Today we’re looking at Young Adult Speculative Fiction finalist Internment (Amazon, IndieBound)! Our reviewer is round one panelist Jennifer, who blogs at Windy City Reader. She writes: There is so much discussion fodder in this one; I’d add it to a high school government class in a heartbeat. Read the whole review here.
REVIEW: With the Fire on High
Today’s review comes from Young Adult Fiction round 1 panelist Carmen, who writes reviews on Goodreads and has a brilliant Instagram account, Tomes and Textiles. She reviewed Young Adult Fiction finalist With the Fire on High (Amazon, IndieBound), writing: Any book that hypothesizes that women can be teen moms AND good moms gets all the praise from me. Read the whole …
REVIEW: Shout
Today we’re looking at poetry finalist Shout (Amazon, IndieBound)! It was reviewed by Round 2 Junior/Senior High Nonfiction judge Anne, who is a voracious reader and blogs at My Head is Full of Books. About Shout, she wrote: I like reading books written in verse, especially when the poetry is good, so I enjoyed my reading experience. I hope this book …
REVIEW: Roll with It
Today’s review of Middle Grade Fiction finalist Roll with It (Amazon, IndieBound) comes from round one Middle Grade Fiction panelist Julie, who blogs at Reading by the Pond. She wrote: Any book that starts with a Great British Bake-Off reference is okay with me. Read the whole review here.
REVIEW: Dreamland
Today’s review comes from Junior/Senior High Non-Fiction Round 1 panelist Heidi, who blogs at GeoLibrarian. She reviewed Senior High finalist Dreamland (Amazon, IndieBound), writing: Dreamland does what all good narrative nonfiction does. It pulls the reader in, making them want to know more. I found the book compelling and powerful, as well as informative. Read the whole review here.
REVIEW: Kiss No. 8
Today’s review of Young Adult Graphic Novel Kiss No. 8 (Amazon, IndieBound) comes from Graphic Novel chair Mel Schuit, who usually blogs at Let’s Talk About Picture Books. For this review, however, Mel guest hosted The Children’s Book Podcast, talking with the authors Colleen AF Venable and Ellen T. Crenshaw. About the book, Colleen said: I realized there were big …
REVIEW: A Stone Sat Still
Today’s review of Fiction Picture Book finalist A Stone Sat Still (Amazon, IndieBound) comes from round one panelist Maria, who blogs at Maria Marshall: Making Nature Fun. She wrote: Each time I read it, I find a new treasure in the illustrations and text. I truly hope this book finds a home in every classroom and library. Read the rest …
REVIEW: Cog
Today’s review of Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction finalist Cog (Amazon, IndieBound) comes from Round 1 panelist Debbie who blogs at The Book Search. She wrote: This is a WONDERFUL story about free choice, loyalty, creative problem solving, and compassion as well as some of the consequences and ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence. Read the whole review here.
REVIEW: Free Lunch
Today’s finalist is Free Lunch (Amazon, IndieBound), which is a finalist in Middle Grade Non-Fiction. Round one panelist Carrie, who blogs at Other Women’s Stories, reviewed it. She wrote: The book is heartrending, and yet, you get the feeling that young Rex is going to make it to a better way of living. Check out the full review here.
REVIEW: Mr. Penguin and the Lost Treasure
We’re highlighting finalists this month, and we’re going to start with Early Chapter Book finalist Mr. Penguin and the Lost Treasure (Amazon, IndieBound). Round one panelists Kelley, who blogs at KidlitUnderground, wrote this: It’s hard to pull off a children’s book where none of the characters appear to be… you know, actual children, but author/illustrator Alex T. Smith nails it …