Cannonball Read 15

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

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Voice personal boundaries

Connor Kissed Me by Zehava

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CBR15Passport, author Sometimes a book about consent is not overly realistic. Or at least, I should say it is not like I have or other people I know have experienced. Of course, someone could be harassing you regularly, or assault you/touch/act towards you in an aggressively/uncomfortable manner, but most of the time the actions are “innocent,” but inappropriate. And Connor Kissed Me takes more of that approach. The story (coming mid-September 2023) that Zehava created is simple. Connor kisses Miriam. She does not want to […]

Treat yourself! There are no tricks!

Roald Dahl: Trick or Treat: With Lift-the-Flap Surprises! by Roald Dahl

The Power of Yeti by Rebecca Van Slyke

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Sure, I like candy for Halloween, but I also like books. So, if I can treat myself with a book or two at that time of year, it is great (okay I’ll be honest, any time of the year, and you know it’s more like 13). However, I do not think Halloween (or Christmas, or St. Patrick, or even first day of school) books should be limited to one time of year. They are great no matter when you read them. And these two books […]

A Delightful Medley of the Finest New Middle Grade Graphic Novels

Freestyle by Gale Galligan

Growing Pains by Kathryn Ormsbee and Molly Brooks

The Baby-Sitters Club #12: Jessi's Secret Language by Chan Chau

Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega and Rose Bousamra

Tidesong by Wendy Xu

The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat and Joanna Cacao

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My love of middle grade graphic novels continues to deepen as more and more great books come out. Over the past week I read these six, which almost all came out recently (Tidesong came out in 2021). What really struck me about most of them is the wonderful diversity of viewpoints and experiences, which makes for a varied and rewarding reading experience. Hopefully as the generation of kids reading these grows up, we will see a similar boom in YA and adult graphic novels. Freestyle […]

When Bill Murray helps you win the spelling bee

Words of Wonder from Z to A by Zaila Avant-Garde

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When you want an alphabet book but not a traditional one you need Words of Wonder from Z to A by Zaila Avant-Garde and Keisha Morris. This book is terribly sophisticated and not easily read in one sitting or if you are not in a quiet, comfortable setting. If you are looking for a modern read that does not do A is for Apple, or O is for Olive the color and food, this book by Avant-garde works well. Of course, you must wait until […]

A heartwarming story about poop

I Eat Poop: A Dung Beetle Story by Mark Pett

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You might not want to recommend this book out loud in a group of mixed company as you will get a few looks, giggles, and teasing. I Eat Poop: A Dung Beetle Story is your “kid eats an odd food, is afraid he will be teased like (you will learn as we go along) his ex-best friend, and the lesson he learns about being himself.”  This time it is just with a dung beetle and other creatures. There is kid humor, and at the end […]

Road trip!

Peter & Ernesto: The Lost Sloths by Graham Annable

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As you know I greatly enjoy First Second graphic novels. But even a favorite publisher (or author) can have a bust occasionally. And I was afraid the Peter & Ernesto: The Lost Sloths was going to be one for them. And it almost was a not good book, as it started out weak. Thankfully it did pick up as the simple story went on. The large panels help block the story. Easy/early readers could have fun exploring the text and illustrations. Some names of the […]



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