Books to Inspire, Thrill and Engage Children
It seems like a crazy title - how on earth can a war save someone's life? But the title is true to the book. In The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Ada tells her story first-hand. It's a difficult story of abuse and neglect. Ada is crippled, and her mother refuses... Continue Reading →
Georgie knows that her sister is not dead. She believes it with all her heart - even after the sheriff brings back a body with long auburn hair wearing her sister's ballgown. Even after her mother identifies the body as Agatha, Georgie's sister. Even after the whole town turns out for Agatha's funeral. Georgie refuses... Continue Reading →
Manolo has grown up in his father's shadow. His father, the great bullfighter Juan Olivar, was killed during a fight when Manolo was just a small child. But Juan is never far from Manolo's thoughts - the old men in his village won't let him forget. He must always remember his father was the greatest... Continue Reading →
I love to read stories about family history, whether it is mine or someone else's. Lucky for me, Elaine Snyder tells the story of her grandparents who immigrated from Russia to New York City around the 1900's in Anna & Solomon. This is a sweet story - one with a sad beginning, but a happy... Continue Reading →
Paris is a beautiful city (I'm told - I've haven't been there yet), one that people of all ages can enjoy. Children and parents alike will enjoy A Walk in Paris by Salvatore Rubbino, a beautifully illustrated picture book which gives an overview of the city from a little girl's perspective. Even though I've... Continue Reading →
P.K. Pinkerton is in deep trouble... in more ways than one. He is at the bottom of a silver mine, trying to figure out a way to outwit Wittlin' Walt, the Very Bad Man after his inheritance. This is where we find P.K. at the beginning of The Case of the Deadly Desperados, by Caroline... Continue Reading →
Would you like to make an apple pie? The little girl in How to Make and Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman does. She makes a list of ingredients she needs, and heads to the market. But the market is closed! What should she do? The narrator has many interesting suggestions -... Continue Reading →
The interesting title encouraged me to pick this book off the library shelves. "It befell that on the first day of Lent, Brother Hugo could not return his library book. 'I shall have to inform the Abbot of this, Brother Hugo,' said the librarian." That wonderful first sentence granted Brother Hugo and the Bear by... Continue Reading →
Author Jon Scieszka has a gift for writing books that he would love to read. The more excellent news is that lots of children - especially boys - love to read his books too. For boys ready for short chapter books, I’ve found the pickings quite slim - especially if you’re not into the latest... Continue Reading →
Most Americans, especially children, are familiar with the Disney version of the 101 Dalmatians story. But as with most movies based upon books, the book is so much better! Many of the characters - both human and dog - are the same in both the movie and the book. However, Perdita is not Pongo's wife,... Continue Reading →
Cultivating Readers 