Cannonball Read 18

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time


Why does it matter who drew it if it’s good?

Botticelli's Apprentice by Ursula Murray Husted

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Botticelli’s Apprentice  is a nice cozy read that is not just a “girl wants to paint because can’t because, you know, “girl” story.”  While this book is not a “perfect five” (there are a few things I was not 100% liking (sorry Blue, you’re cute, but OMG what a problem pup!) it is almost there.  It was a book I read in almost one sitting (and probably would have if it hadn’t been online). Ursula Murray Husted has a story that is about the time, […]

Wagnificent tail… tale

Wagnificent V02 A New Dog in the Den by Bethanie Murguia

Wagnificent V01 The Adventures of Thunder and Sage by Bethanie Murguia

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I was looking at online reader copies when I noticed Wagnificent: A New Dog in the Den by Bethanie Murguia. I did not realize it was book two until I started reading it. There were some comments and pieces that were not adding up, making it feel like it wasn’t the first book. Even if you are the ages it is aimed for, I don’t think you would have to read book one to know what is happening in two, but it probably would help […]

One summer of food, friends, family

Speak Up, Santiago!: A Hillside Valley Graphic Novel by Julio Anta

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Speak Up, Santiago!: A Hillside Valley Graphic Novel by Julio Anta and illustrator Gabi Mendez is a story about friendship (even to yourself), family and finding your place. The cultural references, the ideas of community and more comes to life. The feeling is a younger The Misfits by James Howe, with colorful illustrations that brings Santi and his four new friends together.  In the end it is a cozy read that is both familiar and fresh. Santi is trying to come to terms with not […]

Junie B. and the kinda smelly book

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus: The Graphic Novel by Barbara Park and Colleen A. F. Venable

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I can see why people did not like Junie B. Jones novels after reading Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus: The Graphic Novel, and not just because of the words “stupid” and “smelly” are used by Junie B. I will say her attitude could be likened to Eloise or DW Read from the Arthur tv series. So if you like Eloise or DW like characters, you will love Junie B. Jones. The author Colleen A. F. Venable adapted Barbara Parks’ beloved Junie B. […]

On guard that cha-cha-cha!

On Guard!: A Marshall Middle School Graphic Novel by Cassidy Wasserman

Swing by Audrey Meeker and Sarah Davidson

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Graphic novels are one of my favorite genres to read.  They cover several themes and ages. Currently middle and young adult graphic novels have several being published. Most of the middle readers are nice, not too in-depth but have a good message. They are fun and relatable without being too heavy for the (strong) 8-9 to (younger) 13-14. Two of those books are reviewed below.  Over a weekend that was cold, I found a quick graphic novel that I hoped wouldn’t go too deep into […]

Kissed by an angel, second life or Toto, whatever you call it, it’s all about love

Toto by Hyewon Yum

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Toto by Hyewon Yum is currently available, but I had an online reader copy. Things are cute, but also serious as we are dealing with a birthmark on our narrator’s face. The usual things happen (people stare, the girl is nervous about it, her mother tries to hide it) but it is at school when our gal learns how special her mark (that she calls Toto) is. Things did not “wow” me, but I enjoyed the book. It is a nice addition to the idea […]



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