One of those stories tht tugs at yor heartstrings. It's the story of the circle of life between a Grandpa, his son and his grandson Noahnoah.One of those stories tht tugs at yor heartstrings. It's the story of the circle of life between a Grandpa, his son and his grandson Noahnoah....more
Reminiscent of Brian's earliest books, The Houdini Box and The Boy with a Thousand Faces, it's a shorter story told with illustrations. Unlike those bReminiscent of Brian's earliest books, The Houdini Box and The Boy with a Thousand Faces, it's a shorter story told with illustrations. Unlike those books, this one is for an even younger audience. Told with lots of humor, this one should find fans among all those young kids who are not quite ready to read a chapter book on their own, but are looking for a 'thick' book or a chapter book....more
Cute, what happens when Gizmo, an evil Guinea pig and Wedgie, a Welsh Corgi who likes to wear a cape become members of a blended family? Will they becCute, what happens when Gizmo, an evil Guinea pig and Wedgie, a Welsh Corgi who likes to wear a cape become members of a blended family? Will they become friends or not? Along with their respective owners Elliot and Jasmine, this is the story of what happens when two families combine households (and start getting real). (view spoiler)[Youngest sibling Jackson pees in the pool (hide spoiler)]...more
For those who are interested in the lives of children from around the world, this is the story of Nora who lives in a masoleum in Manila, the capital For those who are interested in the lives of children from around the world, this is the story of Nora who lives in a masoleum in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. After the loss of their home in a fire, Nora and her mother find themselves homeless and move in to the family's masoleum. She and her mother are trying to make a better life for themselves through a variety of jobs, but it's not as easy as it sounds. (view spoiler)[Nora's Mom has a gambling addiction that is spiraling out of control. She becomes mixed up with loan sharks who will stop at nothing to get back their money. (hide spoiler)] Keeping a job becomes even more difficult when her mother disappears. Nora becomes a bit of a Nancy Drew as she pieces the clues together and tracks down what really happened to her mother. With the help of her friend Jojo; will Nora be able to find her mother before it's too late? And how can a young girl make a better life for herself on her own? This book was provided to me for free through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review...more
Celebrity drug addiction in the twenty years following World War II. Follow the lives of Anne the innocent one, Neely the talented one and Jennifer thCelebrity drug addiction in the twenty years following World War II. Follow the lives of Anne the innocent one, Neely the talented one and Jennifer the beautiful one as they make their way in the world and become stars. Is fame and fortune all it's cracked up to be?...more
**spoiler alert** It reminded me of watching the Hallmark channel. It's the story of Amanda who is traveling from her eastern New York home to Washing**spoiler alert** It reminded me of watching the Hallmark channel. It's the story of Amanda who is traveling from her eastern New York home to Washington to be a missionary to the Nez Percé. As one would expect, there are many trials and tribulations on her travels. Amanda's faith in God is what keeps her strong and gives her courage throughout this story. I loved this inspirational story about having a strong faith in God until about the last part of the story. Starting around chapter 52, the story lost its charm for me. In my opinion, too many unnecessary events begin to happen; the return of Nathan Lane, the young man who broke off his engagement to Amanda in the prologue of the story and the reuniting of Buck and his mother. Overall a good stories for those looking for Christian historical fiction or clean romance....more
I read it twice. Slowly, the first time and quickly the second time. Six kids are put together in a room each Friday for an hour to talk. No adults, jI read it twice. Slowly, the first time and quickly the second time. Six kids are put together in a room each Friday for an hour to talk. No adults, just six kids. Told from Haley's point of view, it's about how the six become friends despite their differences. Rereading it gave Haley, Holly, Esteban, Amari, Ashton and Tiago's stories even more meaning. It helped me appreciate them each as individuals. For anyone who feels like an outsider, for those looking for a story for young readers about immigration and deportation. ...more
Webster thinks he wants to be an outlaw. He even renames himself Bad Hat. But when his exploits of heroics go viral; it turns out that this dog on theWebster thinks he wants to be an outlaw. He even renames himself Bad Hat. But when his exploits of heroics go viral; it turns out that this dog on the run might be more of an cowboy. Fans of dog stories (-the sad endings) will like this one....more
**spoiler alert** Three siblings, Jack, Bea and Melody find themselves and grow closer after their oldest brother Leo squanders the inheritance they e**spoiler alert** Three siblings, Jack, Bea and Melody find themselves and grow closer after their oldest brother Leo squanders the inheritance they expected from their deceased father....more
This books makes the argument that if one wants to become a writer (or an artist of any sort for that matter), a steady, fixed income (seems Virginia This books makes the argument that if one wants to become a writer (or an artist of any sort for that matter), a steady, fixed income (seems Virginia is writing for the upper middle and upper classes) and solitude (in other words a room of one's own away from the daily interruptions of life) are needed. My favorite quote was, "Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind."...more
This is the story of two sisters, Nora and Theresa and the separate but intertwined paths their lives take after immigrating from Ireland to the UniteThis is the story of two sisters, Nora and Theresa and the separate but intertwined paths their lives take after immigrating from Ireland to the United States in the late 1950s. At the start of the story, Nora's oldest son Patrick has died. The family is gathering for a funeral and the remainder of the book alternates between the present (2009) and the past. In addition to the two sisters, we learn more about Nora's three other children and Nora's extended family of Irish relatives from her husband Charlie's side. And the secrets that all of them are hiding. Would it have been better to be more open or are some secrets better left unspoken? I am torn between giving this book 3 stars or 4 stars. This is the first book I have read this year that kept me turning the pages until the end. And then, it just ended without full resolution. I wish their would be a sequel, but I sense this is the kind of book that is meant to stand alone. ...more
Babymouse is growing up in this hybrid of a chapter book and graphic novel! Now in middle school, she has joined the Film Club and is assigned the rolBabymouse is growing up in this hybrid of a chapter book and graphic novel! Now in middle school, she has joined the Film Club and is assigned the role of director. Making a move will be a cinch, right? Sigh . . . it's not to be. Will she and her crew be able to finish the movie before their deadline. Perfect for young readers who are looking for a story set in middle school. ...more
Based on the true story of Mary Anning who lived in early 1800s England and discovered one of world's biggest fossils when she was only a girl. This wBased on the true story of Mary Anning who lived in early 1800s England and discovered one of world's biggest fossils when she was only a girl. This would be a good classroom read-aloud for anyone looking for a story that in another place or during a period in history. Or anyone who is interested in fossils, dinosaurs, or paleontology. At only 100 pages, it's the perfect shorter read....more
3.5 stars, this reminded me a lot of The Missing Piece of Charlie O'Reilly. Both feature protagonists named Charlie who venture to alternate worlds to3.5 stars, this reminded me a lot of The Missing Piece of Charlie O'Reilly. Both feature protagonists named Charlie who venture to alternate worlds to save family members and/or friends (view spoiler)[and then must decide which world is the better one to live in. Give this this one to fans of magical realism or quest stories. (hide spoiler)]...more
**spoiler alert** If I went to action adventure/thriller types of movies; this book is what I picture them being like. Alex is just trying to stay ali**spoiler alert** If I went to action adventure/thriller types of movies; this book is what I picture them being like. Alex is just trying to stay alive by staying under the radar of her enemies. Then she gets an opportunity to complete one last job for the dark, secretive government organization that she works for. Enter schoolteacher Daniel, her target who also is instantly attracted to her. After learning that Daniel was not her actual target and that she was being double crossed by Daniel's twin brother Kevin who sees her as an adversary and threat, the three of them set out to take out the real enemy. Will they be able to take out the enemy before he/she takes them out? Will Alex's growing attraction to Daniel get in the way? And can she really trust both of the brothers?...more