​Dr. Shanah Salter
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Book Reviews

Food Fight

7/27/2023

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Food Fight
By L. B. Davis


Anyone craving a classic middle school book needs a copy of FOOD FIGHT. From class elections, first crushes, friendship troubles and bullies to surviving a class trip—everything's covered in all it's sixth grade glory.

The story follows Ben, a smart and athletic kid whose biggest speed bump, besides the shifting social landscape of sixth grade, is his eating. There are only ten foods he eats and that fact is getting harder to hide, especially as his social group expands. In fact, he has a condition known as ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), but no way does he want the school faculty or the other kids to know about that. As if simply surviving middle school wasn't hard enough, poor Ben tries his best to hide his problem from everyone on a daily basis but a three day school trip (where outside food isn't allowed) may prove too much to handle. 

Ben is such a likable character and the group of kids he hangs out with, from nerdy Olivia to cute Lauren and bully Darren, are so well characterized and three dimensional that it's easy to become swept up in all the social dynamics and drama at play.

Highly recommend getting this book into the hands of as many upper elementary and middle schoolers as possible. A delightful read!
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Tilly in Technicolor

6/26/2023

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TILLY IN TECHNICOLOR
By M. Eddings


This was such a fun dual POV YA read.

The story centers around Tilly. She’s a disorganized but lovable ball of energy and emotion, with a heart of gold. Tilly has ADHD and is trying to find her place in the world and figure out what to do with herself now high school is done.

Her overbearing parents send her to Europe to intern at her older sister’s nail polish start up. On the plane she meets Oliver. He’s orderly, neat, and an emotionally closed book—her exact opposite. Turns out, he’s also a summer intern at her sister’s company and her traveling room mate for the summer. Despite their differences, she’s drawn to him and soon discovers that he has autism.

The pair are a perfect compliment and so sweet and understanding with each other. Their relationship development was beautifully written and a delight to read. It was equally lovely to see Tilly find her groove career wise—sharing her inner thoughts on a social media blog, writing for magazines, and helping out her sister’s company with hand modeling and more.

As for the side characters, they were all so memorable, multi-dimensional, and fun and really added to the story.

Highly recommend! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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All Alone With You

5/28/2023

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All Alone With You
By A. Coombs


Senior Eloise (Lou ) suffers from depression and anxiety. Friendless, she spends her free time perfecting her GPA and playing video games, a perpetual scowl on her face. It isn't until she is told she needs volunteer hours to make her college applications stand out that she steps out of her comfort zone and through the doors of LifeCare, a facility that pairs volunteers with lonely elderly clients.  Enter sunshine-filled Austin (another volunteer) and former rock star Marianne (client) and soon days are flying by and Eloise finds herself not entirely hating the experience (smiling even), not to mention falling for Austin.

This is a sweet romance about a girl finding social acceptance and the patient boy who stands by her without criticism, both brought together through their roles as volunteers. Aging rocker, Marianne, adds humor and some frank conversations into the mix and the banter between Eloise and Austin is delightful—the perfect balance of snark, wit, humor, and sweetness. Ideally, I would have loved a slightly deeper dive into Austin's back story and past, especially what happened with his father, but I did enjoy seeing the musician side of him thrive.

A highly enjoyable read, would definitely recommend. Thank you to @netgalley for the ARC.
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Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry

3/31/2023

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EXCUSE ME WHILE I UGLY CRY
By J. Goffney

This is an emotional YA read about a list-obsessed teen who's private journal falls into the wrong hands leading to blackmail via social media.

She teams up with the last person to see the journal, cute and practical Carter, in an attempt to try and get it back before her reputation is completely ruined. Along the way, she learns a lot about herself, her family, her friend group, and the type of person she wants to become. Not to mention, the type of boy she wants by her side.

Topics explored include race, identity, authenticity, friendship, bravery, and living honestly. Highly recommend.
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How to be a Girl in the World

1/10/2021

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HOW TO BE A GIRL IN THE WORLD
By C. Carter

​Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

HOW TO BE A GIRL IN THE WORLD is an important middle-grade novel about standing up for oneself and speaking the truth, no matter how awkward doing so may be. It will hopefully become an invaluable resource for parents and educators in opening up discussions over body positivity, touch boundaries and consent, and handling inappropriate sexual behavior. Topics that, historically, have not received the attention they deserve.

Lydia isn't sure why some of her school friends like it when boys call them names and try to see up their skirts or why she doesn't. Is there something wrong with her? And is her mom's boyfriend just overly friendly or inappropriate when he gives her long hugs or touches her knee? Too scared to articulate these concerns, Lydia turns to layers of clothing to hide her body and searches for answers and protection in a book of magic spells.

Carter does a wonderful job of letting the reader inside Lydia's head and showcasing just how difficult speaking up can be, especially when trusted adults are dismissive of one's concerns. This book is a must-read for tween girls and is sure to have a positive impact on the lives of many.

@kidlitexchange #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @caelacarter 
@harpercollinsch
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Flying Over Water

1/10/2021

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FLYING OVER WATER
By S. Hitchcock & N. H. Senzai

Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This page-turning dual point-of-view middle-grade novel tells the stories of Noura, a Syrian refugee, and Jordyn, the student ambassador who welcomes Noura and her twin brother to their new school in Tampa, Florida. 


As the girls become better acquainted, they realize they are both battling demons and set about helping each other. But bigger issues are going on around them. There is unrest in the community. The mosque Noura and her family attend is burnt by arsonists and the U.S President has announced a Muslim ban. Other minority groups are suffering, too. 

This is a wonderful, much-needed novel for introducing middle-graders to the important concepts of immigration, what it means to be a refugee, prejudice/racism, and discrimination. It also provides readers with a deeper understanding of the Syrian refugee experience. Read and share widely—with increased tolerance and understanding the world will move closer to becoming a better place for all.

@kidlitexchange #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @scholasticinc
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Three Keys

9/10/2020

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THREE KEYS: A FRONT DESK NOVEL
By Kelly Yang

Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
​

THREE KEYS, the sequel to the award-winning FRONT DESK is equally as brilliant and important.

Mia, the protagonist, remains a powerhouse of positivity, persistence, and a beacon for change and betterment. The issue of undocumented immigration is tackled in an informative, yet simple enough way that young readers will come away with a better understanding of the situation and hopefully encouraged to further research the situation in their own communities.

The author's note is a helpful addition, full of detail for those that wish to read more.

It is wonderful to see such important books winning awards and finding a place on bookshelves of every shape and size.

Thank you, Kelly Yang, for continuing to open your reader's eyes to the world and the challenges we must tackle together. This book is a must-read for all.

@kidlitexchange #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @kellyyanghk @scholasticinc
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If We Were Us

6/15/2020

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IF WE WERE US
By K.L. Walther


​Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. 

​A light-hearted YA rom-com novel for high-schoolers contemplating relationships, college, and adulthood. This dual POV story, set in a boarding school, focuses on Sage and Charlie, lifelong best friends.


During the course of the story, Sage falls in love with Charlie's twin—Nick. While Charlie, who is coming to terms with his sexual identity, falls for a family friend—Luke.

The alternating POV chapters in this story work well and allow for deeper character development, though their voices could have been a little more distinctive. 

There are plenty of small plot twists and bumps to keep up the pace and ensure readers stay engaged and turning pages.

A fun summer read.

@kidlitexchange #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @sourcebooksfire
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Reeni's Turn

4/16/2020

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REENI'S TURN
By Carol Coven Grannick


On Sale Date: 9/13/2020

Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
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REENI'S TURN follows the journey of shy ballet enthusiast, Reeni, as she prepares for her first solo ballet performance. But preparing for the limelight isn't the only thing that's new in eleven-year-old Reeni's life—her womanly figure is emerging and it isn't at all like she imagined. Encouraged by her newly image-conscious friends, Reeni spirals into a world of dieting, binge eating, lies, and obsessing about her appearance and weight.

Grannick is a master poet and each line of this award-worthy novel-in-verse about identity and self-acceptance is brimming with raw emotion and intensity. From line one, readers are sure to be swept up in Reeni's journey and are likely to be left thinking about Reeni long after the final page.

A perfect conversation starter for addressing body image issues with tweens and teens, whether they are dancers or not. Find a cozy spot, settle in, and prepare to be twirled into Reeni's world.

@kidlitexchange #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @carolcovengrannick @fitzroy_books
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Can You See Me?

4/16/2020

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CAN YOU SEE ME?
By Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott

Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This middle-grade novel centers around sixth-grader Tally and her experiences starting middle school. But as well as adjusting to life in a new school and her "friends" changing before her eyes (becoming boy-crazy and into make-up), Tally has the added challenge of managing her autism and keeping the struggle silent.


Tally's journey is based on Ms. Scott's own experiences with autism and is a moving story about what it means to be "normal." It is told in close third person with interspersed diary entries written by Tally.

No doubt this book will prove to be an integral part of any school and library collection and an important conversation-starter for communities seeking to better understand autism and provide accommodations for autistic members.

@kidlitexchange #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit
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