Not the type of book that I would pick up on my own, but I’m very glad that I did end up picking it up :)

I found this one really interesting. I learned about a part of history that I had never learned about before. It was very informational in that sense. However, I’m curious about what kids would take away from this book if they read it without guidance on perspective. I could see a person coming away from this book saying “All Ugandas are bad” or “We should kick all the people who don’t look like us out of this country”. I don’t think that this was the intent of the book at all, I think it actually was quite the opposite. However, I’d be really interested to see what kids think of this book when they’re reading independently.

Second read through with my students was even better :)
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Battle of the books book #4!

4.5/5 stars.

I will definitely be reading this one to my students this upcoming year. This would start many wonderful conversations about immigration, standing up to racism, Asian representation, and the importance of standing up for what you believe in. I'm so grateful to have come across this one! I can't wait to read it to my students :)

Really thoughtful book that goes into some really hard topics in a way that kids can understand.

This was the oldest book on my TBR. I have no recollection of adding it to my list but I’m really glad that I did. The short stories in this book were captivating, funny, devastating, and enlightening. I was really happy with it :)

Third Read (2021): Apparently, it is my thing to read this book every 4 years. This time I reread not only because I wanted a refresher for the second book, but also because I’m writing a high school lesson plan for a class around this book. As always, it was lovely

I read this one because it’s in the elementary division of Oregon Battle of the books. It was super cute! I still struggle with mystery a little bit, so I was a little apprehensive about that part, but I know my students will LOVE it!!

I was pleasantly surprised by this one! I’m going to have to read more of Nic Stone’s stuff because I have thoroughly enjoyed everything of hers that I’ve read :)

Pretty good book. It is very unlike what I usually read and I think that’s why I had a little bit of a hard time with it. Still entertaining, just not my usual jam.

4.75/5 stars.

I’ve been avoiding this book for ten years. TEN YEARS. When I was younger, I stated that I did not enjoy reading books about middle aged women and refused to pick up books with main characters who were middle aged. However, as I’ve gotten older, I find myself picking up more and more books about beautifully diverse women. Women like Bernadette.

Bernadette was messy and overwhelming, exciting and inspiring. I loved following this story! It was super worth while. I’m glad I found it at this time.