Borrowed Names by Jeannine Atkins

Genre: Middle Grade, Young Adult Biography

Source: I purchased a copy. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:

As a child, Laura Ingalls Wilder traveled across the prairie in a covered wagon. Her daughter, Rose, thought those stories might make a good book, and the two created the beloved Little House series.

Sara Breedlove, the daughter of former slaves, wanted everything to be different for her own daughter, A'Lelia. Together they built a million-dollar beauty empire for women of color. Marie Curie became the first person in history to win two Nobel prizes in science. Inspired by her mother, Irène too became a scientist and Nobel prize winner.

Borrowed Names is the story of these extraordinary mothers and daughters. From Goodreads:

My Thoughts:

Borrowed Names is a very unique book in many ways. First it is written in verse. I loved that. Many of my students have learned that they like books written in verse. There are three biographies  of three women and their children. The first is of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her daughter. The second is Madam C.J. Walker and her daughter A’Lelia Walker. Finally we learn about Marie Curie and her daughter Irene Joliet-Curie.  Each of these biographies shoes how their relationships with their daughters were formed and developed over time. I found in all three, there was usually one particular thing that drew them together. They inspired each other in so many ways.  I loved learning so much about all of them and will definitely recommend this book to my students.

The Cape (A Dark Spores Novel- Book 3) by Braxton Cosby

Genre: Adult, Science Fiction

Source: I purchased a copy. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:

The next Super hero book installment of the Dark Spores Series from award-winning author Braxton A. Cosby. 

IN A CITY OF MASKED HEROES, DARKNESS HIDES THE TRUTH! - A world mourning a fallen superhero. 
Future Chicago has become the haven for criminals and super villains of the darkest order. When an experiment goes wrong, hundreds of humans (Normals) absorb a mysterious contagion that gives rise to amazing super powers, creating a new species: Super-Normals. Some use their super powers for good, while others use their gifts for evil. Wars break out across the city and it's Good versus Evil in a grudge match to destroy the other. A nightly reality show featuring both sides' daily endeavors to create interest, captures the attention of the entire planet and Heroes are worshiped, given any and everything they desire. But there are rules to living the good life, and when one Hero breaks the ultimate rule and kills a Normal, a manhunt erupts, pitting Heroes, Villains, and the entire police force against one another in a race to capture or kill the fallen superhero. But one lone rebel emerges, hellbent on solving the murder and unraveling the secret of the Dark Spores. Yet, in the process, one question remains: will he choose the dark or light side? 

What people are saying about the Dark Spores Series: 
"The birth of the Super-Normal is upon us." 
"A collection of super hero books for the new generation of readers." 
"Super heroes versus super villains. What could be better." 

My Thoughts:

I didn’t realize this was the third book in the series when I read it. It read as a stand-alone. However, I want to go back and read the first two just so I know how the series starts. From the minute I started reading this story I was hooked. I love superhero stories. The idea that every day humans were suddenly turned into superheroes is a very intriguing idea. Divide them into a good side and evil side and you have the makings for a wonderful movie or TV series. That is how this read.  The characters are fascinating. Each has their own super power. However, the main character is a normal who used his talents to create a suit that makes him a superhero.  He has a mission to make people believe that all of them can be superheroes by doing what needs to be done, instead of waiting on those with true super powers. I don’t know that the author meant there to be a message within the story but I did find it inspiring.

The beginning of the book tells us a little about where the main character came from, his back story with an abusive father. His generous, and wealthy uncle is the man who changed his life.  I would have liked to know what had happened to his father. It wasn’t really important to the story, just a curiosity of my own. The first two novels in this series are written by different authors. It will be interesting to see how their writing style flows with that of this current book. I did enjoy it. It kept me reading late into the night.

Four More Wonderful Books by Carole P. Roman

Genre: Children's Picture Books
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

If You Were Me and Lived in Brazil
Readers will learn that Brazil is the largest country in South America and is the largest Portuguese speaking country in the world. They will learn about the Amazon, foods, sports and holidays. The book is full of wonderful information that allows readers to be transported to Brazil.







If You Were Me and Lived in Ancient China
This is a wonderful book for kids to learn about the story of Ancient China. The reader learns about the different classes and how life differed between them. You learn what they ate and why. The author has included information about the three religions. This is a great book to put on my shelves as a resource for my students.

If You Were Me and Lived in the American West
The author has done a wonderful job painting a picture of what life was like as people from the East moved to the West to have a better life. They traveled the Oregon Trail. The reader looks at life lived as they traveled chores the kids had, and what they ate. Readers learn of the hardships they faced and the new life they had. The author has included eight small biographies of famous people from the West as well as a glossary.



If You Were Me and Lived in the Middle Ages

This is one of thickest books this author has written for children. It is another book that I will proudly place on my school shelves. Readers will learn when the Middle Ages began and ended. Readers will also learn about the different classes of people and what life was like for them. Most readers will love to read about knights and castles, foods and jobs At the end of the book the author has once again given us a glossary and short biographies of famous people of the Middle Ages. It is my pleasure to recommend this book.