Middle Grade

Red, White, and Books too!

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These reviews would have been perfect with the holiday yesterday, but I’m sure kids are still setting off fireworks somewhere, and these books are great any time of the year. They did make it into my column in time for the holiday so I’m not completely failing at this gig. 😉

These are also relevant now, since kids are likely hearing more about our government as the Presidential race takes over the news. Both of these books present our government in a way that kids will understand and find interesting. I learned a thing or two too.

Do you have any favorite children’s books about our nation?

penny and potus

When Penny Met POTUS (2016, Capstone Young Readers, Picture Book)

When Penny goes to work with her mom she wants to meet POTUS more than anything. Penny imagines she’ll get along great with POTUS. They might even be best friends! Her mom is busy, so Penny sets out to find POTUS on her own.

When Penny Met POTUS written by Rachel Ruiz and illustrated by Melissa Manwell provides a cute way to introduce young readers to our government. Though not heavy on facts, the tale will teach children what the POTUS is and create interest in the White House. Funny and sweet, children will relate to Penny’s imaginings of the mysterious POTUS. A clever ending rounds out this wholesome book.

4 stars

awesome america

Awesome America (2016, Time Inc. Books, Non-Fiction Middle-Grade)

From sea to shining sea, and everything in between, this is a fun and comprehensive guide to the United States of America. Beginning with the forming of our nation and highlighting major historical events, readers will learn about the Presidents, branches of Government, and take a tour of all fifty states. Just in time for Independence Day, this book will have the reader celebrating many awesome aspects of the United States.

Awesome America, by Katy Steinmetz, covers the history and government of the United States in fourteen comprehensive chapters. Filled with interesting facts and lots of photographs, this book can be enjoyed by younger children with the help of an adult, but middle-grade readers and older will enjoy flipping through this book on their own. A great non-fiction choice for readers interested in American History.

5 stars (and some stripes)!

Thank you to Net Galley for reading copies of these books in exchange for my honest review.

Sunday Review and Contest Winner!

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Good morning and happy Sunday!

First I’d like to congratulate Emily S. for winning the copy of “South of Sunshine”!

Thanks to all who entered and helped make my first giveaway a success. I’m looking forward to more giveaways in the future and hopefully I will work out all the Rafflecopter kinks by then.

New review today for you all. Another book from HarperCollins Christian Publishing and Zonderkidz. I’m really loving the quality of books Zonderkidz produces. Today’s review is of the Kids’ Quest Study Bible. Wow! This is a fantastic resource. Check out the review for more information but kids and adults alike can learn something from the extra info in this book.

kids quest bible

Kids’ Quest Study Bible

Published by Zonderkidz

With answers to over 500 questions about the Bible, the Kids’ Quest Study Bible is a fabulous first Bible for older children and preteens. Thoughtful, intelligent questions and answers grace almost every page of this Bible. With a bright cover and fun little illustrations accompanying each question, this Bible is sure to grab a child’s attention. The text of the New International Reader’s Version is written plainly, making it an excellent version for children to grasp unfamiliar words and concepts. A great resource for Sunday School teachers, Vacation Bible school leaders, Youth groups and church libraries.

Having reviewed the Under the Sea Bible, I was concerned this Bible would be similar with only a few pages of extra information sparsely distributed throughout the book. Instead, this Bible is packed full of questions, small illustrations, and extra facts about each book. At the start of each book of the Bible, there is an information page stating who wrote the book, when it was written, why it was written and more. This is a great way to get kids interested and focused on who is important and why in each book. The summaries are written plainly and focus on the big picture, making the passages more accessible to children.

Overall, a fantastic resource for children and adults. Lots of great information which enhances the reader’s ability to understand and enjoy this ancient text.

Thank you to BookLook Bloggers and Zonderkidz for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Mud Show Monday

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adventure bible activity book

Adventure Bible: Wild About the Bible Sticker and Activity Book

Published by Zonderkidz

Inspired by the Adventure Bible and the I Can Read Adventure Bible series, this sticker and activity book brings Biblical stories and people to kids in a fun way. Fully illustrated and packed full of puzzles, kids will love learning about the Bible. Stories include Creation, Noah, Moses, Esther, and the parable of the lost son. Connect-the-dots, crosswords, word puzzles, mazes, word searches and lots of stickers, make this a fun activity book for children ages 4 to 8.

Zonderkidz consistently produces high-quality and engaging Biblical content for kids. Their Adventure Bible line is no exception. The I Can Read series is exceptional and this activity book is full of eye catching illustrations and creative puzzles. The stories are not described in detail, but enough information is provided to either get kids interested in wanting to read more, or provide further learning for children familiar with the Bible. The book is not divided into Old or New Testament stories. While this is just an activity book, it would have been nice to have more organization. For example, Noah activities appear opposite an activity about Jesus. Overall, a fun addition to Bible school, children’s church, Sunday school or for a home library.

Thank you to BookLook Bloggers and Zonderkidz for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

maybe-a-fox-9781442394353_hr

Maybe a Fox

Written by Kathi Appelt and Alison McGhee

Sylvie and Jules are as close as two sisters can be. They do nearly everything together, except for when Sylvie wants to run fast. Sylvie is the fastest, and Jules has no hope of catching her when she decides to run. Jules doesn’t like being left behind when her sister runs fast, but she knows her sister will always come back….right? Deep in the woods, Sylvie runs and a fox is about to be born. Could the two events be connected in any way? What if this fox is a special fox….a fox not entirely of this world? A fox that will become a part of the girls’ lives in a way they never imagined.

“Maybe a Fox” written by Kathii Appelt and Alison McGhee is told mostly from the third person perspective of Jules. Other perspectives include the neighbor boy, Sam, and the fox. The back and forth storytelling style is lovely and gives the book a wonderful rhythm. This book is difficult to put down as the reader will continuously wonder what comes next. The characters are beautifully developed and readers will weep through much of this book. The ending felt a bit rushed after the gentle pace of the rest of the book, but it was not so terrible as to ruin the whole story. A moving and clever piece, sure to leave readers thinking about the world in new ways.

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
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Christian Book Reviews

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I was out of town yesterday so missed putting up my Sunday reviews on Sunday. Here are a few new reviews for parents or children looking for Christian-themed books.

Later this week I will have an author interview to share! And more great reviews which will be in this week’s newspaper. Then next month I will be part of a blog tour for a new picture book debuting in May.

Thanks for sticking with me while my schedule is a bit crazy 🙂

Yay for new books!

under sea bible

Under the Sea: Holy Bible

This New International Reader’s Version of the Holy Bible is beautiful with it’s sea themed cover and inserts. This is not a children’s beginning reader Bible, this is the full text of the Bible with a cute cover and three pages dispersed throughout with readings designed for children.

Under the Sea: Holy Bible would make a great gift for a young person. This Bible is not designed for a very young child, but a pre-teen would appreciate the design and enjoy the insightful meditations on the inserts. The inserts cover love, the ten commandments, prayer and what it means to be a christian. There is also a page listing passages related to children in the Bible which is especially interesting.

Overall, a beautifully designed Bible that could be treasured as a first Bible for children.

And now reviews of two board books. I thought these were picture books when I requested them, but I’m fairly certain they are board books. I received e-copies so I’m not positive about the print format but the text is exceptionally simple.

noahs noisy animals

Noah’s Noisy Animals

By Rebecca Elliot

The ark is full of animals. And those animals are noisy! Two lions, two monkeys and more will squawk, snap and roar as children read through this colorful biblical themed tale.

“Noah’s Noisy Animals” written by Rebecca Elliot is perfect for toddlers. Bright colors, short phrases and lots of animal sounds will encourage interaction among reader, child and the book. Simple, short and sweet, a great board book for nurseries and home libraries.

silent night

A Not So Silent Night

By Rebecca Elliot

All is dark, but all is not quiet. Night time should be quiet time, but there are too many animals in the stable for that. Will the animals wake the baby?

“Not So Silent Night” written by Rebecca Elliot is another board book great for toddlers. Once again bright, colorful pictures and fun animal sounds combine in a short, simple text. There is little to critique with such a short, simple book, but the baby is only referred to as “the baby” which feels out of place when Mary and Joseph are referred to as “Mary” and “Joseph”. Children are not likely to notice and perhaps the omission of the baby’s name could start simple conversation about the first Christmas and the identity of the baby in the stable.

Thank you to BookLook Bloggers and Net Galley for copies of the books in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: 101 Ways to Have Fun

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I’ll have some new posts for you all this week. I’ve been working on a lot of projects lately and busy keeping up with my newspaper column and haven’t had a chance to get things posted here.

Here’s a new book review for girls ages 9 and up.

101 ways to have fun

101 Ways To Have Fun

From the Editors of Faithgirlz and Girls’ Life magazine

Need fun ideas for your next slumber party or birthday party? Want to have a girls’ day with makeovers and manicures? This book is packed with ideas for crafts, activities, parties, and more. Girls of all ages will find something to do on a rainy day or when hanging out with friends.

“101 Ways To Have Fun” from the Editors of Faithgirlz and Girls’ Life magazine, brings together a collection of fun and wholesome activities for girls of all ages. Some activities are better for teens but many activities can be enjoyed by preteens too. This would also be a good resource for parents when planning a party.

The book is well illustrated with pictures of all the activities and detailed instructions. Some of the titles run into the binding which is a bit annoying but not impossible to read. Also some of the activities suggested for making money slightly overestimate the amount of money a teen or preteen could make. It’s great that the book suggests business ideas but perhaps a little more realistic wage estimate would have been appropriate.

Also the book lacks any biblical or faith related activities. While the activities are great, since this book is published by a Christian publisher and from the Editors of faith-based magazines, parents and readers might expect suggestions of church group activities or biblical meditations.

Overall, a fun read, and highly recommended for parents, teens and preteens.

 

Thank you BookLook Bloggers and Zonderkidz for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Dreambender and Nora & Kettle

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Two book reviews which also appeared in this week’s column in the newspaper. Dreambender is a middle grade dystopian novel and Nora & Kettle is a young adult historical fiction novel.

dreambender jpeg

Dreambender

Written by Ronald Kidd

Callie is a computer in the City. She works with numbers and she shouldn’t dare to dream of anything more, especially not singing…but she does.

Jeremy is a dreambender in the Meadow. He works in people’s dreams, changing them and, in turn, changing the dreamer. The dreambenders maintain order. They keep peace among the people and prevent dangerous dreams from taking hold. Dangerous dreams like singing.

Jeremy also asks a lot of questions. And soon he questions the very idea of dreambending. He has met the singer in her dreams and it doesn’t seem so dangerous to him. What would happen if no one patrolled the dreams? What would happen if Callie was allowed to sing?

“Dreambender” written by Ronald Kidd is a dystopian novel reminiscent of “The Giver”. The oppressive government (dreambenders) seek to control the City dwellers by manipulating dreams. While the concept is interesting and this world could be incredible, the story didn’t quite make it to that level.. Too much time is spent preaching about the morality of manipulating a person for the greater good, leaving the reader to feel as though they are being taught a lesson. Subtlety is not the strong point of this novel, and neither is character development or pacing. The characters feel flat and the story rushed. There are too many big ideas going on with none of them properly developed.

While some may enjoy this book, there are better dystopian novels available for middle-grade readers.

nora and kettle

Nora and Kettle

Written by Lauren Nicolle Taylor

Set in 1953, following World War II, Nora and Kettle live two vastly different lives that will intersect in a way they never imagined. Kettle, a Japanese American and an orphan, roams the streets following time spent in an internment camp. Nora, daughter of a high-profile civil rights lawyer, dreams of a life outside her brownstone walls. One poor, one rich, both struggling with the life they’re living, Kettle and Nora find themselves thrust together when each is at their breaking point. Nora wished to fly away. Will a boy named Kettle finally set her free?

“Nora & Kettle” written by Lauren Nicolle Taylor explores the hidden lives of two teenagers, drawing inspiration from the tale of Peter Pan. Kettle, a resourceful, hard-working street kid, is often assumed to be a thief, and Nora, a troubled, abused girl, is assumed to be a spoiled rich kid. Written quite lyrically at times, the prose is a bit too vague to begin with as the author strives for suspense and instead leaves the reader grasping for details. Once major plot points are revealed, the story comes into focus and Nora and Kettle develop as more than just characters in a book. An engaging read reminding the reader that people are not always what they seem. Best for ages 13 and up, due to repeated descriptions of domestic violence.

Thank you to Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Mud Show Monday

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I’ll be sharing a lot of exciting new books in the upcoming weeks and months. I also have some great authors scheduled to appear on the blog and I have some news about a new endeavor that I will be sharing later this week 🙂

Lots of exciting things happening, and I’m so thankful to all of you who read my blog and comment. You have no idea how much it means to know I have readers and friends who are excited about writing and reading children’s literature as much as I am.

Love to you all!

And now on with the show!

unicorn-thinks-hes-pretty-great

T0: Unicorn

From: Rabbit

Subject: You think you’re so great

Yeah, I’ve been talking to the Goat and Bob Shea. I read all about you in “Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great.”

Goat told me how great you are. He told me how you made it rain cupcakes and turned a bunch of stuff into gold. Well you know what I have to say about that?

So what!?

I’m just a Rabbit but I can do cool stuff too. I can dig tunnels. Can you dig tunnels? Also, you see these feet? They’re lucky. That’s right…lucky. You ever heard of a lucky Unicorn foot?

No. Didn’t think so.

Goat can do great stuff too, but everyone will just have to see how it turns out because Rabbits also don’t spoil things, like parties, or book endings.

We’re all pretty great, and so is this book. Five stars are pretty great too.

 

girl in the well

To: The Girl In The Well

From: A Concerned Bystander

Subject: Hello down there!

Wow! You are really stuck in a well.

Karen Rivers captures your plight beautifully in “The Girl in the Well is Me” and I just had to pop over and send down some encouraging words.

Words like:

“Conserve your oxygen”

“Why would you want to be friends with those mean girls?”

“Is there anything else in the well?”

Oops, probably shouldn’t have mentioned the last bit…I’m sure there’s absolutely no creepy crawlies in there with you. No need to panic. I’m sure your new “friends” are getting help as we speak. Seriously, don’t panic. Remember you need to conserve oxygen.

Everything will be fine. Right?

I mean, you are stuck in a well, but this sort of thing happens all the time…right?

You’ve been down there a long time…I would send down some food or water or a book, but all I have is these stars. I’ll give you all five of them. They’re bright and shiny, and might help you see down there.

Oh, your arms are stuck?

I’ll just leave them up here then. You can get them when you get out…you will get out, right?

Professional Reader

I received an e-book of “The Girl in the Well is Me” from Net Galley and Algonquin Young Readers in exchange for my honest review.

Mud Show Monday

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Happy (Mud Show) Monday!

I have so many books to review! I hope you enjoy this week’s Mud Show Memos and look for more reviews at different times throughout the week.

Bring on the books!

Armadillo in new york.png

To: Arlo the Armadillo

From: A New Yorker

Subject: Safe Travels Kid!

I just read about your New York City trip as told by Julie Kraulis in “An Armadillo in New York”. Who’d have thought an armadillo would be so well traveled! And come all the way from Brazil to see New York City!

I think the kiddos will like reading about your travels too. You sure saw a lot of stuff! There’s a lot to see in the city, lucky you had your Grandfather’s travel journal to guide you. Wouldn’t want you to get lost trying to find that Lady Liberty.

I sure learned a lot about the Big Apple and even some American History too. What a clever Armadillo you are! My favorite part was thinking about all those elephants marching across Brooklyn Bridge. Gee whiz! That must’ve been quite the sight.

Speaking of sights, Julie Kraulis sure did a fine job capturing you in all your armadillo glory. Lovely illustrations for a lovely armadillo, and she captured the magic of New York City too. I’m sure all those pretty pictures will keep the kiddos entertained!

Speaking of kiddos. I’ll probably read your tale to the littlest ones, but older ones, you know in that 6-8 year old range, they’ll enjoy it on their own. I’m thinking they might want to make their own travel journal after reading your adventure.

Oh yeah, and here’s five stars. You can put them in your passport if you’d like!

outdoor math

To: Math Enthusiasts

From: A Math Enthusiast

Subject: MATH!

Oh boy, there’s nothing I like more than a good math problem! I like to crunch those numbers, swirl ’em around in my head, really visualize them. Guess what? There are lots of math things to do outdoors.

In “Outdoor Math”, Emma AdBage describes all sorts of activities to do outside involving all the elements of nature. Rocks, sticks, leaves, snow, and more can be used to calculate and play with numbers.

I must admit some activities are a bit more fun than others. Most of them involved only things I could pluck off the ground or take from some unsuspecting slug, but a few activities needed items of the store-bought variety. Oh, and I’m a big kid (8 years old) so I could do all the stuff by myself or with my classmates’ help. My little brother needed some help, so he had to ask his teacher to guide some of the activities.

I can also count 1..2..3! 3 out of 5 stars just because some of the activities require adult help, and my mom didn’t like it when I put a snowman inside and timed how long it would take him to melt.

fourteenth goldfish book

To: Ellie

From: The Fifteenth Goldfish

Subject: Symbolism of a Goldfish

Life is short. I’m a goldfish, I should know.

Thought you had a magic goldfish didn’t you? That goldfish could have told you, life is short. Us goldfish, we know these things. That’s about all we know.

I do know a bit more after reading your story, “The Fourteenth Goldfish” by Jennifer L. Holm. Seems like you learned quite a bit too. Your grandpa he’s a smart guy. A bit kooky, but smart. He’s not always right, but then again, who is? Not your mom. Not you. Not me. I’m just a goldfish.

Kids, 10 years old and up, will like reading your book too. It’s good to talk about science stuff and experiments and how the world works. Your life is pretty interesting, with your Grandpa discovering the fountain of youth and all. He’s a teenager, your babysitter, and still your Grandpa. Like I said, kooky.

I really hope your Grandpa and you sort things out with your Mom. I’d like to be your next goldfish, but with all this stress your Grandpa’s teenage hormones have brought to the house, I don’t think your Mom will be shopping for pets anytime soon.

I’m just a goldfish. I don’t know much but I do know your story was great. I’d give you five stars if I had them, but I’m just a goldfish.

My reviews for some of the books mentioned above may also be found at Net Galley. Follow the links below to learn more about these exciting tales (and others) including publishing dates.

An Armadillo in New York by Julie Kraulis

Sheepy and the Riddle of the Occurrence by Henrietta Williams and Illustrated by Richard Berner

Outdoor Math by Emma AdBage

Are you an author or publisher? Have a book you’d like me to review? If my reviewing style appeals to you, head on over to my Book Review Submissions page and send me your query (or book). New book reviews every Sunday and Monday!

Professional Reader
I review for BookLook Bloggers

Mud Show Monday

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Happy Mud Show Monday!

I know you need something to brighten your Monday…so here are some new book reviews! And these books are hot off the press 🙂

I hope you enjoy these Mud Show Memos, and let me know in the comments if you (or your children) have read any of these fabulous books.

May all your (Mon)days be circus days!

 

too many carrots

To: Rabbit

From: A Concerned Forest Citizen

Subject: You have a problem

I don’t know how to tell you this, but… you have a problem. I think Katy Hudson hit the nail on the head when she titled your exploits “Too Many Carrots”.

Look, it’s nice to collect things, but there comes a point in every rabbit’s life when enough is enough! At this rate you’ll end up on Hoarders.

I’ll admit, I did chuckle quite a bit at your plight. But it must be your lucky rabbit feet that you are blessed with so many wonderful friends. I do hope they help you reach a solution, or maybe you’ll think of something on your own.

Either way, I’ll give you 5 carrots stars because children of all ages will delight in your clever tale and beautifully detailed illustrations.

 

gator goes by bike

To: Gator

From: An Animal Lover

Subject: Where were you?

I just finished the account of your workday in “Gator Goes by Bike” by Keenan Hopson. He captured you and all the other animals brilliantly with his illustrations but I must say I was a bit disappointed by the end.

Where were you?

You were on the cover of the book. This book was supposedly about you…and you weren’t in it. What a conundrum!

Did you get lost on your way to work? Fall off your bike? Visit a friend? All perfectly reasonable excuses and exciting adventures, but that wasn’t in the book either.

It was a sweet story about animals making their way to work (and what a clever workplace it is!), but overall I missed seeing you dear Gator.

I do hope Keenan Hopson writes another tale of your adventures and you are actually in it because I do so enjoy his magnificent way of illustrating you and your friends.

I’ll give you 4 stars for appearing on the cover, and for having such lovely friends. I think children 3 to 5 years old would also find you charming.

shasha and wally watson

To: The Faker

From: Neighborhood Watch

Subject: We’re watching you!

Hey you Faker! I was going to tell you the neighborhood watch is keeping all their eyes on you, but you’re actually pretty crafty and good at hiding. So, even though we can’t keep our eyes on you, those Watson kids can!

We’ve been following Wally’s wild romp as recounted by Ted Kelsey in “Shasha and Wally Watson VS. The Faker” and you better watch out, that Wally Watson is a smart kid!

Little Wally can remember anything. So if you’re wearing a shirt with 6 buttons today and 15 buttons tomorrow…he’ll remember! You can’t fool him!

And if you think that sounds like useless information, well…it is. But that’s where his sister comes in! Those two are like two pieces of a two-piece puzzle. If Wally gets distracted with worries of imminent death or disappearing, well Shasha…errr Sasha, steps right in and straightens everything out.

So you better watch your backs, and your fronts, because those Watson kids are watching and remembering and putting this mess of a puzzle together faster than you can throw away the pieces.

We’re giving Wally 5 stars for making us laugh out loud, bite our nails and squeal with fright. We know Wally would rather have 3 stars or 6 stars but hopefully he’ll be OK with 5 stars with 5 points each.

the girl from everywhere

To: Nix

From: A Young Cartographer

Subject: Take me with you!

I am still dreaming of your life after reading Heidi Heilig’s account in “The Girl From Everywhere”. You really are from everywhere! Traveling through time like you do, I don’t know how you keep everything straight. You truly are a superb navigator. The crew is lucky to have you, even if the Captain doesn’t always show his appreciation.

I was spellbound by the fantastical descriptions and amazing locations. The Temptation sounds like one cool (and maybe a little terrifying) ship. You’re lucky to have such a great crew to travel with. Speaking of the crew…I’d like to join you!

I am a cartographer by trade, and I believe my map making skills might be useful to you on your journeys. I’m familiar with geography and history of many different places so I can produce maps of exacting accuracy for a multitude of places…and times…that’s the key right?

Give it some thought, in the mean time I’ll be waiting for Heidi Heilig’s second account of your journey and telling everyone I know about you and your incredible adventures.

Some might be concerned with the topic of drug use which recurs throughout your tale, but it is not portrayed as an admirable or desirable addiction. Thanks for limiting the romance too! I’m not too much into that mushy gushy stuff.

If I give you 5 stars will you stow them with your other treasures?

“Gator Goes by Bike” and “Shasha and Wally Watson VS The Faker” provided for free by Story Cartel in exchange for my honest review.

“Too Many Carrots” and “The Girl From Everywhere” provided for free by Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

Are you an author or publisher? Have a book you’d like me to review? If my reviewing style appeals to you, head on over to my Book Review Submissions page and send me your query (or book). New book reviews every Monday!

Professional Reader
I review for BookLook Bloggers