Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau

 Goodreads Summary: 

Seventeen-year-old Mia, an American girl at an elite summer ballet program, has six weeks to achieve her dreams: to snag an audition with one of the world’s best ballet companies. But there’s more to Paris than ballet—especially when a charming French boy, Louis, wants to be her tour guide—and the pair discover the city has a few mysteries up its sleeve.

In the vein of Love & Gelato, Love & Luck, and Love & Olives, Kisses and Croissant takes romance to Paris and straps a pair of pointe shoes on its feet. What an adorable story! Although the romance is primary, it is introduced with some drama and loads of adventure.  And the setting....who wouldn't LOVE a story told riding a moped through the streets of Paris? 

Highly recommend this story for foodies, world travelers, and lovers of a great story! (and the croissants really ARE that delicious!)

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Maya and the Robot

 

Maya approaches 5th grade with trepidation and bravery. Her friends are not in her class and she has to navigate this school year carefully. Her interest in Science keeps her focused on the science fair, particularly after she finds a partially built robot. 

This book grabbed my attention at the beginning and didn't let go. The journey was sweet, mysterious, emotional, and adventurous. I HIGHLY recommend this book to all readers, grades 3-5. This book will inspire children to accept challenges and realize that kids CAN make a difference.

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STEM-themed books for middle-grade students:

Nikki Tesla and the Ferret-Proof Death Ray by Jess Keating - Book & Trailer

Ellie, Engineer by Jackson Pearce - Book 

Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor by Jon Scieszka - Book & Read Aloud

Nick and Tesla's High-Voltage Lab by Bob Pflugfelder -  Book 

Maya’s nervous about fifth grade. She tries to keep calm by reminding herself she knows what to expect. But then she learns that this year won’t be anything like the last. For the first time since kindergarten, her best friends Jada and MJ are placed in a different class without her, and introverted Maya has trouble making new friends.

She tries to put on a brave face since they are in fifth grade now, but Maya is nervous! Just when too much seems to be changing, she finds a robot named Ralph in the back of Mr. Mac’s convenience store closet. Once she uses her science skills to get him up and running, a whole new world of connection opens up as Ralph becomes a member of her family and Maya begins to step into her power. In this touching novel, Eve L. Ewing melds together a story about community, adapting to change, and the magic of ingenuity that reminds young readers that they can always turn to their own curiosity when feeling lost.

Maya’s nervous about fifth grade. She tries to keep calm by reminding herself she knows what to expect. But then she learns that this year won’t be anything like the last. For the first time since kindergarten, her best friends Jada and MJ are placed in a different class without her, and introverted Maya has trouble making new friends.

She tries to put on a brave face since they are in fifth grade now, but Maya is nervous! Just when too much seems to be changing, she finds a robot named Ralph in the back of Mr. Mac’s convenience store closet. Once she uses her science skills to get him up and running, a whole new world of connection opens up as Ralph becomes a member of her family and Maya begins to step into her power. In this touching novel, Eve L. Ewing melds together a story about community, adapting to change, and the magic of ingenuity that reminds young readers that they can always turn to their own curiosity when feeling lost.