Cannonball Read 17

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

Mirror Mirror on the Wall I’ve Become My Mother Afterall

I Am Not Starfire by Mariko Tamaki

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I Am Not Starfire is a lighthearted coming of age/this girl isn’t like the other superhero story.  There are several obvious situations and solutions, but Mariko Tamaki’s text makes them fun and while not necessarily fresh, they are enjoyable to read. There are several characters who are diverse (due to race, sexuality, or personality). Of course, the story of the superhero Titan Starfire is multi-layered: she is the ultimate immigrant (she is not from this world), she is a single mom, and she is raising […]

Siblings to die for

The Blood Between Us by Z Brewer

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Had I been myself as a teenager (and I was) this book would have been a huge hit. The Blood Between Us is a thriller filled with distrust, explosions, and family secrets. Until you get to the end. And this was when my adult-self kicked in and the teenager who forgave a lot to just enjoy the story, came into play. The buildup was strong, but slow. All evidence points to an obvious ending (but honestly would be a satisfying one). That is, until the […]

Read me Seymour…. and Betty, and Moncia, and Fred, and Robbie, and George….

The Girl From the Sea by Molly Ostertag

Lilla the Accidental Witch by Eleanor Crewes

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I am combining the reviews for The Girl From the Sea by Molly Ostertag and Lilla the Accidental Witch by Eleanor Crewes because they have similar themes and I am not really sure I can do a 250 word count review for them as they are similar to many other titles I have reviewed here and would be repeating myself. Both books are about being yourself, learning to trust your friends and family and finally, coming out and into your own. But they are worth […]

Familiar faces and story with a twist

Manu by Kelly Fernandez

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Best friends, magic and religion mix for a fantastic fantasy graphic novel called Manu by Kelly Fernandez. The themes, landscape and feeling of the novel itself is based in the author/illustrators Dominican and American heritage. This is a modern fairy/folk tale that combines classic story and new imagery. Manu was a foundling. Manu is always getting into trouble. Manu is a bit “too much” for her classmates. But Manu is loved by the headmistress and her best friend, Josefina. This is a school for magical […]

When Boy Meets Boy and Sparks fly….maybe

Heartstopper V01 by Alice Oseman

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I have tried multiple times to start the first book in the Heartstopper series. However, I learned that my trick of “starting on a random page to see if it can grab me” did not work. This book is one you must start with page one and work your way through it. And actually, one should read it slowly as, even though there is little text, and frankly little traditional action, you do not want to rush it. There is a lot going on and […]

If Paul Bunyan was a brave Chinese woman having her story told by a sassy, brave young Chinese girl

The Legend of Auntie Po by Shing Yin Khor

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This book, The Legend of Auntie Po, had an interesting journey to my hand. I was interested in reading, but never got around to it. One day it was on the returns cart next to my desk (Ah! MY desk! I promise you that year with the other desk meant nothing to me). I picked it up, browsed it, and decided, yes, I will read it. A coworker saw I had it and said how much she loved the book. After I finished, we talked […]



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