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Small Fry by Stephenie Wilson Peterson – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Small FrySmall Fry by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Middle school is a huge challenge all by itself but Silas Fitzpatrick has a bigger challenge because of his growth harmony disorder . But Silas maintains a positive attitude and tries to face the adversity bravely . Bullying is a constant threat and Silas is a victim of uncomfortable treatment both from the teachers and students . Silas is an inspiration for each one of us reminding us that we have to improvise constantly and be a little better version of oneself than what we were yesterday. It is a well written book which conveys a beautiful message to stand up against adversities in a positive spirit .

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the story about Elle Sullivan who returns back to her home town trying to put away a traumatic past behind her. She is relieved when her family welcomes her with open arms, but equally nervous to begin her life afresh. When she meets her childhood sweet heart Blake, who has still not gotten over her and is facing issues of his own, she offers to help. Together they try to erase each other’s demons.
However romantic the storyline might seem, this book is not for the faint hearted. The book does have a graphical version of domestic violence and the language is profane.
Once you are aware of the context, the book is an emotional rollercoaster and very inspirational, a story of second chances and healing. After all that’s what we look for is’nt it? A beautiful book.

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Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Future World Changers by Janice Pratt – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-ChangersBrave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers by K.J. Kaschula
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A very fine book touching on few sensitive topics to children, teens and adults alike, Brave Kids is a collection of six short stories which delves deep into emotional aspects behind loss, emotional turbulence and bullying. These are the issues which we adults suffer as well and we do know that emotional balance can only be achieved when we are brave enough to face these issues internally.

Bravery does not mean being a super hero , bravery means not being afraid of the dark, bravery means helping others in their times of need, bravery means treating nature with respect.
This is a very meaningful book and I would recommend my children also to read . Loved every bit of it.

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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Anantha Rusum

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NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of the most meaningful books which I have read in the past few years. This is written in a perspective from a non verbal autistic teen, Emerson, who is labelled to have autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, Intellectual disability and also non verbal.
It demands a compassionate look into her daily life, her routine and the struggle her parents go through to support her and get her fair share of education. Our heart breaks as we read through her journey, how stressed she is when people around her talk as if she does not understand. Her stress and the pressure her parents go through to help her is so realistic.
I have seen Autism in close quarters , and I can relate to each and everything the author conveys through this book. Hats off for asserting the significance of inclusion of neuro-diversified kids in our education system . Molly zenk, take a bow . Keep writing. We are here to support you and stand up for Autism.

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Pulling Together by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Anantha Rusum

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pulling togetherpulling together by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lois Wickstrom usually magic up her sleeve for children and this time around it is a Poncho. Grannie knits a poncho for Lila, and there are three holes in it. Lila thinks it makes no sense but Granny sends her out to play nevertheless. She encounters three kids who need help. Will Lila help? This is a book all about kindness, forgiveness, family and friendship. Do not miss this cute adventure.

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Little Red, the Detective (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale (Science Folktales)Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has a science twist to the fairy tale, Little Red Riding Hood. This is one of the books in the science folk tales series written by Lois Wickstrom. Little Red heads over to the forest to get purple cone flowers which her grandmother has asked her to bring for tea. She cannot find the flowers anywhere and suspiciously a friendly wolf comes with up with the exact flowers she was looking for. Red does not trust him, but he gains speed ahead of her and reaches the grandma’s place before her. When Red comes to see the grandma, she had disappeared. Red uses her sleuth skills to uncover the mystery.
I usually like Lois Wickstrom’s imagination to introduce science to the kids through different concepts.
This twist in the fairy tale is not one of my favorites, but I can see the point the author is trying to convey to the children.

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Noah’s Not So Super Summer (A Super Series–Book 1) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Noah's Not So Super SummerNoah’s Not So Super Summer by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was like X-Men revisited. Evil mastermind, mutants, bullies, paranormal, sci-fi elements, everything a teen adventure ought to have. Teenager Noah had plans for summer, he had his hopes on a summer program which will shape his future. But all the plans crash when the city is over run with mutants, who are on the path of destruction. To stop these monsters, Noah has to get to the bottom of the mystery and find out the larger hand at play which is causing the destruction.
The book is very engaging from beginning to end, the storylines are well thought of and the characters well rounded. I enjoyed this book thoroughly.

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Falling for You (Buckeye Falls Book 2) by Libby Kay – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Falling for You (Buckeye Falls, #2)Falling for You by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Falling for you is book 2 of the series. I had read book 1 and had loved the characters.
It is small town romance, with friends and food, definitely a winner.
CeCe is a business woman and has a rule not to date coworkers. Evan, works with CeCe, and has fallen for her. CeCe decides to give him a chance and keep it easy between both of them. When an opportunity comes as a food competition, Evan wants to enter, but CeCe is holding back a secret. Will this secret create a tension between them or will they navigate successfully in the path of love?
This is a very nice series and I cannot wait for book 3. Highly recommend for a light read.

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How To Write A Historical Novel And Love It by TL Clark – Review by Anantha Rusum

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How To Write A Historical Novel And Love ItHow To Write A Historical Novel And Love It by T.L. Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I picked up this book, as I do have a penchant for writing and I was really inspired and impressed with this book. The author has put in a lot of hard work to list out a check list based on her own years of experience.
The points she details out to consider when writing the historic novel, like, when, what happened during the period, could be a change of power or natural calamities and research on what would be appealing to the audience at that point of time. The book also details out the process of writing a novel, pointers from the conception to research, writing, editing, publishing and a lot more.
This book contains a plethora of valuable information and I think I will place an order for a printed copy very soon.

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Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Anantha Rusum

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saving the gingerbread housesaving the gingerbread house by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a very nice twist to the original fairy tale. I picked this book because my son’s friends did a retelling of the fairy tale in a competition, where the witch becomes a vegan. It was a delight to read this book, where the kids reach the witch’s house and realize that she is wanting to win the most beautiful house award in a competition but because of animals and kids nibbling pieces of the house, she is in trouble. She then puts the kids to work.

I have read many books from Lois Wickstrom and it is always a delight to read them and cherish them.

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A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by Anantha Rusum

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A Dress To Remember: A Fairy TaleA Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Princess Zarina wants a dress to remember for her Royal Advancement Ceremony. She works with a special dressmaker to get a magical dress. The dress is magical indeed, but not the way she wants. Princess Zarina thinks a lot about herself and does not care much for people around her. When the kingdom is attacked, she must spring to action and save herself and the kingdom. Can she make some choices for others for a change? Will the magical dress help her?
The story is delightful and as it progresses, the complex character of the main protagonist emerges. Many middle school students can relate to this character.
I really enjoyed reading this book.

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What I Wish I’d Known: For Writers by H.D. Thomson – Review by Anantha Rusum

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What I Wish I'd Known: For Writers: 100 Authors Reveal What They Wish They'd Told Their Younger SelvesWhat I Wish I’d Known: For Writers: 100 Authors Reveal What They Wish They’d Told Their Younger Selves by H. D. Thomson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am currently on a writer’s block right now and I took up this book for personal reasons. It is a very inspiring book, with so many tips and advices from over a 100 authors, it is a very motivating read.
It also changes our perspective towards things and how we approach life. It is always good to get a piece of advice from people who have been through the same journey which one wants to step into.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

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True Colors (Landry’s True Colors Series Book One) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Anantha Rusum

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True Colors (Landry's True Colors #1)True Colors by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book took me back to my teen days. The urge to fit in, urge to stand out. Landry is an 8th grader who wants to do something amazing but feels her life is normal. She has two good friends, nice parents and is doing very well at school. She enters a modelling competition, gets selected, her friends don’t, and now she has to face different challenges . She tries to fit in with the new bunch of people, but fails to do so. She becomes an object of envy and jealousy, which leaves her confused and alone. This issue is not typical just to teenagers, success drives people to face many challenges. But the teenager issues, dealing with growing hormones, the emotions are very nicely captured in this book. I really enjoyed reading it.

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A Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker – Review by Anantha Rusum

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A Dowry of Snails and MudA Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I started reading this book , I was expecting romance and a fairy tale ending, but humor is something which got me by surprise. 16 year old Rhia is to be married off to the youngest son of the king as her father , the Mayor has trouble managing the territory. The king threatens to wipe off the territory and an alliance is the only thing which can save him from the doom.
Rhia and the King’s youngest son Emerys have nothing in common. Rhia likes to get her hands dirty in everything , she is a hard worker with a tough mind where as Emerys is very polished and soft. Will just a “I do” save their marriage? Will they be able to save the land from the King’s clutches?
This summarizes the plot of the book. I loved the way it is written, there are a lot of funny expressions, which I really enjoyed. It is a royalty “rom-com”. Sit down, have a drink and enjoy the book.

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Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Byrd Nash – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #2)Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have loved Byrd Nash. I make sure I follow her books. This story has a strong female central lead, it is always enjoyable when an author projects a strong female lead in 1800s with eccentric qualities. Elinor has a penchant towards ghost talking. She befriends another eccentric woman , who is a doctor. In the winter feast. There is an attempt to murder the king. There is a duke who is equally interested in solving this mystery. The forbidden romance brews between Elinor and the Duke. Social restrictions follow.
What not to like about it, nothing . Overall a very enjoyable read.

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Things are Shaking (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Things are ShakingThings are Shaking by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Things Are Shaking is the second book in the Invisible Magic Wand series by Lois Wickstrom. Caspian is back with his magic wand and his adventures.
Caspian shows his cousin Belinda, the invisible magic wand gifted to him by his grandpa. She wants one too. Grandpa had one spare to give her right on time. An Earthquake hits and it is up to Caspian, Belinda and Grandpa to use their magic wands . Caspian shows how he can control time using the wand. Can Belinda and Caspian control time, and save themselves and others from the Earthquake?

The picture book is filled with bright illustrations and the children will love the story line. I look forward to reading more books from this author.

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Falling Home (Buckeye Falls Book 1) by Libby Kay – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Falling HomeFalling Home by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a story about second chances , a cozy Christmas romance . Ginny returns to her hometown to take care of her father and has no intentions to make up with her ex husband Max . Max on the other hand is still in love with Ginny and doesn’t want to let go of the second chance which presented itself before him . All is well when it ends well , cozy sweeting , charming lead pair , a very sweet romance and a good holiday read .

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a book which I really enjoyed and connected to, not because I am Pagan, in fact it had nothing to do with Pagan. This book is full of simple beliefs and practices, which makes our life a lot more enjoyable to live in. Simple things like being happy , slowing down, living in the moment, is the need of the hour right now. There are many authors who are trying to bring this point to light in many innovative ways. The central message of this book is amazing and I am in sync with it. We need to work towards peace and tranquility in our every day life and this book drives home the point really well.

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Knight In The Museum (Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series Book 5) by Alice Bienia – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Knight In The Museum ( Jorja Knight Mystery -Book 5)Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I got drawn to this book mainly because of the title . I love the Night in the museum movies and I was intrigued by what this book could offer. So, despite this being fifth in the series, I still picked it up to see what it is all about. This book falls under the cozy mystery genre. Jojra Knight, a private investigator is contacted by an old friend about a murder. He suspects that his friend Howard is killed whereas everyone decrees it as a suicide. As Jojra begins to talk to Howard’s daughter and digs deep into Howards life, she begins to unravel something else, a cursed item and some real twists and turns. I love cozy mysteries and I really enjoyed this book. Would love to read more from the author.

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Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Amaleigha Loves a Good StoryAmaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my second book in the Amaleigha series and I love reading her stories. Amaleigha is a little girl, but shows a lot of conviction and care towards the community. She comes up with novel ideas, asks for help, spreads the word and makes sure that the plan is set in motion.
In this book , Amaleigha notices that the school library does not offer much to read for people who speak a different language. She herself loves to read and understands the importance of reading . So she sets up a plan so that students who speak different language would have more books to read.
She spreads the word and people come forward to help and raise money. Very soon, the community opens up a bilingual free library.
A very short meaningful story, I love the underlying message and the attitude towards serving the community.

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If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Anantha Rusum

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If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a beautifully written and illustrated story. It is a story of a mother’s wish for her child, passing the wishing wand from one mother to another – all the messages are just the same, a wand to vanquish all the struggles of a child’s life.
It is a beautiful story, primarily written for the children to understand the struggle and the love of the parents. But the book adds a lot of meaning to an adult, or a mother or father who want the best for their kids. The language is poetic and lyrical. It was a very soothing, heart touching book.

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Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Amaleigha and the Big IdeaAmaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Small eyes, big dreams. Amaleigha is a five year old who has big ideas. She loves spending time in nature. She runs barefoot in the woods, spends a lot of time gazing at the sky. She suddenly has this idea of sharing her experience with someone. She brings up the idea before her parents who whole heartedly support her. Her friends and family join in and together they make a big difference in the community! A cute story to remind children that you can start making a difference to this world at any age. The illustrations were very nice and the plot was neat. I loved the concept.

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Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Pardon Me, PleasePardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is so timely for thanks giving. Albert is a Turkey at a Turkey farm and a family comes to purchase Turkey for Thanks giving. Albert knows from the television that the president has just pardoned a Turkey and wishes that this family pardons him too. He tries to be kind and flaunts his feathers. Then the family come together to vote for a very important consensus , to pardon the turkey or not. This is a very timely book, and I really enjoyed it. The illustrations are bright, vivid and colorful and the message is nicely passed. Hope there are more such books which promote animal love.

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A Christmas to Remember by 5 Prince Publishing – Review by Anantha Rusum

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A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince PublishingA Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great way to start the holiday season, this book puts you in a festive mood. The book has seven different stories from different authors, each with a unique writing style. Each story has Christmas and romance, so it was quite delightful to read these short stories. It was a very breezy read and I enjoyed all the stories equally.

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Better Gnomes & Gardens (Mysty Haven Mystery Book 1) by Casey Cardel – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Better Gnomes & Gardens (Mysty Haven Mystery)Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Better Gnomes & Gardens is a delightful cozy mystery , with certain paranormal elements. The setting is a mystical town, Mysty Haven, where everything is not neccesarily normal Bob, who had an abrupt ending to his journalism ambitions is entrusted to finding a missing gnome. But Bob’s pursuit leads him to something more sinister and he is entangled in the mystery. How he uncovers the plot and stands up to his beliefs forms the rest of the story. The main thing which I loved about this book is the humor and the cozy setting. It is a good mystery novel for someone who likes sleuthing.

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Mis-Spelled (The Stellaluna Chronicles Book 1) by TH Leatherman – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Mis-Spelled: Book One of the Stellaluna ChroniclesMis-Spelled: Book One of the Stellaluna Chronicles by T.H. Leatherman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mis-Spelled is the first book in the Stellaluna Chronicles by T.H. Leatherman.It is YA fantasy, has all the necessary elements – fairy land,wizards, goblins, elves anything which can make it magical. There is a quest, obstacles to face, and a little bit of self realization. Cannot go wrong.Look forward for more from this author.

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Just One More Egg (Science Folktales Book 6) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Just One More EggJust One More Egg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful short read filled with beautiful illustrations. It is symbolic of accepting differences and be inclusive in one’s outlook of life. The author tries to impart this knowledge through a tiny bird, Mama Warbler , who is sitting on a clutch of eggs waiting for them to hatch. She is eagerly awaiting her babies. But then a cuckoo pushes her out of her nest and lays an egg of it’s own. The cuckoo’s egg is large but Mama Warbler accepts the egg as one of her own. When all the eggs the cuckoo chick hatches, it is large, noisy and hungry, and despite the neighbor’s complaints, Mama warbler does’nt mind it at all. But Mama warbler still continue to love the chick after one of her own eggs hatch ? That is the crux of the story. I totally loved the and going to give it to my boys to read !

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Moby Plays the Flute by Eeha Bhatt – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Moby Plays the FluteMoby Plays the Flute by Eeha Bhatt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A wonderful, heartwarming tale of a father and daughter who learn that with patience and perseverance, one can go a long long way. The story revolves around a little girl Moby , who is very sensitive and is intimidated by people’s opinions. Her father encourages her every step, but fate has different plans for him and he is called away for the duty in the marines. Moby is disheartened as her dad will not be back for her birthday. He gives her a bamboo flute as a birthday present before he leaves. . Moby struggles to to play the flute but to no avail. She is easily discouraged and speaks to her father who once again encourages her to play the flute. She perseveres and with practice and patience, she begins to see that she can indeed do wonders. This is a beautiful story with wonderful illustrations. I loved reading this book and would definitely give it to my boys to read.

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Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer's EggsDinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I got these two books because my 10 year old is a dino nerd. He reads all kinds of dinosaur books . These books have two simple stories, both revolving around an Ankylosaurus and a T-Rex. In the first story, the Ankylo, Spike wants to give a present to a Volcano which is dormant and would’nt erupt. He builds a necklace out of rocks around the Volcano, and when the volcano indeed erupts , it is the necklace which stops the lava from overflowing to the ground.

In the second story, the two dinosaurs have to escape the wild fire. When the T-Rex , Conifer is finding it hard to take three eggs in her two hands, Spike accidentally knocks down a tree by impatiently swinging his tail. The two dinosaurs escape the forest into the river on the tree.

What is not to like about these books, nothing. This book is meant for kids, and me and my son had a blast reading these books. Looking forward to more on dinosaur series from this author.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Emma (Notebook Mysteries, #1)Emma by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This series is quite interesting to me, as I read 2nd,3rd and 4th books in sequence before and finally came to read the first one. So I have seen Emma at her helm as a matured woman who is quite independent and solves mystery cases, and now come back to read where it all began.
So it was good to see Emma, who along with her sister were bored in the bakery. Emma, training under special tutors and finally Emma taking on dangers head on.
I really enjoyed “the becoming” very much. This book was more like a prequel to me, and the foundation is set very right for the series which it would be in the next three books.

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