Favorite Middle Grade Reads

Hello everyone!

Today I wanted to share some of my favorite middle grade reads with all of you. I don't middle grade very often, but I really enjoy most of the books I read from this genre.

1. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

This series follows Sophie who discovers that she is an elf who was living among humans. She is found and taken to the Elvin cities where she adjusts to the new lifestyle while making discoveries about her past. This series is packed with adventure and is such a fun and enjoyable read.

2. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

I read this series back in elementary school. I fell in love with this story and the world. It follows Kendra and Seth who are sent to their grandparents' house during the summer while their parents are gone on a trip. Little do they know that the land their grandparents live on is actually a magical sanctuary. This series is full of adventure and I couldn't put it down.

3. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
This book was so touching and gave me all the feels. I enjoyed the story and it helped open my eyes to the people around me. I appreciated the different point of views surrounding the story and thought it really added to the plot overall. I highly recommend reading this book.

4. Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
This is another touching book. It follows a girl who has cerebral palsy and her struggles fitting in. This story made me cry, but it was such a good book. 

5. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
I don't think this series needs a lot of explaining. If you haven't read it yet, give it a try. It's such an amazing series and I can't believe I waited such a long time to actually finish it.

6. Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
This book was so unique. I loved the plot and the characters. It reminded me of a game show and I had so much fun while reading this book. I recommend this book if you love libraries or scavenger hunts.

7. The Healing Spell by Kimberley Griffiths Little
This book follows a girl whose mother is in a coma. The book deals with her coping with her mother not being around and her sister leaving to get married. I really enjoyed this book and the relationships formed. 

8. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
So I have only read the first book in this series, but it was fantastic! I loved all the adventure inside of this book and cannot wait to continue with the story in the rest of the series. If you enjoy books with fairies and spies, this is the perfect book for you.

9. Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
I really enjoyed this book back when I read it in elementary school and still like it to this day. It follows a girl named Miri who lives in Mount Eskel. One day, they are informed that the prince will marry someone from Mount Eskel, so a princess academy is formed to train the girls from the village. This book was so good and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys medieval books.

10. The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
This book follows a city who lives in the dark. The only light they receive comes from light bulbs and candles. One day, Lina and Doon decide that the city will soon run out of supplies, so they take it upon themselves to find a way out. This book is character driven, which I absolutely loved. The characters were so relatable, which made the book that much more enjoyable.

What are some of your favorite middle grade reads?
Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful day.
~Abby

Photography Book Tag

Hello everyone!

I recently saw the photography book tag over on Bookish Vegan's channel and thought it looked like fun. 

1. Fast Shutter Speed: Name a fast-paced book.

2. Slow Shutter Speed: Name a slow-paced book.

3. Pretty Picture: Name a book with a pretty cover.

4. ISO: Name a book that brightens up your day.

5. Leading Lines: Name a book that drew you in.

6. Wide Aperture: Name a book that "opened" your eye.

7. Unusual/Interesting Focal Point: Name a book that has an unusual plot.

8. Narrow Depth of Field: Name a book with a blurred ending (not seeing what was coming next).

        

9. Large Depth of Field: Name a book that was predictable.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful day.

~Abby

Summer Book Tag

Hello everyone!

Summer is finally here for me! What better way to celebrate than to do a summer book tag!

1. What book cover makes you think of summer?

2. What book has brightened your day?

3. Name a book with yellow on it.

4. What is your favorite summer beach read?

I've never been to the beach so, therefore, I've never read a book on the beach. But if I had to choose a book, I think I'd read Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver.

5. What action book had you running for the ice cream man?

6. What book has left you with a bad ending?

7. What book gave you the happiest feeling when it ended?

8. What book cover reminds you of a sunset?

9. What is one book series you hope to read this summer?

What books get you excited for summer?

Thanks for stopping by. Have a fabulous day.

~Abby

Review: Asylum by Madeleine Roux

Hello everyone!
I recently finished reading Asylum by Madeleine Roux. Asylum follows a guy named Dan Crawford who is attending pre-college classes at an old psychiatric hospital. He makes two friends while attending: Abby and Jordan. He barely sees his roommate, Felix, who is always going to the gym. While attending these classes, he and his friends discover ties they have with the old asylum. 

What I Liked

I really enjoyed the plot. I loved reading about their journey uncovering the secrets of the old psychiatric hospital. There wasn't a point of the book that I found myself bored. The chapters were also really short which motivated me to read more in one sitting. This book is a true page-turner.

The pictures included in this book were great. There were pictures of the notes left for them and different pictures they found. I couldn't help but admire the pictures even though they were meant to be creepy.

What I Disliked

I didn't necessarily feel a connection with any of the characters. They weren't my favorite characters I've ever read and it took them awhile to catch onto things that were kind of obvious. Jordan was my least favorite character because he was really annoying. He was also really whiny which I don't like when reading about a character.

This book also wasn't as creepy as I was expecting it to be. I thought I would be a little scarier, but I wasn't even scared for a second. I feel like I would've enjoyed this book a little more if it was a bit scarier.

Overall, this book was 3.5/5 stars for me. I didn't hate it but also didn't love it. I do plan on continuing with the series to see how the story progresses and I really want to know what happens. If you love mystery/suspenseful books, you might enjoy this book. 

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day.

~Abby

Intimidating TBR Book Tag

Hello everyone!

I recently saw this tag over on BookswithEmilyFox's YouTube channel. 

1. A book on your TBR pile that you haven't finished.

The Truth Tha's In Me by Julie Berry. I only read about 50 pages of this book and got distracted by other books and just haven't gotten around to finishing it yet.

2. A book you just haven't had the time for.

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. This book is over 1,000 pages!

3. A book you haven't read because it's a sequel.

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare. I've already read Clockwork Angel, but I wanted to wait to read the sequel until I owned all three books, which I now do. I plan to read the rest of this trilogy really soon.

4. A book you haven't read because it's brand new.

Phantom by Susan Kay. This isn't necessarily a new release, but I recently acquired it, so it's brand new to me.

5. A book by an author you've previously read but didn't like.

Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu. I tried reading the Legend trilogy by her years ago and I couldn't get into it. I'm hoping I really like this book.

6. A book on your TBR pile that you're just not in the mood to read.

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen. I usually only like to read contemporaries during the summer which is coming up. Hopefully I'll get around to it this year.

7. A book on your TBR pile you haven't read because it's enormous.

I've already mentioned Gone With the Wind, but it's the biggest book on my TBR at the moment.

8. A book on your TBR you bought because of the cover.

Heartless by Marissa Meyer. The cover is stunning and I love the color scheme. I'm also really interested in the story.

9. The book on your TBR you find the most intimidating.

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater. The intimidation for this book isn't about the size because it's quite short. It's intimidating because so many people love this series and I want to like it as well.

What books are you intimidated to read on your TBR?

Thanks for stopping by. Have a fabulous day.

~Abby

Summer Vacation Recommendations

Hello everyone!

Today I wanted to share some books/series that are perfect to read during summer vacation.

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Siren also by Kiera Cass

Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone

Austenland by Shannon Hale

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Love, Lucy by April Lindner

All-American Girl by Meg Cabot

Heat of the Moment by Lauren Barnholdt

Anna and the French Kiss Trilogy by Stephanie Perkins

What are some of your favorite books to read in summer?

Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful day.

~Abby

Five Star Reads

Hello everyone!

Today I wanted to share all of my five star reads as of May 2018. If I give a book five stars it means I loved it and would read it again in the future. I do reread a lot of books that I give three and four stars as well. If a book is in a series, I will specify which number it is.

Red Queen (#1) by Victoria Aveyard

The Fairy-Tale Detectives by Michael Buckley

The Goddess Test (#1) by Aimee Carter

Happy Ever After by Kiera Cass

The Selection (#1) by Kiera Cass

The Elite (#2) by Kiera Cass

The One (#3) by Kiera Cass

The Crown (#5) by Kiera Cass

The Siren by Kiera Cass

The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy

Clockwork Angel (#1) by Cassandra Clare

Artemis Fowl (#1) by Eoin Colfer

Mockingjay (#3) by Suzanne Collins

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

The Prisoner of Cell 25 (#1) by Richard Paul Evans

Battle of the Ampere (#3) by Richard Paul Evans

Hunt For Jade Dragon (#4) by Richard Paul Evans

Fall of Hades (#6) by Richard Paul Evans

The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans

The Noel Diary by Richard Paul Evans

Dark Life by Kat Falls

Change of Dress by Maya Gold

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

Unearthly (#1) by Cynthia Hand

Boundless (#3) by Cynthia Hand

The Princess Curse by Merrie Haskell

Roseblood by A.G. Howard

The Riddle of Baby Rosalind by Angela Elwell Hunt

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

The Healing Spell by Kimberly Griffiths Little

Forgotten Carols by Michael McLean

Keeper of the Lost Cities (#1) by Shannon Messenger

Nightfall (#6) by Shannon Messenger

The False Prince (#1) by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Wings (#1) by Aprilynne Pike

Spells (#2) by Aprilynne Pike

Illusions (#3) by Aprilynne Pike

Destined (#4) by Aprilynne Pike

Becoming Santa by Richard Robbins

Divergent (#1) by Veronica Roth

Four by Veronica Roth

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (#1) by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (#3) by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (#4) by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (#6) by J.K. Rowling

The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling

Magyk by Angie Sage

Vicious by V.E. Schwab

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

The Snowman by R.L. Stine

Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone

Paranormalcy (#1) by Kiersten White

Endlessly (#3) by Kiersten White

The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White

Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White

The Martian by Andy Weir

Night by Elie Wiesel

What are some of your five-star books?

Thanks for stopping by. Have a fabulous day.

~Abby

ABBA Book Tag

Hello everyone!

I found this super fun ABBA book tag over at Reading in the Rain.

It looked like so much fun, and I wanted to share my answers with you guys.

1. Take a Chance On Me - A book you unexpectedly liked.

The Selection by Kiera Cass. I was recommended this book by a friend and I thought I wouldn't like it, but it ended up becoming one of my favorite series.

2. The Winner Takes It All - An overhyped book.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. I read the first book in this series and I liked it but didn't love it. There's so much hype surrounding this series, but I don't know if I'll continue on with the series.

3. Waterloo - An amazing historical fiction book.

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys. If you haven't read this book yet, please do so. It is an amazing World War 2 novel that I absolutely love.

4. You're Only a Child - A recently published book.

As of today, War Storm by Victoria Aveyard and I am so excited to read this book!

5. I Have a Dream - A favorite, 'ideal' book.

Roseblood by A.G. Howard

6. Dancing Queen - A book with royalty.

I've already mentioned The Selection, but the other series that comes to mind is The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen. 

7. Money Money Money - A book you're willing to pay lots for because it's awesome.

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux. This book is one of my all-time favorites.

8. Lay All Your Love on Me - A book that needs more attention.

Michael Vey by Richard Paul Evans

9. Here We Go Again - A book that seemed to copy another book.

No books come to mind for this question.

10. S.O.S. - A book that should get in trouble and NOT be rescued.

Looking For Alaska by John Green. I really disliked this book and I wouldn't be upset if it went away.

11. Knowing Me, Knowing You - A book you know a lot about for whatever reason.

How to Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I learned so much about this book in school and I've only ever read it once.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a fantastic day.

~Abby

Mothers In Books

Hello everyone!

Since today is Mother's Day, I wanted to share some of my favorite mothers in books.

1. The Ocean from The Siren by Kiera Cass

The Ocean is the mother figure to the sirens in this book and is always there for them. She loves them so deeply and hates it when they're suffering.

2. Natalie Prior from Divergent by Veronica Roth

Natalie Prior loves her kids so much that she would die for them. She only wants to see them safe and protected.

3. Edaline Ruewen from Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

Edaline may not be Sophie's biological mother, but she treats Sophie like an actual daughter. She protects her as much as she is able to and gives her space when needed. She is always there for her no matter what is going on.

4. Molly Weasley from Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

Molly has a very prominent personality throughout the series and acts like a mother figure not only to her own kids but also to Harry. She welcomes him into her home with open arms and treats him like a son. 

5. Amberly Schreave from The Selection by Kiera Cass

Queen Amberly is so welcoming and America is drawn to her. She is the opposite of her husband and shows affection to those she cares about. She cares for her son and wants to see him happy.

Who are some of your favorite mothers in books?

Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful day.

~Abby

Top Fifteen Childhood Favorites

Hello everyone!

Today I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite books/series from my childhood.

1. Rainbow Magic by Daisy Meadows

2. The Healing Spell by Kimberly Griffiths Little

3. Ramona by Beverly Cleary

4. The Sister's Grimm by Michael Buckley

5. Cinderella Cleaners by Maya Gold

6. Geronimo Stilton by Elisabetta Dami

7. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

8. Dork Diaries by Renee Russell

9. Dear Dumb Diary by Jim Benton

10. Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

11. Genius Files by Dan Gutman

12. Tales From Pixie Hollow by Laura Driscoll, Kiki Thorpe, & Kirsten Larsen

13. Among the Hidden by Margaret Petersen Haddix

14. City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

15. A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

What were some of your favorite books from your childhood?

Thanks for stopping by. Have a fabulous day.

~Abby

April Wrap-Up

Hello everyone!

This month I read a total of 7 books, and 6 of them were for the O.W.L. Readathon. 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

Review here.

Quidditch Through the Ages by Kennilworthy Wisp (aka J.K. Rowling)

⭐⭐⭐.5

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander (aka J.K. Rowling)

⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

Review here.

The Siren by Kiera Cass

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review here.

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

Most of these books received high ratings, and I found some new favorite books this month. Let me know what you read this month.

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful month.

~Abby