FYI - the Pedro Cervantes book is still free in the US.

I don't read or speak Spanish, and I brought the Cervantes book largely because I wanted to look at more of his artwork.  The book does include a timeline and an essay.  The photos of his works are quite good, and with a price of zip,well worth it.

Circles of Delight - is, sadly, no longer free.  Shepherd is better known for his children's version of various fables and fairy tales.  This book is a look at the carousels in San Fran.  The history of the carousels is short, but the photos are beautiful.  I love that he paid attention to areas of the actual structure as well as the mounts.

*I received an ARC from NetGalley. This does not affect my review.*

First off, I'll admit that had it not been for a NetGalley email letting readers know about The Storm Runner and Dragon Pearl that were inspired and sponsored by Rick Riordan, I probably...perhaps very likely would not have heard of these, or picked them up so quickly... I loved the Percy Jackson series growing up, and like with any of my favorite authors, if they talk about other authors and books, I have to check them out! (Which is why this isn't a 5 star review.)

That said, while I wasn't immediately pulled into this one, I loved the idea of learning about Mayan mythology as I read this, and once the gods started getting introduced I quickly found myself wanting to know more! That was a big thing, since I was afraid this wouldn't be able to stand up to other mythology stories I've read like the mentioned Percy Jackson series, and even things like Gaiman's Norse Mythology. Not to worry, since I loved it! (Although all those I and X names kind of got confusing! I still managed to figure it out though.) If I was asked about a favorite character...? I don't have one, and there was a part where pretty much each of the main characters was able to stand up and have the spotlight. I loved so many little things that I can't even begin to list, with or without spoilers I just know I would miss something. Why not read it? I'm sure you will find your own favorite things about this book!

Why did no one tell me Don Quixote was this much fun? Also, he's like the ultimate (and worst) fan; I'm surprised he's never referenced in fan studies.

This quote comes from the book Allie, First at Last, and shows readers of the book how the main character, Allie, thinks of herself.

Allie comes from a family of very successful kids. Whether it be her well-rounded sister, or her soccer super-star brother someone her family is always winning something, except her. This really gets to her head and she decides to devote all her time to a volcano for the science fair at her school. After she makes it all she goes to present it, however someone puts slime in it causing her to not win. This upsets her a lot and this is where the quote comes from.

"Bisabuelo" is Allie's grandfather, and she admires him greatly. In the quote her grandfather is attempting to make er feel better after her loss of the science fair. However, Allie has a perception that her grandfather was doing so much at her age, even if he wasn't. This shows the reader that Allie thinks she is inferior to everyone (even if it isn't true).

This quote not only shows reader how Allie thinks of herself, but gives them a good life lesson. That life lesson is that not everyone is so amazing. Sometimes people think this and causes them to think so lowly of themselves, and when people think this low of themselves it makes it harder to achieve what their goals.

So take away this from my blog. Don't think of yourself so low. You can do anything if you think you can.

I am a reader of sci-fi but I do like realistic fiction sometimes. I chose this book because it got good reviews. I have recently read call of the wild.

Allie, First at Last is my new favorite book!!

This book is about a girl who isn't talented but is in a talented family. So she feels ashamed because she never receives any trophies. This book doesn't connect with me because I am great at everything that I do. Do you connect with it? Have you read this book? Are you going to read it? Let me know! I highly suggest it