December 2022

I have been a fan of Sivers’s TED talks for years, and this quick read made me a disciple! I dog-earred so many pages, as this book is loaded with practical wisdom that will serve anyone. The perfect holiday gift! Oh - and don't follow the Amazon link on this one. Buy it at https://sive.rs/a, and all the money goes to charity.

A spare yet eloquent, bittersweet yet inspiring story of a man and a woman who, in advanced age, come together to wrestle with the events of their lives and their hopes for the imminent future. This book will resonate with anyone who has ever fought loneliness.

I know Steve Martin doesn’t need me promoting his book, but I just devour anything he produces. One of my favorite comedians, Martin chronicles his life in movies with hilarious effect.

Before Miss Peregrine gave them a home, the story of peculiars was written in the Tales. Wealthy cannibals who dine on the discarded limbs of peculiars. A fork-tongued princess. These are but a few of the truly brilliant stories in Tales of the Peculiar—the collection of fairy tales known to hide information about the peculiar world, including clues to the locations of time loops. Perfect for fans of Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series.

After spending her early years in Wuhan, China, riding water buffalos and devouring stinky tofu, Laura immigrates to Texas, where her hometown is as foreign as Mars – at least until 2020, when COVID-19 makes Wuhan a household name. Terrific coming-of-age graphic novel about a girl who simply wants to make the basketball team, escape Chinese school and figure out why girls make her heart flutter.

In this captivating fantasy, Talia must solve a multigenerational mystery and break a curse, all the while being torn between making her family proud and regaining the trust of the boy she loves.

Ellie is tired of being fat-shamed and does something about it in this poignant debut novel-in-verse. Remarkably written, and a perfect discussion starter for the awkwardness of being a teen – or just different.

Why include a book by such a best-selling author? To make a point. Pilkey is not Shakespeare, but he is doing parents and teachers a huge service: he’s writing books that kids devour. The most important thing with kids is to get them EXCITED about reading so they will pursue it as a lifelong adventure. Pilkey’s books are easy to read and absolutely hilarious!

A determined Owl builds strength and confidence in this medieval picture book about the real mettle of a hero: wits, humor, and heart. 

When you're a bear who is easily scared, it's hard to have friends. Fortunately, Bear has one: Rabbit, who is very brave. One day, Rabbit urges Bear to face his fears and embark on an adventure together. However, things don't entirely go as planned, and the two friends learn the true meaning of bravery. Includes wonderful illustrations by Ray Sayegh, Jr.