Books to Inspire, Thrill and Engage Children
“Rebecca Stead is one of my new favorite authors. This is the third book of hers I've listened to this winter / spring. A beautiful story of friendship, learning to fight, learning to forgive, and learning to put a 'pin in it.' All in the midst of an honest, thoughtful, and appropriate treatment of sexting... Continue Reading →
One very special harmonica changes the lives of three hurting children in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Friedrich in Germany is the first to find the harmonica. It brings him hope and courage as he fights for his music, his dream, and his father, under Hitler’s regime. Then Mike in Pennsylvania discovers the harmonica. It gives... Continue Reading →
Judith goes by many different names. Aunt Cora calls her Jubliee. “You’re a celebration, my dear!” she says. Gideon, the ferry pilot, calls her Red, because of her red hair. The neighborhood boy, Travis, calls her No-Talk Girl, which she doesn’t really mind because she can tell he likes her. But Judith really wants a... Continue Reading →
Baseball is Jeremiah's life. He eats it, breathes it. So when the doctors tell him he can't play after a major operation, Jeremiah decides to shift his focus. He will coach baseball. His opportunity comes sooner than he expects. He and his dad move to a small town in Ohio with a great baseball tradition.... Continue Reading →
Georges is used to being teased about his name. The 's' is silent, for crying out loud. He does his best to ignore the teasing. But now home is in an upheaval. He and his parents have moved into a small apartment after his dad lost his job. He's still in the same school, so... Continue Reading →
Miranda cannot figure out what is wrong with her best friend, Sal. He just quit talking to her. Then she started receiving strange notes. And met Mason, a boy with strange notions. As Miranda tries to figure out the source of the notes, and what's wrong with Sal, she realizes someone she loves is in... Continue Reading →
Maniac Mcgee is a legend in his town. His real name was Jeffery Lionel Magee - but when his parents died, his life changed. And with his new life came the new name - Maniac. Maniac is an interesting boy. He does what he wants. Lives where he wants. Talks with who he wants. It... Continue Reading →
Jack Plank loved being a pirate. His fellow pirates liked him a lot too. But after a bit, it became clear to everyone that Jack was no good at plundering. That was OK, because someone needed to stay behind and keep the soup warm. But then hard times hit pirating, and the pirates couldn't keep... Continue Reading →
I was a bit late to the Enola Holmes craze. I first heard of her when Netflix came out with the movie. I read that the movie was based on a book series - and when I saw my absolute, most favorite narrator read the books… I was hooked. The Enola Holmes series starts with... Continue Reading →
Moxie knows Grumps wasn’t perfect. But she isn’t going to go blabbing family business to the neighborhood. Then one day, a stranger shows up at the front door, asking for Grumps. And not taking no for an answer. Moxie starts on a quest. Why does this stranger want her Grumps? And what could Grumps remember... Continue Reading →
Cultivating Readers 