While I began a semi-hiatus on this blog that will last through the end of the year this month, I still got a ton of reading done and would like to update you on it. So here we go!
Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you click on and/or purchase from some links, I make a portion of the sale. This helps keep Bitch Bookshelf running.
I’m a children’s librarian, so I read books for kids and for grown-ups. This month, I read 7 picture/early reader books and 22 “big” books, including audiobooks, adult novels, and chapter books for children. My average rating this month was 4.6 stars.
The Dreamweavers by G.Z. Schmidt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Really felt like every line in this one was written with purpose which I appreciated. Great inclusion of math.
Rock by Rock: The Fantastical Garden of Nek Chand by Jennifer Bradbury
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
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The Secret Kingdom: Nek Chand, a Changing India, and a Hidden World of Art by Barb Rosenstock
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Standout art and interesting story about a person I hadn’t heard of before. Love that the photos were incorporated into the story itself at the end.
The Bug Club by Elise Gravel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The author genuinely has me considering bugs as “cute” so she’s doing something right with this one!
Black Hole Chasers: The Amazing True Story of an Astronomical Breakthrough by Anna Crowley Redding
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such an approachable and interesting read!
Barakah Beats by Maleeha Siddiqui
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a fun read and brought me back to middle school.
Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna by Alda P. Dobbs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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Living Ghosts and Mischievous Monsters: Chilling American Indian Stories by Dan SaSuWeh Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
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The Girl from the Sea by Molly Ostertag
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a great story. Teen characters and a very romantic storyline, but I think middle grade fans of the author and middle grade readers who enjoy a little romance or are looking for positive LGBTQ+ representation will love this too.
Nano: The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small by Jess Wade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Described a concept that can be difficulty to grasp succinctly and efficiently.
Kraken Me Up by Jeffrey Ebbeler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second early reader graphic novel I’ve read and I am really loving this age group/genre combo! Silly and wholesome!
Maya and the Robot by Eve L. Ewing
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This STEM-focused book touches on so many topics and does it so organically!
Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister by Chitra Soundar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Such a sweet, fun read!
The Monsters of Rookhaven by Pádraig Kenny
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Love the themes in this one. Emotional vulnerability defeats hatred.
Burying the Moon by Andrée Poulin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Beautiful illustrations and very important info.
Alone by Megan E. Freeman
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
So there’s so much I liked about this book but about halfway through there’s a plot point that just… 1) why 2) ugh, shitty opinion that I don’t want to promote. (Implication that rioters are bad but megachurch pastors are good. I mean… okay…)
Kids on the March: 15 Stories of Speaking Out, Protesting, and Fighting for Justice by Michael Long
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I do think a few of these were a stretch as for kids’ involvement but overall this is an empowering read and I like the backmatter.
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The Magical Imperfect by Chris Baron
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The setting of this one majorly stands out!
The Cars and Trucks Book by Todd Parr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Much love for Todd Parr.
I’m a Truck Driver by Jonathan London
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fun.
Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As a garlic-loving, witchy vegetarian with anxiety, I couldn’t NOT vibe with this book. A short, fun read.
Another Kind by Trevor Bream
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Has this X-Men-ish story been done before? Sure. But that doesn’t make it any less engaging. I loved all of the characters and devoured this story about found family. Kids will too.
Thanks a Lot, Universe by Chad Lucas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Brian and Ezra both have super compelling stories.
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The Ghoul Next Door by Cullen Bunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Adored the creepy art in this one. Miles is a personal favorite. All around fun read.
One Million Oysters on Top of the Mountain by Alex Nogués
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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Monster Friends: by Kaeti Vandorn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Very cute.
The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Simply WOW. I don’t even like sci fi and could not put this one down.
Pencilvania by Stephanie Watson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Quick read. Love the “realistic for a kid” illustrations. Great story about processing grief.
Ophie’s Ghosts by Justina Ireland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Absolutely awesome, loved the personification of the house, railway, etc.
View all my reviews
Be on my lookout for full reviews on all of the long form titles featured above in 2022.
Additionally, I DNF’ed a lot of books. I usually talk about that in my review but they were all books for a work project. I don’t feel the need to go through all of them.
A Peek Into My Planner
I’ve been trying to fill out my planner each day to keep myself organized and to use the plethora of planner supplies and stickers I possess. (I use The Happy Planner.) In July 2020, I started a brand new planner, which I hope to use through 2021. Here are my weekly spreads for September.
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I’ve been keeping track of my moods to keep an eye on my depression and anxiety. In September, I felt:
- Good – 8 days
- Okay – 6 days
- Great – 5 days
- Happy – 3 days
- Relaxed – 3 days
- Productive – 2 days
- Bored – 1 day
- Optimistic – 1 day
- Tired – 1 day
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I have been posting almost every day about my witchier interests on TikTok which has been a lot of fun, though I’m taking a little break now while I move.
@daily.manifestationx##greenscreen ##mercuryretrograde ##astrology ##astrologytiktok ##horoscope♬ original sound – daily.manifestationx
I also watched LuLaRich.
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Because I’ve sometimes share posts that aren’t book reviews, I wanted to share some of our “other” posts from this month:
Blogging
Other Bookish Posts
Looking Ahead: October
Well, I’m moving! It’s been a crazy busy past few weeks. I can’t wait to be fully moved into my new place. As I’ve just wrapped up a major work project, I’m starting to preschedule some posts on this blog so I can get back to blogging consistently in 2022.
Whispering Stories
What an amazing list of books you have read, they all look fab. Enjoy your break.