Peaceful parenting is hard enough for the average parent. Imagine trying to do it when you have the instincts of a tiger mother.  
In Untigering, Iris Chen shares her journey of leaving behind authoritarian tiger parenting to embrace a respectful, relational way of raising children. As a Chinese American mom, she draws from her experiences of living in both North America and Asia and offers insights and practices to:
Heal from your childhood wounds
Change your beliefs about yourself and your children
Parent through connection instead of control
Redefine your understanding of success
Navigate and challenge cultural norms

Iris calls for a radical shift from parenting that is rooted in power to one that is grounded in partnership, but she does so with humor, humility, and empathy. This book is her invitation to you to begin your own journey of transformation as a parent.

Amazon book link here:
https://www.amazon.com/Untigering-Peaceful-Parenting-Deconstructing-Parent-ebook/dp/B08QG3C9F3/

I seldom read parenting books. When faced with a task such as looking in the mirror at my own parenting shortcomings, I tend to look the other way. Like most, Asians. 
I was raised in an "authoritarian-parenting-style-meets-immigrant-parents-trying-to-navigate-western-culture"  and thus, give their three girls room to grow up "just right." They were strict but not overbearing. My little sister and I were never spanked, but I saw first hand what happened when we strayed from this line my parents drew. But this isn't my older sister's story. Nor is it my parents.
This is mine and understanding the conflicts of my parenting style, my heritage and cultural worldview and how my childhood traumas shaped this illusion. 

​Before I picked up Iris Chen's book, I had taken steps to "change my stripes." I let my children choose activities they want to do, and if their heart isn't in it, I allow them to walk away. I've accepted and understood the fact that I will be mirrored and my images, hypocrisy, and white lies will be reflected back. Thus, I tried my hardest to speak truth and love to my kiddos and apologize when there are days I know I've fallen short - based on their scared faces. Iris' book gives me hope that I am steering this ship in the right direction. And speaking of ships, I appreciated and loved her analogy of "steel versus bamboo." 
She writes, "As untigering parents, we're often afraid that if we give our kids an inch, they'll take a mile....We mean what we say and say what we mean. Rarely will we make an exception or change direction mid-course. We are solid and dependable: like steel. Unfortunately, the Titanic is also made of steel, and we all know what happened there."

I learned this growing up. There were days (and possibly years) my parents' hopes and wishes for us were ready for launch. Their daughters would be nurses, engineers or scientists. They didn't take into account that all three of us had hopes and wishes of our own. Over time, they learned to be flexible. But I can still see them shaping and trying to mold their granddaughters and grandsons. Perhaps, it is why I learned to do the exact opposite of their methods. 

There are more than enough words of wisdoms and affirmations in Chen's book, sprinkled with stories of how and why she 'changed her stripes' and founded an untigering movement of peaceful parenting. Though there are parts that I fully understood and lived as child of immigrants and an immigrant herself raising first generation babies, the overall theme and commitment is universal: how to overcome the childhood chains that made us restrictive and defensive, and become flexible to our kids' needs and have a positive influence in their lives and those around us.
I recommend this book for those of us tipping on the line between what we know and saw growing up, and what we'd like to be as parents.

Amazon book link here: 
​​https://www.amazon.com/Cora-Cooks-Pancit-Dorina-Gilmore/dp/1885008481/

I enjoyed this book as it brought so many memories - specifically, the smells of Filipino foods. And it was a pleasure to read with the kiddos (first gen 8 yr old and 4 yr old) and revisit those memories made in the kitchen. 

I'm going to add this section because I'm not the only one reading these, right?! I'm reading this to them and its' for them. My kiddos are E who is 8 and a 3rd grader, and R who is 4. 
E said this about the book:
She tried her best and tried hard. And she really did it. It was really nice and makes me feel like I want to cook pancit. 

R said this about the book: 
I was dreaming about pancit. 

I've been homeschooling my 3rd grader for the past three and a half months now, and I've got to say that the books that I've picked up have been intentional. I want to find our own voices and faces reflected back to us as we read. The amount of books I've picked up from different backgrounds - the different abled bodies to Asian voices to African and Native American stories have been amazing to see. So much more representation than all the picture books I had growing up!!!
Going forward, I'm reviving this book blog portion of my site. I do miss book blogging and sharing the treasures we find with you.
Please note that these will most likely be stories for elementary aged or younger, but I do like a great YA or adult historical fiction, every so often. As I'm building up my library at home, I hope you start your collection too! 

Amazon: ​https://www.amazon.com/Patron-Saints-Nothing-Randy-Ribay/dp/0525554912/

​This was such a lovely and refreshing read. It had enough intrigue to keep you turning pages and witticism and criticism of life in general that made you think. 
As for me, it was love letter home. I was born in the Philippines but moved to the states when I was 9. I've only been back once but I can picture every single person, know movements, hear the beeps of jeepneys, smell the fish markets and everything in between that Ribay wrote. It made me terribly self aware that I know next to nothing about Philippine history, so I was completely immersed in Jay, the main character. I wanted him to find answers. I wanted him to soak up every single moment he spent in the motherland, so I could pretend I was right there next to him. I winced at his uncle's words because I know family like that. I can feel both pride and shame emitting out of his uncle and I understood exactly why it's not Jay's place....it's not mine to comment either. I only see through my American eyes....even if some days, I am reminded that I am not American enough. 
This was a poetic read and I couldn't put it down!

​Randy Ribay was born in the Philippines and raised in the Midwest. A graduate of the University of Colorado and the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Ribay taught English on the East Coast for a decade but now teaches in the San Francisco Bay Area. Visit his website at randyribay.com and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @randyribay.

This is my stop for the Kees and Colliers Blog tour. Today, I am spotlighting both the author and her books! Don't forget do the giveaway at the end!! 

The Lady of the Vineyard
Is it too late for Adele to return to her daughter’s life?

When her ex-husband reappears in her life determined to spend more time with their child, Adele Collier allows him to take Judy to France for the summer. As the summer goes by, an internal battle rages in Adele’s heart. Can she give up her glamorous lifestyle to win her daughter’s heart?

Six-year-old Judy is more than happy to trade Adele’s neglect for her father’s adoring care. She loves his vineyard and wishes she could stay there forever, but someday she must return to England. Can Judy trust her mother again?





​
“A great story about love, emotional turmoil, and the desire to set things right.” ~Long and Short Reviews

“A whimsically beautiful and heartwarming story.” ~Faith L. Potts, author of Dandelion Dust

FURTHER INFO:

Published Before?: Yes
Changes to New Version: rewritten (went from 15,000 words to 40,000 words), new cover
Cleanness Levels: parental guidance suggested // 12+ (mentions of divorce, mentions of attraction between a once-married couple, a brief mention of a miscarriage, lots of arguing)
Published: June 1st, 2019

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Vineyard-Kees-Colliers-Book-ebook/dp/B07S9TW15X/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+lady+of+the+vineyard+by+kellyn+roth&qid=1560146051&s=gateway&sr=8-2
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44156942-the-lady-of-the-vineyard
​

​Flowers in Her Heart

Can Adele change her entire lifestyle to be a mother to her babies?

When her husband goes off to war, Adele feels lost and confused. In a new, less-than-ideal place in a frightening, less-than-ideal time, she flees to the garden with her daughters, determined to make their new house a home, even if it is from the outside in.

Battered by her own inner turmoil and scoffed at by those close to her, Adele seeks to make something beautiful amidst chaos. But can even the most beautiful flowers cover the years of scars?




“So sweet, so true, and so downright good.” ~Angela R. Watts, author of Seek

“A fantastic story about family, faith, and a search for beauty and truth.” ~Goodreads Reviewer

FURTHER INFO:

Published Before?: Yes
Changes to New Version: title changed from “Flowers,” rewritten (went from 10,000 words to 35,000 words), new cover
Cleanness Levels: parental guidance suggested // 12+ (mentions of a woman having a bad past, mentions of miscarriage, mentions of a married couple sharing a bed)
Published: July 1st, 2019

​Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TNR35CT/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44156963-flowers-in-her-heart

From Now ‘Til Forever

The war is over, but it’s not as easy coming home as he anticipated.

Troy Kee doesn’t know how he’ll settle back into life with his family after WWII, but he’s determined to do so. He feels that if he can just get his family back to their vineyard in France, everything will be all right. But his wife has other plans.

This charming novelette finale to the Kees & Colliers series highlights the difficulties of returning home after a war.






FURTHER INFO:

Published Before?: Never
Cleanness Levels: parental guidance suggested // 10+ (brief mention of miscarriage, brief mention of pregnancy)
Publishing: August 1st, 2019

Amazon: COMING SOON (August release, no preorder)
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44156985-from-now-til-forever
[COMING SOON] Signed paperback copies:
https://kellynrothauthor.com/shop/

Souls Astray

Adele has been lost for a long time now ...

Adele Collier has sought a carefree lifestyle ever since her tragic childhood. Determined to never allow anyone or anything to control her life or emotions again, she consistently seeks distraction in gaiety. But shaking her ghosts isn’t as easy as she’d like.

Troy Kee has been alone in the world since the Great War took his parents and left him in care of his younger sister. When she marries, he’s left to seek after his goal of a healthy, complete family. But how can he focus on his dream when trouble plagues his family vineyard?

When Adele and Troy meet, a whirlwind romance begins—but can two lost souls have a healthy relationship?

“A tragic, well-crafted story of romance, family dynamics, and pain in the years between WW1 and WW2.” ~Jana Tenbrook
“Souls Astray is a heartrending novel, full of poignant themes and topics that are important even today. It is a captivating read and will leave you wanting more.” ~Michaela Bush

FURTHER INFO:

Published Before?: No
Cleanness Levels: 13+ only (full content review here)
Published: May 2019

Prize One: THE LADY OF THE VINEYARD and FLOWERS IN HER HEART in paperback & a cool FLOWER NECKLACE.

Prize Two: THE LADY OF THE VINEYARD in paperback & FLOWERS IN HER HEART and FROM NOW ’TIL FOREVER in ebook

​

Kellyn Roth is a Christian & historical author from North-Eastern Oregon. Kell is a ranch girl, homeschool graduate, proud sister of four, proud auntie of five, and owner of two goofy border collies, two presumptuous cats, and a very active betta fish.

​Check out her website, kellynrothauthor.com, for more info.
Author Website: http://kellynrothauthor.com/
Blog: http://kellynroth.blog/
Reveries Co: http://reveriescompany.com/
Coach Kell: http://coachkell.com/
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest: @ReveriesofRuby

​Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best Selling Author of the Winston Brothers, Knitting in the City, Rugby, and Hypothesis series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she just writes books. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.

​

This is my stop during the book blitz for The Tempted Series by B Truly. This book blitz is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 28 January till 10 February. See the tour schedule here: http://www.lolasblogtours.net/book-blitz-the-tempted-series-by-b-truly

​


​Temptation Trials Revolution
​(The Tempted Series #1)
By B Truly
Genre: Dystopian Romance
Age category: New Adult
Release Date: July 13, 2018

A new Regime has arisen from the havoc and destruction of World War III.

Society now has to follow the strict mandates, reign under the dictatorship of His Highest Eminence or suffer the consequences.

Tobias and Kincade are part of a cryptic organization that’s trying to uncover the secrets behind the Regime. Something is suspicious with the new world order—why else would they want to control the most powerful emotion of love? With mandatory arranged marriages at the age of twenty-one, the only way to fight for love is through the Temptation Trials—a government-sponsored reality TV show.

Kincade and Tobias know the rules, but after they meet the women of their dreams, they face a difficult decision. With their impending birthdays around the corner, the guys have to decide if they will bend to the Regime’s will or fight for their relationships.

Lust, mistaken for love, will lead down a treacherous path. They soon learn that the spirit may be willing, but the flesh is weak.

Can love redeem them or is lust too tempting?

The television in the commons area of the Op hummed the classical music that announced Channel 1, the station that broadcasted the most information for the Regime.
Evan, Susan, and I rushed in to see what the fuss was about. A few others came in as well. Rafi and Eric were already in there. “Something must have happened. This is an unscheduled broadcast,” Rafi informed us.
On screen, top anchorwoman Wendy Berry wore a fine pin-striped pants suit. Her co-anchorman, Pablo Rodriguez, sat beside her. Wendy jumped right down to business. “Good afternoon, United Origins. We have an important update. I have unfortunate news about the governor’s daughter, Cindy Johansson.”
“Ah, shit,” Rafi exclaimed.
My thoughts exactly.
“Cindy was involved in a robbery on her way home and she was killed,” Wendy continued.
Susan covered her hand over her mouth. “That’s horrible.”
On screen, Pablo shifted his weight, then he balled his fists. Scrunching my nose, I said, “Something feels off about this. The crime rate is low with the cruel punishments for breaking the law. A robbery seems unlikely.”
“I gotta agree,” Eric jumped in. “I don’t think it’s as simple as Cindy being at the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“It’s tragic. Cindy will be missed,” Wendy added. “The person responsible for her death is being apprehended.”
Pablo narrowed his eyes at Wendy. “Why is he looking at her like that?” asked Rafi.
I was wondering the same thing myself.
“This isn’t right,” Pablo murmured.
“Excuse me?” Wendy raised her eyebrow.
Pablo turned to her. “We’re supposed to report the facts.”
Wendy’s eyes dilated. “We are.”
“No, you’re twisting the facts.”
“I beg your pardon?” Wendy sneered.
“What the hell’s going on?” Rafi chimed in. “Pablo is calling her out—his own co-anchor!”
“Pipe down, Rafi, so we can hear,” Eric told him.
“Pablo, I’m not sure what you’re referring to.” Wendy stood firm. “This is the information that we’ve been given.”
That’s when Pablo got bold. I respected him, though. “We both know Cindy wasn’t murdered in a robbery. She was devastated that she didn’t get accepted onto the Temptation Trials show, her only chance to fight for love. Cindy was depressed about her arranged marriage, so she committed suicide.”
A low humming grew very loud, and what happened within the next few seconds was hard to make out. Pablo’s head smacked against the table in front of him, and then he flew backward, disappearing from the set. The humming sound was blaring now, and the station went black.

Our gang was silent for a moment, dazed by what had just gone down, and then Rafi yelled, “Holy shit! Did you guys see that?”
“It was so fast, I’m not sure what I saw,” Evan said.
“This is awful,” Susan added, placing her palm against her forehead.
“It seems Pablo wanted to be truthful and got yanked off the set for doing so,” I sighed. “Let’s pull up a replay of it to find out more.”
“That’s a good idea,” my Uncle Marcus agreed, just coming into the commons area.
My crew and I rushed into the IT room to review the footage. With our high-tech equipment we could slow down and enhance in great detail what happened in the blur of seconds. I prompted in the instructions on the computer. Everyone waited in anticipation for it to load.
“All right, let’s see exactly what occurred.” I hit play.
In slow motion, an enforcer ran in and slammed Pablo’s head against the podium. He had no time to recover before the official yanked him backward by his hair, off the set.
Evan whistled, and Rafi exclaimed, “I can’t fucking believe this!”
“This is bad.” I put my two cents in.
“How can the Regime cover this up?” asked Susan.
“I’m sure they’ll find a way,” Marcus replied. “I’m going to reach out to the other branches to see what I can find out. They will probably want me to put a team together to investigate further. I’ll keep you guys posted.” Marcus spun on his heels.
“Evan, pull up station 1 on a monitor in here. I’m going to probe this footage more—see if anything else comes up,” I told him.
The gang tossed back and forth about the outcome. Going over the footage in more detail, I didn’t come across anything else new—except that I guaranteed Pablo had a broken nose with the force of the blow he’d taken.
“Do you guys understand that Cindy committed suicide because she was going to be forced to marry someone that she didn’t love?” Susan asked.
“It’s very sad,” I replied. “Even worse, they are trying to pretend that Cindy was robbed and murdered—all so society doesn’t question how fucked up their arranged marriage system is.”
“Someone with her prestige killing herself over the matter would cause massive riots,” Alice chimed in. “It would read as: ‘people are so unhappy about the Regime’s marriage law that it’s driving them to take their own lives.’”
“Yeah, her being the governor’s daughter would stir a ruckus, so they’re desperate to cover it up,” Evan added.
“They’ll do anything to prove that their world order works best.” Rafi’s brow knitted. “I will bet money that Wendy will return and just pretend like nothing happened.”
“I’ll bet you fifty bucks that she makes up a crazy excuse for Pablo,” Evan countered.
“You’re on,” Rafi said. “What’s your wager, Tim?”
“Twenty on her acting like nothing happened.”
“What about you, Susan?” Rafi smiled at her.
“I am too upset about this craziness to joke about it.”
“I’m not thrilled, either,” Rafi replied. “I’m just trying to lighten the mood. What about you, Tobias?”
“I’m not betting, either. The chick just offed herself. But I think Wendy will make up a cover story—not just act like Pablo was never there.”
Other members in the room put their wagers in or just voiced their opinions as Channel 1 buzzed back to life.

Wendy showed her pretty face on screen. “Good afternoon, United Origins. Sorry for the brief interruption. Mr. Pablo Rodriguez seems to have suffered a stroke. He’s getting medical attention.”
“Really?” Rafi commented. “They expect us to buy into that?”
“Due to his unfortunate condition, Pablo was confused, babbling nonsense regarding Cindy Johansson. She was indeed a victim of robbery and her attacker will be prosecuted.”
“This is a crock of shit,” I added. “They’re trying to play us for fools, giving us a bullshit excuse. Just as I knew they would.”
Wendy flipped her hair over her shoulder. “Governor Johansson will be speaking on the matter soon. Our condolences and prayers go out to their family.”
Wendy wore a phoney-sympathetic expression as Channel 1’s theme music came on, signaling the program was going off the air.

This book can be read before or after Temptation Trials Part I. Find out the guy’s POV in a new story that unravels through the Trials.
You can find Temptation Trials Revolution on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42447251-temptation-trials-revolution

You can buy Temptation Trials Revolution here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Temptation-Trials-Revolution-Mens-Tempted-ebook/dp/B07F64W2DZ

​​Temptation Trials Rebellion (The Tempted Series #2)
By B Truly
Genre: Dystopian Romance
Age category: New Adult
Release Date: November 30, 2018

Blurb:
Can love defeat the greatest temptation ... lust?

In a post-apocalyptic nation where the land of the free is now run under a dictatorship, there is one factor that holds the key to keeping world order—love. The new Regime controls the emotions of the heart. It’s their most vital law. At the age of twenty-one, every citizen is forced into an arranged marriage. The only way to escape the arrangement is to enter the Temptation Trials—a government-sponsored reality TV show where the loyalties of the contestants are tested by Tempters and Temptresses who are impossible to resist.
Catalina enters the Trials as a Temptress in hopes that she can win the funds to save her brother. Sahara’s been ridiculed in the eyes of the public. By being a Temptress, she’ll be able to have a fresh start. The Regime promises that if she fulfills her role on the show they will wipe her slate clean.
The problem is that the Trials are rigged for failure. In all the prior seasons, love’s rival, lust, has proven to be more powerful. No contestant has ever won the Temptation Trials and be allowed to stay with their chosen partner. Lutheran Eminence, the world’s dictator, has shown that he’s the ultimate matchmaker.
As the Temptation Ball approaches, conflict is at an all-time high. Most couples are too hurt by betrayal to reconcile. With the odds stacked against them, Kincade and Tobias try to mend their relationships, hoping that the greater good will prevail.
Attempting to uncover the true meaning of love may cost the contestants more than they bargained for—it may cost their souls.
You can find Temptation Trials Rebellion on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42650958-temptation-trials-rebellion
You can buy Temptation Trials Rebellion here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KV47XXK

B. Truly has wanted to be an author since she was fifteen years old and is grateful to have accomplished this dream. She has very vivid dreams and a wild imagination. She likes to read, watch tons of TV shows, and movies. She’s addicted to romance and gets a thrill out of action and sci-fi. She writes New Adult and Adult, Romance. Sci-fi, Dystopian, and Paranormal genres.
B. Truly likes to explore different elements of sci-fi romance, and create various realms of reality. She also loves creating impossible situations for her characters to grow from and try to overcome.
B. Truly has three wonderful children and a husband who defines the person that she is today. She works full-time as an Ultrasound technologist in Houston, Texas.
You can find and contact B Truly here:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BTrulysFantasies/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandyTruly
- Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7276631.B_Truly
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/B-Truly/e/B00FMERBFG/

There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of The Tempted Series. Two winners will win each a $10 Amazon gift card and an e-copy of either Temptation Trials Revolution or Temptation Trials Rebellion (winner’s choice). US Only.
For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:

This is my stop during the book blitz for Winner Takes All by Laurie Winter. This book blitz is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 21 till 27 January. See the tour schedule here: http://www.lolasblogtours.net/book-blitz-winner-takes-all-by-laurie-winter

​



Winner Takes All (Warriors of the Heart #4)
By Laurie Winter
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age category: Adult
Release Date: 21 January 2019

​

Blurb:
Storm Thompson wants to be anywhere but Liberty Ridge. Especially since his hometown also contains his childhood nemesis, Colleen Gardner. With a young daughter and mentally ill mother to care for, he struggles to simply make ends meet. Every day, his goal of owning an organic farm slips further out of reach.

Psychiatrist Colleen Gardner has her sights set on starting a retreat to help veterans suffering from PTSD. She's done well but her small town fundraisers just aren't enough.

"The Great American Scavenger Hunt" TV show offers a million-dollar prize, and Colleen and Storm are selected as competitors. Both resolve to do whatever is needed to win, even using the other to get ahead. Storm and Colleen compete to fund their dreams, but their already tattered relationship becomes more strained. Only one will win the money. But will love prove the ultimate prize?
​​

You can find Winner Takes All on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41210093-winner-takes-all

You can buy Winner Takes All here:
- Wild Rose Press: https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/6453-winner-takes-all.html
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Winner-Takes-Warriors-Heart-Book-ebook/dp/B07L7FXVW1/

Previous books in the series:
- Home Field (Warriors of the Heart #1): https://www.amazon.com/Field-Warriors-Heart-Laurie-Winter-ebook/dp/B0719DXJL6/
- True Horizon (Warriors of the Heart #2): https://www.amazon.com/Horizon-Warriors-Heart-Laurie-Winter-ebook/dp/B076GZ4WVK/
- After All (Warriors of the Heart #3): https://www.amazon.com/After-All-Warriors-Heart-Book-ebook/dp/B07BST4T8G/  ​

Laurie Winter is a true warrior of the heart. Inspired by her dreams, she creates authentic characters who overcome the odds and find true love. She keeps her life balanced with regular yoga practice and running. When not pounding the pavement or the keyboard, she's enjoying time with her family, who are scattered between Wisconsin and Michigan. Laurie has three kids and one fantastic husband, all who inspire her to chase her dreams.




​You can find and contact Laurie Winter here:
- Website: https://lauriewinter.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurieWinterAuthor/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/lauriew_author
- Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3467635.Laurie_Winter
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Laurie-Winter/e/B0719P553X
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/LWinterauthor/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauriewinter_author/

There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of Winner Takes All. One winner will win a prize package (US Only). The prize package includes: a Tea, Books, Magic mug, a Romance Trope scented soy candle, and a $25 Amazon gift card.

​​For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:

I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse. 

August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. 

"Wonder is the best kids' book of the year," said Emily Bazelon, senior editor at Slate.com and author of Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy. In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope. R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel “a meditation on kindness” —indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out. 

I have so much to say and I still don't think it'll do this book justice. I got this from my local library and I will be purchasing this for my 6 year old to read in the future. Such a lovely read. I cried and laughed my way through this and ahh, just beautiful. 

​R. J. Palacio was born and raised in New York City. She attended the High School of Art and Design and the Parsons School of Design, where she majored in illustration with the hopes of someday following in the footsteps of her favorite childhood author-illustrators, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Maurice Sendak, and the D’Aulaires. She was a graphic designer and art director for many years before writing Wonder. We’re All Wonders, which is based conceptually on the themes of her novel, represents the fulfillment of her dream to write and illustrate her own picture book. R.J. is also the author of Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories and 365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Book of Precepts. She lives in Brooklyn, where she is surrounded by magical water towers, with her husband, their two sons, and their two dogs, Bear and Beau. Learn more about her at rjpalacio.com or on Twitter at @RJPalacio.

The witch: supernaturally powerful, inscrutably independent, and now—indestructible. These moving, relatable poems encourage resilience and embolden women to take control of their own stories. Enemies try to judge, oppress, and marginalize her, but the witch doesn’t burn in this one.

I wasn't feeling this one, honestly. I loved her debut, "the princess saves herself in this one," and I was expecting the same level of slow build up into something like a powerful anthem mid-book, but it never got there, for me. This was almost rushed and jotted down thoughts that got turned into a book. I will say there were some poems that I was like, "ahh this one!" but those turned out to be few and far between. I still love her style and zeal but overall, this was a quick disheartening read. 

growing up a word-devourer & avid fairy tale lover, it was only natural that amanda lovelace began writing books of her own, & so she did. when she isn't reading or writing, she can be found waiting for pumpkin spice coffee to come back into season & binge-watching gilmore girls. (before you ask: team jess all the way). the lifelong poetess & storyteller currently lives in new jersey with her fiancé, their moody cat, & a combined book collection so large it will soon need its own home. she has her B.A. in english literature with a minor in sociology. the princess saves herself in this one is her debut poetry collection & the first book in the women are some kind of magic series. the second book in the series, the witch doesn't burn in this one, will be published in 2018.

her official website is amandalovelace.com.

you can also find her as ladybookmad on twitter, instagram,