Review: All of Us Villains

All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Publication Date: 9 November 2021

Publisher's Description

 The Blood Moon rises. The Blood Veil falls. The Tournament begins.

Every generation, at the coming of the Blood Moon, seven families in the remote city of Ilvernath each name a champion to compete in a tournament to the death.

The prize? Exclusive control over a secret wellspring of high magick, the most powerful resource in the world--one thought long depleted.

This year, thanks to a salacious tell-all book, the seven champions are thrust into worldwide spotlight, granting each of them new information, new means to win, and most importantly: a choice - accept their fate or rewrite their story.

But this is a story that must be penned in blood.

Review: Pax, Journey Home

Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


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Publication Date: 7 September 2021

Publisher's Description

In Pax, Journey Home, Peter, who is mourning his losses while grappling with feelings of guilt and alienation, embarks upon a journey back to his home with two military veterans who are part of a community calling themselves Water Warriors who are working to heal the land from the scars of war. Meanwhile, Pax mates with Bristle and becomes a father. When one of his kits becomes disabled after drinking poisoned water, Pax searches out Peter to obtain his help in saving the kit from certain death in the wild.

Review: Choose Your Own Adventure Eighth Grade Witch

Choose Your Own Adventure Eighth Grade Witch by Andrew E.C. Gaska
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



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Publication Date: 24 August 2021

Publisher's Description

The first official Choose Your Own Adventure graphic novel!

From the hit Choose Your Own Adventure® novels comes a newly adapted graphic novel taking readers on their own visual adventure! Enter a ghoulish world of nightmares, witches, ghosts, and dreaded the eighth grade as Rabbit, the new kid on the block! As Rabbit, readers will get to choose which adventure--or nightmare--they'll embark on. From learning about the mysterious witch Prudence Deadly, to trouncing through spooky graveyards, to meeting ghostly ancestors or channeling some witchcraft with classmates, no one path leads to the same destination.

Will you choose a path that leads to the light? Or will the path you choose lead to a gruesome end? You get to decide!

 

Review: ParaNorthern: And the Chaos Bunny A-hop-calypse

ParaNorthern: And the Chaos Bunny A-hop-calypse by Stephanie Cooke
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


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Publication Date: 13 July 2021

Publisher's Description

A witch named Abby and her three friends—a wolf-girl, a ghost, and a pumpkinhead—band together to try and save their supernatural town from an invasion of rabid (but adorable!) chaos bunnies in this enchanting middle-grade graphic novel for fans of Making Friends, The Okay Witch, and Lumberjanes.

It’s fall break in the supernatural town of North Haven, and young witch Abby’s plans include pitching in at her mom’s magical coffee shop, practicing her potion making, and playing board games with her best friends—a pumpkinhead, a wolf-girl, and a ghost. But when Abby finds her younger sister being picked on by some speed demons, she lets out a burst of magic so strong, it opens a portal to a realm of chaos bunnies. And while these bunnies may look cute, they’re about to bring the a-hop-ocalypse (and get Abby in a cauldronful of trouble) unless she figures out a way to reverse the powerful magic she unwittingly released. What’s a witch to do?

In this deliciously humorous, cozy, and bewitching graphic novel, sometimes the most of powerful magic comes from our connections to family and friends (but kicking bunny butt is great, too).

Review: Roar of the Beast

Roar of the Beast by Chad Sell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


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Publication Date: 1 June 2021

Publisher's Description

Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and All's Faire in Middle School, this sequel to the Eisner Award-nominated The Cardboard Kingdom follows the kids as they solve the mystery of a new neighborhood monster.

A mystery is afoot in the Cardboard Kingdom.

Vijay, the Beast, renounces his title after being bullied by neighborhood teenagers. No one--not his big sister Shikha or his friends--can seem to draw him back out of his shell.

That very night is when it starts. At first, no one believes Nate, who breaks his leg trying to pursue what he saw from his bedroom window. But then there's another, and another. An unknown monster has been spotted roaming the Kingdom after dark. It's ghastly, it's quick, and it might even have giant tentacles. Or claws. Or wings. Okay, there might be some varied testimonies on what exactly this monster looks like.

Forget Halloween--the newly minted Monster Mashers will go to any lengths to protect the Kingdom and uncover this mystery. But how did the monster get here? What does it want? And mostly importantly, who is behind its creation?

Review: World Piece, Vol. 1

World Piece, Vol. 1 by Josh Tierney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


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Publication Date: 8 June 2021

Publisher's Description

Josh Tierney and Agroshka’s sci-fi adventure follows Lucas Densen, a 16-year-old high schooler who suddenly finds himself protecting an Earth that has been shrunk by an unknown alien artifact—the world is literally in his hands!

Lucas Densen has earned his easygoing high school reputation through hard work and optimism. Life seems to be smooth sailing for this basketball-playing stargazer until an alien artifact shrinks the world, along with everything Lucas loves. What awaits him in this new realm where worlds are the size of your palm, and can he find out how to restore the Earth?

Lucas Densen has earned his easygoing reputation through hard work and optimism. When not playing basketball for his high school team, the Pulsars, Lucas enjoys visiting his mother’s archaeological excavations. During one visit, Lucas accidentally triggers an ancient alien artifact that suddenly transforms Earth into a small glowing orb no larger than a basketball! Transported to a mysterious realm with nothing but what’s on his back and the planet in his hands, Lucas encounters a friendly alien, Lully, who offers to help. What awaits him in this new realm where worlds are the size of your palm, and can he find out how to restore Earth?

Review: We Can't Keep Meeting Like This

We Can't Keep Meeting Like This by Rachel Lynn Solomon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Publication Date: 8 June 2021

Publisher's Description

A wedding harpist disillusioned with love and a hopeless romantic cater-waiter flirt and fight their way through a summer of weddings in this effervescent romantic comedy from the acclaimed author of Today Tonight Tomorrow.

Quinn Berkowitz and Tarek Mansour’s families have been in business together for years: Quinn’s parents are wedding planners, and Tarek’s own a catering company. At the end of last summer, Quinn confessed her crush on him in the form of a rambling email—and then he left for college without a response.

Quinn has been dreading seeing him again almost as much as she dreads another summer playing the harp for her parents’ weddings. When he shows up at the first wedding of the summer, looking cuter than ever after a year apart, they clash immediately. Tarek’s always loved the grand gestures in weddings—the flashier, the better—while Quinn can’t see them as anything but fake. Even as they can’t seem to have one civil conversation, Quinn’s thrown together with Tarek wedding after wedding, from performing a daring cake rescue to filling in for a missing bridesmaid and groomsman.

Quinn can’t deny her feelings for him are still there, especially after she learns the truth about his silence, opens up about her own fears, and begins learning the art of harp-making from an enigmatic teacher.

Maybe love isn’t the enemy after all—and maybe allowing herself to fall is the most honest thing Quinn’s ever done.

Welcome MALA!

Today is my virtual presentation for the Mid-America Library Alliance (MALA), so if you have found your way here from the session I want to start off with a huge

I hope each and everyone you found something to inspire you today.

Here's a round-up of the resources that we went over so you can dive deeper into whatever you need and skip past what you don't:

DIY Stickers

Book Club

Writing Club

Anime Club

Bookclubz

Bokksu

Bucilla My 1st Stitch (Amazon search list)

Punch Needle Embroidery for Beginners

Generation T

Teen Services Underground

Teen Librarian Toolbox

YALSA Teen Programming HQ

The Hub (YALSA)

I think that covers everything so go forth and be inspired! If I missed anything please let me know in the comments below. And drop me a message if you need anything else-I'm always glad to lend a hand (or a head in the more abstract 'Two brains are better than one' sense).

Edited to Add:

Where do I go to keep up with trends? The answer: many places. Here's a rundown of some of my faves:

Trend Watching -a paid service, but they do have an active twitter feed with some freebies

Etsy Trends

Google Trends

YouTube Trends

Twitter Trends

BuzzFeed

Martha Stewart sometimes has some good round-ups of craft trends and they are always on target!

This is my overview of trends watching for general and crafty trends. And I hope it helps.

Review: Talk Bookish to Me

Talk Bookish to Me by Kate Bromley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Publication Date: 25 May 2021

Publisher's Description

 Inspiration can come from the most unlikely—and inconvenient—sources.

Kara Sullivan’s life is full of love—albeit fictional. As a bestselling romance novelist and influential bookstagrammer, she’s fine with getting her happily-ever-after fix between the covers of a book.

But right now? Not only is Kara’s best friend getting married next week—which means big wedding stress—but the deadline for her next novel is looming, and she hasn’t written a single word. The last thing she needs is for her infuriating first love, Ryan Thompson, to suddenly appear in the wedding party. But Ryan’s unexpected arrival sparks a creative awakening in Kara that inspires the steamy historical romance she desperately needs to deliver.

With her wedding duties intensifying, her deadline getting closer by the second and her bills not paying themselves, Kara knows there’s only one way for her to finish her book and to give her characters the ever-after they deserve. But can she embrace the unlikely, ruggedly handsome muse—who pushes every one of her buttons—to save the wedding, her career and, just maybe, write her own happy ending?

 

Review: Sixteen Scandals

Sixteen Scandals by Sophie Jordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


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Publication Date: 25 May 2021

Publisher's Description

In this irreverent regency romp by New York Times best-selling author Sophie Jordan, newly minted sixteen-year-old Primrose Ainsworth finds herself on a wayward birthday adventure through London with a mysterious hero—perfect for fans of My Lady Jane.

The youngest of four daughters, Primrose Ainsworth is used to getting lost in the shuffle. But when her parents decide to delay her debut into English society, Prim hatches a plan to go rogue on the night of her sixteenth birthday.

Donning a mask, Prim escapes to the infamous Vauxhall Gardens for one wild night. When her cover is nearly blown, a mysterious stranger intercedes, and Prim finds an unexpected partner in mischief . . . and romance. But when it’s revealed her new ally isn’t who he says he is, her one night of fun may last past dawn.

In this frothy regency romp perfect for fans of Austen-esque flirtation and Shakespearean hijinks, sometimes a little scandal can be a good thing.

Review: Cool for the Summer

Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



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Publication Date: 11 May 2021

Publisher's Description

Lara's had eyes for exactly one person throughout her three years of high school: Chase Harding. He's tall, strong, sweet, a football star, and frankly, stupid hot. Oh, and he's talking to her now. On purpose and everything. Maybe...flirting, even? No, wait, he's definitely flirting, which is pretty much the sum of everything Lara's wanted out of life.

Except she’s haunted by a memory. A memory of a confusing, romantic, strangely perfect summer spent with a girl named Jasmine. A memory that becomes a confusing, disorienting present when Jasmine herself walks through the front doors of the school to see Lara and Chase chatting it up in front of the lockers.

Lara has everything she ever wanted: a tight-knit group of friends, a job that borders on cool, and Chase, the boy of her literal dreams. But if she's finally got the guy, why can't she stop thinking about the girl?

Cool for the Summer is a story of self-discovery and new love. It’s about the things we want and the things we need. And it’s about the people who will let us be who we are.

Review: Verity Fairy: Sleeping Beauty

Verity Fairy: Sleeping Beauty by D.K. Publishing
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Publication Date: 1 June 2021

Publisher's Description

This delightful book with beautiful, illustrated characters is a magical retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty fairy tale with a twist.

In this captivating interpretation of a classic fairy tale, children can rediscover the much-loved story of Sleeping Beauty while exploring the kingdom of the fairies--a place where all of the classic fairy tales coexist and intertwine. In this retelling of Sleeping Beauty, youngsters can follow Verity and her fairy friends in the Fairy-tale Kingdom and see how they help good prevail over evil, making sure everyone lives happily ever after. Verity means truth, and that is exactly what she does: she tells the truth, ALL the time, and it often gets her into a lot of trouble!

Gorgeous characters, simple text, and a splash of humor make Verity Fairy: The Real Story of Sleeping Beauty a captivating book to share. A perfect gift for every young child to enjoy, it will spark curiosity and imagination, while gently encouraging conversation around the difference between right and wrong.

Review: Stranger Things: Science Camp

Stranger Things: Science Camp by Jody Houser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Publication Date: 4 May 2021

Publisher's Description

The comics based on the hit Netflix series delve into B-movie horror nostalgia when Dustin goes to summer camp, confronts a sinister figure in an Albert Einstein mask, and joins forces with Suzie to solve mysterious disappearances.

Dustin arrives at Camp Know Where to navigate the new social hierarchy without the support of his Hawkins adventuring party. While also faced with nerdy bullies, a new menace haunts the young scientists and camp counselors. A mysterious figure with sinister intent arrives to disrupt the serene woodland scene. When camp counselors start to disappear, the solution won't take rocket science, but Dustin will have to get on the same wavelength as Suzie and the other campers before tensions reach a boiling point.

Writer Jody Houser (Critical Role, Stranger Things: Into the Fire) returns with Edgar Salazar and Keith Champagne (Stranger Things: SIX) to create a new miniseries in the Stranger Things universe, taking place between seasons two and three of the hit Netflix show.

Collects Stranger Things: Science Camp #1-#4.

Review: Nightingale

Nightingale by Deva Fagan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


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Publication Date: 20 April 2021

Publisher's Description

A plucky orphan girl stumbles into a conflict centuries in the making in this thrilling middle grade fantasy about unexpected heroes, the power of friendship, and one boisterous enchanted sword.

Twelve-year-old Lark is determined to escape her squalid life at Miss Starvenger’s boarding house, but she needs to find the coin to do it. Her grand scheme? To steal her fortune from the Royal Museum.

Unfortunately, her heist goes off the rails, and Lark ends up stealing a magical sword right out from under the nose of Prince Jasper, who’s none too happy to have his plans thwarted. Lark soon discovers that the Sword has a mind of its own, and has chosen her to be the next Nightingale, a fabled hero who must vanquish an ancient evil that is waking after centuries of sleep.

Working alone has its limitations, but relying on others after a lifetime of disappointments feels impossible. Still, Lark will need the help of her boarding house roommates if she wants to defeat the villainous forces that threaten to dismantle everything she holds dear.

 

Review: Kate in Waiting

Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Publication Date: 20 April 2021

Publisher's Description

From #1 New York Times bestselling author and rom-com queen Becky Albertalli comes a buoyant new novel about daring to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight in love, life, and, yes, theater.

Contrary to popular belief, best friends Kate Garfield and Anderson Walker are not codependent. Carpooling to and from theater rehearsals? Environmentally sound and efficient. Consulting each other on every single life decision? Basic good judgment. Pining for the same guys from afar? Shared crushes are more fun anyway.

But when Kate and Andy’s latest long-distance crush shows up at their school, everything goes off-script. Matt Olsson is talented and sweet, and Kate likes him. She really likes him. The only problem? So does Anderson.  

Turns out, communal crushes aren’t so fun when real feelings are involved. This one might even bring the curtains down on Kate and Anderson’s friendship.

 

Review: Malice

Malice by Heather Walter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
 

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Publication Date: 13 April 2021

Publisher's Description

A princess isn’t supposed to fall for an evil sorceress. But in this “bewitching and fascinating” (Tamora Pierce) retelling of “Sleeping Beauty,” true love is more than a simple fairy tale.
 
“Walter’s spellbinding debut is for all the queer girls and women who’ve been told to keep their gifts hidden and for those yearning to defy gravity.”—O: The Oprah Magazine

Once upon a time, there was a wicked fairy who, in an act of vengeance, cursed a line of princesses to die. A curse that could only be broken by true love’s kiss.

You’ve heard this before, haven’t you? The handsome prince. The happily ever after.

Utter nonsense.

Let me tell you, no one in Briar actually cares about what happens to its princesses. Not the way they care about their jewels and elaborate parties and charm-granting elixirs. I thought I didn’t care, either.

Until I met her.

Princess Aurora. The last heir to Briar’s throne. Kind. Gracious. The future queen her realm needs. One who isn’t bothered that I am Alyce, the Dark Grace, abhorred and feared for the mysterious dark magic that runs in my veins. Humiliated and shamed by the same nobles who pay me to bottle hexes and then brand me a monster. Aurora says I should be proud of my gifts. That she . . . cares for me. Even though a power like mine was responsible for her curse.

But with less than a year until that curse will kill her, any future I might see with Aurora is swiftly disintegrating—and she can’t stand to kiss yet another insipid prince. I want to help her. If my power began her curse, perhaps it’s what can lift it. Perhaps together we could forge a new world.

Nonsense again. Because we all know how this story ends, don’t we? Aurora is the beautiful princess. And I—

I am the villain.

Book One of the Malice Duology

Review: Dinosaurs Before Dark Graphic Novel

Dinosaurs Before Dark Graphic Novel by Mary Pope Osborne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Publication Date: 4 May 2021

Publisher's Description

The #1 bestselling chapter book is now a graphic novel! Magic. Mystery. Time-travel. Get whisked back in time in the magic tree house with Jack and Annie!

Where did the tree house come from?

Before Jack and Annie can find out, the mysterious tree house whisks them to the prehistoric past. Now they have to figure out how to get home. Can they do it before dark...or will they become a dinosaur's dinner?
For the first time in graphic novel--live the adventure again in the very first Magic Tree House book, with new art from comic artists Kelly and Nichole Matthews!

Have more fun with Jack and Annie at MagicTreeHouse.com!

 

Bring Your Own Book: Animal Edition

 

It's time for a special Librarian-Created edition of Bring Your Own Book just in time for Summer 2021!

 

Pop Tab Bracelets-Part 2

I'm making an update to my past post on Pop Tab Bracelets because it is an upcoming Grab & Go for my teens this month.

Greeting SCKLS Librarians!

I just wrapped up another presentation on Tails & Tales & Teens-this time for the South Central Kansas Library System. And since they will most likely start making their way here for resources, I thought this is the best way to say welcome and let me know what you need from me to make your summer run a bit more smoothly.

Incidentally, wouldn't this be an intriguing writing prompt for the summer?

I wonder what the consequences would be...

SLP 2021: Animal Toys, part 2

I love the wacky creativity that comes with making something new and this summer that is probably going to extend to creating some new creatures.

SLP 2021: No-Sew Bag

I love all things no-sew! And this bag uses the same steps as our T-Shirt Tote bags, but is instead made of animal print fabric. Super easy!

 

Review: Thornwood

Thornwood by Leah Cypess
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Publication Date: 6 April 2021

Publisher's Description

This middle grade debut is Sleeping Beauty like you've never seen it before, about a girl who lives in the shadow of her older sister and the curse that has haunted her from birth.

For years, Briony has lived in the shadow of her beautiful older sister, Rosalin, and the curse that has haunted her from birth--that on the day of her sixteenth birthday she would prick her finger on a spindle and cause everyone in the castle to fall into a 100-year sleep. When the day the curse is set to fall over the kingdom finally arrives, nothing--not even Briony--can stop its evil magic.

You know the story.

But here's something you don't know. When Briony finally wakes up, it's up to her to find out what's really going on, and to save her family and friends from the murderous Thornwood. But who is going to listen to her? This is a story of sisterhood, of friendship, and of the ability of even little sisters to forge their own destiny. The first in a three-book series of fairy tale retellings, these are the stories of the siblings who never made it into the storybook.

SLP 2021: Coasters

 

 

Confession: I think I may have an odd obsession with coasters. Over the years, I have inadvertently acquired a ridiculous amount of coasters in my home. Like ridiculous.

Of these coasters, I have about a good dozen that I have made. Why? Because they were craft samples for library programs for teens and adults.

This summer, my coaster obsession will continue to grow with animal print options.

Review: The Secret Recipe for Moving on

The Secret Recipe for Moving on by Karen Bischer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Publication Date: 23 March 2021

Publisher's Description

Home economics is supposed to be an easy A for Ellie Agresti, but, much like an imperfect souffle, her plans collapse epically when she's dumped by her boyfriend, Hunter. Now Ellie has to mend her broken heart while watching Hunter fawn all over his new girlfriend, Brynn, in class. To make matters worse, Ellie is partnered with four of the biggest misfit guys in school: Jeremy, the loudmouth with temper issues; Isaiah, the solemn, silent horse racing obsessive; Andrew, who can't take rejection; and Luke, the giant, tattooed stunt biker.

Over the course of a semester, Ellie works to overcome her feelings for Hunter, as well as deeper insecurities that have plagued her since middle school. As the weeks go by, she's surprised to find friendships in unexpected places... and sparks flying with the last guy she'd expect.

Review: Sing Me Forgotten

Sing Me Forgotten by Jessica S. Olson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


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Publication Date: 9 March 2021

Publisher's Description

Isda does not exist. At least not beyond the opulent walls of the opera house.

Cast into a well at birth for being one of the magical few who can manipulate memories when people sing, she was saved by Cyril, the opera house’s owner. Since that day, he has given her sanctuary from the murderous world outside. All he asks in return is that she use her power to keep ticket sales high—and that she stay out of sight. For if anyone discovers she survived, Isda and Cyril would pay with their lives.

But Isda breaks Cyril’s cardinal rule when she meets Emeric Rodin, a charming boy who throws her quiet, solitary life out of balance. His voice is unlike any she’s ever heard, but the real shock comes when she finds in his memories hints of a way to finally break free of her gilded prison.

Haunted by this possibility, Isda spends more and more time with Emeric, searching for answers in his music and his past. But the price of freedom is steeper than Isda could ever know. For even as she struggles with her growing feelings for Emeric, she learns that in order to take charge of her own destiny, she must become the monster the world tried to drown in the first place.

SLP 2021: Animal Toys

 You can purchase animal toys in bulk online. They just come in an assorted bag. Likewise, Dollar Tree has many options.

 From there just a few additional pieces give you a range of options.

Review: Delicates

Delicates by Brenna Thummler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


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Publication Date: 23 March 2021

Publisher's Description

 "An original exploration of what it means to be seen and accepted." — Kirkus

Following the events of the bestselling graphic novel, Sheets, Delicates brings Brenna Thummler’s beloved characters, artwork, and charm back to life.

Marjorie Glatt’s life hasn’t been the same ever since she discovered a group of ghosts hiding in her family’s laundromat. Wendell, who died young and now must wander Earth as a ghost with nothing more than a sheet for a body, soon became one of Marjorie’s only friends. But when Marjorie finally gets accepted by the popular kids at school, she begins to worry that if anyone learns about her secret ghost friends, she’ll be labeled as a freak who sees dead people. With Marjorie’s insistence on keeping Wendell’s ghost identity a secret from her new friends, Wendell begins to feel even more invisible than he already is.

Eliza Duncan feels invisible too. She’s an avid photographer, and her zealous interest in finding and photographing ghosts gets her labeled as “different” by all the other kids in school. Constantly feeling on the outside, Eliza begins to feel like a ghost herself. Marjorie must soon come to terms with the price she pays to be accepted by the popular kids. Is it worth losing her friend, Wendell? Is she partially to blame for the bullying Eliza endures?

Delicates tells a powerful story about what it means to fit in, and those left on the outside. It shows what it’s like to feel invisible, and the importance of feeling seen. Above all, it is a story of asking for help when all seems dark, and bringing help and light to those who need it most.

 

SLP 2021: Animal Print Bracelets

 

Let's explore another animal print fashion accessory: bracelets!

I had some leftover fabric from my ridiculously large alien and decided it would be perfect to hold onto for this summer because it is so reptilian.

It turns out it was perfect for a bracelet. Thanks in large part to the stiffness of the fabric.

Review: Amelia Unabridged

Amelia Unabridged by Ashley Schumacher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Publication Date: 16 February 2021

Publisher's Description

 Eighteen-year-old Amelia Griffin is obsessed with the famous Orman Chronicles, written by the young and reclusive prodigy N. E. Endsley. They’re the books that brought her and her best friend Jenna together after Amelia’s father left and her family imploded. So when Amelia and Jenna get the opportunity to attend a book festival with Endsley in attendance, Amelia is ecstatic. It’s the perfect way to start off their last summer before college.

In a heartbeat, everything goes horribly wrong. When Jenna gets a chance to meet the author and Amelia doesn’t, the two have a blowout fight like they’ve never experienced. And before Amelia has a chance to mend things, Jenna is killed in a freak car accident. Grief-stricken, and without her best friend to guide her, Amelia questions everything she had planned for the future.

When a mysterious, rare edition of the Orman Chronicles arrives, Amelia is convinced that it somehow came from Jenna. Tracking the book to an obscure but enchanting bookstore in Michigan, Amelia is shocked to find herself face-to-face with the enigmatic and handsome N. E. Endsley himself, the reason for Amelia’s and Jenna’s fight and perhaps the clue to what Jenna wanted to tell her all along.

Ashley Schumacher's devastating and beautiful debut, Amelia Unabridged, is about finding hope and strength within yourself, and maybe, just maybe, falling in love while you do it.

 

Review: GrowVeg!: 45 Easy Ways to Grow Your Own Food

GrowVeg!: 45 Easy Ways to Grow Your Own Food by Benedict Vanheems
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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 Publication Date: 2 March 2021

Publisher's Description

A book for anyone who has ever wanted to have a little piece of ground for growing their own food — whether fresh strawberries, an array of herbs, or a seasonal rotation of fresh vegetables – but wasn’t sure where to begin, Get Growing! offers simple recipes for gardening projects that are both attainable and beautiful. No matter what size garden — or even without any garden at all — readers will cultivate success, with instructions friendly even for beginners and step-by-step photography for more than 40 edible gardening projects, from a walk-through edible archway to a rustic crate of herbs on a sunny balcony.

 

Review: Much Ado About You

Much Ado About You by Samantha Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

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Publication Date: 2 February 2021

Publisher's Description

The cozy comforts of an English village bookstore open up a world of new possibilities for Evie Starling in this charming new romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young.

At thirty-three-years old Evangeline Starling's life in Chicago is missing that special something. And when she's passed over for promotion at work, Evie realizes she needs to make a change. Some time away to regain perspective might be just the thing. In a burst of impulsivity, she plans a holiday in a quaint English village. The holiday package comes with a temporary position at Much Ado About Books, the bookstore located beneath her rental apartment. There's no better dream vacation for the bookish Evie, a life-long Shakespeare lover.

Not only is Evie swept up in running the delightful store as soon as she arrives, she's drawn into the lives, loves and drama of the friendly villagers. Including Roane Robson, the charismatic and sexy farmer who tempts Evie every day with his friendly flirtations. Evie is determined to keep him at bay because a holiday romance can only end in heartbreak, right? But Evie can't deny their connection and longs to trust in her handsome farmer that their whirlwind romance could turn in to the forever kind of love. 

Review: Finlay Donovan Is Killing It

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Publication Date: 2 February 2021

Publisher's Description

Edgar-Award nominee Elle Cosimano's adult debut, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It is the first in a witty, fast-paced mystery series, following struggling suspense novelist and single mom Finlay Donovan, whose fiction treads dangerously close to the truth as she becomes tangled in real-life murder investigations...

SLP 2021: Animal Live Cams

 

During my presentation this morning for NCKLS & NEKLS, we had a small chat about Live Cams and, as promised, here's a list of some of my favorites. These would be fantastic to promote on your own social media. I'm focusing on the free (but donations are quite welcome) options.

SLP 2021: Duct Tape Wallet

 

 

I'm beginning to treat this summer as the summer of animal print. Much like my earlier post on Origami, this is a craft that we are all pretty familiar with and switching to animal print is an easy way to tie it in to our summer theme.

With that in mind, let's make some easy duct tape wallets.

SLP 2021: No Sew Scrunchies

 

SLP 2021: Cute as a Button

 

Review: Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun, Vol. 1

Assassin's Creed: Blade of Shao Jun, Vol. 1 by Minoji Kurata
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
hers. 

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Publication Date: 16 February 2021

Publisher's Description

 A gripping manga based on Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China video game, featuring iconic Assassin Shao Jun. Unveil a tale that will engulf the world.

1526 AD—China is ruled by the Great Ming Empire. Though the empire flourishes, the winds of the new Emperor’s political purge are sweeping over the land, and turmoil is brewing. With the decimation of her comrades, Shao Jun has become China’s last Assassin. After escaping to Europe, she has now returned alone to her homeland. Her purpose: vengeance!

Review: The King's Beast, Vol. 1

The King's Beast, Vol. 1 by Rei Toma
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Publication Date: 3 March 2021

Publisher's Description

A smoldering tale of romance and revenge set in the world of the New York Times best seller Dawn of the Arcana!

Legend says that a sacred beast appears in the time of a great king…

Ajin are people who bear the attributes of beasts, and in this kingdom they are forced to serve men in the military and women in the brothels. The Ajin boys who show signs of special abilities are conscripted to serve in the imperial palace as beast servants—status symbols and shields for their royal masters, to be kept or discarded on a whim. When Rangetsu’s twin brother Sogetsu showed signs of such abilities, he was ripped from her arms and given to Prince Tenyou as a beast servant, where he quickly fell victim to bloody royal intrigues. Now in a world that promises only bitterness, Rangetsu’s one hope is to disguise herself as a man and find a way into the palace to avenge her brother!

But Prince Tenyou is not what Rangetsu expected, and the political currents in the palace run deep and strange. Does Rangetsu have any chance of finding justice for her brother, or will she become just another Ajin casualty in the game of kings?

SLP 2021: Origami

 

SLP 2021: Easiest Basket Upcycle

 

SLP 2021: Trivia

 

 

With this summer most likely being virtual for us, we are definitely going to be embracing some trivia challenges. Our favorite part of trivia? That we can use the same themes and topics and adjust the questions for any age group. So with that in mind, here's a round-up of some of the areas that we are exploring to coincide with this summer's animal theme for CSLP.

SLP 2021: Nom Nom Nom

 

If you didn't think we were going to use edible bugs this summer, then you were so mistaken!

SLP 2021: Writing Club+ -- Mythological Creatures

Let's return to Writing Club for a moment and discuss a topic that I nearly forgot about. Mainly because it was meant to happen during last summer, but alas...

Mythological Creatures totally fit in this summer.

Review: Love Is a Revolution

Love Is a Revolution by Renée Watson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


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Publication Date:   2 February 2021

 Publisher Description

From New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Rene Watson comes a new YA--a love story about not only a romantic relationship but how a girl finds herself and falls in love with who she really is.

When Nala Robertson reluctantly agrees to attend an open mic night for her cousin-sister-friend Imani's birthday, she finds herself falling in instant love with Tye Brown, the MC. He's perfect, except . . . Tye is an activist and is spending the summer putting on events for the community when Nala would rather watch movies and try out the new seasonal flavors at the local creamery. In order to impress Tye, Nala tells a few tiny lies to have enough in common with him. As they spend more time together, sharing more of themselves, some of those lies get harder to keep up. As Nala falls deeper into keeping up her lies and into love, she'll learn all the ways love is hard, and how self-love is revolutionary.

In Love Is a Revolution, plus size girls are beautiful and get the attention of the hot guys, the popular girl clique is not shallow but has strong convictions and substance, and the ultimate love story is not only about romance but about how to show radical love to the people in your life, including to yourself. 

SLP 2021: Oil Pastel Animals