Books to Inspire, Thrill and Engage Children
Samuel lives on the frontier of the colonies - in a small settlement on the edge of the woods. He teaches himself how to hunt, track and live in the woods, feeling its rhythms and life. One day his world is shattered. As he is on a ridge in the woods, he sees smoke rising... Continue Reading →
I guess I’m on a bit of a survivalist streak. I’ve run across several great books at the thrift shop that I recognize, but hadn’t read - I guess that’s the best explanation as to why now. Sam feels confined and unhappy sharing the small New York City apartment with his large family. When his... Continue Reading →
I was a bit late to the Enola Holmes craze. I first heard of her when Netflix came out with the movie. I read that the movie was based on a book series - and when I saw my absolute, most favorite narrator read the books… I was hooked. The Enola Holmes series starts with... Continue Reading →
Gustave loves living in Paris and hanging out with his best friends, his cousin Jean-Paul and their friend Marcel. They almost won the synagogue Boy Scout scavenger hunt! They couldn’t find a yellow feather, which caused them to lose to the other team by just a few points. But Gustave’s life is about to change.... Continue Reading →
Callie has found a stray dog and she is determined to figure out his owner. Her investigation causes her to collide with Wendell, a white boy from town. She reluctantly joins forces with Wendell to find out who owns the wandering yellow dog. As they investigate, they find themselves getting closer and closer to a... Continue Reading →
The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had may not be the longest title for a book, but it’s a pretty long one. I almost didn’t pick it up because of it - but I’m glad I did. Dit and Emma are unlikely best friends - especially in America’s rural south in 1917. Dit comes from... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
Cultivating Readers 