Book Review: Punky Brewster

Katie November 27, 2015 0 Comments

Punky Brewster was one of my favorite shows when I was a kid. I definitely wanted to be Punky.  So when I saw there was a comic book I had to check it out, even though I try to avoid reading comics.

The story has been updated for the modern day, so they have cell phones and other stuff that didn’t exist when the show was originally on.  And there seemed to be one major plot change – I remember Henry as having no relation to Punky, but owning the building she was squatting in.  Now, it’s been a while so I might not remember exactly but in the comics, Henry is a long lost cousin of Punky’s Mom so therefore the next of kin for Punky.

Otherwise all the characters are the same as I remember them from the show – with just some modern additions. Overall it was a cute set of comics and I may have to check out future volumes because I loved Punky!

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the book

The beloved TV series returns in this heartwarming, lushly illustrated story of a brand new family made from persistence, pluck, and Punky Power!

Punky Brewster, a bright eight-year-old girl, has been abandoned by her mother and lives on the streets of Chicago with her puppy sidekick Brandon. Punky thinks she doesn’t need help, but after getting picked up by the police she enters a foster home and starts to search for a family. Punky meets Henry, a long-lost relative, and decides he’s the adoptive dad for her. All she has to do is convince the foster home, adoption judges and lawyers, and possibly Henry himself. Luckily, she’s got an unbeatable resource — her limitless reserve of Punky Power!

Book Review: Bob Dylan: All the Songs

Katie November 20, 2015 1 Comments

I love these books that go on about every song in an artists catalog (and maybe they give me ideas about compiling the same about a certain band I have a fansite for).

This book includes the story behind every track, information such as the musician, recording studios, run time of the songs, technical team, etc.  Basically everything and anything you have ever wanted to know about Bob Dylan’s songs.

The book is 700+ pages, which makes sense because it covers a LOT of ground.  A very interesting read.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

This is the most comprehensive account of Bob Dylan’s work yet published with the full story of every recording session, every album, and every single released during his remarkable and illustrious 53-year career.
Bob Dylan: All the Songs focuses on Dylan’s creative process and his organic, unencumbered style of recording. It is the only book to tell the stories, many unfamiliar even to his most fervent fans, behind all the 525 songs he released. Organized chronologically by album, Margotin and Guesdon recount the details that led to the composition of Dylan’s recorded songs, what went on in the recording studio, what instruments he used, and behind-the-scenes account of the great artists that Dylan worked with.

Book Review: Until Beth

Katie November 20, 2015 0 Comments

Until Beth got off to a bit of a crazy start – every chapter it seemed like someone was gone, dead, or injured.  But it was all downhill from there for me.  After her brother is injured, her Mom decides to relocate the family to a home that will be more accessible.  Beth had gotten the chance to audition for a special school that at first she didn’t want to go to, but after her Mom announces the move she decides maybe she should audition after all.  She gets in to the school but all the kids there seem to have some secrets going on.  Unfortunately I found things were moving a bit too slowly for me and sometime after she got to school I decided the book was no longer for me.  Other reviews mentioned this being a book similar to XMen, so I guess you can maybe figure out what the “secret” is from that. Or maybe not.  I wish I could have liked this book more, it seemed to get off to such a good start but completely lost my interest.  This is a YA read, which usually I do enjoy, but maybe I am just a bit too old to be the target audience for this one.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Talented rock guitarist Beth Collins has been barely holding herself together for months, ever since her boyfriend and bandmate became the latest victim in a string of suspicious disappearances. When her brother is injured an accident and she sees something dark billowing around him as he hovers close to death, sheâs convinced her sanity is collapsing for good. Then she’s accepted by a boarding school for the musically gifted. All of her new friends are bursting withtalent, but they’re also keeping secrets. Can she trust Vincent, who’s so sweet that his very touch makes her fears melt away? Or Xavier, who’s trying to tell her something but is hiding even more? And will anyone be safe when her true Talent comes out?

Book Review: Softer Than Steel

Katie November 20, 2015 0 Comments

Softer Than Steel is the 2nd book in a series, however I didn’t realize this until after I finished the book so it works as a stand alone as well! The book is about rock star Rick “Riff Rotten” Rottenberg and yoga instructor Sidra Sullivan.  The two meet when Sidra is doing a bagel delivery to help out the shop her brother works at after he forgets part of an order and Sidra loses her flip flop.  Rick has his driver take her to a shoe store to buy her a new pair of shoes, even though Sidra would be perfectly happy with a cheapo pair from the drugstore.  When Rick tries to find out where Sidra was dropped off, there ends up being a mix up with why he was interested in the building (that Sidra’s uncle is trying to sell) and that of course causes for some drama.  Sidra and Rick’s path ends up crossing again, when Rick shows up at a  Yoga lesson at NYU that Sidra’s friend is teaching.  Her friend suggests Rick go to Sidra’s beginner yoga class and that’s where the relationship starts to blossom.  But of course it is not without its misunderstandings and drama.

I liked this book, there are a lot of cool coincidences and intertwining of characters throughout the book and there is just enough drama and trouble with Rick and Sidra’s relationship to make you wonder how they may end up.  I will certainly be open to reading other books in this series and maybe going back to reading the first when I find the time!

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the book

From the author of Deeper than Dreams and the Much “I Do” About Nothing novels, a story that proves that you have to find yourself before you can find love…

As a rock star “Riff Rotten” Rick Rottenberg has enjoyed all the perks that fame can offer, especially now that he’s reunited with his former band mate, Adrian “Digger” Graves. But despite his success, Rick is a mess. Still reeling from the death of his wife years ago and terrified his demons will end his career, he agrees to seek help for his anxiety.

Burned by a musician in the past, Sidra Sullivan has closed her heart to love. So when Rick walks into her yoga studio, she wants nothing to do with him—until the bad boy shows an unexpected soft side.

As Sidra and Rick work through their painful pasts, they realize just how strongly opposites can attract. But when a crisis threatens the delicate balance they’ve forged, they’ll discover if their love is strong enough to weather another storm or just too broken to survive…

Book Review: Dream On

Katie November 20, 2015 0 Comments

Dream On! Is a book about possibilities. It teaches kids the importance of having dreams and doing what they can every day to work towards those dreams and to be the best me they can be. Using your imagination is important and this book helps show kids that they can use their imaginations to make their dreams come true!

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Imagination and motivation are key to young children’s happiness and health. Thinking about dreams and goals can help children cope with challenges when they arise and view life through a hopeful lens. With this encouraging book, nurture children’s imaginations and help them enjoy taking responsibility for their choices and goals. Back matter includes advice for motivating kids and teaching about goal setting at home, at school, and in childcare.

From the author of the popular Learning to Get Along® series comes the next book in this one-of-a-kind character-development series. Each of the first seven books in the Being the Best Me! series helps children learn, understand, and develop attitudes and positive character traits that strengthen self-confidence and a sense of purpose. Each book focuses on a specific attitude or character trait—optimism, self-esteem, assertiveness, resilience, integrity, forgiveness, and goal-setting. Also included are discussion questions, games, activities, and additional information for adults. Filled with diversity, these social story books will be welcome in school, home, and childcare settings.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cheri J. Meiners, M.Ed., has her master’s degree in elementary education and gifted education. The author of the award-winning Learning to Get Along social skills series for young children and a former first-grade teacher, she has taught education classes at Utah State University and has supervised student teachers. Cheri enjoys visiting and sharing her books in classrooms, libraries, and bookstores. She and her husband, David, have six children and enjoy the company of their lively grandchildren. She lives in Laurel, Maryland.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
Elizabeth Allen is an artist and professional illustrator of children’s picture books as well as a former songwriter and jazz musician. She has exhibited her art in galleries in the Midwest and on the East Coast. Elizabeth lives on a river running through a forest near St. Paul, Minnesota.

Book Review: History & Me

Katie November 13, 2015 0 Comments

History & Me is a workbook of historic figures and family research.  In addition to teaching children in the 2nd grade age range about historic figures, there are also a lot of fun activities throughout the book.  It starts out with teaching about biographies and has an area for the child to answer questions about themselves that would be the start of their own biography! The book teaches about women in history, all while teaching your child reading comprehension skills as each short biography is followed up with a few questions about what they just read. The American Heroes section has a lot of fun word scrambles to help answer the questions following each of the biographies. Presidential Potpurri has a bunch of fun activities throughout while teaching about some of the more famous presidents.  After you trace your roots in the final chapter of the book, you will have everything that you need in order to write your autobiography!

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

This wonderful workbook introduces second graders to dozens of important people: presidents, civil rights leaders, explorers, writers, sports stars, scientists, and more!

This workbook promotes:
√ Composition
√ Critical thinking
√ Research skills
√ Spelling
√ Vocabulary building

• Fascinating facts about Susan B. Anthony, Thomas Edison, Barack Obama, and many others
• Includes timelines, word scrambles, color-by-numbers, and biography-writing exercises
• Entertaining activities also help students explore their own family tree
• A certificate of completion ends each section
• Perforated pages for easy removal

Education.com workbooks offer thematic content to actively engage children and provide them with fun-filled, memorable learning experiences. Written by teachers and based on subjects educators consider important, these workbooks have been tested by millions of educators and countless hours of classroom use: 1 in 4 U.S. teachers rely on Education.com material.

Book Review: Wrong Number, Right Guy

Katie November 13, 2015 0 Comments

Wrong Number, Right Guy is about May Wexler. The book begins and she is talking to her sister and her sister is getting a new phone. So when she gets a mystery text telling her to come to a dive bar, she thinks that her sister and her kids are in trouble – even though she isn’t really sure why her sister would have the kids at the bar.  She heads down there anyway – with her dog Felix – and ends up in the middle of a shootout.  A big dude with a big beard helps her out and makes sure that she gets home safe, but she ends up at his house instead when she thinks she is being followed.  The big dude is Ozzie, who runs the Bourbon Street Boys, a private security firm.  May is a photographer and he offers her a job doing surveillance work for the company.

Now that Ozzie no longer has his big beard, May is a bit attracted to him, but can she act on it? He is her boss!  But maybe the wrong number brought her the right guy…  But if they act on their feelings, will they let down their guard and make it so May is no longer safe?

I really liked this book. It had some action, some mystery and some romance, you can’t really ask for more. It was well written, and kept me wanting to keep reading to see not only what may happen between May and Ozzie but if the bad guys really were after May and if Ozzie and his BSB crew could keep her safe.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

When a mysterious text message summons May Wexler to a biker bar in downtown New Orleans, she knows something is very wrong. Her sister has sent out an SOS, but when May gets there, she’s nowhere to be found and May is the one in trouble—she’s wearing pink espadrilles, she’s got a Chihuahua in her purse, and she’s in the middle of a shootout.

After tall, muscular Ozzie comes to her rescue, May has no choice but to follow him to safety. At the headquarters of his private security firm, the Bourbon Street Boys, she finds a refuge for the night—and the offer of a job. But it’s not long before a gun-toting stalker isn’t the only complication in May’s life: the more time she spends with Ozzie, the less she can deny that they’ve got some serious chemistry. A wrong number got her into this mess…Will it also get her the right guy?

Book Review: Adventures in Writing

Katie November 13, 2015 0 Comments

Adventures in Writing is a workbook of imagination and writing geared for 1st graders aged 6-7. The book is very interactive with flash cards, activities and worksheets for your child to try to help learn the points that are being taught in the book.  I kind of wish I was 6, because it looks like it is a lot of fun! At the end of each chapter is a “Great job!” certificate to show that you have mastered the chapter and are a superstar! You can also color it in, too. Each chapter builds on the lessons taught in the previous chapters as well to help really bring the message home.  All of the cut out activities and coloring activities look like they would be a lot of fun – while being very educational as well!

If you are a teacher or have a kid who is 6-7 years old in your life, you’ll want to check out this book to help teach them the rules of writing!

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

There is a lot that goes into good writing — and this workbook collection shows young writers how to succeed.

This workbook promotes:
√ Composition
√ Creative writing
√ Punctuation
√ Spelling & grammar
√ Vocabulary building

• Activities teach capitalization, punctuation, building sentences, and other foundational skills
• Includes fill-in-the-blanks, matching games, storytelling, and simple paper crafts
• Fun themes: pirates, cartoon dinosaurs, fairy tales, and more
• A certificate of completion ends each section
• Perforated pages for easy removal

Education.com workbooks offer thematic content to actively engage children and provide them with fun-filled, memorable learning experiences. Written by teachers and based on subjects educators consider important, these workbooks have been tested by millions of educators and countless hours of classroom use: 1 in 4 U.S. teachers rely on Education.com material.

Book Review: Shout It Out Loud

Katie November 13, 2015 0 Comments

Shout It Out Loud is the story of Kiss’s Destroyer.  I liked that the table of contents were set up like a cassette tape would be.  Kiss would do anything to make it and to stay there, and it looks like they definitely had the right plan – since they are still around now.  The book talks a bit about the history of the band and also goes into depth on Destroyer and breaks down the songs and the lyrics.  Definitely a really cool book, a biography and a bit more! I always enjoy reading about other albums and lyrics!

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

How does an underground oddity become a cultural phenomenon?

For over 40 years, the rock band Kiss has galvanized the entertainment world with an unparalleled blitz of bravado, theatricality, and shameless merchandising, garnering generations of loyally rabid fans. But if not for a few crucial months in late 1975 and early 1976, Kiss may have ended up nothing more than a footnote.

Shout It Out Loud is a serious examination of the circumstance and serendipity that fused the creation of the band’s seminal work, Destroyer – including the band’s arduous ascent to the unexpected smash hit, Alive!, the ensuing lawsuits between its management and its label, the pursuit of the hot, young producer, a grueling musical “boot camp,” the wildly creative studio abandon, the origins behind an iconic cover, the era’s most outlandish tour, and the unlikely string of hit singles.

Extensive research from the period and insights into each song are enhanced by hundreds of archived materials and dozens of interviews surrounding the mid-’70s-era Kiss and its zeitgeist. New interviews with major principals in the making of an outrageously imaginative rock classic animate this engaging tale.

Book Review: Rhythm Ride

Katie November 6, 2015 0 Comments

Rhythm Ride is a Road Trip through the Motown Sound.  It is a children’s novel so it is written in a way that is quick to read and easy to understand. There are also a lot of images throughout, which I always appreciate!  The road trip of course begins with Berry Gordy Jr – in Detroit Motor City.  It talks about his record company, Hitsville USA and how he built Motown to be more like a family than a record company.  Motown had a lot of hitmakers and when you read about them all at once you really get the impact of how successful it was.  It talks about how it survived the Detroit riots, the war, etc.   The book ends with a timeline from Berry Gordy’s birth and throughout all the signings and releases of the Motown hits.  Definitely a lot a great book to read and full of lots of great Motown information presented in an easy to understand format for kids (or big kids, like me)

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

From award-winning author Andrea Davis Pinkney comes the story of the music that defined a generation and a movement that changed the world.

Berry Gordy began Motown in 1959 with an $800 loan from his family. He converted the garage of a residential house into a studio and recruited teenagers from the neighborhood-like Smokey Robinson, Mary Wells, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Diana Ross-to sing for his new label. Meanwhile, the country was on the brink of a cultural revolution, and one of the most powerful agents of change in the following decade would be this group of young black performers from urban Detroit. From Berry Gordy and his remarkable vision to the Civil Rights movement, from the behind-the-scenes musicians, choreographers, and song writers to the most famous recording artists of the century, Andrea Davis Pinkney takes readers on a Rhythm Ride through the story of Motown