I Love You With All My Heart

When Little Bear is playing passionately and accidentally shatters her mommy’s flowerpot, leaving her favorite sunflower plant in ruins, she collects its remains and solemnly greets her with sadness in her eyes. She apologizes relentlessly and fears her mommy will be angry and no longer love her. Instead, Mommy Bear responds by saying that she will always love Little Bear. “Put your paw on my heart, and you’ll feel my love beating on and on forever,” she tells her little one. With the confidence of her mother’s love, Little Bear runs off to school, and in the end, her mother’s kind message is returned to her by Little Bear at a time she needs it most.

I Love You with All My Heart is a treasurable tale about the immeasurable gift of unconditional love from a parent to a child or an offspring. It will be cherished by children as young as four and as old as nine. This tender story will serve as a perfect gift of endearment from a parent or a grandparent to a child or grandchild who is deeply loved. The book is relatively large in size and quite durable. So, for even the youngest ones, it will undoubtedly be a safe pick. The illustrations throughout are plentiful and vibrant as well. They bring Chapman’s heartwarming tale to life. The detail and emotion depicted through them are acute and illuminating. They will leave readers with a feeling of awe and contentment up through the last page.


Great State: China and the World

How best to tell the eight-hundred-year history of China, if not concisely, then in a coherent and absorbing way, multiple dimensions colored and argued by readers’ perceptions? Timothy Brook sustains interest through a series of stories, told chronologically and in detail almost sufficient to be called a series of books. In each, he presents two lead players: “The Pirate and the Bureaucrat,” “The Eunuch and His Hostage,” “The Castaway and the Horse Trader.” Every title, alluring in itself, presents background detail to enhance the core of the narrative. “The Lama and the Coolie,” for instance, shows how the lama’s pattern of succession is as unexpected as that of the emperors.

Brook’s message is how China and the world beyond its borders have been linked throughout this lengthy period, not only since European incursion in the nineteenth century. Trade, politics, and religion have been key elements throughout. Nowhere is this more evident than in “The Missionary and His Convert,” when the arrival of the Jesuits, edging into China in the closing years of the sixteenth century, raised a red flag. Confucianism was not unhappily challenged by Daoists, Buddhists, or the Muslims, “despite their theological errors,” but the Jesuits were viewed as a threat to the emperor’s hegemony and seen as likely spies.

 Chinese inventions, culture, and art are manifested in the book’s gorgeous color plates. Great State will be welcomed especially by the those familiar with the author’s Vermeer’s Hat, which demonstrated the extraordinary links between the eastern and western worlds.


The Gift You Give Yourself: Surgical and Other Choices That Enhance Your Appearance, Confidence, and Health

The Gift You Give Yourself is very relevant to our modern society where, if given a choice, people want to look younger and feel more lively. The way our bodies work is one outcome of naturally aging and gaining wrinkles (from smile marks or otherwise) and also an outcome of unexpected accidents that affect our appearance and self-esteem. When we believe that we don't look attractive, it is scientifically proven that we won't feel good physically or emotionally. Dr. McCollough has decades of experience helping his patients to achieve the "look" they have always wanted, for a variety of reasons. Dr. McCollough doesn't just speak as a plastic surgeon, but also as a regular doctor who cares about his patients and his readers.

I enjoyed the honesty of Dr. McCollough; it would have been easy to merely promote his business and then be on his way. Instead, he goes into every detail about why your body might be appearing to age quicker than others, and many times it is because of a vitamin deficiency. I like that he discusses surgical and non-surgical choices and lifestyles for even the average person to feel and look beautiful.


Marshmallow Malice (An Amish Candy Shop Mystery)

It’s time for a wedding in Ohio’s Amish Country! Bailey King has a lot of work to do for Juliet and Reverend Brook’s big day. Everything goes off without a hitch with even Jethro looking his piggy best until the wedding is disrupted by a mysterious woman who harbors a secret from the reverend’s past. When the woman shows up dead on the church’s steps, Bailey is drawn into investigating another murder, and when the reverend becomes a suspect she’s determined to prove his innocence. With her best friend down from New York, the two dig up some clues and uncover a moonshine still and secrets from the past that won’t stay buried.

Juliet has finally seen her dream of marrying Reverend Brook come true only for her perfect day to become disrupted by the visitor. This provides a nice level of drama throughout which balances against the romance between Aiden and Bailey. Their connection is sweet and riddled with humorous moments that make them ideal for a romantic comedy. Several fun moments between Bailey and Cass are woven into the story as they go about town searching for clues, running into the woods, interrogating suspects, and causing some trouble for Bailey’s sheriff’s deputy boyfriend. Amanda Flower succeeds once again with a witty, charming, and delightful mystery with the next Amish Candy Shop Mystery.


Rain Will Come

Paul Czarcik has been a cop for a long time, and he is very good at his job with the Illinois Bureau of Judicial Enforcement. They have great tools, including a supercomputer that allows Paul to make a connection between two murders that probably no one else would have spotted. That connection sends him on a journey tracking a vicious serial killer. The journey takes some interesting twists when the killer’s wife contacts Paul and they find themselves in a relationship. Added to that, the killer is targeting people who, frankly, deserve to be killed in slow and horrific ways. Paul tracks the killer across the country, but he seems to always be a step or two behind and never in control.

Author Thomas Holgate has written a real page-turner of a thriller. It is unlike other books in this genre in that readers know a whole lot about all the characters and their motivations due to somewhat jarring point-of-view shifts, so the only mystery in this book is the chase and the outcome. No need for red herrings here. Still, it is a gripping read and quite well written. Fans of thrillers should like this one.


Blue Skies

When Glory Bea was a little girl, her dad left her family to go to the army. He was in World War II. It had been a really long time since they had heard from her dad. Glory Bea was happy with her life until a person named Randall Horton came. Randall was one of Glory Bea’s dad's friends from the army. Glory Bea’s father and Randall Horton made a promise to each other that each other would visit the other person's family when they got home from the war. Glory Bea found out that the Mercy Boxcar was coming to Gladiola Texas from France where Glory’s dad had last been seen. Glory Bea thought for sure her dad was coming. Would her dad return from war?

I thought this book was good because it tells the story of girl and her family in a time when the world was very separated. Men joined the army and ended up being away from their families for a long time. Eighty-five million people died in World War II and even more people got hurt.

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers


Darkened

Danny is a high school student living in the quiet town of Sherbrooke, once the scene of a violent witch burning back in the 1600s. Some residents believe that the woods are still haunted to this day. Danny is haunted by his own past, having experienced tragedy at a very young age. His mother died years ago in a horrible accident, and he now lives with his alcoholic father, who never recovered from his wife’s death, in a mobile home. But things have started to look up for Danny. He has been working at the school and saving up his money, and he has nearly enough to leave town. There is nothing he wants more than to escape Sherbrooke and all the bad memories associated with it.

When Danny and his childhood friend Jessica start to grow close again, his life becomes more complicated. Jessica has a boyfriend named Keith, who has always hated Danny, and he doesn’t appreciate Danny spending so much time with his girlfriend. Keith also has two buddies who are willing to do whatever it takes to help Keith put the fear of God into Danny. To complicate matters further, Danny has been seeing an older woman on the side, and he may care more about her than he realizes.

When Keith and his friends head out of town, Jessica invites Danny on a date. The date is going well until Jessica suggests that they head to Witch’s Creek, the haunted place in the woods. That is where Keith and his buddies turn up unexpectedly. When they find the couple, Jessica pleads for Danny’s life, but Keith ignores her. The three boys take the payback too far and leave Danny for dead at Witch’s Creek. But something saves Danny in the woods that night, something supernatural and dark, and it gives Danny the power to take revenge.

Darkened is Daniel Sacketos’s debut novel, and it offers a bloody, terror-filled ride through the haunted woods of Sherbrooke. Even as Danny begins to change into something monstrous and frightening, he is still sympathetic and someone whom readers can root for, having been wronged by those around him. There is also the essential comic relief from a cranky, trash-talking janitor, a minor character with too small of a part. Aside from some confusing head-hopping and a few forgettable bully tropes, the story is fast-paced and well-plotted. It is a page-turner that leads to a satisfying conclusion.


Camp Spirit

Camp Spirit is a fun lark in the woods. This graphic novel follows anti-hero Elodie as she is dropped off at summer camp for her first year as a counselor. At times melancholy, but always sharp-witted, Elodie quickly connects with her ragtag group of redheaded hyper-intense campers and manages to avoid the rest of the camp staff. However, as Elodie gets used to camp and being stuck in the woods, she begins to notice strange happenings afoot at Camp Bear Lake, particularly with the Camp Chief.

Camp Spirit has everything a growing kid needs: random facts about beavers, supernatural intrigue, and queer representation. This is a fun coming-of-age summer tale with a bit of a twist. You will not be able to put it down once you read the first page.


Pretty Evil New England: True Stories of Violent Vixens and Murderous Matriarchs

When one thinks of serial killers, one might think of Ted Bundy, or the Green River Killer, or even Jack the Ripper. It is not likely, though, that one will think of any women. But there are several female serial killers among the American pantheon of criminals, and Sue Coletta, an absolute master of the true-crime genre, brings to bear her brilliant writing and stellar research in this marvelous treatise by taking a hard look at female serial killers in New England during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

She tells the stories of Jane Toppan, Lydia Sherman, Nellie Webb, Harriet E Nason, and Sarah Jane Robinson, even using their own words at times to really give readers the whole story. She has accessed interviews, newspaper articles, court transcripts, and more to bring readers into the times and places about which she is writing. Her writing is accessible and focused, appropriate for the topic, and the stories of these women are very compelling. She has chosen great subject matter for fans of true crime writing. Readers will still be left with questions unanswered, but they will be fully satisfied with these fascinating stories. Don’t miss this one.


We Will Rock Our Classmates

Penelope, her classmates, Mrs. Noodleman, and Walter the ferocious goldfish are back. The children don’t seem to realize that Penelope loves to do all the things they do. She likes to read and draw and play, but to them, she is just a dinosaur. But then there is an announcement. Mrs. Noodleman tells the class there is going to be a talent show. Penelope is very excited. She knows she wants to be a rock star. She signs up right away, even though the sign-up sheet is dangerously close to Walter. But when the first rehearsal comes, Penelope freezes. She can’t play. She can’t sing. She is frozen. Can she find the courage to go on?

Readers meet Penelope the kindergarten T. Rex in We Don’t Eat Our Classmates, a laugh-out-loud funny and very memorable book. This book is more message-driven and sweet, but every bit as engaging with terrific writing and absolutely charming, detail-filled illustrations. A new book by Ryan T. Higgins is always cause for a celebration, and this is no exception. Children will be fully engaged with both story and illustrations and may well find their own courage through this wonderful book.


All the Pretty Things

Ivy is reeling after returning from a family trip. Her best friend Morgan found one of their classmates at the bottom of a trestle bridge apparently dead from the fall. Ivy talks Morgan down from a ride at the theme park her dad owns where a lot of the kids from town are employees. While Morgan is mending at the hospital, Ivy does her own investigation when the police write the fall off as an accident. However, her interviews have unintended repercussions, leading to a publicly humiliating face-off, a suicide attempt, and more. The only thing her investigation is leading to is more questions and a resolution she may not be able to face.

Many mysteries are infused with humor—this is not one of them. It is a serious tale focused on finding the cause of Ethan’s death and is similar to stories by Jennifer Lynn Barnes and Megan Miranda. Seemingly unimportant discussions and observations return to haunt Ivy’s findings. Ivy is very dogged in her determination to find the answer, and sometimes the reason for the focus is forgotten. Patience is indeed a virtue, and when everything is wrapped up, the ending is a satisfying gift, well worth the wait.


The Woman of a Thousand Names: A Novel

Alexandra Lapierre, translated by Jeffrey Zuckerman

Born into the Russian aristocracy, Moura never had any reason to worry. But in the upheaval of the Russian Revolution, her entire world crumbles. As her family and friends are persecuted by Vladimir Lenin’s ruthless police, she falls into a passionate affair with British secret agent Sir Robert Bruce Lockhart. When he’s abruptly and mysteriously deported from Russia, Moura is left alone and vulnerable. Now, she must find new paths for her survival, even if it means shedding her past and taking on new identities. Some will praise her tenderness and undying loyalty. Others will denounce her lies. But, all will agree with one point: Moura embodies life. Life at all costs.

The Woman of a Thousand Names starts off in 1910s Russia, which itself is such a fascinating time period, given that it was something that, as the reader, you never got to live through. Although I have read many historical fiction novels based on World War II, The Woman of a Thousand Names provided something new and unique. While I personally enjoyed reading The Woman of a Thousand Names, I felt as if it were a long read, and at times I couldn't help but think that some passage/pages could have been skipped without missing what was going on.


Big Nate: Blow the Roof Off! (Volume 22)

Overall, I think the book Big Nate: Blow the Roof Off! is a great book. It is sometimes hard to find the theme in some Big Nate books, but this one was one of the easier ones. It is about Nate going back to another boring year of school, but he meets the girl that he met at the fair in one of his other books. Nate liked her; they rode a ride together, and that is how they came to meet. However, after the ride, the girl, (Trudy) walked away, and Nate lost her. The book is about how Nate tries to warm up to Trudy, realizes that she is a seventh-grader, and finds it hard to hang out with Trudy’s friends. Nate goes to Halloween parties, picnics, and all sorts of other things with Trudy and her seventh-grade friends. Nate wants to start dating, but Trudy is not having it because Nate is a sixth-grader. Eventually, they come to the agreement that it doesn’t matter how old they are, they should keep dating. Overall, I recommend this book to anybody who likes a good, quick read, and anyone who likes a good, hilarious comedy.


Arlo Finch in the Kingdom of Shadows

An amazing story about a boy trying to bring his family back together. Arlo lives in Pine Mountain with his mother, and his father lives in China. Arlo is determined to bring his father home, so he and two of his friends travel through the long woods to reach him. When they return to Pine Mountain, they discover that Hadryn is back and he wants Arlo's spirit knife. Arlo knows that Hadryn has an evil plan, so he won't give him the knife. He later finds that the Eldritch, beings from another realm, are hunting Hadryn. Soon, Arlo is forced to make a choice that will change his life forever. Arlo Finch and the Kingdom of Shadows is very well written. I really liked the idea of the Long Woods, which is a dimension that connects all wild places. There are many interesting places in the Long Woods, and there are also many spirits. I would recommend this book to kids from fifth to eighth grade, and to kids who like adventure. If you want a great adventure story, you need to read this book.


Precious You: A Novel

Precious You is a thoroughly engrossing book that sucked me in from the very beginning. Katherine Ross and Lily Lunt are the main characters and the chapters are written from the alternating points of view of each character in the most pleasant prose.

Katherine, the editor of the publication Leadership, meets her new intern, Lily. Lily just so happens to be the niece of the lady who just purchased Leadership. From day one, the two characters seem to be obsessed with one another in both good and bad ways. It seems as though Lily really looks up to Katherine. And for Katherine, Lily displays the long-gone spirit of her youth. It is not until Katherine finds her life being pulled into a tornado of lies and deceit that she realizes maybe Lily is behind all the madness.

This book had surprises around every corner. It was thrilling and at times completely unbelievable and vulgar. And yet, I kept reading. I had a feeling this book would have a twist at the end like so many of my favorite books do. Precious You certainly did not disappoint. An excellent read from cover to cover. I would recommend this book to all lovers of thrillers and suspense novels.


Pearl the Magical Unicorn

Sally Odgers, with illustrations by Adele K. Thomas

Can you imagine fighting monsters?!

My book is Pearl the Magic Unicorn. It is about a unicorn. Pearl has two best friends. She goes on adventures with her two best friends, Olive and Tweet. One of her best friends is an ogre, and her other of her friends is a firebird. They even fight a monster! The adventures are exciting. Each book has a different adventure. I like finding out what the adventure is in each book. The writing is exciting! The pictures are amazing. They add a lot of energy to the book.

The book is by Sally Odgers. It is Illustrated by Adele Thomas. It is a good book for kids ages five to eight years old. Or for kids who like unicorns. I think teachers would like using it to teach kids how to write fiction books. It is a very good example on how to write using good language. I read it two times the day I got it. It is a good book.


The First Conspiracy (Young Reader's Edition): The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington

George Washington is one of the most easily recognized Presidents of the United States but not everyone knows how he came to be the first president. George Washington had joined the army after his brother’s death and had served for the King. When the people of America are getting sick of the King's rule and decide to separate from England and become their own country. This is the start of the Revolutionary war. George had been in the army for many years by now, however now he is leading one of the army groups into war but this makes him a target. George gets a message from a man saying that someone he knew was planning on killing him, so now George is going into the war while someone is trying to assassinate him at the same time.

This book is good for people who like learning about the stuff in America's history. It is also something interesting because this event in America's history is not frequently talked about the way some other conspiracies in our history are. Another good thing is that the story will help you fully grasp what's going on in the story. All and all it's a good well-rounded book about America’s history.


Goldie Vance: The Hotel Whodunit

Goldie Vance is a girl who really wants to be the “house detective” at the hotel that her dad runs The Cross Palms Resort. Right now Goldie is just a valet at the hotel, it is not as exciting as house detective but even with her job as valet she still gets to help people by finding their lost things. Goldie has a chance to help solve the biggest mystery the hotel has ever seen when the Mermaid Crown was stolen. Now she has a chance to help Walt (the real hotel detective) but there is one problem, the main suspect the police have is Goldie’s mom. Will Goldie and Walt be able to figure out the mystery of the missing Mermaid Crown and show that her mom is innocent?

This is an exciting book to read. There are a lot of very interesting characters since The Cross Palms Resort has a lot of famous visitors. It is nice that Walt lets Goldie help him too and doesn’t just ignore her because she is a kid. It shows that no matter how old you are you can work toward your dream.


Last Couple Standing: A Novel

Being married in middle age can be tough, especially if you married young and have children. A routine sets in that slowly feels like a rut that you are unable to get out of. In this novel, a core group of friends that have known each other since college and all live near each other start to divorce. The last couple standing, before they are sucked into the maelstrom, decide to re-enliven their relationship by forming rules to have one night stands with complete strangers and to be honest with each other about it. What transpires is a mess as the nice rules in theory break down in practice and that really a shot in the arm was all that was needed.

Similar to many books that cover middle-class suburbia life, this takes a look at white middle-class couples and their issues. The man, who is a self-proclaimed nerd and English high school teacher; feels unmoored by what is happening with his friends and his wife. Even when his wife encourages him to go for it, it backfires. The side-story with the two high school kids was unneeded.


Charles II and his Escape into Exile: Capture the King

It's hard to imagine in this day of public obsession with all things royal that there was a time when the very institution of the English monarchy was so tentative. This was the case during the start of King Charles II’s reign as sovereign of Great Britain. This excellent book covers the perils this young man had to undertake to reclaim his kingship, the desperate escapes he would make after aborted attempts, and the indignity of living in exile.

This book goes to great pains to place the reader in the heart of the action and almost always succeeds masterfully. We read Charles not as a dull historic figure, long removed from modern life, but rather as a real, impatient, and daring youth. A man who quietly mourns the loss of his father and kingdom. The trying tale of a man who was not born into working-class poverty and has to adapt to survive it.

There is a struggle between two different forces seeking to control the people of England during one of the nation's most revolutionary moods. Charles is a king without a kingdom and a man without direction. He is grasping at whatever straws he can to preserve his identity. He uses every inch of his long frame to escape and reclaim his homeland.

This is a marvelous historical adventure of one man born into power, raised without guidance, with profound determination to reclaim his destiny.


A Galaxy of Sea Stars

Izzy Mancini’s life had changed. She was living in a different neighborhood and she hadn’t seen her mother much this summer because she was working. Middle school was coming up and she didn't know if the Sea Stars, a group made up of Izzy and her best friends, Piper and Zelda, were going to be separated. Also, her father’s friend and his family had just moved into the apartment above. They had a daughter around Izzy’s age, Sitara. Izzy was unsure of Sitara, she was different from the other kids, like how Sitara wore a scarf around her head called a hijab and she would only eat the food her mother made. Yes, she may be different, but maybe they could be friends.

I loved A Galaxy of Sea Stars. It is definitely one I would read repeatedly. I didn’t expect I would like the book as much as I did. My favorite character was definitely Sitara because of her outgoing personality. The book was a great story that showed friendship and that some things change but good things come from it. I would recommend A Galaxy of Sea Stars to girls in middle school because it is around the age of the main characters.


Pearl the Flying Unicorn (Pearl the Magical Unicorn)

Pearl the Flying Unicorn by Sally Odgers is about a unicorn named Pearl, an ogre named Olive, and a fire bird named Tweet who go off on adventures to find magic glitter feathers that fall off of Olive’s hat. I think the book is called Pearl the Flying Unicorn because, in it, Pearl learns how to fly. The book is pretty interesting but somewhat like the other book in the series. It would have been more interesting if it had been less like the other book. It was interesting because they go on different adventures and do different magic and she does struggle but struggles differently from the last book. Her struggle in this book is that she had flown once but cannot not remember how. But in then end she flies again. After that she flies up to grab Tweet who has one of Olive’s feathers but can’t get back. The book was well written and easy to read. I like the pictures by Adele Thomas. But I think if they use pink they should use every other color too. I think that mostly girls from four to eight would like this book.


Ultimate Veg: Easy & Delicious Meals for Everyone [American Measurements]

I was so excited to start cooking from this book.  My family is not strictly vegetarian, but we do enjoy eating vegetarian food occasionally. Initially flipping through the book, I was enthusiastic about trying a large number of the recipes. They seemed flavorful and creative. Some of them even had ingredients I have never heard of before!

The first recipe I tried to cook had directions that were very clear and easy to follow. The recipe itself had multiple steps and took a long time to complete. It was worth the wait, because the dish was savory and delicious!

The only thing I would have liked to see that I did not is a section on desserts! I plan to cook more of these delicious-looking recipes very soon, including crispy-bottom steamed dumplings and stuffed mushrooms.  I think other people would enjoy this cook book because it has so many different varieties of vegetarian recipes from around the world. For anyone looking for a bit of inspiration in the kitchen to liven up dinner time, this book is perfect!


Child of the Universe

This book is a great bedtime story for children aged 7-9, although it’s appropriate for all ages.

It’s very sweet how the dad describes his daughter’s beauty in such big terms. He talks about how special she is and how she’s an important part of the whole universe and the history of time.

The reader’s level of captivation will depend on their age, reading level, and interests. The whole thing may not make much sense to younger readers.

The illustrations are lovely. You can definitely tell what the illustrator was trying to say and what the writer was going for. A very talented artist must have done the beautiful illustrations in Child of the Universe.


You Are So Wonderful

Jacqueline J. Lewis, with illustrations by Jeremy Tugeau

We are all unique. God created us to be individuals. This book celebrates all our differences and how coming together makes the world a brighter place. It reminds children how special they are to God.

The text in this book is sparse. I feel like it is something that I have seen in Christian picture books before, so it was not unique in that aspect. I felt like the author could have gone much more in depth on the subject of God’s unique design. I did like the use of scripture to begin the book.

The illustration style was interesting, with bright colors but not very well defined lines. It’s a bright and calming style at the same time. I LOVED the diversity in this book. We need many more picture books with diversity in the Christian section of the bookstore. The illustrations showed what a wonderful community we have when we get together no matter our color or culture.

My six-year-old son did not like the book. He did not like illustrations or text. My three-year-old daughter really enjoyed the beautiful illustrations. I would recommend this book for three- to five-year-olds.


The Hairbrush and the Shoe

Jeanne D. Stanton’s The Hairbrush and The Shoe: A True Ghost Story is an eerie and intriguing probe into the supernatural realm through the author’s research and first-hand experiences. Over the span of several chapters, Stanton explores the plausibility and mysticism around the paranormal world. Things begin, coincidentally enough, with a hairbrush disappearing for a few months and reappearing in an unexpected location. Before long, things occur less by chance and far more persistently. Stanton admits from the beginning, “ghosts and belief in them are generally regarded as the realm of charlatans and crackpots… Before we moved into our 1875 house, I hadn’t thought much about ghosts, but if asked, I would have said that ghosts are a possibility.” At one time or another, we have all stepped back to consider the probability and plausibility of the paranormal. Like any of us, she begins her inquiry with related books and television shows before guardedly meeting with a psychic. Stanton’s narrative is a familiar one that will resonate with readers' curiosity and inquisitiveness. She explores familiar terms surrounding the supernatural from "ghost," "spirit," and "medium" to "fraud," "charlatan," and "con artist." As Stanton continues to probe into the paranormal, her initial perceptions evolve as she begins to consider the possibility of a stronger connection existing between science and the supernatural then we initially perceive despite the lack of support and assistance from within the scientific community. She bases these conclusions on conversations and publications of scientists studying in and around paranormal activity. Her exploration foregrounds the blatant ostracizing of any academic that dares to explore the supernatural in any concrete, sound studies regardless of evidence or conclusions. Through further investigation, we stand to garner a better understanding of this relationship, but thus far this avenue remains thwarted. Stanton provides insightful, supportive references to her study that enhance her analysis and bring a sense of authenticity to the investigation. Readers will find her process genuine, thoughtful, and receptive to the possibilities of this inquiry regardless of believability. It is one of authentic study and earnest inquiry. Those interested in additional details have the option of exploring her citations and learning added information from her sources on related subtopics. Her authenticity and organic exploration garner this work five stars. Readers will thoroughly enjoy Stanton’s journey and feel inspired to pursue their own inquiries into the supernatural world. Begin your expedition into the paranormal today with Jeanne D. Stanton’s The Hairbrush and The Shoe: A True Ghost Story.


Ferret: The Reluctant King

LOCAL AUTHOR

Sean O’Neil is a young boy living in Ireland in the late 1600s. When his father is killed in front of him, however, he embarks on a journey that will take him not only to the Netherlands and the New World but also into a new identity: Ferret, a reluctant but inevitable king.

In the preface, Samuels mentions how many years he has worked on this book and how much research went into it. Even without reading that, it would have been obvious. The historical detail shines through in every page. Each chapter, no matter the setting, is rich enough to seem real, and the world is populated with compelling and fascinating characters. Ferret is far from the only exciting person in the book. There’s Strongbow, a trickster with his own agenda, Maureen, a strong-willed Irish woman, and Heather, a fey child with powerful passions. Each has a dry realism about them which makes them not always likeable but ever intriguing.

Unfortunately, the historical detail doesn’t always ring true. The Gaelic and Dutch phrases thrown in for flavor are at times distracting and at least on one occasion blatant gibberish. When compared with other moments in the book which show strong attention to detail and a clear love of accuracy, it’s disappointing.

Aside from that, I was completely sucked into the book. Ferret’s growth as a character from scrappy and strong-willed to the titular reluctant king shows the changes brewing at the turn of the eighteenth century and the contradictions in the world and society at the time. Europe was on the brink of the philosophical revolution now known as the Enlightenment, but many people still held onto the old ways. Old monarchies and fledgling democracies were prepared to clash, and people everywhere were choosing sides, whether they knew it or not. In Ferret, the conflict plays out in miniature, making him the perfect pair of eyes to see the story through.

For those who want more than philosophy in their historical fiction, don’t worry. There’s plenty of action, too, for these were violent times. The conflict between the English and Irish plays out from the very beginning, touching every part of Ferret’s life, but other battles play out closer to home, and closer to his heart. He clashes with friends and allies. In a world torn by both philosophy and war, sometimes it’s impossible to trust anyone at all.

Ferret: The Reluctant King is a book heavy (sometimes too heavy) with history. For any who love this period as I do, it’s an intriguing read.


STAZR The World Of Z: The Dawn of Athir

*Trigger Warning: This book includes torture, cannibalism, racism/slavery, depictions of graphic sex, and graphic rape*

Dr. Anay Ayarovu's STAZR The World of Z: The Dawn of Athir is like The Chronicles of Narnia meets Candid on drugs. It is a humorous read that doesn't hesitate to poke fun at typical tropes, such as 'chosen one' and 'epic quest.' Lael is a writer who lives alone. When a prophecy literally names him as the one capable of reopening the Stazr gates to allow travel between worlds, Lael embarks on an adventure that will challenge how he sees himself and how he sees others.

This story has elements of sci-fi and fantasy both, but overall, its tone is fantasy. The Greats can use magic of a sort. In some ways, they seem like a Fae race, Daevas or Unseelie Sidhe. There are talking animals in the book. Many of the animals were normal, brought to the planet by humans long ago, but they have since evolved due to exposure to stazr. My favorite of these animals was the little shnail that took a liking to Lael.

I loved the cultural essays insterspersed throughout the book, and the encyclopedia entries helped flesh out the world Lael lives in. I enjoyed that the story prompted me to think about society, status quo, and why change can be hard. The book also teaches the lesson that book knowledge isn't everything and that reality can shake up inculcated beliefs. This book makes use of many world-specific words; though context oftentimes provides enough to suss out meaning, a glossary ends each chapter to help the reader along.

Unfortunately I didn't find most of the characters to be all that likable. The Greats come across as entitled morons. Lael is naive and quite ignorant in many ways. He seems more interested in how he looks to others, and he's indoctrinated in the unhealthy thinking of the Greats. He believes the 'lesser races' were put there to be slaves to the Greats. Lael often doesn't think for himself, but instead he lets his actions be guided by what he thinks others want him to do or by what the prophecy dictates. Kharis gives off an emo vibe. Both Lael and Kharis are manipulative and willing to kill to achieve fanatic goals.

There were scattered scenes of unnecessary sex, violence, and violent sex that felt out of place in the overall story. Also that cover is terrifying. Just saying.


Healing by His Spirit

Healing By His Spirit by Geraldine D. Bryant is a powerful autobiographical story of faith and perseverance. It is an honest and open expression of the hardships one may endure and overcome through prayer and devotion. Bryant’s narrative proves everyone encounters hardships but how we respond determines the impact and outcomes of those adversities. As a young woman, Bryant became pregnant as a result of a brutal rape. This violent attack could have destroyed her. Instead, she embraced her child and committed to loving her child every day in spite of the biological father’s actions. From terrifying health scares to an abusive marriage, Bryant repeatedly confronted and overcame difficulties by leaning on God’s love. Through her devotion, she has come to see some of the most incredible miracles this world has to offer. From raising a beautiful, healthy daughter to sharing intimate moments with her mother to traveling extensively around the world, Bryant has come to see and do so much through the love and guidance of God. Through this story, Bryant reveals “the amazing experiences that ultimately happened to me…it is my responsibility to share my Christian faith with anyone who is open to it; however, it is up to each individual to choose the path which they believe to be relevant in respect to their own spiritual journey.” Bryant’s story and testimony are personal and authentic. It is through her openness that readers really have the opportunity to connect with the author and obtain a deep understanding of her struggles and strength. Through her personable writings, Bryant connects with readers in a profound and sincere way as if to simulate a warm conversation in her home over a cup of hot tea. In this manner, Bryant achieves a level of comfort and tranquility with readers as she discusses a variety of difficult topics, including rape, abortion, marital affairs, cancer, and abuse. Amid these heartaches, Bryant shares her professional accolades and trips to Aruba, Indonesia, and Japan, as well as warm bouts of laughter with friends. Her story is more than pain and sorrow. It’s a lifetime of hills and valleys where she has and continues to walk by faith. Throughout this period, she loves those in her life passionately and fearlessly, pouring out resources whenever she can to uplift and inspire a friend or family member. Bryant’s story is one of living your best life regardless of the cards that have been dealt. It’s deciding to live a life full of abundance. Her narrative is inspiring, and through her book readers will get to know Bryant in such a real way. Geraldine D. Bryant’s Healing By His Spirit is well worth the read and will quickly become a favorite of many readers.


Healing by His Spirit

Healing By His Spirit is the wonderful raw autobiography of a woman named Geraldine Bryant, known as Gerri to her friends and family, in which she shows how even through the toughest of times her faith never faltered and her relationship with God became even stronger.

The book starts off with Gerri describing her childhood. Growing up in Philadelphia, Gerri’s father was an alcoholic and her mother worked hard to keep the family afloat. Gerri does not talk much about her two older brothers in her book and this may be because they are much older than her and had moved out by the time Gerri reached her teen years.

The book follows Gerri through one relationship after another, her first being with a boy named Sidney, who seems nice enough at first but then shows his true colors when Gerri denies him sexual relations when she is only fourteen years old and he sixteen. This relationship, along with a horrible rape scene shortly after, was very hard to read. This young, innocent girl becomes pregnant after being raped and goes on to have another abusive “relationship.” My heart broke as Gerri’s decisions led to hurt, heartbreak, and uncertainty. In one part of the book, she becomes extremely ill. It seems as if nothing will help cure her and the doctors cannot figure out what is wrong with her. She goes to her church where her pastor gives her something to wear close to her heart and has her do an at-home ritual of putting a glass of red wine on a Psalms passage and a twenty-minute bath. The results are nothing short of a miracle.

What struck me most is that Gerri never gave up. She lived her life despite all of the setbacks. She got hired at the Postal Service and with the help of her mom raised her daughter Janel. Gerri’s perseverance and strength are very admirable. The one thing I would have liked to hear more about was Gerri’s relationship with Janel. She has many adventures, but not too many that include Janel as she is growing up.

Healing By His Spirit will be an inspiration to those who read it. With easy to read chapters that flow chronologically, it is easy to read this book in one sitting as you become entranced by what is going to happen next. An excellent book by an amazing woman.


Healing by His Spirit

In Healing by His Spirit, Geraldine Bryant shares her tumultuous, yet inspiring life journey with readers. Her earliest years are relatively happy and stable, and though her father is an alcoholic, her memories of him during her formative years are not marked with negativity, but mostly with love and laughter. Geraldine’s mother is kind, nurturing, and a woman of strong faith. When Geraldine is fourteen, she and her family move in with her grandfather, who recently became blind, resulting in the need for greater family assistance. It is then that her battle with loneliness begins. Countless days are spent in the solitude of her room and in yearning for human companionship. She falls deeply in love with a boy two years her senior and is devastated beyond imagine when their courtship suddenly ends.

On a seemingly normal, hot day in August, Geraldine decides to ride the trolley to her best friend Dee-Dee’s house for a visit. Little does she realize it will be one of the most harrowing days of her young life. After Dee-Dee’s father innocently insists she take a cab home, she slips into the seat next to a man who holds her captive for six horrifying hours. When she’s finally released to the comfort of her home, her sense of self is shattered beyond recognition. She unwittingly becomes the target of this man’s evil threats, the mother of his precious child, and a woman in desperate search of herself. Though she later marries, divorces, and becomes involved in a number of relationships, she never quite finds contentment and stability in her relationships. What she does find, though, through her travels to other lands and a relationship with the Lord she’s always known and trusted, is a life with greater purpose and one of which God is at the center.

Healing by His Spirit is written with some eloquence, though it is generally very easy to understand, making it suitable for those who are not voracious readers and/or scholarly types. It is written for everyday people who take comfort in knowing they are not alone in their struggles. For those who have been victimized in any way, this memoir may be especially appealing and cathartic. They may find a part of themselves in Geraldine’s story and draw hope from its positive and resolute message. Additionally, her unwavering faith and the gracious attitude she exudes despite the travesties she endears may provide them with an example of admirable mention. Conversely, for those seeking a challenging read and a genuinely unique storyline with unexpected twists and turns, this autobiography may not be the right choice. It’s a quick read with short, concise chapters that unfold with predictability. It should be stated with unquestionable clarity that victimization is never warranted or deserved by any human being, though precautions in uncertain circumstances are often wise to take. Along those lines, some readers may be struck by the naivety of the author at times throughout her voyage. It may be attributable, at least partially, to the free and accepting spirit that defines who she is. She remains untainted by the hardships she endures. To some this might be heartening; while to others, it might seem troubling.

The author shares the story of her daughter’s birth and some glimpses into her early years, but so much is left untold. It’s as though this significant part of her life slowly fades out of existence, leaving many questions left unanswered. Does her daughter simply fade into the backdrop of her life? How does she cope with and respond to the array of events that unfold during her teenage years? Does she ever discover how she was ultimately conceived, and if so, how does this impact her? By allowing the reader greater insight into this part of her life, the author could widen the scope and depth of her own story.


The Earth Family Smith

The Earth Family Smith is an entertaining novel about a family escaping a climate-changed Earth. It is mostly told from the point of view of Cameron Smith, the oldest child. When she and her siblings awake from space sleep, their mother and father are missing. They worry that they won't ever see them again, yet they eventually explore the crash site where they landed. The siblings find a group of the planet's dominant species, and they are taken to their well-established city. The kids, Cameron (oldest daughter), Barry (middle child and son), and Amilee (youngest child and daughter) meet a nice woman named Quetu. She takes them in and fosters them until they can find their parents.

   Meanwhile, the kids adapt to the new planet and learn about the native community; they turn out to be mostly telepathic and/or telekinetic people. The planet, Tumuera, is also facing the start of climate change. The planet's natural cycle is being upset and the politics, which have become corrupt, aren't doing much about it. They stay for a while, but a series of surprising events force them to migrate to a different city. It turns out that the government dislikes the immigrant aliens, not just the humans, like the Smiths, but other species as well and wants to send them away from their planet.

Join The Earth Family Smith as they adapt to a new world and challenges, so different from Earth's.

I really enjoyed this book. It actually talks a lot about how politics work in a community, how climate change can affect us and the environment, that, yes, it's real and that there are things we can do to stop it from getting worse. This novel was really fun to read, although it took a bit getting used to all the alien terms spoken here and there. It was also immersive and described the planet and all of its features and inhabitants quite vividly. I would recommend this to kids and teens 12 and up.


Giacomo's Daughter

I will always have a soft spot for well-researched historical fiction, and that was exactly what I found with Giacomo’s Daughter. Rosanna and Diana Savone (publishing simply as the Savone Sisters) have created a Prohibition-era story of the Italian Mafia in Detroit that feels as though it could have really happened. As the authors' note states, some of the events did occur, showing that once again the best historical fiction draws deeply from history.

Sofia Denaro is the young wife of Max Denaro, who is possibly the most dangerous man in Detroit, and he has given her everything: fine clothes, a good house, and a way out of her old working-class life. He has also, unfortunately, traumatized her and made her short marriage hellish. Over dinner on a boat, Sofia confronts her husband and tells him everything he has done to her, sparing no detail. Though the frame of the narrative takes place over a single night, the story itself spans much more, showing every moment of her lost innocence.

The Savone Sisters certainly know how to craft a narrative. The story moves smoothly between “present-day” on the boat and Sofia’s explanation of what happened to her and how. The unflinching detail, while at times difficult to read, is a necessary part of the story, and many Mafia wives were abused by their husbands. The Savone Sisters have not tried to create a romance but to illustrate part of the past, and in that, they have done a remarkable job.

It isn’t only in the darker details that their research shows. Every setting feels true and believable, as do the characters. Even the secondary ones have their own agendas and wishes, all of which come through clearly in the narrative.

Unfortunately, the amount of detail proves to be the novel’s undoing. The authors spell out things that the readers could infer for themselves, and some backstory elements were completely unnecessary or had been mentioned two chapters earlier. In addition, the dialect of some characters feels forced and awkward.

On the whole, however, the story is a strong one, and compelling. Sofia’s character has depth and humanity beyond the traditional “battered woman” narrative, and I don’t think it’s much of a spoiler to say I gasped in delight at the end. Giacomo’s Daughter is the first book in a trilogy, and I look forward greatly to reading the next two books to see how Sofia evolves next.


Giacomo's Daughter

I love Prohibition-era historical fiction and was quite interested to read Giacomo's Daughter by the Savone Sisters. Unfortunately, for me, it felt like reading a second or third draft. There's still a lot of work to be done. Both adverbs and adjectives need a good culling. (One can only read that a woman did something 'sweetly' so many times.) Tense and POV need reworking for greater consistency.

Another thing that kept breaking my engagement was the myriad of dialogue tags. Some variation is good. Too much variation can be distracting. I found the scattering of vulgar imagery to be out of place in this story, and completely unnecessary, as the story in no way struck me as "romance" or "erotica." These few scenes felt so out of place.

This story is billed as mafia fiction set in the 1920s, and yet it felt too generic, with little rich historical detail. The characters came across as cardboard cutouts that could quite literally be dropped into any time frame with little change to the majority of the story. Greater context-driven elements would be nice. I want something *only* likely to happen because of the era or occupation.

As a story about a woman's revenge against her oppressor, this book has a lot of potential. It just needs one or two more edits in the cutting and drafting phases.


His Secret Mistress: A Logical Man's Guide to Dangerous Women Novel

Brandon Balfour is back in the small town in England that he ran away from to make it rich in colonial India. Now he is back to oversee the estate and prepare his nephew to inherit so that he might leave again. But Kate Addison, the main reason he left, is back in his life and disrupting his plans as a member of the Logical Men’s Society, which only men who are not married may join. Addison throws his life upside down, but can the two come to terms, or will they destroy each other and all they have worked for? Will jealousy rule the day?

This has a fairly simple plot, as halfway through you can basically guess the ending for these two people. The idea of a young duke falling in love and wanting to marry someone who is old enough to be his mother is a little odd. While not terribly original, and at times not exactly steamy either, people looking for a more chaste love story might find this an endearing enough read.


Healing by His Spirit

Geraldine Bryant has shown us that when it comes to trauma and misfortunes, healing by His spirit is the best option. Gerri's autobiography is written to show what can happen when you keep your faith and take it seriously. Starting at age eight, Gerri had her standards high and was not okay with giving into anything less. The church was her life, and surrounding herself with church-goers was important to her. She matures and becomes a teenager, and her morals get a little skewed when a boy becomes involved. Still attempting to stay true to her morals, Gerri can't help but find her life spiraling out of her control. The one constant she has is her faith in Jesus Christ, and even that seems to falter more or less throughout the years. Drugs, sex, and abuse are some of the dangerous themes that show up in Gerri's life—obstacles that she believes she can overcome, but it will become apparent if she is capable without divine guidance. Gerri has since come to terms with her life and her actions; she now focuses her efforts on the Lord because of the blessings he has bestowed upon her in her time of need.

Gerri has lived an exciting life, evident by the many stories she has to tell. Unfortunately, many of her stories don't end with a happy ending before leading to the next one. Reading Gerri's account of her life is heartbreaking but hopeful at the same time. Gerri has gone through many trials, and through them all, she came to understand that God had not forsaken her but used everything for His good. While reading about her life, I was shocked at the disregard for human life that was shown by both Gerri and others. While writing from a background in mental health treatment, it is evident that many of her actions and feelings appear normal for a person who has suffered from a traumatic situation, yet her actions will cause some doubt for me. The impression I got while reading her story is that it is written with more facts presented instead of emotion. This can be understandable, given the situations in which Gerri found herself, but still surprising given that emotions are hard to ignore for a woman. Overall, the story flows beautifully and is a quick read because of the ease of the text. Advice to the reader: don't be scared away by the spirituality in the book, but instead keep an open mind and discover if it can help your life at all, much like it did Gerri's.


Discover Your Best Keto Now

"An interesting look into the world of Keto diets and their variations. Who knew that mayonnaise and marbled meat are considered 'good fats'? This book is a great breakdown of how to do Keto and includes some delicious recipes. Perfect for people interested in the ketogenic lifestyle!" — Manhattan Book Review


Bryant Terry is a chef, an activist, and an educator, and he has long made it his mission to bring his own unique vision of vegetable-based cooking to the masses through his shows, documentaries, and books. His newest offering is Vegetable Kingdom: The Abundant World of Vegan Recipes, and it’s an outstanding addition to any home cook’s library, vegan or not. Terry has divided the book up by ingredient, allowing readers to find ideas based not just on what’s in season but also by what’s actually available in their nearby stores, markets, and farms. Many of the recipes build on one another; readers will learn some versatile basics that can be used to create more complex dishes further down the road. Terry definitely does not rely on meat substitutes but instead mixes flavors and spices to create unique dishes that will satisfy even the most critical eaters. This is not an easy cookbook, and it’ll take time and effort to master the recipes within, not to mention a bit of money and a well-stocked pantry, but anyone who is looking to expand their palate and their cooking abilities would do well to give this book a try.


The Earth Family Smith

The Earth Family Smith is a science fiction novel set in the not-too-distant future, where the Earth has been all but destroyed by pollution and climate change while its population has been decimated by an illness known as the Red Plague. Humanity has been left with no choice but to flee the Earth and escape via wormhole to New Terra, a planet capable of supporting human life.

Among those heading for New Terra are teenager Cameron, her younger brother, Barry, her little sister, Amilee, and her parents. As the story opens, the family is spending their last night on Earth at Away Station, a sort of selection/preparation center for soon-to-be emigrants, which shares many similarities with the poorly equipped asylum centers currently used in many countries to house immigrants/asylum seekers. The family’s preparation for departure on the shuttle and their subsequent settling in aboard Ark III for deep-space hibernation and the two-year journey to New Terra are well thought out and realistic – even when fleeing from planetary collapse, there’s no escaping bureaucracy.

The real action begins when Cameron and her siblings awake to discover that their severely damaged capsule has landed on a strange planet. It can’t be New Terra, which is supposed to be a tundra planet, as the planet they’re on has a temperate or even tropical biome. What’s more, their parents are missing. The three venture out of the capsule in search of answers and soon encounter a group of aliens who identify themselves as Arap-Musoogums and explain that they are on the planet Tumuera. While most of those they initially meet prove friendly, especially Qetu, who ends up acting as a kind of foster mother to them, the Smith children discover that Tumuera has its own problems. The population seems split into factions, with one group being in favor of allowing foreign species to settle on the planet, while the other group believes that all emigrants to Tumuera should be expelled back to their home worlds – there’s even talk of building a wall to keep rival native species out.

Chun-Tien Leung has clearly put a lot of effort into the worldbuilding for The Earth Family Smith. The planet of Tumuera, including its cities, wider environment, flora, fauna, and populations, is described in clear detail. The Smith children experience everything as alien yet also as slightly familiar – the same kinds of rivalries, jealousies, and friendships are seen on Tumuera as are seen on Earth, and that includes the real contemporary Earth as well as the fictional one. The conflicts between the different native species, the distrust and fear of immigrants, and the damage done to the environment are clear echoes of what is going on in real life right now. There’s also a nice amount of humor to be found in some of the differences between humans and Arap-Musoogums, including the different ways of eating and of going to the bathroom.

The Earth Family Smith follows Cameron and her siblings as they adjust to life on Tumuera, attempt to fit in to their new society, and become embroiled in the conflict between the factions. They make friends and allies with many Arap-Musoogums as well as with individuals from other species (Qetu’s aged father-in-law Quigo and the robot Am-lam are particular favorites), and they also encounter a number of bigoted enemies who don’t think that they belong on Tumuera. All the while, they are left to wonder what happened to their parents and the others aboard Ark III. The story is packed with detail and intriguing descriptions of life and living things on Tumuera, and there’s a fair bit of action and adventure, too.

As The Earth Family Smith is the first book in Chun-Tien Leung’s Tumuerian Dream series, it will be interesting to see what the author has in store for Cameron and the others next.


Franklin & Washington: The Founding Partnership

George Washington and Ben Franklin were a crucial pair of the larger Founding Fathers of the United States of America. Franklin and Washington were decades apart in age, hailed from different backgrounds and locations, and yet shared strong views on liberty and when to fight. Their friendship, often accentuated through correspondence, spanned four decades. Benjamin Franklin possessed a brilliant mind; his skills shined as a printer, publisher, and inventor. His innovative ways bought him an early retirement, yet he was also dedicated to public service.

George Washington was born in Virginia. His wealth emanated from the inheritance of his family estate. He gravitated toward service as a surveyor, evaluating prospective lands for investment in the vast wilderness of the west. Conflict was imminent with the colonists’ desire to expand out west. Washington had a front-row seat to the looming fracas and would witness triumph and tragedy in military campaigns from 1754 on. Washington and Franklin would be present and all in for battling the French in a unified Colonial campaign.

Franklin and Washington is a fresh view of the lives of Ben Franklin and George Washington. Their contributions to the birth of the United States and also their divide on the topic of slavery provide depth and moving narrative to a great read. This is a solid piece of history writing, where the reader can re-examine the past. A-plus.


The Queen of Raiders (The Nine Realms)

The story continues as the Princella of Weirandale, Cerúlia, escapes those who search for her, only to find herself in the center of a war. She joins Thalen, a scholar-turned-solider, on his one-way mission into the enemy country. The Princella uses her gift to help the raiders while trying to keep her true identity secret and become the warrior she needs to be to take back the throne. But war comes at a cost, and she’s about to find out if she’s willing to pay the price.

In this second installment of the Nine Realms quartet, the Princella has to learn what it means to be a warrior and queen. War is brutal, and The Queen of Raiders doesn’t sugar coat it, yet it’s written in a way that the violence is not too graphic, leaving most of it to your imagination. Characters who were in the first book return as well as a large cast of new characters. Thankfully, there’s an appendix, but I still had some trouble keeping track of everyone. There is heavy cussing throughout.


The Eighth Girl: A Novel

Reading debut works of fiction can be a tricky business: either it is really good and the beginning of a prosperous writing career or it falls pretty flat, and prospects dim that there might ever be another book by the author. This book falls into the latter category. It is written in such a way as to leave the reader lost, confused, at times bewildered, and wondering why we should even care for the main character. Maybe the author, a psychotherapist, wanted to explore the world of multiple personalities without wanting to write an academic work.

The story follows Alexa Wu, who suffers from multiple personality disorder that only three people know about. One of those is Ella, an enigmatic friend who gets a job at a fairly seedy gentlemen’s club. When things turn south and a rescue mission must occur, it is up to Alexa to lead the way into the underbelly of London, with all of her issues and personalities, while maintaining a facade that everything is normal. Frankly, it is fairly flat, and I am not sure the author’s strong point is writing fiction.


The Voice that Won the Vote: How One Woman's Words Made History

There was a time when women could not vote. Only men can vote. Women wanted to vote, but men always told them they could not. Even some women didn't think that women should have an opinion when it was politics. Even though women could not vote, one woman helped change that. Her name was Febb Burn. She was smart and she loved to read and learn. Since only men could vote, Febb wrote to her son Harry Burn because he could vote. Febb wrote to her son and told him to be a good boy. With his vote he broke the tie, and women were able to vote.

I like the story. I did not know about Febb Burn and how she helped women vote. I liked how the book included a real picture of her. This is a very educational book, and this is a good picture book to learn a little bit about women's right to vote. This is a great book to read for National Women's Month! I think kids and parents will enjoy this story.


Travel Guide for Monsters

Lori Degman, with illustrations by Dave Szalay

In Travel Guide for Monsters, the monsters go on trips to lots of cities and places. The monsters are having fun traveling all over the US, and they are happy. One monster goes to San Francisco and rides the cable car. Another monster goes to Los Angeles to see famous people. Other monsters go to Arizona, Wyoming, South Dakota, Tennessee, Illinois, Florida, Washington D.C., and New York. The monsters get to visit and see many famous places like Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, the White House, and Disney World.

I thought the book was cute and silly. I liked how the illustrations are very colorful. I like the monster who is sitting on the tea cup ride in Disney World because it's a girl monster with purple pigtails. I also like the blue monster who is licking the kid on the screen in Illinois. I recommend this book to kids who like monsters and kids who like to travel and see places because this book is educational and teaches kids about states.


break your glass slippers (you are your own fairy tale)

Amanda Lovelace continues her legacy of thoughtful feminist, poetry turning tropes on their head. In this book, she takes on the “Cinderella” fairytale. The narrative is told in a series of poems that start with a pair of glass slippers given to the daughter by her father. But this isn’t the Cinderella story you know from childhood. This story is modernized and attempts to expose the systemic reality modern women face: silently teaching girls to stay quiet, pleasant, and pleasing to others. The Cinderella in Lovelace’s story goes on a long, difficult, journey until she finally finds herself in a place of power, self-love, confidence, and fulfillment.

One of the most powerful lessons in the book comes from the voice of the “fairy godmother” when she says, “there is nothing in this world like the relief of/knowing that you owe answers to nobody &/nobody owes answers to you in return.”

This book is a powerful journey and a very empowering read for women. Even if you don't think you’re a poetry lover, this accessible and emotional volume may make a convert out of you. It will definitely provide a lot of food for thought and encourage you to start, or continue, your own unique journey of self-love.


Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster

Young Nan follows a sweep around the London area, helping him clean chimneys and resting on roofs at night. One morning, she wakes up and finds that the sweep has gone. All she has left of him is a rock, a small ember of warmth that she carries everywhere.

After waiting and searching, she joins the crew of another sweep. Crudd is not a kind sweep, but rather a monster of a boss who controls the lives of several children, most under the age of ten, who sweep chimneys each day and curl up lost and lonely each night. When Nan awakes, unharmed, after a chimney fire, she meets her golem, a gift from the original sweep, who helps her to build a new life, so different from what she expected.

An eye-opening testimony to the hardships of children from a bygone era, this is a beautiful story that explores friendship, first love, family, and loyalty. Being based on the lives of chimney sweeps in London during the 1870s, it will shatter the misconception that all sweeps were like those in Mary Poppins. Nan is a sweet, patient girl and her golem is a great friend in a world that doesn’t believe in such things. So, so sweet.


The Genius of Women: From Overlooked to Changing the World

Journalist and TV producer Janice Kaplan writes passionately and appealingly on the issue of the continuing bias against women outside the confines of the home or marriage. In searching for the factors that have stifled or extinguished the talent of so many remarkable women throughout the ages, she finds that underlying pressures from belief systems, cultures, and traditions have long sustained the dogma declaring women to be the weaker and insignificant sex.

In this absorbing narrative, the author shares the stories of many outstanding females working in fields in which men have long held tenure. Female college presidents, robotic engineers, astrophysicists, AI scientists, mathematicians, musicians, artists, among others in the arts and sciences relate how their passion for their craft along with their upbringing shaped their future. The majority of these award-winning women nurtured children alongside pursuing their outstanding careers.

Part of the algorithm necessary for genius recognition is having the basic talent with the grit to pursue its fulfillment along with collegial support and finally being recognized for this ability. This was the recipe that failed to acknowledge the genius of Lise Meitner and Rosalind Franklin. The reader is encouraged to realize how bias and cultural conditions from infancy onwards shape our values, limit our potential, and serve as a revolving door for possibilities.

A timely topic, brilliantly presented, a must read for girls with their parents, and an educational primer needed for imperious males.


Mr. Nobody: A Novel

Mr. Nobody is a rather handsome man who washes up on the beach one day. The thing is, Mr. Nobody does not speak. Is this just a game or can he really not talk? Dr. Emma Lewis is a specialist in neuropsychology brought in on the case by a colleague she has looked up to for a long time. The only problem? The case is not in London where Emma lives, but rather a place that Emma and her brother and mother escaped from long ago with secret protective identities. Needless to say, as Emma works on finding out more about Mr. Nobody, she is always looking over her shoulder to make sure no one recognizes her. But then, the oddest thing happens: Mr. Nobody speaks to her. And he calls her by her old name. A name she hasn't heard for fourteen years.

Mr. Nobody will have you wanting more as the author slowly feeds you more and more clues as to who Mr. Nobody is and what happened to Emma those many years ago. This book has an excellent cast of characters, action, and carefully researched medical terminology regarding the brain and how it works. Very satisfying.


Dragon Fire (The Unwanteds Quests #5)

Dragon Fire is the fifth installment in The Unwanteds Quests series. It's about the Stowe family, the Island of Dragons, and a magical world called Artime. An evil dragon lady has taken over the Island of Dragons, and Artime is in the middle of a civil war. The Stowe family has lost Alex, their brother, who was the head maje of Artime. Now their lives are being threatened by the new maje in charge. Will the Stowe family survive? Will they be able to save their beloved home and rescue their world?

Dragon Fire is an action-packed book with lots of twists and turns to keep the reader turning pages all the way to the end. This is a great story for anyone who loves fantasies and adventure. I recommend this to story to young readers who love to get swept up into magical worlds as their imagination takes flight. It is a great book to read together with children at bedtime or anytime. So grab a copy, and let your mind take flight!


Black Leviathan

Black Leviathan is a gripping tale about the struggles between man and nature.

This book follows Lian as he joins a dragon hunting ship that is captained by Adaron. On his journey, Lian helps to hunt dragons, makes new companions, and loses a dear friend. All of this is in an effort to aid Adaron’s search for the Firstborn Gargantuan.

I really liked the characters and got to know them quite well. Every character seemed real and relatable. My favorite character was Ialrist. This book was actually translated from German. The translator did a great job, and the language flowed really well. The dialogue was very realistic and aided in the understanding of the story.

I think anyone can read this book; however, because of the length, I think it would be better for older or more advanced readers. I would definitely recommend this book, especially if you’re a fan of fantasy fiction. If this book were made into a series I would definitely read it.

This was a great story full of action, adventure, and a little bit of magic. You should read it!


The phrase everything old is new again lens itself to the nostalgic tendencies of millennials. The vast amounts of money and time they lavish on all the various trinkets, brands, and of course television shows of their youth. But as this election cycle has revealed, there is also a deep longing to relive past campaigns, to revisit beloved figures, and gain new insight into crowning moments of our national identity.

They Said This Day Would Never Come: Chasing the Dream on Obama's Improbable Campaign by Chris Liddell-Westefeld is the perfect vehicle for such a pursuit.

A compelling volume of oral and anecdotal history about  Barack Obama's first presidential campaign. Told in great detail by numerous volunteers and campaign staff. It's the kind of Presidential history that many want and rarely get.

A glittering showcase of over two hundred interviews including David Axelrod, David Plouffe, and President Obama himself. To say nothing of the hundreds of young volunteers, many who would go on to serve in the Obama administration, who dropped everything, and worked tirelessly to see the underdog candidate make history.

The definitive book on the Obama years has yet to be written, and as the partisan tensions of the era slowly pull back, this book may very well be it.


Citizen Reporters: S.S. McClure, Ida Tarbell, and the Magazine That Rewrote America

The Gilded Age was ground zero for materialism and greed, where ethics and morality took a back seat. A shadow of doubt about the future direction of the country loomed. The corruption and greed and willful disregard for the public needed to be reined in. The majority needed a voice; McClure’s Magazine became that voice. S.S. McClure hailed from Ireland where he emerged from a humble background possessing a stubborn perseverance that colored his eventful life. His determined nature pushed him in pursuit of education, love, and owning his own publication. Ida Tarbell inhabited a more luxurious life in Pennsylvania, the discovery of oil playing a large role in family fortunes. The negative turn in her family’s monetary situation amongst many others was due to the ever-expanding Rockefeller empire. McClure and Tarbell were restless in their initial publishing forays until McClure discovered Tarbell’s work and hired her. McClure’s was founded in 1893, barely surviving a financial panic and McClure’s free-spending ways, yet the finished work published spoke volumes.

Citizen Reporters recounts the heady days of progressive journalism with a flourish. Stephanie Gorton provides a lush narrative of the magazine alongside the biographies of two crucial pieces in the magazine’s growth: founder and star reporter. The successes and trials along the way make for an engaging book. A must-read.


Agency

Verity Jane is a thirty-three-year-old tech genius grasping for a reboot in life. Recently she ended a long-term and high-profile relationship with a business impresario. She has an enticing employment offer from a large tech firm. She has been tasked with testing a new product, but mustn’t reveal anything about the product until she next meets with her prospective employer for her opinion. The product slowly unveils itself to Verity. Eunice is AI technology with scary potential; she talks to Verity and with her budding self-awareness. Verity is intrigued yet worried. Eunice is making moves, alerting Verity only moments before the action. Meanwhile in London, plans are being hatched; Eunice and Verity’s progress are being monitored. The world is unsafe, hanging on a precipice, and the use of AI in human hands might make all the difference.

William Gibson writes the cyber world in an elaborate yet obtainable way. The characters are complex, the action cleverly sketched. There is an overarching paranoia as a theme of the story, but this makes the story even more readable. Gibson’s take on the ever-expanding tentacles of technology and its capacities captivate the reader and may keep more than a few awake at night. A stellar release from an accomplished author.


The Queen's Assassin

The only thing Shadow wants is to join the guild, but her mother and aunts have other plans; they want her to serve as a lady of the court. Caledon Holt is the Queen’s assassin. He wants nothing more than to complete his father’s vow and be free to have his own life. After saving Shadow’s life, for better or for worse, they are thrown together as assassin and apprentice. Together they search for the truth before it’s too late and a war begins.

By the time I got to about the tenth chapter I was finally starting to enjoy The Queen’s Assassin. The plot itself is intriguing and good, but the characters start off shallow, and information is repeated only a couple pages after it was said the first time. Shadow and Cal fall in love in about two days while hating each other at the same time. Some people may like this kind of romance, but I didn’t enjoy it and have a hard time believing they can truly love and respect each other. The ending plot twist was not very surprising, but it also wasn’t foreshadowed or hinted at all.

G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers


The 10 Greatest Gifts We Give Each Other: A Memoir on the Magic of Marriage Vows

"The 10 Greatest Gifts We Give Each Other is raw, honest, humorous, and brings about so many emotions. Here is the fairy tale between a single, divorced mom, and a man who made his empire on knowing and sharing how to help others respectably parent their children. The priorities of this couple will have you feel that your faith in humanity has been restored!" — Rachel Dehning, San Francisco Book Review


Cactus Jack: A Novel

Cactus Jack is a wonderfully written novel that follows Billie Masterson, an untried colt named Cactus Jack, and a motley crew as they work to change the landscape of Kentucky thoroughbred racing.

Billie Masterson is a thirty-something-year-old woman from Kentucky. As she drowns her underachievements in alcohol and bad relationships in Ohio, her father, whom she hasn’t seen since she graduated college, struggles to make ends meet on the family farm. His sudden death brings Billie back to Kentucky where she finds that she now owns a truckload of debt and an untried colt. With the help of a horse-crazed little girl, a washed-up horse trainer, and her father's ex-girlfriend, Billie and Cactus Jack turn the racing scene on its head.

I liked everything about this book, from the characters, the flow of the words, and the plot. I think many readers will like this book as well. I do think, however, that this book is better suited for more mature readers, as it discusses mature topics.

All in all, I think there are many more readers out there who will enjoy this book. If you are a mature reader who enjoys realistic fiction, this book is definitely for you.


Chirp

Mia moves back to Vermont and is excited to help her grandmother with her cricket farm. She has some unpleasant memories from Boston that she would rather forget. Prompted by her parents to choose two extracurricular activities for the summer, Mia enrolls in Warrior Camp and Launch Camp for young entrepreneurs. While she doesn’t think she will love either camp, at least they are not gymnastics.

It is surprising to Mia that she makes new friends immediately. Anna and Clover pull Mia out of her shell and remind her what it is like to act like a normal middle school girl. When her grandmother’s cricket farm is repeatedly sabotaged, her new friends jump in to help Mia investigate right away. The investigation reveals surprising findings, and Mia must expose the villain before the cricket farm is forced to close forever.

I liked this book because it encourages young people to find their voice and speak out against wrongs, even when it seems impossible. It is also about being strong and courageous and finding your joy and motivation again.


The Girl and the Dinosaur

The Girl and Dinosaur is a sweet luminous story about the power of make believe. Marianne digs up a skeleton on the shore; the worried fisher folk look on, concerned that she isn’t spending enough time with other kids. But Marianne awakens the dinosaur with a promise of friendships, and at night it comes to transport her to an island where she meets lots of other children.

Hollie Hughes’ rhyming story is charming as her previous book The Tide, and the illustrations by Massini are a perfect complement. Done with watercolor, pencil, printed collage, and photoshop, the drawings are rich and varied. They range from up close, panoramic views, and full spreads. The drawings also convey motion very well. The color palette of oranges and yellows with the green of the dinosaurs that contrasts the blues and grays of the magical, mysterious night create a nice flow and setting for the story.

My two preschoolers enjoyed this story very much. It’s universal that children like to have secrets from grown ups, and this one is delicious. How silly grown ups are to not see what is on the beach or up in the sky.


A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

Pip has decided that her senior project will be delving into the death of Andie Bell by her boyfriend Sal, who later killed himself, that occurred five years earlier. Pip has always believed that the case wrapped up too easily, too cleanly, because Sal was nothing but nice to everyone. She starts by talking to Andie’s friends and researching police procedure and news articles. When she contacts Sal’s brother, she finds a comrade-in-arms, someone who wants to find the truth even more than she does, and who will follow her into dangerous situations. Together, they discover that many people have hidden secrets they don’t want to come out and will stop at nothing to make sure those secrets stay secret.

This debut novel has more twists than a candy cane. This is a mystery novel through and through, and one that matches One of Us is Lying and Come Find Me in style. Pip is a caring, determined heroine, always a good find in YA literature. The romance is light and sweet and develops through the book, but takes a backseat to the unfolding plot. Excellent news: this is the first in a series of four.


Goodnight, Veggies

Diana Murray, with illustrations by Zachariah OHora

It is springtime, and that means it is about time to get our garden ready! My family plants a lot of different vegetables in our garden. The plants in Goodnight, Veggies are many of the same ones that we plant, too. This story is fun to read because I know what a lot of the vegetables are in this book. I have read a story similar to this one, called Goodnight, Moon. This other story is kind of the same as Goodnight, Veggies because when you're reading this story, you are saying goodnight to the different vegetables in the garden.

I like the pictures in the book because they are pretty and easy to understand. I also like the worm in each picture; he is always digging somewhere or doing something silly throughout the book. The pages don't have a lot of words, but there are some big and different ones on the pages than what I normally use. These words are ones to describe things about sleeping or getting ready to fall asleep. I know that kids of all ages will like this book!


Pete the Cat: Five Little Bunnies

There are five little bunnies jumping on the bed, and then one falls off and bumps his head. Pete calls the doctor and we already know what the doctor says. There are no surprises, it’s just like monkeys. The bunnies don’t listen to the doctor. The pictures have bunnies hopping on the bed on every page. They are hilarious. My little brother was laughing so much when he saw the bunnies’ expressions. I like Pete the Cat: Five Little Bunnies even more than Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes because it is so funny. Kids who are five, two, six, or eight years old will like this book. It would be good if the book were longer. I hope Pete has more adventures with the bunnies.


The Keeper: A Novel

I truly enjoyed reading The Keeper because of its serious subject matter of women experiencing domestic abuse. I found each woman’s story to be interestingly different yet with a common thread throughout. The story toggles its chapters between then and now. In it, the main character Katie Straw is either alive or dead. In the chapters that she is alive, she is dating a man named Jamie, and the book takes you from the day she meets him until she is in a rather unhealthy relationship with him. Ironically, her life parallels the lives of many of the women she works with at the domestic abuse center. This part of the book is quite frustrating as you want her to see Jamie for who he really is and to throw him to the curb. As Detective Whitworth and his partner work gather the information that starts to lead to Katie’s case being considered a homicide rather than a suicide, they interview all of the women at the clinic where Katie worked. The book was written well but at times fell a bit flat and then picked up again. The end has a major twist, so if you decide to pick up a copy, just know that it is one of those books that has thrown you for a loop for the duration of the entire book.


Sons of War (The Sons of War Series, Book 1)

Nicholas Sansbury Smith's Sons of War is a post-apocalyptic tale of America fractured by an economic collapse worse than the Great Depression and the resulting anarchy and unrest that threatens to spark a second Civil War. At the center of the plot is Marine Sergeant Ronaldo Salvatore who, along with his platoon, returns home from his tour of duty in Afghanistan. As he steps off the plane and is briefed on the current situation, he is shocked and realizes that while he left the war, the war never left him. Soon, he is thrust in the middle of the action trying to get to Los Angeles where his son has taken up arms in order to save his city and his country. Now, Salvatore must battle enemies both domestic and foreign, as an Italian crime boss has made the United States his new gang turf.

Smith delivers a great story that hooks you from the first sentence and is impossible to put down. There is plenty of action, and the characters are dynamic and multidimensional. The author who works in emergency management delivers an authentic plot with no BS. Post-apocalyptic books are somewhat of an irony these days given the fact that we are in the middle of the worst pandemic since the Spanish flu. Nevertheless, Sons of War is a great pulse-pounding read that will leave you breathless until the very last page.


A Bound Woman Is a Dangerous Thing: The Incarceration of African American Women from Harriet Tubman to Sandra Bland

A Bound Woman is a Dangerous Thing: The Incarceration of African American Women from Harriet Tubman to Sandra Bland is a collection of soul-wrenching poetry, each poem inspired by and dedicated to a black woman who was kept in captivity, whether it be by slave owners, or abusive lovers, or imprisoned, or wrestling with the ongoing issue of white supremacy. DaMaris Hill educates us about well-known women, such as Eartha Kitt, Ida B. Wells, and Harriet Tubman, while introducing us to women who were just as fierce but are less well-known like Ida Howard and Laura Williams. A Bound Woman is a Dangerous Thing also celebrates ways in which these women are strongly tied to their ancestors, their families, and their communities. The format is innovative: the poet provides informative and intriguing short biographies of each woman, followed by poems that evoke anger, sorrow, love, and strength. A Bound Woman is a Dangerous Thing is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more not just about the myriad struggles of women of color, but also the always-inspiring fierceness and triumphs.


Before Familiar Woods: A Novel

Ruth’s son Mathew and his friend William were found dead in their tent three years ago. Everyone in town blamed Mathew, turning Ruth into an outcast. Now her husband as well as William’s father have both gone missing, and it’s too much for Ruth. She’s going to find the answers no matter the cost. As this is developing, Milk has come home from deployment to find that his wife has abandoned their eight-year-old son. He now has to find a job and a home while readjusting to being a father and a civilian. He turns to Ruth for help. There’s something about Milk’s son that reminds her of her own and Ruth begins to feel that she is before familiar woods.

This book was fairly dark and somewhat depressing. It seemed like more of a drama than a mystery or thriller. The characters were pretty rough and had more of a Southern feel to them then I would have thought New Englanders have. If you enjoy dark, gritty dramas, you will enjoy this book. It is more about character development than mystery. Even though the book wasn’t one of my favorites, there was a quote I really enjoyed that I’ll leave you with:

“We fill our pockets with our worries. That’s different than men. They don’t let go of theirs exactly, but they keep them hidden somewhere and come back to them now and again. We carry ours with us. Into every room and then into our graves.”


By Force Alone

Before starting with the praising pejoratives, I must state that this is a masterwork of startling and brutal perspective.

I urge adult readers to acquire it as quickly as possible and to immediately sequester it, locked away from their children or conventional parents. There is Philosophy, and there is Filthosophy (yes, I just invented that word—reviewer’s prerogative). We have here a prime example of the latter.

Perception tinged by the distressing realization of probable/possible reality shocks within pages; immersion on exceedingly personal levels persists throughout. Nothing is as you probably imagined, and what the author imagines so perversely is no less than brilliantly limned.

Arthur as the product of slum grift, Guinevere as highwaywoman, the questing beast as incestuous tragedy; there is no beloved aspect of the long-elaborated Arthurian mythos that Tidhar does not skew in ways grippingly memorable. That is a fair warning. You will be unable to forget glimpses into the tawdry realities of Faerie, of Leprechaun gold, of why Sir Kay needed kneepads.

In straightforward praise, this unique treatment of the legends of the round table, of the storied locations and personae of the old tales, is an exhibition of scholarly thoroughness on the part of the writer. With the precautions above, this deserves purchasing.


I'd Give Anything: A Novel

This story had me immersed from the very beginning. With Marisa de los Santos’ beautiful descriptions of the settings and her vivid characters who, you'll feel, are just like your friends growing up, <em>I’d Give Anything </em> is a piece of art. Zinny/Ginny and her three best friends Kirsten, CJ, and Gray are inseparable until a fire at their high school is started and Gray’s firefighter father ends up dying. Twenty years later and Ginny is married with an intelligent, sweet teenage daughter Avery. The only friend she stayed in touch with is Kirsten. As her life evolves, scandal, truth, and lies start to erupt. Her mother’s death and her husband’s behavior all bring Ginny’s life to a screeching halt and somehow brings her back to twenty years ago when the fire happened. I especially loved Ginny’s daughter Avery. She was so mature for her age yet so sweet especially when it came to her relationship with Ginny. This book is a wonderful read that will have you falling in love with its characters.


Queen of Storms: Book Two of The Firemane Saga (Firemane Saga, The)

The second installment in the Firemane Saga, Queen of Storms is a wonderfully written story full of fast-paced action, wrenching plot twists, and intergovernmental espionage. Queen of Storms follows Hatushaly and his wife Hava as they work to reopen a burned down inn. On the surface, they seem like a simple young couple, but they both conceal secret pasts. They were raised on the secret island of Coaltachin, to be spies, assassins, and secret agents of the Kingdom of Night. On top of that, Hatushaly is the last remaining member of the legendary Firemanes. Despite how hard he works to conceal his identity, there are those who are seeking him, for better or for worse.

I really liked this book and will definitely look out for any subsequent books in this series. I would recommend this book to any fantasy fiction fan. It’s got everything a reader could want in a book and more.


Ember Queen (Ash Princess)

This is a powerful book about people who have lost so much but are the stronger for it. I have been a fan of this amazing series for a long time, so I was very excited to read this book and it did NOT disappoint. I was intrigued to the very end.

Theodosia is queen of Astrea, one of many countries conquered by the Kalovaxians. Astrea is special, though: there are mines that hold gems containing magic from the gods, one mine for each of the four classical elements. Theo has gathered troops to take back her country. She has already taken over the Fire Mine, and in this book she continues through the mines to the capital where she faces the Kaiserin. Theo was once friends with the Kaiserin, but now there is so much hate between them they can never go back. After the war, one of them will come away victorious and the other dead.

There are many things I love about this book. There is no way to name them all, but I’ll try. The characters seem like real people and are always consistent in their personalities. The book is very well written, and I enjoyed the inclusion of some Astrean words. I love the theme of perseverance in the story. This book is perfect for anyone who likes stories of magic, friendship, betrayal, love, hate, and most of all strength.


Hooray for Lolo

I like this book because in many books it seems as though they have unrealistic lives. Hooray for Lolo by Niki Daly actually has things that could happen. The book is about a little girl named Lolo, who loves libraries, and she babysits a baby. The book has good writing and is easy to read. I also liked Lolo. I liked that even when things that she did not want to happen do happen, she keeps trying. For example, at the beginning of the book her best friend Lulu starts to show off. Lolo keeps trying to make it right, and they stay good friends. The book has pictures. I liked that the pictures were the same. Lolo always looked like the same child, only the background changed. This book would be good for little girls if five to eight, especially if they like reading books about little girls their own age. It has a good moral that whatever happens, you should not give up.


Rory Branagan: Detective #1

Andrew Clover, illustrations by Ralph Lazar

Rory Branagan is a kid detective. He is trying to find his missing father. Rory's father was pushing him on the swings, then he went missing. He is tired of people (especially his mom) not telling him anything. His mom seems to be hiding something from him because Rory finds a never-been-seen photo of his father. His friend, Cassidy Callaghan, is helping him find his father. Also, there is another mystery. Someone tried to poison guinea pig Gilligan. Will Rory and Cassidy get to be real detectives and solve the mysteries? Will they find Rory's father before it's too late?

I thought the book was pretty funny. Especially the part about Donald Trump's hair. I thought the illustrations were silly. Rory and everyone all don't have any hands. Rory's brother looks like a pencil. There will be a sequel to this book since you find out that Rory's father is alive. No one knows though. I recommend this book to kids who love mystery stories where the kid gets to be the detective.


A Death in Chelsea: A Mayfair 100 Mystery

It’s 1915 and England is in the midst of World War I. Although women are being employed in jobs normally performed by men, the higher reaches of professions and forces remain strictly male. Except, that is, for Chief Inspector Beech’s special team of amateur female detectives. Operating below the radar, they tackle cases for which their feminine skills may be especially suited. One such case is the apparent suicide in Chelsea of Lady Adeline Treborne. Her mother insists her daughter was murdered, and Beech and his team are called in to investigate. Lady Adeline, it turns out, was a well-known and vicious society commentator for a London newspaper. Her columns revealed acutely embarrassing secrets about some of society’s most prominent figures.  Plenty of suspects there. And how did she get her scuttlebutt? That, though, is not the only puzzle thrown up by Lady Adeline’s death. The investigators uncover a blackmailing scheme, fraud, drug addiction, and much darker crimes—baby-farming and murder—before they find the truth. The ladies in Beech’s team are perhaps too plucky, too cheerful, and too caring to be really interesting, and the plot moves along at a labored pace rather than a swift sprint, but the surprising interactions among the various suspects make A Death in Chelsea an enjoyable read.