MrsK Books: 04/01/2023

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Spring into a Egg-citing New Title: K-12

Bountiful New Explorations

Rachel Piercey

ISBN: 9781419751585

Publisher's Synopsis:

My woodland’s full of animals,
of every different kind.
So shall we stay here for a while
and see what we can find?
Experience the everyday wonder of nature in this first book of poetry, exploring a magical woodland year. With poems by acclaimed writer Rachel Piercey, join Bear on his journey from spring to winter with lots of friends to meet, places to explore, and things to spot along the way.

MrsK's Review: Seek & Find Read Aloud

If you go down to the woods today... you might find... playful critters; flowers and trees; changing seasons; and of course delightfully woven poems. This is a wonderful experience for the entire family or for an early morning "Look & Find" discovery.

*Homeschooling parents, there are so many avenues for your learners at any age. Animal research projects, creative writing pieces, extended outdoor "walk-abouts," as well as sketching to label journaling experiences. Nature explorations is a must "beyond the covers" activity,

MrsK

Meet the Author:

Rachel Piercey is a London-based poet, editor and tutor who also writes for children. She studied English Literature at St Hugh’s College, Oxford, where she was President of the Oxford University Poetry Society and won the Newdigate Prize in 2008. She also has an MA in Creative Writing from Royal Holloway.

MrsK's Spring Walk-About Resources:

Jessica Khoury

ISBN: 9781338652390

Publisher's Synopsis:

In the Clandoms, everyone is born with wings, with tight-knit communities formed around bird types: Jay, Falcon, Crow.

Ellie Meadows dreams of growing up to join the Goldwings -- the famed knights who defend all the people of the Clandoms. It was a Goldwing, after all, who saved her life on that terrible day her parents were killed. There’s just one problem: Ellie is a Sparrow, and the Goldwings are almost invariably picked from the higher clans like Eagles and Ospreys. This rigid hierarchy means that Ellie is destined to become a farmer.

Determined to honor her parents' memories and prove herself worthy of the Goldwings, Ellie sets out on her own for the capital. But her journey will be dangerous. Foul creatures called gargoyles lurk behind every cloud, ready to slay anyone unlucky enough to be caught outside in a storm -- just as Ellie's family was.

Soon her path intertwines with a colorful band of fellow outcasts, each with their own aspirations... and their own secrets. Ellie's new friends offer not just roadside companionship. They'll challenge her ideas of right, wrong, and what truly makes a hero.

"Was it just the lightning that had woken him?

Or had some inner sense detected danger?"

MrsK's Review: Grades 3+ Fantasy

Nox is an outcast in the Forest of Bluebriar. He and his fellow outcasts have a mission, one in which they will be compensated for theft, as well as the one true quest that Nox must see through to completion.

Ellie is a sparrow who has spent all of her flying moments preparing to join the knighted Goldwings. Becoming a Goldwing has never been an accomplished feat for the Sparrow clan, yet, Ellie is determined to win the yearly competition. She knows that her calling is to defend all life from the dreaded gargoyles behind the clouds. What begins as the first leg of the competition, becomes an "off-coursed" journey with Nox and his group of outcasts.

Fantasy is a wonderous adventure, especially when it is woven with self-discoveries... Delightfully detailed characters... Foes that you don't want to be foes... and an honored quest that is as old as time.

Once you enter the covers of Clandoms, you will be experiencing an adventure that will lead you to the sequel.

Such a delightful tale of adventure... a must-read to share experience for all fantasy or Robin Hood fans. A perfect read-aloud for a family storytime!

MrsK

Meet the Author:

Jessica Khoury wrote her first book at age 4, a fan fic sequel to Syd Hoff's Danny and the Dinosaur, which she scribbled on notebook paper, stapled together, and placed on the bookshelf of her preschool classroom. Since that day, she's dreamed of being an author.
When not writing, Jess enjoys spending time with family, playing video games, and oil and watercolor painting. She is also a professional mapmaker and spends far too much time scribbling tiny trees and mountains for fictional worlds. Jess currently lives in Greenville, South Carolina. She is the author of the Corpus trilogy, The Forbidden Wish, Last of Her Name, and The Mystwick School of Musicraft.

Jason Fry

ISBN: 9780062230201

Publisher's Synopsis:

Treasure Island meets Battlestar Galactical in book one of the swashbuckling sci-fi adventure series SLJ called space opera in the classic style in a starred review, from New York Times bestselling author Jason Fry.

The relationship between Tycho Hashoone, his twin sister, Yana, and their older brother, Carlo, isn't your average sibling rivalry. They might be crew members together aboard the Shadow Comet, but only one of them can be the next ship captain. So when the Hashoones find themselves in the midst of a dangerous conspiracy--one that will pit them against space pirates, Earth diplomats, and even treachery from within the family--each sibling is desperate to prove his or her worth. The only trouble is, if they don't work together, none of them may make it out alive.

Perfect for fans of fantasy adventures like Ranger's Apprentice and such space-age epics as Star Wars, The Jupiter Pirates: Hunt for the Hydra is a wholly original saga about a galaxy on the brink of war and one unforgettable family caught in the crossfire.

"Outside the viewports, lays deep space,

filled with stars like spilled jewels."

MrsK's Review: Grades 4-6 Science Fiction

Welcome to the intergalactic world of the Jupiter Pirates. Where various space cultures are having disputes that might lead to a galactic war.

Meet the Hashoones, for generations, their spacecraft, Shadow Comet, has been known as an entrepreneur business among many. Whether they are considered space pirates or space privateers, their goal is to be guardians of the cargo for the sake of their homeland. Enemies of their Grandfather want them destroyed. Enemies of their Father and Mother wanted them to abide by the galactical rulings (codes). The newest generation, well this saga is all about their training, learning, and deciphering what their mission might be.

Tyco has been in training as the Comet's newest navigator. With a few of those intercepts, he has learned that it's not just the cargo... before boarding, it's all about answering the ultimate question, "What is the ship's allegiance?"

Carlo is the older brother, at sixteen he is the ship's piloting controller. His training is exceptional, trustworthy, and crucial when preparing to board other spacecraft.

Yana is Tyco's twin sister. her training has been in monitoring the ship's sensors and engineering systems.

Their allegiance is with the Jovian Union and its struggle with Earth. Yet, sometimes when the threat of war begins, allegiances might need renegotiation.

Enjoy this quick-pacing galactical series where the "moons of the outer solar system have formed the Jovian Union against Earth's government...

MrsK

"Laws don't come floatin' out of deep space...

they look like the folks what made 'em."

Meet the Author:

In addition to Jupiter Pirates, I've written or co-written more than 30 novels and short stories set in the Star Wars galaxy, including The Essential Atlas, The Essential Guide to Warfare, The Weapon of a Jedi, and the Servants of the Empire quartet.

I spent more than 12 years at The Wall Street Journal Online, where I wrote or co-wrote the Real-Time and Daily Fix columns. My non-fiction work has appeared on ESPN.com, Yahoo! Sports, Poynter.org, Deadspin, and Baseball Prospectus. I blog about the New York Mets at Faith and Fear in Flushing and live in Brooklyn with my wife and son.

Coyote Peterson

ISBN: 9780316452403

Publisher's Synopsis:

Wildlife expert and YouTube phenomenon, Coyote Peterson, is back with the sequel to the bestselling Brave Adventures: Wild Animals in a Wild World. Once again, Coyote and his crew voyage to new environments and encounter an even more eclectic ensemble of the planets' animals. From a slimy octopus to elusive tree climbing lizards to nomadic wolverines--this book promises to be another fast-paced, wild experience. Coyote will take readers for a hike through a snake infested island, kayak the ocean to discover a migrating pod of killer whales, and track a pride of lions across the South African savanna! You don't want to miss these never-before-told brave adventures, guaranteed to be a hit with Coyote's 13 million fans as well as animal lovers around the world! Includes over one hundred hand-drawn, black-and-white illustrations throughout.

MrsK's Review: Grades 6-8 Animal NF/Reality Fiction

Have you ever gazed up at the clouds to locate imaginary animals? Have you ever wanted to know more about a real lion, panda, whale or lizard? Have you heard of famous wildlife explorers like Jacques Cousteau, Steve Irwin, or Jane Goodall? Even if you can't answer yes to these "I Wonders," this is a must experience book!

Meet Coyote Peterson, a wildlife explorer for all ages. As a young boy he had amazing "back yard" adventures that lead to hours of discovery at the library and with Zoo books. Today, he is bringing his wildlife adventures into your hand with thrilling animal quests. Some of the animals are ones he has "longed" to meet, some are newly discovered, all are uniquely created in environments around the world.

Journey with Coyote to Snake Island, tide pools, and Orcas Island. Jump upon the back of a dangerous Caiman reptile. Dive into the Great Barrier Reef for a moment with a Eastern Pacific green sea turtle. Head "outback" in search of the King of the Savannas. Or head to Alaska to meet the phantom of the wilderness, the fearless wolverine.

Grab your explorer journal, a pencil... for when you enter the covers of this book you will want to note the animal facts... sketch your own version of the animal... and maybe begin your discoveries of the amazing animals beyond your own backyard.

MrsK

https://www.youtube.com/@BraveWilderness/videos

Meet the Author:

Since early childhood, animals have played a significant role in Coyote Peterson’s life. As he passed through high school and into college, Coyote discovered his second passion in his love for film and television. While a student at The Ohio State University, he studied video production, writing, and directing. His deep admiration for wildlife and video production inspired him to combine the two mediums.

Today, Coyote is proud to be an Emmy Award-winning host on YouTube’s “Brave Wilderness” channel. With an adventurous nature and a joyful curiosity for wildlife, Coyote’s personality creates a friendly and inviting space while getting up close with animals to uncover the true stories behind some of our planet’s most misunderstood creatures. Known for his trademark leather cowboy hat, backpack, and bandanna, many of our youngest fans are driven to emulate him as he educates viewers about the world of animals and fosters a future that conserves environments and their species. Forever dedicated to the joys of storytelling, Coyote is constantly honing his craft to ensure audiences of all ages can partake in his animal adventures. Coyote’s vision for the future of the Brave Wilderness brand is vast. Whether he is diving into the water to catch a giant turtle or putting himself up against the sting of a bullet ant, he aspires to educate and entertain above all else!

Emily Inouye Huey

ISBN: 9781338789942

Publisher's Synopsis:

Sam Sakamoto doesn't have space in her life for dreams. With the recent death of her mother, Sam's focus is the farm, which her family will lose if they can't make one last payment. There's no time for her secret and unrealistic hope of becoming a photographer, no matter how skilled she's become. But Sam doesn't know that an even bigger threat looms on the horizon.

On December 7, 1941, Japanese airplanes attack the US naval base at Pearl Harbor. Fury towards Japanese Americans ignites across the country. In Sam's community in Washington State, the attack gives those who already harbor prejudice an excuse to hate.

As Sam's family wrestles with intensifying discrimination and even violence, Sam forges a new and unexpected friendship with her neighbor Hiro Tanaka. When he offers Sam a way to resume her photography, she realizes she can document the bigotry around her -- if she’s willing to take the risk. When the United States announces that those of Japanese descent will be forced into "relocation camps," Sam knows she must act or lose her voice forever. She engages in one last battle to leave with her identity -- and her family -- intact.

MrsK's Review: Grades: YA Historical Fiction

Sam is facing the goodness of being an American. She is gifted with the talent of "seeing" the world through the lens of a camera. Yet as a young Japanese American, the crucial day of December 7, 1941, will stretch Sam's world into a life that wasn't of her making. When all she has been raised to value as an American becomes fear, hate, and ugly, Sam will be torn from her truth... We are Americans.

This book is excellently woven with the horrendous truth of what fear does to neighbors, friends, and communities, as well as how the power of "humanity" can "shine" through the ugliness of fearful deceptions. Educating through history is the "key" to raising up the next generation. Empathy is the hope of understanding. Yet, in today's society, the truth gets derailed and lost. Read and discuss the weaknesses of humankind, as well as the strengths of those who stand for individuals that are being "irrationally" persecuted.

MrsK

Meet the Author:

Emily writes historical fiction for children and teens. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Lesley University and is a former teacher. During World War II, Emily’s family was evacuated from their homes and farms in California and Washington State. Her grandparents, Charles and Bessie, met and married in Wyoming’s Heart Mountain Internment Camp. Her father was born in the camp hospital. When the war ended, the family was sent to Utah, where they started over and where Emily still lives, now with her husband, Robert, and their four children. Besides books, Emily’s passions include education, the arts, the outdoors, and her family.

MrsK's Reading Bio

Reading is important! No questions asked, not even a blink of the eye from any student I grew up with. On the first day of the First grade, we were given our first books. Day two we all read aloud, round robin of course. Day three we were place in our first basal, now known as a lit circle group. Books were so important, publishers designed new curriculum so that every student was reading by the end of the first week. These early readers had images that looked like what we could see in the classroom, beyond the classroom, even on the big screen. Reading is important, throughout history every generation has believed that “Reading” opens up the world for endless possibilities.

I adore the 1950’s Dick and Jane books. Actually, most reading specialists and experienced (45+) educators believe that every student learned to read with Dick and Jane. Since these books are being re-issued, I have heard many parents, grandparents, and students claim that Dick and Jane stories of repetition does teach students to read.

Early influences from my mother influenced my desire to read. I would watch her read and we would go on “secret” excursions to the library. The library became my playground. I owned every book I could carry home, of course they needed to be taken back to their home after visiting with me for a week or two. My first book that I could pull off of the library shelf and read was, Father Bear Comes Home. I only saw my dad on Sundays for a few hours. I would pull this beginning reader off of the library shelf every week. Every week I would try to read the first chapter. Every week I got further in the story. My mom would let me check it out, only if I could read it myself (She didn’t like the illustrations therefore she didn’t want to take time to read it to me). One day, I pulled the book from the shelf and when mom came to get me from the children’s corner, I realized that I had read the whole story. I ran to the check out desk and the Librarian KERCHUNKED the checkout card. My mother, brother and neighbors read. My teachers read. We all read aloud all day long in school. The Priest read aloud every day at mass, even in Latin. Everybody in the Doctor’s office read. People on the bus read. Dad’s waiting in their cars as the Mom’s and children grocery shopped, read. In fact, once you could read and write, Sunset Magazine considered you a reader and sent you mail every day.

Reading is important; I’ve spent my life reading. I’ve traveled around the world and into space through books. My favorite genre is whichever book I have open at the time. Children’s Literature is my passion. Book clubbing is one of the best past times, especially if food is involved. In fact my friends of old are in a book club and we are about to embark on a beach trip to “read” and discuss our newest selection.

My “home-run” book story has helped every student find his or her own “home-run” reads. Every year, I have shared my, Father Bear Comes Home, and every year my students have brought in their “home-run” books. That’s the “diving board” into our Lit. Studies.

In “Growing Up Digital,” Tapscott’s insights into the new generations enthusiasm for the Net reminded me of my generation’s enthusiasm for reading, movies, TV, parties and our driving permits. The Net-Generation, as Tapscott describes, “are learning, playing, communicating, working, creating communities, and enforcing a social transformation.”
N-Geners are interactive “techies” who are always looking for a way to “work it” verses the TV Generation of “Baby Boomers” who started out looking for “how it works.” Reading development is tougher today, society moves too fast to invest their “non-working” free time into a book or even “home work.” Since I stepped into my own classroom, I have seen students being told to read, being forced to read, and threatened into reading. Homework is not any longer the vehicle for students to gain their future lifestyles or careers with. Yet, the Internet does create an enthusiasm for learning. Since I have been enrolled in these courses, I have used the computers in every subject. My students are using the newest technology in the classroom because I am giving them investigative sites to use as they learn from each other and books. I agree with Tapscott, in order to bridge the gap with this up and coming generation we must “live and learn with them.”

FTC Required Disclaimer: I receive these books from the publishers. I did not receive monetary compensation for these reviews. These reviews have been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)