Purple background with white lettering and a circular pin showing a snake on one side and a bird on the other.
Posted in Award Winners, So Many Good Books, YA Novels

Sunrise on the Reaping

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

How can a book you know the ending too (it’s a prequel) be so compelling? But that’s how I found Sunrise on the Reaping (Scholastic Press, 2025) by Suzanne Collins.

Set in The Hunger Games world, it’s about Haymitch–yes, the drunken mentor! This story takes place when he’s young and has to go through the trials himself. Haymitch isn’t selected as tribute from District 12, but when the boy tribute does a runner and is killed, Haymitch is shoved into his place and forced to reenact his “choosing” as if his name was really drawn. It doesn’t get better from there.

Seeing the contrasts and similarities between this time period and other other books set in the world is fascinating. Living with Haymitch’s experience is very different than “knowing” he went through it. And, yes, if you haven’t heard, there will be a movie. And if you have no idea what I’m talking about read The Hunger Games.

Read some of the bestselling author’s thoughts on this book here. Here is a link to her other books and Suzanne’s bio.

Cover of The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman features a falling boy with papers, pencils, a backpack, a skateboard, and a pug all falling against a blue background
Posted in Award Winners, MG Novels, So Many Good Books

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman (Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2024) by Gennifer Choldenko is a heart-wrenching story. Of course, her middle grade novels often are.

Hank, almost 12, and his sister Boo, 3, haven’t seen their mom in a week. The food has run out, so have the scrounged coins. The landlord is threatening eviction through the closed door. With Grandma Mae gone, what can they do? A name and address written on an unsigned permission slip is their only hope.

You’ll love both kids–such sympathetic characters.

The book has too many awards to list, but you can see them here. Read fun facts about Newbery honor author Gennifer here. I love her Alcatraz books, but I think Notes from a Liar and Her Dog is still my favorite. Check out all her books here.

cover of Leif's Gift - shows a kd with a watering can in teh center, surrounded by plants. A green turtle is below him.
Posted in PB, So Many Good Books

Leif’s Gift

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

Lief’s Gift (Norton Young Readers, 2025) by Michael Wang and illustrated by Lenny Wen is amusing and educational.

Lief likes growing plants in his bedroom with his pal Hortus (a turtle). “Lief was devoted to foliage.” He asks for specific plants for his birthday, from the tooth fairy, from Santa Claus. He has quite a collection, but doesn’t think he has enough. But when his plants grow, and grow and grow, he has trouble finding things in his room. When Hortus is missing, Lief takes an honest look at his too wild room. How can he keep his plants but make them somehow less?

Backmatter shows how to propagate plants. And includes a list and illustrations of pet friendly plants.

This is the author’s debut picture book. On this page, you’ll find activities and videos for the book. Read about Michael here.

Read about the illustrator here. Lenny is an author as well as an illustrator and you can see her books here. Sample illustrations are on the main page of her website.