Performing Arts – Page 5 – Cannonball Read 17

Two boys, one city, and their places in it

Moonwalking by Zetta Elliott and Lyn Miller-Lachmann

February 6, 2023 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Moonwalking is an interesting story about friendship in early 1980s America. The characters are both likable and relatable, and the (SPOILER) not so happy ending, is a nice change of pace from having it “all be okay” and working out in the best possible outcome. The tone mostly feels realistic (though I am not sure (SPOILER) if Pie sending his address to JJ would have happened). The supporting cast could have been explored a bit more, but what is needed to promote and support the […]

Sing those Yellow Dog Blues

Yellow Dog Blues by Alice Faye Duncan

July 1, 2022 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

You just have to read this book to understand what is going on in this book. I can summarize that it is about a young boy looking for his dog and all the crazy, wonderful things that happen along the way. This is a “boogie-woogie” journey (according to the publisher description). Alice Faye Duncan and Chris Raschka made Yellow Dog Blues just plan a pleasant book, funny, and terribly charming. The publisher description also has this: With swinging free verse and stunning hand-stitched art, Yellow […]

My Buddy Whitney Wrote this book, so please read!

Who Was Walt Disney? by Whitney Stewart

August 17, 2021 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

cbr13bingo Old SeriesThis biography in the Who Was/Is series is a tastefully done book about the man who made movies and influenced the world. Who Was Walt Disney? He was a dreamer (who thankfully had a levelheaded brother to help him) create what we know to be animation and cartoons. He was not always a nice man, but Whitney Stewart (who is a really nice person and has a mom the store nicknamed, Trouble) focuses on the positives, while letting you know of his faults. […]

Read a little story with me

Your Turn, Adrian by Helena Oberg

May 28, 2020 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Teachers, I think this might be a book for you. It is aimed at the child reader, but I am not sure a kid would appreciate all the subtleness. Your Turn, Adrian has a story that is simple. All ages can read but the concept is deep. There are illustrations that tell the main story by giving the ambiance of the time, place, people and of course, the main character. While I cannot think of who I could recommend it to, I feel people need […]

Hello, Neighbor!

Hello, Neighbor! The Kind and Caring Words of Mister Rogers by Matthew Cordell

May 8, 2020 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Hello, Neighbor! It is a lovely day in the neighborhood. Or it was when Fred Rogers came on the scene. I think we could use some of Mr. R’s advice these days, but in leu of that, we can read a picture book biography of how it came to be. Hello, Neighbor! The Kind and Caring Words of Mister Rogers is a great look into the world of Rogers. It is a longer picture book that hits on the highlights but leaves nothing out. It […]

One word: DANG

Auntie Uncle: Drag Queen Hero by Ellie Royce

May 4, 2020 by BlackRaven 2 Comments

Auntie Uncle: Drag Queen Hero is a modern take on gender and how it is fluid. It is how Drag is not just “dressing up” but being who you are. The best part is how normal and realistic the situation is. Uncle Leo helps with homework, plays with his nephew and they have fun. Auntie Lotta sings, dances and has fun with her nephew. Just because Leo is Lotta/Lotta is Leo is beside the point. These are things we can relate to: having fun with […]

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.

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