Just One Girl: A Fight for Equal Rights, authored by Trinka Hakes Noble and illustrated by Amanda Calatzis (Sleeping Bear Press), is a compelling and uplifting picture book that tackles the powerful themes of gender equality and the importance of standing up for one's rights. The book is set in a world where social structures are still heavily influenced… Continue reading JUST ONE GIRL: An Inspiring Picture Book Review by Lori Keating
REVIEW Monarch Publishing welcomes a new middle grade novel to the reading repertoire called Angels in the Sand by Lori Keating. This novel is a touching story about a contemporary family choosing joy amid hard circumstances. Jess and her mother Darlene make the annual East Coast trek to Grandma’s house during the Christmas holidays. Jess and Grandma… Continue reading Angels in The Sand: A Great MG Review by Kate Lundeen
Check out an older teen thriller from Monarch Books: Heartsmith by Stephanie Cotta. Be prepared to lose track of time with this mystery which is the first in a series. Review Aaren Lockett is a 16-year-old in search of a new start after life in an orphanage. He travels to the city of Rexanberg and plans to… Continue reading HEARTSMITH: An Upper MG/YA Book Review by Kate Lundeen
REVIEW JUNIA, written by New York Times bestselling author Kim Michele Richardson, and illustrated by David C. Gardner, (Sleeping Bear Press) follows the story of Junia, a mule with the important task of carrying the Pack Horse librarian, Book Woman, through rugged terrains in Kentucky to deliver books to remote communities. Despite challenging conditions, Junia remains steadfast,… Continue reading JUNIA: A Heart-Warming Picture Book Review by Lori Keating
Share Faire Famous by Stephanie Henson is the perfect balance between a lighthearted, entertaining story and addressing deeper themes such as bullying. With the start of sixth grade quickly approaching, Marshall Hope has a lot to be anxious about. He’s been internet famous since his mother posted baby pictures of him on an app called Share… Continue reading Share Faire Famous: A Fine Book Review by Kathryn Dover
Audience: 6th – 9th graders In Three Words: poetic, empathetic, clear-eyed One Sentence Synopsis: Cayenne’s family begins to fracture after they abandon their nomadic lifestyle and settle in a small town. Final Verdict: 4.5/5 stars REVIEW Unsinkable Cayenne is a new take on a classic coming-of-age story perfect for middle schoolers who are ready to take on a… Continue reading UNSINKABLE CAYENNE: An Outstanding MG Book Review by Elliott Kurta
SPLASH! written by Elisa Boxer and illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley, (Sleeping Bear Press) is the story of Ethelda Bleibtrey, a trailblazing swimmer who broke barriers and made waves in the world of sports. Known for her determination and resilience, Ethelda's journey began at a time when women were often discouraged from participating in competitive athletics. Despite societal expectations, she… Continue reading SPLASH! A Picture Book Review by Lori Keating
New from Monarch Publishing! A middle grade fantasy novel entitled Children of The Ancient Heroes: Dreams and Nightmares by Russell Fellows. I grew up wishing that literary worlds like Narnia or Middle Earth were real places to explore. Fellows addresses this type of wanderlust. What if fantasy characters were social outcasts and had important roles to fulfill… Continue reading CHILDREN OF THE ANCIENT HEROES: A Remarkable Review by Kate Lundeen
I started Flight (Monarch Educational Services, 2024) not sure what the story was about or how I would like it. What I found was unique lyrical poems and beautiful haikus sending the age-old message that grief isn't the end. The story follows Cassie, a fifteen-year-old girl who is thrust into heartbreak and heavy responsibility at the death of… Continue reading FLIGHT: An Excellent Book Review by Teen Reviewer, Janelle Ekpo
By the time you read this, I hope to be well on the road to recovery from pneumonia. Getting sick got my attention. I had to rest! I put aside my pile of revisions for Half-Truths courtesy of my mentor, Joyce Moyer Hostetter, but I didn't put aside the "thinking about" process that all writers experience. I'm re-reading Blue Willow by Doris… Continue reading Blue Willow -PART III: Comments on a Surprisingly Influential Book