Shards of Murder by Cheryl Hollon

Genre: Adult, Mystery

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

From Goodreads:

When a glass-making competition turns deadly, glass shop owner Savannah Webb must search for a window into a criminal's mind…

As the new proprietor of Webb's Glass Shop, Savannah has been appointed to fill her late father's shoes as a judge for the Spinnaker Arts Festival, held in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. With her innovative glass works, the clear winner is Megan Loyola, a student of Savannah's former mentor. 

But when Megan doesn't show up to accept her $25,000 award, rumors start flying. And when Savannah discovers the woman's dead body on festival grounds, the police immediately suspect her of murder. To keep from appearing before a judge herself, Savannah sorts through the broken pieces of glass scattered around the victim for clues as to who took this killer competition too far

My Thoughts:

Cheryl has once again spun a mystery that will grab you and hold you all the way to the end. Her characters are well rounded complete with flaws. The information the reader gleans from the story about stained glasswork makes this so much fun to read. Personally, I prefer books that not only have a mystery (my favorite genre), but has something I can learn.  One thing I loved is that Savannah who made the decision as to who won the competition, becomes the prime suspect. Then she and her friends jump in to find the real killer. This book, like her first one will grab hold of you until you turn the last page. This book, if you haven’t read the first one would be a great stand- alone book. I highly recommend this book.

Youngtimer: Time Flies by G.G. Fulton

Genre: Middle Grades, Science Fiction

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

From Goodreads:

A TIME MACHINE IN THE HANDS OF A 12-YEAR-OLD! WHAT. COULD. POSSIBLY. GO. WRONG?

In this second book in the "Youngtimer: Adventures In Time" Series, best friend's Carly and Patti are happy to have the summer off from school, and are determined to make the most of it.

Carly's time machine is calling their names!

In between saving her "only" brother, Brad, from a difficult situation involving a 6'6", 275 pound linebacker, and a run in with the school drama queen, Carly and Patti are off on more great adventures as they carry out Carly's big plans: I Heart Grampa; Time Flies; Extra Extra Hunger; and De-Bully Lulu.

Come along for the ride to non-stop fun and adventure.

My Thoughts:

This is the second book in this series and it is just as enjoyable as the first. Carly, along with her best friend Patti set off on several adventures.  This time things don’t go quite as smoothly. This series is really enjoyable.  Adults and kids can both relate to the characters. They and their time travel are very believable. This is a series my students will definitely love to read. The adventure of time travel will be enough for some people. The idea of traveling back through time to witness parts of history make this even more worth the read. If you haven’t checked out this series yet then you had better get started, to see what you have been missing.

When I Grow Up I Want to Be a Good Person by WIGU

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

When I Grow Up I Want to Be a Good Person
Genre: Children/Middle Grade Non-fiction
Like all of the other books in this series, children learn so much. In this particular book, two young boys are getting ready to go to a funeral. They don't want to go, but their parents insist they must because it is the right thing to do. Once at the funeral they learn so much about Mr. Beckett and the life he lead. He was a friend to everyone. He believed that you had to be the best person you could.  After listening to all that the different adults had to say Brendan and Blake decide that they want to grow up to be like Mr. Beckett and be the best person that they can be.  I love the lessons that are taught throughout this book.


If You Were Me and Lived in Italy by Carole P. Roman

Genre: Children's Picture Book
This is another book that takes the reader on a journey. This time we visit Italy. Italy is the home of the Roman Empire.  I also learned that the Catholic church is considered an independent state and the capital is Vatican City. Italy is also home to so many wonderful old ruins, such as the Colosseum. One other ting I learned is that March 8th is International women's Day. If you want to learn all about Italy, the country and it's culture then get your hands on this wonderful book and share it with a child.

Navy Seals For Kids by Eric Z
Genre: Children's Nonfiction Picture Book
I had always heard how grueling the training to become a Navy seal was. I really had no idea how truly tough it is until I read this book. This is a small book packed with a tone of information about what it takes to become a Navy seal. I now understand why so many who try the program wash out. It is not for the faint of heart. I have a new respect for these people we call Navy seals.



A Home For Kayla by Kim English

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Once there was a stray dog who found herself hungry and cold. A kind lady picked her up and took her to an animal shelter. The brown dog was given food to eat and clean water to drink and put in a cage.  She had no name, only a number she was given, the number twenty-two. She watched people come in looking for a forever dog.  She watched a lot of her new friends find their forever home. No one seemed to want her. Everyone assured her that someone would want her. One day a young girl named Katie and her father came into the shelter. Katie walked past all of the other dogs and stood in front of number twenty two.  Will this cute little brown dog find a home? This is a story with a great message of how important it is to find your pet at your local animal shelter.