Cannonball Read 17

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

“You are only a prisoner when you surrender.” ― Tad Williams, Shadowplay

Letters to a Prisoner by Jacques Goldstyn

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Letters to a Prisoner created by Jacques Goldstyn and Angela Keenlyside is a wordless picture book. Normally, I would not review this type of book, but something tells me that this might be the format to recommend it. First, I will say that I did not like this book. I appreciate the message (Amenity International Write for Rights campaign is a worthy cause) but the way it was presented, without a single piece of story text (although there is some text when letters are finally […]

Stay up all night reading about The Nocturnals!

The Chestnut Challenge by Tracey Hecht

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I read another one of the Nocturnals series last year. It was at a lower level than this one, but the type of story and flow of the story are the same. The Chestnut Challenge is Tracey Hecht’s attempt at doing a moral story about cheating. While the theme of to be a winner one does not cheat and to have fun when playing a game has been done before, this is a good addition. The great part of the fact that there are higher […]

We wish you a Merry Happy Tradition with family and friends

The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco

Leila in Saffron by Rukhsanna Guidroz

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An Irish tradition around the corner (St. Patrick’s Day) and the coincidence of reading two books, back-to-back about tradition, made this post possible! The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco is traditional Polacco. The love of family, history, tradition and friendship bounce off the page. The appreciation of Hanukkah and Christmas traditions (at first separate, but later, specially mixed together) is a tribute to the spirit of the season. Having a Christmas Tree might not be Polacco’s family “way”, but they know how to […]

If he can stay on track

Track #01: Ghost by Jason Reynolds

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Track #01 Ghost is a book that is praised for its diverseness (an author and characters of color). However, I forgot that these characters were “not white” and focused on the struggles of Castle. Or Ghost as he prefers.  That and the fact they deal with a lesser explored sport, running, are probably the two best parts of the book. Which is to say, since that is the book, it is a good book. The metaphor Jason Reynolds gives you is Ghost is always running: […]

Journey of a girl becoming a refugee

The Day War Came by Nicola Davies

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Somehow, I missed The Day War Came when it came out in September 2018. Nicola Davies has presented current events, but this viewpoint is not always addressed. This is a five not because it is the best book ever, but because it is different. The subject has been done before (refugee children) but is done in a non-preachy manner. Nor is it about one specific group of people. I assumed Syrian due to the illustrations, but it really could be anytime or any place. I […]

A different kind of Wild one….

Junie B. Jones and the Yucky Blucky Fruitcake by Barbra Park

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In case you are not familiar with Junie B. Jones, she is a popular book series with the older first to younger third grade reader. She has several books in her series, take-offs and more. However, parents are not always a fan. She uses the words “dumb” and “stupid” to talk about things and people. Her actions are not “parent friendly” as well. (book 5) was my first, and most likely, last read in the Barbra Park series. I am torn about promoting this book. […]



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