Cannonball Read 17

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

Be Kind and Proud and Loud and You

The You Kind of Kind by Nina West

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Nina West was introduced to me by RuPaul’s Drag Race. She was a contestant that was both loud and proud and actually had a dimmer switch. She would go from 1000 to 999 in 30 minutes or so. In other words, she was/is a Queen among Queens. And when I found that they had written a book, I was wondering which personality will they present? Nina West at 10,000 flew off the pages in The You Kind of Kind. Nina West is the stage name […]

A three for one deal

Kind Like Marsha: Learning from LGBTQ+ Leaders by Sarah Prager

Cinderelliot: A Scrumptious Fairytale by Mark Ceilley and Rachel Smoka-Richardson

Dolls and Trucks Are for Everyone by Robb Pearlman (

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These titles, Kind Like Marsha: Learning from LGBTQ+ Leaders by Sarah Prager (and illustrated by Cheryl Thuesday), Cinderelliot: A Scrumptious Fairytale by Mark Ceilley and Rachel Smoka-Richardson (illustrated by Stephanie Laberis) and Dolls and Trucks Are for Everyone by Robb Pearlman (illustrated by Eda Kaban) are the perfect trio. Each one different, but each dealing with the themes of GLBTQ+ movers and shakers, being yourself and the “should” and “should nots” when it comes to toys, games, playing and more. They are clever, but not […]

Explore, embrace, experience

You Are Here by Zach Manbeck

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The publisher description of You Are Here by Zach Manbeck says it all: Encourages children to explore the world around them, embrace opportunities, and experience life as an adventure. And we have seen this story before. There is really little to nothing that is new to say. However, Manbeck has illustrations that make this story interesting and have a bit of a kick. And while having a classic look and feel to them, they are also making it new and fresh. The art reminded me […]

I can’t do this book justice, so just read it and ignore my review

The Greatest Song of All: How Isaac Stern United the World to Save Carnegie Hall by Megan Hoyt

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The Greatest Song of All: How Isaac Stern United the World to Save Carnegie Hall by Megan Hoyt was not only a good story, but an exciting look at the history of this country, music, and Carnegie Hall itself. Long story short, when the area around the hall was being purchased up to be tore down to renovate and reinvite the city, one man stood up and said, “Hey! Not cool dude!” Okay, he was a bit more eloquent than that, but that was his […]

Put your SPF 5000 on and hit the beach

Vampire Vacation by Laura Lavoie

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Okay, I admit, Vampire Vacation is a little cheesy. But it is a fun and adorable cheesy! The idea of “trying something new” has been done before, but the twist is that this time Fang (a young, sassy vampire boy) wants his parents to try something new. Which is, not to take the same old family trip to Transylvania (even though the brochure promises it never gets old, Fang disagrees). Even with the several false starts in the attempts by Fang in Laura Lavoie’s picture […]

Strap on your tiara and wear your pirate sword

Beautiful by Stacy McAnulty

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Beautiful by Stacy McAnulty was published around 2016. “Back in the day” when books for girl power were still somewhat new. Therefore, reading this gem now feels a little cliched. However, it is still relevant and a kick-butt tale. This dual aspect made me think I would love to see the reverse side of the story for boys. Have him “be tough” as he gently plays with a doll. Or “proper attire” and is in top hat and tails (of course, if he/they wish to have […]



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