 Nancy Drew Clue Book #4: Big Top Flop
Written by Carolyn Keene Illustrated by Peter Francis Age Level: 6 – 9 Grade Level: 1 – 4 This set of 18 chapter book mysteries is great! When Nancy’s friend George wins the Junior Ringmaster whistling contest, her prize whistle is stolen and replaced with a dud. Can Nancy, George, and Bess solve the mystery before the circus leaves town? The best part – the Clue Crew and You page. That’s where the case is summarized, and the last two clues repeated. Then it’s your chance to solve the mystery before the last chapter begins. I did, and I got it right!
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 Heart Changer
Written by Jarm Del Boccio Age Level: 9 – 12 Grade Level: 4 – 8 Have you ever wanted to know more about a Bible story, the back story? That’s exactly what Jarm did with Naaman and his leprosy, the Naaman from 2 Kings Chapter 5 in the Old Testament. In second Kings, we don’t know anything about the maidservant except for the important part . . . that she believed in Yahweh and that her faith helped Naaman into the River Jordan. Jarm started there, by giving the servant a name and a story based on historical details from this time period. For me it made the story richer, and it gave me a greater appreciation of the journey Naaman took. He didn’t want to get into the Jordan River. He said it was polluted, but he did it because of the faith of a servant.  The Friendship Garden: Pumpkin Spice
Written by Jenny Meyerhoff Illustrated by Eva Chatelain Age Level: 7 - 10 Grade Level: 2 – 5 This is the second book in a series of three about the Friendship Garden. These mysteries are great for young readers. Clues are left along the way to help them solve it, without giving away the ending. In Pumpkin Spice, Anna, Kaya, and Reed are sure that their pumpkin is going to win first prize at the festival, but two days before the contest their pumpkin disappears. The girls must solve the mystery in time for the festival if they’re going to have a chance at winning. Kids who are into chapter books and easy middle grade reads will love this book, and this series.  Hachiko Waits
Written by Leslea Newman Illustrated by Machiyo Kodaira Age Level: 7 – 12 Grade Level: 3 – 4 This is the most amazing story, and it’s based on what really happened in Japan in 1923. That’s when Professor Ueno adopted a young Akito. The puppy was bright, and training was easy. Every morning Hachiko walked his master to the train station before heading home. Every afternoon before 3:00, Hachiko returned to wait, until one day, the professor never returned. If you want to find out what happened, you’ll have to read the book for yourself. Warning – have your kleenexes ready because this is a heartbreaking story about love and loyalty. My daughter reads it every year to show her students how character affects emotion, and every year, they cry.  History Smashers: Women’s Right to Vote
Written by Kate Messner Illustrated by Dylan Meconis Age Level: 8 – 12 Grade Level: 3 – 7 This book is so well done! It’s chock full of information. I was fascinated with the new things I learned. For instance, I thought all suffragettes had the same beliefs. They didn’t! Some believed ALL women should vote. Others thought only white women should. Another example – the fight for the vote began with Abigail Adams. She tried talking to her husband, to her son. They both became president, but neither listened. It took until President Woodrow Wilson to get the 17th amendment passed, but it almost didn’t. It came down to one state, Tennessee. To one man and his vote, and a letter from his mother. It made all the difference. Throughout the book there are short biographies of the famous, and not so famous. I loved the mix of people until I got to the most recent ones. That’s where the majority of names came from one party, from one side of the aisle. I wish the author had looked harder for names from the other side. For women like Nikki Hailey or Condoleezza Rice to name a few. They’re out there, working hard for the things they believe in.  The Seventh Wish
Written by Kate Messner Age Level: 9 – 12 Grade Level: 4 – 6 This is an unusual book that’s meant for the right reader. It has a place for families dealing with drug addiction and recovery. Life seems normal for Charlie. She’s in middle school, and she needs to pay for her dance costume. When she goes ice-fishing, she catches that fish who grants wishes. You’d think that would guarantee a happy ending, but everything changes when Charlie discovers her big sister is addicted to heroin. There are some things that wishes can’t fix . The heart of the story is the relationship betweeen the two sisters. The older took the Dare pledge and failed, but she wants Charlie to succeed. This book isn’t for everyone, but it could help a teen/tween whose family is struggling with addiction. It helps to know, you’re not alone.  Prince Fly Guy Written & Illustrated by Tedd Arnold Age Level: 4 – 7 Grade Level: P – 2 What do you do when you have to write a story, and you’re stuck? Ask your best friend. He’ll help you pick and choose ideas. Buzz hits the lottery when he writes about Prince Fly Guy. It’s a fairy tale of a story from Buzz, Fly Guy, and Tedd Arnold!  What a Waste
Written & Illustrated by Jess French Age Level: 4 – 8 Grade Level: 1 – 4 WOW! This book is super-detailed, with lots of great information and suggestions. It looks like a picture book, but it’s got a table of contents, and each spread is set up like a chapter. There’s large print information for young readers, and text boxes with small print for older kids. I read everything, and I learned so much! One example – the plastic page: Did you know plastic takes forever to break down? It went on to explain how and where it goes. It also showed the 4 kinds of plastic and how we can reuse/recycle them. More from the plastic example: Have you ever wondered what happens to water bottles? I learned that only 9% are recycled. 12% are burned and 79% go into a landfill. We buy 20,000 bottles a second. If you want to have kids do the math, I estimated about 15,000 of them go into a landfill each second, 900,000 bottles in a minute, or 54,000,000 in an hour. I could go on, but it’s too depressing. If you're looking for a great book with facts, ideas, and a few more sources, this is the book for you!  Who Was Marie Antoinette?
Written by Dana Meachen Rau Illustrated by John O’Brien Age Level: 8 – 12 Grade Level: 3 – 7 Who was Marie Antoinette?
Meet the real Marie in a fun AND exciting biography that shows you some real historical details, like the pouf on top of her head. Some were three feet high (one yardstick), could last a week, AND trap lice. WOW! But, you had trouble sleeping with all that hair on top of your head, AND you had to sit on the floor of your carriage. Sounds unfashionable, AND silly to me! PS – This series is super-successful . . . with 211 titles AND counting!  Wei To Go
Written by Lee Y. Miao Age Level: 8 – 12 Grade Level: 2 – 6 Are you looking for adventure? That’s what you get when your mom wins a free trip to Hong Kong, but your dad’s business is in trouble. Black Turtle, a Hong Kong company, wants to take over. Follow Ellie Wai Pettit and her brother Kipp to Hong Kong. They have four days to explore the city and to save dad’s company. Can they do both? You’ll have to read and find out how this adventure ends. My favorite part – how Ellie thinks and talks to her family. This line made me chuckle, “A kid never wants to scare her parents.” Truth! Teenagers are happier without parents knowing their business, especially the adventurous kind. |
AuthorWhenever I read or write, I find a comfy chair with a great view. I get my favorite drink, stretch out, and let the words take me away. Categories |
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