Kwame Alexander's books connect to kids. In fact, it's why he's one of the most popular authors of our time --kids can't put his books down! In a recent phone conversation, Alexander shared, "I try to write books that kids are going to want to pick up and not going to want to put down. I'm writing for me, the book that I would want to read and not put down." Well, he succeeds. If you haven't … [Read more...]
If You Have a Neurodiverse Child, Differently Wired Is a Must-Read
In a world full of parenting books for "typical" kids and books about understanding specific disorders, there aren't many books that guide us on how to embrace and parent an atypical, neurodiverse child. Differently Wired: Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World is a judgment-free breath of fresh air; it shows parents like me how to see, parent, and celebrate the kids we've been … [Read more...]
Loud, Hilarious, Fun: Happy Salmon Game
We found the BEST game -- it's called Happy Salmon. It's loud, it's silly, and it's tons of fun!! Not to mention, that kids over six up to adult will LOVE this game! We love this so much it's in my Games Holiday Gift Guide for Kids 2016. Loud, Hilarious, Totally Fun: Happy Salmon Game Players grab a colored stack of cards. The cards contain four actions: Pound It!, Switcheroo, High 5, … [Read more...]
New YA Books for Teens
Once again, I've managed to read fantasy YA almost exclusively. So, if you like fantasy (with a sprinkle of sci-fi, historical, and mystery) like me, these book reviews are for you. New YA Books for Teens Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin HISTORICAL FANTASY This is the best book I've read so far this year! Wolf by Wolf is a high-stakes journey of wits and bravery, an author's skillful writing and … [Read more...]
Middle Grade and YA Books I’m Reading
It's a snowy day here in Colorado. My girls are home from school, an early gift for us all. And we have books stacked everywhere -- books I want to tell you about. (I wonder if this is a decor aesthetic?) Here are the middle grade and YA book I've been reading and think you'll enjoy, too. Middle Grade and YA Books I'm Reading A Tale of Highly Unusual Magic by Lisa Papademetriou MIDDLE GRADE … [Read more...]
Best YA Books of 2015
I've been procrastinating on this blog post, trying to get a few more romances on this list -- and I read a LOT more books in the last month but didn't find anything more to add to my best YA books of 2015. So here goes. It's a bit fantasy heavy. Just warning you now. Best YA Books of 2015 Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt (Although this is listed for middle grade, I think it's better as … [Read more...]
Win Candlewick YA Books on Top 100 Book List
Are you an adult who reads Young Adult fiction? Or do you have a teen reader at home? TIME magazine recently published their list of Top 100 Young Adult books. To celebrate, Candlewick Press is giving one Imagination Soup reader all six Candlewick titles that are on this YA book list!! Win Candlewick YA Books on Top 100 Book List Candlewick’s titles include: Feed by M. T. … [Read more...]
Best New Middle Grade and YA Chapter Books
More chapter books for you! I have so much fun reading that (and I know you'll be shocked) sometimes I procrastinate writing the book reviews. (!!) Lately, I've let my chapter book to-read pile get so tall, I have a fairly large round-up of good books for kids (and you) today. Oh, and I included a few of YA books in the mix, just in time for Teen Read Week which is this week. (#TRW12 on … [Read more...]
Dystopia-palooza – New YA Books Winter 2012
I love reading Young Adult books. Here are some newly published YA mostly dystopian books that you might just love as much as your teens. . . The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater You'll LOVE this unique fantastical tale. Water horses eat human flesh so it's a sign of great skill and bravery to race one in the annual Scorpio Races. Orphan, Puck needs to win the race or she and her … [Read more...]
Reading YA Fiction for Stress Relief
How do you deal with stress? Because for me, I read -- YA fiction. Today is a big day for me as I confess all on Babble.com in Percy Jackson is My Therapist. Will you visit my true confessions and show me some comment love? Stress Relief with Young Adult Fiction I'm so happy to interview the talented Micol Ostow, an amazing YA author, Contemps blogger and Readergirlz Diva. You're going to … [Read more...]