kathyellendavis's reviews
73 reviews

Poetic Remedies for Troubled Times: from Ask Baba Yaga by Taisia Kitaiskaia

Go to review page

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced
I loved listening to this so much! The advice is so poetic and mysterious, the advice requests so relatable. It was inspiring, reassuring, and entertaining.
The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Go to review page

hopeful informative inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced
What a lovely book and look at how we can all be part of a gifting economy. I loved the stories shared, the illustrations, the book as a physical object, and the invitation to think beyond our current harmful economy and find wars to nurture our connections with others and the earth through gift economies. Everyone should read this book!
Grilled Cheese and Dragons #1 by Nancy Krulik

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
This is a fun series! I love the themes that girls can do anything and should not be limited to what society thinks they can accomplish. Princess Pulverizer has some rough hedges that get slightly smoothed out in this adventure, and I'm sure as more stories go she'll change more. I love the little team she's formed as well. We'll read all eight books for sure!
Upworthy - GOOD PEOPLE: Stories From the Best of Humanity by Gabe Reilich, Lucia Knell

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective relaxing fast-paced
I really loved this book. It felt like a warm hug from humanity. The stories were all of everyday people doing something that they thought was little, but it was huge in the life of the people they helped. I particularly loved the chapters on teachers and kids! Anyone reading this will be a little kinder after and keep their eyes out for some way they can help someone. I also think it will inspire people to think about the times people have helped them in a huge way. 
That Christmas and Other Stories by Richard Curtis

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
A lovely collection of three picture book stories that are the basis of the movie, That Christmas. The stories are sweet and give you a lot to think about, and the illustrations are so whimsical and charming. The stories are pretty meaty words-wise, and reading all three in one sitting won't take too long. I know we'll be reading this every Christmas! 
Open Borders: The Science and Ethics of Immigration by Bryan Caplan

Go to review page

challenging hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced
This is a great book to understand how we can solve our "immigration problem"; mainly by realizing that we are creating the problem by restricting immigration. You have to take it a bit slow for all the info to sink in, but it's worth it. There are so many sources and studies cited, and I love the author sort of being our tour guide throughout the whole process. I learned a lot and hope that we get to open borders soon!
The Legend of Memo Castillo by William Alexander

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
What a fun book! Memo is excited about a card game he loves, and a tournament for it coming up. He comes up with a plan to go that includes his abuela, LaLa, but it's a bit tricky, as she doesn't speak much English and he doesn't speak much Spanish. Great themes of family, friendship, kindness, fitting in, being yourself, and more. Give it a read!
Monkey King and the World of Myths: The Monster and the Maze by Maple Lam

Go to review page

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
What a fun start to a new graphic novel series! Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, is bold, brash, and mischievous, so every kid will love him. He's also not willing to let others tell him who he is just because he's a beast, and gives everyone a chance to tell their story and encouragement to be their true self. I loved the mashup of myths and gods/legends from various cultures! And the illustrations are adorable, engaging, and dynamic. Anyone who loves a good story with adventure, mystery, friendships, and depth will love reading this one. Can't wait to read more in the series as they come out! 
The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt by Chelsea Iversen

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
This was a great historical fiction read with some magic mixed in. It was slower paced than I'm used to reading, and I didn't mind it! Harriet is a complex character and I cheered for her through all her hardships. I loved her magic and her complicated relationships. Very hard to read at points with the abuse, and ultimately ends on a great note of empowerment for Harriet.
Poppy Song Bakes a Way by Karina Yan Glaser

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Another great book in this series! Poppy is new to Peppermint Falls and is getting used to her classmates, new apartment, and schedule. She loves baking with her Po Po, and eating the special lunches her Grandma makes her. But when Po Po starts getting more forgetful, Poppy starts to worry. I love the kids in these books. They're so kind!