Cannonball Read 18

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time


It’s the 1980s and punk is hot & so are Nina & Kerri. So, now what?

Punk Like Me by JD Glass

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Really the only part of Punk Like Me by JD Glass and illustrations by Kris Dresen is that the end happened a little too quickly, and (SPOILER) it was a little too neatly wrapped up. But that is really the only issue I have with the “overallness” of things. We follow Nina, a girl who will have many labels put on her (sister, daughter, friend, girlfriend, dyke, lesbian, swimmer, student, trouble maker, possible Annapolis bound) as she grows, but which is really her? What is […]

Adult literacy

My Kentucky Moonlight School by Kim Michele Richardson

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My Kentucky Moonlight School is another book (read via an online reader) due in August 2026 but is a must to talk about now. Kim Michele Richardson’s story is about a family, their community and how they learn to read during “Moonlight sessions” of schooling. It is sweet, educational and even a little humorous at times.  This is enhanced by Chloe M. Giroux who illustrates the adventures of this family with earthy tones, bright shading and light use, and just the right amount of details. […]

When in a pinch use a banana

The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah by Laurel Snyder and Leanne Hatch

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After reading the book, Shrinking Violet by Laurel Snyder, I wondered what else they had written. I found The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah (illustrated by Leanne Hatch). It is currently available (it came out mid September 2025) but I was able to find an online reader copy. I might purchase a few copies for some adult friends and/or my local library as it had a fresh take that makes it “not another Hanukkah” story. Most Hanukkah books have an ideal setting for […]

Book images came from the interweb, but I like them so used them so thanks to who posted

My Heart Speaks Kriolu by Stefanie Foster Brown and Keisha Morris

Piccolo by Dan Yaccarino

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For this review I am going to combine My Heart Speaks Kriolu by Stefanie Foster Brown and Keisha Morris, and the title Piccolo by Dan Yaccarino. Both are currently available but were read via an online reader. This combination is not because of their themes being alike. Or even their place being mentioned, but because they have a nice “other” to them while staying familiar.  both books are good books if you want something that will not be a surprise in theme, but is presented […]

The man in the black hat and his magic box

Gwendy’s Button Box (Book 1) by Stephen King

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Wanna know something funny? I think Gwendy’s Button Box (Book 1) found me and not the other way around. It has been out for awhile (2017 or so) and I had seen it off and on, but it was Stephen King so I expected it to be super horror, gross, and I was never in the mood for that. Then one day, I saw a list of books and this one was on it. And I said, you know what? It is short, let me […]

The review I date myself by my pop culture references or Scooby Doo and the Not so Masked Villains

Toxic Summer by Derek Charm

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The cover of Toxic Summer by Derek Charm looks like it would be a fun, summer romance romp. Maybe it would have some misadventures or possibly a monster that is a masked one, or even one that has a “is it or isn’t it?” thought. But instead, it turned out to be a bit cartoonish and not always in a fun way.  Still, if you like over-the-top antics, a bit of humor, and somewhat queer romance, this is the book for you. Of course, you […]



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