If you are expecting a story about what it might be like to be a young black person growing up in the frontier in the late 1800s, then this might not If you are expecting a story about what it might be like to be a young black person growing up in the frontier in the late 1800s, then this might not be the book for you. But if you are interested in what it might have been like for black pioneers to make the journey to the open frontier, then you will enjoy this historical novel in verse that is told mostly from young Lettie's viewpoint with occasional chapters from her mother, Sylvia who has more faith in God than her husband and Philomena, a young and independent black women. (view spoiler)[The road from Mississippi to Nebraska is grueling. There's a fair share of tragedy for the travelers in this story and some will die or turn around to go back home. (hide spoiler)]...more
10/15/20 If you're looking for a fun class read-aloud, look no further than this cute chapter book for younger readers about Iggy and the trouble he g10/15/20 If you're looking for a fun class read-aloud, look no further than this cute chapter book for younger readers about Iggy and the trouble he gets into at home and at school. With short chapters and illustrations throughout, this 144 page book it is also perfect for Sally Rippin's Billie B. and Hey Jack fans who are looking for what to read next. I know my 3rd graders (from a few years ago) would have loved both listening to and reading this story. 6/19/22 Still 3 stars, this one was more fun the first time. (view spoiler)[Iggy just can't stay out of trouble. (hide spoiler)]
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10/15/20 If you're looking for a fun class read-aloud, look no further than this cute chapter book for younger readers about Iggy and the trouble he gets into at home and at school. With short chapters and illustrations throughout, this 144 page book it is also perfect for Sally Rippin's Billie B. and Hey Jack fans who are looking for what to read next. I know my 3rd graders (from a few years ago) would have loved both listening to and reading this story. 6/19/22 Still 3 stars, this one was more fun the first time. (view spoiler)[Iggy just can't stay out of trouble. (hide spoiler)]...more
3.5-3.75 stars, this reminded me a lot of Halfway to the Sky. Instead of Dani who is determined to hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, w3.5-3.75 stars, this reminded me a lot of Halfway to the Sky. Instead of Dani who is determined to hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, we have Jo who is determined to hike at least 100 miles on the Superior Hiking Trail. Her goal is to beat the number of miles her Dad (view spoiler)[(who has since left her mother for another family) (hide spoiler)] and brother hiked when they did a similar hike at her age....more
Are there really miracles happening in Glimmer Creek, Virginia? Rosie, an aspiring documentarian is determined to prove their realness. (view spoiler)Are there really miracles happening in Glimmer Creek, Virginia? Rosie, an aspiring documentarian is determined to prove their realness. (view spoiler)[She also sees the film as a way to meet and connect with her absentee father for the first time. (hide spoiler)] But can she rely on her longtime friends Cam and Henry to help her with this film as they have in the past? Cam is playing soccer and has a new circle of friends. Henry (view spoiler)[who has worries of his own (hide spoiler)] is more interested in finding a long lost treasure. Will Rosie finish her documentary in time for a scheduled screening? Give this one to those who like stories about middle school friendships or stories about the meaning of family.
Merged review:
Are there really miracles happening in Glimmer Creek, Virginia? Rosie, an aspiring documentarian is determined to prove their realness. (view spoiler)[She also sees the film as a way to meet and connect with her absentee father for the first time. (hide spoiler)] But can she rely on her longtime friends Cam and Henry to help her with this film as they have in the past? Cam is playing soccer and has a new circle of friends. Henry (view spoiler)[who has worries of his own (hide spoiler)] is more interested in finding a long lost treasure. Will Rosie finish her documentary in time for a scheduled screening? Give this one to those who like stories about middle school friendships or stories about the meaning of family....more
Caregivers may get as much out of this as the young audience it's intended for. In addition to learning about social wellness, there are projects likeCaregivers may get as much out of this as the young audience it's intended for. In addition to learning about social wellness, there are projects like vision boards, DIY 'would you rather?' cards, painted rocks and more. Includes table of contents, glossary and index....more
What if you combined Spelling Bee, Math League, Geography Bee and more? That's what a Mind Bender competition is in this feel good story about JillianWhat if you combined Spelling Bee, Math League, Geography Bee and more? That's what a Mind Bender competition is in this feel good story about Jillian who finds her voice to compete in the one at her school. Those who identify as introverts or find themselves feeling shy around others will appreciate this....more
What if a Jewish girl grew up on the North Dakota prairie in the early 1900s? What kind of challenges will Shoshana face after they immigrate from UkrWhat if a Jewish girl grew up on the North Dakota prairie in the early 1900s? What kind of challenges will Shoshana face after they immigrate from Ukraine to North Dakota? As Shoshana adapts to her new life, she and her family will be faced with decisions about staying true to their Jewish faith. ...more
Elliot adjusts to life with his divorced parents. Mom remains single and lives in the city. Dad has remarried and lives in the suburbs with his wife KElliot adjusts to life with his divorced parents. Mom remains single and lives in the city. Dad has remarried and lives in the suburbs with his wife Kate who is expecting. What if the new baby replaces him? Elliot is also adjusting to school as he struggles to stay organized. (view spoiler)[When smart and organized Maribel asks him to be her partner for a big project, he is shocked. (hide spoiler)] Could their project which involves making gluten-free pies that taste delicious lead to success at school? (view spoiler)[After all, Elliot's one superpower is cooking. (hide spoiler)]...more
If you liked any of the books in Kelly Yang's Front Desk series, you'll love this new title and series about Lina. Lina joins her family in the UnitedIf you liked any of the books in Kelly Yang's Front Desk series, you'll love this new title and series about Lina. Lina joins her family in the United States, only to find out her parents and younger sister's life isn't what their letters led her and her grandparents to believe. Can her family overcome obstacle after obstacle to achieve their version of the "American Dream"?...more
3.5 stars, Pet (short for Perpetua) and her younger brother Simon set out on a quest with a chicken and a stolen pony to find a valuable coin, one tha3.5 stars, Pet (short for Perpetua) and her younger brother Simon set out on a quest with a chicken and a stolen pony to find a valuable coin, one that could pay enough for their Dad to have another surgery and for their mother to no longer work 3 jobs to support the family. Will they find it? What about Gordon the adult son of their neighbor Mrs. Minnow who also wants to find the coin? What will he do to thwart their efforts? How can two young kids possibly defend themselves against a grown-up bully? If you like quest stories or are looking for a book for young people that portrays the Catholic Church and nuns in a positive, this story is for you....more
What starts out as a story about a girl who meets four talking cats turns sinister. Could one of the four cats be evil? If you like stories about darkWhat starts out as a story about a girl who meets four talking cats turns sinister. Could one of the four cats be evil? If you like stories about dark magic or cats, this might be for you. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this title; this is a review of an uncorrected e-proof....more
Food and family, two great things that go together in this story about Mo who is part of the New York City foster system after her grandmother passed Food and family, two great things that go together in this story about Mo who is part of the New York City foster system after her grandmother passed away. She takes up cooking as a hobby in hopes of finding family members that might have recipes/stories/traditions to discover. Give this one to future young foodies and anyone who like's family stories with happy endings....more
The story of how two best friends, Deja and Maggie become three best friends when Maggie's half sister Callie moves in with Maggie's family. If you liThe story of how two best friends, Deja and Maggie become three best friends when Maggie's half sister Callie moves in with Maggie's family. If you like heartwarming family stories, give this a try. Another one of those books I would have wanted to read more than once as a tween....more
Fantasy story for younger readers about Aria, a windling who sets out on a quest to find three treasures to restore the wind. She and her Gwyn, a grypFantasy story for younger readers about Aria, a windling who sets out on a quest to find three treasures to restore the wind. She and her Gwyn, a grypling meet Bay, a waterling, Terran, an earthling, and Brigid, a fireling along the way. Will Aria continue to work on her own to restore the wind, water, earth and fire? Or will she include the others in her quest? (view spoiler)[And what if finding the treasures was a trick? Is there anything she, Bay, Terran and Brigid can do to restore the elements and order they know? (hide spoiler)] Give this to those who are looking for a stand-alone fantasy story. ...more
Told from Temple Grandin's point of view, she tells us why she is proud to be different. This is the first book I have read from the Ordinary People CTold from Temple Grandin's point of view, she tells us why she is proud to be different. This is the first book I have read from the Ordinary People Change the World series. At a glance, I thought this would be a very basic biography on Temple's life. What I discovered was a picture book that was dense with words. A lot of information was packed into this small sized book. I also found it interesting that illustrator Christopher Eliopoulos kept both young Temple and adult Temple looking the same....more
3.5 stars, give this to anyone who has participated in spelling bee or enjoys watching/following the National Spelling Bee in June each year. This is 3.5 stars, give this to anyone who has participated in spelling bee or enjoys watching/following the National Spelling Bee in June each year. This is the story of a young girl who participated in the 1961 bee. What happens when she travels from Ohio to the segregated Washington DC for the bee? What kinds of discrimination will she face? Could it affect how she does on the day of the competition? Could the judges find a way to stump her? If you're curious about what happens to MacNolia after the Bee, read the Epilogue at the end of the story....more
Jeff is an alien who comes to Earth to take over the planet only to learn that there are no humans. It's the Mesozoic Era also known as the age of theJeff is an alien who comes to Earth to take over the planet only to learn that there are no humans. It's the Mesozoic Era also known as the age of the dinosaurs. Without humans or higher intelligence and creatures who want to be his friends, how can Jeff succeed in taking over the planet?...more
Two best friends, Aurora and Frenchie. Aurora is loud. Frenchie is quiet; he is autistic. Aurora has connected with him in a special way and understanTwo best friends, Aurora and Frenchie. Aurora is loud. Frenchie is quiet; he is autistic. Aurora has connected with him in a special way and understands his reactions to things and knows his interests. What happens when a boy who doesn't talk goes missing? Will Aurora be able to find him? Or will it be another one of the townspeople who rally around the cause that will locate him? (view spoiler)[It takes a village to find a child. Yes, this one has a happy ending. (hide spoiler)]...more
(view spoiler)[Dreams do come true. What if you could meet your first celebrity crush? Through a series of circumstances and mishaps, Millie does. It (view spoiler)[Dreams do come true. What if you could meet your first celebrity crush? Through a series of circumstances and mishaps, Millie does. It turns out he's just as sweet as his image in real life. (hide spoiler)] Twelve year-old Millie is experiencing her first celebrity crush on teen singer and heartthrob Rory Calhoun. She dreams of meeting him, could it happen? How far will she go in her hopes to fulfill her dream? Will she succeed? Or perhaps discover a more realistic crush in her own neighborhood? Millie could be Margaret from Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.. Full of innocence, this is a perfect "first" romance book for tweens. A HUGE thank you to BookSparks and Kristin Nilsen for providing me with a copy of this book in a special and most attractive package!...more