My choice for the “dedication you loved“ #ISpyBingo square.
A rather harrowing middle-grade memoir about growing up Jewish in the Soviet Union, which honestly sounds as awful as any Western propaganda portrayed it. His family has secrets it's dangerous to ask about, and they worry he won't be “useful“ to the state--until they discover the drawings he made while sleeping under a table. The whimsical pictures break up the trauma somewhat. cont.
pickSai has grown up with a conman for a father, but her apprenticeship with a mapmaker gives her a chance to board a ship and explore a new land. A Newbery award winner, the story focuses on looking past first impressions and being willing to stand up for what's right. It also delves into family loyalty and the importance of love over power. A perfect read with my middle-grade kiddo and a fun adventure story for anyone!
#12Booksof2025 @TheEllieMo
September is not a month I would like to revisit, but I did like this middle grade book set in 1980‘s Delaware.
so-soI have waited eagerly for this book for a long time and have mixed feelings about the ending. I think it's a very intriguing and enticing series but feel that Pullman has changed his style a bit in this last one. Now he's rather more direct with his social commentary, and I'm not sure I'm satisfied with the way he wrapped up the numerous character arcs and other ideas if this really is the end. I still have questions! ⬇️
I will make an attempt to use Litsy a lot more this year. Just finished listening to this incredible #middlegrade novel. Highly recommend!
pickWell, my oldest wasn't kidding. This was a fun series of books. This had all the twists and turns I'd come to expect from Gordon Korman. Will I read it 17 times like my 12 year old? No. But, I certainly can see why she loves it so much. Well worth the time to read.
pickMy last book of 2025 and I loved it. It's long and I let myself take my time, rather than rushing to the end. I think there's still a companion novella (or two?) that I haven't read, but I can see myself rereading this series many times. There's a lot of discourse lately about the "dumbing down" of media, and this felt like the exact opposite.
#MonthlyNonfiction2025 (edited) now