The Second Coming: A Love Story by Scott Pinsker

Genre: Adult, Religious and Spiritual
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:
In The Second Coming: A Love Story, the devilish new novel by Scott Pinsker, the culture war between Red America and Blue America turns shockingly real when two self-declared saviors appear on earth. The first “messiah” attracts legions of liberal and secular-progressive followers with his message of New Age brotherhood, quickly becoming the darling of the left. The second “messiah” preaches fire-and-brimstone traditional Christianity, gaining a grassroots army of conservative worshippers ready to battle to the death. 

It’s finally happened: Red America and Blue America are headed for Armageddon! 

My Thoughts:
When I was first asked to read and review this book I was intrigued enough to say yes.  I'm glad I did.  I am impressed that the author chose not to take a side in this story.  It is told in a way that you walk away wondering which man is which.  I like that element.  It gives the reader food for thought.  Don't think you will read this book which show us two men both claiming to be the returned messiah, and find out which one is which.  You won't learn this.  I loved that it was set up so that the two me approach it the way politicians would.  The constant question running through the book is "What if"?  Would I recommend this book?  Yes I would.  I would not categorize this as Christian because there are too many questions left open.  I would suggest you get a copy and read it for yourself.

Shay West's Trilogy

Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Historical Fiction, Young Adult

Welcome to the world created by Shay West.  

Alexis Davenport is the teen protagonist in this wonderful trilogy. We start out with the book Dangerous Reflections where Alexis and her mom have moved across the country to her aunts guest house. There are so many changes in her life.  She wasn't expecting to see another face in a mirror.  She especially wasn't expecting to time travel through the mirror into the body of that face.  She is special and is out to save the world. For my full review of this book click here.

The second book in the series is called Twisted Reflections.  In this second book in the trilogy Alexis travels back in time to Egypt, and this time she meets someone like herself that can help her figure some of this out.  You can check out my full review to this book here.

The final book in this trilogy is called Desperate Reflections.  In this book Alexis comes face to face with the evil she has been trying to stop. This time he has not only her in his sights, but her friends and family as well.

I have to tell you that if there is one set of books you buy this year then this should be the set.   I have recommended it to several of my students.  I waited for all three books to come out in paperback before I  purchased them for my classroom.  I have students that won't start a series until the books are all out so that they can read them all straight through.  By bundling all of these kindle books together, you get not only a great series, but also a great price. Click here for a link to the Amazon page to order yours.  Understand that I am inn no way compensated for my review.  I just believe that it is one of the best series I have read this year.  So what are you waiting on?

Adelita’s Secret – Christopher Cloud

Genre: Young Adult, Romance

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:

Lost in a superficial world of materialism and social status-and ashamed of her Latino heritage-seventeen-year-old Adelita Noe is loved by two men, two men separated by a hundred years and vastly different stations in life. One man owns little more than the shirt on his back. The other, a poet at heart, is heir to a vast fortune. Their love for Adelita serves as the backdrop for the Latino girl's quest to better understand herself and her Mexican roots.

My Thoughts:

As a teacher of teenagers the first thing I must say is how authentic the events and dialogue are. Another thing I must say is that overall I don’t care for romance stories. However, if you throw something else in, such as paranormal elements, then it becomes very enjoyable.  The message is very appropriate to teens today. They need to take pride in who they are and where they come from. Adelita has to learn this. I also enjoyed the history sprinkled in. All of the elements make it a book I would definitely recommend to teens and adults.

Student Saturday: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Student Reviewer: Logan C.
Genre: Middle Grade, Young Adult, Science Fiction

The setting of this story is on a deserted island where Jacob goes to try to figure out his grandfather's secret, after his grandfather's death. The setting is in different times. Jacob is sixteen and befriends the peculiar children. The major plot points are his granddad is made out to be crazy, and has always told Jacob amazing stories. When Jacob goes to the island he realizes that they weren't just stories, they were memories. He realizes that the monsters that were after his granddad are real and after him and the peculiar children still.

A connection that I had with this book is that I'm curious like Jacob. I would recommend this book because although it's suspenseful it feels like Jacob is mature and smart enough to be successful at anything. I think it's really cool how the author took real pictures from the past and invented a whole imaginary world with them.

The Last Witness by Jerry Amernic

Genre: Adult, Realistic Fiction, Historical Fiction

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:

The year is 2039, and Jack Fisher is the last living survivor of the Holocaust. Set in a world that is abysmally complacent about events of the last century, Jack is a 100-year-old man whose worst memories took place before he was 5. His story hearkens back to the Jewish ghetto of his birth and to Auschwitz where, as a little boy, he had to fend for himself to survive after losing his family. Jack becomes the central figure in a missing-person investigation when his granddaughter suddenly disappears. While assisting police, he finds himself in danger and must reach into the darkest corners of his memory to come out alive.

My Thoughts:

Once again we are reminded that if we try to sanitize history, as so many of our school history books do, the we are sure to repeat it.  That is not always a good thing. From the minute I read of the first killing I was hooked.  What is so amazing is that this book is set in the future, not too far from present time, yet we have all heard people say the holocaust didn’t happen.  Are we doomed to repeat history?  Maybe. I hope that if we ever have such an event that I can show as much courage as Jack did as a child and as an adult.  I was able to connect with his granddaughter’s passion for learning about his history not only because I love history, but because I too am a teacher.  I learned a long time ago that almost all teachers strive to continue to learn something new. The fact that someone would kill to keep the truth of the holocaust quiet is so realistic and frightening.  This is a book I will definitely recommend to my friends, especially those who are teachers.  These are lessons that should be taught in schools.  I would definitely read anything else this author wrote as this was an excellent piece of writing.

Maya & Filipppo See Impossible Things in the Garden City

Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review

From Goodreads:
Embark on an exciting adventure with Maya and Filippo as they travel around the globe on board the Fun Princess - a cruise ship full of surprises. Discover their fascinating ports of call, join them in activities at sea and explore the remarkable world they create for themselves through their thoughts and feelings.

The children dock in Christchurch. Before getting off the ship, at the youth club, they draw things they would like to see in the future. Their fellow passengers think Maya and Filippo are crazy until all of them see some things they had never expected.

My Thoughts:
In this adventurous book we find our traveling friends visiting the city of Christchurch in New Zealand. The nickname for this city is the Garden City.  While Maya and her brother wait to dock they join other kids in drawing pictures of things they hope to see.  When they share their pictures with the rest of the kids they are told that their pictures are silly and that they are impossible.  This does not discourage Maya or Filippo.  Read the book to see what wonderful things they find in the Garden City.  
As always this is a wonderful book that teaches you about a special place.  This book like the others in the series has a wonderful message.  Just because someone tells you something is impossible doesn't mean you need to believe them.  No one knows everything.  You will be surprised at what you can find in the world.
This is another great story to share with the grandkids.  Go and get yours now.

When I Grow Up I Want To be in the U.S. Army!

Genre: Upper Elementary, Children, Informational, Middle Grade
Source: I received a copy from the publisher to facilitate my review

My father was in the army, as is my son.  To say that I know a lot about the U.S. Army would be a lie.  I ma almost clueless.  When this book came up for review I requested it because I believe in our armed service,s and figured I would learn a lot as will my students.  This is the story of Jake a young boy who is given an assignment to come up with a creative way to show his classmates what he wants to be when he grows us.  Like Jake, a lot of my students don't know what they want to be.  They would like to be many things.  Jake talks with his father who helps him narrow it down. They visit an Army Surplus store to help Jake come up with the items he will need for his report.  One thing I like so much is how much information there was in the book.  The information is told in a way that doesn't feel like you are getting too much information. The pictures are wonderful and helpful. I loved that they put a glossary at the end of the book because it really helped me a lot. I won't feel so out of the loop when my son and daughter are talking from now on.  When you open the cover you have the "Soldier's Creed".  This is just one book by Wigu Publishing. Wigu stands for "When I Grow Up". Other topics include Teacher, Firefighter, U.S. Navy, Veterinarian, Nurse. There are more to follow.  I think these would be a great addition to my classroom shelves.
I received a copy from the publisher to facilitate my review.

Student Saturday: Scary Tales Home Sweet Horror by James Preller

Student Reviewer:  Amari B.
Genre: Middle Grade, Horror

A book called "Scary Tales" will send goosebumps up your spine! The amazing author of this book is named James Preller. He is one of my favorite authors! He eve wrote a second Scary Tales called I Scream You Scream. In this amazing book of scary tales, there is a story about how this family of three moved into this thousand year old house. They have two children named Liam Finn, and Kelly Finn. They feel uncomfortable about this spooky house. Liam is the one who is so freaked out about this house. When something strange happens....
It was fascinating to learn about the kids experience with scary things happening. I would recommend this scary book to the carers who would want to read this book in the bathroom with only candle light letting you be able to read.  I loved this book!

A Plethora of Picture Book Reviews

Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source:  I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.

These are two separate books.  The verbage is the same in each one.  One is for boys and one is for girls.
In these two books we find Nanook and Naloo venturing back to Ziron where they are met by their Ziron Friends.  They have been waiting for them.  They have a surprise to share. A new Ziron is about to be born.  It seems that Zirons come from materal plats. They play with the new Ziron teaching it to speak.  Suddenly they can no longer find Pafoo the new Ziron.  Come along and see if you can figure out where the new Ziron is.

Diary of an Awkward Kid 1: Amanda Gets Bullied by Bolaji O.
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source: Purchased

Every day Bug teases Amanda. He calls her shorty and other names. Amanda hates it. She tries to get even with him. But, what happens when she sees Bug being bullied for a physical defect he has.? Will she stand up for him or let him get what's coming to him? This is a wonderful book to teach children about bullying and about true friendship.


Harry and the Hot Lava by Chris Robertson

Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source Purchased

Harry takes us on an adventure through his house as it fills with hot lava. We travel with him until he jumps into his mom's armas and we learn his imagination is a large as his fathers.  This is a really cute book.  I loved the kid's imagination. We need more kids to use their imagination

Over in the Hollow by Rebecca Dickinson
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source: Purchased

This is a very unique counting book. We have spiders and mummies, owls, vampires, and bats, witches and other monsters. This would have been great for Halloween.  It is a very cute book.  It is a fun way to teach children to count.




Drem Big Little Pig by Kristi Yamaguchi 

Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source: Purchased

Poppy is a pig with big dreams. She wants to be a star. She tries ballet, singing and modeling. Her family and friends encourage her. They believe in her. She fails miserably i most of teh things she tries. One day she wathes skaters skating. Will she fail at this too? Kristi has created a positive book that teaches children to go after their dreas. This is a great message for all kids.

The Reluctant Witch by Sally O. Lee
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Source:  I received a copy to facilitate my review

This is a  great book to read at Halloween.  A town gets all excited about Halloween.  They love everything about it, jack-o-lanterns, costumes, the goodies.  But, their favorite part is Francis the Witch. Halloween is not Halloween until she flies across the sky and declares it is Halloween.  There is a problem.  Francis wants to be a princess and wear a crown.  Will Halloween come to town this year?  I have loved all of Sally O. Lee's books.  They are bright and colorful and always have a simple message.


Billy and Monster's Golden Christmas by David Chuka

Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review.

This is another wonderful book by another of my favorite children's book authors.  In this book we join Billy as he prepares to Celebrate Christmas.  This year everyone is coming to his house. They open presents, eat wonderful food then they play games.  It reminded me of my childhood.  Everyone came to our farm.  After lunch was over we would sit around the table and play games. Billy's Uncle Bob, who is from England always brings him a special gift.  This year Billy watches his cousin open a present with a wonderful monster truck while he is given a golden pen.  He is definitely not thankful for it.  What will happen when he joins a monster family for their humble Christmas?  A wonderful book to remind us why we celebrate.

The Stereotypical Freaks - Howard Shapiro

Genre: Young Adult, Graphic Novel
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:
Four disparate high school seniors come together to compete in their school's battle of the bands. Sharing a love for playing rock and roll, the members name the band "The Stereotypical Freaks" because they feel stereotyped by their classmates - smart kid, geek, star athlete and quiet weirdo… when in fact they know they are much more than those labels that have been placed on them.

When one member reveals life altering news, winning the competition takes on more of a meaning to each member. Scared and angry, upset and yet still with a lot of resolve they set out to win one for the good guys… will they?

My Thoughts:
Howard Shapiro has made me a lover of graphic novels.  At least I can say I love his graphic novels.   I don't read a lot of graphic novels.  I would read his non-stop. My students keep them circulating.  In The Stereotypical Freaks we meet four teens who seem to be so different, but are really more alike than they know.  Music is what brings them all together and shows them how similar they are.  Tom is the nerdy one. He tutors his former best friend Mark. Dan is his newest best friend. Dan has issues with his dad. Dan and Tom have a band.  Dan wants them to enter the Battle of the Bands. the problem is that they need a drummer and a guitar player.  This is where Mark and Jacoby enter.  Jacoby is fairly new at the school. They end up forming the band The Stereotypical Freaks.  Jacoby is the motivator in this group.  When you read the story you learn that he is the person who you would expect to have legitimate reasons for being depressed.  The story is about true friendship and healing relationships.  The lessons are those that teens need to hear.  It is not preachy at all.  I would say it is very real.  That is why my students like his books. They can relate to them. One thing I found extremely cool was at the introduction of each chapter there was a list of songs to listen to while reading that particular chapter.  My students were shocked that I knew some of them.  Definitely one of my favorite books of the year. I had just finished it in the class when a student said, "Can I check it out now?" There are now three others in line for it. They know a good book when they see it.