Title: The War That Saved My Life Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley Publisher: Dial Books Reviewer: Yolanda Ridge ISBN: 9780803740815 I can’t believe I’m so late in reviewing this book that I absolutely LOVED!! I’ve just finished listening to the audiobook version of it, in anticipation of the sequel, The War I Finally Won, and just have to share […]
News & Views
A World Below
Title: A World Below Author: Wesley King Publisher: Simon & Schuster Reviewer: Yolanda Ridge ISBN: 9781481478229 I’m a very strong believer in the phrase “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”. I also think that if you DO have something nice to say, you should SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS (especially on […]
The End of the Wild
Title: The End of the Wild Author: Nicole Helget Publisher: Little, Brown and Company Reviewer: Yolanda Ridge ISBN: 978-0-316-24511-1 This tender middle grade book covers a lot of ground from fracking and rural poverty to PTSD and grief to foster care, custody and divorce. It might seem like a lot but each issue folds into the other and […]
The Pants Project
Title: The Pants Project Author: Cat Clarke Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky Reviewer: Yolanda Ridge I love the premise of this book: 11-year-old Liv likes the uniform at her new middle school (especially the tie) but hates wearing the skirt. Right from the start, it’s impossible not to see the dress code is sexist and archaic. But when we […]
Big Sur Writing Workshop
With help from an Access Copyright Foundation Professional Development Grant, I travelled all the way to Big Sur, California this weekend to attend a writing workshop hosted by the Andrea Brown Literary Agency and the Henry Miller Library. It was an illuminating and inspiring experience that was at times overwhelming (and exhausting). On the craft […]