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
Congratulations to Connie Saunders for winning THROUGH THE WARDROBE from last week's blog. Here's a tip to win a book. Whenever Connie enters my giveaway, she ALWAYS shares it on social media. This earns her more chances to win a book--and it works! "This book is for every kid. Whether they pay for their lunch… Continue reading FREE LUNCH: An Audiobook Review
Congratulations to Barbara Younger for winning CAVE DADA from last week's blog. Nikki Grimes writes powerful young adult books in verse. You'll find my reviews of Between the Lines and Words with Wings on previous posts. Now I know why she is able to write such authentic poetry. It comes from the depth of her soul and the… Continue reading Ordinary Hazards: An Audio Book Review and Giveaway
Congratulations to Deborah Allmand for winning THE PLAYER KING from last week's blog post. ******** My blog readers know that I generally read and review books for children and teens. Every once in awhile I come across a book for adults that I want to share with you. Run to the Light (Bedazzled Ink, 2018) by Laura… Continue reading Run to the Light: A Review and Giveaway
Last April I reviewed Susan Moger's book, Teaching the Diary of Anne Frank. When she contacted me and asked if I would read and review her debut novel, OF BETTER BLOOD (Albert Whitman and Co. 2016), I agreed. After reading it I can tell you one thing for sure: Susan used all of her research about… Continue reading Of Better Blood: A Review and TWO Giveaways
In some ways books are like babies: conceiving them and bringing them into the world requires a lot of effort. The mother (writer) does most of the work, but there’s usually a team that assists with the delivery. As the critique coordinator for the SCBWI Carolinas Charlotte group for over twenty years, I had the… Continue reading Extraordinary: A Review and an ARC Giveaway!