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January 2021 5 Star Books!

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The Assignment by Liza M. Wiemer

(Young Adult)

I received an ARC of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All I can say is: WOW! I could NOT put this book down. I had to know what happened! This was an important read and teens everywhere should be required to read it - teachers, too! Told from different points of view, this book addresses an assignment in high school that asks students to defend the Nazi perspective. 

Warning: This book does have some language and it's hard to read in parts. There are several instances of hate speech and actions. 

Purchase this book on Amazon here!


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Tristan Strong Destroys the World by Kwame Mbalia (Book 2)

(Middle Grade)

Sometimes sequels are disappointing, but this one wasn't! I may have enjoyed this one more than the first! I think my kids will be a little bummed out that there's not as much Gum Baby, but there's definitely a LOT of action and adventure! This series is a great way to learn about African folklore!

Purchase this book on Amazon here!


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The German Heiress by Anika Scott

(Adult Fiction)

I love WWII historical fiction! This book was fantastic! It's post-WWII in Germany. It makes you really think and you can't help but feel both sympathy and anger with nearly every character. I took my time reading it and thoroughly enjoyed it!

Warning: There is some language in this book and a bit of sexual content, but it's easily skipped over. 

Purchase this book on Amazon here!


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How to Make Friends with the Sea by Tanya Guerrero

(Middle Grade)

Oh I loved this book! Talk about tugging at your heartstrings - both Pablo AND Chiqui did that. Even Happy the neighbor/friend! This book addresses several issues: OCD, divorce, cleft palate, and anxiety. Two thumbs up!

Purchase this book on Amazon here!


Peter and the Shadow Thieves by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson (Book 2)

(Middle Grade)

The entire Peter and the Starcatchers series will get 5 stars from me FOREVER. I've read a LOT of middle grade books. Seriously - a LOT. This is hands down one of the top 5 series! Peter and the Shadow Thieves is the longest book so it took us some time to read aloud, but the kids and I loved it! How can anyone not love Peter Pan? And Ombra was the perfect creepy villain!

Purchase this book on Amazon here!


Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

(Middle Grade)

Number the Stars is one of my favorite books of all time. I still remember reading it in elementary school. It was the first book I read by Lois Lowry and I immediately fell in love. It was also the first book I read about the Holocaust. I read this with my kids and they loved it as much as I did. 

Purchase this book on Amazon here!


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