Cannonball Read 18

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time


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I know someone who could have been here, do you?

The Degenerates by J. Albert Mann

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SPOILER included: The Degenerates is a slow story, that ends on a not happy note! I wanted my happy ending! I know it was not realistic to have one, but these characters all deserve one. With that said, this look set in 1928 and the way “others” are treated is interesting but does lack a little “something.” (Which is partially why I was wanting these characters to have a happy ending.) The afterwards was also interesting, putting things into context. While for at least 12-13 […]

Think a train might hit softer than these ladies

Wild: Or So I Was Born To Be by Cristian Castelo

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cbr14bingo Scandal Level 3 (the scandalous behavior) This first volume of “the Wild” series, is set in the late 1970s and is a coming of age on the roller derby track. Do not worry about winning, just try to stay alive, as you hallucinate, dreams and the rival teams after you. The ketchup, mustard and hamburger colors show in minimalist format, the gruesome ugliness of it all (and the spaghetti eating contest wall of shame). Cristian Castelo has a warp self of self. They made […]

Baby it is Flipping (only I didn’t say flipping) cold outside

I Survived the Children’s Blizzard, 1888 (I Survived, #16) by Lauren Tarshis

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cbr14bingo Cold  Level 1 & 2   (Images taken from online)   I Survived the Children’s Blizzard, 1888 (I Survived, #16) by Lauren Tarshis is an easy read for stronger readers but could capture some reluctant readers with the boy narrator and the adventure of the blizzard. The ages could start as young as six or seven for the more advanced reader, as there is little in the way of content that could be considered “too much” (I am sure cartoons and movies today have […]

Maybe not so beautiful afterall

In the Beautiful Country by Jane Kuo

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cbr14bingo Dough Level 2 In the Beautiful Country is a cute story told in verse that shows the ugly of the world, but also the hope that can come from it. The year between 1980 and 1981 of Anna’s life is relatable, powerful and a look into “The Beautiful Country” and the American Dream it promotes but does not always make it easy to obtain. When Anna’s parents announce on Lunar New Year they are moving to The Beautiful Country (America), their family thinks them […]

Shady love

Dancing on the Volcano by Floor de Goede

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cbr14bingo Shadow Level 3 The shadow of a relationship hangs over our main character Flo, as he spends the first time away from his longtime boyfriend, Bas in Dancing on the Volcano. But of course, shadows play a metamorphic role in a few different areas: the shadow of working with others and the lack of consideration for each other, the shadow of “what if?” and literally the Italian volcano that looms over the village. While Flo is traveling, worried about issues with Bas, he is […]

Learning to stand up for yourself and do not bite people

Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier

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cbr14bingo Adapt (Camel) Level 2 If Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier book becomes a series (or is a series already as several books today have started as webtoons), it could become the next Heartbreaker series/sensation. However, I like how the book ended and would be fine without a sequel. Or if there is a series, maybe focus on another character, as there are a few that would be fun to learn about. The friendship story we know (best friends drift apart, and […]



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