Polar Post, third in the Erutuf National Park series, is a cute adventure story for young readers. Siblings Reese and Dean are the main characters, anPolar Post, third in the Erutuf National Park series, is a cute adventure story for young readers. Siblings Reese and Dean are the main characters, and I think kids will get a kick out of Dean’s jokes and Reese’s passion for math. There are plenty of interesting facts about nature, science, and math smoothly sprinkled throughout. Recommended for ages 6-9 who enjoy talking animals and solving light mysteries....more
This is a wonderful start into scary stories for young readers. There's just enough spookiness and the friendship ups and downs feel accurate for ten-This is a wonderful start into scary stories for young readers. There's just enough spookiness and the friendship ups and downs feel accurate for ten-year-old characters. Rowley thinks she has a lot of reasons to not like camping, but what a fun adventure this camping trip turns out to be! Maybe it's because her best friend Huey comes along, with her siblings Chewy, Dewy, and Bluey--haha, all nicknames, of course. Or maybe it's because Rowley gains confidence in herself. Enough to stand up to a bully who it turns out could also use a friend. A lovely story about family time, getting along with others, and finding out that first appearances aren't always what they seem, especially when it comes to shady characters....more
From the start I was rooting for Scilla because of her blossoming love for gardening and her deep desire to learn all she could, despite her unfortunaFrom the start I was rooting for Scilla because of her blossoming love for gardening and her deep desire to learn all she could, despite her unfortunate start in the world. I am so glad she was allowed to bloom, thanks to the head gardener, a wonderfully drawn character. Several scenes plant this squarely in the upper range of middle grade fiction. Overall, a fascinating look at the goings-on of elaborate 1850s estate gardens in this unique well-researched setting!...more
The Balter of Ashton Harper is a delightful, gentle story for young people who’d like to take a break from their fast-paced activities. Whimsical descThe Balter of Ashton Harper is a delightful, gentle story for young people who’d like to take a break from their fast-paced activities. Whimsical descriptions of snowflakes and spring, as well as the unearthing of the not-always-realized love between siblings bring much to this fun adventure....more
A Universe of Rainbows is a beautiful anthology of well-respected poets, all writing to the theme of rainbows! Bright digitally-created illustrations A Universe of Rainbows is a beautiful anthology of well-respected poets, all writing to the theme of rainbows! Bright digitally-created illustrations light up each page. Although aimed at 6–10-year-olds, this book would be a really fun gift for all ages. I learned a lot from the side bars and who knew there were so many rainbow-colored creatures in Australia!? Recommended resources and glossary make up the interesting backmatter. An especially great purchase for school and public libraries....more
I'm very impressed with this book. I knew absolutely nothing about cryptocurrency, but now I have a good basic understanding of it. This is due to theI'm very impressed with this book. I knew absolutely nothing about cryptocurrency, but now I have a good basic understanding of it. This is due to the very clear and interesting explanations throughout the book, along with a well-chosen diagram and photographs. I like how benefits and possible risks are equally discussed. The back matter is wonderful, too, and includes a glossary, fast facts, and a few questions to get kids thinking about what they have learned. I'm now curious about the rest of "The World of Money" series and won't hesitate to pick up another topic when needed. I recommend Cryptocurrency for all ages....more
Road to Tater Hill is such a lovely story. I thoroughly enjoyed the gentle 1963 setting in the mountains of North Carolina. Although there are sad theRoad to Tater Hill is such a lovely story. I thoroughly enjoyed the gentle 1963 setting in the mountains of North Carolina. Although there are sad themes of loss and depression, they are outweighed by the importance of family, friendship, forgiveness and joy. Annie is a wonderful main character and I loved spending time with her. I appreciated the details of making blackberry jam, weaving on a loom, and reciting poems and songs. And Grandpa’s gift to Annie—what a treasure! The idea of waiting until the following summer to see good friends again, before the convenience of virtual chats and texting, truly struck me. And when I turned the final page, I found myself already missing the goings-on back at Tater Hill. ...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-crafted and researched historical fiction novel for ages 8 & up. Right off, the beautiful cover brings intrigue about tI thoroughly enjoyed this well-crafted and researched historical fiction novel for ages 8 & up. Right off, the beautiful cover brings intrigue about the various characters, some who aren’t introduced until later. Don’t worry you’ll meet the adorable gray cat, Smudge, long before the halfway mark! I liked the format and often found myself checking dates in Piper’s diary—taking note of how much or little time had passed since her last entry. Especially when current events (of 1929) were mentioned. Realistic details throughout the story puts the reader right there on the ship with Piper as she rides the waves and finds her place in the world. Fun word problems are also inserted several times, just casually and not at all overdone (as I’ve seen happen in other books). I absolutely love the last section of this novel. It leads up to a satisfying ending that is not only clever, but believable. Back matter includes a detailed glossary of steamboat terms, along with a book list and bird list, from 1929, but all still relevant today. There is also some additional fascinating history with actual photographs from the steamboat era. Kids are going to learn so much from this fun book, without even realizing they’re doing so. Not only about life on a 1929 steamboat, but about two twelve-year-olds who share a common gift of compassion for others and for the history that unites us all....more