Awesome Picture Book: Hurry Up! A Book About Slowing Down

 

Hurry Up! A Book About Slowing Down

by Kate Dopirak

Illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal

Beach Lane Books

2020

40 pages

ISBN: 9781534424975

Hurry Up! A Book About Slowing Down is brilliant! A young boy and his dog hurry everywhere. They hurry up and down and all around until they finally STOP! When the boy slows down and LISTENS, he hears and sees nature and wonder everywhere. He is able to enjoy the stars at night and listen to the buzz of insects. When he slows down, he can take a breath and relax. The joy of slowing down and finding the end of one's own rainbow is celebrated. We all need a happy story about slowing down right now.

Illustrations by Christopher Silas Neal shows the boy's harried, manic state in the beginning of the story and later nighttime illustrations in deep blue mimic the end of the day and bedtime. This is sure to become a favorite bedtime read. A must have for any child! 

Highly recommended! 

Non-Fiction MG Pick: How To Build A Story...or, The Big What If

 

How To Build a Story... or, The Big What If

by Frances O'Roark Dowell

Illustrations by Stacy Ebert

A Caitlyn Dlouhy Book

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

2020

128 pages 

ISBN: 9781434438422

If you know a young person who wants to be a writer, this book is a MUST HAVE! If I were still teaching creative writing, I would make each student own a copy of this amazing, informative and FUN book about writing. While geared for grades 4-8, anyone who wants to be a writer or learn about writing will love this book. Unlike adult writing books, Dowell's book breaks the art of writing down to where it's understandable and fun. Her captivating sense of humor is echoed in the illustrations by Ebert. 

Every writer wanna-be needs to realize that rough drafts are just that: rough and EDITING is a must. Rewrites and re-do will happen again and again. It's part of the process. Writing takes time, effort and PRACTICE! 

Every story needs a character, the character needs a problem (if there's no problem, you have no story), there has to be some sort of resolution, whether it's good or bad. Also, your story needs the have some background but start with ACTION. Your protagonist needs to have something happen right away. There will be sticks and stones in the protagonist's way, but if there's a MONSTER (you'll have to read the book, to figure out what this means, wink), it makes your story much more interesting and the stakes are heightened. 

There are brainstorming activities, "the big take home," and "let's write" for students, teachers, writers, everyone! I've read many craft books, but How To Build a Story...Or, the Big What If is by far the most fun. It's adorable! 

So highly recommended, YOU NEED THIS BOOK NOW! Teachers of writing, YOU NEED THIS BOOK NOW! Writers, YOU NEED THIS BOOK NOW! 

Picture Book Pick: I Don't Want To Be Quiet!

 

I Don't Want To Be Quiet! 

by Laura Ellen Anderson

Illustrations by the author

Philomel Books

Penguin Random House LLC

2020

32 pages

ISBN: 9780593117286

A young girl rebels when her mother shushes her because her baby brother is sleeping. "Stairs are for stomping..." the girl says. It's more fun to make noise. Quiet is boring. 

A trip to the library where her peers ask her (peer pressure!) to be quiet, they're reading, forces the girl to sit still and open a book. Suddenly, she's "spellbound!" Hours pass, and she's imagined pirate adventures, kings and queens, and whole other worlds. The next day, she learns more at school because she's still and LISTENS. She realizes there's a time to be quiet and time to be noisy, and when she is quiet, she notices things in her own world.

This is a sweet book with illustrations sure to please young readers. 

Ages 2 and up. 

Non-Fiction Pick: If You Love Robots You Could Be...

 

If You Love Robots, You Could Be...

Ready to Read, Level Two

Simon Spotlight

by May Nakamura

Illustrated by Natalie Kwee

2020

32 pages

ISBN: 9781534465237

This exceptional and informative non-fiction pick is for young readers who love robots or who have never even thought about robots--really, for every young reader. Vocabulary words in the glossary help kids understand jargon of robotics and various trades that work with robots in unique fields. 

There are several types of engineers who build and use robots: mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and software engineers. Some other jobs in robotics are animatronic technicians and robotics research scientists. Robots are found on movie sets, in hospitals, at industrial sites, in warehouses, construction sites, and even in protheses, artificial limbs for people who have lost an arm or leg. Using sensors, the prothesis moves the way a body part does. 

The publisher ages this book at five to seven years old, but this reviewer feels a wide range of ages would gain knowledge about careers in fields they may know little about. 

Recommended age 6 and up to middle school. Illustrations and glossary make this a great choice for reluctant readers. 

MG Mystery Pick: Coop Knows the Scoop

 

Coop Knows the Scoop

by Taryn Souders

Sourcebooks Young Readers

2020

304 pages

ISBN: 9781492640189

Thirteen-year-old Coop (don't call him Cooper) lives with his gramps and his momma in Windy Bottom, Georgia, a quaint, quiet  town where the sheriff knows everybody and Miss Ruth and Miss Merriweather, the town gossips, are only too glad to share secrets with everyone the cafe /bookstore Gramps runs. Coop keeps his ear to the ground on the day the body is found. He knows the quirky ladies will know intel about the dead body, and he's keen to have a listen.  

Funny colloquialisms and Southern charm are found in every character's dialog. Coop's best friends are Liberty and Justice--no, really, that's their names! The kids agree to deliver donuts and coffee to the sheriff and his team down at the crime scene (the kids' secret plan to snoop), but when the blame begins to fall of Coop's gramps, Coop knows he needs to solve the mystery. There's no way his grandfather murdered somebody! 

Unique and funny characters will keep the pages turning and kid readers interested. Twists and turns abound, keeping the reader glued to the story. Souders does a great job with character interaction, believable dialog, and small town drama. Liberty and Justice are exactly the type of friends all kids will want to have. 

The author's nod to Shakespeare's tragedies and how the main character "kicked the bucket" is hilarious. They are: "stabbed, poisoned, or baked into a pie (that one's from Titus Adronicus)...". Coop's hair is "shaggier than a dog." Suds O'Leary owns the gas station and bait shop and wears a T-shirt promoting his business with "Suds Gave Me Gas," which backfires (yes, pun intended) his marketing plan! 

A very funny, punny book, indeed! 

Highly recommended ages 9 and up, and anyone in the South will hear their relatives' voices when they read Coop Knows the Scoop. 

MG Pick: Second Dad Summer

 

Second Dad Summer 

by Benjamin Klas

Illustrated by Fion Arroyo

One Elm Books

2020

224 pages

ISBN: 978194159242

Twelve-year old Jeremiah wants to spend a "normal" summer with his dad, but not his dad's new over-the-top boyfriend Michael. Jeremiah's parents are divorced, and Jeremiah knows Dad sometimes dates men and he sometimes dates women. Michael, though, irritates Jeremiah to no end. He's too flamboyant, too flashy, his bicycle has a sparkly unicorn on it which he refers to it as his "uni-cycle!" Not only that, he seems to know the history of every landmark, every building, every street. Jeremiah wishes he would stop being a tour guide and be quiet. 

Jeremiah's summer turns out pretty okay, after all. He meets the neighbors including a new friend Sage, and he comes to terms with people being different and families looking different. And different is pretty great! This is a sweet middle grade read that so many kids will relate to. A must-have for every library. Inclusive and diverse! 

Large print and shorter chapters are a plus. Illustrations appear on each page of a new chapter. 

Highly recommended ages 10 and up. Alert: There is a neighbor who smokes cigarettes (if that's a problem). 

Most Beautiful Picture Book! MUST HAVE Counting Creatures!

 

Counting Creatures 

by Julia Donaldson

Illustrated by Sharon King-Chai

Dial Books for Young Readers

2020

58 pages 

ISBN: 9780593324530

Published Nov. 20, 2020 just in time for Christmas giving!

This is the most beautiful picture book I've ever seen. The art and design are so special it should win an award for engineering or architecture! If you have littles on your Christmas shopping list, get them this book. It's a must have!

A lift-the-flap book, each spread reveals a treasure! 

 

The colors jump off the page and transcend the picture book experience. This little gem is sure to win awards in every state and maybe even the national best children's book of the year! 

Highly, highly recommended. BUY THIS BOOK!

I did not receive monetary compensation for this review. 

Sixth Grade Alien Series--Middle Grade

 

New covers and new illustrations update Bruce Coville's 1999 Sixth-Grade Alien series for a new generation of 2020 readers. Illustrations by Glen Mullaly will keep reluctant readers turning the pages. Do not mistake this series for graphic novels. In fact,  there are many less illustrations than books like the Wimpy Kid. 

For early middle grade readers to grade six. 

MG FUN PICK: Iggy Is Better Than Ever

 

Iggy Is Better Than Ever

by Annie Barrows

Illustrations by Sam Ricks

G.P. Putnam's Sons

Penguin

2020

139 pages with winsome illustrations 

ISBN: 9781984913336

Read all the Wimpy Kid books, how about the Dogman series? EngiNerds? You better rush to the store or online and pick up this hilarious book! Iggy is the funniest, hugest personality in kidlit. It's not that Iggy sets out to be bad; he actually tries very hard to be good, but if there's one thing Iggy's good at, it's attracting trouble. 

The author cautions readers directly throughout the book that Iggy doesn't learn from his mistakes. In fact, most times her learns the exact opposite of what he was supposed to learn from getting into trouble. When he convinces his pals to stretch clear plastic garden tape across the road, the first few cars and drivers escape without peril and the boys get a good laugh. Iggy decides to up the game and uses a double strand, and who should come along in her car? Mrs. Wander, that's who. Mrs. Wander is the ancient and dreaded school principal. When her car hits the tape, she looks confused but STOPS to investigate. Did Iggy learn it's dangerous to play with people's lives and cars? No! He learns to run away and deny he had anything to do with such terrible treachery. 

Another time, Iggy tries so hard to blend in  and not cause trouble until the very last second of recess when he hurls a basketball at the grade six net. Does he make that basket and become the most famous boy in the school? No! He hits another teacher  dead on. She topples to the pavement, and Iggy fears she's dead. In Mrs. Wander's dreaded principal's office, Iggy is suspended from school. What's worse, his dad stays home from work with him, not his mom. Dad is NOT happy.

So dear readers, if you're looking for the famous character arc which is a must-have in storie in which a character goes through trials and tribulations and comes out the other side a better person, Iggy is not that character. But the author warned you from the beginning. This is Iggy's story, and Iggy is fun-loving, curious (which gets him into a lot of trouble!) and intelligent. 

A must read for MG. Reluctant readers will devour this book and laugh out loud, IRL (in real life). 

Highly, highly recommended. Any MG teacher or librarian will meet at least a few Iggys in their career. I know I did, and they kept me  in stitches. 

I received a copy of this book for review. I did not receive monetary compensation. 

Big Cat Pick: Tigers can't Purr! And Other Amazing Facts

 

Tigers Can't Purr! And Other Amazing Facts    

Super Facts for Super Kids

Ready-To-Read, Level Two

by Theo Feldman

Illustrated by Lee Cosgrove

Full color photos 

Simon Spotlight

Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division 

2020

32 pages with glossary

ISBN: 9781534467750

Easy to read format with short chapters, colorful illustrations by Cosgrove and awesome photos of tigers. make this book a fantastic pick. Young readers will learn there are six types of tigers and where each type of tiger lives. Kids will learn words like predator, prey, camouflage and apex (which most adults probably don't know--apex means top predator. Tigers are not hunted by any other animal for food). 

Tigers are fast! If you think you can outrun a tiger, think again! Alas, poor tigers may look like a big cat but they can't purr. They can hiss, growl and chuff. Little known fact: Tigers LOVE to swim! 

Fun read for reluctant readers who will be impressed by their new-found knowledge about tigers. A must have purchase for any young reader who loves animals and tigers! 

Highly recommended ages 7 and up and for struggling readers. 

Non-Fiction SHARK Pick!

 

Sharks Can't Smile and Other Amazing Facts

Super Facts for Super Kids 

Reader-To-Read Level Two

By Elizabeth Dennis

Illustrated by Lee Cosgrove

Simon Spotlight

Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division

2020

32 pages with illustrations and photos  (glossary)

Easy to read and filled with fun facts about sharks, this entertaining book is a must-have! Readers learn that there are more than 500 different types of sharks including the lesser known carpet sharks and swell sharks--they can get bigger by swelling up. There is a big difference in sizes of sharks too! Did you know one type of shark is shorter than a pencil? It's the American pocket shark--you could actually fit one in your pocket!

There is so much more to this amazing animal--like superpowers. Because of the placement of their eyes on either side of their head, sharks are able to see in many directions all at once--super-vision! Sharks can swim faster than tigers can run, and not only that, sharks sense of smell is second to none. They can smell one drop of blood in ten billion drops of water!

Clever illustrations and dialog bubbles will keep readers engaged. Text with facts is presented in boxes no longer than half of the page. This design will keep pages turning and reluctant readers reading! And that is a SUPERPOWER! 

Highly, highly recommended for future marine biologists, zoologists, scientists and today's animal lovers, and ecology minded young readers. 

Grade 3 and up. Second grade readers who love to read should try this book. 

Graphic Pick: Animorphs: The Graphic Novel (The Invasion)

 

Animorphs: The Graphic Novel

The Invasion

based on the novel by K.A. Applegate and Michael Grant

Adapted by Chris Grine

Scholastic Graphix

2020

240 pages (fully illustrated, color)

ISBN: 9781338226485

Five friends witness a UFO landing in a construction site near their homes and have a close encounter with an alien from another world. He (?) is injured and appears close to death, but he tells the kids that another species is loose on Earth and it's here to destroy humankind. Called Yeerks, they are parasites, who inhabit other species' bodies (including humans) and there are many of them already here and living as humans. 

He gives them a box of Andalite technology which allows them to morph into other creatures, but warns them not to stay morphed for more than two hours or they will be unable change back. The Andalite tells them they must find Visser Three, defeat him and save the planet. 

The kids scatter when they hear danger, and watch in terror as the friendly alien is killed by slug-like aliens. They realize the power they hold and their mission to save themselves and their world. The kids practice morphing with some comic results. The boys have a hard time learning to morph back to human form WITH their clothes. Tobias becomes a red tailed hawk, Jake a dog, Rachel an elephant. In order to beat the worms, they'll need to harness their new powers and hatch a plan. 

Reluctant readers will gravitate to the super hero aspects of the story. Colorful graphic illustration panels make this an easy reader that will delight readers. 

Highly recommended grade 4 and up. This will likely be available through Scholastic Book Fairs (if any schools are able to have them) and online book fairs. 

Middle Grade Foodie Pick: Lunch Will Never Be the Same (Phoebe G. Green, book 1)

 

Phoebe G. Green: Lunch Will Never Be the Same

Book 1

by Veera Hiranandani

Illustated by Christine Almeda

Penguin Workshop

2020

117 pages (sneak peek of book 2 follows)

ISBN: 9780593096901

Third grader Phoebe is excited to go to school since she'll be in class with BFF Sage (a boy). Mom gave her a new sparkly notebook where she can write her lists. Even more exciting, a new student joins their class. Her name is Camille and she's from France. Phoebe is immediately interested to meet someone from far away, and when Camille opens her lunch, it's the most fascinating, yet strange thing Phoebe has ever seen.  

Camille unwraps a tiny loaf of bread, a butter lettuce salad with DUCK in it and a smelly cheese with blue dots on it. Dessert is fresh strawberries she sprinkles with powdered sugar. Poor Phoebe! Her lunch is as boring as bologna. While Camille brings in upscale dishes with eccentric ingredients, Phoebe eats the same old stuff every day. Sage gets jealous because Phoebe is paying more attention to Camille and her wonderful lunches than to him, her lifelong friend. 

Dinner at Phoebe's house is an afterthought. Like most working couples, Phoebe's parents use frozen and pre-packaged foods that are quick to cook but lack fun or finesse. Phoebe hopes to be invited to Camille's house where she is sure they must eat off china with linen napkins. Finally, Phoebe is invited to dinner! 

Phoebe continues to be mesmerized by Camille's fantastic lunchbox, and she even tries to make her own lunch more upscale. When Sage begins sitting at another table, Phoebe decides to split her time with Sage and Camille. She makes one of her famous notes and gives each of them a copy. Every other day, Phoebe will sit with Sage. On the the other days, she'll sit with Camille. Sage is angry! When he makes fun of Camille's lunch, she runs to the bathroom in tears. Phoebe calms her and makes new lists. 

Phoebe tells Sage no matter who has what interesting food, he is her friend forever. Phoebe invites both friends to a picnic lunch where she makes new dishes and the three of them decide food is for sharing no matter what! 

Highly recommended! Easy to read, accessible font with handwritten notes from Phoebe and illustrations throughout. Quick chapters for emerging readers. Age 8 and up. 

MG Contemporary: A Field Guide to Getting Lost

 

A Field Guide To Getting Lost

by Joy McCullough

Atheneum 

2020

209 pages

ISBN: 9781534438491

Readers who love alternating characters and point of view will enjoy this easy to read middle grade contemporary. Two very different kids: Sutton, a science girl who lives with her dad and Luis, an shy but creative introvert find themselves forced to become friends (or at least allies) when since their parents are dating. 

Luis would much rather bury his head in fiction and stories and Sutton would rather code and tinker with robotics. When they find themselves lost and alone in a huge park while hiking with their parents. It'll take both of them to find their way to safety because after all, two heads are better than one. 

A sweet story of two parents who find each other and date, fall in love and make it work for their children. Lower middle grade; grades 3-5. The characters are ten-years old, and most MG readers over grade five may find this book too young for them. 

Grades 3-5; lower middle grade. 

Adult Book Club Pick: The Mountains Sing

 

Poetic, but difficult for me. This book triggered a few things for me. I was a child growing up in Okinawa, Japan, at the same time period the author writes about. Viet Nam was next door, and our Air Force base at Kadena kept our airspace safe over our island. I remember sonic booms on a daily basis and U.S. fighter jets in the air all the time. It's a story of family, loss, love and hardship. A gritty, real read which may prove hard to read for anyone with ties to the Viet Nam era. Five stars for a great story which was tough to read.  Highly recommended for adult book clubs.

Reluctant Reader Pick: What Is the Story of Dracula?

 

What Is the Story of Dracula?

by Michael Burgan 

Illustrations by David Malan 

Penguin Workshop

Penguin Kids

2020

107 pages with bibliography

ISBN: 9781524788469

A fascinating, easy-to-read account of a real life person in history that Bram Stoker based his famous story on. Dracula means "son of Dracul" and has two meanings: devil or dragon in the language of a small village of Wallachia, Romania. Stoker had grown up with stories of zombies and the living dead as a boy in rural Ireland, and he was fascinated by tales of folklore. The fact that Stoker made Dracula a Count gave his title character access available to uncommon wealth, castles and land. Dracula could easily move about the country without raising any questions. Stoker's story was not a huge hit in his lifetime, but many versions of Dracula have made the story live on after his death, becoming more famous on stage, in books and on film. 

Considered the most famous version is the performance by Bela Lugosi in 1931.  Lugosi stands as the epitome of the character. Today, Dracula and vampires are still popular culture. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," books by Anne Rice, and the "Twilight" series are proof that Count Dracula and Stoker's legacy lives on. 

Highly recommended for reluctant readers, chapter book readers, emerging readers, ELL, and anyone who loves the horror genre and vampires. Grade 5 and up. 

Nanowrimo Begins November 3, 2020! Write Your Novel in ONE MONTH!!

 Write a novel in ONE MONTH!! 

That's right/write! You have one month, but if you write words every day, you will finish a novel. Here is everything you need to know nanowrimo.org  You can have friends join you or meet your community. Virtual writing events and help is everywhere! Share with your friends on social media! Let's have a great month! 

Girl, Unframed

 

Girl Unframed

Deb Caletti

Simon Pulse

2020

368 pages

ISBN: 978153442697

     Sixteen-year old Sydney feels on the verge of something big; she calls the something “it.” It is going to happen, and she can feel it. She’s not excited to be spending the summer with her has-been film star mother even though her vacation involves living in a fantastic mansion on the beach. Sydney knows how it will go: her mother will ignore her (mostly), go on shopping sprees, and play the femme fatale for her “fans.” Lila Shore has always been unreachable for Sydney. Worshipped by millions, Lila is enslaved by her beauty and sex appeal. When her star, youth, and beauty begin to wane, and her daughter’s beauty begins to be noticed, Lila feels threatened. To make matters worse, Lila’s living with volatile and abusive Jake, a true bad guy who deals in stolen art and has nefarious connections. 

     One night can change your life. One act. One action.Although this book has been marketed as a “thriller,” it does not have the fast-pace and implosion a thriller is expected to have. Sydney spends most of the book worrying about how people view her (men and boys, mostly). Her thoughts about her body filling out and maturing seem more tween than teen, although her insight is mature enough. The sweetness and swoony-ness you’d expect from a romance is lacking and falls flat. The quality of writing and the author’s prior books will insure teen readers consider this book. 

Recommended for readers of Deb Caletti grade 8 and up. Mature situations. 

Picture Book Pick: Every Little Letter

 

Every Little Letter

by Deborah Underwood

Illustrated by Joy Hwang Ruiz

Dial Books For Young Readers

Penguin Random House

2020

40 pages

ISBN: 9780525554028

UPLIFTING! POSITIVE! A HEALING MESSAGE FOR RIGHT NOW! 

What an uplifting, positive read! This is not an alphabet book although letters are the characters. In a walled city of capital H's, everyone is the same: they are happy and protected. One curious little h wonders about the world outside the walls: what do others look like? Are there others? Are they like me? 

She finds a small opening in the wall and spots an i. The two letters reach through the wall, and realize: TOGETHER, we are something entirely new: HI! The big H's are not happy and wall up the hole. Soon, other letters in other cities are sending messages to each other. Little h realizes if she can't go through the wall, there may be another way. 

As the smaller case letters teach the big letters to reach out and listen to others, the walls between all the letters come down. This isn't a book about letters. It's a book about reaching out to others who are different, listening to what they say, learning about them and living in harmony with them. 

What a beautiful book for all times! We need this book right now! You need this book right now! The world needs this book right now! 

Middle Grade Pick: The Artifact Hunters

 

The Artifact Hunters

by Janet Fox

Viking 

Penguin Random House LLC
2020

371 pages

ISBN: 9780451478696

In this sequel to The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle, author Janet Fox weaves history with middle grade fantasy. Set mostly in WWII, young Isaac Wolf must flee war-torn Prague, the Nazis and evil spirits who are after him. Although it is not necessary to read the first book, it is helpful. I would advise reading the books in order. 

As the war threatens and Prague is falling, before Isaac's parents disappear, they give him a pendant, an eternity knot, which they are sure will keep him safe. It leads Isaac to Rookskill Castle where a band of magical kids are learning to use their powers to help the Allies win the war. Isaac soon finds himself on a quest to travel through time (with an antique watch) and find magical artifacts that will save him, his family, and the world. Trouble is: Isaac isn't the only one searching for the artifacts. 

The cover has spooky Scooby Doo appeal (look at that friendly, big dog!), and middle grade readers will love all the hints they can pick up from the cover alone. Who doesn't want to read a book with dragons, wolves, creepy, evil spirits, ancient scrolls, magic potions, swords, a huge stone castle set in an eerie woods? It is refreshing to have a Jewish main character in middle grade fantasy, and I love that Janet FOX names him Isaac WOLF!  

Recommended for kids who love fantasy and magic schools. Grade 5 and up. Be sure and read The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle first. 

Halloween Pick: We're Going On a Goon Hunt

 

We're Going On a Goon Hunt: A Petrifying Parody

by Michael Rex

Illustrated by the author 

G.P. Putnam's Sons

Penguin

2020

40 pages

ISGN: 9781984813626

Captivating comic cover art depicts a friendly-looking green monster following the kids and their dad as they go off on an adventure: a goon hunt! They wander into a forest, a swamp, a graveyard and a haunted house only to find what they came looking for: a goon! They have to run! Back through the graveyard, back through the swamp, back through the forest and back to the safety of their beds...but! Beware! (no spoilers here!) 

Young readers will squeal with delight as monsters are revealed lurking on each page. Their pet dog wearing a hot dog costume is sheer genius! The dog's personality is featured in each illustration as he shakes in terror, runs in fear, holds the flashlight as if his life depended on it. Michale Rex truly knows how to tickle the young reader's (and their parents)! 

 A MUST HAVE for young readers who love a Halloween story: doesn't everyone??? 

Highly recommended! 

Losing the Light

                        This is a poem/song lyrics I wrote for an entry in Fall Writing Frenzy 2020 

Entrants were asked to choose an image and write a piece about that image. This is the image that inspired my writing:

                                                                Losing the Light

                                        --Thompson McLeod

Running scared, running fast

Path to nowhere, stepping into the past

Not giving up, not giving in

Absolution for my sins

Running fast, running scared

Only one thought, only one prayer.

Let me be the answer you see

Let me be the road to the free

Let me be what you seek: your key

Let me be your shining star, your burning sun, your turbulent sea

Losing the fight

This is the path to nowhere

Trying to make it right

Let me be the reason you care

Running fast, running scared

Not giving in, casting out sin

With only one prayer:

Let me be the answer you see

Let me be the road to the free

Let me be what you seek: your key

Let me be your star, your sun, your sparkling sea.

Losing the light, 

I know this path leads to somewhere

Don’t stop, put in the fight

Wait for me, I’ll be there

I need your light

This is the road to somewhere

Wait for me to make it right.

                                And this is my badge of honor:

                                        

Middle Grade Series Pick: How To Get Away With Myrtle

 

How To Get Away With Myrtle

A Myrtle Hardcastle Mystery, Book 2

by Elizabeth C. Bunce

Algonguin Young Readers 

2020

352 pages

ISBN: 9781616200193

Available October 6, 2020

Myrtle dreads going on an excursion with her overbearing Aunt Helena and governess Miss Judson while Father is away in Paris with a forensic science symposium. Her dad wants her far away from the gossip and newspapers about the murder she helped solve. It's embarrassing enough a twelve-year old child showed up the police, but a meddlesome GIRL! 

Myrtle sets off with her governess Miss Judson, cat Peony, pushy Aunt Helena and her aunt's traveling companion (maid) Miss Highsmith. They board a fancy new train: The Empress Express to travel to the seashore. Myrtle dreads the trip, the luggage, her bathing dress, the terrible, foppish hat she's forced to wear as part of her raveling ensemble. She can't stand being imprisoned on a train with her obnoxious aunt, but one thing's for sure! Myrtle doesn't miss anything. Not even the tiniest clue. 

As the train gets underway, dinner is served. After dinner, the ladies and men retire to their separate lounges. The train owner's daughter shows the ladies a fabulous tiara valued at over five thousand dollars. Suddenly, the lights go out, there is confusion, and when the lights come back on, the tiara is gone! Myrtle is thrilled to follow clues to find the thief and soon partners with insurance investigator, Mrs. Bloom. 

When Mrs. Blooms fails to show up at breakfast the next morning, Myrtle is concerned. She goes by her cabin and finds no one has slept there. Worried now, Myrtle takes Mrs. Bloom's bag with her notes and papers. As the porters begin offloading baggage, a body is found. It's Mrs. Bloom! Myrtle is horrified her new friend has been murdered and even more horrified when the constable arrests her Aunt Helena whose shears were the murder weapon. 

Myrtle and her governess set out to solve the murder, the theft and possible insurance fraud. Myrtle is quick-witted, worldly, wise beyond her years, well-read in law, medicine, detection and forensic science. She is a fun main character readers will not forget, and fans of book one will love this second installment. The publisher recommends ages ten and up, but younger readers may not understand the terms of insurance, fraud, and the penalties of law. 

Recommended grade 6 and up and fans of Premeditated Myrtle (book 1). 

YA Pick: The Inheritance Games (Review Coming Soon!)

 

The Inheritance Games

by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Little Brown Books for Young Readers

2020

384 pages

ISBN: 9781368052405

Cover art is CAPTIVATING and FANTASTIC. This is one cover readers won't be able to leave on the shelf! 

Life is a game when you're incredibly wealthy. Not so much fun if you're incredibly poor....

Review coming soon! 

Halloween Pick: Happy Halloween From the Very Busy Spider

Happy Halloween From the Very Busy Spider

by Eric Carle

The World of Eric Carle/Penguin Random House LLC

2020

10 pages

ISBN: 9780593097106

An excellent lift-the-flap book from Eric Carle. The one will delight littles because they can interact with the story. Even though they will learn what is behind each flap, they will have a great time reading and re-reading this little picture book.

Busy spider is searching for her friends: fox, owl, bat and caterpillar. She wants to find them before a night of scary, spooky fun on Halloween. Let young readers guess what can be behind each flap, or pretend you don't know and give them outrageous guesses of your own. Sure to be a favorite especially for Halloween.

 

Shark Lover Pick: Everything Awesome About Sharks and Other Underwater Creatures

 

Everything Awesome About Sharks and Other Underwater Creatures

by Mike Lowery

Illustrations by the author 

Orchard Books 

Scholastic Inc.

2020

128 pages

ISBN: 9781338359732

Available October 6, 2020

Mike Lowery brings the FUN! Fully illustrated with cool facts future marine biologists will love, this book is easy to read, perfect for the reluctant readers, and those who love graphic novels will gravitate towards this informative trove of information. 

Kids will learn facts like: 1 drop of sea water has over 1,000,000 viruses! and the tiger shark is one of the most dangerous sharks in the water! Did you know some sharks can live up to 400 years? or that Octopus (octopi) have 3 hearts? 

There's a bonus section teaching kids  how to draw sharks and other sea creatures, jokes about the ocean and a list of reference books. 

MUST HAVE, MUST READ for animal lovers, future marine biologists, non-fiction readers and anyone who loves Shark Week! 

Grades 2 and up. Great for middle school and beyond. 

Non-Fiction Pick: Eleanor Makes Her Mark: How Eleanor Roosevelt Reached Out, Spoke Up, and Changed

Eleanor Makes Her Mark: How Eleanor Roosevelt Reached Out, Spoke Up, and Changed the World

by Barbara Kerley

Illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham

Scholastic Press

2020 

48 pages

ISBN: 9780545821629

October 6, 2020

A thorough look at the life and learning of Eleanor Roosevelt and how she refused to be delegated to the background of the White House. Eleanor was constantly learning, traveling and asking questions in order to understand the plight of working people across the country. 

An easy read and reluctant readers will love the picture book approach to biography. 

Recommended grade 2 and up. Middle school ELL students and reluctant readers will find this one a prize. 

Fun Halloween Pick: The Little Ghost Who Lost Her Boo!

The Little Ghost Who Lost Her Boo!

by Elaine Bickell

Illustrated by Raymond McGrath

Philomel

Penguin Random House

2020

32 pages

ISBN: 9780593202159

August 18, 2020

The Little Ghost Who Lost Her Boo! is a Halloween TREAT! 

Little Boo looks sad on the cover for good reason: she's lost her ability to Boo! and without her scary voice, what is a little ghost to do? She runs to Mama Ghost to tell her, but Mama says maybe your nights out scaring are over. Boo won't accept that, so she goes in search of her lost voice. 

She meets Owl, Pigeon, Rooster and Cow who all offer her their own voices of Whoo Whoo, Coo, Cock-A-Doodle-Doo and Moo, but Boo is forlorn until she looks up and sees YOU, the reader! Young kids will love to join in and shout BOO! to help Little Boo!

Fun rhyming text will delight children and funny, whimsical illustrations capture all of Little Boo's emotions as she looks for her lost power. This is one beautiful picture book! The Little Ghost Who Lost Her Boo! is destined to be the year's best Halloween read-aloud! Great fun! and BOO! 

Highly, highly recommended for ages 2 and up. Kids will beg, "Read it again! Again! Again!"

YA Pick: Dreamwalkers

"Mystical, magical and ethereal...a compelling tale of desert magic, dangerous government secrets, the all-in chemistry of first love and the power to control the world of dreams." --from the cover, Young Adult Books--What We're Reading Now 

Dreamwalkers

by Leslie Rush

Champagne 

2020

355 pages

ISBN: 9781946802606

Available October 20, 2020

 

Mystical, magical, powerful and ethereal, Dreamwalkers is a compelling tale of desert magic, dangerous government secrets, the all-in chemistry of first love and the power to control the world of dreams set in an enchanted land where rugged, often unforgivable, terrain hides danger and government secrets are safe.

Sixteen year old Vivan Night Hawk is working in her mother’s crystal and tarot shop in the tourist-friendly square of tiny Zia, New Mexico. After a worn leather jacket arrives in the shop, Vivi claims it as her own because it reminds her of her father. One lone feather in the pocket holds a special magic. Vivi begins dreaming more detailed and vivid lucid dreams. Vivi learns her power to dream is handed down from her Apache father. She practices controlling her dreams, stepping in and out of them, and seeing her (dead?) father who warns her that her genius little brother Brian is in danger. Dad tells her bad people are coming for Brian because they believe he is the dreamwalker, not VIvi. Vivi meets cute guy Lucas who also shares the power of lucid dreaming. He tells Vivi both of their fathers are MIA or presumed dead. Lucas convinces Vivi that their fathers are alive, and using their powers of lucid dreaming, they have to find out what happened to them. The closer the two get to answers, the more danger they are in. It is not only bad people trying to control them. A decades old secret government project surfaces, and the kids are in a fight for their lives.

Dreamwalkers is set in a color drenched, panoramic tourist town in the mountains of New Mexico, and brought to life with lush details: the scent of sage, mesquite, pinon, and cottonwoods.The author captures the beauty of mountain sunsets and the threatening power of a desert thunderstorm. Dreamwalkers captivates readers with enchanting imagery and the slippery magic of New Mexico as the author uses broad brushstrokes of prose and descriptive hues evocative of master painter (and New Mexico favorite) Georgia O’Keefe. 

Highly, highly recommended for fans of romance, YA fans, and any reader who loves an evil and corrupt government cover-up and a great story. For middle school and older. No sexual content. A few sweet kisses.

YA Pick: Body Talk: 37 Voices Explore Our Radical Anatomy

Body Talk: 37 Voices Explore Our Radical Anatomy

Kelly Jensen, editor

Algonquin Young Readers 

2020

256 pages 

ISBN: 9781616209674

Available August 18, 2020 

Sometimes painful, sometimes funny, Body Talk is about acceptance and love. 

An anthology of personal stories of struggle and strength, love and acceptance, power and and self-assurance, this collection will touch the lives of all readers whether they are going through their own struggles or if someone they love needs a helping hand and a healing heart. 

Each story is different and about different forms of body acceptance. Weight is only one topic considered. Others include birthmarks, scoliosis, body hair, "junk," menstruation, asexuality, self-love, self-acceptance, is it okay to use the word "fat?," being too skinny, and even the practice of marketing products to those who identify as female and charging them a "pink tax." 

Sometimes painful, sometimes funny, Body Talk is a must-have for any non-fiction collection in the high school and college library. Celebrity voices Aly Raisman and Tyra Banks, YA writers Kara Thomas and  Julie Murphy and Alex Gino, agent Eric Smith and podcasters, editors, activists and social media persons speak their truths in truly refreshing, remarkable ways. 

Highly recommended grade 8 and up (depending on your community). Middle school libraries in progressive, forward-minded communities may be fine with this purchase. Real health and real sex talk. 

 

YA Pick: The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling

The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling

by Wai Chim

Scholastic Press

2020

336 pages

ISBN: 9781338656121

Available November 10, 2020

Sixteen-year old Anna Chiu has all the responsibilities of and adult She's only in high school and should be worried about grades, clothes, learning to drive, figuring out her next move: college or career? and of course, first love. But Anna is in charge of her entire household. Due to her mother's mental illness, Anna must care for her younger siblings, take care of her mother, work in her family's restaurant and continue to be a competitive student in every class. Her father's expectations are exceedingly high, and it's easy to feel anxious and overwhelmed. 

Mental illness and the stigma attached to it is rarely addressed in the Chinese American community (author Wai Chim is first generation Chinese American), but this YA novel illustrates the need for more understanding and empathy within the affected family and the larger community. The sweet romance between Anna and Rory is a plus and keeps this heavy subject from being overly preachy or didactic. 

And there's little in the world more powerful than a good dumpling! 

Recommended for any romance fan. 

A solid choice for YA romance collections grades 9 and up. 

Picture Book Pick: Non-Fiction: Building Zaha: The Story of Architect Zaha Hadid

Building Zaha: The Story of Architect Zaha Hadid

by Victoria Tetntler-Krylov

Illustrations by the author 

Orchard Books

Scholastic

2020

48 pages

ISBN: 9781338282832

Available December 1, 2020 

Beautifully illustrated and lovingly designed, worthy of approval from Zaha herself, this biography/picture book celebrates the life and designs of architect Zaha Hadid. 

Zaha loved math and solving problems and had a mind for design. She saw beauty and art in nature and in building and couldn't pass a construction site without stopping to sketch it. 

Leaving her home in Baghdad, she studied architecture in London and made quite a splash with her unconventional building designs. She entered contests and her designs won. As she became more famous, she received phone calls from other countries to design buildings that imitated flight or moving water. Soon, Zaha designed an art gallery in the United States, and from there, she was jet-setting around the world designing projects for housing and public use. She won the Pritzker Prize, the most prestigious award for architecture, and she was the youngest person ever to win. 

The picture book is a MUST HAVE for any biography section and celebrates achievements by a woman in history in a field mostly populated by male counterparts. Hadid stood alone as a titan of design for her unique perspectives in building. 

Highly, highly recommended grade 3 and up. Younger kids will enjoy hearing the story. With author's note, timeline and bibliography.