Young readers love books about dogs and Spencer Quinn's series about Bowser and Birdie is no exception. "Bow Wow" is the third book in the series that began with "Woof" and continued with "Arf." Adults might be familiar with Quinn's series about Chet and Bernie, which features the fabulous detective dog Chet, whose narrative sounds … Continue reading ‘Bow Wow: A Bowser and Birdie Novel’ by Spencer Quinn is the 3rd in this Dog-Narrated Series for Children
Month: October 2017
‘The Last Mrs. Parrish’ Should Be the Very Next Book You Read
The raves are in for "The Last Mrs. Parrish" by Liv Constantine, and it's no wonder. If anything, the glowing blurbs from such literary luminaries as Jane Green, Karin Slaughter, Lee Child, and Jenny Milchman don't go far enough. The story is gripping from the start, yet when the twist occurs, the reader will feel … Continue reading ‘The Last Mrs. Parrish’ Should Be the Very Next Book You Read
‘Invasion of the Scorp-Lions! A Monstertown Mystery’ by Bruce Hale Is a Fun-Filled Fantasy
With the third book in the Monstertown Mystery series, "Invasion of the Scorp-Lions," author Bruce Hale shows that he can write a series in which each book brings something new to the plate. At first, this episode appears to be like the two previous books with the main characters, narrator Carlos and his friend Benny, … Continue reading ‘Invasion of the Scorp-Lions! A Monstertown Mystery’ by Bruce Hale Is a Fun-Filled Fantasy
‘Wild Bird’ by Wendelin Van Draanen Is the Emotional Story of a Young Girl Out of Control
Wendelin Van Draanen knows how to write a story that packs a punch. She did it in "Running Dream," a story about a high school runner who tragically loses her leg in a crash, and how she learns not just how to walk with a prosthetic, but how to really see others in spite of … Continue reading ‘Wild Bird’ by Wendelin Van Draanen Is the Emotional Story of a Young Girl Out of Control
‘Malala’s Magic Pencil’ by Malala Yousafzai Is a Story About Possibilities that Kids Love
While the name "Malala" is quite familiar to adults, children may not know who the author of this picture book is. In "Malala's Magic Pencil," Malala Yousafzai tells her story and it's one that opens the eyes of the kids hearing her tale. She starts her story telling about a show that she watched as … Continue reading ‘Malala’s Magic Pencil’ by Malala Yousafzai Is a Story About Possibilities that Kids Love
‘Suspect Red’ by L. M. Elliott — Fear and Loathing in ‘53 D.C.
L.M. Elliott’s riveting Young Adult historical novel “Suspect Red” takes us on a rough ride through one thicket-filled thorny year in the life of early-adolescent Richard Bradley. He is a thirteen-year-old Washington D.C. resident circa 1953-54. And he is faced with the dilemmas and demons that would haunt any teen-ager whose father, whom he idolizes, … Continue reading ‘Suspect Red’ by L. M. Elliott — Fear and Loathing in ‘53 D.C.
‘Monster: A Gone Novel’ Is Just as Gritty, Just as Horrifying and Just as Action-Packed as the Original Series
With the release of "Monster," the first in a trilogy sequel, Michael Grant has brought readers back to the world of "Gone" and some of its characters. It's four years after the dome came down in the last book in the first series, and those who had been trapped in the #FAYZ were able to … Continue reading ‘Monster: A Gone Novel’ Is Just as Gritty, Just as Horrifying and Just as Action-Packed as the Original Series
‘Malala’s Magic Pencil’ by Malala Yousafzai Is a Story About Possibilities and Kids Love It
While the name "Malala" is quite familiar to adults, children may not know who the author of this picture book is. In "Malala's Magic Pencil," Malala Yousafzai tells her story, and it's one that opens the eyes of the kids hearing her tale. She starts her story telling about a show that she watched as … Continue reading ‘Malala’s Magic Pencil’ by Malala Yousafzai Is a Story About Possibilities and Kids Love It
‘Warcross’ by Marie Lu Is a Fast-Paced Scifi Thriller
"Warcross" by Marie Lu features a young girl who is a bounty hunter in a world where virtual reality has eclipsed real life. Hooked yet? Read the first chapter and you'll be drawn into the life and struggle for survival along with Emika Chen, whose ability to hack into the virtual world and fight in … Continue reading ‘Warcross’ by Marie Lu Is a Fast-Paced Scifi Thriller
Two Great Dog Books for Children: Inside and Upside-Down
Two dog books for children have titles that match in a strange way even though the books are different views of dogs. One book, by Serena Hodson, is about the outside of dogs and looks at them as "Upside-Down Dogs." "Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know" is by Alexandra Horowitz, and … Continue reading Two Great Dog Books for Children: Inside and Upside-Down
‘Vets and Pets: Wounded Warriors and the Animals that Help Them Heal’ Is a Must-Read for Animal Lovers
In "Vets and Pets: Wounded Warriors and the Animals that Help Them Heal," authors Dava Guerin and Kevin Ferris tell story after story of a veteran and the animals -- mostly dogs but also cats, horses, birds, and a pig -- who helped them heal. In many cases, the animals that saved the veterans helped … Continue reading ‘Vets and Pets: Wounded Warriors and the Animals that Help Them Heal’ Is a Must-Read for Animal Lovers
‘Mr. Lemoncello’s Great Library Race’ by Chris Grabenstein Is a Worthy Third Book in the Series
Can author Chris Grabenstein keep on writing "Mr. Lemoncello" books that will have new plots and new twists and will keep kids (and adults) entertained? From the looks of "Mr. Lemoncello's Great Library Race," it appears to be a certainty. In this third book in the series, Kyle Keeley is once again determined to win … Continue reading ‘Mr. Lemoncello’s Great Library Race’ by Chris Grabenstein Is a Worthy Third Book in the Series