ellieschaben's reviews
620 reviews

The Faerie Isle: Tales and Traditions of Ireland's Forgotten Folklore by Síne Quinn

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

4.0

Thank you to Libro FM, Sine Quinn, Dreamscape Media, and Penguin Random House for the ALC of this book! 

I’ve been to Ireland 3 times, and each time I fall more in love with the country, its culture, its people, its language. This book of folklore is the perfect mix of stories for adults and children alike. I loved getting a taste of the traditional tales while not going too in depth. A little taste of Ireland! 
The Secret Life of Farts by Malin Klingenberg

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

Thank you to Libro FM, Malin Klingenberg, and Darling Buds Audio for the ALC of this book! 

The sound effects in this one are top notch - especially if you have a kiddo obsessed with farts! This one is so unserious that you can’t help but smile.
Feelings Are Like Farts by Tara Wosiski, Christopher Willard

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emotional funny informative reflective fast-paced

5.0

Thank you to Libro FM, Henry Holt & Company, Tara Wosiski, Christopher Willard, and Macmillan Audio for the ALC of this book! 

This metaphor is such a good one for children! The similarities made me giggle as an adult and would create so many good conversations about emotional regulation.
Hedgehogs Don't Wear Underwear by Marissa Valdez

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funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

Thank you to Libro FM, Roaring Book Press, Marissa Valdez, and Macmillan Audio for the ALC of this book! 

This book was fabulous - a French hedgehog is scared to show the other hedgehogs that he likes to wear underwear. When he finally does, he quickly realizes that everybody has their own likes that may seem quirky! This audiobook was perfect with the fun accents, great additional sounds, and inflections. I would listen to this over and over! 
Aloha Everything by Kaylin Melia George

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hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

Thank you to Libro FM, Dreamscape Media, Kaylin Melia George, and Red Comet Press for the ALC of this book! 

This was an amazing peek into Hawaiian culture, beliefs, and values! I enjoyed the language sprinkled throughout and can only imagine that the beauty of Hawaii is shown on the pages. The narrator was so pleasing to listen to; the cadence of her voice was perfect for the content. 
Interabled: True Stories About Love and Disability from Squirmy and Grubs and Other Interabled Couples by Shane Burcaw, Hannah Burcaw

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challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced

4.5

Thank you to Libro FM, Macmillan Audio, Hannah & Shane Burcaw, and Roaring Book Press for an ALC of this book! 

I actually really enjoyed it! It’s interesting to hear the audio since it sounded ALMOST like a podcast vs. I can’t imagine the structure in a book. Since the stories are all told by the people that are featured, I thought it was so engaging to hear firsthand. I am not disabled, but this book really challenged my implicit bias of disabled people and their relationships. The questions that people have the audacity to ask?! I was embarrassed to know that ableism is SO frequently experienced in everyday life. It also made me think about accessibility in different ways. I think this is a perspective-changing novel that really is full of valuable information! 
That's My Truck!: A Good Inside Story About Hitting by Dr. Becky Kennedy

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emotional reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Thank you to Libro FM, Dr. Becky Kennedy, Macmillan Audio, and Feiwel & Friends for the ALC of this book! 

While I loved the way that this book broke down emotions and how to calm down as a small child, I didn’t love the background noise. It’s hard to understand the words being said, and I was feeling distracted. I do think the parent’s note was helpful! 
Say A Little Prayer by Jenna Voris

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Thank you to Libro FM, Jenna Voris, and Penguin Random House for the ALC! 

I absolutely loved this! The chapter titles are so funny, the storyline is wonderful, and the characters are engaging and memorable. The church camp vibes are so real - having been a (non-church) camp counselor, I was invested in the camp storyline. As a non-church attending person but former church kid, I resonated with the feelings amplified by Riley! If you enjoy stories of queer awakening, questioning faith, found family, summer camp,and a little revenge, you’d enjoy this one!
Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Thank you to Libro FM, Wednesday Books, and Macmillan Audio for an ALC of this book! 

I absolutely loved this concept - so unique and a fun take on a mystery. This book addresses some big issues, and I think it did a great job. That ending though?! I would NEED to read the next one if we’re continuing. 

The only thing I struggled on was pacing. There was a stretch in the middle of the book where not much was happening besides things with side characters, and I think it took away from the main storyline. 
The ABCs of Women's History by Rio Cortez

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hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

Thank you to Libro FM for the ALC of this book! 

I’m hearing that I missed out on the illustrations of the book, but the audiobook/content is fabulous! The diversity of the people articulated, the differing ages of the speakers, the impact that women have made. A great book to add to my library for future kids!