Books to Inspire, Thrill and Engage Children
I finished listening to this book, The Forbidden Library by Django Wexler - I wanted to know what happened! - but I didn’t love it. Wexler is a good writer, his plots and characters are engaging. I’m just not sure I like the message / world view he communicates. Alice had a privileged childhood until... Continue Reading →
I really wanted to like The Shadow Children by Steven Schnur. But I did not. Set just after World War II in rural France, it could have been beautiful, sweet and touching. I think the author tried too hard and crossed the line into confusing, strange and a touch weird. It was sad too, strangely... Continue Reading →
Maya is having a tough year. Fifth grade is hard enough, especially at the private school she attends in San Francisco. But recently, school has become increasingly difficult because Maya has a secret. She and her family are homeless. Maya doesn’t even want to tell her best friend, Abby. She’s not sure why. Abby knows... Continue Reading →
World War II has engulfed the Continent and London is being bombed into oblivion. Katherine and her siblings must leave their mother and great-aunt for a school in Scotland. Their father has sent word to their mother of the plan - and Katherine is not happy. Before she leaves for Rookskill Castle, her great aunt... Continue Reading →
Hazel’s life has completely changed. Her father is gone. Her mother is working all the time. And now Hazel has to attend a different school. School is awful - except that her best friend Jack attends this school. He lives next door and they spend every day after school together. Suddenly, Jack stops talking to... Continue Reading →
I picked up Knightley & Son by Rohan Gavin for vacation reading this summer (of 2014). Yes, I am very late posting this review!). I love mysteries, and I thought this one about a father-son duo would be good. While it is well-written, and the characters are interesting, I found the plot rather difficult. Not... Continue Reading →
Note: This is a review I wrote in 2013 and for some reason didn't publish. Apparently, I also didn't write a review of Eight Keys - or at least I can't find one. Last year, my children and I listened to the audiobook of Eight Keys by Suzanne LaFleur - a beautifully written book about... Continue Reading →
Cultivating Readers 