Books to Inspire, Thrill and Engage Children
Tim loves his big brother, Sam. He knows Sam is smart, brave and always knows the right thing to do. Then Sam enlists in the Revolutionary Army, against the wishes of Tim and Sam’s father, who is loyal to the king. Tim is torn between love for his father and brother. How can he choose... Continue Reading →
Iron-Hearted Violet by Kelly Barnhill is the most thought-provoking middle grade fiction book I’ve read recently. In the fantasy genre, it tells the story of an unusual princess - an ugly one. She and her friend awaken an evil god, the Nybbas, who whispers lies to the entire kingdom. Violet and Demetrius must find more... Continue Reading →
Heads up! If you haven't read any of Robin Stevens’ Wells & Wong mysteries, you are missing out! First Class Murder is the third book in the series. While each book stands alone, you'll understand the characters much better if you start with Murder is Not Polite. (What a perfect title!) I love the developing... Continue Reading →
Sarah helps her father and brother run their small farm on Long Island, just before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. The tensions between the Patriots and the Loyalists in her neighborhood come between her father and brother. When her father tears up the Common Sense pamphlet by Thomas Paine, the local Patriots come hunting.... Continue Reading →
If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period by Gennifer Choldenko Timely. Sensitive. Amazing. All describe If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period by Gennifer Choldenko. I love this author (of Al Capone Does My Homework, etc.) and how she handles the subject of race, bullying and family in this book. The chapters are short, which... Continue Reading →
Gone-Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright is a lovely read / listen for all ages. Portia and her younger brother, Foster, visit their cousin Julian every summer. This summer Julian has moved to the country. Portia and Julian explore and find a row of Victorian houses bordering on a swamp. It's a former resort, occupied by... Continue Reading →
My daughter has been telling me to read The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates series by Caroline Carlson since she first found it several years ago. I finally listened to Magic Marks the Spot and loved it! It’s a fun story about a girl who wants to become a pirate, her governess and best... Continue Reading →
As I was scrolling through my new-to-me library's Overdrive collection, I found The Magic World by E. Nesbit. I have heard the author's name before, but couldn't place where (& still can't, tho Google tells me she wrote over 60 books - all children's literature). This book is perfect for shorter drives with children. Each... Continue Reading →
Karen Cushman is an author I will always read, although I wouldn't put her in my top 10 list. Her books are enjoyable yet definitely for 4th-grade or older. I enjoyed Alchemy and Meggy Swan - a realistic look at the down and out in Elizabethan England. Meggy's parents both reject her. Her village hates... Continue Reading →
Finally coming up for air after several busy weeks moving to a new state. (This was written in 2017.) While busy packing and unpacking, I enjoyed listening to one of my favorite middle grade authors, Andrew Clements. He writes fun, and funny, books which are great for light reading - and for starting discussions, if... Continue Reading →
Cultivating Readers 