Cannonball Read 17

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

There’s a lot to unpack and my suitcase isn’t big enough

My Father, the Panda Killer by Jamie Jo Hoang

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After finishing My Father, the Panda Killer by Jamie Jo Hoang, I texted a friend to tell her I had finally finished the difficult book I was reading. It was difficult as the pacing felt slow to me and the subject is far from easy. The main character is the first generation to be born in the states after her parents fled war-torn Vietnam during/after the war. We, like the narrator Jane, learn about things in snippets with her having to fill in the blanks. […]

I’m on a role with Author Leila Boukarim

Rima and the Painter by Leila Boukarim

Lost Words: An Armenian Story of Survival and Hope by Leila Boukarim

Sundays Are for Feasts by Leila Boukarim

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Once upon a time there was a day where picture books were read. Each one was special in their own way, but since they were picture books I didn’t want to weaken their goodness with a too long review for each one individually, Therefore, I put them in one review. Each one was read via an online reader copy. I will start with Rima and the Painter by Leila Boukarim and illustrated by Melissa Iwai. Due later in July 2025, this book is about a […]

While looks easy, there is a lot packed it and not all of it is nice, but worth the read

Fitting Indian by Jyoti Chand and Tara Anand

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Fitting Indian by Jyoti Chand and Tara Anand has several potential triggers. They include (but are not limited to): self-harm, alcohol consumption, sexual context, suicidal thoughts, bullying, mental health, suicide attempt, and cultural situations/responses. Despite the issues, or maybe because of them, this is actually a fantastic story about how mental health is “hidden” even when it is right in front of you. The idea of being the “perfect Indian girl”, the idea of the “favorite son,” the idea of family and honor, and more, […]

The size of history

We Are American, Too by Kristen Mei Chase and Jieting Chen

The Memory Cake by Caroline L. Perry and Jen Bricking

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History is all around us. And history can be as large as World War II or as small as being the second person of your race being born in a town.  We Are American, Too tackles that second theme. Kristen Mei Chase and illustrator Jieting Chen follow a family on an important day of celebration. They are honoring their history, family, their people and even themselves. The originality of the book comes from how the story is told, instead of “just another immigrant story” which […]

I want to ride my bicycle and eat noodles

Noodle on a Bicycle (Caldecott Honor Book) by Kyo Maclear and Gracey Zhang

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I can be a snob when a book is given high praise. Especially winning something like the Caldecott or even a Caldecott honor award. Now, that is not to say the book wasn’t deserving, but I have the personality that says, “Was it really that good?” Usually, I can enjoy it, but no, it was not worth the “hype.” I said usually. The picture book Noodle on a Bicycle (Caldecott Honor Book) by Kyo Maclear and Gracey Zhang (as the illustrator) was worth the award(s) […]

The answer is because We are AWWWWEEEESOOOME!

Why We Need Aunts. by Gregory E. Lang

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The title is:  Why We Need Aunts. The author is Gregory E. Lang. The illustrator is Lisa Alderson. It was read via an online reader copy. It is due in September 2025. Yes, dear reader, one must wait until Fall 2025 to learn why Lang thinks we need aunts and how Alderson has decided to illustrate that. I will say that the number one reason one needs an aunt is that we are AWESOME! We spoil you. We give great hugs. We know the fun […]



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