Teen Read Week Tuesday: Seek the Unknown-New Non-Fiction
DIY Nail Art: Easy, Step-By-Step Instructions for 75 Creative Nail Art Designs by Catherine Rodgers
Why I picked up the book: I’m not ashamed to admit I’m kind of a girly-girl, especially when it comes to hair and nails. I spend tons of time during my teenage years doing my own nails. I would have *LOVED* a book like this. I may try some of these in my spare time! I’m thinking of doing a teen DIY beauty program next summer!
Why I finished it: It is a quick, easy-to-flip through guide of 75 different nail art designs. They provide color photos of each step, which is great. The best part is you don’t have to be an artist and they don’t have to be perfect. Some of the designs even have a unique difference for the thumb or ring finger. All you need is a variety of nail polish colors as well as a base and top coat. For the designs, they use a thin nail brush, a dotting tool, and a sponge and tweezer. You could find ways to improvise if you don’t have these, or ask for them as gifts! You could easily do the designs for a pedicure as well, although you might have to tweak them a bit for smaller nails.
I’d give it to: any girl (teen or adult) who likes to do their nails. It would make a fun project for sleepovers, birthday parties, or mother/daughter, best friend, or any other hangout time. If you aren’t very artistic or have a steady hand, the second person would be helpful!
My rating: 4 of 5 stars (Really Liked It!)
Want to read it? Click here to place the book on hold!
Dog Shaming by Pascale Lemire
Why I picked up the book: I love this humorous pet books. I have two cats and a huge dog! I have read the Dog Shaming blog and love it. For those who haven’t, people send in pictures of their dog with a written explanation of what naughty thing the dog did (eating a book, devouring a stuffed animal, etc). Even the ugly dogs (IMHO) have cute faces and the notes are so funny.
Why I finished it: It is a quick read and funny, because my huge golden lab has done a lot of those things. I’d love to see a “Cat Shaming”, although cats don’t care so it wouldn’t be the same. One of my favorites is a black lab whose note explained that he broke out of the yard, got arrested, and now that he has been bailed out, he is grounded.
I’d give it to: Dog lovers, teen and adult. It would be a fun writing exercise. Take a picture of your dog, or just a random one, and determine what naughty thing they just got away with.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars (I liked it!)
Want to read it? Click here to place the book on hold!
Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith by Gabrielle Douglas
If you watched the 2012 London Olympic Games, you’ve heard of Gabrielle Douglas. She was a member of the Fierce Five, who won team gold for the USA and she became the first woman of color from any nationality to win the all around gold. But there is a lot more to know about this sixteen year old phenom. Learn about her siblings, her family struggles, and what she sacrificed in order to fulfill her Olympic dreams.
Why I picked up this book: I love reading current “celebrity” biographies and this looked like it would be appealing to teens. Gymnastics and ice skating are my favorite sports to watch in the Olympics.
Why I finished it: The book is very simple and a fast read.
I’d give it to: Gymnasts. Fans of the 2012 Olympics and those who want to know more about the “flying squirrel”. Teens looking for a fast, easy read.
While the book was good, it lacks depth that would come from an older teen/adult biography. At the time of publication in December 2012, it had only been five months since the London Games so it is apparent that the book was rushed to print.
My rating: 2 of 5 stars (It was okay)
Want to read it? Click here to place the book on hold!
Raising The Bar by Gabrielle Douglas
Gabby’s second book is more of a pictorial. It is easy to flip through and is filled with lots of colored photos, lists, quotes, and other fun information about Gabby and her family, gymnastics, etc.
Want to read it? Click here to place the book on hold!
Reviews by Jenn, YA Librarian (View all my Goodreads reviews)