Ms. Anderson's ATM

I have a confession. Sometimes it is hard to finish a book that I really want to like. I was filled with anticipation for Everything Sad is Untrue and it is proving to be a challenge. The story isn't what I imagined at all, the reading is hard, and I'm just struggling to stay focused. So, I'll confess... I put it aside and am focusing on other titles. But I've promised myself that I'll be back!

Now this was a pleasant surprise. King and the Dragonflies won the National Book Award and was a Stonewall Honor book this year. And I'm happy to report it was really good. And not in that "my teacher said I should read it way." I mean easy to get into and interesting to watch unfold. The story was filled with an air of magic and the characters danced right off the page. It was such a contrast from my other struggles that I finished it in one day!

I discovered this book a bit by accident. And when I say discovered, I mean I discovered that I somehow failed to read it after it won a slew of awards in 2016. How that happened I do not know. I love the author's other work and this is a book in verse. I think sometimes books come to us when we are ready so I must be in need of a book about true love! Insert heart emojis.

Okay. I am in full delight mode here. This books is complete departure from award books to happy indulgence. No Place for Monsters is one of those books I know lots of students will love. It's funny but kind of creepy, and has vivid illustrations throughout. My only complaint is that I have trouble putting it down. But isn't that the best kind of reading problem to have?

I hope you find something good to read while this weather is cold!

Happiness is a good book. Ms. Anderson