The Captain’s Daughters is a sci-fi novel about twins, Robin and Diane, who are kidnapped by aliens while on a vacation with their father. While Robin and Diane try to find out who kidnapped them and where they’re being taken, their father uses his position as captain of the starship Polaris to search for… Continue reading THE CAPTAIN'S DAUGHTERS- Part I: A Review by Guest Blogger, Elliot Kurta
REVIEWPerfect for any wannabe sleuth or basketball fan, No Clues, You Lose is an elementary school novel unlike any other. Josephine Jacobs, also known as Joey, is more than proud to be on her local wheelchair basketball team, the Rollin’ Hornets. After a rebranding, her team has ordered new uniforms to avoid risking disqualification from the upcoming tournament… Continue reading NO CLUES, YOU LOSE: A Review by Guest Blogger Elliott Kurta and a Giveaway
A front-seat view of America during the Great Depression, Picturing a Nation by Martin Sandler (Candlewick Press, 2021) presents over one hundred and thirty photographs that give life to our past in a way that appeals to anyone, age notwithstanding . Using photos taken by the Historical Records department of the Farm Security Association, this photographical memoir… Continue reading PICTURING A NATION: A Book Review by Guest Blogger, Elliott Kurta
Paul Schreyer’s second young adult novel, The Aging Machine, is a science fiction novel exploring the use of the eponymous Aging Machine. Elmore Fishbein, a greedy inventor, has just invented a machine that uses artificial radiation, which mimics the wear and tear of daily life to age its victims. In exchange for fame and a large… Continue reading THE AGING MACHINE: A Young Adult Book Review by Guest Blogger, Elliott Kurta, and a Giveaway
REVIEWThe View from the Very Best House in Town (Walker Books, 2022) is a tale of friendship, told with a twist. Sam and Asha are both autistic and ostracized as a result. They’re each other’s best friends, playing soccer and their favorite videogame, Househaunt, together. As the summer ends and Sam and Asha are preparing to begin seventh… Continue reading THE VIEW FROM THE VERY BEST HOUSE IN TOWN: A Middle Grade Review by Guest Blogger, Elliott Kurta
I'm happy to have Elliott Kurta back for another book review. Since he's enjoying the opportunity to read and review a variety of books, you can look forward to more of his reviews in the future.REVIEW I Escaped North Korea is an informative book about the struggles North Koreans faced during 2007. Dae-hyun, the protagonist, is only fourteen… Continue reading I ESCAPED NORTH KOREA: A Review by Guest Blogger, Elliott Kurta
Elliott Kurta, who reviewed Under The Tangerine Tree on my last post, decided to follow up with an interview with the author, Esther Bandy. Take it away, Elliott and Esther!INTERVIEWELLIOTT: What inspired you to write Under the Tangerine Tree? Was it a single moment, conversation, or photo, or did it take a larger experience for the ideas… Continue reading UNDER THE TANGERINE TREE: Author Interview with Esther Bandy
Some of you know that one of my passions is teaching writing to teens and adults. I haven't had that opportunity for awhile, but I recently met a young man who loves to write. I've taken Elliott Kurta under my writer's wing and am excited to share his first book review with you. Without further ado, here… Continue reading UNDER THE TANGERINE TREE by Esther Bandy: A Book Review by Guest Blogger, Elliott Kurta