Edge of the Woods by A.J. Rivers

 

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

I loved this book. It had an element that many people hate or find confusing. In this story, a group of girls is spending their last year at camp. They have just graduated from high school. After camp, they will be moving on with their lives. In the middle of their camping, Bethany walks out of their cabin and never returns. The story has flashbacks through text messages and memories.

Now move to the present time. Annie is awakened with another nightmare. Every June for fifteen the nightmares return. Annie finds it difficult to function.  Then she and two other girls receive a call from someone who wants to make a movie about what happened at camp that summer. Annie finally agrees so that it is told from the right perspective.  But what happens when things start happening at  camp again.  Will it destroy or help Annie?

There was everything to love about this book. The mystery, the characters, all of it.  I definitely recommend it.

The Abandoned Theater by dana Robertson

 

Genre: Middle Grade, Mystery, Fantasy

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

What an amazing  and wonderful middle grade book.  We have a mysterious theater, said to have swallowed up people in the past, a young girl and two friends who have chosen to figure out the mystery.  Then there is the whole portal to another world. What story like this would be complete without someone who wants to take over all worlds?  The mystery genre has been my favorite since I was in elementary school. Throw in a fantasy world and I have the best of both genres.

If you have ever been in an old theater, especially at night you know the eerie feeling you get. It is a bit creepy. That feeling is definitely in the this theater.  The author has done an excellent job of creating twists and turns at just the right place.

I received a copy from the author to facilitate my review. Since I teach middle school and I am always looking for great books for my classroom shelves, I am glad Dana reached out.  I can’t wait to do my first book tasting and book talk. This will be the first book I recommend to my students.  I am looking forward to the second book in this series.

Charlotte's Snowman by Lainey Dee

 

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Source: I received a copy from the author. The opinions expressed here are my own.

A cute story about Charlotte and her love for a snowman. One winter it snows and Charlotte builds the most beautiful and special snowman ever. After giving him a stick mouth her snowman begins to talk. Beautifully illustrated and a pleasure to read. You must read to find out what the snowman said to her and why he was so special.