Delightful collection of short stories and folktales from around the world; it's hard to pick a favorite. It includes classics like E.T.A. Hoffmann's Delightful collection of short stories and folktales from around the world; it's hard to pick a favorite. It includes classics like E.T.A. Hoffmann's The Nutcracker, Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen. The Mitten will remind some of Jan Brett'sbook for the same title or her other similar title, The Hat. Perhaps it was part of her inspiration for both stories. This would be a wonderful family read aloud for the winter or holiday season....more
A day at O'Hare airport. Each chapter is about a different Asian American character who is waiting for their flight. How their lives intertwine througA day at O'Hare airport. Each chapter is about a different Asian American character who is waiting for their flight. How their lives intertwine throughout and how each character finds a way to make a difference is what makes this story by 10 different authors shine. This would be a great (IMO) family or classroom read-aloud to build empathy and spark kindness....more
The title says it all. Our narrator visits his childhood friend Roderick's home to find out why the house and his friend are in despair. (view spoilerThe title says it all. Our narrator visits his childhood friend Roderick's home to find out why the house and his friend are in despair. (view spoiler)[First Roderick's sister Madeline dies and then comes back from the dead for the him in what IMO is a bone-chilling conclusion. (hide spoiler)] If you like short stories or are looking for something new to tell around the campfire, give this classic a try....more
Burying people and animals while still alive; the 1800s were a scary time. Even though these Poe's short stories are tales, they are based on true stoBurying people and animals while still alive; the 1800s were a scary time. Even though these Poe's short stories are tales, they are based on true stories of the era. If you like short stories, classic or horror, give this collection of tales a try. Perfect reading for spooky season (the month of October or autumn)....more
Just read it. (view spoiler)[And yes if you're white, you are a racist whether you realize it or not. (hide spoiler)] Let's start seeing everyone's poJust read it. (view spoiler)[And yes if you're white, you are a racist whether you realize it or not. (hide spoiler)] Let's start seeing everyone's point of view. Required reading for any white person who believes in the #BLM (Black Lives Matter) movement to make sure their actions are reflecting their words and their perceived beliefs. (view spoiler)[White people need to go out of their way to associate and frequent places with people of color. Places where they will be in minority. It's ok for white people to feel uncomfortable or unwelcome when spending time with people of color. And yes, it's ok to be or feel insulted. As I would say, "What goes around comes around and what comes around goes around." (hide spoiler)]...more
A collection of very short stories about James and the narrator. Readers will find themselves pondering what each story means and how they connect. I A collection of very short stories about James and the narrator. Readers will find themselves pondering what each story means and how they connect. I know I did....more
Could a school bus fall from the sky? Find out how in this collection of loosely related short stories. Which will your favorite? The one about the piCould a school bus fall from the sky? Find out how in this collection of loosely related short stories. Which will your favorite? The one about the pick pockets, the one with the first kiss (view spoiler)[(if a kiss on a cheek counts) (hide spoiler)], the one about the young comedienne or one of the other 7 chapters (blocks)? After finishing it, I couldn't help but think that it kind of reminded me of Paul Fleischman's Seedfolks....more
This one will break your heart. A very short story about the prayer of a father for his son as they flee their war-struck countnty for a better futureThis one will break your heart. A very short story about the prayer of a father for his son as they flee their war-struck countnty for a better future....more
A book to give hope to those who feel we are living in troubled times. Give this one to anyone who believes in basic human rights for all and/or is inA book to give hope to those who feel we are living in troubled times. Give this one to anyone who believes in basic human rights for all and/or is interested in social justice issues....more
An ambitious undertaking, a challenging project. Favorite authors and hip librarirans created writing prompts which were distributed amongst those parAn ambitious undertaking, a challenging project. Favorite authors and hip librarirans created writing prompts which were distributed amongst those participating. (I pictured it a little like a gift exchange.) With that prompt, favorite authors created their interpretation of it; often written, sometimes illustrated. Tweens and teens who like to write and/or illustrate will like this one best....more
Collection of essays by various Catholics (authors, bloggers, priests, speakers, etc.) about the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Some chapters Collection of essays by various Catholics (authors, bloggers, priests, speakers, etc.) about the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Some chapters are better than others....more
**spoiler alert** Set in 2083, in a world that has depleted many of it's natural resources, this book is a little more upbeat than other dystopia nove**spoiler alert** Set in 2083, in a world that has depleted many of it's natural resources, this book is a little more upbeat than other dystopia novels. With that said, the first book in this series is about doomed love between two teens. Anya's family is part of the mafyia and deals illegal substances (which happens to be chocolate). Win's father is a prosecutor who wanting to run for district attorney with the platform of being tough on crime. Perhaps there is hope for our young couple as this is the first book in a trilogy. The sequel was released in 2012 and the conclusion will be out at this fall....more