First time author Dawn Malone has crafted a winner in Bingo Summer. Charming, sweet, and artfully written, it takes top honors in my summer reading list. It’s just a superb example of middle grade lit. I loved it! Okay, the initial catalyst for the plot is pretty unlikely. (Summer wins ten million dollars with a […]
Lightning Road Series, by Donna Galanti (book trailer reveal and giveaway!)
Earlier this summer, I read the first book in Donna Galanti’s Lightning Road fantasy adventure series, JOSHUA AND THE LIGHTNING ROAD. It just so happens that today Ms. Galanti is unveiling the trailer for book two, JOSHUA AND THE ARROW REALM, which will be releasing on August 30th, so I waited to post my review […]
Echo, by Pam Munoz Ryan
I’ve seen this one on a few different sites lately, particularly on the review blog of Patricia Tilton, who always has great taste, so I picked it up. It’s Ms. Ryan’s newest, released only last year, and it lives up to her classic style. It claimed Newbery honors this year. Being a writer myself, I […]
Dumpsters and Dinosaurs, by Lois D. Brown
Just a quick note before I get to today’s review to let you know that Blood Moon is FINALLY available in paperback! __________________________________ This is a fun new release by fellow Emblazoner Lois D. Brown who, as you may recall, wrote a fantastic young adult series I really enjoyed. (The first book, Cycles, was a top 5 […]
Where the Sidewalk Ends, by Shell Silverstein
Published in 1974, this longtime favorite has fallen in popularity as it’s aged. That’s so extremely unfortunate. I’m here to put it in front of a new generation of kids as well as remind parents, teachers, and homeschoolers who may have loved it long ago and forgotten all about it. I’ve never been a fan […]
Tony the Phony and the Northern Woods, by T. Man
Today I’m part of a very special blog event hosted by T. Man, a 10-year-old author and homeschooler who has just completed his SECOND book! When T. Man was only 8, he partnered with his older brother, M. Man, on a special homeschool writing project that resulted in their first published book, Tony the Phony […]
Flying the Dragon, by Natalie Dias Lorenzi
Skye has a cousin, Hiroshi, she has never met. Because Hiroshi lives in Japan, and Skye was born in America. But when Grandfather grows ill, Skye’s Japanese relatives move to America for Grandfather’s treatment. Skye is embarrassed to have Hiroshi in class with her. He can’t speak English well. He’s completely unaware how “uncool” he […]
Blood on the River, by Elisa Carbone
I discovered this book several years ago, when I was looking for historical fiction to suppliment an American history class I was teaching to my then-homeschooled daughter. I’ve just finished reading it with both of my boys for the same class. I’m still impressed. This is the story of Jamestown, told through the eyes of […]
The Gollywhopper Games, by Jody Feldman
Every now and again I read a review on some book I’ve never heard of and locate a copy for myself. ThisKidErik is particularly good at growing my tbr list. The Gollywhopper Games is one he recommended. He gave it five bookworms. I give it four. This is a really fun book. Sort of a […]
The Caretaker's Guide to Fablehaven, by Brandon Mull
I’m super excited to be part of a blog tour featuring Brandon Mull’s new release, The Caretaker’s Guide to Fablehaven. My son and I are currently choral reading (both out loud, together) the Fablehaven series as a fun way to help bump his reading level. Imagine my delight when I received an invitation to preview the new […]