Our Guncle by Steven Rowley

Illustrated by Eda Kaban 4 stars A fun picture book adaptation of The Guncle. The original novel is still on my TBR but this sweet picture book made me want to get around to reading it soon. After the death of their mother, Maisie and Grant spend the summer with their Uncle Patrick. He does…

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Song of the Trees (Logan Family Saga #1) by Mildred D. Taylor

Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney 4 stars A beautifully written story, the first book of the Logan Family Saga showcases the bravery, creative problem solving, and resolve of the Logans. Cassie loves the forest on her family’s property. No matter what her brother says, she knows she hears the trees singing. But then the siblings witness…

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In Our Mothers’ House by Patricia Polacco

4 stars A heartfelt story of a family’s love shared in a big house filled with memories. Told by the eldest daughter, the story follows the children from adoption to adulthood, depicting moments from dance parties to grandparent visits, new pets to Halloween adventures, tea parties to block parties. Such an adorable story. It was…

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The Deep & Dark Blue by Niki Smith

3 stars When the Solstice Blessing turns into a violent political coup, twins Grayson and Hawke must flee their home. They find refuge in the Communion of Blue where girls and women learn to spin the threads of reality. While Hawke (now Hanna) feels stifled and wants nothing more than to avenge the family and…

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Sparkle Boy by Lesléa Newman

Illustrated by Maria Mola 5 stars Absolutely adorable. A wonderful story with sweet illustrations. Jessie loves all things sparkly, but when her brother Casey shows an interest in them as well, she doesn’t think he’s allowed. He’s a boy after all. Her family supports Casey’s interest and helps him put together shimmery attire. When confronted…

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The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister

4 stars So weird. When a Haddesley patriarch dies, he is released into the bog. In return, the bog produces a bog wife for the new patriarch to continue the compact between the two entities. At least, that’s how the Haddesley siblings have been told it’s supposed to happen. But when their father dies, the…

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Villains Are Destined to Die, Vol. 5 by Suol

Original Story by Gwon Gyeoeul Translated by Ah Cho 3 stars So conflicted about this volume. I absolutely loved the trial sequence. Great tension and some fun twists as Penelope figures out how to get herself out of the main episode’s current predicament. We also finish up the royal hunting tournament. I don’t love the…

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Villains Are Destined to Die, Vol. 4 by Suol

Original Story by Gwon Gyeoeul Translated by Ah Cho 3 stars The Eckharts join the hunting tournament on the palace grounds. Not to be left behind, Penelope heads off into the small-game area only to lose her way and come face-to-face with a dangerous foe. An unexpected acquaintance comes to her aid, but there is…

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