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
I last featured Brooke White when I introduced her and her self-published book. Today she returns as one of my guest reviewers. Take it away, Brooke!REVIEWHave you ever felt guilty for something that you think is your fault? In the novel Hidden Truths by Elly Swartz (Delacorte Press, 2023), each chapter is told from Eric or… Continue reading HIDDEN TRUTHS: A Middle Grade Book Review by Guest Blogger, Brooke White
Today I am happy to bring you a forthcoming book from Monarch Educational Services. Lori Keating's debut picture book, THE MEMORY QUILT sensitively deals with a child's grief. But I want Georgie to tell you about it, not me.REVIEWThe Memory Quilt is a meaningful, beautifully written picture book by Lori Keating, and Illustrated by the talented Alyssa Grizenko. This… Continue reading THE MEMORY QUILT by Lori Keating: A Picture Book Review by Guest Blogger, Georgie Bartlett
I always enjoy sharing my writing friend's new books and am happy to tell you about Jolene Gutiérrez's sensitive picture book, TOO MUCH! An Overwhelming Day (Abrams Books). The book which is beautifully illustrated by Angel Chang, is coming out on August 1 and can be preordered here. Remember! Preorders are one way you help authors get the… Continue reading TOO MUCH! A PICTURE BOOK REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW AND MORE!
REVIEWStella (Shadow Mountain, September 2022) is the story of a security service dog with trauma issues. Due to an error while sniffing out bombs at an airport, Stella’s handler was tragically killed in an explosion. Stella survived but is now afraid of everything. A kindly trainer takes her home and entrusts her to the care of her… Continue reading STELLA: A Middle Grade Book Review by Guest Blogger, Josie Murdock + A Giveaway
I'm slowly making it through my to-be-reviewed shelf (which keeps getting replenished by publishers and publicists sending me books!). Last spring I received these two books from Sleeping Bear Press and I'm now getting around to sharing them with you.A CAPE!Author-Illustrator Marty Kelley's book begins and ends without words. In fact, I bet the entire book has less… Continue reading SILLY BOOKS FOR KIDS (with not-so-silly messages): 2 REVIEWS AND 2 GIVEAWAYS
Congratulations to Connie Saunders who won THE LITTLE THIEVES audio book from last week's blog and to Rosi Hollinbeck who won DIVA DELORES AND THE OPERA HOUSE MOUSE. ***** Tourette (too-RET) syndrome: a disorder that involves repetitive movements or unwanted… Continue reading LIST OF TEN: A YA Book Review and TWO Autographed Giveaways!
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
REVIEW What 10 to 14-year-old doesn't enjoy a good dog book? If your son, daughter, grandchild, or student fits into that category, then Chasing Augustus by Kimberly Newton Fusco, is a book that you want to win for them. Rosie's got it tough. Her mother left her as a child to make a better life… Continue reading Chasing Augustus: A Review and an Audio Book Giveaway
Congratulations to Danielle Hammelef who won BLACK GIRLS LIKE ME from last week's blog. ******** I always enjoy sharing amazing books and a young adult author who I'm unfamiliar with. That's what you'll find if you read, or listen to, Carrie Arcos' book, We Are All That's Left (Philomel, 2018). Both narrators, Laura Knight Keating and Elisabeth Rodgers, perform… Continue reading We are All That's Left: A Review and a Great Audio CD for You