet with spiritual warfare. It’s intense.
I’ve grown to love these coming of age books. And I’m very excited about the rest of the Harry Potter books.
It’s a cute book. It’s definitely different from what I’m used to seeing in newer children’s books. But it’s good. I would read it to my kiddos and discuss the different aspects of it with them.
The wonderful thing about literature is that the reader brings a particular set of lenses to a story and through those lenses we each make our own meaning.
There are so many elements of this story that I love. I love that at its core it’s a story about family—about grandfathers passing on traditions. It’s a love story, too. It’s a story about friendship that stretches over years and miles. It’s about growing up, and facing life and death. It’s beautiful.
For Christmas this year my brother gave me several books that he really enjoyed. One of which was The Revenge of the Shadow King, the first book of the Grey Griffins series by Derek Benz and J.S. Lewis. (Hint: I already bought the sequel.)
