The first days of summer

Hello my fellow bookworms!

As of June 21st, summer is finally here! Although, if you live in certain parts of Canada or the United States, you could be subject to wildfire smoke. Stay safe, and be sure to wear those KN95 masks we all stocked up on during 2020 and 2021 while you are outside!

(c) 2023 Little Brown Ink

I recently read the cheesiest graphic novel to date, and I mean that literally, but that helped make it so endearing! The characters all have names that are also the names of different cheeses, which may make this a tough read if you are hungry! The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz is a young adult LGBTQ romance graphic novel that touches upon themes of friendship, acceptance, and being true to yourself.  A quick read, be sure to add this to your to-read list this summer!

I do have some book news for you:

• Tomorrow, June 30th, is "Stuff Your Kindle Day" for you romance lovers. You can choose up to 20 different books on Kindle for free. The event will also happen twice more this year, on September 20th and December 27th. Please visit Romance Bookworms' blog post here for more information! They also have information on a mystery-themed kindle giveaway, so check out the post for more details.
  

• Illinois became the first state in the United States to ban book bans! A historic win for the fight against censorship and librarians everywhere. We can only hope more states will follow in Governor J.B. Pritzker's footsteps!
  

• Penguin Random House is hosting an online summer reading challenge for kids. Download the form and book ideas here!
  

• With the rise in popularity of BookTok (those popular clips on TikTok that showcase the new and popular books everyone is reading today), TikTok is now hosting its own book awards! Check out the article on TikTok here, which lists the categories and information for this year's award ceremony, which was hosted from May 25th - June 4th. 

There are so many new movies and shows that are coming out that are based on books. Holly Jackson's A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, Lye Hye's Webtoon See You in My 19th Life, David Grann's Killers of the Flower Moon, and so much more. What have you been reading / watching so far this summer?

Until next time - happy reading! :)

Days in the Sun

Hello my fellow bookworms!

The summer is starting to wind down, but there are so many book releases and book-to-film/TV show releases! Have you seen Where the Crawdads Sing in theaters yet? The book by Delia Owens was one I could not put down, and the movie did not disappoint the adaption! Also in terms of film/TV show releases, Jenna Evan Welch's Love & Gelato is now playing on Netflix. Neil Gailman's The Sandman comes to Netflix this Friday, August 5th. Jenny Han's The Summer I Turned Pretty is now a series streaming on Amazon Prime Video. There is news of Paramount+ developing Becca Fitzpatrick's series Hush Hush into a movie, which was one of my favorite series growing up! I still have the books and the first graphic novel that was created for the series. Enola Holmes has a confirmed second season on Netflix, set for release later this year. Vampire Academy based on the series by Richelle Mead, has a series coming out on Peacock on September 15th.

This week I am finishing up my summer course and have quite a bit of reading to catch up on. I cannot wait to have a break for non-school reading! In the meantime, I have some book news for you:

• In honor of Disability Pride Month, Book Riot has released a book lover's guide to disability pride month.

• Want a free book? For yourself or for your kids, friends, family, and/or siblings? Kellogg's has a promotion where you can buy a box of cereal and get a free book! Check out the Kellogg's Feeding Reading program here. If you don't want the book, you can opt to donate it, too! 
  

• Need a quick break and want to look at art? The Smithsonian has a collection for you! Are you a cat person or a dog person? I like both, so viewing both collections is a relaxing break during my homework.

• The Austin Public Library in Texas is standing up against book bans with a series of free events that focus on the books being banned. A joint effort with BookPeople, the events focus on issues with race, LGTBQ+, and sexuality. Texas has the most book bans in state across the U.S., which makes this effort all the more important.

• If you liked the book Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, you can now take a themed cruise from Avalon Waterways. Buy your tickets now, as the ship is set to sail this September 15th!
  

• If you are looking for a dream job, why not be a "barefoot bookseller"? A year position, you can be a bookseller in the Maldives managing a small bookstore, writing book reviews, and more. Applications are due August 13th!
  

• For those of you who like comics, DC is going to release a new Spotify Series staring Christina Ricci as Harley Quinn in Harley Quinn & The Joker: Sound Mind. This is the second audio series in a podcast agreement with Warner Bros. and DC.
  

• The Brooklyn Public Library in New York is offering free library cards to anyone in the U.S. who is between the ages of 13 and 21 as part of their initiative called "Books UnBanned." The library card would allow users to check out books digitally, aimed to overcome any banned book restrictions that may be in place in the user's home area. 
  

• Walmart is releasing a set of live events online, including a book club! You can see the most recent live event discussing the book I Kissed Shara Wheeler with author Casey McQuiston here.
  

• If you are looking for something fun to do and want to travel on Labor Day weekend, you should attend Books Gowns & Crowns' 2022 Ball in Portland, Oregon! You can find details on ticket information, venue, etc. here. 
  

One last news story I would like to bring up, as I believe it is important to share, is that there is a new help line for those who need mental health help: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you need to reach anyone, feel helpless and/or hopeless, 24/7, please call 9-8-8. There will be no busy signal or hold. This new number, which is the new National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, will connect you to a network of trained counselors. If you don't feel like talking, there is also a chat option available. It is never a sign of weakness, but strength, to reach out and ask for help.  

Photo by Guillaume Hankenne from Pexels

What new books, movies, show, podcasts, music, etc. are you into lately? Please share in the comments below!

Until next time - happy reading! :)

Banned Books and Censorship

Hello my fellow bookworms!

I've been anxiously planning for a book-related conference, and cannot wait to share photos and news after I attend it! I would like to discuss the serious topic of censorship and banned books, but wanted to give you a couple of lighter book news for the summer, as well:

• If you want a one-of-a-kind wedding experience, the Boston Public Library is offering wedding ceremonies in their historic Guastavino Room at the Central Library. The original story can be found here via Boston.com, and for more information on ceremonies, you should take a look at the Boston Public Library's website here. 

• Andrews McMeel KIDS is hosting a Summer Reading Challenge inspired by author Dustin Brady's series Trapped in a Video Game and Escape from a Video Game! You can start here, with the instructions, and print out the game map in which your only escape is through reading! Once you (or your kids) read up to your specialization, you can print out a special certificate that shows you escaped this summer!
  

In the United States, the topic of banned books and censorship has become a huge issue in the media, within libraries and schools, politics, and other places. The banning of books due to a difference in interest, beliefs, or feelings of discomfort, is against our First Amendment rights.We should fight to uphold these rights, for equal access to knowledge and intellectual freedom. Censorship is wrong, and banning books is not the answer to what the politicians (and others) think they are "fixing" in our society. See below for some articles and links as to what different sources around the country are doing in protest of such censorship:

• Congress recently held a second hearing on censorship within the classrooms. Claire Kirch of Publishers Weekly talks about this in detail through her article here. 
  

• The Nashville public library released 5,000 limited edition library cards stating "I read banned books" for those who would like to take part in the library's "Freedom to Read" campaign. For more information, see The Guardian's article here.

• Macmillian Publishers released an email with a Banned Books collection, stating that:
  

"Macmillian stands against censorship and condemns the book banning taking place at schools across the country. With this collection, we've highlighted banned titles to fight censorship and to share our love of these books with the world."

          Books listed include:

1. All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson
2. When They Call You a Terrorist by Patrisse Khan-Cullors & Asha Bandele
3. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
4. Lobizona by Romina Garber
5. Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
6. If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo
7. The 57 Bus by Daska Slater
8. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

• The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has an article highlighting teens across the country that have been fighting censorship with "banned-book clubs" and lawsuits!

• The American Library Association (ALA) hosts a blog titled "Intellectual Freedom Blog," with posts by bloggers, guest contributors, news editors, and employees/staff from the ALA. A post titled Present Day Musings on Manga Censorship by Victoria Rahbar touches on the issue that even comics and manga are not unscathed by book banning and censorship in today's libraries.

• The ALA also has enlightening infographics about Censorship by the Numbers, as well as the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2021.  

          The top 10 books are:

1. 

   (c) American Library Association, 2022
   

   Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
2. Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison
3. All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson
4. Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez
5. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
6. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
7. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
8. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
9. This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson
10. Beyond Magenta by Susan Kuklin
    

(c) American Library Association, 2022

(c) American Library Association, 2022

(c) American Library Association, 2022

(c) American Library Association, 2022

There are so, so many more articles and news stories that touch on censorship and/or book banning. I cannot list them all here, but I welcome everyone to contribute what they find interesting, personal to them, etc., and post it here for a friendly conversation. Or just to post! I don't mind either way. My blog is a safe space and censorship is becoming such a prevalent issue within the United States that it needs to be addressed. I cannot wait to attend the book-related conference and see what sort of causes I can join to help combat it at a higher level. (If you know of any, please share!)

Until next time, happy reading, including banned books!!

Those End-of-Summer Days

Hello my fellow bookworms!

This summer has been flying by way too fast! Has it been the same for you? I feel like I haven't had a chance to just sit down and read a book, just fly from work to school application research and back!

I have not yet had the chance to sit down and read/write a review, so please take a look at the following bookish links I thought you would like to see:

• Peacock is going to have a Pride & Prejudice-themed dating show! They are taking applications for those interested, so test out your luck here! Maybe you'll find your Mr. Darcy!
  

• Harlequin is hosting a promotion with Postable where you can send out free cards to your friends! You can choose from romantic cards or happy birthday wishes. They send out pretty quick, too! 

  

  (c) 2021 Once Upon A Book Blog(ger)
  

  
  

• I love my local library, don't you? They have the cutest decorations and displays, along with the newest books!
  

• Have you gone on a summer vacation yet? Or are you one of the many where a vacation never seems to quite happen? Penguin House Books has a list of books to bring you on a summer adventure right from your own home/backyard. Barnes & Noble has a list of summer books, as well, to bring you outdoor adventures or new hobbies to explore. 
  

• If you have been following me long enough, I wrote my own post on traveling the United States with books! Goodreads has their own list of books from each state for this year, if you are interested.  
  

• 

  (c) 2021 Once Upon A Book Blog(ger)
  

  I also love random book sales when visiting large cities. It is so refreshing to see literature capturing all those who pass by, as well as those enthralled in the literature purchased!
  

• Everyone's lovable bear is getting a prequel! Winnie the Pooh has an authorized prequel called Once There Was A Bear, to be written by Jane Riordan, and illustrated by Mark Burgess. It will be in the style of the original author A. A. Milne. I was lucky enough to see the original Winnie the Pooh characters at the New York Public Library, which you can see here on my past blog post!
  

What have you been up to this summer? Have you been able to read any of the books you set out to read, or are you behind, as I am? I have quite a pile built up, so I hope in the upcoming month I can sit down and enjoy some "me" time! :)

 Current # of books read (out of my 50 book goal for the year): 19

Until next time - stay safe, enjoy the dog days of summer, and happy reading!

Summer Vibes

Photo by Ylanite Koppens from Pexels

Hello my fellow bookworms!

It's finally summer! Depending on where you live, that could mean you are able to go out and enjoy some sunshine, or it could mean that you may still have limited hours to be out. It is still a weird time for all of us, but at least we are a bit closer to all going outdoors and being social again.

I have some book news for you:

• Just in time for summer, the ice cream company Salt & Straw is hosting new flavors based on children's books. You can buy a pint for yourself (online) and enjoy reading the book it is based off at the same time! (Smile: Words & Pictures sounds like a delicious flavor to me!)
  

• If you feel up to it, Buzzfeed Books is hosting a Summer Reading Challenge. Read through six different categories and enter to win a tote bag, candle, and six books!
  

• The New Adult Scavenger Hunt is no more. I am sad to read this, but am glad that it was around for as long as it was (it was held annually since 2014). See the final post by Kelsey Ketch, the host of the hunt, here, before it is deleted, along with the website.
  

• Do you  have a Costco membership? If so, there is a "hidden benefit" where Costco hosts book signings and events! They also offer signed books to purchase at their store, as well. You can view the upcoming author events here. Though the events calendar is empty at the moment (at least, it is for my area of the world), I imagine it will fill out as places start reopening again. 
  

• Are you tired of reading the same old stories and need diversity, different points of view, and books of color, but do not know where to start? Try LibraryReads, a website that hosts the monthly nationwide library staff picks list for adult fiction and non-fiction that aims to be inclusive of all races, genders, viewpoints, etc. If you are a librarian, you can nominate a new and upcoming book to the monthly list, as well!
  

• The Smithsonian Magazine has a list of books to read in honor of Pride Month, showcasing overlooked stories and new books to dive into. 
  

• Book Riot has a list of free audiobooks for children to listen to. It may be of some fun to listen to this summer, whether you have children or are a child at heart!
  

• I know I mentioned it in my previous post, but the First Chapters Contest is live and up until July 18th! Try your hand at writing a compelling first chapter to win $3,000, publication, and a consultation with an agent!
  

• If you live in the UK or in France, there is a book titled Le Trésor de l'Entente Cordiale® that will lead you on a treasure hunt between the two lands. If you can solve all the clues and gather the key fragments, you will be led to an actual treasure: a golden casket! 

Photo by Taryn Elliott from Pexels

I hope you have a happy, healthy, and fun summer! What books are you looking forward to reading? Let me know! I have a stack of books that I am aiming to read, so I will update on that next time. :)

 Happy Reading!

Summer is on the way!

Hello my fellow bookworms!

This month has been one wild ride. I have been busy non-stop and hope I can catch up on some relaxation in June! I apologize for the delay in book reviews.

In the meantime, I do have some book related news for you:

• Voyage is hosting a Young Adult First Chapters Contest, open until July 18, 2021. First prize is $3,000 plus an hour long literary consultation!
  

• Penguin House is hosting a "How-To: Make Your Life Better" series with a series of emails sent to your inbox containing tips on wellness, home, or food and drink. You choose which category you would like to start with. You can switch to a different category after a few weeks, if you choose. 
  

• Penguin House also has a literary horoscope, to which you can receive a novel based on your birthday. Try it here!
  

• Did you know John Steinbeck wrote a werewolf-themed mystery novel? No? Neither did I! But, I learned that he did this week and that his estate is not releasing the book to the public at the present. Fans are calling for its release, but don't expect to see it any time soon.
  

• Haven't been able to visit the museums yet? The Smithsonian recently posted HABITAT, an online exhibition that you can view here.
  

• Have you read Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard before? I really enjoyed this young adult trilogy. Royalty, magical abilities, love, betrayal - it is one dramatic series that will keep you reading until the end! It is set to have a drama on Peacock, with Elizabeth Banks to direct and play a supporting role. 
  

• Book Riot released a list of great online book clubs/podcasts for you to join, if you do not have any in your area. I cannot wait to check them out!
  

• If you need ideas for plans this summer, Barnes & Noble released a list of Summer Reading books to devour, reference, and find some fun ideas from!
  

What are your plans for summer? Any good books on the horizon that you can't wait to dive into?  

Until next time!

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

End of Summer

"I got that summertime, summertime sadness..." Yes, it is that time of the year again - end of summer, beginning of fall, school time, new book time! I have a few books to review and hope to do some reviewing this weekend. :)

Did anyone visit any neat places, maybe with a cool library or bookstore - or two? If you didn't, here are some fun facts that may influence your next travel plans:

• According to Travel and Leisure magazine, the Key West (Florida) is home to two hotels that provide waterproof books for guests to read poolside. The Gates Hotel and 24° North Hotel both have a library filled with classic novels that you can read to your hearts content, whether it be lounging in the sun or splashing around in the pool!
• A library of a different kind, Chicago, Illinois can now boast that it is home to The Chicago Tool Library, a volunteer-run space where area residents can rent out items that are not used all the time, but you may find yourself needing or wanting (i.e. pasta maker, screwdrivers, sewing machine, camera, etc.). The concept is not a novel one, but a good idea that is now spreading. Areas such as Ann Arbor, Michigan and Sacramento, California have such a system integrated into their public library system. We need all libraries to integrate this!
• Indianapolis, Indiana has a new way to promote reading: the Book Bike. The bookshelf on a bike is set up in places where residents (or anyone, really - no library card is needed!) can pick up a free book and get into a good story. Be quick, though, the Book Bike makes visits to events, such as farmers markets, and tends to run out of every book on hand! 
• The Free Library of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has book carts in parks called Libraries in the Park, so that children can read while enjoying the fresh air. I wish my library had something like this when I was little!

Philadelphia Library in the Park (c) Once Upon A Book Blog(ger)

If you cannot get out and about, but still want to be part of something, you should look into helping out the Library of Congress. According to the Smithsonian, the Library of Congress currently has a project where they are transcribing suffragist papers and need your help! How do you go about transcribing? Check out the By the People campaign, where you can read and help type what you can make out in the writings, tag writings (think Facebook), and even help review final transcriptions. You can create an account to always come back to where you last left off. You can be a part of history by helping to promote it!

So what have you bookworms been up to? Tell me something fun you did this summer in the comments! :)

Summer Days and Late Night Reading

Happy Summer!

Back are the days of reading by the beach, underneath a canopy of leaves, or hiding inside near a fan or basking in air conditioning. With summer comes all the festivals, outdoor activities, and traveling plans!

I visited one festival this past month - Printers Row Lit Fest. Hosted in Chicago by the Near South Planning Board, this festival occurs once a year to celebrate books for book lovers of all kinds. There are many different groups that attend - and it changes a bit year by year. Typically, those who attend and have stands are book related groups in the area (i.e. Chicago Public Library), both small and large bookstores (think hipster bookstores and those like Half Price Books), authors of all genres, and more. Basically, it is a community of people who join together to create a book celebration of sorts that spans an entire weekend and a few blocks on the iconic Printers Row area in the southern loop of downtown Chicago. You can meet authors, listen to poetry readings, buy book binding supplies, look for new or antique books, have your child/sibling/cousin/etc. sit and listen to story time, or just wander around and enjoy what the day will bring.

Printers Row Lit Fest 2019 (c) Once Upon A Book Blog(ger)

I was able to meet Kate Collins here in the past. She is an awesome mystery author from Indiana who writes the Flower Shop Mystery Series. Speaking of which, her first three books have been made into three Hallmark Movies! How cool is that? I wrote about the series earlier in my blog, check out the post here.

If you are an author in the surrounding area, you can participate in the Printers Row Lit Fest, as well. You should contact the staff via email for future participation. You can find the details here.

Speaking of books into movies, I was told to read Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel by a fellow bookworm friend of mine. It was an interesting dystopian novel, and it will soon be an interesting dystopian 10 episode limited series! It that it will air on WarnerMedia's upcoming streaming platform. There are so many platforms to keep up with lately, it is hard to keep track of what book-tp-movie or book-to-tv-show plays on next. I will have to keep my eyes out for this show, though...

Also, if you are in the New York area this week, July 1st and July 2nd specifically, there is a display by The New York Public Library that allows you to view the original, rare copy of The Declaration of Independence in Thomas Jefferson's own hand! This display will be hosted for two days only, and is located at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue. If you cannot make the trip over, you can also view images online via the library website here.

What is new with you, fellow bookworms? I have been reading, but not as much as I should have been. Hopefully, with the holiday around the corner, I can catch up with some of the items I want to share with you guys! Let me know what you're doing for the summer in the comments. For my American readers, Happy Independence Day! For my everywhere-else readers, Happy Summer! :)

Your Letter by Hyeon A Cho

Hello fellow bookworms! May has come and gone so quickly, but thankfully it brought some warmer weather!

(c) John-Mark Smith, courtesy of Pexels

I would like to share the cutest little story that is reminiscent of the Studio Ghibli films, but is told in web-comic and game format. Your Letter, by Hyeon A Cho, begins with a girl named Sori, who was bullied in her previous school and changed schools because of it. Hesitant to make friends in her new school environment, she finds a letter underneath her desk by chance. The letter leads her on a scavenger hunt of learning secret hangouts in her school, who her classmates are, and even a list of the teachers and staff! Who sent these letters? Where do they lead? Can the person writing the letters become Sori's friend?

I recommend starting with the mobile game, which is a shortened version of the comic's beginning. If you want the full experience, you can read the comic first and then try out the game, or just start with the game and start with the comic for extra details - whichever you prefer. The game itself seems to only work on your phone, though this may change in the future, depending on the author's preference. The computer version of the link/game will not load fully and you will miss out on the experience. To start reading the comic by playing the game, visit the chapter Secret Letter here. Otherwise, read the full, free web-comic on Web Toon here.

In all, I LOVED Your Letter, and am quite addicted to Web Toon in general. :) This web-comic is a little gem that will take you about an hour or less to read, and will be sure to brighten your day.

 Happy last day of May! Hope you have some fun summer plans and books lined up - let me know what you're up to and reading in the comments!

Nancy Drew Comics (+ Happy Summer!)

Hi Everyone--

Happy (late) summer! I hope you have been enjoying the longer days and all the summer activities that have been going on. With summer comes a whole new season of books, movies, music, and more. With that "more" category, I would like to introduce to you a new series of book based comics, with a old-time, familiar heroine near and dear to our hearts: Nancy Drew.

(c) Kelly Thompson, Jenn St.Onge, Triona Farrell, Ariana Maher, Dynamite

Released earlier this month, this comic series begins with The Case of the Cold Case: Chapter One, by Kelly Thompson, Jenn St.Onge, Triona Farrell, and Ariana Maher (Dynamite Comics).

We begin with Nancy in unfamiliar surroundings, with new friends, but familiar circumstances - in the middle of solving a mystery. Nancy receives a letter that calls her back to her hometown.With a fresh new look for both her and her friends, Bess and George, the trio are off on a series of adventures in solving a mystery. A certain male mystery duo also make a guest appearance.

I have been excited for this series ever since I heard about the project earlier this year. I was confused when the series stated that Nancy's hometown is "Bayport," the hometown of duo Frank and Joe Hardy, rather than River Heights (maybe I missed something?). The story itself is more modern and makes current pop culture references. Although it is not exactly what I thought it would be, they stayed true to Nancy's personality and her take-charge attitude to get to the bottom of any mystery. I am curious to see if we will meet Ned ("good old reliable Ned") and if we will be introduced to more mysteries once The Case of the Cold Case is solved.

It is good to see more comics based on books, especially ones that focus on intelligent females! I did hear down the grapevine that there will be a new Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys comic book that was also just released (about $13.60 on Amazon), titled Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys: The Big Lie by comiXology.

What are you reading during your summer days? Let me know in the comments below, or if you are on Instagram, use #currentlyreadingblog and let me know with a picture!

Happy Summer Reading! :)