Some people may call 15-year-old Simon Green a turkey - his aunt even calls him 'pea-brained.' But Miss Rogers, Simon's teacher, sees something special in Simon. "Not everyone appreciates your finer talents, Simon. ... But I'm certain there's a place for you in this world. Just think about what you like best, Simon. Think about... Continue Reading →
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle
Every time one of my children picks up a Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle (by Betty MacDonald) book, laughter ensues. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle does not have any children of her own, but she is surrounded by plenty of children. In fact, parents in her town send their problem children to Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle to be cured. "What kind of problems?"... Continue Reading →
The Ravenmaster’s Secret
Set in the Tower of London during the 1730's, The Ravenmaster's Secret by Elvira Woodruff tells of a daring escape from the Tower. But Forrest Harper isn't sure he has the courage to help with the escape. The older boys at the Tower bully him, his mother requires him to watch over his little sisters. ... Continue Reading →
Caddie Woodlawn
If you like Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder, you will love Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink. I read and reread Wilder's Little House books as a child, but hadn't read Caddie Woodlawn until a few years ago. I wish I had read it as a girl! Caddie is really Caroline... Continue Reading →
Shakespeare’s Secret
When I first saw the cover for Shakespeare's Secret by Elise Broach (author of Masterpiece), I thought, "Oh, a Chasing Vermeer knock-off. I wonder how good it is?" I discovered it's very good. And in my opinion, much better than Chasing Vermeer. (I haven't reviewed Chasing Vermeer because while I like that the book, and... Continue Reading →
Faith, Hope and Ivy June
Ivy June Mosely cannot believe it. Her teacher pulled her name from the coffee can, so she is going to be her school's ambassador to a private school all the way in Lexington! She'll go live with a family in Lexington for two weeks, and attend the school with a girl her own age, name... Continue Reading →
Dark Life
In Dark Life, author Kat Falls introduces her readers to Ty, the first child to be born in Benthic Territory. He helps his parents & his sister on their subsea farm, and explores the rest of the continental shelf - and even parts of the open ocean, even though it's dangerous. Ty is more comfortable... Continue Reading →
Clyde Robert Bulla
If you or your child is studying early American history, you will want to become familiar with Clyde Robert Bulla's works. Bulla has authored a whole, huge long list of books - including two books I've already reviewed, Donald's Duck and The Sword in the Tree. I really appreciate Bulla's sensitivity to children and their... Continue Reading →
The Bridge to Neverland
Fans of Peter and the Starcatchers rejoice! Authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson have teamed up again to write another series about Peter Pan, Neverland, Starcatchers, starstuff, and Lord Ombra. This time, they set the story in modern day America and London, featuring two teens - 17-year-old Sarah and 15-year-old Aidan. This brother and sister... Continue Reading →
The Cabin Faced West
Author Jean Fritz grew up in China, which she credits for her obsession with American history. She's written many children's books about American history, and I've enjoyed every one I've read. (See my review of several of her books, including What's the Big Idea, Ben Franklin? here.) My children read The Cabin Faced West for... Continue Reading →
Cultivating Readers 