Banned Books Week {book lists}

Happy Banned Books Week!  

It's a week where we celebrate the freedom to read.  It's a week to be aware that books are challenged and asked to removed from the shelf. 

"Yes, books are dangerous. They should be dangerous - they contain ideas." Pete Hautman 

 All of the books on these lists have been challenged or banned from school or public libraries.  Their reasons vary, but are usually as a result of the author's personal actions or beliefs or the content in the book.

"If all printers were determined not to print anything till they were sure it would offend nobody, there would be very little printed." Benjamin Franklin 

Librarians across the world strive to keep books on the shelves.  Librarians strive to avoid censoring books; we believe parents and the individual can make the choice for himself, herself, or for one's own children. 

"Censorship, like charity, should begin at home; but unlike charity, it should end there." Clare Booth Luce

Banning books inhibits free speech.  Books have power to teach, inspire, unite, and honestly change the world.  Books have power.  Let's not limit that power by censoring books for everyone. 

"Banning books is just another form of bullying.  It's all about fear and an assumption of power.  The key is to address the fear and deny the power." James Howe

I'm a banned book reader. Are you?  Join the Rebellion, and support the freedom of speech; the freedom to read.  

"To forbid us anything is to make us have a mind for it." Michel de Montaigne

Hopefully, some of these book lists will entice you to pick up a book. 

You must check out the most Ridiculous Reasons Books are Banned in this list.  

These books were all Banned For Being Too Religious or offending a certain religious group. 

Books that are powerful, impactful, or have Too Much aka Too Good are Banned. 

Books for the young and old are banned for all types of reasons. 

The Kid's Banned Books List always surprises everyone.  I'm assuming b/c the list is full of books they read and loved. 

The YA and Adult Banned Book list is full of classics.  A lot of the classics are banned... interesting huh?

Let's see how much of a rebel you are.  How many banned books have you read?

Join the Rebellion. Read a Banned Book! 

Perfect gets 4.5 Stars {ya lit, series: flawed #2, dystopia}

Perfect, definitely fitting book to share today. The day that this rare Total Eclipse is streaking across America.  This day when the moon and the sun perfectly line up.  Okay, maybe I like to stretch connections, but you have to agree it is sort of appropriate.    

"There's the person you think you should be, and there's the person you really are." 

I like to think I should be perfect.  I should have that tight and toned stomach.  I should never be sick (which I have been the past few days- ugh).  I should be eternally patient with my kids, and I should be able to successfully teach them to be grateful, independent, and persistent.  There's a lot that I feel I should have in order to be "perfect."  However, my stomach is still not toned and my baby is 2.5 years old.  I got a doozer of a cold this weekend.  I get frustrated and lose patience with my kids, and I'm still working on teaching them all those necessary lessons so they can be successful and good members of society.  I am definitely not perfect, but I do love my kids and husband.   My husband even joked with me saying I was reading my autobiography when he saw the title of this book.  We all joke about my perfection, but we can only joke about it b/c it is so far from being true.

The person I think I should be is far from who I really am, but I'm still chasing that perfect MeganRuth and that helps me strive for better daily.  

Perfect by Cecelia Ahern is the second book in the Flawed series.  Personally, I loved that Ahern reviewed some of the first books significant events in the beginning of Perfect.  She wrote it in a way where I wasn't lost for not having recently read the first book, but yet the second book was able to start as well.  

Perfect gets 4.5 out of 5 stars from me.  Overall, I thought the story and pace was well done.  I felt the story wasn't predictable and kept you wanting to read more.  I felt the character development was good.  Celestine was cautious at the beginning, but she truly started to become the strong person everyone already felt she was.  I thought her two sides of the coin speech to the Flawed was well done and portrayed her strength that had been developing throughout the book.  I truly enjoyed the story and read it quite quickly.  

I had  a few minor glitches which caused the rating to drop.  Most of these glitches should've been caught by a good editor.  At the beginning, when Celestine talks about her brandings she often brings up the 6th branding that no one knows about.  However, Celestine brings up this 6th branding a lot and it is always in an extremely dramatic fashion.  It's okay the first couple times, but after that it was a tad annoying.  The other two reasons for the dropped rating is the typo errors I found on pg 49 and pg 79.  The first error, the author writes the wrong name for Carrick's mom.  The second error was a simple typo.  However, both typos should've been caught by one of the editors.  

Overall, Perfect is a great read and a fast read.  It isn't perfect, but it's pretty darn good.   


Happy Fun Dystopia Series reading! 

Perfect by Cecelia Ahern
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Best For: 14 and up, 9th grade and up.
Worth a Check Out: Yes.
Buy It or Not: If you own Flawed, then pick this one up too.
Read Aloud: I'd say no, especially b/c it is book two in a series.  However, it could work well to read with a high school child that hates reading.
Lesson Ideas: Morals, Courage, Power of Smells, Memory, Trust 

The Sandcastle Empire gets 4 stars {ya lit, dystopia/sci-fi, 9th grade +}

Owl Crate's June box came with two books. Winner Winner Chicken Dinner! 

The main book, The Sandcastle Empire by Kayla Olson, is a sci-fi dystopia young adult novel and I was anxious to move it up on my To Be Read pile.

I enjoy dystopian books, and I did enjoy The Sandcastle Empire. It was a fun read even though it was quite predictable.

The Sandcastle Empire gets 4 out of 5 stars in my book review.  I liked the science and geeky things the scientist came up with.  I thought the concept behind the book, or the reason for this dystopia world, was unique; the idea of there being a water shortage b/c there is too much salt water.  The idea of HoloWolves being controlled was freaky, but to be honest it was too far fetched for me to believe.  I liked Eden as a character for the most part, and I could see where she was coming from.  I'm glad Eden had a little love story even if it was incredibly cheesy at times. 

My major issue with the book was how predictable it was, however the choppiness of the writing at some of the major action points was frustrating and sometimes left me confused.  I also felt the beginning was a little slow.  

Though, back to this predictability.  If you are okay with the spoilers or if you have read the book then go ahead and read the next paragraph where I highlight the areas that were most predictable b/c this aspect of the story has been written in other books many times.  



*** SPOILER ALERT***
Of course Eden was the only one capable of saving the day and obviously the entire world.  Of course she gets the boy even when they go to a deserted island. Of course her dad is still alive and part of it all.  Of course, her boy turns HoloWolf on her and subconsciously tries to kill her.  Of course, the kingpin doesn't hurt her and she is successfully able to pass off the vial.  I'm not saying the entire book was predictable, but a lot of it was predictable in a cheesy yet enjoyable way.  
*** SPOILER OVER***



All in all it is a fun read, but don't be surprised if there is little that surprises you in it.   

For those of you who have already read it, what did you think?  As I looked at Goodreads, I noticed the reviews were quite polar so you may be feeling exactly opposite of me.    

Happy Fun Dystopia reading! 

The Sandcastle Empire by Kayla Olson
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 14 and up, 9th grade and up. 
Worth a Check Out: Yes.
Buy It or Not: You should buy it if you love dystopia books, but not a must purchase book.  
Read Aloud: I think it's too long to be a classroom read aloud, but it could be a fun book to read with your son or daughter.    
Lesson Ideas: Inventions. Science. Water shortage. Survival. 

  

Make It Out Alive- Owlcrate June 2017 {dystopian, ya, subscription box}

I've been getting an Owl Crate, a young adult literature subscription box, almost every month for over a year now.  I always get a good book, and fun fandom items in every box.

I'm the only one to read the books, but the whole family enjoys many of the fandom items.   We've increased our Pop Funko collection since getting Owl Crates, and my oldest has a piano bag, my son has a wallet, and my youngest has a dance bag all thanks to the Owl Crate boxes.  

I usually wait to share the boxes contents with you until after I read the book.  Hence, this box is from June.  However, I have such a long TBR pile that I sometimes don't get to the books as quickly as I'd like.  I may change that decision, and share them with you right after getting them.  Any opinions?  

"Make It Out Alive" was the theme for June's Owl Crate.  Basically, it is a dystopia theme.  In my past I have enjoyed many dystopian books like Hunger Games, Divergent, Flawed (from a previous Owl Crate box), Legend, and more.  Hence, why I was quicker to pick this box's book up. 

Factions... Can you name that dystopian book?  If you said Divergent, well done! This box came with a Determine Your Faction Bath Bomb by Fizzy Fairy Apothecary.  Personally, I think it is super fun, but I am a nerd, to determine your faction.  This bath bomb is the sorting hat for Divergent. So fun!  

Fizzy Fairy Apothecary has some other amazing bath bombs; definitely go check them out.  They would make a great gift for a bath lover.   The Chocolate Frog bath bomb and the Patronus bath bombs are probably some of my favorites. HP Love!   

The strong An Ember in the Ashes magnet, The Giver patch, and the fun pin all shown above were great additions to the box.  I love the magnet by Little Inklings Design; the quote speaks to my soul.  I also love the patch b/c The Giver was the original Dystopian book.   

Every Owl Crate box comes with a pin related to that month's theme.  I always add the pins to my work lanyard, and my co-worker refers to such pins as my bling. Book related pins are totally acceptable bling for librarians.  

This Zombie sleep mask from Archie McPhee is totally random and not something I would ever buy for myself.  I'm not really a sleep mask kind of girl, but I am a girl that loves pranks.  When my daughter saw this mask she knew exactly what she wanted to do.  She hid the mask under her pillow, and then put it on when she laid down that night. She wanted to scare Daddy with it, and I thought that was awesome. 

She obviously didn't scare him, but it was definitely fun.  The 5 and 2 year old had plenty of fun with the mask too. Who wouldn't want a little zombie fun in their life?! ;) 

Overall, the Make It Out Alive Owl Crate box is a fun one.  Not only did I get some fun fandom items, but this box came with not just one but two books.  Plus, the hardcover book always come with a letter from the author and the author's signature on a nameplate which is fun too!

Check the blog tomorrow fro my book review of The Sandcastle Empire.  

Overall, I wouldn't say an Owl Crate subscription box, or any subscription box, is something I or anyone NEEDS.  However, it is a lot of fun, and sometimes I need some fun.  

I personally have looked at a few different literature subscription boxes.  So far, I've always been most impressed with Owl Crate b/c of the books they select and the variety of the fandom items.  If you decide to go with Owl Crate I wouldn't mind if you used the link above.  Apparently, I could maybe get a free box, but I'm not holding my breath for that to ever happen for me.  ;)

I have looked at Lit Joy Crate for the picture book box, but I haven't been sold on them yet.  Though, if you know of any awesome literature subscription boxes send them my way.

   

Owlcrate July Good vs. Evil YA Lit Subscription Box Review

Another month means another Owlcrate YA Literature subscription box to review. Good vs. Evil was this month's theme, and I got a Good box.  Some got Evil boxes with the Death Star and Voldemort, but I got the box I wanted.  

I've been doing Owlcrate for 4 months or so, and I am loving the fandom, bookmarks, jewelry, letters from the author, and the books of course.  I've actually been quite impressed that there hasn't been one item of any of the Owlcrates that I haven't liked.  I mean, I have really liked the books, and I'm a tough grader.    

If you are interested in trying them out they're about $36 (that includes tax and shipping) a month; click here and we both win.  In every box you get a hardback YA book, letter from the author, artwork, and usually 3 fandom items.  The 20th of August is the last day to order the August box which has the theme of YA High aka school setting.  There have been a lot of Harry Potter hints on Owlcrate's Instagram account, so I'm hoping there's some awesome HP stuff.  I will also say that this is not a sponsored post; I pay for my subscription.    

Check out all of the stuff that was found in the July Owlcrate box.  The little girl found in the picture above is a cute Alice in Wonderland magnet bookmark.  There in the back is a small coloring book of the book covers of the latest books they've sent.  Plus, there were letter's from the author and the Victoria Schwab's signature.  It was a great box!

This absolutely awesome Millennium Falcon wooden necklace may be my favorite fandom in this month's box.  I never knew I needed this necklace from VectorEngraving until I got it and LOVE wearing it with my Star Wars shirt.  Sure, I'm a total nerd wearing such fandom gear, but I'm also a librarian so I'm already in the nerd department.  I proudly wear it, and my daughter has worn it on more than one occassion as well. We both love it!   

The necklace and this Dobby Pop Funko may tie as my favorite items in this Owlcrate box.  I love building my PopFunko collection, and I love that Dobby is holding a sock.  So much love here.  

Also, if you haven't checked out the illustrated Harry Potter book, found behind Dobby in the picture above, you need to!  It's amazing! The illustrated book wasn't found in this month's box; I already own it and have pre-ordered Chamber of Secrets coming out in October. 

Finally, the whole reason I get this subscription box is b/c of the books.  Owlcrate chooses great books, and I am excited to read this newly released hilarious romantic novel.  The Salvage Song by Victoria Schwab is apparently set in a dystopian future with monsters and a Romeo and Juliet like love story.   Don't worry, I will review it as soon as I finish it. 

All in all, well done Owlcrate!  Another great box, and I look forward to August's box.  

Do you do any subscription boxes?  There are loads of book subscription boxes, and I'd love to do many of them.  I actually have an idea to start my own, but I just don't know how to do it.  If you want to collaborate give me a holler.  

Happy YA reading and happy book fandom fun! 

Flawed gets 4.5 Stars {YA} {Dystopian}

I was lucky enough to have read Flawed by Cecelia Ahern right after bailing on The Ghosts of Heaven even though it was a Printz Honor book this year. 

Flawed is a fast read page turner Young Adult (YA) Lit dystopian book.  I actually read it in 2 days b/c it was such a fun read, and my husband let me forget about all of my responsibilities as a mom.  He's a good man.  

I give Flawed 4.5 out of 5 stars in my book review.  It's a great book with a fun story and a likable main character.  Celestine, the main character, reminded me of both Katniss Everdeen in Hunger Games and Tris Prior in Divergent.  Celestine, like Katniss and Tris, was a girl that was almost thrust into doing something great.  It is very much a book of girl power, and I thought the character development was good.  Celestine grew and developed throughout the story in a logical and relatable way. 

This is a great book, but it did lose a half a star in my book review.  I felt there were a few too many of the aspects of the book that were predictable, and that is the reason for the less than perfect book review rating.  The bad guy was a cliche typical bad guy, and there were parts of the plot/story line that I saw coming a mile away.  However, there was a major aspect of the story that I didn't see coming.  For example, the 6th, if you've read it you'll know what I mean, but if you haven't read it this doesn't spoil anything, surprised me.

If you like Hunger Games and/or Divergent you will enjoy this new book.  As far as content goes, there is no sex, but there kissing.  There is some violence, but in the form of bullying and punishment. I don't recall language or drugs, but there is a few instances of underage drinking. 

On page 107 there was a really great quote that I liked.  "I've learned that to be courageous is to feel fear within, every step of the way.  Courage does not take over, it fights and struggles through every word you say and every step you take.  It's a battle or dance as to whether to let it pervade, it takes courage to overcome, but it takes extreme fear to be courageous."  

Amazon has the following book review from School Library Journal: 

"In this compulsively readable dystopian novel, biracial 17-year-old Celestine sees things in black and white and would never break society's rules—until she impulsively helps a Flawed man on a bus, an act that's illegal. Her compassionate gesture lands her in jail for aiding a Flawed, and it's certain she'll be judged Flawed, too. Those found Flawed by the Guild have made moral or ethical mistakes in society. Depending on their crime, the Flawed are branded with an "F" on a prominent place on their body and are required to wear an armband and adhere to strict rules. Judge Craven, the Guild's head judge, makes an example of Celestine for threatening his abuse of the Guild's power and for her very public stand against an unjust society. The price she pays is horrific and unprecedented. She becomes the poster child for those who want to make change. The only person Celestine feels understands what she's suffered is the mysterious boy she saw in prison but never actually spoke to. Celestine's shift from believing in the rightness of those judged Flawed to condemning their treatment is a bit too sudden. The brutal descriptions of the branding of those deemed Flawed are not easy to read, but it's a compelling thriller that's very hard to put down. The cliff-hanger ending guarantees readers will be waiting impatiently for the next book in the series. VERDICT For fans of Lauren Oliver's Delirium (HarperCollins) or Hillary Jordan's When She Woke (Algonquin, both 2011)."


Have you read Flawed? What did you think?  If you haven'r read it, are you going to request it?  I always love to hear yalls thoughts.   

Happy fast paced page-turner book reading! 

10 Summer Reading Books for Everyone- Something for Everyone

Summer Reading is for everyone!  Summer Reading programs at the library are for everyone, and there are far too many amazing books out there that everyone can enjoy.  

I have done several book lists throughout the years.  I have below several Summer Reading Book Lists for the Reader and the Reluctant Reader aka the not so into reading individual.  You are bound to find some awesome reads in here.   

Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Kindergarten and First Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Second and Third Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Fourth and Fifth Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Sixth and Seventh Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Eighth and Ninth Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Tenth and Eleventh Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Twelfth Grade and College Students
Summer Reading Book List for Anyone and Everyone
Summer Reading Book List for Reluctant Readers in Kindergarten and 1st Grade
Summer Read Book List for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 2nd and 3rd Grade
Summer Read Book List for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 4th and 5th Grade
Summer Reading Book List for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 6th and 7th Grade
Summer Reading Book Lists for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 8th and 9th Grade
Summer Reading Book Lists for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 10th and 11th Grade
Summer Reading Book Lists for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 12th Grade and Adults

I have more than 10 books on my personal summer reading list, but I wasn't always that way.  There were many summers I read very few if any books at all.  So, if you are not a book devourer my goal is for you to read just one book.  Besides the benefits for you to read there are numerous benefits for a child to see his/her parent/caregiver reading.  Yes, you benefit your child by reading yourself.  It's just 1 book; make it a goal! 

The following list is 10 awesome books from all different genres; there's bound to be a book here you'll like.  If you don't know what genre you like, I was like that, then just pick the book by it's cover and description.  I promise they are all great, and yes it's okay to judge a book by it's cover.  ;) 

Summer Reading

10 Books for Everyone to Enjoy

Dystopian: Flawed by Cecelia Ahern

This YA SciFi/Dystopian book is fast paced with a strong female character who finds herself.  If you liked the Hunger Games or Divergent you should definitely give this one a read. 

Light and Fun Beach Read: The Selection by Kiera Cass

This book series is light, fun, and fast paced.  It's completely predictable, but still a fun read.  If you combined the TV show The Bachelor with royalty you'd get this enjoyable series.

Historical Fiction: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Amazing!  This WWII historical fiction earned 5 stars in my book review b/c it completely "Wow"ed me and truly left me enlightened, inspired, and just all around in awe.  The storytelling, character development, and plot is so well done.  This book is the best book I've read in years. 

For my thoughts and book review click here. 

Fantasy: The Wrath and The Dawn by Renee Ahdieh 

A fractured retelling of The Arabian Nights with a love story twist.  This enjoyable book series had great pace and is riveting from the beginning. 

Sci-Fi: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

This Cinderella version is a fractured fairy tale with a scifi twist.  Androids and cyborgs are in the book and even though it all sounds bizarre and weird it's actually a fun fast paced book that will make you grabbing the next book in the series. .    

YA Contemporary/Realistic Fiction:  Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon

This realistic fiction/contemporary read about a girl with a unique health situation and a boy in a not so unique situation will surprise you as well as make you cheer the characters on. It's a fun read.

Books Made into a Movie: The BFG  by Roald Dahl

This classic, quirky, and fun children's literature book has been a favorite of mine for years.  It's one of my favorite classroom read alouds, and is being made into a movie coming out in July.  A book being made into a movie is a great way to get a reluctant reader, or one who doesn't like to read, to pick up a book and read. 

Juvenile/Middle Grade Fiction: Summerlost by Ally Condie 

This well developed middle grade fiction book is enjoyable and relatable.  4th-7th grade girls will enjoy this story.  This story reminded me of Flora and Ulysses or The One and Only Ivan b/c it has really great storytelling.  I wouldn't be surprised if this book won a literary award.

Non-Fiction: Rising Strong by Brene Brown

Be inspired as you read this book about all different kinds of people that did hard things, were brave, fell, and had to get back up again.  Brene Brown is a social scientist who writes about the power vulnerability has in helping us to truly reach our potential. If you're a non-fiction aka true stuff fan then give this new book a read. 

Graphic Novel: Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

This Newbery Honor book is colorful, fun, and will attract the reader as well as non-reader.  This middle grade (3rd-7th grade) book is a fun read and a great story about finding out who you are and doing hard things.   Girls will especially like and relate to this book. 

For my thoughts and book review click here.

All 10 of these books are great for different reasons; they are all different genres.  Give at least 1 of them a try this summer.  If you are a bit crazy and a bookworm like me give all 10 of them a read.  

Happy Summer Reading and Happy Reading of Fun and Fantastic Books! 

What's on your summer reading list?