Books to Inspire, Thrill and Engage Children
Marlee is changing. She doesn’t want to change. She doesn’t talk to anyone except her older brother, her sister and her dad. Sometimes her mom. But this year, everything is changing. Her brother is off at college, and now her sister wants to move into his room and leave Marlee by herself. A new girl... Continue Reading →
Eben McAllister enjoys dreaming about visiting the world. He loves pouring over maps and books about the world outside his little down of Sassafras Springs, Missouri. But he’s never left his hometown. One day, Eben’s father challenges him to find seven wonders in his home town. And, there’s a prize. A visit to visit his... Continue Reading →
Maggie doesn’t know who her parents are. She only knows widow Minka, who took her in and continually threatens to send her away to beg on the streets. That seems a fate too difficult to bear, so Maggie continually tries to please widow Minka. Until one day, widow Minka announces to Maggie that she’s arranged... 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 →
King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table are popular topics of books and other adaptations. Gerald Morris wrote Sir Lancelot the Great, one part of his The Knights’ Tales series for young readers. This short chapter book is perfect for readers ready for the next step - and wanting adventures and laughter. The... Continue Reading →
Tommy is trying to do the right thing. His sister, Mary Lou, is in the hospital recovering from horrible burns. She was injured doing his chore. So Tommy takes over Mary Lou’s paper route. Just until she comes home. But he misses her horribly. They were allies in trying to survive their home, their mother’s... Continue Reading →
Eel is hiding. He’s hiding himself, and a secret. He’s an orphan in London in 1854, and that is not an easy life. He works hard - started as a muckraker in the Thames River. That was not a fun job. Through a series of fortunate events, Eel was able to get a job as... Continue Reading →
Lisa and her friends live on farms outside a village in the Swedish countryside. They enjoy simple pleasures of life - crayfishing in a local pond, celebrating Christmas, enjoying walks home from school, shopping at the local market for their mothers. The Children of Noisy Village was written by Astrid Lindgren, author of Pippi Longstocking... Continue Reading →
I’ll be honest. I picked up this short, little book because of the Scandinavian art on the cover. I love Scandinavian folk art, and thought this book could be enjoyable because of it. I was not wrong. When Mischief Came to Town by Katrina Nannestad should be a classic. I loved this sweet story of... Continue Reading →
Jessie plays his flute to earn extra money to help his family stay afloat. New Orleans in 1840 teems with sailors, many of whom were generous with their pennies when Jessie played for them. Then Jessie is kidnapped and dumped aboard a slaving ship. The captain wants his music skills to “dance” the slaves to... Continue Reading →
Cultivating Readers 