2022: New Year Young Reader's Reviews

 Starting the New Year with great adventures... exciting discoveries... and hours of enjoyment!

Everybody Read Aloud:

Miry Whitehill & Jennifer Jackson

Illustrator: Nomar Perez

ISBN: 9781728231839

Publisher's Synopsis:

When we see someone new in our neighborhood, 

how can we help them feel safe and loved and important?

How can we tell them, you're not alone? There are so many ways!

From the creators of Miry's List, the nonprofit that has helped thousands of refugees, Our World is a Family is an all-ages picture book exploring the complicated topic of human migration in a gentle, loving, and affirming way. It lightly touches on the reason people might leave their homes, like climate change or lack of safety, and inspires children to welcome their new neighbors into their communities with love.

MrsK's Review:

"When we see someone new..."

Our world, our planet... all "living and growing and making a home." This picture book is a perfect addition to every bookshelf... whether it is in a home library, a school library, a public library, and in every Little Free library. With the media portraying racial differences, it is wonderful to have a refreshing and endearing "world" voice to share with all littles. As an educator, there would be so many opportunities for discussions, individualized drafting opportunities (biographies), and world explorations.

United... we can make a difference... with our differences... please get this book shared with our littles!

MrsK

Meet the Authors:

 Miry Whitehill is founder and executive director of the award-winning nonprofit organization Miry's List, which supports families resettling in the United States as refugees, from countries including Syria and Afghanistan. She is mom to Reuben and Sabo, whose curiosity and unending questions led to the writing of this book. To learn more about the needs of new arrival families and how your family can help, visit miryslist.org.

  Jennifer Jackson has always been a storyteller. She began her career in live theater as a writer, director, and choreographer before transitioning to the page with her first picture book, The Punkydoos Take the Stage. Now, she is thrilled to be sharing Our World Is a Family, a story that’s so close to her heart. You can visit her at jenniferjacksonbooks.com.

   "COME AND EXPLORE WHERE ALL THINGS CREATIVE TAKE ALL KINDS OF SHAPES AND FORMS" 

My name is Nomar Perez. I was born on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, in the city of Ponce, a unique city with new and old Spanish colonial architecture and an amazing array of colors, sounds, and flavors. I'm a kids designer, illustrator and author that loves to create and explore all things creative! My Puerto Rican culture has influenced me throughout my artistic life. I moved from my homeland to Ohio at the age of 10 with my parents and my 5 siblings. All types of media influence my work, most especially animation, puppetry, and computer art.

2nd Grade:

V.T. Bidania

ISBN: 9781515861317

Publisher's Synopsis:

Astrid is afraid of the dark and doesn't want to go on her family camping trip. But her twin brother, Apollo, is excited. When they encounter scary things such as crawly bugs and the creepy dark, Apollo helps his twin through them. And when they encounter the scariest thing of all, Astrid might just be the one to save the starry campout.

MrsK's Review:

Astrid's family is all set to go on their family campout. Astrid's one challenge... she is afraid of the dark. Since this is her first campout, what will she do if her special glow-in-the-dark wand doesn't have enough light for camping?

With the help of her twin brother, Apollo, Astrid will discover that camping out has many new adventures, sausages under the stars, and night-time "scratching" noises.

Step into reading stories can be the most delightful chapter books. Astrid and Apollo are characters that every young reader will relate with. Their sibling relationship emphasizes compassion, humor, support, and acceptance. This is a great series for second grade pass-arounds!

MrsK

Meet the Author:

V.T. Bidania was born in Laos and grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. She has an MFA in creative writing from The New School and received a Mirrors & Windows Fellowship from the Loft Literary Center. In 2021, she won the McKnight Artist Fellowship for Writers. She is the author of ASTRID AND APOLLO, a chapter book series starring Hmong American twins Astrid and Apollo Lee (Capstone).

3-4 Grades

Ken Lamug

ISBN: 9780062970756

Publisher's Synopsis:

Mischief, and her side-cat, Mayhem, are your respectably heinous villains. They’ll spoil new movies, steal cake from parties they weren’t invited to, and hit the good citizens where it’ll dirty them most—their toilet paper. But before Mischief and Mayhem were ever supervillains, they were just Missy and Gizmo, fresh recruits at superhero camp.

Only, Missy lied on her hero application and has exactly zero superpowers, just her brainpower. Missy is humiliated when caught and kicked out, and only fellow camp recruit Melvira stands by her. Unbeknownst to others, Melvira has a villainous agenda, and it involves helping Missy cross the line into villainy as her new alter ego, Mischief. But something about Melvira doesn’t sit right with Missy, and soon she’ll be called upon to battle her former best friend.

MrsK's Review:

Feeling like you can do nothing right? Thinking that the one thing you enjoy doing... always turns out to be trouble? Wondering what strength you might have that would get noticed? So is Missy.

The people of Idleness do not like all the noise Missy creates. Which is exactly what Missy does well. Thinking that she would benefit from a Superhero camp, she discovers that even at that camp she doesn't fit in. What she misses is how meeting others can "play-out" in your future. Thinking that she has finally met a "good" friend, Missy begins to follow the lead of Melvira. Will Missy realize that sometimes going along with behaviors that are not kind isn't worth the price of a misleading friendship?

Crazy and zany graphics. Graphic novels are fun to read. Visual art blocks are inviting with skillful layouts (organization). Emotions and thoughts clearly define characters and their purpose in the storyline. Artistic word choice is emphasized with sounds in design. Is there anything more enjoyable for readers than engagement with a graphic novel (comic humanity)? Enjoy this mischievous super-hero who will need to decide if causing mayhem is better than doing what is right!

MrsK

Meet the Author:

Ken is an award-winning professional dabbler. He was born in the Philippines and moved to the US with his entire family during his teenage years. Currently, he enjoys his life as an author/illustrator of picture books and graphic novels for middle-graders to middle-agers.

In his past life he was a beekeeper, race car driver, filmmaker and chicken herder. He currently lives in Las Vegas (although he doesn’t gamble) where he spends time with his family and two dogs.

Ken was the former Illustrator Coordinator for Nevada Chapter of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators). He also teaches graphic novels for Storyteller’s Academy.

Kelly Yang

ISBN:9781913311261 

Publisher's Synopsis:

After years of hard work, Mia Tang finally gets to go on vacation with her family -- to China! A total dream come true! Mia can't wait to see all her cousins and grandparents again, especially her cousin Shen. As she roams around Beijing, witnessing some of the big changes China's going through, Mia thinks about the changes in her own life, like . . .

1. Lupe's taking classes at the high school! And Mia's own plans to be a big writer are . . . stuck.

2. Something happened with Jason and Mia has no idea what to do about it.

3. New buildings are popping up all around the motel, and small businesses are disappearing.

Can the Calivista survive? Buckle up! Mia is more determined than ever to get through the turbulence, now that she finally has . . . room to dream!

MrsK's Review:

This is a true treasure. Mia is an amazing young blogger. Her ability to reach her audience is a blogger's dream come true. Yet, she will need to learn what should be written without causing pain to those who were not notified that she was sharing their story.

Then... when she returns from her family trip to China, Mia sees the changes around her family's motel. For Mia this will become an opportunity to find a way to save her family's motel, as well as neighboring small businesses. Or at least that is her hope!

This story is an excellent reality fiction story that should be shared by all Librarians, as well as classroom teachers (3rd-6th). Don't miss out on Mia.... 

MrsK

Meet the Author:

Kelly Yang is the New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of the FRONT DESK series, winner of the 2019 Asian Pacific American Award for Children's Literature. Her books include FRONT DESK, THREE KEYS, ROOM TO DREAM, PARACHUTES, NEW FROM HERE, and other middle grade and young adult novels. She was born in China and grew up in Los Angeles. She went to college at the age of 13 and graduated from UC Berkeley at the age of 17 and Harvard Law School at the age of 20. After law school, she founded The Kelly Yang Project, a writing and debating program for children in Asia. Prior to becoming a novelist, she wrote for many years for the South China Morning Post, The New York Times, Washington Post, and the Atlantic. She lives in Los Angeles.

Kathryn Lasky

ISBN: 9780063031012

Publisher's Synopsis:

Deep in the wilds of Scotland, land of ancient warrior kings and myths, there is a deep secret. The secret is a colony of beavers, a species that is craved for their fur pelts, but vilified for what humans consider to be the destruction of their land. No beaver has been spotted in Scotland or England for over five hundred years, until the young beaver, Dunwattle, is sighted!

Dunwattle's flight is driven by the presence of a ghostly figure, a figure of a mysterious young girl who is almost one thousand years old. And now Dunwattle is destined to be destroyed for revealing the hidden colony, but his best friend Locksley is determined to save him. Will their ancient beaver colony survive?

"Dunwattle's eyes flew open. This is not a dream."

MrsK's Review:

Dunwattle is a bit skittish when it comes to the unknown. By far, he is a quick learner, and very inquisitive. His motives are for the good of his colony, and his actions are still in need of training. In his training, he is learning more and more about the "two-legs," and with the help of the little two-legs he will gain an understanding about relationships with those who are not like you. Yet, it is a banning offense to be seen by a two-leg! Will Dunwattle be banned?

Locksley is determined to look after Dunwattle. As friends, they have played, learned, and worked at the assigned dams together.

Elsinore is the reporting swan for Glendunny. Many come to her for guidance, weather reports, and strangers. It is her daily job to fly over Glendunny and oversee the activity below. When she sees Dunwattle hastily swimming where he should not be heading, she alarmed. What could Dunwattle be up to?

Yrynn is a Canuck, beavers from Canada. She is one of the best beaver "guides" of the logs down river. Once upon a time, before the beavers were made into hats, coats, and perfumes, her ancestors enjoyed "wild rivers and enormous forests."

Lorna and Fergus are little "two-legs," their bones have been brought to the surface of Dunwattle's home. Before the massacre in 1296, her family lived in the local village of Scotland.

Grinfyll is the leader of a vicious Lynx gang. He has learned that Dunwattle was seen by a two-legs. This could be a profitable bit of information.

With the weaving of a master storyteller, Glendunny becomes a wonderous wilderness adventure. Characters are expertly crafted, the settings are vividly described, and as Lasky does best... the quest is mingled with page-turning conflicts.

MrsK

Meet the Author:

    

Kathryn Lasky is the American author of many critically acclaimed books, including several Dear America books, several Royal Diaries books, 1984 Newbery Honor winning Sugaring Time, The Night Journey, and the Guardians of Ga'Hoole series.

She was born June 24, 1944, and grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is married to Christopher Knight, with whom she lives in Massachusetts.

2021 Winter picks for Family Enjoyment

Winter picks... these are by far the best covers that I was honored to discover this year! Some are sweet stories, others are inspiring, and then some are a pure joy-filled journey. Every title will provide a delightful "family" storytime.  Whether you are checking them out from your local library or you've ordered them from your "go-to" bookstore... don't miss these titles in 2022!

Happy Reading,

MrsK

 A family gathered for a storytime...

Winter nipping against the window panes...

Hot cups of goodness...

Memories that will last a life time!

Family Read Aloud

Marilee Joy Mayfield

ISBN: 978949474640

Publisher's Synopsis:

The Snowman's Song is an enchanting tale of longing and fulfillment. A little snowman yearns to sing Christmas carols, but is desolate because he hasn't a voice. From the kindness of others, he dares to believe in the impossible and experiences a Christmas miracle. Beautifully told in melodic verse, this inspirational story shows that impossible dreams do come true and reminds us of the true reason for the season.

MrsK's Review: Fantasy/Faith

"Why can't I sing like you?"

A little snowson wants his voice to be heard as a proud hymn about "our Savior's birth." The message is woven with soothing word choice, a melodious voice. As the little snowson continues to question what he must do to be heard, he learns about hope... friendship... and a belief in possibilities.

Illustrations are perfected with just the right "wintry" sprinkling of colors and swooshes. Most delightful and inspiring read-aloud.

MrsK

Meet the Author:

Marilee Joy Mayfield is a published author of children's books. Published credits of Marilee Joy Mayfield include The Snowman's Song: A Christmas Story, The Tiny Adventures of Big Sister and Little Sister, and The Golden Cricket: A Story of Luck and Prosperity.  https://shop.puppydogsandicecream.com/collections/christmas 

Elizabeth Hasselbeck

ISBN: 9780525652793

Publisher's Synopsis:

Flashlight Night is narrated by a boy whose parents have used chalkboard paint to create a wall where he and his siblings can write out all their fears, cares, and concerns: Will I learn to blow a bubble? Tie my shoes? Stay out of trouble? Be the friend they choose?

The boy shares the wall with a friend, who records her own prayers. Later, they visit the chalkboard wall at dusk with a flashlight. The boy's mom shines the light on some prayers and turns it off at other times, pointing out that their prayers (and the children's faith) are still there, even in the dark, and that God hears every request.

MrsK's Review: Realistic Fiction/Faith

During the world's lockdown, this adventure in trusting God was given a chalk "wall" to heal the changes that none of us could control. A place to to write what was so "fearful." An avenue to see our prayers answered or prayer answers still unknown. 

This is such a beautiful gift to every parent and child. Our hopes in providing the best to the next generation can begin with a simple piece of chalk and this book. Plant the seeds that we are never alone, that God does answer prayer, and that we can use our flashlight in the dark moments to see His handiwork.

MrsK

Flashlight Night: interview video

Meet the Author:

Hasselbeck was formerly known to television audiences as a participant on the wildly popular second edition of Survivor: The Australian Outback. Since taking her coveted seat on The View in 2003 she has been the focus of major magazine covers and articles including USA Weekend, Curious Parents, People, TV Guide, Fitness, Glamour, Us Weekly, Life, Pregnancy and ePregnancy. She has filled in on the FOX News Channel's Fox and Friends, and has been a guest on Hannity and Colmes, Larry King Live, The Martha Stewart Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Good Morning America.

Caroline/Katherine Brickley

ISBN: 9780997782714

Publisher's Synopsis:

Meet Bibli, a brave little library bookshelf in search of a story about someone like him . . . Once upon a time, in a library like any other, there lived a little bookshelf named Bibli who carried a BIG question on his shelves: “Could there be a story somewhere about a bookshelf like me?” Bibli is told that bookshelves are supposed to hold stories, not have ones of their own. But everything changes when he meets Cassie, a girl longing for a friend just as much as Bibli longs for a story to relate to. Bibli learns that with kindness, confidence, empathy, and friendship, even your biggest dreams can come true—and that everyone has an important story worth sharing.

"Everyone has a story... Be your-shelf!"

MrsK's Review: Fantasy/Feelings

Bibli is a very brave little bookshelf. When its library was first opened, Bibli was the only bookshelf. Unfortunately, as the library's collection grew, Bibli was pushed further into a back corner.

Now before you feel a sadness for Bibli, I must tell you that Ms. Grammar would come and choose the perfect story time book for the daily sharing. Oh, how Bibli enjoyed hearing all of the children's responses.

Then one day... a reader by the name of Cassie came to story time. Looking for a place to sit, Cassie soon found a place beside Bibli. With a whispered wonder, Bibli discovers a friendship with Cassie. A friendship that might help him discover if there has ever been a story written about a bookshelf.

Simply adorable! Delightful illustrations portrays the emotions of Bibli, of a young story-teller, and the reactions of the children (those listening to you the reader as you read aloud). Just a quick caution... this book will be one of those books that your littles will shout.. Again!

MrsK 

Meet the Author:

  Caroline and Katherine Brickley are twin sisters and the award-winning authors of The Blossom Shoppe and The Friendly Bookshelf. Inspired by their mother, who made up stories for them each night, the sisters spent their childhood coming up with stories of their own and bringing them to life. As they grew, so did their passion for storytelling, and in 2017 the sisters made it their full-time job by founding Blossom Children’s Media Group (Blossom) from their shared college dorm room. Now a multi-award-winning company known for excellence in children’s literature and family content, Blossom continues to bring children, families, and educators from around the world together through wholesome stories and inclusive community experiences. In their free time, Caroline and Katherine love to swim, travel, and spend time with friends and family, including their goldendoodle, Sugar, who served as the inspiration for the library dog featured in The Friendly Bookshelf.

Helen/Thomas Docherty

ISBN: 9781728250342

Publisher's Synopsis:

When Leo's mom and dad pack him off to fight a dragon, he takes a shield, a sword--and a pile of his favorite books. But can a story be as mighty as a sword?

This delightful rhyming story about books and the joy of reading is also perfect for kids who love dragon books, adventures, brave knights, and books about castles!

MrsK's Review: Fantasy

Leo is not a knight who is inspired to fight foes. In fact, Leo, is a knight who is a wise reader. One night, his parents discover an ad about a dragon that needed taming. With the concern for his safety, of course his parents provide a suit of armor and a sword before they send him on his way.

With food for his travels, as well as a sack of books, Leo finds himself on a quest to tame this dragon. Along the way, Leo meets a Griffin, a troll, and an enormous dragon. A fiery red dragon that he had disturbed!

How will Leo fight these foes? Well that is his story to tell. A story that is weaving a tale that all of us know. A story in which we must face our fears with courage, grit, and the wisdom discovered within the pages of a book.

Darling tale, just awaiting your reader voice...

MrsK

Meet the Author:

Helen lives in Swansea, Wales, and is an internationally published picture book author. Her work, which includes the award-winning picture books The Snatchabook and The Storybook Knight ( The Knight Who Wouldn't Fight), has been translated into 25 languages. Her stories have been staged as plays and as an children’s opera, by a school in Canada. Helen worked for many years as a language teacher in Mexico City and the UK before becoming an author. She also has an MA in Film and Television Production (Bristol University), which helped to develop her skills in crafting narrative. Helen often collaborates with her husband, the illustrator and author Thomas Docherty. Their latest book, Pirate Nell's Tale to Tell, will be published in September 2020.

Torben Kuhlmann

ISBN: 9780735844445

Publisher's Synopsis:

When an inventive mouse misses the biggest cheese festival the world has ever seen, he’s determined to turn back the clock. But what is time, and can it be influenced? With the help of a mouse clockmaker, a lot of inventiveness, and the notes of a certain famous Swiss physicist he succeeds in traveling back in time. But when he misses his goal by eighty years, the only one who can help is an employee of the Swiss Patent Office, who turned our concept of space and time upside down.

"Time is Relative"

MrsK's Review: Fantasy/Science

This is a fantastic journey. One in which you will journey with an inventor, of course this inventor is a mouse that is very curious and oh-so intelligent.

Seeking to discover the answer to his question "What is time?," little mouse embarks on a journey. When he encounters a white mouse, who is a clockmaker, little mouse learns the history of time (ancient astronomers, earth's rotation, passing of time, and the physicist Albert Einstein). During little mouse's quest, he learned how to create a time machine. A time machine in which he could travel back to 1905 to locate Einstein.

This book is a journey that is wonderfully crafted. History is portrayed in a curious outline that will inspire further learning. The illustrations are intriguing and overflowing with historical accuracy. This is a journey for every learner... young and old! In today's world, such a journey is necessary to ignite the desire for a life-long learner,

MrsK

Don't miss out on further adventures:

Lindbergh: The Tale of a Flying Mouse

Armstrong: The Adventurous Journey of a Mouse to the Moon

Edison: The Mystery of the Missing Mouse Treasure

Moletown

Meet the Author:

  

Torben Kuhlmann (right click on website and scroll then click: translate) is a German communications designer, illustrator and picture book author. He studied Illustration and Communication Design at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences . In 2014 he published his first book, Lindbergh - The adventurous story of a flying mouse, the product of his graduation thesis at the college.

Grades 4-6:

Chris Grabenstein

ISBN: 9780307931474

Publisher's Synopsis:

Kyle Keeley is the class clown, popular with most kids, (if not the teachers), and an ardent fan of all games: board games, word games, and particularly video games. His hero, Luigi Lemoncello, the most notorious and creative game maker in the world, just so happens to be the genius behind the building of the new town library.

Lucky Kyle wins a coveted spot to be one of the first 12 kids in the library for an overnight of fun, food, and lots and lots of games. But when morning comes, the doors remain locked. Kyle and the other winners must solve every clue and every secret puzzle to find the hidden escape route. And the stakes are very high.

MrsK's Review: Fantasy

Kyle's one "shining" talent is outsmarting players (board-games, cards, and following clues). When he learns that there will be an "invitation-only" student lock-in at the new library, he knows that he must enter the drawing. Yet, writing an essay is not his favorite skill. He only has a few moments to draft a winning essay to the "world's most famous game-maker."

Alexandriaville's newest library is about to open. Due to security purposes, the construction of the library has been kept secretive. No construction crew ever stayed long enough to see how their expertise "fit-in" with other contractors. Only Dr. Zinchenko knew the plans of her employer (three-story rotunda, stunning tech effects, Dewey decimal depictions, author-sculpture learning sessions, holograms, mirages, and so many opportunities to "uncover" a new learning adventure). 

Mr. Lemoncello, a man of marvels. A gaming genius. The financier, chief engineer/designer, and judge of the essay winners. An extraordinary riddle master! His designs will be the most amazing and wonderous library! "Every patron will gain the knowledge needed to do anything and everything they want or need to do!" 

So many clues... so many great titles... extra-imaginative technology... and an adventure learning the Dewey decimal system! A perfect family read-aloud... Absolutely the most enjoyable trip to a library that I've ever encountered,

MrsK

"If two witches were watching two watches,

which witch would watch which watch?"

Mr. Lemoncello's: Extras Link

Meet the Author:

   CHRIS GRABENSTEIN is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. His books include the LEMONCELLO, WONDERLAND, HAUNTED MYSTERY, DOG SQUAD, and SMARTEST KID IN THE UNIVERSE series, and many fun and funny page-turners co-authored with James Patterson.

Rosemary Wells

ISBN: 9780763658151

Publisher's Synopsis:

One day in a house at the end of Lucifer Street, on the Mississippi River side of Cairo, Illinois, eleven-year-old Oscar Ogilvie's life is changed forever. The Crash of 1929 has rippled across the country, and Oscar's dad must sell their home--with all their cherished model trains--and head west in search of work. Forced to move in with his humorless aunt, Carmen and his teasing cousin, Willa Sue, Oscar is lonely and miserable--until he meets a mysterious drifter and witnesses a crime so stunning it catapults Oscar on an incredible train journey from coast to coast, from one decade to another. Filled with suspense and peppered with witty encounters with Hollywood stars and other bigwigs of history, this captivating novel by Rosemary Wells, gorgeously illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline, resonates with warmth, humor, and the true magic of a timeless adventure.

"....me and my dad...working the central switches...

the throttle... that caused the trains to roar past...

the signal lights... blink red and green...

made all things possible."

MrsK's Review: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

In Cairo, Illinois, Oscar's heart quickened every time he saw his father carrying a red cardboard box. He knew that it would contain a cherished memory... a new Lionel train! Since the time in which Oscar was three, after his mother's death, his father and him had began collecting, designing, and crafting a train extravaganza in their basement. By 1929, they owned ten complete Lionel train sets. Although, Oscar's favorite train was the Blue Comet (I must say that if you had a train set back in the day... you can already relate to the awesomeness of this story).

In 1929, the stock market crashed. As with so many families, by 1931, Oscar's father looses his job in Illinois and is transferred to the John Deere company in California. Oscar's life is turned upside down. He must move from the house that his mother had lovingly maintained. He would not be able to keep his Lionel trains, for the house and the trains have been sold to the new owner. He would be left behind, just until his Dad could send for him, with his Aunt. How would Oscar cope?

Then one day... Henry Applegate introduces himself to Oscar. A most needed "miracle" especially at the precise time in which Oscar could no longer concentrate with his school work. Math story problems made no sense, and Oscar was in need of his dad's short cuts. As a mathematician, Mr. Applegate is the perfect tutor for Oscar. Mr. Applegate has a secret code for remembering things.

Then one night, during a storm, at the bank... all Oscar can remember is a moment in time when he heard a gun shot! The only thing he can see is the underside of a tin bench... that is stamped with the words Lionel Company.

What begins with a robbery, a murder, and a "missing boy," unfolds into a journey travel... back and forth into time. From Illinois to California and back again to the east coast. All Oscar understands is "some how" he is traveling on his Blue Comet train with a Golden State Limited round trip ticket.

Historical fiction, the journeys in which you meet historical figures... learn how people lived and survived... an avenue for insights that a history book often fails to emphasize. All aboard... 

MrsK 

IF

If you can keep you head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you...

Rudyard Kipling Poem

Meet the Author:

  Rosemary Wells is the author of a number of popular children's books, most notably the Max and Ruby series which follows the everyday adventures of sibling bunnies - curious three year old Max and bossy seven year old Ruby. She gets the inspiration for Max and Ruby from her two daughters and the experiences they have with friends and school. Her West Highland Terriers Lucy and Snowy have also worked their way into her books, as McDuff and insight for other characters. She has also written Noisy Nora, Yoko, Voyage to the Bunny Planet series, a Christmas Book called Morris's Disappearing Bag and a collected book of illustrations of Rodgers and Hammerstein songs. In April 2007, her children's book The Gulps featuring illustrations by Marc Brown was released. Also that year she published Red Moon at Sharpsburg, a historical novel featuring a young girl in the American Civil War.

Gordon Korman

ISBN: 9780062299994

Publisher's Synopsis:

Eli Frieden has never left Serenity, New Mexico...why would he ever want to? Then one day, he bikes to the edge of the city limits and something so crazy and unexpected happens, it changes everything.

Eli convinces his friends to help him investigate further, and soon it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems in Serenity. The clues mount to reveal a shocking discovery, connecting their ideal crime-free community to some of the greatest criminal masterminds ever known. The kids realize they can trust no one—least of all their own parents.

"... some of the kids in Serenity...including you... are special..." 

MrsK's Review: Mystery/Sci-Fi

In the town of Serenity there is very little concern about society and/or troubles. Serenity, New Mexico, is a small town in which life is perfect. Education is rich and fulfilling. The community is cheerful and supportive. All of the families are close-knitted. Serenity is voted as the "#1 Best Town in the USA." There is no troubles economically, no crime, and no homelessness. With a population of only 185, most of the families have a connection to the Serenity Plastics Works. Everyone in Serenity knows that they are lucky to be living in Serenity, especially since the towns around them have such burdens.

Or so Eli believed, until that afternoon that he followed Randy to the city limits in search of a 1961 Alfa Romero. In fact Eli was surprised to see the "Now Leaving Serenity--America's Ideal Community" sign. Eli learned that it was "78 miles to the next gas station" once you left Serenity. All he remembers is that he started feeling ill and then his chin hit the pavement. Oh, he remembered the "Purple People Eaters," who are those with helicopters. They are the Surety, like a stormtrooper, they work at the plastic works. Without a mother, his dad is the voice he recognizes. That's moment that Eli will remember as his life-changer.

Randy the one that causes everyone to laugh. The one who pushes the boundaries of Serenity's expectations. The one who does the "unthinkable" and leads Eli to the city limits. The one who questions by observations. The one who is "extreme." The one friend who cares enough to leave Eli a letter of warning. A letter in which he states what he has discovered about Serenity. 

Amber can hardly believe it, Randy has to go and help his Grandparents in Colorado. He's leaving Serenity! Living in any other place is the saddest thing Amber could imagine. Malik considers this is a grand adventure, one that he would like to be given. The whole world is out there, just waiting to be explored. He is excited about moving to NYC as soon as he is old enough. Tori, well, she is the one that usually helps balance Eli. Tori is that friend that usually listens, and then helps you short things through. She is the one who sees "common sense" when Randy sees adventure.

With Serenity Day festivities soon to start, all students are preparing projects. Eli chooses to do an American, New Mexico, and Serenity timeline. What he discovers is that the Boston Tea Party history he's been taught doesn't match with the computer's history. Why? What else have they been taught that might not be the truth? What really happens at the Plastic Works? and Why do some of the kids get really sick when they get close to city limits?

Korman is an author that you can trust as one of the "go-to" authors. Never a quick read, always filled with page-turning twists and surprises,

MrsK

Meet the Author:

   Korman wrote his first book, "This Can't be Happening at Macdonald Hall", when he was 12 years old, for a coach who suddenly found himself teaching 7th grade English. He later took that episode and created a book out of it, as well, in "The Sixth Grade Nickname Game", wherein Mr. Huge was based on that 7th grade teacher.
Korman moved to New York City, where he studied film and film writing. While in New York, he met his future wife; they now live in Long Island with their three children. He has published more than 50 books.

Grades 8-10:

Tilar J Mazzeo

ISBN: 9781338135558

Publisher's Synopsis:

The story of Irena Sendler the female Oskar Schindler who took staggering risks to save 2,500 children from death and deportation in Nazi-occupied Poland during World War II now adapted for a younger audience.
Irena Sendler was a young Polish woman living in Warsaw during World War II. Irena smuggled thousands of children out of the walled Jewish ghetto in toolboxes and coffins, snuck them under overcoats at checkpoints, and slipped them through the dank sewers and into secret passages that led to abandoned buildings, where she convinced her friends and underground resistance network to hide them.

MrsK's Review: Biography

What was life like for a Polish woman living in Warsaw? How much do you know about the Holocaust? Have you heard/read about Anne Frank? 

Meet Irena, a young woman who was determined to smuggle over 2,500 children out of the Warsaw ghetto. This book is written for young readers (grades 4+). Most of Irena's story is written with a narrator voice unless their is a documented insert where you read Irena's descriptions and thoughts.

• Air raid sirens... what did they do?
• Siege of their city... what would save them?
• Occupation... what did that mean... who was unaffected... who was gathered?
• What was banned... for who... how were they identified?
• Life inside the Warsaw Ghetto... why were some gathered and removed?
• Parents desperate to send their children... somewhere safe... where could they go?
• What would it take for the children who were being sent away?
• Getting through checkpoints... how did they smuggle out the children?
• Why were so many sent to Labor camps... what happened there?
• 1943 Night visits... who was taken... why?
• 1944 In hiding... what happens next?

Primary sources are the most important resources for any historical fiction author. The facts must be real for the time line. Famous names must have been alive and documented within the area that the book is written about (only character's and feelings are fictional). Biographies must have primary sources (letters, journals, pictures, or film footage).

Never could I have imagined that today's society has turned so drastically away from the truth as we knew it. For every grandparent, parent, teacher, and homeschooler... biographies and credited historical fiction must be introduced to our children. Read-Alouds must be shared... Inquiries must lead to discussions... truths must be discovered... hatred must not lead to silence!

MrsK

Irena Sendler

1910-2008

Meet the Author:

 Tilar J. Mazzeo is a cultural historian, biographer, and passionate student of wine and food culture. She divides her time among the California wine country, New York City, and Maine, where she is a professor of English at Colby College.

Inkling: 2021 Favorite Gr3-5

Kenneth Oppel

9781524772840

Publisher's Synopsis:

Ethan’s dad is a comic artist whose greatest creation, the mutant superhero Kren, brought him fame and glory. But after his dad’s string of successful books, a tragedy strikes the family and now his dad is completely stuck.

If only artistic talent were hereditary. Ethan is stuck on a graphic-novel project of his own at school and won’t own up to the fact that he can’t draw. When one night an ink-blot creation emerges from his father’s sketchbook, the family’s whole world begins to change.

"The ink rippled, like dark water with something swimming beneath..."

MrsK's Review:

I don't know about you, but when a book's title or cover design "begs me" to take a closer look... well could you resist opening this book?

This is a multi-faceted adventure. It begins with a quick introduction to Inkling's creation and continues in the little ink spot's growth with-in Ethan's family. Rickman the cat is not impressed with Inkling, not in the slightest. Sarah is Ethan's little sister and she is completely... head over heals... enthralled with Lucy the puppy aka Inkling.

Ethan begins to rely on Inkling's ability to create "masterful" illustrations for his 6th grade project, yet how does he keep Inkling from his dad's office? You see, Inkling only needs one thing to survive, unfortunately that one thing seems to be found in Mr. Rylance's office. Could there be a purpose for Inkling beyond helping Ethan? 

This is one of the most inventive novels... If you are a reader that enjoys graphic novels, try this novel for the many illustrations and cartoon blocks will provide many moments of artistic inspirations. If you are a reader that requires more depth in your reading enjoyment, this novel is uniquely woven with engaging "sparks" of creative story hooks... mysterious red herrings... and delightful surprises.

MrsK

 Best discovery!

Meet the Author:

 Kenneth Oppel I was born in 1967 in Port Alberni, a mill town on Vancouver Island, British Columbia but spent the bulk of my childhood in Victoria, B.C. and on the opposite coast, in Halifax, Nova Scotia...At around twelve I decided I wanted to be a writer (this came after deciding I wanted to be a scientist, and then an architect). I started out writing sci-fi epics (my Star Wars phase) then went on to swords and sorcery tales (my Dungeons and Dragons phase) and then, during the summer holiday when I was fourteen, started on a humorous story about a boy addicted to video games (written, of course, during my video game phase). It turned out to be quite a long story, really a short novel, and I rewrote it the next summer. We had a family friend who knew Roald Dahl - one of my favorite authors - and this friend offered to show Dahl my story. I was paralyzed with excitement. I never heard back from Roald Dahl directly, but he read my story, and liked it enough to pass on to his own literary agent. I got a letter from them, saying they wanted to take me on, and try to sell my story. And they did.

Poppy the Pony by Lily Small

Lily Small

ISBN: 9781627797344

Publisher's Synopsis:

Enter an enchanted world of animal friends! Perfect for fans of Holly Webb, Rainbow Magic, Secret Kingdom and Magic Kitten. Each cute animal has its own pair of pretty fairy wings, and a special job to do in Misty Wood to make it a wonderful place to live. Poppy the Pony is very shy. She loves soaring through Misty Wood, but she is too scared to talk to any of the other fairy animals. Then, one day, a thunderstorm comes, and Poppy discovers she is braver than she ever knew...The Fairy Animals of Misty Wood are perfect books for girls aged 5-7. They will fall in love with these gorgeous, magical kittens, puppies, bunnies and more. Have you collected all of the Fairy Animals? Bella the Bunny; Betsy the Bunny; Chloe the Kitten; Daisy the Deer; Hailey the Hedgehog; Katie the Kitten; Mia the Mouse; Paddy the Puppy; Paige the Pony; Polly the Puppy; Poppy the Pony; and, Sophie the Squirrel. Lily Small grew up on the outskirts of a wood in Southern England. The eldest of four children, she would often keep her younger brother and sisters entertained with imaginary tales of the creatures that lived in the woods and the adventures they would get up to when humans weren't around.

MrsK's Review:

The series, Fairy Animals of Misty Wood, is a huge success with readers in the 2nd-3rd grade classroom! These animals are caring, friendly, and set on overcoming their fears.

Poppy the Pony might be shy, but she is braver than she knows. When a thunderstorm brings fear to her friends on a picnic, Poppy comes up with an idea. Being brave in the midst of danger means you rely on a talent from within!

There are so many delightful bonuses within this series: adorable and entertaining illustrations, the Misty Wood map to help readers know where the animals are, as well as a few interactive writing/drawing prompts.

Perfect for classrooms, excellent for parents and gift giving, and wonderful for grandparent story time!

Snuggle up and enjoy a wonderfully, fanciful moment or two,
MrsK

An adventurous fantasy... Delightful!