The prequel to Hunger Games. Fans of Hunger Games, you won't believe the events that led up to the Hunger Games as we know them. Remember President Snow? The villian that was easy to dislike? Well, what if I told you he was empathetic, caring and thought of others before himself. It's true! How did he become so evil? Find out for yourself as you read The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Book cover

WOW! This book wowed me big time- heart-felt, timely, compassionate, and a raw look at humanity. Zoey likes to stay under the radar at home and in school, but when she is forced to be a part of the debate team her eyes and mind are open to what a life she can have and deserves. When preparing for her classroom debate, she chooses to argue that the octopus is the best animal. She envisions becoming an  octopus because of their ability to camouflage, have eight tentacles to multi-task, have amazing vision and most importantly use of their powerful protective defenses. Those defenses would really come in handy so she can protect the people she loves the most. Will Zoey be able to find the courage to speak up for those she cares about, including herself, even if it means losing her home?

Exciting, mysterious, scary and a perfect read for around Halloween. Serefina lives hidden with her dad in the basement of Biltmore. As Certified Rat Catcher she keeps the area free of rats. One night she discovers a creator that engulfs a child in his cloak and the child is never seen again. Set to protect other children and solve this mystery, Serefina stops at nothing to uncover the creature’s identity even if it means her own life is at risk. When a mystery of her personal life is suddenly revealed she can stay hidden no more.

Wow! A beautiful story about a girl in foster care and trying to connect with her mom. Oh, she also feels that she is a bird. Sounds a bit hokey, but it is so beautifully written, December becomes a character you fall in love with and root to soar.

A heartwarmaing story that talks of freindship, family and other dimensions of the universe. Sal is able to open other dimensions of the universe and bring his dead mom into his. Although, it's a different version of his mom each time, the ending is the same- a fight with his dad and stepmom. While Sal's dad is trying to figure out how this keeps happening, Sal is trying to figure out Gabi and her many dads. This story will keep you on your toes and gabi and Sal try to use the other universes to help her baby brother while he is in the hospital. While the story has moments of sadness, there is humor interspersed among the pages with lovable characters. 

Rediscovering the amazing world of Harry Potter whilt re-reading this series with my daughters.