Book Review - Bus! Stop! by James Yang

Photo Credit - Amazon

One early morning a little boy misses his bus causing him to yell "Bus! Stop!". Unfortunately, the bus does not stop and he has to wait for the next one. However, the next bus and the ones afterward look nothing like his bus. The little boy is confused on why none of the buses look familiar until he decides to take a chance and try another bus!

I read this cute picture book to the little tots I volunteer with and it wasn't a big hit. The book didn't have much dialogue and drawings were "weird" (according to one child). I personally wasn't a fan of the book on the "base level" because it seemed very sparse but I feel that the underlying message of finding something that fits your personality is worth waiting for or letting children experiment with different things.

Engagement Activities -
1. What are some favorite locations you can go to by bus? 
2. What would your ideal form of transportation look like?
3. Can you draw what your bus would look like?
4. Can you tell us time when you tried something that you didn't like but now enjoy?
5. What is your favorite activity to do on a bus?
6. What is one thing that you didn't like but like now? 

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

Book Review - Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

Photo Credit - Amazon

Charlotte Davis ("Charlie") may look like an average seventeen year old but she has experienced more pain and heartache than some people twice her age has. She has lost her father and best friend while was "abandoned" by her mother who couldn't deal with the lost of her husband. Charlie learns to deal with the pain with the best way she knows how. With each cut, she tries to forget the pain and hurt but with each cut it adds a new dimension of pain and hurt. Will Charlie be able to forget the past and move on? Will Charlie be able to be happy?

The novel is a deeply heartbreaking, honest, raw and an engaging read. Once, I picked up the book I found it hard to put it down. Charlie's character is dynamic and realistic that is hard not to root for her. The novel was emotionally draining at points especially for so "many bad things" to happen to Charlie. As a reader, you feel for her; you want to take her up in your arms and tell her everything will be okay. A highly recommended book for any YA fan or anyone who has ever felt "lost" in life. 

A small side note, the novel does have graphic and sexual language. 

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