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Dolly Parton: Glitter, Grit, and Generosity (Icons)
by Carla Mooney (Author)
@ Amazon | Bookshop

Booktalk: Stardom might have seemed like an impossible dream for most people born in rural Tennessee in the 1940s-but Dolly Parton wasn’t most people. From an early age, Parton knew she wanted to be on stage, and as she helped take care of her younger siblings, worked around her family’s home, and attended school in hand-me-down clothes, she set her mind on becoming a star. Parton started writing songs, playing music, and performing in front of an audience when she was still in elementary school, determined to make a living from her music. After she graduated from high school, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee, the country music capital, and began paving the way to what would become one of the most successful entertainment careers in music history.

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The author, Carla Mooney, is one of my former students.
Copyright © 2026 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved. (*bookstore affiliate)

Three Blue Hearts
by Lynne Kelly (Author)
@ Amazon | Bookshop

Booktalk: Max can’t seem to escape the big, looming shadow of his politician dad. But for the next few months, Max and his mom are going away to a quiet Texas beach town where Max can be someone else. Someone who doesn’t make dumb mistakes that embarrass his father—someone who knows how to be strong.

He stumbles on his fresh start right away, when he finds an injured octopus washed up onshore after a storm. With the help of a local wildlife center and a couple of new friends, Max rescues the octopus—who they name Ursula—and vows to take care of her until she’s ready to return to the sea.

But as their bond deepens and Max makes unexpected discoveries that turn his summer upside down, Max’s true strength will be put to the test. Can he keep his promise after all?

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