Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane

How I Heard About It:
*While browsing social media during summer 2023, I came across a post from former President Barrack Obama.  He listed the books he was reading during the summer.  One of the titles was Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane.  After a bit of "research", I decided to purchase this novel.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*The story takes place in the summer of 1974 in the city of Boston.

*Jules is the daughter of Mary Pat and they both are morning the loss of Jules' brother to a drug overdose.

*Jules goes out one night with a few of her friends.  Her mother begins to worry when Jules doesn't return home the next day.

*Her mother starts her own search for her daughter to bring her home safely.

*At the same time, a young black man is found dead on the local subway station tracks, and Mary Pat begins to wonder if the two events are related.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*This was a well-written story about life in Boston back in 1974.

*The author did a tremendous job of taking the reader and putting them front and center to the racial issues facing the city during that time.

*For me, some portions of the plot moved a bit slow and/or I didn't find myself invested.

*I was certainly curious about what happened to Jules and how it related to the death of the black man.

*The author didn't steer away from a "happily ever after" conclusion, and as the reader I appreciated the reality of the "fictional" plot.


Who Should Read It:
*Fans of Dennis Lehane will want to put his newest title on their TBR list.  His most well-known novel is Mystic River.  I have never read that story, but I definitely might in the near future.  Readers who enjoy a well-written character driven story would be ideal for Small Mercies.  Happy Reading!


Rating:   3 STARS out of 5 Stars

The Curious Mysteries of Eli Marks by John Gaspard

How I Heard About It:
*A former student, along with her parents, contacted me about this middle-grade novel.  They asked if I would be interested in reading the story because they knew the author and thought I might like to share the book with my students.  I'm so glad they did because I love supporting local authors and their books.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*Eli is our main character who has just recently moved in with his uncle and aunt.

*His uncle is a magician and a member of a famous magician's club.  

*Upon arrival at his new school, Eli comes up against another student who doesn't seem to like him.

*Even though the "bully" seems to be around each and every corner, Eli does meet some new friends who have similar interests as him.

*As the school year progresses, Eli comes face to face with a variety of situations that require his keen sense of magic and solving mysteries.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*What a treat it is to discover an author and title you know nothing about.

*John Gaspard has written a middle-grade story that young readers will certainly be engaged in.

*Each chapter is a separate mystery in which both the reader, and Eli, are asked to solve.  

*The further I got into the story, the more I tried to think about the situation Eli was involved in to see if I could predict the question and mystery that was going to be asked.  

*There are a lot of great mysteries and situations throughout the story that I know young readers will have a ball reading about.


Who Should Read It:
*I believe this is the first book in an up and coming middle-grade series.  The reading level is ideal for readers in third, fourth, and fifth grade.  Of course middle-school students should also be considered for the book.  If you know of a young reader who enjoys magic and magicians, then this is the story for them.  Happy Reading!


Rating:   4 STARS out of 5 Stars

Gossamer Summer by H.M. Bouwman

How I Heard About It:
*This new novel by H.M. Bouwman was sent to me, along with several other titles, via the publisher (Atheneum).  I picked it out from the collection because the title and cover caught my attention.  I figured it was the perfect time to read since it is midsummer.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*The story takes place during summer vacation for four young sisters.  

*They are filling their days with outside play, games, stories, and lots of imagination.

*One of the sisters, JoJo isn't quite sure what she witnessed one early morning, but she is pretty sure she saw a fairy. 

*When she begins to share the news with her three sisters, she decides NOT to tell them the truth.

*After a young boy arrives to live across the street, the group of children set off on an adventure that transports them to another world and land.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*Often times I find it hard to find actual novels that are a bit shorter in length and not overly "heavy" in content.  

*This is the perfect book for readers in grades two, three, four, and even above.  

*The story had everything; family, fantasy, friendship, mystery, and lots of hope and fun.

*JoJo was quite the sister, character, and friend.  She really held the entire plot together.  I so enjoyed her.

*I'm excited to share the title with my upcoming fourth grade class and I'm thinking of picking it as a "Breakfast with Books" book club selection.


Who Should Read It:
*Because of the storyline, the content, and the length of the novel; this is the perfect book for students in grades two, three, four, and above.  I see it being used as a class read aloud in the younger grades.  The book could definitely put in the individual hands of the older kids.  Happy Reading!


Rating:   4 STARS out of 5 Stars

In Memoriam by Alice Winn

How I Heard About It:
*I bought this novel several months ago and can't really recall where or how I found out about it.  I do remember reading positive and stellar reviews about the story which led me to purchase a copy for myself.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*The year is 1914 and World War I is in full force.

*The war seems a world away from the private boarding school for boys tucked safely away in the forests of England.

*Two students attending the school together are Henry Gaunt and Sidney Ellwood who could not be more different from each other, but there is a "force" that seems to draw them together.

*As the war rages on, Gaunt decides he is needed on the Front Line alongside some of the upper classmen from his school.

*Ellwood is thrilled about losing Gaunt to the war, is afraid of fighting, but finds himself side by side with Gaunt, where both of their lives are at risk.  

What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*I'm not usually a reader of historical fiction, especially war stories.

*I was surprised when I was drawn into the story of Ellwood and Gaunt.  The engagement took a bit, but once I was in, I was all in.

*The writing was beautiful and descriptive.  There were times when I could truly feel what the war experience was like.  

*There were several scenes from the novel that were difficult to read and brought tears to my eyes.

*Not only was the plot entertaining, but also eye-opening into what life was like for young men in the early 1900's.


Who Should Read It:
*In Memoriam is the perfect novel for adult readers who gravitate towards well-written fiction; especially historical fiction.  If you are a World War I buff, then this might be the story for you.  Happy Reading!


Rating:   4 STARS out of 5 Stars

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

How I Heard About It:
*Ten years ago I read Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese and found it to be one of the best stories I've ever read.  A couple months ago, I saw that the author was releasing his newest work of fiction.  I ordered a copy right away.  The next day I found out that Oprah choose this novel as her 101st book club selection.  I thought she and I both have good taste in books.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*This is an epic story covering the years 1900 through 1977 taking place in the country of India.

*The story follows three generations of a particular family.  There is something known as the "condition" and the "tragedy" occurs in each generation.

*The first generation begins with a young girl being sent away to marry a much older man.

*From there, the story continues over the next seventy-seven years as the family the young girl created continues through trials, tribulations, and life-changing events.  

*Themes and topics of family, traditions, medicine, life, and death are strewn throughout each and every page.

What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*When the over 700 page novel arrived at my doorstep, I was incredibly excited to begin what I was sure to be an epic adventure in reading.

*I was fascinated by this young Indian girl traveling across her country to marry a man she never met.

*The first one hundred or so pages were interesting and I was invested in the plot.

*Much to my dismay, I hit a wall and found myself struggling throughout the rest of the story.

*There were a few points where I was about to abandon the book, but I kept going.  It took me over a month to read and I recently finished.  I'm glad I stuck with it, but it was not always an easy or enjoyable read.  The writing was incredible and beautiful, but didn't always grab my attention or interest.


Who Should Read It:
*If you haven't read Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese, I would highly recommend that novel.  I know there are many readers who are raving about this new novel and it is on the best seller list.  I think the overall story just wasn't for me.  The story was quite long, very detailed, and dragged in many spots.  If you do give it a shot, I hope you enjoy it.  Happy Reading!


Rating:   3 STARS out of 5 Stars

The Probability of Everything by Sarah Everett

How I Heard About It:
*When @ColbySharp recommends a middle-grade novel, I take notice.  He posted a quick video about this book and I could tell from his comments this was a special story.  I ordered a copy right away and literally read the entire story in one sitting.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*What would you do if there was an astroid heading towards Earth and you had four days before this catastrophic event occurs.

*That is what eleven-year-old Kemi is facing when she witnesses an astroid hovering in the sky above her own home.

*Knowing she only has four days until the "implosion", Kemi decides to make the most of those final days.

*She decides to create a time-capsule in which she collects items from her family members and friends so everyone is not forgotten once her world changes.  

*Kemi and her father are extremely close which is why Kemi becomes nervous her dad won't pick his object in time for the time capsule.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*I can't remember the last time I started a book and literally didn't get up from my spot until I finished.

*This middle-grade story was absolutely incredible and like nothing I have ever read.

*Not only was I drawn into the story because of the impending astroid, but the character of Kemi was a driving force of the story.  

*To say there is a "turn of events" or "twist" in the plot, would be the understatement of the year.  

*I don't want to say too much else about the story because I went in knowing NOTHING about the plot and I think everyone should read the book in the same way.  My advice is to do NO research and/or previewing of the story.  You won't be disappointed.


Who Should Read It:
*This will definitely be a class read aloud in my fourth grade classroom during the 2023/2024 school year.  I know it is going to make for a strong class read aloud and promote rich and deep discussions.  The story is completely appropriate for students in grades four and above.  It is a must-read for EVERYONE!  Happy Reading!!!


Rating:   5 STARS out of 5 Stars

A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham

How I Heard About It:
*A member of my BBC (Boy's Book Club) chose this novel for one of our summer 2023 book club selections.  I read the novel while on my European summer vacation.  The perfect novel to read while cruising on the open seas.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*When Chloe was a young girl, her father was arrested and convicted as a serial killer.  

*Twenty years later Chloe is a young working woman about to get married. 

*She is brought back to her childhood when two girls go missing in similar ways to the missing girls her father was convicted of murdering.

*Even though she has a profession and wedding plans to keep her busy, she can't help but get wrapped up in trying to figure out if there is a connection between the crimes of her present and the past.

*A page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*It had been awhile since I had read a mystery/crime novel so the experience was a real treat.

*I so enjoyed the fast-pace of the plot and trying to figure out "who done it?"

*Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, I turned the page and was surprised to find out I was wrong.  

*The writing was strong, the characters were interesting, and the plot was fascinating.  

*This was my first Stacy Willingham novel, but I know it won't be my last.


Who Should Read It:
*If you are looking for a page-turner for your summer vacation, either on land or sea, I think this would be the perfect book.  Happy Reading!


Rating:   4 STARS out of 5 Stars

West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge

How I Heard About It:
*While looking for novels published for adults to gift to a friend, I came across this title.  After a bit of online research, I decided to purchase the novel not only for my friend but one for myself as well.  I read most of the book while on my summer European vacation.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*The story revolves around 105 year old Woodrow Wilson Nickel.  

*He is residing in a senior home where the staff are driving him nuts trying to take care of him.

*Woodrow has more important things to do because he is determined to finish writing his story of his younger days involving two giraffes.

*He is recalling the events in 1938 when he joins a driver who is transporting two giraffes from the east coast to the west coast in which the final destination will be the San Diego Zoo.  

*The two men drive across the country facing obstacles, difficulties, and a red headed woman who seems to be following them.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*I knew when I began reading, this was going to be a special story and it was.

*I loved the format of the story being that the author went back and forth between the time when Woodrow was the young man with the giraffes and the 105 year old recalling his younger days.

*It was also fascinating to read knowing this was based on a true story.  The author included factual information along with fictional characters and events.  

*Young Woodrow Wilson Nickel was an incredible character to get to know while he took a journey across the country.  

*I'm not always a fan of historical fiction, but this was a beautifully written story in which I throughly enjoyed.


Who Should Read It:
*I can't imagine any reader not enjoying this incredible and powerful story of the human and animal spirit.  A perfect book for summer 2023.  Happy Reading!


Rating:   5 STARS out of 5 Stars

The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. Schmidt

How I Heard About It:
*Before the release of the novel, May 23, 2023, I came across an E-Galley of Gary D. Schmidt latest middle-grade novel.  I am a huge fan of his writing, so I downloaded the ARC, and got busy reading.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*You would think a boy named Hercules Beal would be the strongest and biggest kid in his class.  Well, this Herc is the opposite being the smallest.

*Hercules has had to deal with a lot in his life, losing his parents to a horrific car accident. 

*He is living with his older brother who has become his caretaker.  His brother thinks a new start at a new school would be a good option for his younger brother.  

*When Hercules begins his classes at the new school, he is a bit intimidated by one of his teachers who assigns a year long project about the mythical Hercules and his "labors".

*As Herc attempts to accomplish all twelve feats, he learns just as many real life lessons that he can apply to his own life.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*The last novel written by Schmidt I read was Just Like That and it became one of my favorite stories.

*I was excited to read his newest book and was not disappointed in the least.

*As soon as I began reading about Hercules, I knew he was a character I would not soon forgot.

*I read the book poolside and was glad to have sunglasses on because there were more than a few occasions when I had tears in my eyes.  

*One of my favorite aspects of the story was the relationship between Herc and his new teacher which was one of the most special relationships I've read about.


Who Should Read It:
*This is a must read for everyone.  I would recommend the story for any fifth and/or sixth grader.  I also think middle-school and high-school readers would also enjoy Herc's story.  Of course any adult reader who gravitates towards middle-school novels, needs to put this title on their TBR list.  Happy Reading!


Rating:   5 STARS out of 5 Stars

The In-Between: A Memoir in Verse by Katie Van Heidrich

How I Heard About It:
*This middle-grade "memoir in verse" was sent to me via Aladdin Publishers.  I was fascinated to read because I don't think I had ever read a memoir written for the middle-grade reader.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*Katie Van Heidrich writes her story about never staying in once place long enough to really call home.

*In 2000, Katie is thirteen-years-old and hoping she and her siblings, along with their mother will finally settle down and find a real home.

*Upon returning from a family event, Katie's family find they have been evicted from their current apartment.  

*They take up residence at the local Extended Stay America Hotel.  

*Not only do the children have to deal with this "temporary" move, but they also have conflicting feelings about living with their mother and life at their father's home.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*The writing was beautiful, touching, and full of heart.

*As I read about Katie's experience, I was reminded how much any of our students are dealing with in their personal lives.

*I found the differences between Katie's experience between her mother and father's homes to be fascinating, enlightening, and full of compassion.  

*As an adult reader, I was emotionally attached to Katie's story, but as I was reading, I kept thinking if a young reader would be drawn into the story as well.

*Now that I've finished the memoir, I think it would be wonderful if there were more of this type of writing to offer our young readers.


Who Should Read It:
*I think the middle-school, high-school, and even adult reader would find the book to be a satisfying and interesting read.  Happy Reading!


Rating:   3 STARS out of 5 Stars

The Order of Things by Kaija Langley

How I Heard About It:
*Nancy Paulsen, Publisher, sent me a copy of this middle-grade novel.  The book will be released to the world on Thursday, July 6, 2023.  I spent a wonderful summer afternoon by the pool with this strong, touching, and heartfelt story.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*April is eleven years old and has dreams of being a "rock-star" drummer.

*Zee is also eleven years old and his dream is all about the violin.  

*The two of them are best friends, but when Zee switches to a new school which focuses on music, April isn't sure how she will navigate without him.

*As she adjust to life at school without Zee, she meets a new girl who seems to have secrets because she comes and goes from school without any reason.  

*April is dealing with many changes both at home and school, but when the biggest change looks her directly in the face, she isn't sure if she can move forward.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*This book was a novel in verse which suited the story perfectly.

*I so enjoyed reading about April, Zee, and their love of music.  I don't play a musical instrument, but found it fascinating to read about young people with a passion for music.

*The slow build up within the plot was executed with precision, grace, and heart.

*I was not expecting the "turn of events" and once I reached that moment, I could not put the book down.

*Kaija Langley wrote a story with difficult life events, but did so in a way that the reader always felt a sense of hope and purpose.


Who Should Read It:
*The middle-grade novel will be perfect for the young reader who has a strong interest in music and/or instruments.  In my opinion, the story if geared toward readers in grades four, five, and six.  Middle-school students would also be ideal for the journey of April and Zee.  Happy Reading!


Rating:   4 STARS out of 5 Stars