Reb Recs (My Sister Recommends Me Books)

Welcome to Reb Recs!

My sister graciously and eagerly made me this list of books. Here are 24 books that she loves and wishes for me to share in her love of them. Credit for this booklist goes to her. I have not yet read any of these, so I can't endorse any of them, YET. 

She made this a bit like a game. So here are the rules:
1. Choose 1 of the two suggested titles for each month.

2. Get the book. Some of them are ones my sister owns, some of these I'll get from my local library.

3. Read (or listen) to the book. She is okay if I read the book as a physical book, eBook or audiobook.

4. Tell her what I what I think of the book. I will also update this blog with my thoughts. 

This will be an ongoing blog project, so stay tuned for future updates.

Spy School by Stuart Gibbs or North of Nowhere by Liz Kessler

It's January! My sister created this list and gifted it as a part of her Christmas present to me. I had one week to consider the titles and choose my first book. With that in mind here's how I picked my first month's read. I have several titles I am currently reading and didn't want to add another physical book or eBook to the metaphorical stack, so it came down to which book I could get quickly as an audiobook. I checked my public library's trusty eLibrary and found that only one of these two books was available from them as an audiobook. So, I checked that audiobook out. I'm leaving everyone in suspense, just as I've left my sister waiting for me to announce my first read to tell her what I choose. So here we go, here is my first choice.

Spy School by Stuart Gibbs, read by Gibson Frazier

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Genre: Middle Grade Adventure

Rating: 4/5

Spice: 0/5

Content Warnings: Danger and violence (Middle grade appropriate), mild language, kids having weapons

📘SUMMARY📘

Ben Ripley is an ordinary 12-year-old when he is recruited by the CIA to attend spy school. Soon after, he is attacked in his dorm room by an assassin and learns that he is being used as bate to catch a double agent. Being a student at spy school would be cool if it weren't for the ninjas, bullies and traitors. He's busy making new friends, crushing on the most talented girl in spy school, and learning the secrets of espionage. 

📘REVIEW📘

I didn't quite love this book; Throughout there are moments of danger and action. However, there are a couple times the author uses a plot device to push the story along as appose to having the characters' actions and experiences lead the story. One thing it does really well is create strong parallels and contrasts between the differences in the characters for a unique and interesting ensemble. After some reflection I notice there is some excellent foreshadowing, and the author uses those parallels between different characters to prepare the reader for a surprise ending. The main character, Ben is a likeable 12-year-old character. He's hardworking, kind and clever. For a special skill, he is really good at math, and it plays an important role.  Also, this book has a clever sense of humor. There's no romance, but Ben has a crush on Erica, a superspy student a couple of years older than him. Also, she may be the only competent person in the spy school making for some funny situations throughout the book. This story is perfect for Middle Grade readers who enjoy action and humor.

💙WOULD I REC?💙

My sister loves this book, while I find it entertaining.  I would recommend this book, but for children, parents and caregivers looking for clean, action-packed and fun middle grade books.

#bookreview #booksandbracelets #bookstagram #libby #spyschool #stuartgibbs 

🩵Pictured with Chevron Stripe in blue, red and black!🩵

Things Not Seen by Andrew Clements or Belle by Cameron Dokey

Along with the short month of February, my sister decided to recommend a couple of shorter titles. This month I considered my options and saw that I could listen or read Things Not Seen as an eBook or even audiobook from my local library but if I wanted to read Belle, I would have to read my sister's physical copy. I honestly have been trying to keep my currently reading list of books down to a list that feels manageable, and I have been reading physical books very slowly, so I decided it would come down to if I finished one of the physical books I am currently reading. And I finished that one more book. In February I am reading:

Belle by Cameron Dokey

Check back for my review!

Blue Blur: A Mission Given by Tanner Froreich or City Spies by James Ponti

Check back in March for updates.

The Story Thieves by James Riley or Restart by Gordon Korman

Check back in April for updates.

Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes or School for Sidekicks by Kelly McCollough

Check back in May for updates.

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull or Going Wild by Lisa McMann

Check back in June for updates.

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine or My Brother Is a Superhero by David Solomons

Check back in July for updates.

A Year Without Autumn by Liz Kessler or The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine

Check back in August for updates.

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein or No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman

Check back in September for updates.

No Passengers Beyond This Point by Gennifer Choldenko or The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

Check back in October for updates.

Swindle by Gordon Korman or Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

Check back in November for updates.

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger or When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stand

Check back in December for updates.

Check back for concluding thoughts.

Below is the full list my sister made along with her comments on each title.

For more bookish content find me on Instagram: @Skai_BooksAndBracelets