​Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton
Written and Illustrated by Don Tate
Age Level: 6 – 10
Grade Level:  Preschool – 3
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How does a little boy born into slavery in North Carolina become a poet? Read this quiet story to find out how. When George grew up, slaves weren’t allowed to learn to read. George knew his ABC’s and he taught himself to read using an old spelling book. This is a great story to teach, not preach, the value of literacy. Read on to see how he made his first sale. It’s a great story! George did well enough that he tried to buy his freedom, but his master refused. I’m so glad he didn’t pay the man a dime. He got his freedom after the Civil War.

I was also fascinated with the author’s note. It tells Don’s story as an African-American, how he left shame behind by telling George’s story, and found pride in what slaves endured and accomplished. Don tells you about life in  North Carolina in the mid1800’s, and why George succeeded. Don’s last page gives credits to those who helped him put this story together. He told about his journey from inspiration to research, to editing and the critique partners who assisted him in writing and illustrating. If you’re fascinated like I am with what it takes to publish a book, you wil love this part of the story.  

​Even Monsters Need to Sleep
Written by Lisa Wheeler
Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Age Level: 4 - 8
Grade Level:  P – 3

​Learn More: While his Holiness the Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibet, his home is in India. This one’s gonna get political: When Tibet was invaded by China in 1950, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, assumed political power and tried to rectify the situation with Beijing. He even traveled to the capital to meet with Mao Zedong in 1954, but by 1959, Chinese troops aggressively suppressed the Tibetan uprising, and the Dalai Lama was forced into exile. This is why he now calls Dharamsala, India, home.

​​Bonaparte Falls Apart
Written by Margery Cuyler
Illustrated by Will Terry
Age Level: 3 - 7
Grade Level:  P – 2

​This is a great read, even after Halloween. Poor Bonaparte! His bones are falling apart. His best friends, Franky Stein, Black Widow, and Mummicula, they try to help, but their ideas are just boneheaded. This story has the best ending. Hint – Think bones, then read it for yourself. I don’t need a crystal ball to predict you’ll love it!

Dress Me Up!
Written and Illustrated by Maria Carluccio
Age Level: 5 and up
Grade Level:  P – Up

I bought this book at a writer’s conference,. I’d already bought 6 books for my grandgirl, and she isn’t even born yet, but I couldn’t resist this book. It’s so unusual - I had to get it.
 
The character changes from board to board. Pick your character, then  dress  them up by choosing patterns from the other side of the book. It is so much fun! I hope this book will keep my grandgirl busy and happy flipping and flapping during church.
 
If you need something fun  to keep a little one busy - peek inside . . .

​Mechanica
Written by Betsy Cornwell
Age Level: 12 and up
Grade Level:  7 – 9
 
This is one of my favorite books! It’s Cinderella, but she’s a magical inventor. Nicolette is Cinderella. She must fight her stepsisters AND the magical predjudice that divided her parents. Her own father hated magic so much he refused to buy the medicine that would have saved her mother’s life. He remarries someone who’s normal, AKA nonmagical. When he dies, Nicolette finds herself servant to the steps. To survive she renames herself and retreats into a cocoon. But on her 16th birthday, magic finds its way inside. Like Cinderella Mechanica rises from the ashes. You’ll have to read to find out how, but warning . . . this version comes without the perfect Cinderella ending, and it’s still  ONE GREAT BOOK!
 
PS- if you would like to help me and my book, NEIL ARMSTRONG’S WIND TUNNEL DREAM, please consider doing one or both of these things – 1. Write an honest review and post it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Good Reads. It helps new readers find my book. 2. Recommend my book to your favorite library or librarian. Getting a book in a library opens up a new world of readers for me and Neil. If your library is short on cash, please consider gifting it to the library in your child’s honor. It’s a wonderful thing for you, your child, and most of all for your fellow readers. All the best – Rinda

If Kids Ruled the World
​Written Linda Bailey
Illustrated by David Huyck
Age Level: 3 - 7
Grade Level:  P – 2

I loved, loved, loved this book! It’s about what could happen if kids ruled the world. The author and illustrator still  know how to have fun, and that’s what this book is full of. Bring your imagination, and your inner child. Then enjoy! I did! I bet if kids ruled the world, there’d be chocolate for every meal. I’m an adult now, but I’m embracing my inner child. Imagine what fun the right parent or teacher could have with this book and their favorite kids!
 

Music for Mister Moon
Written Philip C. Stead
Illustrated by Erin Stead
Age Level: 4 - 8
Grade Level:  P – 3

​The cover made me pick the book, but as I read it, I wasn’t sure if I’d like it. It’s a quiet book, and I’ve learned to be loud when necessary. By the time I finished it, I loved the story. Harriet Henry is a little girl who plays the cello, but she doesn’t want either noise or an audience. She goes to her room for peace and quiet, but an owl starts calling whooo. Harriet throws her teacup at it. She misses but takes out the moon. The Moon and Harriet set off on a series of adventures, but  Harriet still can’t find a quiet place to play until Moon helps her out. I loved this story as much as I did Amos McGee, another story written by Philip Stead.

The Pencil Eater
Written by Stacy Corrigan
Illustrated by Steve Page
Age Level: 4 – 8
Grade Level: P – 3
 
This story is OWG – Out of this World GREAT! As a retired second grade teacher it’s exactly the story I’d buy for my class. Stacey captured the biggest problem my kids had every year for 33 years . . . losing pencils. Now I know what really happened – A BIG FAT PENCIL EATER ate them! Read the book to find out how even a Pencil Eater can find a happy ending. I love, love, LOVE this book!

​This author and her pencil-eating classroom come to you straight from the Great Lake state of Michigan. Enjoy!

​I Campaigned for Ice Cream: A Boy’s Quest for Ice Cream Trucks
Written by Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw
Illustrated by Wendy Leach
Age Level: 4 – 8
Grade Level: P – 3
 
What do you do when something’s not right? Don’t scream . . . Campaign! Ask Joshua Lipshaw who fought city hall for ice cream and won. This is his true story written by his mom, and it’s great way to learn about local government. The back matter includes a glossary of civic terms, but don’t get lost in the vocabulary and forget the most important thing . . . Ice Cream!

​Plus this story comes from the Great Lake state of Michigan, from its author to the ice cream to the plot. Enjoy!

A Big Mooncake for Little Star
Written by Grace Lin
Age Level: 4 - 7
Grade Level:  P – 3           

This is a cute story for young readers, but it offers the phases of the moon for older ones. It’s also a pourquoi story that explains why the moon waxes and wanes. Each month Little Star and her mom bake a mooncake. Each month Little Star promises faithfully not to eat it, but every night hunger changes her mind. What will happen when Mom discovers what Little Star has been up to? You’ll have to read to find out.  

 What inspired Grace Lin to write this story? The mid-autumn moon festival! It includes eating mooncakes, telling stories, and passing these customs down to the next daughter.