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Debbie’s Reading Journal

Posts about books I’m reading, book recommendations, illustrated book posts. Also see my Bookstagram!

#BookADay: THIS IS OUR BABY, BORN TODAY by Varsha Bajaj and Eliza Wheeler

Just got back from the SCBWI Summer Conference in LA. My roommate was the amazing illustrator, Eliza Wheeler, and I had a chance to see her just-released picture book, THIS IS OUR BABY, BORN TODAY (Nancy Paulsen Books / Penguin). So sweet! And of course, gorgeously illustrated. For ages 3-5. . . .





#BookADay: RED, WHITE, AND BOOM! by Lee Wardlaw and Huy Voun Lee (Henry Holt)

#‎BookADay‬: RED, WHITE AND BOOM written by Lee Wardlaw, illustrated with amazing cut paper collage by Huy Voun Lee (Henry Holt). From a starred review in School Library Journal: “Independence Day is brought to jubilant life in this striking picture book…simple, rhyming language rich in sensory imagery…rich in texture and beautiful patterns, the . . .




#BookADay: BEWARE THAT GIRL by Teresa Toten (Doubleday Canada)

Just came back from the cottage. If you are looking for a GREAT summer read (and esp if you enjoyed GONE GIRL or WE WERE LIARS), I *strongly* encourage you to get a copy of psychological thriller BEWARE THAT GIRL by Teresa Toten (Doubleday Canada). Don’t start reading it at night, because . . .



#BookADay: THE GAME OF LOVE AND DEATH by Martha Brockenbrough

Holy cow, did I love THE GAME OF LOVE AND DEATH by Martha Brockenbrough (Arthur Levin Books, 2015). I found myself slowing down my reading about 3/4 way through because I DIDN’T WANT IT TO END. And I was inspired to do some fan art (see image). The romance was so original . . .



How I’m Finding Ways To Read More Books This Summer

One of the reasons I love Donalyn Miller’s Annual Summer #BookADay Challenge is because it always forces me to reevaluate my reading habits. I love to read but sometimes I find that reading gets put on the back burner more often while other activities take priority. Sometimes these activities, especially family-related and . . .




DRAW THE LINE by Laurent Linn (Simon & Schuster, 2016)

#BookADay: DRAW THE LINE by Laurent Linn (Simon & Schuster, 2016). An amazing debut YA novel that handles difficult issues (including hate crimes, bullying) with sensitivity and authenticity. Loved the geeky humor throughout! Loved the main character’s superhero comics, and that the superhero refuses to fight hatred with hatred. Loved how the . . .