Matt de la Pena – Cannonball Read 17

A Day with Grandma

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena

October 25, 2019 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena (with illustrations by Christian Robinson) is a quaint story about a grandmother and her grandson and their relationship. It is also about the very special things they see along the way to an equally special event. What seems a simple story (a day out with the grandson) turns into a story about giving back when you can. It is about seeing that a bus ride can give you a unique iPod, smiles, friends and more. It is […]

If Wishes were dandelions……

November 9, 2018 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

When Carmela’s birthday comes around, she knows she does not have to make a wish, it has already come true! She is now old enough to run the family errands with her older brother. Who, of course, is less than thrilled with the idea of his little sister tagging along. Matt de la Pena creates a relatable sibling story with Carmela Full of Wishes. Who has not had an annoying little sister, brother or cousin or even next-door neighbor tag along? Jingling their bracelets, being […]

“The door opens with a rusted jingle, and an animatronic Santa insults my moral virtue three times. Ho, ho, ho.”

April 1, 2016 by badkittyuno 1 Comment

I definitely borrowed this book based solely on the presence of a short story by Rainbow Rowell, but I’ve read books by some of these other authors, too — David Levithan and Gayle Forman (Forman’s story in this was one of my favorites). And I know Holly Black’s name (The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, which I will eventually get around to reading, I promise!). Basically, if you like young adult fiction, you’ve probably read at least one of these authors. And you should probably read this, […]

Holiday Love Stories to Make Feel You Warm and Fuzzy

December 3, 2014 by ModernLove Leave a Comment

I love Stephanie Perkins. Seriously, in my eyes she can do no wrong. In fact (spoiler alert), one of you may be getting a book by her for Christmas this year. Ahem. When I first read that she was editing a collection of romantic holiday-themed short stories, I was thrilled. And then I read the author list and pretty much camped out at the bookstore waiting for it to show up. And you know what? I wasn’t disappointed. These twelve stories all center around relationships […]

Just writing this makes me want to go and listen to Miss Piggy singing “Five Gold Rings….ba-dum-dum-dum”

November 25, 2014 by scootsa1000 6 Comments

Usually, I review my 52 books and then take a break for the rest of the year. And after this review, I plan to do so. But since this is a holiday-themed book, I figured I would write something up. My True Love Gave to Me is a book of short stories, all Christmas themed. The stories are written by an all-star team of YA champions: Holly Black, Ally Carter, Matt de la Pena, Gayle Forman, Jenny Han, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Myra McEntire, Rainbow […]

Zirza on A Gothic Classic for a ReasonIt's one of those wish-you-could-read-it-again-for-the-first-time books. I loved it.
Emmalita on “It came to something when you found yourself hoping that the footsteps you heard were ghosts.”I loved the ending! I don’t think it’s been out long enough to talk about why though.
Dixie on Track Her Down by Melinda LeighI am just starting Track Her Down and I have read them all in order till now and thought I...
Roland of Gilead on How can you give us the gift of a crazy character named Rando Thoughtful and then just as suddenly take that gift away? We need to talk, Uncle Stevie.I came across this randomly years after it was written because I was searching "Random Thoughtful. But I have the...
Emmalita on “Only you, Em, would refer to heartbreak as a distraction. I think I would have a more sympathetic response if I asked to marry a bookcase.”Oh my goodness, Gallifrey was beautiful. I’m sure her mittens were gloriously murdery.

Help Our Mission