Cannonball Read 17

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

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 […]

So mom went to the US to study, and all I got was a year of coming-of-age

A Year Without Mom by Dasha Tolstikova

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Sadly, sometimes a book has run its course with us at the store and we prep it for returns. Occasionally, I grab one (or six, but this review is about just one) and see if I can give it a second chance.  And while I cannot give A Year Without Mom by Dasha Tolstikova a second chance at the store, I can let you fine folks know about it. I did not love this book. Part novel, part picture book, part graphic novel, part art […]

Act up!

Click V03 Act by Kayla Miller

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If you have not guessed graphic novels and I became friends a few years ago. And now I love trying all sorts of books. And when I found a copy of Click V03 Act, I was excited to give it a try. I figured it would be light and quick (it was) and I would be able to enjoy it without having to deal with “really deep” storylines. And it is a fun story about friendship with contemporary themes and tone. It is best for […]

I am me and you are you and both are awesome so lets be friends!

Lili Macaroni by Nicole Testa

Danbi Leads the School Parade by Anna Kim

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Self-esteem, acceptance, and emotions are usually the main themes of most books these days and picture books are no exception. The below titles take those familiar themes and magically combines them into two different tales. I picked up Lili Macaroni as I wanted to take a photo of the cover and send to a friend of mine. I asked her if the girl looked familiar to her, too. And yes, we thought it looked like her youngest child. And yes, Lili of the story was […]

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 […]



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