Cannonball Read 17

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

Feelings Wo-o-o feelings

Max and the Purple Worry by Kitty Black

Sometimes When I'm Jealous by Deborah Serani

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Emotions are an interesting thing. And recently I read two picture books that dealt with them in different, but equally well presented ways. Both books are available, but I read them via an online reader’s copy. “Is that a seven or a chicken?” Worry asks in Max and the Purple Worry. Well if Max does math the way I do? It is a chicken. And like Max, I worried about my math work, too. The numbers (or me) didn’t run away, but I wanted to. […]

Can he fix it? Why yes he can!

Small Things Mended by Casey Robinson

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The story behind Small Things Mended by Casey Robinson is amusing. Or at least to me. I had asked for it via interlibrary loan and then forgot about it. It was not until the lady who works in that department of the library told me she was still looking for a copy that reminded me I had asked. And yes, it was worth the wait. Now, maybe it was not my favorite book of all time, but this book of friendship and grieving was cleverly […]

The Heart of the Lion

Lion Dancers by Cai Tse

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I did not know what to expect with the graphic novel,  Lion Dancers by Cai Tse. I guess I figured it would be about learning how to be a lion dancer. I figured there would be Kid One who is “troubled” and learns about lion dancing to “get his energies out” and/or connect to his culture. Then there would be Kid Two (or more) trying to stand in their way. And, it is a little bit like that, but there is more to things, too.   […]

Not so picture-perfect

Bunt! Striking Out on Financial Aid by Ngozi Ukazu

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I looked at the cover and said to myself that I knew exactly what this book was about. Well, I wasn’t wrong, but I wasn’t right.  I guess I was on a superhero kick at the time as I felt it would have more of that element. I also thought she would have to struggle to paint/do art. And instead, she isn’t a “real magical power superhero” but our gal does perform a pretty neat trick: Getting Art Students to do the dreaded Group Project […]

When there is trouble, call for these cousins

Blue Stars Mission One: The Vice Principal Problem by Kekla Magoon, Cynthia Leitich Smith

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Blue Stars Mission One: The Vice Principal Problem is about two cousins, Riley and Maya, who are radically different, but must stop the evil Vice Principal Balderdash (whose name rhymes with Baldera$$ and matches his personality) from taking away all the fun and only have Detention! Of course, the cousins have a rocky start, but with gadgets and a distraction that would make James Bond jealous, they will best their archnemesis! The two girls are different not just because of personalities (Riley is bubbly, artistic, […]

At least I didn’t disappoint the goose

Hank Goes Honk by Maudie Powell-Tuck

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At first, I was not going to read Hank Goes Honk by Maudie Powell-Tuck as I was not in the mood for a picture book about a goose. However, the hat made me think, “That looks familiar….” And as I was gazing at this goose in a hat, I realized there was some stink eye being given!!  Oh that goose was giving me the look of, “Whatcha mean ya not gonna read me?”  Oh that side eye telling me I’d regret missing this opportunity. Man! […]



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