Cannonball Read 17

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

The stories behind the story

Tales from the Bamboo Grove by Yoko Kawashima Watkins

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I think Tales from the Bamboo Grove might be out of print, therefore, I am writing this review for those who might find it hidden on the library shelves, in a sale, or hiding among your own collection.  Also, to promote the other books she had written is the other point of the review. Several months ago, I learned that Yoko Kawashima Watkins had passed. I had enjoyed both So Far from the Bamboo Grove and My Brother, My Sister, and I. Those two novels […]

I like the illustrations

The Midnight Club by Shane Goth

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The Midnight Club is a lovely book. For someone other than me. The concept of Shane Goth’s picture book is cute, but something did not click for me. This is a story of two sisters and the mischief they get in at midnight while they sneak around the house. They try on clothes of their mother, eat their fathers’ jellybeans, play with the cat, and just wander about the house without a care (or parent) in the world. They mention the two walk past their […]

Double Dutch? I have enough trouble with one rope!

Fly by Brittany J. Thurman

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Africa’s brother tells her that she cannot do something she has never done before. And while Africa partly agrees, she is not going to let that stop her from entering the Double Dutch competition on Sunday. She is going to show the world what she is made of. She is going to dance, jump and Fly. Brittany J. Thurman’s picture book is about a plucky little girl and the big determination she has. Africa cannot Double Dutch, but she will teach herself how. It cannot […]

Looking for an “unrealistic YA rom-com where the fat girl gets the guy?” Well, it might be more realistic than you think.

Big Boned by Jo Watson

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I started Big Boned by Jo Watson sometime last fall. And it took me this long not because it was bad, the opposite actually, but I was only reading at lunch, was not reading every day and it just got away from me.  This weekend I had a few hours with nothing bothering me expect my friend’s cat occasionally giving me the stink eye as I was not petting him and sitting in his spot. What started off as a funny-without-be-lol-funny book would have its […]

Surf and Secrets in Malibu

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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‘The Malibu fire of 1983 started not in the dry hills but on the coastline. It began at 28150 Cliffside Drive on Saturday, August 27—at the home of Nina Riva—during one of the most notorious parties in Los Angeles history. The annual party grew wildly out of control sometime around midnight. By 7:00 a.m., the coastline of Malibu was engulfed in flames. Because, just as it is in Malibu’s nature to burn, so was it in one particular person’s nature to set fire and walk […]

Don’t give up the ghost

Sheets V01 by Brenna Thummler

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Sheets V01 by Brenna Thummler is an enjoyable story. It is a graphic novel that incorporates interesting ideas of life and death. The here and the afterlife have much in common. There are rules, groups, and even laundry. Thummler’s theme in 1997-1998 might have been fresher then, but now is slightly dated. We have seen the issues with family, friendships, not fitting and dealing with the everyday. Yet, this book is still a cozy read that works well for ages 10 and up. Marjorie is […]



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