An inspirational journey through Black history, from A to Z

by Queenbe Monyei

#ABCBlackHistoryandMe #NetGalley

Here is an inspirational ABC for young children. In addition to learning the alphabet, kids will learn about people, vlaues and movements that have resulted in change and better lives for many. Material at the back of the book will be helpful to those who don’t instantly recognize important trailblazers like Ruby Bridges, Rosa Parks and others. This book belongs in preschools and homes.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 14 March 2023

#OneDayWithYou #NetGalley

I always look forward to reading a novel by Shari Low. I know that it will offer an absorbing read with characters about whom I will care. That is certainly the case here.

Readers follow the stories of five characters. They are Tess, who is about to go into labor, and Max; Noah, Max’s friend, and Anya; and finally Nancy, who hopes to again meet an old flame. Much happens to these characters. There are life events, secrets, lies and challenges. Readers will quickly turn the pages to find out what happens to each of them. They may be amazed to realize that so much can take place in just one day.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 20 January 2023

The most important thing about the mystery at the heart of (what is hopefully just) the first season of BritBox’s Karen Pirie—the midnight stabbing of twentysomething barmaid Rosie Duff in the middle of the St. Andrews Cathedral graveyard—is that it hinges on the yawning 25-year gap between the night the original murder takes place and…

Karen Pirie is a Moody, Reflective Series About the Power of Moments in Time — CrimeReads

Based on the books by Val McDermid

Here We Go Again…

Unpublished Letters to the Daily Telegraph

by Kate Moore

Here is the latest in a series that is published yearly by The Daily Telegraph. It consists of unpublished letters that were sent to the paper. Just a couple of the chapter headings include Family Trials and Tribulations, and Traveling Hopefully. Dip in and out. Many of the letters will make readers smile.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Reviewed by me.

Reviewed by me

Reviewed by me

FREE

by Lisa Hobman

#AyearOfFindingHappiness #NetGalley

Look up reviews for this title and you will find that the star ratings go from one to five; clearly, each reader will have to decide if this title is for them. As for me, I was drawn to this novel by its cover, premise and title. I conclude that it is a three star for me.

This is a story that is set in Scotland. It is about two people who have faced loss and are navigating their lives. How will things go as they get to know each other? Can there be a good relationship for them after losing someone else?

This title is told from Greg’s point of view. I think another book by this author is told from Mallory’s point of view. Readers who like this may want to look for the other title.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Aria for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 06 July 2018

by Rebel Girls

#AliciaAlonsoTakestheStage #NetGalley

Rebel Girls has done a fantastic job with this series of biographies about girls/women who faced challenges and successfully dealt with them. These are chapter books with short(ish) sections and good illustrations. They are just a bit over 100 pages long. To me, they seem just right for those in second or third grade and up.

This time, one of the best known dancer’s story is told. Life was not always easy for Alicia as she faced a serious vision problem that, in a less strong person, might have been career ending. How did she manage not to give up and not to hold back?

Young readers will enjoy getting to know Alicia, who adored dance from an early age, studying dance in Spain and Cuba before moving to New York with a young Senor Alonso. I loved the story of how she got her first pair of ballet toe shoes. Readers will be cheering for Alicia as she becomes the person that she dreamed of being.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Rebel Girls for this title.

School Library Journal says:

With this powerful, hope-filled story of overcoming one’s obstacles, readers will close this book and feel inspired to leave a legacy of their own.”

Pub date: 07 February 2023

by Christiane Engel

#ABCforMeABCLove #NetGalley

This delightfully illustrated book of ABCs focuses on “ways to show love and share kindness.” This is a lovely idea and one that is executed well in these pages. Many of the words are for concepts so an adult may need to explain them. For example, J is for Joy or M is for Memories. This could make a nice addition to a toddler’s library.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 2017

by Rebel Girls

#JunkoTabeiMasterstheMountains #NetGalley

Rebel Girls are everywhere. Their stories encourage girls to take risks and to believe in themselves. This illustrated chapter book is filled with what makes the series a perfect one for young readers. Here is the story of a girl who learned to take risks even when she was worried or scared, and who was the first woman to climb the world’s tallest mountain. It is an inspiring title, not only for Junko’s athletic accomplishments but also for her character and caring. Her life was not always easy. For example, there were deaths in her family. She did not always feel that she fit in but she kept putting one foot in front of the other. Junko is a fine role model.

The author does a nice job of telling Junko’s story in a book that is filled with details about her life, a special teacher who believed in her, and her her home country, Japan. I highly recommend it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Rebel Girls for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 07 February 2023