The Vines by Shelley Nolden In "The Vines," debut author Shelley Nolden has created a story that is part fantasy, part historical fiction, part family drama, and part horror. The tale is centered around the Gettler family, whose roots are German, and a girl named Cora. The youngest son in the Gettler family is Finnegan, … Continue reading ‘The Vines’ by Shelley Nolden is a twisted tale of greed, family arrogance, and terrible cruelty
Month: March 2021
‘The Bone Maker’ by Sarah Beth Durst is a fantasy for those past their prime who still dream of being heroes
The Bone Maker by Sarah Beth Durst The heroes we see in movies and read about in books are usually striking young people in the prime of their lives. We don't see what happens to those heroes after time passes and they get wrinkled and older with aches and pains like the rest of us. … Continue reading ‘The Bone Maker’ by Sarah Beth Durst is a fantasy for those past their prime who still dream of being heroes
Picture books with memorable animals
Kids and animals go together like peanut butter and jelly. Books with animals naturally interest children, and these five picture books include a range of funny, interesting, and just plain curious animals who will fascinate young readers. From an inquisitive owl to an angry bear, a grandmotherly wolf to a white peacock, the range and … Continue reading Picture books with memorable animals
‘City Spies: Golden Gate’ by James Ponti is a perfect middle grade spy story
City Spies: Golden Gate by James Ponti "City Spies: Golden Gate" is the sequel to "City Spies," and both middle grade action books will be loved by those who enjoy reading novels that are quick-paced, filled with interesting characters, and boast satisfying endings. This series doesn't fail to entertain, and even readers who haven't read … Continue reading ‘City Spies: Golden Gate’ by James Ponti is a perfect middle grade spy story
‘Twenty’ by James Grippando is a thrilling story of fanaticism, marriage, and mystery
In "Twenty," the newest Jack Swyteck mystery by James Grippando, there are important questions that arise at the very start of this gripping mystery/thriller. Who was the shooter who killed students at the tony private school in Miami? Whoever it was was covered from head to toe: goggles, face mask, tactical vest, even booties covering … Continue reading ‘Twenty’ by James Grippando is a thrilling story of fanaticism, marriage, and mystery
Three important nonfiction picture books teach about wildlife and conservation
Nonfiction picture books for children are an essential way of emphasizing the importance of reading informational text to learn about the world around us. Most children are fascinated by animals and the environment they see every time they venture outdoors, whether it's a city environment, like the cougar encounters in "Cougar Crossing: How Hollywood's Celebrity … Continue reading Three important nonfiction picture books teach about wildlife and conservation
Attack dogs do not belong in jails
There have been many allegations that inmates in Virginia jails have been attacked by guard dogs, even when the inmates are lying prone on the ground — clearly not a threat. A Washington Post article dated March 6th, "Virginia is using dogs to 'terrify and attack' prisoners, say lawsuits that describe one man as mauled … Continue reading Attack dogs do not belong in jails
D: A Tale of Two Worlds
D (A Tale of Two Worlds) by Michael Faber Author Michael Faber's "D (A Tale of Two Worlds") is a fascinating, fantastical fever-dream of a novel. References and homages to other literary pieces, films, political figures and events, and philosophical observations abound. But every element of this marvelous work merges into an imaginatively constructed plot … Continue reading D: A Tale of Two Worlds