Friday, March 14, 2025

Good-bye Stacey, Good-bye: A Graphic Novel (The Baby-Sitters Club #11) | by Gabriela Epstein and Ann M. Martin

 

Stacey has to move back to New York due to her dads job.  She is both excited and sad.  Excited to be back in her beloved New York and see old friends and haunts. Sad to leave behind Stoneybrook, her BSC friends and the kids she babysits in particular Charlotte. 

Stacey has to find a way to break the news to Charlotte and the BSC girls are working on putting together a spectacular end off.

I like that the book focus's on real events. Sometimes people move and it affects not only them but also others in their life. It's a sweet book about friendship. 

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Kristy and the Snobs: A Graphic Novel (The Baby-Sitters Club #10) | by Chan Chau and Ann M. Martin

 

Kristy hasn't been living in her new neighborhood that long. It's quite different from her old one. It's much more upscale and the other kids aren't as friendly. One could say they are snobby. Kristy runs into some issues with other baby sitters in the community. They aren't pleased that she is taking jobs away from them. 

This is quite possibly the first book I have an issue with.  A beloved pup dies and is quickly replaced by a puppy! This was a punch to the gut and felt callus. 

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Famous Last Words | by Gillian McAllister

 


PUB DATE: Feb 25, 2025

Camilla's returned to work after maternity leave. Her first day back at work turns out to be a lot more hectic than she bargained for. The police arrive at her work to let her know that her husband has taken people hostage. Never in a million years will Camilla have predicted that Luke would do this. The hostages can't be identified and Camilla has no idea why Luke would do this. 

Seven years pass and new evidence resurfaces resulting in turning Camilla's life upside down. Will this evidence exonerate Luke and will unanswered questions finally be answered?

The book starts off well enough but then ... it drags and drags. It finally picks up but it becomes incredibly predictable. This book wasn't exactly my cup of tea as it felt unrealistic. Famous Last Words is character driven and well developed but the plot lacked the energy and flow to keep my fully absorbed.

** I have received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 


Saturday, March 8, 2025

Claudia and the New Girl: A Graphic Novel (The Baby-Sitters Club #9) | by Gabriela Epstein and Ann M. Martin

 

Another installment in the Baby-Sitters Club (graphic novel) series. This one focuses on Claudia. There is a new girl at school named Ashley. She is spunky and enjoys art the way Claudia does. They bond over their mutual interest and Claudia ends up spending a lot of time with Ashley and missing BSC meetings! 

This causes hurt feelings and Claudia has to learn how to navigate new and old friendships. Another quick and easy read. I recall making new friends in middle school and having to learn how to maintain friendships with new and older friends. It wasn't easy! 



Friday, March 7, 2025

Logan Likes Mary Anne!: A Graphic Novel (The Baby-Sitters Club #8) | by Gale Galligan and Ann M. Martin

 

It's the start of a new school year. The gang is going to be in 8th grade! There is a new student and his name is Logan. Mary Anne and Logan each have a crush on one another but they don't know the crush is mutual. 

Logan ends up on a baby sitting job with Mary Anne. Will he join the BSC? Will the BSC clubs accept him as a member. 

Do you remember your first crush? The nervous feelings and being a bit shy about it? If not this will bring back some of those memories. 

This is one adorable addition to the series. I like that they shy girl got a boyfriend because that was NOT my experience, 


Thursday, March 6, 2025

Petals on the Wind (Dollanganger, #2) by V.C. Andrews


This is the second book in the Dollanganger series. Cory is dead and Chris, Cathy and Carrie have escaped the attic and Foxworth mansion. A series of circumstances leads them into the care of a Doctor who adopts them. Paul Sheffield gives them the life they deserved one of love and safety. 

The Dollanganger children are traumatized by their life in the attic and struggle to find peace. Cathy is full of anger and seeks revenge on her mother. Chris is obsessed with Cathy and Carrie misses her twin and feels she has no place in the world. 

This book while having moments of brightness is dark and disturbing. Their will be moments of discomfort. I don't wish to give anything away and I am quite surprised how much I had forgotten! 

I listened to an audiobook version of this book and it was done incredibly well. 

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Boy-Crazy Stacey: A Graphic Novel (The Baby-Sitters Club #8) by Raina Telgemeier (Adapter, Illustrator), Ann M. Martin (Author)

 

Stacey and Mary Anne have been invited to baby-sit for the Pike Family. It in
volves going on a two week vacation to the New Jersey Shore. They get to baby-sit , vacation and get to know one another better as they haven't spent much time together before. 

Vacation starts off decent but then a boy on the beach catch's Stacey's eye. Stacey ends up spending a lot of time at the lifeguard station talking with Scott. This means extra baby sitting duties for Mary Anne. Mary Anne is at her wits end and  frustrated with Stacey. Will their friendship survive this?

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Kristy's Big Day: A Graphic Novel (The Baby-Sitters Club #6) by Raina Telgemeier (Adapter, Illustrator), Ann M. Martin (Author)


Kristy's mom is getting married and she gets to be a bridesmaid. Kristy and her family are also moving out of their moms house and into her stepdad's mansion. Their family and friends are coming into town for the wedding and that means that on top of the wedding and moving their will be 14 kids to take care of!

The BSC steps up to the plate and  pitches into help with childcare. It's a busy week for the girls but they work together to make it happen.

Another easy read. I find that I am reading these graphic novels in 30-45 minutes and I take a fair amount of time looking at the graphics so I can get ideas for coloring. This is an easy read but I hope they aren't too dated for the younger generation. 

Monday, March 3, 2025

A Thousand Broken Pieces (A Thousand Boy Kisses #2 ) | By Tillie Cole

 

Savannah Litchfield's sister died over  three years ago. She remains in a world full of grief and pain. When her sister died, she stop living.

Cael Woods brother died a year ago. Cael and his brother were ment to go to Harvard and play ice hockey together but he hasn't stepped foot on the ice rink since his brothers death. Cael is full of anger.

Savannah's therapist and Cael's parents have encouraged them to go on a trip around the world for grieving teens. They are able to open up to one another and start on their healing journey. 

While I didn't like this book as much as the first one in the series it was worth the read as it explores grief.  I didn't like what Cole does with the character of Rune. 

I attempted to listen to this on audiobook but the Boston accent that was done for Cael was distracting and I had to read the book instead. 



Saturday, March 1, 2025

The Road: A Graphic Novel A... The Road: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Manu Larcenet (Illustrator), Cormac McCarthy (Original Work)

 

The Graphic Novel is bleaker than the book. The illustrations are stunning and depict the postapocalyptic world created in McCarthy's mind beautifully. The illustrations don't hold a lot back in that it shows the violence of this dark sad world. Some readers might find the graphic novel easier to read than the novel simply because some people have difficulties reading McCarthy's style. I recommend using the graphic novel as a companion to the book. 

The Road follows a father and young son as they navigate and try to survive in a world that is full of horrors. The US is decimated and humanity is at it lowest. Food and supplies are scarce and living is one a one day at a time challenge. 




Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Claudia and Mean Janine: A Graphic Novel (The Baby-Sitters Club #4) by Raina Telgemeier (Adapter, Illustrator), Ann M. Martin (Author)

Claudia and Mean Janine is the 4th book and I read it after book 5! I would recommend reading them in order due to minor information but it's not necessary. 

Claudia and her sister Janine are incredibly different. Claudia is more artistic and fun while Janine is much more studious and serious. Their differences often get in the way of their relationship but when a family member has a serious illness will they learn put their differences aside and make peace?

Claudia and Mean Janine explores sister relationships and the pros and cons that come with it. The Baby-Sitters Club keeps on running as normal and they deal with tough clients while being supportive of Claudia.

Another easy read just with the graphics were a bit better!




 

Good-bye Stacey, Good-bye: A Graphic Novel (The Baby-Sitters Club #11) | by Gabriela Epstein and Ann M. Martin

  Stacey has to move back to New York due to her dads job.  She is both excited and sad.  Excited to be back in her beloved New York and see...