Love, Hate & Other Filters – Samira Ahmed

Love, Hate & Other Filters by Samira Ahmed

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Received: Distributor
Published: January 16th, 2018
Publisher: Soho Teen
Recommended Age: 12+
Pacing: Slow
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Romance, Islamophobia, High School

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BLURB:

American-born seventeen-year-old Maya Aziz is torn between worlds. There’s the proper one her parents expect for their good Indian daughter: attending a college close to their suburban Chicago home, and being paired off with an older Muslim boy her mom deems “suitable.” And then there is the world of her dreams: going to film school and living in New York City—and maybe (just maybe) pursuing a boy she’s known from afar since grade school, a boy who’s finally falling into her orbit at school. There’s also the real world, beyond Maya’s control. In the aftermath of a horrific crime perpetrated hundreds of miles away, her life is turned upside down. The community she’s known since birth becomes unrecognizable; neighbors and classmates alike are consumed with fear, bigotry, and hatred. Ultimately, Maya must find the strength within to determine where she truly belongs.

The Tiny Tale of Little Pea – Davide Cali

The Tiny Tale of Little Pea by Davide Cali

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Received: Publisher
First Published: September 5th, 2017
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Recommended Age: 5+
Genres & Themes: Picture Books, Dreams, Art

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BLURB:

When he was born, Little Pea was tiny. Teeny-tiny. His clothes were hand sewn by his mother and his shoes were hand-me-down doll shoes. As he grew older, Little Pea enjoyed climbing tomato plants, driving around in his wind-up car and riding on the backs of grasshoppers. But then Little Pea started school. And he suddenly realized just how small he was. Too small for his chair. Too small to play the flute. Too small for gym class. What would become of wee Little Pea?

The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do – Ashley Spires

The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do by Ashley Spires

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Publisher
First Published: May 2nd, 2017
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Recommended Age: 5+
Genres & Themes: Picture Books, Mindset, Friendship, Fear, Imagination

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BLURB:

Lou and her friends are BRAVE adventurers. They run FASTER than airplanes. They build MIGHTY fortresses. They rescue WILD animals. But one day, when they re looking for a ship to play pirates in, Lou s friend has an idea: Up there! The tree can be our ship! Ummm … says Lou. This is something new. Lou has never climbed a tree before, and she s sure she can t do it. So she tries to convince her friends to play a not-up-a-tree game. When that doesn’t work, she comes up with reasons for not joining them her arm is sore, her cat needs a walk, you shouldn’t climb so soon after eating. Finally, she tells herself she doesn’t want to climb the tree. But is that true, or is this brave adventurer just too afraid to try?

Shelter – Céline Claire

Shelter by Céline Claire

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Received: Publisher
First Published: October 3rd, 2017
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Recommended Age: 5+
Genres & Themes: Picture Books, Animals, Kindness, Nature

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BLURB:

As a big storm approaches, two strangers arrive in the forest. All the animal families, safe in their homes, are worried. They wonder, What are they doing there? What do they want?? So, as the pair knocks at the door of one home after another asking for shelter, all the animals turn them away, leaving them to fend for themselves. But then an accident suddenly forces the fox family out into the snow and the wind, and the foxes find they must ask these outsiders for help. Will they find it in their hearts to give it?

Surprise Me – Sophie Kinsella

Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Received: Publisher
First Published: February 13th, 2018
Publisher: Dial Press
Recommended Age: 14+
Pacing: Fast
Genres & Themes: Adult, Humor, Contemporary Romance, Family Drama

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BLURB:

After being together for ten years, Sylvie and Dan have all the trimmings of a happy life and marriage; they have a comfortable home, fulfilling jobs, beautiful twin girls, and communicate so seamlessly, they finish each other’s sentences. However, a trip to the doctor projects they will live another 68 years together and panic sets in. They never expected “until death do us part” to mean seven decades In the name of marriage survival, they quickly concoct a plan to keep their relationship fresh and exciting: they will create little surprises for each other so that their (extended) years together will never become boring. But in their pursuit to execute Project Surprise Me, mishaps arise and secrets are uncovered that start to threaten the very foundation of their unshakable bond. When a scandal from the past is revealed that question some important untold truths, they begin to wonder if they ever really knew each other after all.