Cannonball Read 18

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

I’m a cornucopia of complexity, Sam.

Lucky Strike by Janine Amesta

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Janine Amesta’s engaging Lucky Strike is my kind of catnip – prickly marshmallows who think they are the villain, finding grace for each other and then themselves. Luna is prickly and prone to lash out. Sam has frozen his life after a car accident that resulted in his brother’s death. Luna is back in her hometown, living with her cousin and his pregnant wife in her childhood home. She is looking for an affordable place of her own and after being rejected for one rental, […]

I like picture books 2

In Praise of Mystery by Ada Limón

Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills by Billy Mills and Donna Janell Bowman

It's Fall! (Celebrate the Seasons #1) by Renee Kurilla

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The only issue with picture books is that if you try to write a full review for each individual book it is hard to do. After all, you’re trying to write a 250 word review for a book that might have 50 pages and 200 words. But, that’s why a good Picture Book Roundup is a great way to find books for you to peruse!  Written by Ada Limón and illustrated by Peter Sís, In Praise of Mystery is a romantic and poetic book about […]

I like picture books

The Duck With No Luck by Gemma Merino

Stray Dog for Christmas: How Suzy Was Adopted by Jack Jokinen

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How many times will I tell you I really like picture books? Oh at least once more, or I should say at least this review. Not only are they quick for the adult reader, but they allow you to spend time with your favorite little reader, or make a reader with the right book, or find your classroom having a quiet time. And these two books fit the ticket.  Personally, I’m not a huge fan of the story, The Duck With No Luck by Gemma […]

Loosely based on the author’s life

I Run to Make My Heart Beat by Rachel Khan

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TRIGGERS (but not limited to): sexual assault, smoking, drugs, alcohol, cultural situations    When I found the online link to I Run to Make My Heart Beat by Rachel Khan and illustrated by Aude Massot I thought it was something radically different from what it was.  I assumed it was for the 10 and up crowd, or even younger. It was going to be about a girl who runs. Maybe she will have to overcome the fact she is of color, a woman, or maybe […]

We gotta move it

Goodbye, Old House by Margaret Wild

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While this book is currently available, I located an online reader copy of Goodbye, Old House by Margaret Wild. I was not sure what to expect, but what I got was, well, nifty! It is very basic and repetitive, but there was an odd depth to it as well. I liked the illustrations by Ann James, even though they are equally simple, but again, have a depth to them. In fact, probably what is not  there on the page is as important as what is […]

Upheaval

A Star Shines Through by Anna Desnitskaya

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I have read A Star Shines Through by Anna Desnitskaya a few times. The first time I felt it was a good story. It wasn’t WOW but not eh either. The second time I read it I felt that it had more punch. I think it really depends on the mood you and/or the reader is in for it to make the most impact.  (All the times I have read were via an online reader copy, but it is now currently available). The author bases […]



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