For August I’ve decided to read only books published this year. I went a little crazy at the library and here they are, my intentions for the month. Sammi was excited to check them out too!
I started with Own It: The secret to Life by Diane Von Furstenberg and I hope this is not an omen of the rest of my book choices. Set up like a dictionary with with trite thoughts about them, this book failed in almost every way for me. The few bright spots were the short stories that she attached to some words. If the whole book had been that it would have been fun. As it is you get advice such as this…
PINK. Pink is what white does to red. It is the most feminine and flirtatious of all colors.
PURPLE. Purple is what blue does to red. It is a color we either love or hate.
LOSER. I sometimes feel like one, and then I remind myself, only losers don’t feel like losers.
At least it was relatively short.
We took our first half day of school on the road to Penitentiary Glen, about 30 minutes from us. We decided to take the book on a bit of our hiking trail.
It didn’t explain why the kids were there or even what a refugee camp was so if reading this with your child it would be helpful to talk about that before reading the story. Otherwise, it was a great book with kids providing inspiration to other kids. Bravery has many faces and it’s important that kids see as many of them as possible.
My mom loaned me How Lucky telling me it was different. I agree and that’s what I really liked about it. Confined to a wheelchair and unable to speak, Daniel lives in Georgia near his best friend since birth who makes sure he has a social life. Daniel sees a girl kidnapped and tries to do the right thing, even if the police are not especially helpful.
There was the mystery of the disappearance, but it was the story of his life with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, past and future that kept me reading and interested. He was a great character and I loved his relationships with friends.
Abigail is still in school and must pass Latin before her uncle will let her begin training in magic. She spends the summer with a new friend investigating strange disappearances.
It was mostly light and fun and Abigail was a hoot.
This is a sequel to Rosetown.
I is for Immigrants was recommended to us and counts as a new book since it was just released. We both had fun going through the alphabet picture book full of words that describe the immigrant experience. So much great discussion. Recommended.
Journey: Based on the True Story of OR17 The Most Famous Wolf in the West. A recent news story told in a fabulous way alternating between the wolf’s journey and a 10 year old following his path. Great facts pages at the end. Highly recommended for older elementary kids who love animals or nature.
Apples to Oregon: Being the (Slightly) True Narrative of How a Brave Pioneer Father Brought Apples, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Grapes, and Cherries (and Children) Across the Plains. This is told as a tall tale with fun illustrations sure to appeal to the plant and tree lover.
How was your week? Have any new books to recommend I read this month?
Stacy's Books 
Years ago I read the first book of the Rivers of London series. I liked it, but never went back to it!
Have a good week!
I agree with your thoughts on How Lucky (my BOTM pic that month). I liked it because of the unique MC.
I’d read another book about him!
Sammy is an excellent model. So, only losers feel like losers? It sounds a lot like that quote from MASH – it’s nice to be nice to the nice… Both good thoughts but sounds so…. forlorn. HAPPY BACK TO SCHOOL and great reading. Be well.
Sammi has been Johnny on the spot in pictures lately. Back to school was put on hold as Gage has been sick this week. But that’s another advantage of homeschooling, there’s no pressure to get back to it until he feels better.
I added Hairpin Bridge to my library wish list, thanks!
Hope you like it!
I liked Hairpin Bridge – not perfect but, pretty solid page turner. How Lucky is on my list. I wish I wasn’t drawn to new releases but, the truth is I’m rather obsessed by the hype factor oftentimes 😦
Hope school goes well for Gage – it begins here Labor Day week, in person with masks.
Exactly how I felt by Hairpin Bridge!
I hope school goes well and I’m glad that they’re requiring masks.
I like how you decided to focus on books published this year during August. I tend to forget about new books unless I go to library conferences, and that has not happened for a long time.
Rosetown and How Lucky both sound like books I’d like.
Your photos of books are fantastic, Stacy.
Thanks Deb! I love my 5 minutes of book creativity a day wen taking the pics.
What fun to have a monthly theme! My favorite book of 2021 so far is Count the Ways by Joyce Maynard. Will be curious to hear what you think of How Beautiful We Were if you get to it. Mbue’s previous novel, Behold the Dreamers, was a favorite the year I read it.
The theme does seem to make it a little more focused, as long as the choices are many 🙂 I haven’t had much time this week to continue with How Beautiful We Were, but I am over halfway and LOVE the narration.
I hope you enjoy your August selections
Wishing you a great reading week
Thanks!