Cannonball Read 18

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

Small poetry book; big punch

Crown Nobel by Bianca Phipps

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Maybe Crown Nobel was too short. Or maybe I was not the right reader for Bianca Phipps’ poetry collection. As there was something about this that was off for me. I knew what they were saying, but sometimes I was not sure what the theme of the poem was. It felt at times that the language was abstract. Or there were pieces missing in the story. However, it was an experience that I am glad I took. Phipps deals with serious subjects. But despite those […]

A semi-autobiographical debut novel that opens up a world

Like Vanessa by Tami Charles

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Like Vanessa is a sweet and realistic story of liking yourself, while finding your home, family and who you truly are. Tami Charles bases her character Vanessa on some of her own experiences making this an interesting combination of fact, fiction, history and contemporary issues. In 1983 Vanessa is a dark-skinned girl living in the inner city. Vanessa, her cousin, her beloved grandfather Pop-Pop and her father live in a small apartment. But they could not be farther apart if they live in a mansion. […]

The Waves of Grief

One Wave at a Time: A Story about Grief and Healing by Holly Thompson

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Death is never a pleasant subject and when it is a parent who has died (and they leave behind a young child), it can be extra unpleasant. All types of emotions can occur for that child and Holly Thompson created one way you and your child can deal with the subject in One Wave at a Time: A Story about Grief and Healing. As odd as it might seem, this is a lovely modern story about grief. It is not “in your face” or overly […]

Fun series, but not sure how far I’ll go into it.

The Stonekeeper's Curse (Amulet #2) by Kazu Kibuish

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Before the current events started happening, I took out a few graphic novels from my local library. One of those books was The Stonekeeper’s Curse the second book in the Amulet series.  I am still not OMG THIS IS THE BEST SERIES EVER, but this installment was stronger than the first. Where The Stonekeeper (Book 1) was there to set up the story, give the background and introduce you to the main characters, The Stonekeeper’s Curse has more action. It has more of a story […]

It’s Actually Almost over, but still a fun book to read

Almost Time by Gary D. Schmidt

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Growing up in Vermont you know Maple Syrup from a young age. If your school did not take you on at least one trip to a family who ran sap lines, collected and boiled the sap, you probably where not in Vermont. Maple Sugar Candy is a favorite of mine. As a kid I would eat it until I was sick. Many people love that rich sticky syrup (pancakes and French toast are recommended but snow is good too. Helps makes a molasses like candy). […]

Even the Grinch would be okay with this noise

Noise: A graphic novel based on a true story by Kathleen Raymundo

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Awhile back, I was looking at a list of graphic novels. One that stood out was Noise: A Graphic novel based on a true story. It sounded interesting. I was expecting this 100 plus page book about how the noises around us affect us. Or how the main character has issues with noise (who doesn’t? But sometimes a noise, or too much/too many noises can really overstimulate the system). I figured the main character might be autistic and too much noise/stimulation does not usually end […]



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