Books to Inspire, Thrill and Engage Children
Sophie is proud of the hard work she’s done to become the top student in her class. She didn’t used to be a diligent student, but after several moves and several schools, she decided to work hard and make her parents proud. But the day her teacher is to chalk her name on the board... Continue Reading →
Kestra Dallisor has been exiled to the Lava Fields for three years when suddenly, she’s heading back home to her father, Sir Henry. As Kestra wonders how that happened, her carriage is attacked and she is kidnapped by rebels. They want her to find the Olden Blade, the only weapon that is able to kill... Continue Reading →
“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 →
Northwind by Gary Paulsen starts like a fable, with “The Saga of the Sea Child.” It’s an interesting way to start a book - my one complaint is that the font it’s printed in is difficult to read. All caps with very little punctuation. Which I guess makes it feel more like the reader is... 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 →
Hollis has moved almost more times than she can count. Abandoned as a baby in Hollis Woods, whoever found her named her after the place she was found. She is so used to moving and not belonging, she keeps running. She runs away over and over again - even from the Regans, the one family... 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 →
Rudi Matt is obsessed with The Citadel. It’s the last great summit of the Alps that remains unconquered. Rudi’s father was sure it could be climbed - and he died trying to prove it. Rudi is determined to prove his father right. And Rudi’s mother and uncle are just as determined that Rudi will not... Continue Reading →
During World War II, Port Chicago in San Fransisco was a beehive of activity. All day, and all night, men worked to load huge ships with ammunition bound for troops in the Pacific. All the officers shouting orders were white. All the men handling the ammunition were black. Then one night, a huge explosion rocked... Continue Reading →
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