The Princess Who Flew with Dragons

The Princess Who Flew with Dragons is an adventurous tale that allows children to open their imagination and see the world in their own unique way as they read about Sofia, the Princess.

Sofia is sent by her sister to the City of Villine in order to complete a duty only a princess could do. Sofia has never been very good at completing princess duties, but she follows her sister's orders and does as she is told. In order to get to Villine, Sofia has to travel in a carriage that is carried by a dragon. As they approach her destination, the city begins firing cannonballs at the carriage and dragon. In an effort to show the people of Villine that she is coming in peace, Sofia opens the door of her carriage and begins waving a flag, but she falls and lands straight into the dragon's mouth! Will Sofia perish or will she survive to go on the adventure of a lifetime?

The Princess Who Flew with Dragons is a wonderful story for fantasy-loving children with big imaginations. I loved reading this story and did not want to put it down. Be sure to grab a copy and curl up in a comfortable spot because you won't want to put it down once you pick it up!


The Safety Net (Inspector Montalbano)

The best of The Safety Net comes in the first chapters. Detective Montalbano is asked to find out what lies behind six reels of home movies, all taken at exactly the same time, on exactly the same day for six consecutive years, and all showing exactly the same scene: part of a wall. This intriguing premise should be the start of a terrific story in the hands of a writer of Andrea Camilleri’s quality. Instead, he switches horses in midstream, introducing a second and much less interesting mystery about an attack on a local school by two armed men. Around page 160, the author seems to suddenly remember the first story and casually mentions that Montalbano had ‘practically forgotten the mystery of the wall.’ Ditto for the reader. It might be expected that the two parts come together in some clever manner, but that never happens. Moreover, both mysteries are rather transparent and easily deciphered early in the development of each. The frequent descriptions of Italian food and cooking become tedious after a while and the attempt to render the local Italian dialect in English makes for some annoyingly difficult-to-understand dialogue. True fans of Inspector Montalbano may enjoy this book but perhaps not many others will.


Flyaway

Bettina Scott is a proper young woman. She would never go against her mother’s wishes. But when she receives a note from her missing brothers, she starts to question everything she thought she knew. With the help of some friends, she begins to dig into her past and attempts to find out what really happened to her father and her two brothers. She’ll have to work quickly before all the answers begin to fly away.

I’m not entirely sure what to make of this book. Even after reading it, I couldn’t confidently tell you what happened. The author’s writing style felt heavy on description and weak on storytelling. It was disjointed and sometimes felt very random. It left me with more questions than answers. I did enjoy the folktales, but even with those, it was a bit hard to understand what was actually occurring. The book is very short, and I think the author could have used a few more pages to develop the story and characters. Bettina is obviously the main character, but even so, I don’t know much more about her than when I started. I don’t know that I would recommend this if you like fairy tales and folktales. If you enjoy unclear Gothic stories, then you will probably love this.


Verse and Vengeance: A Magical Bookshop Mystery

Violet is back with her magical bookshop and a brand-new mystery to devour. The fourth book in the Magical Bookshop Mystery series pulls Violet through another emotional wringer when one of her students is at the heart of the last murder case and who immediately disappears. This is the catalyst that drives her to investigate and uncover her student’s secrets. The mystery draws out a few secrets about Violet’s boyfriend Chief Rainwater’s own family which draws him further into the case and only adds to the fear she has of her own secret being exposed. Her relationship with Rainwater is at the center of the story as the weight of telling him the truth weighs on her. With her grandma eager for her to reveal the truth about their family, Violet has a choice to make. Poetry plays an important role in this mystery as the book at the core of this episode is Whitman’s Leaves of Grass, with each verse adding insightful wonderings and interruptions that are key to unveiling the killer. Amanda Flower delves deeper into the origins of the magic bookshop when Violet learns intriguing family history that puts life into perspective. Verse and Vengeance is a humorous, charming, and addicting mystery that has a magical bookshop that is every reader's dream come true, a sweet romance with a handsome chief, and delightful characters guaranteed to make you smile.


Mia - Ripples in the Water

She’s a sweet and adventurous mouse who lives in constant fear of the ridicule of Cade and Rupert, two of her eldest brothers. They once chased her with a swarming beehive and ended up tragically ripping her ear with the sharp stick from which it hung. They often take her food, leaving her famished, and to fend for herself. Worst of all, the two boys lie awake at night waiting for Papino to finish reading to his adored Mia. Then, they creep slowly to her bed to deliver their evil threats of sabotaging the very thing that means the most to her: the freedom to explore the meadows during the day where she can dream of new beginnings, play without fear, and be watched over closely by her loyal friend, Pern. He follows her wherever she goes, trying to protect her from all the sadness and dangers that exist in her small world. Mia’s greatest desire is to someday make it across the Mediterranean Sea, all the way to Africa. She desperately wants to meet the courageous lion Abdulla that Papino has read to her about from his sacred journal. After much trepidation, Mia convinces her parents that she must go. Papino tells Mamma that “within the dark embrace of fear, the heart slowly dies” and hands Mia a map of the route she must take. He cleverly tells her “to follow the ripples where they take her.” With the bravery of a soldier, she embarks on a journey of a lifetime, never losing sight of her ultimate goal. Her travels are filled with unforeseen challenges, marked with budding friendships, and ripe with the passion only a true adventurer possesses. Her dreams are finally realized when she comes face-to-face with the great Abdullah, and due to some twists and turns and new awakenings, some of her worries of the past are no more. Repentance and forgiveness pave the way for healing and acceptance.

This is a beautiful story that encapsulates the heart of the reader, offering to brighten even the darkest of days through its sweet innocence. It touches on every formidable emotion, from sadness and fear to jubilation and hope. D.A. Jennings’ style allows readers to feel a part of every moment of Mia’s journey from beginning to end, traveling with her through the tumultuous times in the old, dismantled barn in Southern Italy where her family lives and into the exotic land of amazing animals and flat terrain of Africa. Mia - Ripples in the Water is full of adventure and surprise. It’s certain to hold the attention of young readers who have fondness in their hearts for the creatures of the earth, as they are plentiful in this delightful story. The chapters are relatively short, and the reading level of the text is perfect for students who read at a 4th grade level. However, Jennings’ work will likely appeal to a much broader audience, namely, children between the ages of 8 and 12. The content is rich with topics relevant to young children: love, friendship, forgiveness, bullying, loss, justice, and success. Additionally, the words of wisdom shared by Papino, Pern, and Mia throughout the story make this book ideal to use for literature circles and whole class readings. They are likely to spawn fruitful discussions and even internal growth.


Eight Perfect Murders: A Novel

Is it possible to commit the perfect murder? Malcolm Kershaw is the co-owner of a popular bookstore in the Boston suburbs. His normal day-to-day existence is interrupted when FBI Agent Gwen Mulvey contacts him. She is curious about a number of murders that have been committed recently, and how they relate to an old blog post from Kershaw. The post, which was to promote the store, regaled the reader with Kershaw’s list of eight perfect murders from fiction. The victims share little in common, with the exception of less-than-stellar reputations. As Kershaw listens to the victims and their respective methods of demise, one victim is familiar. He keeps the information to himself. He decides to aid Agent Mulvey in looking at the titles mentioned in his list and looking for other possible deaths connected to the list. As Malcolm dives into the past, his own skeletons threaten to be disinterred with disastrous consequences. Is Malcolm a person of interest, a potential victim on an ever-growing list?

Eight Perfect Murders is the latest entry in the growing library of nail-biting suspense penned by Peter Swanson. The tension builds with each chapter, the reader quietly pondering when the next body will fall. The characters are well-written, smart dialogue in abundance. As the book hits each prospective fork in the road, the reader will gladly follow the journey anywhere and be rewarded. A+


Night of Dangers (Adventurers Guild, The Book 3) (The Adventurers Guild)

Freestone is in danger again. But this time it’s different. The danger comes from within. A dozen have died because of a Danger inside the walls. When the adventurers went on a mission, it was sabotaged.  Finally, one of their own is accused of horrific crimes. Brock doesn’t know who’s behind it. And Zed can’t tell him, because Makiva is controlling his body. Will Brock realize that his supposed friend is an imposter before it’s too late? Or can Zed break free and save everyone? Or will they both fail… and watch the world fall apart around them?

I love this book and this series! It’s action-packed, full of surprises, and awesome characters. I would say that it is a little more violent than the others. You should know that some (ok, several) characters die. It’s not a good book for little kids, but you probably know that. I don’t think you should read this book before the other ones. I could gush about this all day - so exciting! So surprising! So funny! But I have a word limit. So, please, don’t miss out on this thrilling conclusion to your favorite series, packed with secrets, betrayals, and snarky quips!


A Girl, a Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon: (Juvenile Fiction, Mystery, Young Reader Detective Story, Light Fantasy for Kids)

Pearl has spent her entire life in the library, her mom is the circulation librarian at the Lancaster Avenue branch of the New York City Library. Even though Pearl doesn’t have a lot of friends her age, she is friends with all the grown-ups at the library. Pearl’s favorite part of the Lancaster Avenue library is the garden with the statue of Edna St. Vincent Millay, a poet that had come from their neighborhood. When the statue’s head goes missing one night everything changes at the library. Pearl must learn to make new friends and allow them to help her save the library she loves so much.

Even though Pearl fights her feelings against new friends she eventually allows them to help her which shows how even if you are uncomfortable if you give someone a chance you might end up liking them. All of the characters in the book are very unique, and I think it really shows how New York City really is. I really enjoyed that along with the story and the mystery the book was filled with sidebars with interesting facts and notes about other books that are Pearl’s favorites.


Devoted

There are prolific authors who have a loyal following, stay in their genre lane, and embroider consistent themes throughout their books. Dean Koontz is among them. This book reads movie-ready; he is a very good writer, and the reader can easily visualize every scene in the book. Koontz also has a great love of golden retrievers, which figure prominently in many of his stories. This reader agrees that all dogs are exceptional, but in Devoted, Koontz’s hero dog is paranormal. The readers will concur that it would take such a special dog to fend off all the strange happenings within this suspenseful story. Koontz pays homage to dogs with the epigram which begins this volume: “all answers are contained in the dog.”

The reader can find easy parallels to current events in this story of unbridled corporate greed setting loose a plague upon the world. The events in the book are truly monstrous and perhaps not for the faint-hearted such as me, but faithful readers of Koontz will be delighted by another volume from this master.


Queen of the Unwanted (The Women's War Book 2)

Alys may be the acknowledged queen of the Women's Well—the fledgling colony where women hold equal status with men—but she has little care for politics in the wake of an appalling personal tragedy. It is grief that rules her now. But the world continues to turn. In a distant realm unused to female rulers, Ellin struggles to maintain control. Meanwhile, the king of the island nation Khalpar recruits an abbess whom he thinks holds the key to reversing a spell that Alys’s mother gave her life to create. Unless these three women can all come together and embrace the true nature of female power, everything they have struggled to achieve may be at risk.

Queen of The Unwanted is a sequel for Jenna Glass's The Women's War, so if you haven't yet had the time to read the first book in the series, I would suggest you start there. Much like the previous book in the series, Queen of the Unwanted has a wonderfully written world filled to the brim with a great mix of characters both good and bad. Although there are many wonderful things about  Queen of The Unwanted, like the wonderfully written world, beautiful characters, and ever-changing politics surrounding every twist and turn, the first half of the book was a slow burn, though that would all change with the unexpected twists and turns of the second half.


What Color Is Night?

What Color Is Night by Grant Snider is about being able to see the beautiful colors even when it is dark outside. The black sky is filled with beautiful stars that shine bright in the sky. The story starts with a little girl who is looking out the window to see what color the sky is. The pictures were bright and pretty, and I like how they show that the colors at night do not just come to the sky, they also come from the city lights and the fireflies in the country.

This is a really fun book that I have enjoyed reading with my family. Because I live in the country I love being able to see the fireflies outside of my window, so I liked seeing it in the book as well. This is a fun book for all ages, and I recommend that everyone read it!


Reading Beauty: (Empowering Books, Early Elementary Story Books, Stories for Kids, Bedtime Stories for Girls)

Reading Beauty is like Sleeping Beauty except it has books. Lex likes books and reading. When she turns fifteen, her parents take all her books away. A fairy has cursed Lex. The fairy says that Lex will get a paper cut and she will fall asleep unless she has true love's kiss and that will wake her. So her parents take all the books away because they are scared. Lex wants to find the fairy to break the curse. The fairy thinks the king and queen did not invite her to the ball, even though they did, so the fairy got angry and cursed Lex when she was a baby. The dog helps find the lost invitation. Then Lex teaches the fairy how to read, and there are books in the kingdom again. The fairy becomes a librarian at the end, which is funny. I thought the story and the illustrations were okay. The illustrations weren't very cute, and I like cute stories with cute pictures. I think children who like the Sleeping Beauty story might like this story.


Call Down the Hawk (The Dreamer Trilogy, Book 1)

Ronan is a dreamer, someone who can bring things back from his dreams, like paintings, like animals, like people. Jordan is a dreamer too, but her dreams are more like nightmares of death. Carmen hunts them both, and any others like them, as it is forecast that dreamers will bring about the end of the world in a firestorm of death and destruction. In this world, Visionaries see into the future, helping hunters find and kill Zeds, the dreamers who will end the world. But Ronan and Jordan must stay alive, as their creations die if they do. With the help of another dreamer and some practice controlling their dreams, there is hope that they may live another day to dream another dream.

Call Down the Hawk continues the story of Ronan, a favorite character from the author’s Raven Cycle series. Stiefvater has expanded on a world in which dreams manifest themselves into reality, taking a twist on a topic that has fascinated people for many, many years. It is a complex story, with budding relationships that help to balance out the storyline of Ronan and Adam and nameless entities that are trying to end it all. The highly anticipated sequel arrives later in 2020.


The Ship of Dreams: The Sinking of the Titanic and the End of the Edwardian Era

Gareth Russell's masterful work The Ship of Dreams offers a rich and complex canvas of humanity and history. By seeing the great seas disaster through the eyes of a handful of passengers, the author is able to provide more insight and more vivid imagery than the typical Titanic book. It is so meticulously researched, and the characters are so vibrant and fully formed that it breezes along with the same caviar impulses of the Edwardian age.

The time of tragic inequalities and the lucky fortune of birth are showcased quite clearly. Everyone knows the story of the ship and the morality story that unfolded on its decks that dark April night. But what many people don't know is the atmosphere of the era and the climate of blind faith in technology that allowed the largest man-made object to run head first into an iceberg. The cold detached manner in which people are relegated into class and the space on lifeboats is given mostly based on chance.

This is not a merit based world. But it is a time of social graces and a sense of collective progress. Russell takes these common themes and paints a narrative that manages to do honor to the history of the event and the lives of its passengers.

Since 1955, the Titanic fan's Bible has been A Night to Remember by Walter Lord. Each successive Titanic biographer has tried and largely failed to equal Lord's great work. The strength of Russell is not that he succeed in eclipsing Lord, but rather that he managed to moved beyond him by retelling the fabled tale while taking it out of the deep shadow it casts.


Ranger Rick: I Wish I Was a Bison

Did you know bison talk with their tails? Or that they take dust baths? I didn't either until I read this book. I really like the I Can Read Books once I start reading them! I think non-fiction books are hard to read but the way the book has a question on each page and then answers with all sorts of cool facts makes it easier to learn and remember! I like all the real-life pictures in the book too! (Especially the ones with baby bison in them!) My dad really liked the questions Ranger Rick brought up in the book. It helped me learn about bison and about myself. I read this book out loud to my sisters and then used the Did you know and wild words pages at the end to test them like we do in school. I love to play school so this was really fun! Overall I really liked this book!


The Clutter Remedy: A Guide to Getting Organized for Those Who Love Their Stuff

A clean and organized house usually produces a calm and happy environment for people; for most people though, they equate an organized space as having minimal items. Marla Stone is here to tell you that you've got it all wrong. With a background in social work and as a psychotherapist, Stone's advice centers around the idea that to keep up with an organized external living space, you must keep up with your internal living space. There is not much hope of keeping your things, however much or little, in an organized fashion, if you still need to be working on yourself to appreciate the things you have. Filled with self-help tips, as well as advice on how to organize your home based on the room and items, Stone's words of wisdom can be useful for anyone if they will allow the help.

Just hearing the title, I assumed it would be a book with pictures and ideas for organizing your home, but instead, it's a book with life advice, tips, and useful organizational skills all presented in the text. I believe every word that Stone has to say, and know that it can help so many people on their journey to a cleaner home and life.


Life in Medieval Europe: Fact and Fiction

Many of today’s books, movies, and television shows are set in medieval Europe, and for many today these shows and books form the basis of information about that time. But how true are the representations of how people lived, what they ate, how they dressed, what they did for work and for fun, and so much more? Wouldn’t it be nice to have a book with answers to those questions that is easy to access and very readable? Look no further. Author Daniele Cybulskie is a former college professor and expert in all things medieval, but more than that, she has an accessible, conversational style in writing about this topic. Not many have the ability to make history as fun and interesting as Ms. Cybulskie does. For instance, in the food section there is this little gem: “If a mouse falls into a liquid, it shall be removed and sprinkled with holy water” and the food could then be served. She covers all aspects of life (the section on underwear is pretty interesting, including facts about communal underwear), and it is nicely organized, making the needed information easy to find and access. This is a great read. Don’t miss it.


Ancient Egyptian Warfare: Tactics, Weaponry and Ideology of the Pharaohs (Casemate Short History)

This tiny gem of a book is an engaging introduction into Iron Age combat, covering all manner of Egyptian warfare. For anyone interested in battle tactics, military strategy, weaponry, or even battle injuries, this is your book.

With so much of ancient and medieval military history shrouded in the deep depths of time, this book seeks to pull back the veil, showcasing a wide range of concepts complemented by marvelous illustrations. The book starts off with a wonderfully detailed outline of this subject matter, and there are is a breathtaking volume of historical facts before the reader's attention is even turned on the actual book. While not a complete study on the combat habits of ancient Egypt, the book instead presents interesting observations and associations with the reader as a jumping-off point. It’s well-researched examinations of military strategies and cultural ideologies.

We are all so used to the common associations of ancient Egypt: the pyramids, its far-reaching architectural achievements, and its flair for sundrenched pageantry. But all of these are civilian in nature. We forget that it was the sword that maintained this vast empire along the Nile. The tranquility of the Egyptian character can be a bit misleading because further investigation shows that they can more than hold their own among the most barbarous of warriors.

In order to aid in this revelation, whole campaigns and drawn-out conflicts are here condensed in easily consumable sections. Each sometimes gruesome detail can’t help but change one’s perspective about the Egyptians.


Mulan: Before the Sword

This was an absolutely amazing book; Grace Lin does not disappoint! The characters are relatable, and it was nice to see new additions that weren't in the movie Disney created. The fables and stories that are told in the book make it all the more enjoyable. I loved the references to other stories and tales that weren't fully told, and it was fun to see some I'd heard before. The book is mainly told from Mulan's point of view. Though sometimes you get The Red Fox's view of things, which I liked because you don't get to see the villain or henchmen's point of view very often. The characters Mulan meets along her journey were varied and interesting; they ranged from a jokester immortal to an eye rolling bunny. This book has action in just the right places and is entertaining throughout. The plot was very well written and the mysteries and challenges the characters face kept my eyes glued to every page. The characters were easy to relate to, and I would definitely have fun reading this again.


The New Adolescence: Raising Happy and Successful Teens in an Age of Anxiety and Distraction

The New Adolescence by Dr. Christine Carter was even better than I had hoped. As the mom of a thirteen-year-old girl and an eleven-year-old boy, I have picked up a few parenting books in the past few years, and this was by far the best one of all. The author uses stories of her own kids and her friend’s to share great examples, which makes her advice memorable and keeps your attention. She covers a variety of topics that are important to me as a mom. It’s surprisingly comprehensive. Topics include tips on communication, how to influence your teens to set their own goals and be motivated to work towards them, and talking about tough subjects such as sex and drugs, with real-world suggestions that made me realize that conversations have to be much more specific to kids to help them anticipate complex situations they may be involved in and how to be ready to deal with them. She also covers suggestions on the use of technology. All of this is presented with a combination of research to back up her advice and real examples from her role as a mom to teenagers. This is a book that I will read more than once to absorb more the second time. Christine would be the friend you’d call for advice for all of your parenting dilemmas, if you could.


All the Dear Little Animals

This book is about three little children in Sweden who are really bored one summer day, so they go outside to look for something to do. Then they find a dead bumblebee. The oldest of them decides they should bury all the dead animals they can find. Then Esther calls all their neighbors looking for dead animals to bury. They find somebody in the next village with a dead hamster, so they hold a funeral for it. They sing hymns and say a poem.

It’s a sad book about animals that died and the kids bury them, and then the next day the children stop having funerals and do something else. I like how at the end of the book a picture shows all of the graves the kids made. I would do the same if I found a dead animal. It reminds me of my cat Ari who died. We buried him in the garden and planted a tree on top of him. People who like sad books will like this one, and the drawings are good.


Manga Classics: Hamlet

Manga Classics: Hamlet contains the complete, unabridged text from the original play. Hamlet is a story of revenge, and of how Hamlet goes to great length to seek vengeance for his father's death, even at great cost. Truthfully, I have never been a fan of Shakespeare's plays, mostly because I had a difficult time reading them in high school. However, I was excited to read Hamlet in a graphic novel format. Having all the illustrations definitely made reading Shakespeare so much more enjoyable and easier to understand. Visually, the graphics are true to manga style with chibi females and handsome males. Prince Hamlet looks like a brooding Prince Darien from Sailor Moon. I didn't know there are Manga Classics in some popular classic literature like Pride and Prejudice. English class would have been a lot more enjoyable had these books been around when I was in high school. I think Manga Classics can really help some readers understand and appreciate classic literature more. I highly recommend the Manga Classic series to manga fans, classic literature fans, and especially to readers who struggle with older stories.


2020 Guide to the Night Sky: A Month-by-Month Guide to Exploring the Skies Above North America

The 2020 Guide to the Night Sky by Storm Dunlop and Wil Tirion is pretty much what it says in the subtitle: a month-by-month guide to the skies above North America. The guide is put together logically, explaining common sky phenomena such as the constellations, the ecliptic of the earth, and meteors, in a way that explains the jargon to newbie stargazers without talking down to more experienced readers. With its helpful month-by-month breakdown, this is a practical guide for those new to astronomy and a helpful reference to readers more seasoned in starry topics. This guide includes the movements of the planets and constellations that can be sighted, in northern as well as southern skies, which is very helpful for various weather conditions and all manner of geographic locations. It also includes the moon’s phases and helpful calendars. The layout, with the astronomical charts being landscape, is very helpful in matching sky to picture and helping locate various clusters. Whether you're working with a telescope or the naked eye, the 2020 Guide to the Night Sky explains it all. It’s easy to imagine many lovely nights of stargazing with the aid of this book.


Teddy Bear of the Year

I really loved Teddy Bear of the Year. I would recommend this book to all of my friends. I think three to eight is a great age to read this book or to have it read to you while cuddling with your own bears. It was easy to read myself and the story flowed very well.

Ollie does a great job as a teddy bear for Amena, but he doesn't know if the little things he does are enough at the Teddy Bears' Picnic. I love all of my teddy bears and this is the type of story that I would imagine them doing. It's a fun and adventurous book with really good pictures.

I would definitely choose this book as a gift.


The Button Book

I thought The Button Book was so funny! I have read a book like it before, called Press Here, but this one is a little different and just as much fun.

The Button Book has different colored buttons on each page, which some cute-looking animals press. The button on each page is a different color than the others and usually a different shape, too. When each button is pressed, something happens. Everything that happens is usually fun; it's fun to look at and do with the animals. For example, when the red button is pressed, a loud beeping noise happens, while when the blue button is pressed, they all start singing a song.

I know kids of any age will like this book; I had a lot of fun reading it with my brother and laughing! My favorite button is the yellow button and my brother's favorite is the blue button. The animals in the book are really cute to look at and they make the pages fun to look at with their pretty colors. I think there could be another couple of buttons added to this book, but it's also good as it is.


Fun and Easy Crafting with Recycled Materials: 60 Cool Projects that Reimagine Paper Rolls, Egg Cartons, Jars and More!

Kids with time on their hands and nothing to do is a recipe for disaster. Why not have lots of things on hand to keep the kiddos busy, especially when the “ingredients” are mostly found items that are in nearly every home with the addition of a few items from the local craft store? This book has sixty projects based on six basic items: Paper Rolls (toilet paper or paper towel rolls), Egg Cartons, Scrap Paper and Newspaper, Cardboard, Ice Pop Sticks, and Jars and Bottles. Keep a tin of buttons, some paints, pens, pencils, scissors, glue, rubber bands, scrap felt, and art foam around and maybe some wiggle eyes, and you are all set for a ton of fun and cute projects. Each project has a large photo of the completed project, a materials list, and excellently written directions followed by step-by-step photos. If children are quite young, parents will need to be close by and ready to help, but from eight or nine and up, kids will be able to do these fun projects on their own. This is a terrific book — well-designed and well-written. Kids, teachers, and parents will love it.


Cross Her Heart (Bree Taggert #1)

Bree Taggert has dealt with a lot in her life. When she was eight, her father killed her mother and then himself while Bree and her siblings were there. That tragedy is what led her to become a homicide detective, but she’s still dealing with the trauma. Now Bree has gotten a call that her sister has been murdered and her brother-in-law is missing. This case is eerily familiar, but she isn’t entirely sure it’s the same. With the help of her brother-in-law’s friend Matt, Bree is going to find out what happened to her sister, Cross Her Heart.

I really enjoyed Bree’s character as well as her dynamic with Matt. I liked how the author showed how each Taggert turned out differently in response to the tragedy they experienced. There were mystery, procedural drama, and thrills in this start to the Bree Taggert series. The author’s take on those who experience darkness, that all experience it differently and it’s what we do with it that defines us, was insightful. I’ve never read any of her other books, so I’m not sure how it compares. While it is another law enforcement thriller with a strong female lead, it holds its own and is well worth reading. If you enjoy any of those aspects, I definitely recommend you check this new series out. I look forward to seeing what other kinds of trouble Bree can get into.


A Flicker of Courage (Tales of Triumph and Disaster!)

A Flicker of Courage is a fun story about one mean ruler, four kids, and one amazing dog. One of the children does not know how to make friends and is trying to make a friend. The plot was entertaining and original. It was interesting when the mean ruler decided to have a parade and a fair to show kindness to his people. The characters are fun and lively. Henry is my favorite because he is kind and funny. The language in the book was easy to understand. The moral of the story is: Do not try to take all the attention. The book has pictures in it, but they are dull. They kind of went with the story but were random things. I would recommend this book to anyone ten and older who likes magic and adventure. I would recommend this book because it is funny. I have not read books similar to this before. I liked reading the book, and I think you will like it too.

A great quote from the book: “Apollo’s hands are cupped, and inside of the cup sits a lizard, an entirely unclothed lizard, no lizard trousers or lizard pajamas, or lizard anything else. A naked lizard."


The Light in Hidden Places

A story of a girl's selfless act during World War II. This book is based on the true story of Stefania Podgorska. When World War II starts, Stefania is left to care for her six-year-old sister. One night her Jewish friend Max shows up at her apartment, and she agrees to hide him. She ends up hiding twelve more Jews, even with Nazis living in her home.

Sharon Cameron did an amazing job writing this book. There were many sad moments and few happy ones. The most interesting part is when people that Stefania doesn't know started offering her Jews to hide. It was also interesting when the Nazis requisition her house. Stefania is determined, compassionate, and courageous. She hides thirteen Jews even though she knows she will be killed if they are found.

I would recommend this book to teenagers and adults. Anyone interested in stories from World War II should read this book.

I really enjoyed the ending, as well as the entire book. Although parts were sad, I couldn't stop reading this book. Every library should have this true tale of heroism.


The Parlay Effect: How Female Connection Can Change The World

In The Parlay Effect: How Female Connection Can Change the World, Anne Devereux-Mills shares a candid account of how her struggles through a devastatingly dark time in her life led to the creation of an innovative and dynamic organization in which women from all walks of life can gather to connect with one another in fruitful, energizing, and sometimes even life-altering ways. In hosting the first Parlay House meeting, in which a dozen women gathered in her San Francisco home, Devereux-Mills started what would later result in the cascading positive effect (dubbed the “Parlay Effect”) of women coming together to find strength in one another, share their life experiences and knowledge, and search for a meaningful way to impact the lives of others. Based on her strong-held belief that “we are stronger when we are connected,” she spent the next several months after that first meeting nurturing relationships with these women and others who joined in their monthly meetings. Guest speakers, champagne, snacks, and intellectually and emotionally stimulating conversations were all paramount at those first meetings, and two main rules guided their interactions: Each new member was to be blessed with the nurturance and guidance of a more seasoned member, and the meetings were never to be used for monetary or professional gain. With these boundaries in place, relationships were fostered and expanded. The organization grew exponentially over time and now crosses not only the borders of cities and states but also those of countries. Now thousands gather to empower each other and to spread acts of kindness, generosity, understanding, and encouragement across the globe.

This is beautifully and eloquently written. The author reaches out to women of all types and from all sectors of society through her inclusive writing style, integrating research, and heartfelt quotes from other writers, political and historical figures, and even of those not so well known by the general public. She even incorporates information about and the findings of her own research on how exactly the “Parlay Effect” (“the cumulative effect of positive actions and deeds produced when one event sets off a chain of similar events”) works. Devereux-Mills and a researcher and professor from the University of California, Berkeley conducted a study in which they sought to determine if and how the “Parlay Effect” could go beyond the walls of the Parlay House, eventually touching the lives of those within the population at large. They found that even those who witnessed kind, thoughtful actions by others, often in turn were inclined to initiate their own. In other words, not only were those instigating the acts of kindness or on the recipient end of them positively effected, but onlookers were as well. These findings, as well as the author’s own observations, lend credence to the fact that the “Parlay Effect” can have broader implications for society. Each small act on one’s part to make a difference in the life of another can “ripple outward, leading to positive consequences beyond oneself.” The author not only poignantly makes this case, but she generously lays out an array of specific and helpful guidelines for readers should they ever decide to start their own versions of parlay houses. Drawing on her own nearly life-shattering experiences as well as the intriguing stories of others, she provides insightful recommendations on what women can do to create positive self-images and realistic expectations for themselves in a world where idealism is often sought. Through writing this poignant story, Devereux-Mills is paying forward a great act of generosity to women.


When Anne Devereaux-Mills discovered she had cancer, she also lost her job. These difficulties were compounded by the fact that her two daughters were striking out on their own, leaving her alone and at a crossroads. She decided to change her life and chart a new path into something unknown. By going out of her comfort zone and moving across the country to San Francisco, she hoped to create a new, more fulfilling life for herself. She decided to set up an organization called Parlay House, a place to bring together women who felt a need to connect to and with other women. From the creation of this group, she could see how women grew and found the strength to make a difference in their lives and often in the lives of others.

In The Parlay Effect she explains how women were able to "parlay," move forward or spread help, confidence, kindness, or connections that improved the value of their interactions. Whether the participant of her group was an initiator, receiver, or witness to acts of kindness or exchange, they all seemed to find meaning in the connections and shifts in their lives. They were often inspired to do more to help others.

I loved the fact that this book explains to readers how they can create something from a small act that might result in a ripple effect that benefits others. I think many women will be able to identify with the sentiments the author shares about how, at times, we feel less connected than others and even downright lonely. No doubt, we could all benefit from trusting relationships and a place to connect with other women who may feel the same, whatever their background.

This book incorporated a good mix of the author's experiences (which I enjoyed learning about) and the experiences of other men and women who inspired her in some way. The best part is the concrete tips she gives to help other women who want to branch out and make new connections. This book made me think about how I can go out of myself and find, by what she terms "going wide and deep," new ways of expressing myself and living a more connected and meaningful life. Reading this work made me want to get involved in something, yet to be decided what it will be. The suggestions she provided made me feel empowered to try something new.


Blue Tin Sky

Blue Tin Sky is clearly a labor of love for poet Greg Gregory. Not only has he written the 54 poems in the collection but also created the cover art, a painting of a storm near Mendocino, which is fitting for poetry so rooted in northern California.

The book is divided into four unnamed sections, and nearly all of these free-verse poems are a single page in length and easy to read and contemplate before moving on to the next one. The title poem, Blue Tin Sky, invites us to “come bathe under waterfalls of words” and indeed, many of Gregory’s poems use cascading words to evoke images, sensations, or emotions. For example, in “Along Drake’s Beach” which describes shells:

the wonder shell, living in amazement,
the rosy harp, lost in its music…

the cat’s-tongue oyster, mewing for pearls,

the moon shell, living in mystery,

the anomia, living without a name –

all reaching down through spirals…

The poet pays careful attention to nature and his poems are inspired by loons, sea glass, wetlands, cattails, tree frogs, beaches, and trails. At the same time, he captures images from city life, as in “Night Moving”:

Moon in the mirror,

	dresser in the back of

	an open pick-up

	jouncing down upper Market at 2 am

in which he observes that although the mirror shudders in its frame, the image of the moon always remains still. Numerous other poems also evoke the moon as it rises, gleams in a window, winks or stares like a cat’s eye/ lost in the night sky.

Many of his lines are quite lovely: The thing of the world is/the softness of its secrets in “Loons” and When young, you have promise, when old, history in “Don Quixote, Summer” and the veil most fragile catches the most light. We learn to be quiet about beauty in “By Tomales Bay.”

Other poems are dialogues—with a house:

My tires crush wild oat and star thistle
        that have finally grown through the concrete,

        now too broken to stop them.

        I have no business being here…

       The house whispers, ‘Remember me, remember you.

or with “an Ex from the 60’s” which unmistakably references San Francisco:

City of visions. City of promises….

      City of painted ladies. City of mirrors…

      City of Alice’s rabbit holes. City of illusions…

The third section is the most elegiac, as it addresses grandchildren, aging, and memory: …years lose ceremony, importance. Our stories are the important things…The water and sea stay. The waves pass through.

These evocative and simple poems will stay with you long after you read them.


Bon Voyage, Mister Rodriguez

Mr. Rodriguez strolls through the neighborhood every day at four o’clock sharp. The children watch, wide-eyed, as curiosity surges through their small statures. This mysterious man has mesmerized them for days. One day, he ties angelic wings onto an injured cat’s limbs. The next, he places a wounded dog in a sled after it conveys its dire need. Then, one day, as the children wait with sizable anticipation for his coming, they discover this day will be different from the last. His presence will not be among them. Something has happened to this gentle man and the creatures for which he cared; they have all ascended to a place of eternal happiness and comfort: the vast heavenly world.

Bon Voyage, Mr. Rodriguez is an exquisitely crafted book that beautifully tells the story of a man of unique character who lends a hand to those in need. They, like he, are easily overlooked by those too busy to stop and acknowledge their existence. The sweet innocence of young onlookers allows them to open their eyes to the gift this man is. This poignant message is intricately woven through the pages of this brilliantly written and gorgeously illustrated tale. The author leaves much to the imagination and inference of her readers, allowing them to put the pieces of the puzzle together on their own. Multiple readings will likely help them gain the greatest insight. This story is ideal for young children who have lost someone important in their lives. A comforting light on the concept of death illuminates its pages.


Satellite Street

Paul Marden is a man inhabiting a shattered existence. His previous year was spent battling a mysterious malady that nearly killed him. His body is still in recovery, his mind just as much. His solitary life consists of living in a home affected by Superstorm Sandy, the house being one of the few on his block not condemned. Besides his pain (internal and external), he has been informed about his father’s deteriorating condition. Paul’s estranged step-sister is no longer willing to be responsible for Paul’s father’s long term care. Paul’s relationship with his father is tough for even Paul to put into words, but situations soon force his hand in assuming control of his father’s care.

Paul’s life takes a turn when he meets a familiar face at a movie screening in town. A childhood acquaintance, then known as Arthur Connors, has now become Lelee, a transgender individual. Lelee and Paul reconnect over their past, growing up in Rockaway. Lelee is soon comfortable enough to reveal to Paul that she can commune with the deceased. The new developments in Paul’s life intersect when his father randomly turns up seeking Paul. Paul takes his father to a screening of a movie, where Lelee happens to be. Paul’s father soon assaults a local TV personality and is taken into custody. Paul now must find a new facility that will house and care for his father, as his decline is becoming advanced. A trip back to Rockaway with Lelee opens up long-closed doors, not involving Paul directly, but with a restless spirit looking for redemption.

The spirit speaks to Paul through Lelee and explains that the attack on the TV personality was not truly Paul’s father's fault. He was being used as a vessel for revenge. The TV personality, “The Great Oswaldo” uses his medium to attack alleged frauds in the paranormal, spiritual realm. However, he had previously wielded his soapbox to slander a radio personality and drive him out of his job. Now Oswaldo seeks to destroy Lelee and her work as a medium. Paul is sought to help exorcise past demons and his friend.

Satellite Street is a moving and interesting drama that sucks the reader in rapidly. The author deftly narrates a compelling narrative where past and present collide in the life of the protagonist. Paul has survived a near brush with death but still lacks vitality. His role in aiding both the spirit and Lelee and taking over his father’s care revitalizes his existence. Eleanor Lerman’s work provides a spark for the soul. A most enjoyable read.


Parlay (verb) to increase or otherwise transform into something greater. From the French word parler, meaning to speak or to talk.

This definition is very important to the book The Parlay Effect: How Female Connection Can Change the World by Anne Devereux-Mills. In her candid story about her physical and emotional collapse, the realization that she needed more meaningful connection with other women in her life, and the subsequent founding of Parlay House, Devereux-Mills explores what happens when women support other women and the exponential effects of that connection.

The Parlay Effect is a powerful story of the strength in female connection. It’s easy to overlook connection in our lives, or for social media to trick us into believing relationships more meaningful than they actually are. As stated in the book, networking is not connecting; networking goes wide, but connecting goes deep. The book examines connection on a sociological and scientific level, also exploring self-compassion and mindfulness. While not a long book, it’s a profound one, encouraging readers to do deep work on their own values and abilities, and being open to mentors, or mentoring, paying attention to places in their lives where they can “pay it forward” in more ways than just giving money. Helpful questions to ask and steps to take at the end of each chapter will lead readers to do a close self-examination and deeply consider their thoughts and actions.

While this book is terrifically empowering for women to go take action and connect with other women, one shortcoming is that it doesn’t provide much practical advice for doing so. For instance, if you don’t discuss work, what do you discuss? It has great examples of situational awareness and steps to consider when opportunities for connecting and helping arise, but for the woman who doesn’t socialize much with other women, for example, doesn’t work in an office or have a large network of friends, the steps seem more difficult to implement. Also if the other women aren’t doing the same kind of self-development or are unaware of Parley House, creating that uplifting environment among one’s acquaintances may prove more challenging. Yet this book still has great value in getting readers to recognize the places in their lives where such opportunities for interpersonal and social change may arise.

The Parlay Effect is wonderfully written, a powerful story, and terrifically uplifting in its call to create sustainable change through kindness and reciprocity. As Devereux-Mills says, “We are stronger when we are connected.” This book might help us all connect just a little bit more.


The Healing Bowl

The Healing Bowl by Anita Fisk is a middle-grade novel following Harley and his friends TJ, Tamiko, Azlynn, and Sammy. During a soccer match, Sammy suffers a terrible injury that leaves him in a coma. Or so everyone thinks. There's more going on than Harley and company first realize, and they end up on an adventure in ancient Greece in an effort to save Sammy by retrieving a very special healing bowl.

I'm going to be honest. This book will probably appeal far more to middle-grade readers than it did to me, especially if they enjoy Greek myth. There were many things that I found confusing. This reads like a book later in a series, with certain things already established, but that doesn't seem to be the case. There is little to no setup leading into Greek myth being active in modern day. There is the suggestion that Zeus may be willing to help humanity again if only some people still believed, but he's skeptical. It wasn't clear why they cared though. I didn't get the feeling their power was waning. Morpheus doesn't seem to have any motivations for his actions either.

Things seemed way too easy for the teens too. Things were either done for them or handed to them. Theseus fights the minotaur (again). Athena and/or Apollo give them step-by-step instructions via enchanted parchment. They can travel instantly with enchanted amulets and have magical universal translators. The reason they choose Hephaestus over Apollo and Athena made little sense at the time, as it was very clear it was the latter pair helping them and they had no reason to think Hephaestus would be sympathetic.

I did love Korvus since I adore corvids in general. Demeter and Hygea were both neat too. I don't often see them in stories inspired by Greco-Roman myth. Demeter seems so gentle-natured. I wish we'd gotten to see more of her and to have seen Dionysus at all. Apparently, he can manifest a temporal-spatial gateway and just used it to stick his hand through. (See, easy. They didn't even have to ask…) Oh, and Asclepius' snakes at the healing temple! They were precious!

I read this book in literally three hours, while I was sick, which tends to make me read slower. There was so much potential that could have been explored, expanded, and played with to give more substance to the story. These things being said, when I was in sixth grade, I'd likely have quite enjoyed the book, and my niece that lives with me stole my kindle and read part of the beginning and enjoyed it.


The Healing Bowl

In a world parallel to that of which they formerly knew, best friends Harley and TJ find themselves surrounded by mythical creatures and odd phenomena as they set out on a journey unlike any other. The two boys, along with two girls, Ashlyn and Tamiko, have been buddies for years. Though they each have unique personalities of their own, they’ve formed a bond that is inseparable. The two girls have agreed to take part in the boys’ daring quest to save a classmate from near-certain death. After Samuel Crabtree, an unusual but gifted and compassionate peer of theirs suffers a devastating injury to his head on the soccer field, he lies comatose in a hospital bed for days. Once the quartet decides they can no longer bear to not do something, they devise a plan with the aid of their seventh-grade science teacher, Ms. Clio, for the boys to plunge into the world in which the Greek gods and goddesses exist while the girls stand guard. Once they enter this strange and often unwelcoming place, they must follow a sequence of steps and clues leading them to eventually find Apollo. He is the only one who can save their dear friend. The amulet Ms. Clio gives them, along with Apollo’s crow and Athena’s owl, provides essential guidance they desperately need. They are in a race against time, as their dear friend’s condition has taken a turn for the worse. With mere determination and a beautiful twist of fate, they are able to hear Sammy’s voice again and see the life in him soon after they return to the earthly world.

The Healing Bowl is a captivating tale of determination, courage, friendship, and adventure. It is laced with poignant messages about the deeper meaning of life and our existence in it. For example, during a conversation Harley and TJ have about Sammy’s condition soon after he enters the hospital, Harley responds to his friend’s question about whether Sammy will be okay or not with “it’s hard to say, TJ. Nobody can know...except maybe God.” Then, TJ reminds Harley that Sammy doesn’t attend church and says, “You know that. Maybe God doesn’t know Sammy’s hurt.” The author, Anita Fisk, also weaves into the story characters of great magnitude. The boys’ soccer coach, Coach Kreller, is just one example. According to Harley, he is the epitome of what a coach should be: someone who encourages excellence and strives for every player to feel like part of the team. Mrs. Crabtree, Sammy’s mother, is another. She loves her son with every fiber of her being and is willing to do anything within her power to enable him to live a full life. Those students who can read fluently, have rich vocabularies, and enjoy novels sprinkled with a bit of mythology or even sci-fi will likely be the best candidates for this book. There are times when the descriptions of the gods and goddesses and their roles in the overall scheme of things may seem cumbersome, but overall the storyline is genuinely unique and masterfully crafted.


The Healing Bowl

This book brought together many of my favorite themes into one very fun read. A story of challenges, love, and friendship, The Healing Bowl will have you cheering at the end. Seventh-graders Harley, TJ, Azlynn, and Tamiko are the best of friends. They do just about everything together including facing life’s challenges. In this story, their friend Sammy Crabtree, who has special needs, is playing soccer on their team. When he goes to head the ball, he closes his eyes and somehow falls backward, hitting his head on the ground. Now in a coma in the hospital, Mrs. Crabtree is beside herself. Sammy seems to be getting worse each day and is unresponsive. Harley and his friends visit Sammy and put their heads together to try and figure out a way that they can help Sammy heal. Their teacher, Ms. Clio, is there to help them as well. At what might be my favorite part of the book, they realize, with Ms. Clio’s help, that something Sammy shouts from his hospital bed is actually a clue as to help him get well.

He yells something about Epimend and Korvus and then goes back into a deep sleep. Harley and his friends take this information to Ms. Clio, and from there they go on a mission to find a ball of string from Theseus (the one he used when destroying the Minotaur), amber drops, and tears in a bowl. These items are meant to help them cure Sammy since modern medicine cannot figure out why he is in the coma.

I really enjoyed the adventures Harley and TJ go on, including the part where they encounter the snakes and Harley must face his biggest fear to save his friend. The characters are all very likable, and the way the author integrates the gods and their backstories is genius. Greek mythology was one of my favorite subjects in school, so the tidbits about the gods that the author explains throughout the story were really interesting. Korvus, it turns out, belongs to Apollo, who was guiding the boys the whole time. Athena also makes an appearance, as does Zeus. The story which I found interesting that I hadn’t heard of is the story of Tantalus, who he tried to trick the gods by feeding them his own son, Pelops.

This is a book that could easily be read by middle school or high school students to spark an interest in the Greek gods. A simple story, yet with many wonderful themes strewn throughout, that could be enjoyed by all ages.


The Tooth Fairy's Tummy Ache

While chomping on a delicious apple, she hears at last the crack associated with losing a tooth. It is indeed her first tooth to lose, an exciting adventure for most, but when she suddenly realizes it quickly escaped into her stomach instead of waiting to be gently extricated from her mouth, her alarm grows. What will she tell the Tooth Fairy? She must find something similar in size and color to serve as its replacement. When the Tooth Fairy discovers a popcorn kernel under her pillow, she deems it unlike most of her findings and hesitantly trades it for a silver dollar. Upon her return to Fairy Land, it begins to pop and multiply. She simply can’t resist its temptation and soon finds herself in bed with a terrible tummy ache. In her angst, the fairy decides she must return to the little girl’s house to teach her a lesson.

The Tooth Fairy’s Tummy Ache was inspired by the author’s own childhood experience of misplacing her first tooth. It's a charming tale laced with humor and rhyme and will likely appeal most to children ages four to eight. The text is short and concise, which will enthrall the youngest ones with brief attention spans. Additionally, it’s filled with colorful, alluring pictures that illuminate the pages with bright shades of pink, blue, and purple, to name a few. Adding to its overall quality is an underlying message on the importance of honesty and integrity even in the seemingly innocent moments of youth.


The Healing Bowl

Seventh-grade Harley dreams of a more exciting life that takes him on an adventure away from his daily routine of school and soccer practice. He gets more than he wished for when one of his teammates ends up in the hospital and doesn’t wake up, drawing Harley and his friends find themselves in a surprising new world where mythology comes to life and on a quest of a lifetime that rivals that of Hercules himself.

Mythology is brought to life through various references and characters drawn from legends which range from lessons in class to a dog named Apollo to TJ’s vast knowledge of mythology. Anita Fisk delivers a delightful tale rooted in friendship and bravery. Their journey has myths woven throughout that pertain to the plot as it unfolds. Various references are made to the trials of Heracles, which parallels Harley’s own journey to becoming a hero and what reflects what heroism really means. The legends included throughout the story feature the island of Delos, the legend of the sky bear, King Minos, and the story of Niobe.

Friendship is an important aspect as several threads of the story focuses on the connections Harley has in his life. His friendship with TJ is at the heart of his journey and plays a key role in the quest as he’s Harley’s greatest partner and strongest support. It’s TJ’s passion that drives Harley’s deeper understanding of the myths, and he’s the one first alerted to the truth about Ms. Clio’s connection to the Greek legends she teaches. The two share a genuine friendship that is realistic and a great example of how friends should be as they work through tension through open communication and trust in each other. Sammy is another important character in the story as it’s his injury that drives the friends into this quest so they can save him and makes him the catalyst of this world of mythology. Fisk also speaks volumes about inclusion through this sweet and endearing character as the story reflects on Harley and his classmates' understanding of autism.

The daily life aspects give a glimpse of Harley and his normal environment before he discovers that Zeus and the other Greek gods are real. His concerns revolve around school until his priorities shift and he pushes the boundaries of what he’s capable of to save a friend. Fisk gives the school a seemingly happy and tranquil tone as it’s a place that thinks of inclusion and goodness with high esteem, even going as far as offering a reward system for good deeds. Even the bullying eighth graders don’t bring down this lovely community that Harley and his friends are a part of. Harley and his friends are genuinely good kids which makes them ideal role models for kids of all ages as they’re seeing kids helping other kids and forging genuine friendships. The Healing Bowl is a delightful story that’s perfect for all ages with valuable lessons on inclusion and friendship while incorporating mythology, history, and adventure.


Sofia Valdez, Future Prez (The Questioneers)

Sofia and her Abuelo go out to help people at Blue River Creek. Sofia takes pets out for walks while her grandfather rakes the leaves. But then her grandfather slips and falls over the garbage. The grandpa, the dog, and Sofia all go thud. Then, Sofia puts up a sign to get rid of Mount Trashmore. She wants to build a new park. And then Sofia goes to City Hall all by herself, but then they keep telling her to go to different rooms. The Duck tells her to go see the Office of Monkeys. Then Sofia is holding up signs to get people to sign a petition. Miss Lila Greer's class also joins Sofia. I like how Rosie Revere, Iggy Peck, and Ada Twist are there. I thought the part where Sofia goes to the Department of Cheese, and there is a man dressed as cheese was funny. I like how Sofia is very brave. She is scared to go to City Hall, but she does it anyway. I recommend this book to kids who like reading stories about brave children.


Larkin on the Shore

After surviving a difficult year in high school, Larkin goes to spend the summer with her grandmother in Nova Scotia. There she hopes to escape memories of a traumatic experience and begin the arduous process of rebuilding her life and her trust in others.

Her grandmother is trying to build a café with a reading room to supplement the town’s lack of a public library. Larkin’s job is to organize donated books and eventually shelve them. Even this small task seems overwhelming at first. Right when things seem to be getting back on track, an arsonist strikes the place she has come to love.

It’s clear that the fire was set by someone she knows, so who is Larkin to trust? This book is a look into small-town social dynamics, losing trust in others and yourself, and the healing power of love.

I enjoyed this book because it is beautifully written and deeply emotional. The author does a wonderful job of making Larkin’s pain almost tangible. She also gives the reader hope that any pain can be endured and conquered, given time.


Calendula Cool: MAS Adventure #44

A girl carrying a small figurine comes running out of the woods and into a clearing by a cliff overlooking the ocean as darkness falls. A boy is there. Startled, they both scream, and the girl drops what she is carrying. The boy jumps behind a boulder, and when he peeks out, the girl has disappeared. Footsteps pound through the woods toward where the boy is hiding; something really big comes crashing through, and the boy makes a quick getaway.

Calendula is a small town on the California coast, and, as is often the case in a small town, rumors race like wildfire. The next day will be the second-to-last day before the long summer break, and that was all anyone would normally think about, but the rumors flying all over the middle school about the ghost girl on the cliff captures everyone’s attention. The usual cliques exist at the school, and the three main cliques are at the heart of this story. There is a group of boys known for their bullying ways — Stuart, Brandon, Jason and Brad, a group of bright boys who are at the receiving end of the bullying — Danny, Matthew, Jeremy, Gustavo, and Micheal — also known as the Mysterious Adventures Society (MAS), and a group of girls led by the stunning Lola. Everyone, it seems has reason to want to find the ghost girl and whatever treasure it was that she carried. The bully boys end up in cahoots with a really, really bad guy, and the bright boys join forces with Lola to help to rescue the ghost girl from the forces of evil. It’s a tough mysterious adventure for MAS with no guarantee of success.

This book has all the ingredients needed for a good middle-grade mystery. Unfortunately, the book has a lot in it that slows the story way down, and it needs to be seriously trimmed. Readers don’t need a half-page description for tertiary characters who only show up for a scene or two. They don’t need to have detailed descriptions of every bicycle that every kid rides or every set of clothing each character wears or every place a character spends a few minutes in. There are a lot of young characters in this story and some with similar names (Brandon, Brad, Jason, Jeremy, Matthew, Michael) make it hard for young readers to keep track. Fortunately, the story is good with just enough compelling adventure and mystery to keep the middle-grade crowd reading. With good rounds of developmental editing, copy editing, and a very good round of proofreading (so many run-on sentences and comma splices and comma errors!), this could become very popular and perhaps be the springboard for a series.


Fly High, John Glenn: The Story of an American Hero

This is a lovely picture book biography about the astronaut John Glenn. His story starts when he was just a little boy living in Ohio staring out the windows of his bedroom dreaming of flying. After his father took him on a ride in an airplane, John was hooked on flying. As he grew older he got interested in all kinds of subjects and flying eventually had to take a backseat because of expenses, but his interest in it never went away. During college, he found his way into a new program that paid him to fly. Later he joined the military and became a fighter pilot in World War II. John then married his high school sweetheart who had always supported his dreams. John went on many missions before he found his way into NASA. After two years of training, he was one of the seven to qualify for the space mission Friendship 7. During this dangerous mission, his heat shield came loose, and John had to maneuver the space ship himself to ensure a safe landing. Luckily he made it and got reunited with his family. John became the first American to orbit Earth three times, he continued to serve his country through politics and also became the oldest person in space at seventy-seven in 1998 aboard the Discovery mission. I enjoyed reading this book about space and astronauts. I find these stories incredibly inspiring; the illustrations are very realistic and beautiful. I would recommend this book for ages six and up. Although the text is very detailed and long, its a really fun book.


Snail Crossing

Why did the snail cross the road?... To get to the cabbages.

Snail is sliding along when he sees the most beautiful sight: Cabbages across the road. So, he begins his journey to the other side. As he goes, he encounters some problems which cause him to save and befriend a group of ants. He travels and travels and eventually gets turned around, but when all hope is lost his new friends come through to help him, too.

My kids, three and six, liked this book. They thought the snail was a fun character. They enjoyed him meeting the ants and seeing what a snail house looks like. They were very sad for Snail when he has a problem getting to his destination but were overjoyed to see his new friends the ants come help him out.

On the text: I loved Snail’s determination to get to his goal even though he is slow. I love the ants’ voice and how it changes when Snail saves them from the rain. I liked the repetition of being “Cabbage Bound” and then turning it into “Snail Bound” at the end.

Illustrations: I really enjoyed the style. It had a lot of white space and had details on the pages that needed a little more. I thought specifically the snail trail on several pages including the end papers was a great touch. Snail’s home was my favorite scene because, honestly, I had never thought about what it might look like, so great job on creativity.


The Bold, Brave Bunny

Beth Ferry, with illustrations by Chow Hon Lam

Teetu is a Bunny. Teetu the bunny's house is full of bunnies. Teetu needs some space after his brothers and sisters eat his book, so he decides to go for a walk. While he is out for a walk, he has an idea: what if he makes his own book about the world around him in the forest? The forest is dark. The forest is cold. The forest is scary. But Teeth is a bold bunny. Teetu is a brave bunny and explores the beauty of the forest. When Teetu gets lost, all he wants is to be at home with all his bunny brothers and sisters. Luckily, Teetu has a big family, and all the bunnies can easily find him in the forest. Teetu is glad to be reunited with the ones he loves the most. The muted colors in the illustrations show just how scary, yet pretty, the forest can be in nighttime. I love how the trees and bushes in the book look just like animals. Teetu uses what he finds in the forest to make his book. This book shows readers that sometimes we all feel like we need space from our loved ones, and that is ok because spending time with loved ones is even better.


Krit Dreams of Dragon Fruit: A Story of Leaving and Finding Home

Emily France and Natalie Belcher, with illustrations by Samantha Woo

Krit loves his home and where he lives. Krit and his dog, Mu, run through the market place with friends and past the tree with the statue of the Buddha. Thailand is beautiful and warm, and the trees are full of yummy fruits to eat. One day Krit finds out he and his mother are moving to the United States. Krit is very unhappy to move to Chicago in the United States. Chicago is not warm, the trees are covered in snow, and the city is filled with smog. Krit is not allowed to bring his dog, Mu, in the market places or in any of the buildings in the city. Krit wishes he could go home. Krit's mother tells him of a Buddist teaching, which is the idea of happiness can't be found by avoiding change but that we are already home and we just don't always know it. I think this is a great book for readers like me, who want to know more about a different religion, and its practices and traditions. The beautiful, colorful illustrations show how one's outlook on change can change how they feel about the world around them.


What's in Your Mind Today?

Louise Bladen, with illustrations by Angela Perrini

Our mind is full of thoughts, and more often than not our thoughts can turn negative quickly. Have you ever been thinking of something, but suddenly your thoughts turn dark? This book is the perfect example of what I feel like is going on inside my mind. What's in Your Mind Today? is the perfect book to help readers know what is going on in their brains. I really liked the illustrations that helped to visualize sucking in the trees and blowing them away when letting the air out. Taking deep breaths is helpful in stressful situations. This book has colorful illustrations that help to visualize the colors and visions we can associate with feelings. My favorite illustration is of the brightly colored butterflies when the girl is happy. I feel happy when I see butterflies, so this is a great comparison. What's in Your Mind Today? will help readers to work through their big emotions and feel calm and at peace with the world. I recommend this book for all readers who want to learn more about how you are feeling and how to feel better when bad thoughts happen.


Dracula's Child

Ever since Bram Stoker’s Dracula appeared in print, authors have been writing sequels, stand-alones, and side-stories featuring the most famous vampire. This book continues the long tradition and, kind of like all the others, lands flat on its face. We pick up with the original Children of Light years after their adventures in Transylvania to kill Dracula. Jonathan and Mina Harker now have a young boy named Quincey who is growing into adolescence. At an anniversary dinner party when the fame Dr. Van Helsing goes into a coma, a darkness descends over Britain as friends become lost then found and a great evil is destroyed.

Similar to the original, the story is told through diary entries, letters, and newspaper clippings. But it is often overwrought and at times a bit dull. Also, the new characters who appear on the scene really add little than just caricatures of characters from the source material. The constant reference to “the previous century” gets repetitive and old fairly quickly. The ending leaves a lot to be desired as it feels incomplete, and pretty much the entire thing was for nothing.


Joni: The Lyrical Life of Joni Mitchell

This slim book is an homage to one of our greatest songwriters, Joni Mitchell. With beautiful illustrations, the author depicts the life and trials of her subject. She is obviously a fan and has followed Ms. Mitchell’s career and song history. Many of her illustrations are delightfully whimsical, like the taximeter reading "Woodstock" (a destination that Joni Mitchell did not make, despite her tribute song). Despite being the illustrator of children’s books, this book is not quite for children. While the illustrations are wonderfully and simply rendered, the text is more complex and adult.

It is a beautiful book for fans of Joni Mitchell or those who want to become a little more familiar with her life. An illustration at the book’s end features many of Joni’s album covers, and it is fun to see the artist’s output on a double spread. This is a very personal book by one artist having been inspired by another. The book is almost the size of an album cover, so one could slip it in among a reader's Joni Mitchell collection.


Agent Lion

Agent Lion follows a lion who is a detective as he works with Ms. Flamingo to find her lost kitten, Fluffy. Ms. Flamingo is sad that Fluffy is missing, so Agent Lion comes and starts looking around her apartment. They can't find Fluffy. They go up to the roof next, but all they find there is a pigeon. After that, they head back down and stop at Ms. Hippo's apartment and try to stay quiet for her sleeping babies. They still can't find fluffy. Fluffy is also not in the mailroom! They will end up finding Fluffy, and it's funny where they find him!

Agent Lion made me laugh several times because Lion is goofy! His favorite food is a jelly-filled doughnut, which is something I also like, but he thinks about his favorite food too much—it will give him cavities! I was happy when he found Fluffy because I like cats and I wouldn't want one to actually be lost. While they are searching for Fluffy, I like looking at the pictures that are colorful and bright. I think any kid will like this book because it is easy to understand and fun to read.


Little Mole Finds Hope

Little Mole feels terribly sad, although he doesn’t quite know why. When Mama asks him about his gloomy disposition, she tells him that his greatest need is hope. This furry creature inquisitively asks what hope is and where it can be found. She tells him it can be discovered in the most unlikely of places and is sometimes hard to distinguish. With nurturing and love, she guides him out of the dim tunnel in which they reside and gently shows him, through nature’s confounding manifestations, that hope lies all around him. What might appear as lifeless in the present may indeed be full of hope and beauty as time progresses and nature performs its glorious works of wonder.

Little Mole Finds Hope is ideal for children who feel a sense of hopelessness and angst. It’s equally suitable for those who are full of optimism and joy and simply find stories of adversity touching. Educators seeking to encourage young students to display empathy toward others as well as to learn to see the sunshine through the darkness will savor this heartwarming story. It will make a great addition to any first to third grade classroom. The precious, detailed illustrations bring meaning and vitality to its content, and the words of wisdom Mama shares with Little Mole are ones from which any child can benefit.


This Is the Church

Sarah Raymond Cunningham, with illustrations by Ariel Landy

This is the Church is a kids' story about the hand motion rhyme: "Here is the church, here is the steeple, open the doors and see all the people." The little girl in the story wants to add to that song and shows what she wants to add throughout the book. Different types of churches are shown, big ones that hold thousands of people and small ones that hold maybe only one family. Other kinds of churches shown are ones that are held in people's homes and others that are held outside maybe in front of a campfire. All of these churches are Christian churches, but each one looks a little different than the others. Even though the churches look different, what they have the same is that there are people. The church is the people.

This story does a good job of showing people worshiping God but in different places. It will depend on what you believe with churches because some people may think different things about a church building and some people may not think girls should be pastors, but these things are shown in the book. I like the pictures because they are pretty and the story is fun to read.


The Girls with No Names: A Novel

Not far from Luella and Effie Tildon's large family mansion in Inwood looms the House of Mercy, a workhouse for wayward girls. The sisters grow up under its shadow with the understanding that even as wealthy young women their freedoms come with limits. But when the sisters accidentally discover a shocking secret about their father, Luella, the brazen older sister, becomes emboldened to do as she pleases. Her rebellion comes with consequences, and one morning Luella is mysteriously gone. Effie suspects that her father made good on his threat to send Luella to the House of Mercy and hatches a plan to save her sister—only for a miscalculation to throw Effie off her path.

The Girls With No Names was a wonderful read, from the unique stories of wayward children sent to live under the harsh control of nuns to the cruelty of young girls that find themselves there, even to the woman spearheading the suffrage movement, left to feel the judgment of a male-dominated society. Although the book covers some difficult topics, such as runaways, class divide, and poverty, I still found the story to hold my interest throughout. While The Girls With No Names started out as a slow burn, showing off the dynamics of life before the metaphorical storm hit, it slowly turned into a story that I did not expect in the slightest.


I Survived The Sinking of the Titanic, 1912

George is on the adventure of his life! He, his sister Phoebe and his Aunt Daisy are on the Titanic. He loves exploring the boat and talking to the passengers and staff on the ship. On the night of April 14th, he sneaks from bed to find a special piece of cargo. While he’s out, the boat hits an iceberg and begins taking on water, but when he gets back to his room, he discovers his sister is missing! After locating her, his family has to find a way to the top deck to get off the sinking ship, but the obstacles are so many.

This graphic novel based on the book of the same name is going to delight those readers who love Tarshis’s I Survived series. The illustrations are beautifully rendered in color and detail, and follows right along with the original book. The beginning, like in the books, begins with a foreshadowing of what’s to come, followed by the title of the book, very much like the beginning of a fast-paced action movie. Good news! This first one in the series will be followed by I survived the Shark Attacks of 1916 in June this year.


All Hell Breaking Loose: The Pentagon's Perspective on Climate Change

Climate change. Despite what some high-ranking politicians might want you to believe, it's very much real, and the consequences of climate change will be felt for decades to come. One of the primary forces working to adapt to climate change and realize the severity of the situation is the Pentagon, which may surprise some people given the current political climate in the US.

Despite the politics and social gamesmanship, the Pentagon has to deal with the real world, particularly when it comes to keeping soldiers and US military assets safe, and to do so, it has to confront the obvious: climate change is real.

All Hell Breaking Loose takes you into the heart of climate change prep in the US military, exploring not only Pentagon assessments of climate change but also the actions already being taken to mitigate its effects on operational effectiveness in the field. It's a fascinating angle on the subject to explore, one that combines both the scientific facts and solution-based, real-time reaction to the threat.

It's both sobering and encouraging to see so much detail and consideration given to the topic by a government entity, particularly one with the reach and influence of the Pentagon. Klare has done a marvelous job of compiling reports, firsthand accounts, and key sources to bring readers to the frontlines of a battle that will affect us all.


Journey to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Force Collector

Everything is a story eventually, so long as someone lives to tell it and someone lives to hear it.

Karr’s grandmother told him repeatedly until the day she died that he has the Force and that the headaches and things he sees when he touches certain objects doesn’t mean something is wrong with him. Maize is the new girl at school, and she's a troublemaker. When Karr’s parents decide to send him to school on the other side of the planet, Karr and Maize run away together. Maize is looking for adventure while Karr is searching for the truth about the Jedi and his powers.

Karr and Maize are easy to relate to; they are just a couple of teens trying to figure out who they are and what their place in the universe is. The story is well-paced and is readable in one sitting or over a few days. Much of the setting is familiar, with some other unfamiliar places thrown in. Any fan of Star Wars will enjoy Force Collector and how it adds to the lore of the Star Wars universe.


DC Super Hero Girls: Powerless

Amy Wolfram, with illustrations by Agnes Garbowska

The book was amazing. The structure and the plot helped a lot in helping me feel as if I was right there in the moment with these five girls. When I opened the book, I got a surprise. The book was a comic. I enjoyed the illustrations and the color. Out of all the books that I have reviewed, this is one of the only ones that has been a comic. So, to this book and the author, I say great job. This is a book for everyone and I really enjoyed it. I think people who are wanting to start reading chapter books would really like this as well as people who already read chapter books.

I compared it to the TV show (because I am a BIG DC Super Hero Girls fan), and I discovered that the drawings are the same and the girls are the same.

My favorite part was when Batgirl saves the day even though her tech is gone, and I can relate to her because sometimes my friends say I can’t do things, but I go ahead and do them anyway and prove that I can do anything.

I love DC Super Hero Girls because girls can totally save the day!

I enjoyed the quality of the book and that it is based on a TV show, so the only thing that I have to say is:

Amy Wolfram and Agnes Garbowska, well done.


Minor Dramas & Other Catastrophes

High school drama isn’t just for the students at Liston Heights. English teacher Isobel Johnson has devoted her professional life to pushing boundaries and awakening social consciousness in her privileged students despite most of the parents opposing her progressive lessons. She receives an anonymous voicemail accusing her of pushing a liberal agenda and threatening her career if she does not change her curriculum. In response, Isobel pushes further, ignoring requests from her boss and colleagues to take a step back. Soon she finds herself the focus of a smear campaign and on the verge of losing her position.

Julia Abbott is an overinvolved parent obsessed with getting her son a role in the play. Her dedication goes too far when Julia accidentally punches another theater student. The incident is caught on tape and goes viral. Julia finds herself ostracized from the theater department, the other school moms, and her family. When her daughter Tracy announces she never wants to have children after one of Isobel’s English lessons, Julia feels her life spinning out of control and decides to do some digging into Isobel’s past to discredit the teacher and win back her daughter and the community’s affection.

When a secret Liston Heights High gossip site posts damning stories on Isobel and Julia, they must join forces to take the site down before it ruins both their lives. This novel will keep you on the seat of your pants and is perfect for fans of Where’d You Go Bernadette and Big Little Lies.


This Terrible Beauty

On the windswept shores of an East German island, Bettina Heilstrom struggles to build a life from the ashes. World War II has ended, and the Iron Curtain is tearing Europe apart. Longing for a family, she marries Werner, an older bureaucrat who adores her. But after joining the fledgling secret police, he is drawn deep into its dark mission and becomes a dangerous man.

When Bettina falls in love with an idealistic young renegade, Werner discovers her infidelity and forces her to make a choice: spend her life in prison or leave her home forever. Either way, she loses her lover and her newborn child.

Ten years later, Bettina has reinvented herself in Chicago, although she yearns for the baby she left behind. Surprised by an unexpected visitor, Bettina returns to her ravaged homeland to reclaim her daughter and uncover her beloved's fate, no matter the cost.

This Terrible Beauty is such a beautifully written story, from the complex and well-developed characters to the ever-changing plot, there is much to like about it. The author did an amazing job writing about life in Germany after the war and about how East Germany developed, which I definitely find to be rare in World War II era historical fiction, as there are many stories that tell about life in Germany during the war (rather than about life afterwards).

While there are many things that I enjoyed about This Terrible Beauty, I have to say that there were times when the story seemed to be a bit slow, and I would have to circle back and power through it.


The Third to Die: A Novel

Kara Quinn is on leave from the LAPD in her hometown of Liberty Lake. While out jogging she discovers the body of a young woman, throwing her into an FBI investigation of a serial killer called the Triple Killer. He kills three people in nine days every three years. The FBI has just assembled a Mobile Response Team, and this is their first case. The body Kara discovered was number seven, which means they have eight more days to save two more people. The Third to Die is always a cop, so the stakes are high. Both Kara and the FBI are not going to let him slip away again, but how do you catch a killer who has gone so long without being caught?

This was a fairly long book for a thriller, but it worked out well because there were so many different main characters. The length allowed for the development of all of them, including the killer. The part I enjoyed the most was watching the FBI profile unfold as they work the evidence and look for patterns, allowing them to somewhat predict what the killer’s next move would be. If you enjoy thrillers that have characters that are more than just surface-level, you will enjoy this book. I would also recommend it to anyone who finds profiling as fascinating as I do.


The Glass Magician

From an early age, Thalia Cutler has always known that she was born to be on stage, performing magic and dazzling audiences across the country. But her dreams of stardom come to an abrupt halt when she becomes a prime suspect in the murder of a rival magician while also trying to come to terms with the revelation that she’s a Trader: an individual who has the ability to switch between her human form and her animal counterpart. Now Thalia must clear her name and learn to control her abilities before the savage beasts who have been hunting Traders throughout the city catch up to her.

Stevermer does an excellent job of building her world and pulling you inside of it, and I really enjoyed the fact that stage magic and real magic were able to share space without one overpowering the other. My only complaint was that the story is a pretty slow burn when it comes to getting a glimpse of Trader abilities. It was past the halfway point before the book actually magicked. But other than that, I thought this was a great urban fantasy read.


Gunpowder & Embers

The authors are triune: John Ringo, Kacey Ezell, and Christopher L. Smith. What role each has played is nicely unclear. What is clear is that however they combined work or collaborated, they followed the “show, don’t tell” rule in exemplary and sometimes even boggling fashion.

We begin with a hive immersion reminiscent of C.J. Cherryh’s Serpent’s Reach without background, in the head of young Ariel, and initially dumbfounding. Then, on horseback, the gift is mounted combat…and we are not told that the combatants are aligned with and against the hive…In fact, that relationship is left until later to be developed. What background is afforded is offered only in conjunction with action and interpersonal tensions.

This is a post-dystopian romp across an America both degenerating and crushed, essentially following Chuck Gordon, a youthful cowboy hero of engaging character development and formidable fighting skills

The Windfists are a warrior monkhood, and their pantheon includes the revered Baddis (“always have a plan to kill them”), the sainted Norris…you get the idea.

Inter dimensional invaders are referred to, but we are left to work out or meet the references. What could be a frustration becomes an engaging aspect.

There are dragons both wild and tame, betrayals of great magnitude, heartstopping action.

Great fun. Do buy it.


Bolivar Eats New York: A Discovery Adventure

Bolivar is a cute dinosaur that lives with his friend Sybil in New York. The picture book starts out with the two of them going to their favorite Deli downtown. Bolivar orders his favorite, just like every other time! Sybil tries to encourage him to try something new and ends up taking him all across New York to find new exciting food! Bolivar gets to try all kinds of new food from different cuisines and cultures including Jewish favorites, Italian, Chinese, and street food from all over the world. I really enjoyed this book. It’s beautifully illustrated, and while the book is a mix between comic and traditional story, the explanations about the food and cultures were a great addition. I learned a lot of facts about New York, its history, and people. I think this book is a great addition to anyone’s library!


The Missing Sister

Angela is The Missing Sister. She’d been living in Paris for the last three years when her twin, Shayna, gets the message that she’s been found dead, possibly the victim of a serial killer. Shayna flies over to identify her body and finds a secret message in her sister’s apartment that says her sister is alive. Shayna retraces Angela’s steps throughout Paris and its catacombs in an attempt to find her. Shayna isn’t the only one looking, though, and how do you know whom to trust in a city full of strangers and where you don’t speak the language? There is also a serial killer on the loose who will stop at nothing to finish his work.

I found this book to be a bit difficult to enjoy. None of the characters were likable, not even Shayna and Angela. They both seemed self-centered and irritating. The hard things they went through made them more so instead of bringing them together and making them stronger. The plot was somewhat convoluted with rabbit trails that didn’t appear to have much to do with the story. After all that, the motives of the killer ended up just being a repeat of history. There was a great deal in this book that didn’t make sense. The part I did enjoy was the descriptions of the city of Paris itself. The author did not paint its people in a very positive light, though. I’m sure there is a niche for this book, I’m not sure where.


Perfect Little Children: A Novel

On her way to her son’s football practice one afternoon, Beth takes a detour to the beautiful, showy house where her former best friend Flora lived twelve years ago. Beth and Flora have long been out of touch, but Beth can’t shake her curiosity about whatever happened to her friend. She doesn’t expect to actually see Flora, but, to her surprise, she sees Flora getting out of an SUV with two little children. She hears Flora call to them, using the names of the children Beth remembers. Yet this is impossible because the children Beth remembers would be teenagers by now. Beth struggles to reconcile what she’s witnessed with what the reality must be, but she can’t make it make sense. There’s a mystery here, and, worse, danger. Her bond with Flora has loosened, but Beth feels an overwhelming compulsion to figure out what’s going on—before harm comes to those children, or to Flora herself.

The mystery at the heart of Perfect Little Children has nothing to do with science fiction, an expectation that is suggested in the cover copy. Instead, as Beth delves deeper into the confounding tangle of familiar names and unfamiliar faces, of what she knows to be true and what appears to be true, we get a chilling portrait of a marriage steeped in cruelty, and of a woman frantic to protect her children—at any cost.


The Way Home (Owly #1) (1)

Owly the owl wants nothing more in life than to have friends, but he doesn’t have the easiest time making new ones. Being an owl, many of the birds and bugs in the forest where he lives are scared of Owly, even when all he’s doing is trying to help. So when Owly rescues a lost little worm from a puddle on a rainy day, his only concern is the little creature’s safety and helping it find its way home. Owly could never have predicted the amazing friendship that would form as a result! In a second story, Owly and Wormy befriend a pair of hummingbirds.

Artist and author Andy Runton brings the popular comic character Owly to life in a new set of stories about the beauty of friendship. This book, Owly: The Way Home, the first in a new series, is a little different from previous Owly stories, as some readers may notice. The earlier books contained very few actual words, but this book changes things up with much more actual dialogue (except for Owly himself; Owly still speaks in pictures and symbols).

These stories are cute and fun, and while they can easily be enjoyed by readers of all ages, the Owly stories are especially great for new readers, and they are an excellent way to introduce kids to the art of comic books and graphic novels.


A Blight of Blackwings (The Seven Kennings)

Blight is the second in Hearne's Seven Kennings series. As with most of his works, the characters are wonderful, and the world-building, excellent. Most is told by the bard Fintan, with pockets of present-time action. Fintan possesses a unique magic, one of six Kennings. These Kennings are rare, powerful, and come at a price for those accepted to bear them. His allows him to enhance storytelling by taking on the personas of those he's met in his travels, who've played parts in the actual events.

Blight dove more into exploring the quite disparate cultures of this world. The anthropologist in me always loves learning about different cultures, be they real world or story world cultures. The only downside for me was lack of any kind of recap of the events in the previous book. It jumped right back into things, which might be fine if I were reading it on the heels of Plague instead of a long time apart! This is epic fantasy at its best, infused with Hearne's particular brand of humour. Recommended for fans of Patrick Rothfuss, JRR Tolkien, and GRR Martin. I'm definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.