I decided to start the The Prada Plan Series by Ashley Antoinette. This series ties into two other series the author has out so I finally had the chance to read it. Please check out audio of my podcast sharing my thoughts on the first book of this series.
My thoughts/ review:
This is a really cute uplifting children’s book about a little girl named Rainbow and how she one day doesn’t like her name because she keeps getting teased at school. Her mom helps her change her mind about her name and helps her to love the name she was given. This book was done really well I loved illustrations and how colorful and bright they were. I believe this book can help young children with self esteem issues as well as self love. I think young children need more books like this, especially when the media is telling young kids to be and act a certain way instead of learning to love themselves.
Rating: 4.75 ⭐
*I would like to thank netgalley, the publisher, and the author for allowing me to read this book for my honest review**
My thoughts / review:
This is a collection of poetry that is yet powerful but is much needed. Ebony Stewart talked about being a black woman especially an “around the way girl” she spoke about growing up and sex, as well LGBTQ. There was so much the author talked about I felt she was talking to me directly as if we were good friends. Mostly everything I could relate to.
The author spoke from her heart and soul. And I believe as a reader I felt her words. This collection is something I will be re-reading many times over It was that good. Although I feel a lot of black women will understand where the author is coming from and can relate to it the most, just about anyone can read this collection of poetry and get a feel and true understanding of what Ebony Stewart went through and has faced.
Overall I absolutely loved this! *Thank you to Netgally, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read and review this book for my own honest opinion*
Rating: 5🌟
I just had my birthday this past February 20th and it’s always a big blessing to see another year and spend it with people I love and care about. But one thing I wanted most out of all my gifts (which I enjoyed just as well) we’re more books. So I did a quick video of a birthday book haul of all the books I got and sharing why I chose them. I’m excited to be getting to them very soon. And having these new books have definitely put me into a big reading mood. Hope you enjoy the video let me know if you are interested in any of the books I mentioned or if you read of these.
Xoxo Nikki🤎
My Thoughts/Review:
I really enjoyed this. This story dives deep into family and what family can really be, also talks about sexuality. Melanin Sun aka Mel is a 13 year old boy living in Brooklyn NY with is mom who he is really close with. In the story Mel’s mom (EC) tells him that she is gay and this changes everything for Mel.
He wonders what his friends, his neighborhood, and even the girl that he likes will think of him. At this point Mel hates his mom for being gay and and wishes it wasn’t true.
Mel learnes that he can still be there for his mom even though she is gay he just will have to adjust which will take some time.
This story focused on the what family is and who your real friends are and just not caring what other people who really don’t matter have to say.
Mel enjoys writing in his notes books personal things and to help him get though all the new changes he writes.
Good story. I like that this was a challenging topic especially for teenagers.
Rating: 4.75⭐
Let me know if you read anything by Jacqueline Woodson 😉
Xoxo Nikki 🤎
My thoughts/review:
This was a really good collection of short stories. The author wrote 10 different short stories about young black boys and different situations in their lives.
Some stories dealt with girls, living in the hood, dealing with violence, hiv, and sexual abuse. The author brought topics that I believe young boys growing up deal with and have a hard time talking about with older people.
Although this is considered a YA I enjoyed reading this and should be required reading for kids in middle school at least. I always feel Sharon Flake can turn realistic situations and make them more understandable for the reader to not be so judgemental.
As a mother to a 3rd grade boy I want to share this book with him and be able to talk to him about the different subjects that are presented. This I feel can be a great tool for parents.
Rating: 4.5 ⭐ synopsis for YOU DONT EVEN KNOW ME
Xoxo Nikki🤎