Currently Reading: Purple Hibiscus

I saw Purple Hibiscus at the library and immediately checked it out. The description really caught attention with Kambili living a posh and sheltered life with no knowledge of what's going on in the world until she's forced to. This seems like it might be an interesting book. 

Book: Purple Hibiscus by Chimanda Ngozi Adichie

Source: Library

Description:

Fifteen-year-old Kambili and her older brother Jaja lead a privileged life in Enugu, Nigeria. They live in beautiful house, with a caring family, and attend an exclusive missionary school. They're completely shielded from the troubles of the world. Yet, as Kambili reveals in her tender-voiced account, things are less perfect than they appear. Although her Papa is generous and well respected, he is fanatically religious and tyrannical at home-a home that is silent and suffocating.

As the country begins to fall apart under a military coup, Kambili and Jaja are sent to their aunt, a university professor outside the city, where they discover a life beyond the confines of their father's authority. Books cram the shelves, curry and nutmeg permeate the air, and their cousins' laughter rings throughout the house. When they return home, tensions within the family escalate, and Kambili must find the strength to keep her loved ones together. Purple Hibiscus is an exquisite novel about the emotional turmoil of adolescence, the powerful bonds of family, and the bright promise of freedom.

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #273 (for Saturday): Evie Brooks in Central Park Showdown

I've gotten a little behind on this Books of Interest challenge and I'm trying to catch up. I loved reading the first book Evie Brooks is Marooned in Manhattan and would like to read this next book in the series. Especially since there was an interesting cliffhanger at the end and I want to know what's next for Evie which is what this book appears to focus on.

Book: Evie Brooks in Central Park Showdown (Evie Brooks book #2) by Sheila Agnew

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Evie Brooks is having the time of her life in New York, despite having to start her first day of school with a stye on her eye and a skirt so short it shows off her baby giraffe legs. Nevertheless, Evie makes new friends - maybe even a boyfriend, although how can you tell whether he's a boyfriend or just a boy who happens to be a friend? And life with her Uncle Scott continues to be a whirlwind as he adds the Central Park Zoo to his list of vet clients.

Once again the practice is inundated with the city's strangest pets and inmates, including an alpaca named Milly, Eddie the Westipoo, Jax the snail, and a rabbit named Dr. Pepper that goes walkabout in Central Park. Evie is almost too busy to notice that the father she's never met has darkened her door and is anxious to make amends and seek custody of Evie. Well, Evie won't have any part of that. Nobody is going to separate her from Uncle Scott, not even the courts and a lawyer named Marcy, who claims to be representing her interests but won't let her speak. That is not Evie's style, however, and she is determined to find a way to stay with her uncle, with a little help from her friends.

Book Review: Sherlock Sam and the Missing Heirloom in Katong

Book: Sherlock Sam and the Missing Heirloom in Katong (Sherlock Sam book #1) written by A.J. Low (Adan Jimenez and Felicia Low-Jimenez) with illustrations by Andrew Tan

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

An exciting new update of the classic Sherlock Holmes detective stories in which Sherlock is a 10-year-old kid living in Singapore and Watson is his trusty robot companion!

Introducing the Sherlock Sam series by A.J. Low—a fresh, cross-cultural twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes stories, tailored for middle-grade readers. Set in iconic Singapore locations, the series follows the mystery-solving exploits of smart, observant, food-loving 10-year-old Samuel Tan Cher Lock (a.k.a. Sherlock Sam), Watson, his reluctant robot sidekick, and the rest of the Supper Club (a “Scooby Doo gang,” of sorts) as they prove that mysteries are best solved through teamwork.

In Sherlock Sam and the Missing Heirloom in Katong, Auntie Kim Lian’s precious Peranakan cookbook disappears, and Sherlock Sam cannot eat her delicious ayam buah keluak anymore! Will Sherlock Sam be able to use his super detective powers to find this lost treasure?


Rating: 5 stars

Review:

I love finding these middle grade mystery books. In this story which is set in Singapore, 10 years old Samuel Tan Cher Lock who likes to be called Sherlock Sam loves science and math and one day hopes to become a great detective. He also created a robot who accidentally got the name Watson by Sam's father.

This story contains two mysteries, the first centers around a missing cookbook. Family friend Auntie Kim Lian invited Sam's family over for a special dinner. Sam, his older sister Wendy and Watson went over early to hang out with Auntie Lian's grandson Jimmy (who is Sam's friend and classmate). As Auntie Lian went to look for her cookbook which is old and filled with tons of family recipes, she realized it was missing. Sherlock Sam knowing how much the cookbook means to Auntie Lian proceeded to trying to solve the mystery. He got some assistance from Watson, Wendy and Jimmy.

From tracing Auntie Lian's steps from the last time she had the cookbook, the group went from Auntie's home to various sites around town. All along Sherlock Sam was picking up clues and trying his best to find the book.

The second mystery has Sherlock trying to find Jimmy's missing hamster. I like that the story has two mysteries with one being rather easy to solve (for both Sherlock and the reader). While the other takes time to uncover clues to solve the case.

I think kids would like this book because the story is fast-paced, the mysteries are interesting and the characters are very likeable. The book also includes a helpful glossary so readers can learn more information about many of the terms that are featured throughout. As delicious as the food was described in this book, I almost wish recipes were included. Regardless, this was a fun book and I look forward to reading the second book.

Currently Reading: The Kite Runner and That's Not Hay in My Hair

It's been a while since I posted a Currently Reading post because lately I usually pick up a book, read it, then write up the review. But I want to start posting what I read again. Here are two books that I recently started reading: The Kite Runner and That's Not Hay in My Hair. I should be finished with the second book in a couple of days.

Book: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Description:

The unforgettable, heartbreaking story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father's servant, The Kite Runner is a beautifully crafted novel set in a country that is in the process of being destroyed. It is about the power of reading, the price of betrayal, and the possibility of redemption; and an exploration of the power of fathers over sons—their love, their sacrifices, their lies.

A sweeping story of family, love, and friendship told against the devastating backdrop of the history of Afghanistan over the last thirty years, The Kite Runner is an unusual and powerful novel that has become a beloved, one-of-a-kind classic.

Book: That's Not Hay in My Hair by Juliette Turner

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

New York City life had crammed sidewalks, gasoline-filled puddles, and angry taxi drivers, but Juliette enjoyed the towering sky-scrapers, the half-block walk to school, and the restaurant smells wafting into her bedroom. She had never cared for a horse, let alone a long-horn, when her mother announced their imminent move to a 300 acre ranch in Texas, where they would be caring for three horses, five dogs, twenty-five longhorns, and a cat … all by themselves.

Juliette couldn’t help feeling excited, even though she’d have to climb a hill to get a bar of cell-phone service. Soon she was running from bats and snakes, rescuing a calf from a twenty-foot ditch, medicating ponies, and having adventures so crazy it’s hard to believe they’re for real—but it all happened exactly how it’s written.

Get ready for side-splitting laughs, heart-wrenching tears, and surprising life lessons learned down on the farm and shared by fourteen-year-old Juliette Turner.

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #225: The Joy Luck Club

I really can't believe I've never read The Joy Luck Club, it's a classic. Of course, I have not seen the movie adaptation either. See, it's times like this when I wish I had more time to read books and watch movies. Hey, who hasn't had that wish before?

Book: The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

Description:

Four mothers, four daughters, four families whose histories shift with the four winds depending on who's "saying" the stories. In 1949 four Chinese women, recent immigrants to San Francisco, begin meeting to eat dim sum, play mahjong, and talk. United in shared unspeakable loss and hope, they call themselves the Joy Luck Club. Rather than sink into tragedy, they choose to gather to raise their spirits and money. "To despair was to wish back for something already lost. Or to prolong what was already unbearable." Forty years later the stories and history continue.

With wit and sensitivity, Amy Tan examines the sometimes painful, often tender, and always deep connection between mothers and daughters. As each woman reveals her secrets, trying to unravel the truth about her life, the strings become more tangled, more entwined. Mothers boast or despair over daughters, and daughters roll their eyes even as they feel the inextricable tightening of their matriarchal ties. Tan is an astute storyteller, enticing readers to immerse themselves into these lives of complexity and mystery.

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #201: Ghosts

Ghosts seems like it will be an interesting supernatural story that will focus on Catrina trying to deal with her feeling about the health of her little sister. 

I'm glad there are more comic books aimed at children because kids love to read comics just as much as we adults do.

Book: Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier

Publication: September 13, 2016

Description:

Catrina and her family are moving to the coast of Northern California because her little sister, Maya, is sick. Cat isn't happy about leaving her friends for Bahía de la Luna, but Maya has cystic fibrosis and will benefit from the cool, salty air that blows in from the sea. As the girls explore their new home, a neighbor lets them in on a secret: There are ghosts in Bahía de la Luna. Maya is determined to meet one, but Cat wants nothing to do with them. As the time of year when ghosts reunite with their loved ones approaches, Cat must figure out how to put aside her fears for her sister's sake -- and her own.

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #161: Mosquitoland

I saw Mosquitoland earlier when I went to the Barnes and Noble Teen Book Festival. I didn't buy it even though I wanted to, I'm doing my best to stick with my Essentials Only Challenge.

However, my will power is not exactly made of steel, I couldn't pass up getting two Funkos. I got Captain America from the Avengers: Age of Ultron, I've been searching for quite a while for that one. I also bought Agent 13 (Sharon Carter) from Captain America: Civil War. I will post both of them at a later time. 

As for this book, the description seems very interesting. I'm sure her bus travel will give Mim a chance to not only sort out her life but also meeting a lot of interesting people. I will add this to my wishlist to pick up after the challenge.

Book: Mosquitoland by David Arnold

Description:

After the sudden collapse of her family, Mim Malone is dragged from her home in northern Ohio to the “wastelands” of Mississippi, where she lives in a medicated milieu with her dad and new stepmom. Before the dust has a chance to settle, she learns her mother is sick back in Cleveland.

So she ditches her new life and hops aboard a northbound Greyhound bus to her real home and her real mother, meeting a quirky cast of fellow travelers along the way. But when her thousand-mile journey takes a few turns she could never see coming, Mim must confront her own demons, redefining her notions of love, loyalty, and what it means to be sane.

Book Review: Caillou, Lights Out!

Book: Caillou, Lights Out! story adapted from an episode of the Caillou animated series by Anne Paradise with illustrations adapted by Eric Sevigny

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

A winter storm knocks the power out at Caillou's house. Caillou is confused when the lights don’t work. But soon the evening turns into an indoor camping adventure, complete with marshmallows roasted in the fireplace. Caillou is especially delighted when he gets to sleep by the hearth in his sleeping bag.

Caillou, Lights Out! includes glow-in-the-dark stickers.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Winter weather can sometimes bring bad storms which Caillou found out in this cute little picture book. This story follows Caillou and his family as they deal with the power going out during a snow storm. His parents try to make the entire experience a fun adventure by lighting a fire in the fireplace and roasting marshmallows to help Caillou not feel afraid. They also plan another fun activity, camping out in the living room.

Having the power go out can even be scary for adults, and this book could possibly help kids not feels so scared during a power outage. The illustrations were bright and colorful and makes you feel as if you are watching the animated series. I thought the author did a great job capturing the heart, warmth and humor of the show.

This is a quick read and the words are easy enough that a child could read the story for themselves if they wanted to.

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #95: Jacky Ha-Ha

A funny thing happened on the way to the bookstore, it was closed when I got there. Yeah, I know lame joke but sometimes all you need is a good laugh especially on a bad even if it is at a horrible joke. Which is probably why I want to read this book, Jacky Ha-Ha. Jacky uses humor as a way to distract from what's going on in her life. I'm interested in giving this a read because are Jacky's problems something she can fix or continue to use humor to hide from them.

Book: Jacky Ha-Ha by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein with illustrations by Kerascoet

Description:

In his new middle grade novel that debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, James Patterson introduces his hilarious new heroine, Jacky Ha-Ha, a class clown who makes people laugh with her so they can't laugh at her.

With her irresistible urge to tell a joke in every situation -- even when she really, really shouldn't -- twelve-year-old Jacky Ha-Ha loves to make people laugh. And cracking wise helps distract her from thinking about not-so-funny things in her life, like her mom serving in a dangerous, faraway war, and a dad who's hardly ever home.

But no matter how much fun Jacky has, she can't seem to escape her worries. So one starlit night, she makes a promise to keep her family together...even if she has to give up the one thing that makes her happy. But can she stop being Jacky Ha-Ha, if that's who she really is?

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #65: Same But Different

Same But Different is a fictional book that is based on the experiences that Actress and Autism Activist Holly Robinson Peete's twin children have gone through. Her son is autistic while her daughter is not.

I wish there were more books with characters that are special needs.

Book: Same But Different: Teen Life on the Autism Express by Holly Robinson Peete, Ryan Elizabeth Peete and RJ Peete

Publication: March 29, 2016

Description:

Being a teen is hard enough. But when you have autism--or when your sibling is struggling with the condition--life can be a topsy-turvy ride. What happens when you come face-to-face with dating, parties, sports, body changes, school, and kids who just don’t get you? Where do you turn when your sibling with autism is the butt of jokes, the victim of misunderstood social cues, and the one everyone thinks is weird?

Through alternating narratives based on their own lives, Ryan Elizabeth Peete and her twin brother, RJ, who has autism, bravely and honestly reveal what it means to be a teen living with the disorder.

With insight and humor, Same But Different explores the many aspects of teen autism, while daring to address issues and feelings nobody talks about. This powerfully rendered, timely book is the only one of its kind. It paints an important story of hope for teens and families living with autism—and lets us see that everybody’s unique rhythm is worth dancing to.

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #56: Double Vision

Okay, that cover is so cute. I think the premise seems interesting with twin sisters developing powers and possibly using them to prevent something that may change the future.

Well, this is definitely another book I will be adding to my wishlist.

Book: Double Vision (Twintuition book #1) by Tia & Tamera Mowry

Description:

From actresses Tia and Tamera Mowry comes the story of tween twins Cassie and Caitlyn and their discovery that they have the ability to see things before they occur!

When their mother’s new job forces them to move from bustling San Antonio to middle-of-nowhere Aura, Texas, Caitlyn tries to stay positive, focusing on meeting new people and having new adventures. Cassie, on the other hand, is convinced that it’s only a matter of time until they’ll be sick of Aura and ready to move back to the big city.

But being the new kids isn’t their only challenge. The girls start experiencing strange visions, and they must work together to change the future before it can happen.

Tia Mowry-Hardrict and Tamera Mowry-Housley gained initial fame on the ’90s sitcom Sister, Sister. Tia can now be seen starring in and producing the Nickelodeon series Instant Mom and on the Cooking Channel’s show Tia Mowry at Home. Tamera is a host and producer on the hit daytime talk show The Real, currently airing on FOX. Together they’ve created a magical series about twin sisters with a powerful gift and an even stronger connection.

Currently Reading: Where The Heart Is

Where The Heart Is is one of my favorite movies. I had no idea it was based on a book. It wasn't' until sometime last year, that I lucked up on finding this book at the thrift store for 80 cent. I started reading this last night then continued this morning and before I realized it I found myself nearly half way finished.


Book: Where The Heart Is by Billie Letts

Edition: Paperback

Description:

Talk about unlucky sevens. An hour ago, seventeen-year-old, seven months pregnant Novalee Nation was heading for California with her boyfriend. Now she finds herself stranded at a Wal-Mart in Sequoyah, Oklahoma, with just $7.77 in change. But Novalee is about to discover hidden treasures in this small Southwestern town -- a group of down-to-earth, deeply caring people who will come to love her more than she loves herself, and start her on a moving, warmhearted, and unforgettable journey to...Where The Heart Is.

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #51: The Bollywood Bride

As a romantic, I found that I surprisingly don't read a lot of romance books. I think it's mainly because I'm so used to reading other genres that when I do read a romance book I don't find them to be very challenging.

But lately, I've been finding some that have been interesting to read. When I read over the description for Bollywood Bride it definitely caught my attention, Fame and Romance.

I will be adding this to my wishlist.

Book: The Bollywood Bride by Sonali Dev

Description:

Ria Parkar is Bollywood's favorite Ice Princess--beautiful, poised, and scandal-proof--until one impulsive act threatens to expose her destructive past. Traveling home to Chicago for her cousin's wedding offers a chance to diffuse the coming media storm and find solace in family, food, and outsized celebrations that are like one of her vibrant movies come to life. But it also means confronting Vikram Jathar.

Ria and Vikram spent childhood summers together, a world away from Ria's exclusive boarding school in Mumbai. Their friendship grew seamlessly into love--until Ria made a shattering decision. As far as Vikram is concerned, Ria sold her soul for stardom and it's taken him years to rebuild his life. But beneath his pent-up anger, their bond remains unchanged. And now, among those who know her best, Ria may find the courage to face the secrets she's been guarding for everyone else's benefit--and a chance to stop acting and start living.

Rich with details of modern Indian-American life, here is a warm, sexy, and witty story of love, family, and the difficult choices that arise in the name of both.

Book Review: Sabrina: The Teen-Age Witch issue #27

Book: Sabrina: The Teen-Age Witch issue #27

Edition: Single Print Edition

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

This is another issue I found in the discount bin at the comic book store. The cover may not be in the best condition but it was still a good read. This was published in 1975 and the funny thing is, I couldn't find any credit for the writers and artists for any of the stories. Perhaps they didn't start listing them until later on. In this issue, there were four Sabrina stories and one Li'l Jinx short story.


Story #1: "Salem Sing Along"

In this story, Sabrina's Aunt Hilda was not enjoying the song that Sabrina was singing. She felt the song was too modern and too kind and caring, certainly not something that a witch should be singing. Plus, Hilda preferred the old songs. Feeling defeated, Sabrina went up to the attic to think and wound up finding some of Hilda's old music books. After she found a song that she really liked, Sabrina went to go play it for her aunt. However, she had no idea that playing the song would cause so much trouble.

When she played the song, it was like she conjured a spell because it was a total magical disaster causing all types of problems around the house. But that turned out to be a good thing for Sabrina because Aunt Hilda no longer had a problem with the song Sabrina used to sing.



Story #2: "Not Wanted!" (Li'l Jinx)

In this short story, Li'l Jinx had a cold and couldn't go out to play with her friend Gi Gi.



Story #3: "Cold Wave"

On a very hot and sunny day, Harvey came over for a visit and couldn't help commenting on how cool it was in Sabrina's house. He had no idea it was magic keeping the house cool and in a rare display of kindness Aunt Hilda placed a spell on Harvey to keep him cool once he left the house.

It wasn't until Sabrina's Uncle Ambrose pointed out a problem in the kitchen that everyone realized that Hilda's magic was malfunctioning. They had to call in the Zelda, the Head Witch to fix all of Hilda's spells. It's a good thing Sabrina remembered the spell casted on Harvey before it was too late.



Story #4: "A Spell in the Sun"

Sabrina, Hilda and Ambrose take in a day at the beach but Hilda was not enjoying herself. From a rambunctious little boy who kept tossing sand in her face to a rude teenager, Hilda used a little magic to make the day better but her attempt to enjoy a meal on the beach may have created some unexplainable trouble for the family.



Story #5: "Pocus Hocus"

This last story has Sabrina assisting Harvey in a magic show. Seeing how horrible he was doing with his act, Sabrina cast a few spells to help him out. Thanks to Sabrina's help the audience thought Harvey was only pretending to be a bad magician. Too bad Harvey wasn't in on it because despite all the cheers from the audience he ended up being confused with how the show turned out.


Having magical powers doesn't make life easy, it seems to cause nothing but trouble for Sabrina and her family. Even when they try to help, it turns out wrong. I love reading these old comics, they're so much fun. The stories were written as light and humorous with the artwork showing all the zaniness that occurs.

Currently Reading: A McClendon Thanksgiving

I like finding holiday books to read. I had three Thanksgiving books, the first one I read was the children's book Charlie Bumpers vs. The Perfect Little Turkey.

This is the second book I will be reading A McClendon Thanksgiving which according to the description centers around two old friends possibly finding romance. Hopefully it will be a nice read.


Book: A McClendon Thanksgiving (The McClendon Holiday book #1) by Sean D. Young

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

For a perfect fit, sometimes you have to make a few alterations.

The McClendon Holiday Series, Book 1

Faith McClendon put her promising fashion career on hold to support her investment banker husband’s climb to financial success—only to be dumped for another woman.

The thirty-year-old fashion designer has come home to Chicago to start over, this time on her own terms. Amid the lingering sting of betrayal, there’s one bright spot. A renewed friendship with childhood buddy Michael Montgomery.

For years, Michael pretended to be Faith’s husband to fend off unwanted attention, gave her a shoulder to cry on, and cheered the loudest when she left home for fashion school. Through it all, he never stopped loving her.

Time hasn’t dimmed the spark between them, but when another man hits on her, Michael realizes it’s time to stop hiding his true feelings. This thirty-one-year-old professional photographer is ready to pose for his own family portrait—with Faith as his wife.

Warning: Contains a photographer who’s through being pictured in a brother-ish light, and a fashionista who’s not sure her heart is quite mended enough to risk further alterations.

Currently Reading: Hardy Boys: Murder by Magic

I bought this book at one of the library book sales I went to last year. This will be my first time reading a Hardy Boys book.


Book: Murder by Magic (The Hardy Boys Casefiles #98) by Franklin W. Dixon

Description:

Deadly Deceptions!

The Hardy boys have signed on as stagehands for Legerdemania -- the annual extravaganza showcasing the world's master magicians. But this year's spectacular proves to be a killer. Gideon the Great's assistant, Miranda, was supposed to do a vanishing act. Instead she ends up dead...and the murderer disappears!

The competition onstage is fierce, and Frank and Joe soon discover that just about every magician has a motive for murder. And determined to avoid exposure, the real killer is more than willing to perform an encore. The Hardys will have to come up with some hocus-pocus of their own, or they might end up victims of the dirtiest, deadliest trick of all!

Currently Reading: Vows, Vendettas and a Little Black Dress

It's been a while since I've read a Sophie Katz mystery book and this is the only one that I have not read. With only six books in this series, I was hoping the author would make more but so far it doesn't look like it. I guess fans will have to be content with just these few.


Book: Vows, Vendettas and a Little Black Dress (A Sophie Katz Murder Mystery book #5) by Kyra Davis

Description:

Overjoyed at Maryanne's engagement, amateur sleuth Sophie Katz can't wait for the wedding vows and party toasts to begin. But then Dena—best friend, bridesmaid and all-around vixen—is mysteriously shot just after the announcement. Leave this to the authorities? No way. Dena may never walk again, and Sophie vows to marry her fists with the shooter's face.

Problem is, the number of suspects is off the charts—from jaded lovers to anti-free-lovers to just plain old haters. Dena's made plenty of enemies thanks to her popular sex shop—and, yes, she's no saint—but really, who deserves to be shot?

With an überlogical almost boyfriend condemning her vigilante quest, and a wedding planner going vicariously bridezilla over the dream princess wedding, Sophie's barely thinking straight. But if she can keep her cool (and avoid all errant taffeta), she just might nab her man and save the (wedding) day.

Book Review: Big Nate: Welcome to My World

Book: Big Nate: Welcome to My World by Lincoln Peirce

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication Date: September 15, 2015

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Description:

Join Big Nate and his classmates Gina, Artur, Francis, Jenny, and Teddy, as they navigate the halls of P.S. 38. One thing's for sure: Nate is definitely not the teacher's pet!

Aspiring cartoonist Nate Wright is eleven years old, four-and-a-half feet tall, and the all-time record holder for detentions in school history. He's a self-described genius and sixth-grade Renaissance Man who lives with his dad and older sister and enjoys pestering his family and teachers with his sarcasm.


Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Nate Wright and trouble go hand in hand, even when he's trying to be good he some how manages to get into trouble.

This latest edition had a very good collection of comics which includes Nate's grandparents attending Grandparents Day at his school and got to experience a day in his life from the terrible food in the cafeteria to attending all his classes. They met many of his friends and teachers including Nate's least favorite teacher Mrs. Godfrey.

With summer vacation approaching, Nate really wanted to get a B in Social Studies at the end of the semester however his reason is mainly to prove to know-it-all Gina that he could do it. But studying isn't something that Nate is good at and with no desire to study with Francis who can he get to help him? Believe it or not he got help from Peter, a 1st grader but a very smart 1st grader.

Summer vacation wasn't all fun and relaxation with Nate taking junior lifeguard classes and dealing with Coach John and his unique technique to teaching. But he did find a good reason for him and Teddy to join Francis' book club although that reason is the snacks being served. And speaking of snacks, Nate's dad was making him cut back on eating his favorite treat, Cheez Doodles. There is no way he is going to be able to deal with that but his dad is going to make sure he sticks with it.

These are just a few of the many comics in the book that also includes Nate's disappointing first day back to school to trying keep his dad from passing out awful snack for Halloween but somehow he always does.

I love reading these Big Nate comics and although they are geared towards children/middle grade readers I think they make a fun read for all ages.

Currently Reading: Scoop to Kill

I just started reading this and so far it's already off to a good start.


Book: Scoop to Kill (A Mystery A La Mode book #2) by Wendy Lyn Watson

Description:

Tallulah Jones may be the proprietor of Dalliance, Texas' old-fashioned ice-cream parlor, but she's no stranger to cold-blooded murder...

No one is more shocked than Tally when the local college serves up a double dip of death. During the annual Honor's Day festivities, Tally's niece Alice stumbles upon the body of a graduate student. Suspicion falls on the English professor he accused of sexual harassment, but a couple days later, she's found dead too.

Tally steps out from behind the counter of Remember the A-la-mode to clear the professor's name. But in an English department sprinkled with failing students, cutthroat academics, and extramarital affairs, the list of suspects rivals A-la-mode's choice of flavors. Then Alice gets chillingly close to a suspected killer, and Tally realizes she must act fast before someone else is put on ice.

Currently Reading: The Great Wall of Lucy Wu

One thing I'm really enjoying about my break from buying books is that it's given me more time to get caught up on my reading instead of just making my to-read pile even larger. I spotted this sitting on my shelf and wanted to give it a read.


Book: The Great Wall of Lucy Wu by Wendy Wan-Long Shang

Description:

Lucy Wu is an aspiring basketball star and interior designer, and she is certain she's on the verge of having the best year of her life. She's ready to rule the school as a sixth grader, go out for captain of the sixth-grade basketball team, and take over the bedroom she had always shared with her sister.

But her plans are shattered when she learns that Yi Po, her grandmother's sister, is coming to visit--for a few months. And she'll be staying in Lucy's room! Lucy's vision of a perfect year quickly begins to crumble as her parents force her to attend Chinese School with the annoying know-it-all, Talent Chang, and she faces the snobby bully, Sloane Connors, who wants to scare Lucy off the sixth-grade basketball team. Lucy's year is ruined--or is it?