Books to Inspire, Thrill and Engage Children
Miranda cannot figure out what is wrong with her best friend, Sal. He just quit talking to her. Then she started receiving strange notes. And met Mason, a boy with strange notions. As Miranda tries to figure out the source of the notes, and what's wrong with Sal, she realizes someone she loves is in... 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 →
Hope grew up moving from location to location as her Aunt Addie moves from job to job in the restaurant industry. The most recent move from Brooklyn to rural Wisconsin was forced by Addie's former business partner stealing all the diner's money - from the cash register and the bank accounts. Hope is frustrated and... Continue Reading →
Ani was supposed to meet her best friend Weevil. She was NOT supposed to be arrested by the governor's wardens. And Weevil was certainly not supposed to allow himself to be arrested too. And neither of them were supposed to be tested for the deadly plague running through the land - the Scourge. The River... Continue Reading →
Lily can’t wait to get away from school and the city and head to Rockaway Bay with her grandmother and father. But when she arrives, she realizes this summer is going to be different. Her best friend, Margaret, is moving to a war factory town. Then Lily discovers her father is leaving for the war,... Continue Reading →
What fascinates me is how author Laura Marx Fitzgerald can write such compelling books and interest me in art at the same time. I thought Blue Balliett did a fairly good job merging art and plot in her books Chasing Vermeer, etc. Laura Marx Fitzgerald takes it to another level. I enjoyed Under the Egg,... Continue Reading →
At the end of Pax, Peter and his pet fox, Pax, were separated. Pax, Journey Home picks up a year later. Pax is living in the wild with his mate, Bristle, and her brother, Runt. Peter is living with Vola, lonely and unwilling to let anyone into his heart. He’s grieving his father’s death in... Continue Reading →
The subtitle is what really made me pick up The Inquisitor's Tale by Adam Gidwitz - Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog. Gidwitz tells the story of these children through the recounting from many different people, all gathered at an inn in rural France during the Middle Ages. It's a fascinating tale... Continue Reading →
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 →
Cultivating Readers 