Books to Inspire, Thrill and Engage Children
I was reading chapter 8 in The Skylark’s War by Hilary McKay when I had a moment of deja vu - I’ve read this book before. I searched the archives - no record. Then I realized I had dozens of reviews on social media I am working on getting onto my blog. I scanned through... Continue Reading →
I was rather shocked by the plot twist at the beginning of Summer of Gypsy Moths. At the same time, I thought author Sara Pennypacker did a good job of revealing the thought processes of the two main characters in the midst of it. The result is a beautiful story of finding a place and... Continue Reading →
I think I've either read or listened to every one of Andrew Clements' books, except Extra Credit. For some reason I kept putting it back on the shelf. My girlfriend told me how much she loved it so I picked it up. I'm so glad I did! A realistic portrayal of pen pals, sixth grade,... Continue Reading →
My daughter has wanted me to read The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley (author of my favorite, Beauty) for over five years. I kept promising to read it, and she nearly gave up hope. But I’ve read it - and thoroughly enjoyed it! In McKinley’s version of Robin Hood, Robin is an apprentice forester... Continue Reading →
Will loves life in the castle. He and his friends get into mischief whenever they can, and Will has a nose for when Cook replenishes the molasses in the pantry. He just wishes his father were there - and chafes under his mother’s worry. Then his uncle, the current lord of the castle, hosts an... Continue Reading →
On the eve of World War II, Genevieve impulsively decides to stay in the Alsace region of France with her grandmother. And she doesn't even like her grandmother. Her aunt always says she doesn't think before she acts. Now Gen doesn't know who to trust and must learn how to care for her grandmother, the... Continue Reading →
This is the first World War II novel I've read focused on the Russians. The Night Witches were women pilots who flew thousands of dangerous missions against the Germans. Author Kathryn Lasky is a good writer (Her Guardians of Ga'Hoole series are a favorite.) 13-year-old Valya is caught in the battle of Stalingrad - her... Continue Reading →
With all the change in my life right now (I wrote this review several years ago), I find myself gravitating towards books that feel like familiar friends. I remember listening to The Birthday Ball by Lois Lowry years ago with my children and enjoying it. I find it ironic I listened to it again so... Continue Reading →
I loved Holly Goldberg Sloan's Counting by 7's so I immediately picked up her newest book. (Yes, I published this on my socials several years ago.) Julia is still mourning the loss of her dog, Ramon, and focused on growing taller - because she is small (she does not use 'short'). Her mom forces her... Continue Reading →
The Poet’s Dog is another beautiful tale from the author of Sarah, Plain and Tall, Patricia MacLachlan. Nickel and Flora are stranded in a blizzard when Teddy finds them. He takes them back to the cabin he shared with Sylvan, before he left. Teddy and the children get to know each other and begin to... Continue Reading →
Cultivating Readers 