I finished this book around 4 o'clock Sunday morning and really wanted someone to talk about it with. Alas, I was the only one who had read it in the house as well as the only one up, so I went back over the plot in my head and drifted off to sleep.
This book certainly could be called worst vacation ever (two families go on a cruise 🚢 and while sightseeing at port all the kids go missing) but it is so much more. Have you read it?

I believe it is Richard Hughes' book that sparked the idea for this one.

So many fun and crazy details! We really enjoyed the LaLa Girls, although would not necessarily want to meet them. Seems perfect for someone who enjoys graphic novels but wants to try chapter books.

Just wanted to give a shoutout to the winner of this year's Carnegie Medal! We confess we started this but didn't finish. It is a book that needs your full attention.

We really were curious about how the Caldecott Medal got its name and this book does a pretty good job introducing readers to the man who played a key role in creating the genre of children's literature. It's hard to imagine a time when books for young readers didn't exist because they thought it was a bad idea.
PS we are giving away a copy over on Instagram. Same username.

As we were almost finished reading this our friend who was facing eviction died unexpectedly. There is a reason it won the National Book Award. And despite that it is nonfiction there is quite a cast of characters. And before you think it is bad tenant; bad landlord--it is a far more complex story than that. I will warn you though that it is depressing. Very depressing. If you don't have to worry about the roof over your head be thankful.

If you want to introduce a young reader to Keats or help an older one get a better understanding of his poetry pick this one up. We suggest reading the illustrator's note at the back first. Lovely watercolor illustrations by Chris Raschka who is on his way to joining the immortals.

Sequel to "I'll Be There". Pretty much picks up where things left off and adds a character named Destiny to the mix. Oh, and Bobby now goes by Robb (one of the best prom stories ever in the first book and beautifully summed up here.

Sam's dad also escapes from prison to seek revenge. You won't even begin to believe where things go or how they end up. But there is a point where you won't be able to put this book down.

I am so glad that I found Holly Goldberg's very first book. You can really see her voice forming. And it gets even stronger in the sequel, "Call My Name". Clearly she is a Jackson fan.

Emily and Sam meet at a church. Emily believes that people meet for a reason. She shares a great antidote involving a window and mattress that I won't spoil. Sam has been on the run with his brother and crazy dad for a decade. They were definitely destined.

This book is beyond depressing. I'm only through the first section. It makes everything I complain about in my own life seem wrong and now I can't sleep.

Interestingly enough, I was taken to the eviction court when I was in high school and told I would be disowned if I ever found myself in this situation (my mother worked for a property management company whose tenants were a few steps above those in this book).

This is a great introduction to the art of active listening. Too often when someone is dealing with loss (loved one, relationship, health, job) we fear doing the wrong thing and opt out instead. The truth is that we are programmed for kindness and even the author's preschool age daughter was able to sum things up. I don't 100% agree with the "I'm sorry" , but I know that's my own experience.

Picked this up from the library weeks ago. Forgot how I found out about it. But so far really liking it. The main character, Amie, has noted that letters are better than email.

Love the character of Rose Holland.

Really love the illustrations in this.

Wrapped up in silliness, It really does describe how the story arc works. Playful illustrations by Benji Davis.

Benji Davis does it again.

It gets a little strange and then very sad.

How do you score an invite to this party?!

Set in the 70's in Los Angeles when black students were first bussed into predominantly white schools, two boys become unlikely friends. Hidden within the pages are issues beyond race relations, including brother loss, public education, PTSD, depression, Judaism and growing up the youngest brother among five sisters. Oh, and the ding dong chapter is hilarious.

Such an important book. Interesting to read it followed by "Armstrong & Charlie" -- you can only ask if we have really come that far in 40 years.

Just finished the first chapter.

I read this one slowly as I knew it would bring up some issues. The book is about two sisters who live in a difficult family. Dad left. Mom is there, but not really. It's abuse but not the kind that is easy to describe or point out.

Gem is older than Dixie, and each has their own feelings about their home life. But when they spend a few days together, they open up to each other. It's complicated. But an important read.

Can't wait to read this! It wasn't supposed to arrive until Thursday.

The Policeman gasped.
"What is it?" they called. "What do you see?"
But before he could answer, the man stirred and stood up, sending the policeman back to the bottom of his pocket.
"Something bright! Something sparkling!" he whispered. "I can hardly describe it."

I read this on my iPad. But it was interesting to compare it with "The Two Naomis". Both are about divorce and remarriage. But Leftovers deals with the idea that children often feel like they no longer fit as their parents move on with their lives. It's more than just coming to terms with the fact that the childhood you understood is gone, but also learning where you fit as families change. The shoe incident left me breathless. Definitely got it!

This is not your usual Christmas book. But after learning that Pan Conrad had died before it was published, it makes a bit more sense. The angel is supposed to be in her likeness, and the book is dedicated to her. If you like The Tub People, definitely pick it up. The illustrations are amazing.

It was interesting to read this as an adult of divorced parents who didn't remarry. The truth is that there aren't instructions and it is probably impossible to not hurt someone in the process of moving forward. It is difficult to balance the needs of the parent with the needs of the children. What I like about this book is that there are no bad guys. I think everyone tries their best, but still mistakes are made. The ending bothered me a bit.

Ballet Cat is back! But there are no underpants this time around. Instead cousins compete for Granny's love. Which will she pick? She is not allowed to pick both. 😂😂😂

"The House Without a Christmas Tree" was a favorite when I was little. I am pretty sure I watched the TV special before I read it. Still it really hit home.
In my case, it was my Mom who banned the Christmas tree. Ultimately my father won out and we went out to the mall on Christmas Eve and bought one. The woman threw in the ornaments because we had to take the floor model.

Proof that truth is stranger than fiction--for the 5-8 crowd. While reading this keep in mind that it was written before our current president was really even in the race.

Eyes as big as soccer balls and length as long as a bus yet we know so very little about Architeuthis, or giant squid. Told in verse with beautiful and dark illustrations it should inspire a few budding oceanographers and marine biologists. Winner of a Sibert Honor.

So much to love in this.