Books to Inspire, Thrill and Engage Children
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 →
Christopher Rowe is training to be an apothecary in London under a master who he has learned to love. But when fellow apothecaries are murdered, he is thrown into solving a terrifying mystery - with the help of his good friend Tom. Exciting, with puzzles within puzzles. Great for reading or listening for older elementary... 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 →
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 →
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 →
Esperanza is treated like a princess in Mexico. Then her life changes forever and she escapes to America. There she has to learn to do everything - laundry, sweep, change diapers. Her fellow workers laugh at her - but Esperanza learns to rise above her circumstances and find hope. Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan... 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 →
Cultivating Readers 