kathyellendavis's reviews
34 reviews

Peace Is a Practice: An Invitation to Breathe Deep and Find a New Rhythm for Life by Morgan Harper Nichols

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

This is a gorgeous book that will
inspire you to slow down while also living your life in a way that makes the world better. Morgan invites you to reflect on many aspects of your life and the world in short chapters focused on topics such as hope, growing, freedom, trusting, and more. I loved the stories she shared on each topic from her life and how she takes it to the universal level too. You'll want everyone to read it after you do; she's an inspiring artist who is changing the world for the better through this book. 

Teddy vs. the Fuzzy Doom by Braden Hallett

adventurous emotional funny mysterious 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

A great highly illustrated middle grade with an anxious kid at the center who is battling his own self talk, a new school, and a hatred of milk. Cool other kids, hamsters trying to take over people, and a pukey adventure, perfect for action lovers and readers who like things a little spooky. I really liked the illustrations and the kid characters. Read most of it aloud to my eight year old, and she started reading it then surpassed where we were at because she liked it so much. We already have the next one on hold at the library! 

The Skull by Jon Klassen

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

My kids really like this book! It's a bit spooky, a bit weird, a bit dark, a bit sad, and a bit hopeful and has a nice friendship to it. Who can resist a story about running away, some dark woods, a talking skull, and a mysterious skeleton who comes at night? Somehow it's not too scary and draws the kids in.

Paper Planes by Jennie Wood

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

I really liked how the book flashed back into the past to give us that part of the story. I loved Leighton and Dylan's friendship, and the harsh reminder that sometimes we have to push away the people we love due to things out of our control. I was happy to see the gender euphoria and asexual rep too. It felt very true to the high school experience, and I felt like the ending was really hopeful. 

Truly, Madly, Deeply by Alexandria Bellefleur

adventurous emotional hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

What a fun read! I thought the bi-rep was awesome, loved the texting, the secondary characters, and of course the main characters; I kind of liked that there was no huge breakup moment, just lots of uncertainty moments for Truly along the way. Very spicy and a quick and enjoyable read. I loved how they modeled good communication (eventually, when Truly got there) and laughed out loud at a few points. Read this, you won't regret it!

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio

adventurous funny hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

Whew, I was exhausted for Lauren, having to deal with all of these husbands, and trying to figure out how she can make her life around this attic problem. I didn't see most things coming, it made me think about my life and relationships, and it was unlike anything I had ever read. As an anxious person, it made me anxious for Lauren, so great job getting me to relate to her so well, author! I have a feeling this will be one that gets sold and beloved simply on the plot alone, but the story will stick in people's minds for a while too.

Prejudential: Black America and the Presidents by Margaret Kimberley

informative reflective sad medium-paced

This is an excellent book for every American in particular to read. We are taught about all the great things the Presidents have done; this book looks at each one and their policies and views concerning Black Americans, when they were in office and out. I knew many Presidents owned slaves, but I did not know how so many of them were openly racist, supported sending all Black Americans out of the country because they didn't think they could co-exist with white Americans, and promised things to Black voters simply to get their vote, then went against everything they promised. We have to do better in our country, and the first step is learning the truth about these people that are painted in such a great light. Everyone deserves to learn the truth and deserves representatives who will work hard to undo the racism that our country was built on

Adventures in Cartooning: Christmas Special by James Sturm, Andrew Arnold, Alexis Frederick-Frost

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

Fun Christmas book that will inspire kids to make cartoons and comics. Nice touch that the dragon celebrates Hanukkah and not Christmas. Fun rhyming text, engaging illustrations, and a suggestion for readers to write their own comics to Santa.

A Very Babymouse Christmas by Jennifer L. Holm, Matthew Holm

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

Babymouse is so funny and anxious and excitable and imaginative. It's always a fun rollercoaster reading one of her books. I liked how Hanukkah was included as well even though it's a Christmas book. 

Chef's Kiss by TJ Alexander

emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This was a fun story to be in. I really liked the main characters and felt like I knew them right away and could relate. There were funny and tense moments, moments where characters said the right thing and where characters said the wrong thing, and so many interesting moments around baking, food, and beer! It was also the first time I had read a book where a character got top surgery; I can't speak for how accurate the representation of that was but I can be thankful it was included. I would read another book with these characters in a heartbeat!