Eat, Read, and Be Mommy

In case you’re wondering where I’ve been–because I really didn’t just flake–my hubby and I took the kiddos to see Dude Perfect live in Boise this past Friday. (We’re all fans–some of the kids are hardcore–and while DP still hasn’t come to Salt Lake, Boise’s last minute addition to this year’s tour worked out quite nicely!) We spent some time with family on Saturday, made my cousin’s baby’s blessing Sunday morning, and drove back to Utah in time for Sunday dinner with my in-laws. (A quick trip, I grant you, but we packed it full!) Yesterday I spent time on the phone trying to fix some house issues, time trying to organize basic chore lists for my kids, and time with friends trying to process the idea of going gluten- and dairy-free for a month to see if it helps my oldest with her current tummy issues. (I was feeling overwhelmed.) Today I tackled laundry mountain, hit the library–and finished reading Truly Tyler while waiting to pick the littles up from school. Wahoo! My second oldest hounded me for it for weeks until I let her read it before I was finished (to make up for her missing school for her Covid test); now that I’m finished, I’m sure she’ll do a quick re-read before it goes back to the library. (I think my oldest still cares about Libenson’s “Emmie & Friends” as well, but I guess we’ll see!) In the meantime, I’m relieved to be done trying to read a 300-plus page graphic novel in bed with my little-kid-hands–it’s not so bad when you’re in the middle of it, but the beginning and the end put the weight in my hand off-balance enough to be uncomfortable. (First world problems…)

It was a fun addition to Libenson’s series, though. Having a boy as one of the main characters was a fun change, and the dynamics among family members, fellow students, and teammates felt authentic. Trying to balance friends in different groups is a challenge that teaches important skills, and deciding whose opinions to value and why is vital to the growing up process. Emmie is definitely a main character here, and she and Tyler’s friendship journey should have widespread appeal. This is a solid middle grade graphic/illustrated novel about valuing friends and finding the right balance in life–definitely give it a try!