Books to Inspire, Thrill and Engage Children
I generally consider author Andrew Clements a middle-grade fiction author. He has written some heart-felt and incredibly funny books, most notably Frindle, which my whole family has enjoyed. While the age listed for his book Things Hoped For is 10 and up, I might consider upping the age a bit - particularly for sensitive readers.... 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 →
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 →
Do you remember the Encyclopedia Brown books by Donald J. Sobol? I loved these books as a kid. Rereading the first one as an adult, I found it borders on cheesy. That does not mean even modern-day kids won't enjoy the little mysteries Encyclopedia solves for 25-cents each. Highly recommended for young readers - read... 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 →
Georges is used to being teased about his name. The 's' is silent, for crying out loud. He does his best to ignore the teasing. But now home is in an upheaval. He and his parents have moved into a small apartment after his dad lost his job. He's still in the same school, so... 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 →
Moxie knows Grumps wasn’t perfect. But she isn’t going to go blabbing family business to the neighborhood. Then one day, a stranger shows up at the front door, asking for Grumps. And not taking no for an answer. Moxie starts on a quest. Why does this stranger want her Grumps? And what could Grumps remember... Continue Reading →
Cassie Barnes can read people. She can tell who people are and what people want from the tiniest details. At 17, she uses this skill to earn better tips when waitressing, and to stay on the good side of her very large family. But the FBI has other plans. They’re putting together a team, called... Continue Reading →
Lizzie Kennedy wants to be a doctor, like her dad. But this is San Fransisco in 1900, and girls go to finishing schools, not high schools. And definitely not colleges. Lizzie, her older brother and her father live in a house on her aunt and uncle’s property on Nobb Hill. They’re not wealthy, but her... Continue Reading →
Cultivating Readers 