Cannonball Read 17

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

A fun, political YA duology

A Bright Heart by Kate Chenli

A Fiery Spirit by Kate Chenli

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When I read the Iron Widow duology, I saw A Bright Heart in the recommended books, and was immediately drawn to the cover. Luckily my library had the audiobook and I was able to start it without too much of a wait. A Bright Heart opens after Mingshin has been tortured for treason against the king she helped get on the throne, her beloved Ren who promised she would be Queen if she funded his endeavors. She is finally shown his true colors when he […]

First of three interconnected prequel stories to Vox Machina,

The Legend of Vox Machina: The Whitestone Chronicles Volume 1 Ripley by Critical Role, Tyler Walpole and Marieke Nijkamp

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The Legend of Vox Machina: The Whitestone Chronicles Volume 1 Ripley by Critical Role, Tyler Walpole and  Marieke Nijkamp is not OMG BEST BOOK EVER but it is a nice read. You know the story if you’ve followed Vox Machina in any of its forms, but also because it is a fairly straightforward Villain who does not see herself as Villain (and later a couple forms of revenge) story. The artwork is familiar. You know the scenes and setting. Few real surprises, but it is […]

When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary

When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary by Alice Hoffman

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A very good historical fiction novel. I just felt sad throughout since you know how this ends. “When We Flew Away” is a take on Anne Frank’s life before she and her family went into hiding and she started documenting everything that was happening in her diary. The book starts off with Anne celebrating her birthday, but also dealing with the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands. I did love what Hoffman did here, but it’s missing her typical “Hoffmaness”–is that a word– there’s no magical […]

Not the book I was expecting…

The Luminaries by Susan Dennard

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A few years ago, I watched a TV show called The Luminaries. I remember liking it, but don’t remember a ton about it, other than it was set in 19th century New Zealand and had Eva Green being all mysterious and witchy. I also knew it was based on a book, and, before I started reading it, believed that it was based on this book, The Luminaries, by Susan Dennard. However, shortly after starting, and noticing that it was set in modern-day America, realized that […]

One summer of food, friends, family

Speak Up, Santiago!: A Hillside Valley Graphic Novel by Julio Anta

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Speak Up, Santiago!: A Hillside Valley Graphic Novel by Julio Anta and illustrator Gabi Mendez is a story about friendship (even to yourself), family and finding your place. The cultural references, the ideas of community and more comes to life. The feeling is a younger The Misfits by James Howe, with colorful illustrations that brings Santi and his four new friends together.  In the end it is a cozy read that is both familiar and fresh. Santi is trying to come to terms with not […]

On guard that cha-cha-cha!

On Guard!: A Marshall Middle School Graphic Novel by Cassidy Wasserman

Swing by Audrey Meeker and Sarah Davidson

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Graphic novels are one of my favorite genres to read.  They cover several themes and ages. Currently middle and young adult graphic novels have several being published. Most of the middle readers are nice, not too in-depth but have a good message. They are fun and relatable without being too heavy for the (strong) 8-9 to (younger) 13-14. Two of those books are reviewed below.  Over a weekend that was cold, I found a quick graphic novel that I hoped wouldn’t go too deep into […]



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