The Twelve Days of Dash and Lily by Cohn & Levithan

In the 2nd installment from the Dash & Lily series, we find young Lily in a holiday funk. As her ailing grandpa recovers slowly, she spirals into a depression full of doom and gloom... putting her holiday plans to a halt. Her devoted boyfriend Dash feels disconnected from the relationship and tries to put the holiday spirit back into Lily so that they can move forward with their love. Fate, drunk Santas, and Lily's new pattern of "disappearing" deem his tasks difficult though, and the two end up in a dance of breaks and makeups.

A must-read for holiday fanatics and admirers of the Netflix series based on the adorable book series by the dynamic duo Cohn and Levithan. 

What have I been reading?

 Is it really November? And the weather has actually changed? Well, pinch me I must be dreaming! 

 Here are a few reads I am currently enjoying: 

STAY TUNED FOR HOLIDAY PICKS COMING SOON!!!!!!!!!!

Sunkissed by Kasie West

 I've been a fan of  Kasie West for quite some time and find her to be a fun, lighthearted romance novelist. She seems to have grown in her writing with this summer themed title Sunkissed. Avery, is a people pleaser who has been betrayed by her best friend and boyfriend. Her parents have whisked her away to summer camp for family bonding with her social media crazed sister. It is here that Avery embraces her love of music and finds her voice. A perfect end of summer read for fans of Jenny Han and Nicholas Sparks. 

Bad Best Friend by Rachel Vail

 Hello Summer! Hello Readers!

I realize I am very late to the game with my book reviews, however I am right on time to share with you a special book by Rachel Vail that deals with some important issues. 

Niki is about to start 8th grade without her best friend. Much to her surprise, Ava picks another girl as her "best friend" during P.E class, leaving Niki shocked and upset. As the story progresses, we learn that Ava has no interest in being friends with Niki, at least not "out in the open." She is hoping to score points with the "in crowd," and leave Niki behind. 

Niki on the other hand longs for their friendship as she  tries to deal with her family struggles, her brother's autism, and new friendships without Ava by her side. I loved the way the author incorporated positive self-talk, and the aspect of "people pleasing." I believe this book is an important one for young girls to understand and grow upon. Kudos to Rachel Vail for writing fabulous realistic books for middle schoolers. Enjoy! 

#rachelvail #middleschoolreads #middleschoolbooks

We Used to Be Friends by Amy Spalding

 Not only is this title the same as one of my favorite iconic songs from the OC it is also just as fantastic! 

This dual narrative involves to besties Kat and James who are going through their senior year. It is an authentic story of what happens sometimes in friendships when we don't listen to words unspoken and hidden cues from our loved ones. Kat becomes involved with a female Quinn who she adores and James feels like an outsider. Kat can't quite wrap her head around James feelings and actions. James is currently dealing with her decision to break up with her wonderful boyfriend as she struggles with her parents' divorce. In this high school tale of friendship and coming into adulthood these two ladies unravel the truth about their differences as senior year comes to a close. 

A bit confusing to read as an  audio book but entertaining just as well. 

Romantic February Reads

 It's February! Time for romantic reads, Galentine's and all the good feels (or 'situationships' ?) Here are a few of my pics on the list for the month:

Juniors by Kaui Hart Hemmings 

Author of "The Descendants" brings us a teen read about romance and social class set in the islands of Hawaii. Lea Lane, a witty and strong junior must gauge how much she is willing to change to fit in with Hawaii's elite. Her move to the "upper east side" of the island, living in the guesthouse of  a popular classmate, has her world turned upside down. As her friendship with her housemate and her handsome brother grows, she must learn to trust her instincts in regards to risky behavior- both in love and friendship. Readers will love how this story does not down play adult themes in young adult fiction. 

Paris is Always a Good Idea by Mckinlay

Our heroine, still grieving the loss of her mom takes a trip to Paris and other romantic cities to settle herself and "find her mojo" again. As she travels, she rekindles old romantic friendships each giving her a new perspective on life. Although not a teen book, older teens might fun this romantic read light and full of self discovery.  

January Reads 2022

 This month I came across two very different books that hooked me in. Both titles are for middle school readers and hold different topics for this age group. 

Pumpkin Spice Up Your Life by Nelson

On a lighter note, I also read another title from the beloved Wish series. Nadine and Daniel have been best friends since they were little and have a love of creating coffee concoctions. Daniel, the barista and Nadine the cello star who loves to sample his delights. Just as  her feelings for him are starting to surface, Daniel falls in love with the new coffee shop owner's daughter Kiya.  At first, Nadine starts to help him woo over his crush as she plans her audition for an important music summer camp. Then things start to crumble as her mom resurfaces again into her life . Just when Nadine needs him the most he starts to focus all his attention on this new girl, while she must struggle to map out her feelings before its too late. Readers will be taken for an emotional ride with this touching story of first love and friendship. 

When You Know What I Know by Solter 

One day, afterschool Tori's uncle does the unforgiveable and touches her inappropriately. She tells her mom immediately, but her mom does not believe her. As Tori learns to find her voice, goes through therapy and feels her emotion and pain; she learns that he has done this to other children too. The author gives us a look at the emotional trauma of abuse through prose and careful imagery. This is such an important book. I loved that the author included resources at the back of the book for families experiencing trauma and abuse.