Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!

The book’s introduction is personal and explains the deep importance of what follows to the author.  She recalls looking for people more like her and longing for role models; Ms. Sicardi is making what she wanted easily available to young readers.

This book can be read in order or flipped through.  It is engagingly illustrated and filled with people, some of whom readers will know even as others become new acquaintances.  Just some of those profiled include Sappho, Freddie Mercury, Emma Gonzalez, James Baldwin, Tove Jansson, Martina Navratilova, Tim Cook. Virginia Woolf, Lili Elbe and Nobuko Voshiya.  The book also includes a helpful glossary.

This title provides its readers with a sense that they are not alone in the world.  It may well encourage them to learn more about those in the book whom they find most appealing.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#QueerHeroes #NetGalley

From the publisher:

When I was a young teen, I took a sewing class.  For some reason, the skills needed for making a skirt or a jumper did not come easily to me.  So, it was with great interest that I picked up this title on skills that I lack.  What I found was a gorgeous book, beautifully illustrated and filled with quotes.  In it,  the authors teach so much that one needs to be able to mend, beginning with the basic threading a needle.  It becomes clear that mending is also full of metaphor for life.

We are entering a time when popular wisdom is suggesting that we reuse and recycle our clothes rather than always buying new things.  So, this book on sewing and more is quite timely.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this lovely book.  All opinions are my own.

#MendingLife #NetGalley

From the publisher:

#MendingLife #NetGalley

This title is the latest in a series of brief biographies of well known individuals. Each is meant to teach and inspire young children. This entry about Martin Luther King is no exception. In this title with muted, multi racial illustrations, Martin’s story is told from childhood. At that time, he experienced discrimination. Young readers learn how this impacted him as he moved to change things through peaceful protest. Because this book is for young children, there is no mention of his assassination but rather focuses on his “I have a dream” speech.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.

Mostly mysteries here.  I enjoy The Grantchester Mysteries, also the subject of the tv series (although they are not consistent with one another). There is also a Donna Leon; my goal is to read all of them.  Enjoy.

I was drawn to this book’s appealing cover and its promise of interesting tales inside.  Indeed, readers will enjoy eight stories about modern, bold young princesses along with beautiful illustrations.  Plus, there is a magic mirror; all in all a fun read and a Guardian book of 2019.

The author draws readers in in the first short chapter of the book that is written in a familiar fairy tale style.  In it, an enchantress is asked to be a godmother and realizes that she needs to figure out the best attributes for a princess.  The answers she receives do not seem adequate so, with the help of a magic mirror, she goes on a quest to learn more and the stories begin…

In the first, a princess’s sister is ill.  Though the palace is filled with knights, none are willing or brave enough to seek the witch who might provide a cure.  So instead, a princess who needs to tie her glasses on with string, is the one to go on a quest.  What will happen?  Feminist adults will enjoy what does and the encouragement that is given to a girl to be strong and to believe.  So it goes from there for the rest of the tales until the final one in which a building project is successfully scuppered in order to save a garden. Throughout all of the stories the mirror is a constant as the reader learns about the qualities that a princess requires.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this fun and empowering take on the fairly tale in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:

#EightPrincessesandaMagicMirror #NetGalley

Lots of good choices.  A favorite Reginald Hill of mine is here.  Some other choices here look interesting as well.

This book is a take on Little Red Riding Hood as can be seen from the cover.  It keeps some elements of the story while turning the story upside down.  For one funny example, the wolf has been to anger management.  Little Rude clearly has not.  Young readers may well enjoy Little Rude’s behaviors as they may often feel similarly but not have permission to act out.  How does Little Rude come to appreciate manners?  Read this funny tale with a child you know to find out.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.

Some people look forward to waking up every morning just for the sheer joy of eating breakfast.  Others feel that breakfast is a waste of calories and try to hold out until lunchtime.  Still other people are puzzled about how to eat a healthy breakfast that won’t take too long to prepare.  Any or all of these folks might enjoy a look at this cookbook that is only about that first meal of the day…though who is to stop you from having breakfast for dinner?

The book is divided into chapters on smoothies and drinks, yogurt and fruit, granola oats and grains, eggs, protein packed breakfasts, sandwiches and toast, pancakes, waffles, and French toast and, lastly,  muffins breads and bars.  A few of my favorite recipes included those for Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Bacon which is a One Pan Hash;  Easy Egg Muffins which can be made ahead and Savory Smoked Salmon Sweet Potato Bagel which substitutes sweet potato for that unhealthy bagel.   There are also traditional recipes for things like perfect omelets and oatmeal.

I am not sure that all of these recipes are healthy.  For example, some have bacon, but so many look like they provide an interesting start to the day.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:

This title is part of a series on accomplished women that is geared for those who are between the ages 9-12.  Other titles in the series have been about J.K. Rowling, Oprah Winfrey and Mae Jemison.  In this one, young readers will be inspired by Michelle Obama.

The story begins when Michelle is eight and wakes up on her birthday.  Readers spend time with Michelle and her close family.  They learn about how important school was to Michelle and about her dream to follow her brother to Princeton, only for a guidance counselor to tell her that she might not be “Princeton material.” The authors talk about how this made Michelle feel and acknowledges that one cannot always listen to or believe those around them.  And, yes, Michelle made it to Princeton where she had mentors and thought big for herself.

From here the book goes on to describe Michelle’s early jobs, meeting Barack and, of course, the presidency.  Attention is paid to how Michelle found her way to programs that had meaning to her while First Lady and how she inspired others thought initiatives on areas like healthy eating.

The book ends noting Michelle’s accomplishments after the White House like her successful biography.

Throughout the book there are quotes from Ms. Obama that show her personality, dreams and strength.  The illustrations throughout are original and appealing.

At the end of the book there are tips on how to become a leader like Michelle  and a section on questions for readers to answer.  There is alps a bibliography.

This book is an excellent addition to an excellent series.  I hope that it will inspire girls to achieve all that they can and to believe in themselves.

Many thanks tho NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest reveiw.

This book is a wonderful resource for girls.  It includes what the author describes as “crafts and activities for curious, creative, courageous girls;”  just what we hope for those young women in our lives.

The authors do an excellent job of meeting their goal.  There are chapters on everything from tying knots to stargazing; from bird watching to neighborhood games like capture the flag; to having a photographer’s eye and a backyard hideaway.  For example, the first section on Finding Your Way includes information on how to read maps and has projects like making a compass and making one’s own map. It demonstrates the skills that girls can build while enjoying their leisure time.  As an extra bonus there are short biographies of some famous women.  All in all, a wonderful compilation to inspire kids to have fun and take some risks.  I would have loved this book when I was a kid.  It is a great resource for families, scout troops, clubs and schools.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:

#AdventureGirls #NetGalley