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2017 Reading in Review

Rebecca Herzog

I cannot believe that 2017 passed so quickly! I always enjoy looking back at all the books that I read and sharing my favorites. I am super proud to say that I accomplished almost all of my reading goals for the year. Here’s a recap: 2017 Goals: Read 52 books total – Completed 53 NOT including all the picture books I read Read 4 nonfiction books – I did complete 3 though, which is 300% more than in 2016 Read 8 graphic novels – Crushed this one with 11 total Read 4 books in genres that I do not usually read – a … Continue reading 2017 Reading in Review

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2017 Cybils Finalists Are Here!

Rebecca Herzog

January 1st is finally here and with it comes the shortlist for the 2017 Cybils Awards. Over 1400 books were nominated across 12 categories and the Round One panelists have chosen the finalists for each group. I am especially excited to be a Round Two judge in the Fiction Picture Books and Board Books categories. It is a fantastic group of books and I cannot wait to dive in. I won’t be posting anything on these finalists until after the winners are announced on February 14th, so be sure to follow the Cybils page for updates and information. Congratulations to all … Continue reading 2017 Cybils Finalists Are Here!

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It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 11/13/17

Rebecca Herzog

The weekly post where I recap all the KidLit books I’ve been reading. Occasionally, I’ll also review some adult fiction books as well.   Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR pile.                                          Board Books Baby Loves Quantum Physics! written by Ruth Spire illustrated b Irene Chan I really enjoy these “Baby Loves” books. If you would have told me … Continue reading It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 11/13/17

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The Emerald Circus by Jane Yolen – Short Story Collection Review

Rebecca Herzog

The Emerald Circus by Jane Yolen with introduction by Holly Black I received and ARC of this book to review At a Glance Genre(s)/Categories: Adult fantasy, short story collection, fairy tales Plot: In this short story collection, readers are swept away with familiar characters to re-imagined lands and tales. Wendy leads a labor strike in Neverland. Dorothy learns to tightrope walk. And Emily Dickinson travels the stars.  This collection of 10 stories is mesmerizing at every page turn. Pros: I love fairy tales re-imagined and this collection is fantastic. Every story is accompanied by an author’s note and a poem … Continue reading The Emerald Circus by Jane Yolen – Short Story Collection Review

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It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 11/6/17

Rebecca Herzog

The weekly post where I recap all the KidLit books I’ve been reading. Occasionally, I’ll also review some adult fiction books as well. Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR pile.                                          Board Books Rapunzel (Once Upon a World) written by Chloe Perkins  illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan   I loved the illustrations in the book. I also like the idea … Continue reading It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 11/6/17

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Deadlands: Boneyard – Dark Fantasy Review

Rebecca Herzog

Deadlands: Boneyard by Seanan McGuire I received a free copy of this book to review At a Glance Genre(s): adult dark fantasy, weird west, horror, Age Range: Adult Plot: Set in the haunted frontier, Annie Pearl is the keeper of the oddities and freaks in the Blackstone Family Circus and Travelling Wonder Show. As the circus travels to Oregon for one last show before winter sets in, will Annie be able to keep the monsters at bay, or will her past finally catch up with her? Pros: The premise is fantastic I like the folklore tie-ins The author was good … Continue reading Deadlands: Boneyard – Dark Fantasy Review

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It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 10/30/17

Rebecca Herzog

The weekly post where I recap all the KidLit books I’ve been reading. Occasionally, I’ll also review some adult fiction books as well.   Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR pile.                                          I am giving away a copy of Ben Hatke’s Mighty Jack and the Goblin King! Be sure to enter here. Board Books I’m the Scariest Thing in … Continue reading It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 10/30/17

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MIGHTY JACK Giveaway + Author Interview

Rebecca Herzog

Buy Here Hello everyone. It’s time for another book giveaway! This month I will be giving away a copy of Ben Hatke’s Mighty Jack and the Goblin King. You can read my review for it here and my review for the first book in the series, Mighty Jack, here. Seriously, these books are fantastic. Ben Hatke was kind enough to answer a few questions, and I hope that you enjoy the interview below. Be sure to check out his other books and look him up on the social media links at the end of this post. And, as always, be sure … Continue reading MIGHTY JACK Giveaway + Author Interview

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Mighty Jack and the Goblin King – MG Graphic Novel Review

Rebecca Herzog

 Mighty Jack and the Goblin King by Ben Hatke At a Glance Genre(s)/Categories: Fairy Tale, Middle Grade graphic novel Age Range: 7-12 years old Plot: When Jack and Lilly race through a portal to save Jack’s captured sister, they find a magical world filled with giants and goblins. Even with their magic beans, they have a tough time beating their foes. When things are looking hopeless, Jack turns to the Giant King for help.   Pros: I like that Goblin King picks right up where Mighty Jack (#1) left off Again, the artwork is fantastic and moves the story along … Continue reading Mighty Jack and the Goblin King – MG Graphic Novel Review

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Mighty Jack – MG Graphic Novel Review

Rebecca Herzog

Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke At a Glance Genres/Categories: Fairy tale, middle grade graphic novel Age Range: 7-12 years old Plot: Jack is dreading summer vacation because he has to watch his autistic little sister while his mom works two jobs. His summer gets way more interesting when he and his sister plant a magic garden in the back yard. This is a modern take on Jack and the Beanstalk. Pros: I love the modern twist on an old classic the artwork is engaging and excellent I love the variety of magic plants this is just an overall knock-it-out-of-the-park book … Continue reading Mighty Jack – MG Graphic Novel Review