Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Book Review - The Painted Art Journal by Jeanne Oliver


Photo Credit - Amazon

I like to believe I am the creative type. Honestly, though, I am not very good at creating beautiful artwork or even "understanding" art. However, I am interested in journaling and creating scrapbooks. I thought this book would be a good starting point for creating a visual journal. The book was easy to follow and informative, even for beginners like me. The guide had 24 step-by-step projects with full cover photos along with art prompts to add my own special touches. I like that the book was comprehensive and detailed. I am not sure if I would be creating a journal (because I am not very creative!) but, this book provided a lot of inspiration.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Book Review - Hope Nation: YA Authors Share Personal Moments of Inspiration by Rose Brock

Photo Credit - Amazon
Words can have different meanings and invoke different feelings. Hope can bring out different feelings depending when it was and by whom. This timely, relevant anthology of essays by twenty four YA authors hope to invoke awe, inspiration and empathy. In this personal collection of stories, each author narrates how hope is a decision they made and help inspire readers to have hope.

When I first opened the book, I wasn't sure what to expect. I assumed it was going to be a bunch of boring or mundane stories. I was actually pleasantly surprised and found myself staying up late and reaching for this book throughout the day. I love the stories where the author opened about their personal lives and the obstacles they faced. They displayed how they had the perseverance and conquered their obstacles and how they enriched their lives with hope. I found many of the stories inspiring, hopeful, and enjoyable to read. I feel with the current political atmosphere, this book is highly relevant for readers who need a bit of hope in their lives. 

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**


BOOK DESCRIPTION
Hope is a decision, but it is a hard one to recognize in the face of oppression, belittlement, alienation, and defeat. To help embolden hope, here is a powerhouse collection of essays and personal stories that speak directly to teens and all YA readers. Featuring Angie Thomas, Marie Lu, James Dashner, Nicola Yoon, David Levithan, Libba Bray, Jason Reynolds, Renée Ahdieh, and many more!
"The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood."--Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We all experience moments when we struggle to understand the state of the world, when we feel powerless and--in some cases--even hopeless. The teens of today are the caretakers of tomorrow, and yet it's difficult for many to find joy or comfort in such a turbulent society. But in trying times, words are power.

Some of today's most influential young adult authors come together in this highly personal nonfiction collection of original essays, poems, and letters, each a first-hand account that ultimately strives to inspire hope.

Like a modern day Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul or Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for TeensHope Nation acknowledges the pain and shines a light on what comes after.

Authors include: Atia Abawi, Renee Ahdieh, Libba Bray, Howard Bryant, Ally Carter, Ally Condie, James Dashner, Christina Diaz Gonzales, Gayle Forman, Romina Garber, I. W. Gregario, Kate Hart, Bendan Kiely, David Levithan, Alex London, Marie Lu, Julie Murphy, Jason Reynolds, Aisha Saeed, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Jenny Torres Sanchez, Jeff Zentner, and Nicola Yoon.
 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Rose Brock is a twenty-year veteran professor who has dedicated her career to turning teens into book lovers. Building relationships with readers through books is her superpower. In addition to her career as a librarian and educator, Dr. Brock is also very involved in helping to organize the North Texas Teen Book Festival, a one-day event, which hosts sixty authors and has an impressive annual attendance of over 3,500 teens and tweens. She also serves as a team leader of the International Literacy Association's Young Adults' Choices project, which empowers teens to read and select the best books of the year. Dr. Brock was named by the Texas Library Association as the recipient of the Siddie Joe Johnson Award, an award given by the Children's Round Table to a librarian who demonstrates outstanding library service to children.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Book Review - Love, Lexi: Letters to God by Sherry Kyle


Photo Credit - Amazon


Alexis Dawn Cooper or Lexi struggles to navigate through middle school and being the middle child. She wants to be popular but struggles on how to get there without sacrificing her friendship with her two best friends. However, her trouble doesn't stop here. Her rival is trying to steal the attention of her crush that she has liked since first grade. What can Lexi do that won't question her faith in God?

The book is set up as a diary written by a middle schooler asking for help while writing down her struggles. It has empty pages that allows tweens to write in their own personal struggle so they relate to both Lexi and how they can work God into their lives. The book also has scriptures that tie into the story as well. I think this book is a valuable resource for tweens as it helps them realize that they are not the only one going through issues and it helps them realize and solve problems on their own. 

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion**