Yearbooks & Yo-Yos: Crushing the '80s by Steven Manchester #novel #nostalgia #bookseries

Synopsis:

It’s the summer of 1986, a season of transition from childhood into young adulthood. The three brothers—Wally, Herbie, and Cockroach—are back at it and crazier than ever. While innocence gives way to higher expectations and responsibility, the boys discover that there’s no reason growing up can’t be insanely fun.

My Review:

Once again, I find myself in awe of this author. In the 3rd book of his now first trilogy, I would swear he plucked my brain to write all about the 1980s specifically this time, 1986.I did come to realize that the author graduated from high school at the same time I did.

The book begins in the present time (2025) and takes us back to that fateful year and trips us through a summer of new beginnings, growth, understanding, music, language, and yes, some heartbreak. This book watched the three brothers grow and learn about life through the eyes of friends who supported them, parents who loved them, and just pure grit.

I read along laughing and crying at many of the scenarios the family encountered. I found myself engrossed in it all. I remembered so many similar things I did like skating at the roller rink, summer love, and rocking out while waiting for college to begin. Although one of my grandparents passed away later, (spoiler alert) I related completely with the chapter, "Goodbye". In fact, a tiny healing took place that I am sure the author probably would have not expected by this reader or any other.

Overall, a fantastic and a must read. I do suggest reading the first two books to get a feel of the characters.

5 stars!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours.

~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Reading Challenges and this year #YuleTideSpirit

Dear Friends, Book besties, and Clients,

I don't know about you, but this year just kind of got away from me. I honestly do not know where it has gone. Usually by now, I have either hit my reading goals or nearly close. Yet here it is December and I seem to be behind. Wild!

It has been quite some time since I did a reading challenge or read a thon. So, Yuletide is upon us, and I am jumping in! If you want to join, click on the link in my sidebar and have fun.

Peace of the season.

Michelle

Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper #review #picturebooks #Halloween #Autumn #CountdowntoHalloween2025

 

Summary:

Deep in the woods in an old white cabin, three friends make their pumpkin soup the same way every day. The Cat slices up the pumpkin, the Squirrel stirs in the water, and the Duck tips in just enough salt. But one day the Duck wants to stir instead, and then there is a horrible squabble, and he leaves the cabin in a huff. It isn't long before the Cat and the Squirrel start to worry about him and begin a search for their friend.

My review:

Pumpkin soup, the best three animal friends ever tasted because they made it the same way every night. Each friend has a job to do to make the soup, and it is status quo, until it wasn't and duck wants to do something different. Uh, oh!

I loved this book because it showed how we all have different talents and our specific talent helps to create something special. However, it also shows how sometimes, we want to grow out of what we have been expected to do and learn to do something different. This will always upset what is, including friendships. Still, it is a learning process for all involved and patience is often the key. Maybe things will seem chaotic, and feelings might be hurt as in the case of this book. But in the end, it will be alright.

The illustrations were bold and beautifully illustrated in autumn colors and added so much to the story itself.

Don't believe me? This book received an award from the library association for its illustrations.

I give this book 5 pumpkins.

Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book for my own collection. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Where to find the author:

Amazon

I'm Not Scary by Raahat Kaduji #review #picturebooks #bats #halloween

Summary:

Bat just wants to make friends, but everyone is scared of him!

When other animals see Bat’s shadow at their window, they’re terrified and think he’s a monster. How can Bat show them that he just wants to share some cake?

My review:

Have you ever been gossiped about of things that were not true about you? This poor little bat gets the reputation of being a monster. What is a little bat to do when he has no friends? Well, bake of course and hope for the best. 

This story clearly illustrates how with a little effort, you can get to know someone else that is not like you, but you can still be friends with. It also shows how gossiping can lead to misunderstanding. Even the littlest of children can get the simple concepts of this book.

I loved the story line juxtaposed with the larger-than-life illustrations with all the autumn colors you would expect for the season.

I give this book 4 pumpkins.

Disclosure: I purchased this book for my own collection. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours.

~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Where to find the author:

Amazon

How to Speak Zombie: A Guide for the Living #zombies #reviews #humor

My review:

As a survivor of the zombie apocalypse, this is a must-read guidebook, that is assuming you have BRAINS to do so. It includes zombie verbiage spoken through a green machine attached to the guide itself. Note: Unfortunately, for me, the machine was ravaged by some zombie and did not work. This is no doubt because I purchased it from a local thrift. That is okay though but necessary for future use.

Each number corresponds to zombie speak and there is a handy "B" for brains just in case you need to get out of a situation.

Anyway, the book illustrates some places you may find yourself, like a zombie coffee shop as an example, and in need of zombie language to continue to survive. Pronunciation is key and fortunately, translation is also available in the book. There is not much story line but then this is a guidebook! Afterall, who has time to worry about that anyway when a zombie may be breathing down your neck or eyeing your brains.

I did find this humorous and it gets 3 pumpkins from me.

BRAINS!!!!!  ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Where to find the author:

Steve Mockus on Amazon

The Goodnight Train Halloween by June Sobel #Review #bookseries #Halloween #boardbooks

 

My review:

I was looking for board books for babies and came across this cute book. It is from a series of books, but this is my first read.

The book starts out with toddlers and babies dressed in their Halloween costumes, hopping on a train. The "cars" of the train are each kid's own bed. 

The train takes off along the track coming across fantastical Halloween creatures and familiar ones as well. Candy and pumpkins are seen all along the route. Nothing in the book is scary sans a friendly ghost or two. The kids certainly get a sweet tooth on this ride but by the end, everyone is ready to say "goodnight."

This book is an adorable book to read just before bedtime. I loved the large pictures with colorful autumn colors. Throughout the book, there are purposeful holes that play hide and seek but also tangible places to put little fingers through.

This book is appropriate for up to age 4. 

I give this book 5 pumpkins.

Disclosure: I purchased for my own collection. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Find the author:

Amazon

Day 2: The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky by Jory John #CountdowntoHalloween2025 #review

Summary:

Halloween is the Bad Seed’s favorite holiday of the year. But what’s a seed to do when he can’t find a show-stopping costume for the big night? Postpone trick-or-treating for everyone, of course!

My review:

Well, if it is possible for a seed to be in a foul mood, the seed in this book is. Afterall, when you cannot find the perfect Halloween costume, what is a seed to do?

The reader follows along as "seed's" foul mood begins to affect others but soon he finds out that Halloween is about having fun, even if you don't have that perfect costume. New friends, old friends, and traditions can be found in this adorable picture book.

Halloween is one of my most fun times of the year so I can relate to "Seed" in wanting to have all the fun. I loved everything about this book and is getting 5 pumpkins from me.

Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Find the author:

Amazon

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network