Review: Sweethearts of Rhythm by Marilyn Nelson

by Carol4 Comments
(Suggested reading level: Grade 4 and up) Sweetheart of Rhythm by Marilyn Nelson had such potential, but I just can't bring myself to say I loved it. The subject matter is fantastic - the first integrated all women band in America. The Sweethearts of Rhythm played jazz and swing nationwide during the 1940s and were some of the best female musicians of the day. Not only does the book tell the story of the women, it explores the historical backdrop, from Jim Crow laws and segregation to the effects of the war. The writing style is perfect. The story is told through series of poems, each with the title of a song from that era. The rhythmic nature of the poetry fits with the topic and they simply beg to be read aloud. The illustrations, done by Jerry Pinkney, evoke the era and enhance the story dramatically. The images of the harsh lives people led, contrasted with the jeweled toned music really made me...
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Armchair BEA- Giveaway

by Carol1 Comment
In celebration of Armchair BEA, I have a few books to giveaway. Sorry, I have to limit this to US addresses only. Here's the list. All are ARCs. Fallen by Lauren Kate Dracula in Love by Karen Essex Jamrach's Menagerie by Carol Birch The Anatomy of Ghosts by Andrew Taylor To enter, just fill out the form below.  In the comment section, please include which book(s) you want to be entered for. The deadline to enter is May 28. I will announce the random winners on June 1. [contact-form] [contact-field label="Name" type="name" required="true" /] [contact-field label="Email" type="email" required="true" /] [contact-field label="Website" type="url" /] [contact-field label="Comment" type="textarea" required="true" /] [/contact-form]...
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Armchair BEA- Tuesday

by Carol8 Comments
Today's topic is: “Best of 2011!” I actually have some of my favorites listed on my sidebar. So far this year, only three books I've read have made my official list. The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder is a middle school book that was first published in 1967. I loved it because the kids were just so imaginative and real. I read it aloud with Amber, and she adored it too. In the Woods by Tana French was published in 2007. In my review I wrote, "Honestly In the Woods had everything I adore – a murder mystery; moody, quirky characters; long, descriptive sentences; a unique setting that becomes a character in and of itself," which sums up my feelings well. The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino was published in America 2011. It's more of a thriller than a mystery, since we the reader knows who the killer is from the very beginning, even if the police don't. The last...
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Armchair BEA- Monday

by Carol17 Comments
I have to admit that I am incredibly jealous of all those folks who are in New York this week attending BEA, but thankfully some wonderful people have set up the Armchair BEA, a fun virtual version that we can all attend. It's all being coordinated over at Armchair BEA Central, and they are planning on having guest posts from bloggers, authors, publishers, and more.  They will have vlogs from on-site correspondents and many surprise videos coming your way.  There will be daily posts to contribute to and blogger interviews. Today's topic is: Who are you, and how do you Armchair? My name, as you've probably guessed, is Carol, and my blog is mostly about books I've read. My reading tastes are fairly eclectic, but lately mysteries and romance seem to be grabbing my attention.  I also tend to write about my family, things I've been doing, goals, projects, whatever I feel like rambling about really. I post photos and an occasional...
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