Cannonball Read 18

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time


Rated PG-16 and odd

Artichoke Tales by Megan Kelso

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Artichoke Tales by Megan Kelso is a very odd book. At first, I was enjoying this slow-paced story that seemed to have a point. But while I was busy trying to figure out who was who (as the artichoke heads and same tunic clothing made everyone look the same) I was sideswiped. There is a switch in the story and there was no warning. Are we “Then” or “Then-Then” or “Now”? Is this Ramona, Brigitte, or Dorian? (I picked those three as they are mother, daughter […]

Payden gets a party

Payden’s Pronoun Party by Blue Jaryn

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Payden has always used he/him pronouns, until one day Payden realizes those words might not fit. Payden’s parents promise to throw a big party to introduce whatever pronouns Payden chooses–but which pronouns are the best match? This is all you need to know about Payden’s Pronoun Party.  We explore pronouns the different people in Payden’s life use, they have a big party for Payden when the ones that fit are found, and The End. Gender exploration has never been so … done before. Now, if […]

It smells like teen spirit

Bounce Back by Misako Rocks!

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I picked up Bounce Back by Misako Rocks! several weeks ago, while I was in the vehicle waiting for someone to leave the grocery store. I did not get very far, so when I picked it up again a few days ago, I skimmed to remind myself what was going on. I realized I had missed pages and a couple plot points. So, not off to a good start for this cute book with diversity and contemporary themes. But I got into the swing of […]

“Sometimes it seems like writing is the only way I keep from hurting.”

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

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CBR14 Bingo: Verse (the whole book is written as poems) Xiomara and her brother Xavier (who Xiomara mostly refers to as Twin) are miracle babies, born late in life to their parents, who never believed they would have children. Growing up in Harlem, New York, they’re nevertheless part of the Dominican culture of their immigrant parents. Their mother is deeply religious and was possibly going to be a nun before she met their dad, whose wandering eye meant he got around plenty before marrying. While […]

You know, it is okay to say fat

Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonado

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When I started reading Fat Chance, Charlie Vega I was okay. This is a thing. It is a little slow, but I can work with that. Then I started thinking I had read it before. I have concluded that I either have read the first few chapters or the two scenes that were really making me think I read before are “subject word for word” to other things read. Perhaps that is because the teen romance troupe is something we know and the author “went […]

Mindy and change

Paws: Mindy Makes Some Space by Nathan Fairbairn

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Paws: Mindy Makes Some Space by Nathan Fairbairn, and illustrated by Michele Assarasakorn   This book is a cozy friendship story that includes three best friends, lots of dogs, a cat named Chonk, and (finally) new friends. There are a lot of bumps along the way (and hopefully only chocolate in the face of one girl) but still it makes for a fun read.   Now the bumps are several fold. First, there was a story plot mentioned that was confusing to me as I was thinking […]



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