Holy crow! Is it really August already? While much of the year, so far, has been passing by with a calm pace, July was raced by in super-sonic gear. Looking at August's reading stack, I see a few more graphic novels than usual and several adventure/action reads. It's a pretty even balance of middle grade, young adult, and chapter books with about a dozen or so picture books tossed in between to make sure I have enough time to hit those longer reads. There are several books, which appear to be light-hearted and some nonfiction, too. I see a few paranormal ones tosssed in as well.
Here's a quick glance at some of the reads on my schedule. I try to stick to the mentioned dates, but sometimes, the reads get reshuffled a bit due to time constraints, unexpected publishing shifts, or simply because I might decide the read isn't quite what I was looking for. After all, I really don't read these until the evening before posting.
So, let's see what this month will hold!
DANGEROUS INFLUENCE
I'm starting off the month with a more serious theme and a YA read! I'm hoping to hit those more often over the next months. Anyway, this is a short read at 128 pages and hits the problem of influencers, who have use their children in their postings. I'm curious to see how its handled and what the author has to say about this issue, especially since I haven't seen it addressed very often. Join me on the 4th to see how it goes.
Young Adult Contemporary
WHY ARE HORSES
I'm always up to a nonfiction read, so I want to take a look at this one. After last month's heavier stream of books surrounding dogs, I'm happy to take a look at a different animal. Horses are well-loved by many middle graders, and I'm curious what this book has to offer on information. Join me on the 5th to see how much horse goodness these pages hold.
Middle Grade Nonfiction
AIKO AND THE PLANET OF DOGS
This read comes from a very established artist, who resides in Geneva, and is being translated from French into English for the first time. I do have a soft-spot for international literature, so of course, I wanted to take a look at this one. Plus, a planet of dogs does sound interesting! I'm curious to see what this character is up and will be taking a look at it on the 6th.
Picture Book
THE MANY ASSASSINATIONS OF SAMIR, THE SELLER OF DREAMS
This read is giving me Tales of 1001 Nights vibes, and I had to give it a go, especially since it has won an award or two. This isn't a new release but hit the shelves a few years ago. I missed it then and am looking forward to catching up. I'm hoping for tons of cultural goodness, action, adventure, danger, and more. Join me on the 10th to take a, hopefully, amazing journey.
Middle Grade Fantasy
THE SUPERHERO'S RETURN
This is another read, which hit the shelves several years ago, and I'm just getting to it now. It's the first in a series and heads in the superhero direction (obviously). I believe it will take a darker twist, though, as it deals with a teen's disappointment after doing his best to save the world...or those are the vibes I'm getting? I just took a quick breeze over the blurb, so I could be wrong. I'll definitely know more and share it with you on the 12th.
Young Adult Superhero Fiction
MARTY MOOSE AND THE GREAT STAMPEDE
Silly reads are a must, and I'm hoping that this book will fit that bill. The mouse on the cover looks adorable with it's uniform, and I'm betting it experiences quite the adventures as a postal delivery mouse. I'm hoping for tons of giggles, adventure, and a little heart. Join me on the 14th to see what this little guy is up to.
Children's Animal Fiction / Graphic Novel
HORIZON FAULT
This last March, I reviewed the first book in this series, Transition Age. Imagine how surprised I was to discover that the 2nd in the series is just about to hit the shelves, too! Since I enjoyed the first one, I'm ready to see how the adventure continues. I hope it keeps up the pace, holds new surprises, and keeps those pages turning smoothly all the way through. I'll be taking a look at this one on the 19th.
Young Adult Science Fiction
THE CURSE OF THE SILVAN OAKS
I've been in the mood for a 'good' fantasy novel for middle graders, and this one might be exactly that. It does head a bit more in the mystery, adventure, and paranormal direction, but that's close enough for me. I love the cover and already can't wait to join these characters as they do their best to discover the truth. I just hope it's as good as I think it might be. Join me on the 21st to find out.
Middle Grade Mystery
BOOGY & TEE AND TWINKLE & HEW
I'm going to be hitting this one with a very open mind since I'm not really sure what it will be about. I saw the illustrations, though, and wanted to give it a go. Illustrations are important in a picture book, after all. I'm pretty sure it will rotate around this four friends and, hopefully, bring smiles and goodness. I'll be discovering this one on the 25th.
Picture Book
ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD
Time travel seems to be a larger theme again, this year, and this read ticks that box. I believe there will be a little heart and a heavish theme in the beginning, but I'm not sure what happens from there. It should follow a bit of self-discovery and mystery and adventure and family and... Well, we'll find out at the very end of the month on the 31st.
Middle Grade Time Travel
Every month, I have more books to read that time, but I also have changes in my schedule as books fail to arrive, change publishing dates, aren't what I had hoped, and the like. That's when I can sneak in reads from the top of my pile, which I've been hoping to get to sooner. The next book on my pile is...
RETURN TO SLEEPY HALLOW
Everyone should know The Legend of Sleepy Hallow by Washington Irving...one of my all time favorites. I've seen various movie versions and remakes and inspirations as well as read it a couple of times in various versions and, sometimes, very original spin-offs. This read fits in the last category. I'm not sure what it will hold or even if it will be a grabbing tale, but I'm ready to find out. When will I be sharing this one? I have no clue. Oh, and it's not really 'kidlit' but simply falls into the classic category. But this is an upper middle school/high school lister, so it should fit, right?
Classic Graphic Novel