Cannonball Read 18

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time


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Explore, embrace, experience

You Are Here by Zach Manbeck

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The publisher description of You Are Here by Zach Manbeck says it all: Encourages children to explore the world around them, embrace opportunities, and experience life as an adventure. And we have seen this story before. There is really little to nothing that is new to say. However, Manbeck has illustrations that make this story interesting and have a bit of a kick. And while having a classic look and feel to them, they are also making it new and fresh. The art reminded me […]

Strap on your tiara and wear your pirate sword

Beautiful by Stacy McAnulty

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Beautiful by Stacy McAnulty was published around 2016. “Back in the day” when books for girl power were still somewhat new. Therefore, reading this gem now feels a little cliched. However, it is still relevant and a kick-butt tale. This dual aspect made me think I would love to see the reverse side of the story for boys. Have him “be tough” as he gently plays with a doll. Or “proper attire” and is in top hat and tails (of course, if he/they wish to have […]

Freedom, We Sing 

Freedom, We Sing  by Amyra León

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I wonder then, what Freedom is. Is it a place? Is it a thought? Can it be stolen? Can it be bought? Sharing a conversation about the earth, its inhabitants, and what Freedom means to them, a mother and her child dance through questions about life, love, and family in Amyra León’s stunning poem. Complemented by Molly Mendoza’s gorgeous and flowing illustrations, this striking book is sure to empower and inspire children everywhere. The above words are on the back page of Freedom, We Sing by […]

A story gem

Brown is Beautiful by Supriya Kelkar

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I am going to cheat and give you the publisher description: On a hike with her grandparents, a young Indian-American girl makes note of all the things in the wilderness that are brown, too. Includes instructions on how to make a scrapbook. Why am I cheating? Because that is all you need to know about the story. What I want to focus on is how awesomely awesome this book is. We know that story, but this time we have a voice that is poetic, sweet, […]

All about Benny

Benny’s True Colors by Norene Paulson

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I have read books about transgender adults. I have read books about trans kids. In these books they will live their true selves. They can be who they are not only on the inside but outside. However, I am not sure how to interpret Benny’s True Colors within my experiences of these other books. I am more than happy for someone to read this book and let me know if they think Benny is living their true selves by “presenting” a true self or if […]

I might have a little Punky in me

Punky Aloha by Shar Tuiasoa

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Punky Aloha was a book I found in an email newsletter from the publisher. I then looked it up on a site where we can order and find book information and occasionally, a full reader copy. And Shar Tuiasoa’s book was there with a reader copy link I could use. I was blown away by how adorable Punky Aloha was. There she was in her big glasses, her piled-high hair and her impishly sweet smile. I was hoping Punky would not be a “bratty kid” […]



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