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Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus | Dusti Bowling
72 posts | 65 read | 69 to read
Aven Green was born without arms--so when her dad takes a job running a dying western theme park in Arizona, she knows she'll become the center of unwanted attention at her new school. But she bonds with Connor, a classmate with his own disability to conquer. Then they discover a room at the park that holds bigger secrets than Aven ever could have imagined. Can Aven face her fears, solve a mystery, and help her friend, too?
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HeyT
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#BookReport
Only finished one book this week and it was really good. BUT I did manage to make progress on my longtime current reads by switching from print to eBook. (The text size was just too small even with my readers.)

#WeeklyForecast
My goal this week is to make it to at least 50% in both of my current reads.

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HeyT
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I enjoyed this more than I thought I would going in. It's very acceptance positive and treats and handles disability rep in a thoughtful manner. I found Aven to be an engaging narrator and would love to be friends with her.

Jenken1998 Loved this book! 11mo
17 likes1 stack add1 comment
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HeyT
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A good reading buddy will tell you which of your three current reads to work on. Thanks Cals!
#CatsOfLitsy

RaeLovesToRead Oh she's so beautiful 💕💕💕 11mo
20 likes1 comment
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HeyT
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#BookReport
I finished two books this week because I was doing them in audio. I enjoyed both enough to keep listening even after my commute ended.

#WeeklyForecast
My goal this week is to not start anything new until I finish at least two of my current reads.

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HeyT
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Starting this today for the children‘s lit class I‘m taking.

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Sarahreadstoomuch
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Pickpick

This was a great little audio. It tells the story of a 13 year old girl, born without arms, who moves to Arizona with her adoptive parents. Feeling out of place in her new school, she befriends a boy with Tourette‘s and together they find a mystery to solve, and help each other through their challenges.

Suet624 Sounds like a Great storyline. 13mo
16 likes1 comment
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Flaneurette
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My youngest starting a new book tonight #immersionreading

BookBabe Nice! Love immersion reading. Raising them right! 😃🙌🏻 2y
BarbaraBB Nothing better than kids reading 😊 2y
LeahBergen Aww! 💞💞 2y
See All 8 Comments
MaureenMc My daughter loved this book. ❤️ 2y
Flaneurette @LeahBergen @BarbaraBB @BookBabe thank you, she read/listened to 6 chapters which is pretty good for her! 2y
Flaneurette @MaureenMc glad to hear it, I hadn‘t heard of it before but she seems to like it so far! 2y
mandarchy It's a really cute book. 😍 2y
Nute It‘s always a good feeling to see young folks enjoying reading!🤗 2y
63 likes8 comments
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blue_frog!!!
Mehso-so

I'm only 2 pages in so i don't know if i like it

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jen_hayes7
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Vacation mode! Back in Michigan, but the UP this time. A little getaway to celebrate the 13th anniversary of our first date. Staying at an adorable spot and resting up before hiking tomorrow. I‘m loving this book and might have to finish it before bed. #readharder2021

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LibrarianRyan
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Pickpick

4.5 ⭐
Aven is just a girl who was born without arms and put up for adoption. She has had a great family life. But now it‘s 8th grade and time to move for her dad‘s job. The move to Arizona to run a small amusement park. Aven is a sweetheart and makes friends, maybe not with everyone, but her friendships are deep and helpful for each of them. Part of this story is what happened to the owner of the park, and why was Aven given up for adoption.

Twainy Huh ... I‘m interested. 3y
57 likes1 comment
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Zoe-h
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Pickpick

I haven‘t read a book that‘s been funny enough to make me smile in a long time. (The bar is pretty high, I read a lot of Percy Jackson books). I predicted a lot of the big giant twists like fifty pages before they revealed what actually happened, so the characters felt kind of clueless. But still, a pretty good read. 3.75⭐️

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Eggs
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Pickpick

Aven was born without arms. When others meet her, they tend to ask weird questions or say unfortunate things...they don‘t mean to be rude.
#meanswell #maycharacters @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

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cwarnier
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Pickpick

#bookspinbingo @thearomaofbooks
I know this was my bingo card from April, but I just finished this book up yesterday.
I absolutely loved this book. I think that every 8th grader should have to read it. To be able to see the struggles of others and how others are affected by actions and words is very powerful through out this entire story.
@librarianryan @brittanyreads @kdgordon88
I promise I will go to Hyvee tonight and get this mailed off.

LibrarianRyan Cool beans 3y
cwarnier @librarianryan shipped off! 3 days.
3y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! Great month!! 3y
14 likes3 comments
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cwarnier

#lmpbc

#groupe Middle Grades
I am 3/4 of the way through this book. I hope to finish it up in the next couple of days, and get it sent off.
@brittanyreads @kdgordon88

I am sorry for the delay. Life as gotten me by a bit of a storm. I introduced a new job and a new gentleman friend into my life as well as continuing to teach full time.

cwarnier #groupf Magna
I am finishing up Fairy Tale Royal 2 tonight and hope to send it off early next week. I do have the next one in my possesion as well. @librarianryan @littlewolf1 @karisa
3y
brittanyreads No worries at all! 3y
Karisa Sounds like a lot! No worries here either. 💗 3y
LibrarianRyan Totally understand. Do t worry about it. Food luck. ❤️😁 3y
9 likes4 comments
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cwarnier
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Look what came in the mail today. Good thing I have tomorrow off to be able to read all day long. @Kdgordon88 @LibrarianRyan @BrittanyReads

LibrarianRyan 😁❤️👍🏻 3y
27 likes2 comments
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Deblovestoread
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@cwarnier #LMPBC is on its way to you. Should be there Friday. 🤞🏼.

LibrarianRyan Yeahhh 3y
35 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Fantasy_bookworm
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Pickpick

This book was so touching and compelling I could NOT put it down!

Aven Green is just like any other thirteen-year-old girl. She has two best friends, and she loves playing soccer. The only difference between her and any other girl? She doesn‘t have arms.

I loved the accurate representation of mental health, and the mystery element just made it even funner! I completely recommend it.

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crhealey
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Pickpick

It‘s #spookyseason & 🌧 here in CT, so I thought I‘d read some mysteries!

Just finished the tagged book which has a mystery element to it, though I am expecting that my next mystery will be more intense!

🌵is an amazing middle grade novel & I highly recommend it! Aven Green is born w/o arms & this book tells her story as she moves to a rundown Saloon theme park & starts middle school, while figuring out what having a “disability” means to her.

ImperfectCJ My 11-year-old and I read "Cactus" a few months ago and loved it! Such a sweet story and an excellent portrayal of the combination of fierce bravery and insecurity that marks that age. 3y
crhealey @ImperfectCJ I sent my aunt a text recommending it for my 11 year old cousin! 3y
Nute I enjoy reading middle grade books. Thanks for you review! I‘ll be purchasing this soon!🙂 3y
12 likes3 comments
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crhealey
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#currentread ☀️☀️☀️

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hwestfall
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I have heard great things about this book and I finally got it from the library 🌵❤️

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TEArificbooks
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Pickpick

Great middle grade novel. A mystery to keep kids interested but mainly about friendship. Read it with my boys and they both enjoyed it as well. I would recommend to all middle grade kids and it would work great for a middle grade or family book club pick.

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PurpleTulipGirl
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Pickpick

Aven was born with no arms. Her adoptive parents encourage her to be independent and self sufficient. Life is pretty good till they move to Arizona, and she has to navigate life in a new school. She quickly befriends Connor, who has Tourette‘s, and Zion, who doesn‘t fit in anywhere. Together, they find the confidence to face their challenges.

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ImperfectCJ
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Pickpick

My son loved this book, and I quite enjoyed it, too. The “mystery“ was a little silly, but Aven and her middle-school friends are a realistic blend of courageous and terrified, and a pleasure to read about. And that cole slaw image will stick with me for a very long time. Another one down for #bookspinbingo. Still no bingo. @TheAromaofBooks

Photo: Saguaro National Park, penultimate stop on our most recent cross-country road trip, Jan 2018.

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! 4y
47 likes1 comment
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ImperfectCJ
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"When I was little, a kid pointed at me on the playground and shouted, 'Her arms fell off!' then ran away screaming in terror to his mom, who had to cuddle him on her lap and rub his head for like ten minutes to get him to calm down."

#FirstLineFridays @ShyBookOwl

gibblr I really liked this book! 4y
ImperfectCJ @gibblr My son (almost 11) and I are reading it together and really enjoying it! He keeps telling his older sister (15) about things that Aven did. 4y
gibblr That‘s awesome! 😁 4y
39 likes3 comments
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Bookwormjillk
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Pickpick

This was a fun middle grade book about a girl with no arms who has to reinvent her life when her family moves to Arizona.

ImperfectCJ My son and I are reading this one together this month. Glad to hear you liked it! 4y
Bookwormjillk @ImperfectCJ I listened to it while I was working and I wish I had waited to listen to it with my kids. Maybe part two! 4y
48 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Simplykellyk
Pickpick

10/10 for young readers again. I loved getting to read about Aven! Such a beautiful story of never giving up and just embracing what makes you, you.

JamieArc I loved this one too. I still think about it a year later. And think I heard a sequel is coming! 4y
Simplykellyk @JamieArc I heard that too! I can‘t wait! I also can‘t wait to encourage some of the kids at school to read this book! 4y
3 likes2 comments
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LiteraryinLawrence
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Pickpick

Aven is a cool character and I also liked the portrayal of her friends Connor and Zion. The Western theme park that her family runs is vivid as well. The mystery element was not a big part of the book, which was fine. Overall, a quick read about what it‘s like to be different and find your friends and your voice.

I read this on my new Kindle Paperwhite! I‘ve been reading so many library ebooks that it seemed like time to own my first e-reader.

Beatlefan129 I like your cover, so sparkly 💕 4y
BethM That cover 😍😍😍😍 4y
Scochrane26 Very cute cover! 4y
Butterfinger That reminds me of the Western theme park NC used to have. It was high on top of a mountain and was called Ghost Town. 4y
Kempii I have a Paperwhite as well and really love it. Congrats on your new device! 4y
114 likes1 stack add5 comments
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Victoriahoperose
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Pickpick

I really loved this book. It was such a great story about a girl who was born without any arms. It really touches on topics about being different and living with disabilities. This was a really great YA story that I think everyone should read!

JamieArc I loved this one ❤️🌵 4y
36 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Reading_With_MrsB13
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Ran across this audiobook while looking for something new to listen to on an 8 hour road trip. I‘m surprised at how much I enjoyed it! Super cute little story about a 13 year old girl who was born without arms. It discusses how she navigates through life in a new town with her disability, and her friendship with a boy diagnosed with Tourette‘s. Would definitely recommend this!

8 likes1 stack add
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TEArificbooks
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School is doing a spirit week/activity a day for remote learning. Today is book day so the Librarian did a zoom and gave us recommendations. The activity is read, read, read in you pajamas so we made a reading nest in the library. He is reading the tagged book from the book fair.

Curiouser_and_curiouser Looks Awesome! So cosy. What a lovely idea 😍 4y
26 likes1 comment
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hes7
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Pickpick

#MiddleGradeMarch

13. Peter Pan (#bbrc #realclassic) 3.5⭐️
14. Other Words for Home 4⭐️
15. Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus 4.5⭐️
16. Little Town on the Prairie 4⭐️

2 for #MarchUnshelfing ✔️

LibrarianRyan Cactus was quite popular this year in Letters about Lit. 4y
Butterfinger Little Town on the Prairie was always my favorite. 4y
megnews I just love all the Little House books. @sblbooks just reviewed Insignificant Events too & it sounds really good. I added it to my tbr. 4y
sblbooks I read three of the four and yes I loved insignificant events too! 4y
rubyslippersreads I ❤️ the Little House books too. 😊 4y
96 likes5 comments
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sblbooks
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Pickpick

5🌵 #MiddleGradeMarch
For fans of Wonder you will love this one too! I can relate so much to the characters in this book. Just read it, you won't regret it. @megnews

Butterfinger I have this on my stack. I'm glad it is good. 4y
megnews Ooh, this sounds good. Stacked. 4y
JamieArc I really loved this one. One of my favorite books last year. 4y
40 likes1 stack add3 comments
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WhimsyandRigor
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Mehso-so

Aven was born without arms and the stories she makes up to explain her “unarmed” adventures are hilarious. Unfortunately, the writing is just okay and the plot is flimsy.

Aven is a cool character and her friendships with other middle school outcasts is heart warming. I won‘t teach this in my curriculum but I don‘t regret reading it.

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Jenken1998
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Pickpick

Great middle grade read with a good message and a nice plot twist. 13 year old Aven was born without arms. Having to move from the safety of the only place she has ever known, her confidence is rocked. She soon makes some new friends facing challenges of their own. They learn to support and empower one another while letting their "inner lights shine". Loved it! ?????

54 likes1 stack add
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holarosarita
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Long day, long week, not over yet... Apparently this qualifies as a book by or about someone who identifies as neurodiverse for #readharder2019 so here we are!

khooliha Earlier I re-lived you saying "oh no, my cactus" so this is wholly appropriate 5y
holarosarita @khooliha It actually is a great big saguaro this time! 5y
khooliha @holarosarita I hope very much that it isn't killed by pointless ghosts! 5y
3 likes3 comments
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pippejen000
Pickpick

I really liked this book! I think this is a book with a great message everyone should know. Plus, there are some amazing suprises that make this book even better!

3 likes1 stack add
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Auntynanny
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Pickpick

This book was great! The main character is a thirteen year old girl who was born without arms. She moves to a new town and has to get used to other kids staring at her. She makes friends with a boy with Tourette's syndrome. They were able to create their own community and start to figure themselves out. I would definitely recommend this to teens, and really, anyone.

JamieArc I loved this too, and it will probably be one of my top books read this year! 5y
5 likes1 comment
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Sheridanb

“I am an entirely insignificant event in the life of this cactus.”

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Valink
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My 11 year old niece just joined Goodreads and her book reviews are my new favorite thing ever! Her review of this book made me immediately place a library hold for it.

Jas16 That is a great review! 5y
MelissaSue81 What a great review! I was considering having my 10 year old join goodreads just today! Maybe I will! 5y
CouronneDhiver 🙌🏽🙌🏽 5y
27 likes3 comments
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ambam1987
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Current Listen 🎧

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saguarosally
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I hereby declare this #succulentsaturday . Who else is in? Show me your succs! @ReadosaurusText

BlameJennyJane Gorgeous! 5y
saguarosally @BlameJennyJane Thanks! It was an amazing venue with great light! 5y
ReadosaurusText Yas!!! 🌵 5y
38 likes3 comments
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BarbaraJean
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Pickpick

I finished this last week and just loved it. A sweet, quirky story of friendship and identity and empowerment. Positive parent characters, too! My only criticism is that the characters (and overall tone) came across as a little too young to be 8th graders—but that was also kind of refreshing. Another great pick from @Johanna414 for #newyearwhodis! Johanna, did you know there‘s a sequel coming out in September? I‘ve added that to my list, too. 😊

Johanna414 Oh, I hadn‘t heard about a sequel! I can‘t wait to tell my book club kids- they‘ll be so excited! 5y
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BarbaraJean
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I feel somewhat guilty posting this photo of how I‘m spending my lunch, given that huge swaths of the United States are experiencing sub-Antarctic temperatures right now. But maybe this can bring some of you a little virtual warmth in your day? We have a high of 67F today here in Brea, California. 🌞📚

Traci1 I'm more jealous of your lunch than the heat. 😍 5y
BarbaraJean @Traci1 😆 They ARE very tasty nachos. 5y
Grrlbrarian Don‘t feel guilty, @BarbaraJean - just enjoy it that much more for the rest of us 😊👌 5y
See All 9 Comments
BarbaraJean @Grrlbrarian Yes—gratitude, not guilt! 😊 5y
LauraBeth Don‘t feel guilty! Enjoy that sunshine! 5y
Godmotherx5 A great picture. Thanks for the warmth. The #polarvortex won‘t last forever. 5y
Kaye Send pictures of warm weather. At least we can see there‘s good weather someplace ! 5y
booksandsympathy We're 70° today here in Phoenix, but not quite so sunny. 5y
BarbaraJean @LauraBeth Kicking that guilt to the curb! Although I will be enjoying rain tomorrow. 😏 @Godmotherx5 @kaye Glad I could send some warmth—stay cozy in the midst of all the cold! @booksandsympathy It was sunny today, but we‘re gearing up for rain through Monday. Which I only mind because it throws a wrench in my usual eat-outside routine! 5y
65 likes1 stack add9 comments
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BarbaraJean
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Went to the library to return three books and pick up a DVD. Also “accidentally” checked out four books. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I told myself I could check the shelves for any on my #NewYearWhoDis list and I found three of them, so... 😁 #libraryhaul #litsyloveslibraries

EmilyM Strange the Dreamer is excellent! 5y
the-flashley I second that! One of the best books I read in 2017. 5y
rachelsbrittain I agree with @EmilyM and @the-flashley ! Love Strange the Dreamer / Laini Taylor! 5y
See All 6 Comments
MrBook @BookBabe and I had 2 AM as our December selection for one of our book clubs! 😁👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 5y
BarbaraJean @EmilyM @the-flashley @rachelsbrittain I‘ve seen so much Litsy love for Strange the Dreamer—I was excited to see it on my #NewYearWhoDis list. Gave me the push I needed to finally pick it up! @Lmstraubie Parker Inheritance sounds SO fun—can‘t wait to get into it! @MrBook 2 AM is another #blameitonLitsy for me—I saw lots of great reviews for it in December! 5y
61 likes6 comments
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Johanna414
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Here‘s a tweet from my boss about our new 6th grade book club. Day 1 went great - 6th graders are so cute and enthusiastic! I ended up having 28 kids sign up so I now have two groups that meet twice a week. #librariansoflitsy #schoollibraries #teachersoflitsy

TheBookKeepers This is awesome!! I totally would‘ve joined a book club if my school had offered said extra curricular activity when I was a kid!! 6y
LibrarianRyan That is awesome!!!! 6y
39 likes2 comments
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Johanna414
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Today I start recruitment for my 6th grade book club! Hopefully I get some interest and they enjoy our first book! #schoollibraries #bookclub #librariansoflitsy

Tamra I‘ll sign up! 🙂 6y
Purrfectpages Aw how fun! 6y
Saknicole Great choice! 6y
32 likes3 comments