MADreads

Book reviews by library staff and guest contributors

Kick Push

Cover of Kick Push
A review of Kick Push by Frank Morrison

Epic is a skate boarding star with tricks and moves so big they earned him his nickname. But when he moves to a new neighborhood, suddenly his tricks aren't so fun without a crowd of friends. He tries new sports to meet friends - football, soccer, basketball - but they all leave him feeling let down. When his father encourages him to try one more ride, Epic kicks, pushes, and flips his way down to the bodega picking up admiring bystanders on the way. Pretty soon he has a whole new crew, ready to kick and push with him. 

Posted by Holly SP on Apr 6, 2023

Marshmallow math

Cover of The Last Marshmallow
A review of The Last Marshmallow by Grace Lin

Since spring doesn't seem to want to get here, I went looking for a warm and snug read and was reminded of The Last Marshmallow by Grace Lin.  This cozy book is one in a series of four wonderful board books that introduce math concepts - such as number sense and division, spatial sense, measurement and geometry - in fun and engaging ways to young children, ages 2-4. In The Last Marshmallow, two friends, Mei and Olivia, have been playing outside in the snow.

Posted by Madeleine on Mar 31, 2023

Unexpected blooming

Cover of The Inheritance of Orquí
A review of The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova

Orquídea Divina invites the multigenerational Montoya family to her home to celebrate her funeral. The catch is that Orquídea is still alive. The arrival of the magical invitations confuses many of her family members and dredges up painful memories for others. Everyone must attend the funeral in order to receive their inheritance and this strings-attached event is complicated on many levels. The land that Orquídea's home is situated on is infused with magic and the funeral proceedings are hampered by supernatural happenings.

Posted by Molly W on Mar 27, 2023

Boss big sisters

Cover of Me and the Boss: A Story A
A review of Me and the Boss: A Story About Mending and Love by Michelle Edwards, illustrated by April Harrison

Lee knows big sisters. His big sister Zora is the boss. “I go wherever she goes, and we are home before dark. Those are the rules.” And today, Lee and Zora are going to the library… but not to get on the computer or to check out books, they are going to learn to sew from Ms. C, the librarian. There is a LOT to love in this book.

Posted by Rebecca M on Mar 24, 2023

It's a miracle he's alive

Cover of Friends, Lovers, and the B
A review of Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A memoir by Matthew Perry

This book requires a certain mindset and I caution readers to prepare themselves for a memoir of alcoholism and addiction that is stunning in several ways. First, it's hard to believe that Matthew Perry, one of the stars of the television sitcom Friends, is still alive after everything his body has been through. Second, his candid sharing of stories about himself and others surprised me, and probably surprised those he spilled the beans about.

Posted by Molly W on Mar 20, 2023

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