Books to Inspire, Thrill and Engage Children
For all the books I’ve read, I can’t believe I’ve read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl for the first time. Charlie is an unlikely recipient of a golden ticket to see the inside of Mr. Willy Wonka’s famous chocolate factory. The other children who have golden tickets are spoiled, rotten and selfish.... Continue Reading →
When Roberto decides to sneak away to attend a movie one afternoon, he has no idea that it means he will never see his parents again. German soldiers raid the theater, round up the boys and send them to a work camp. As Roberto and his friend Samuele struggle to survive, they vow to stay... Continue Reading →
Several different people recommended Andrew Peterson’s Wingfeather Saga series to me. So of course I️ had to read it. I’ll admit that this fall has been pretty draining personally, which meant it took me a bit to get into the series. It starts with On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. Peterson’s humor... Continue Reading →
The Girl from Felony Bay by J.E. Thompson is an exciting who-dun-it set on a plantation just outside of Charleston, South Carolina. Abbey Force is hoping her father will wake from his coma so they can set things right. She has had to move with with her awful uncle and aunt, and her beloved plantation... Continue Reading →
Lydia and her brother Charles were determined to keep their little farm going even after their father left to find work in the west and their mother took their younger sisters to their aunt and uncle’s house. Then their mother wrote to let them know she had hired them out to different places to pay... Continue Reading →
Tim loves his big brother, Sam. He knows Sam is smart, brave and always knows the right thing to do. Then Sam enlists in the Revolutionary Army, against the wishes of Tim and Sam’s father, who is loyal to the king. Tim is torn between love for his father and brother. How can he choose... Continue Reading →
Iron-Hearted Violet by Kelly Barnhill is the most thought-provoking middle grade fiction book I’ve read recently. In the fantasy genre, it tells the story of an unusual princess - an ugly one. She and her friend awaken an evil god, the Nybbas, who whispers lies to the entire kingdom. Violet and Demetrius must find more... Continue Reading →
Heads up! If you haven't read any of Robin Stevens’ Wells & Wong mysteries, you are missing out! First Class Murder is the third book in the series. While each book stands alone, you'll understand the characters much better if you start with Murder is Not Polite. (What a perfect title!) I love the developing... Continue Reading →
Sarah helps her father and brother run their small farm on Long Island, just before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. The tensions between the Patriots and the Loyalists in her neighborhood come between her father and brother. When her father tears up the Common Sense pamphlet by Thomas Paine, the local Patriots come hunting.... Continue Reading →
If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period by Gennifer Choldenko Timely. Sensitive. Amazing. All describe If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period by Gennifer Choldenko. I love this author (of Al Capone Does My Homework, etc.) and how she handles the subject of race, bullying and family in this book. The chapters are short, which... Continue Reading →
Cultivating Readers 