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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Jennifer Crain

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NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Being an educator, I absolutely fell in love with Emerson and her struggles to fit into a verbal, speaking world; I love trying to put myself in students’s shoes to enhance my practice. Noneducators and educators alike will find her very likable, and the realism in the book between the interactions between Emerson and her parents, parents and the teachers, etc. make the story very realistic and poignant to any reader.

Be warned, however, to have tissues nearby- Emerson tries so hard to adapt and find her place in the world, I got a little teary with her struggles (which I normally don’t with books). The writing is wonderful, I didn’t put it down until I finished the entire book in one sitting. Molly Zenk captures the teenage world perfectly and makes one aware of a very difficult time period for a special girl Emerson.

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How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain

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How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor #2)How to Make a Flying Carpet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed how Alex, the main character in How to Make a Flying Carpet, is an ordinary kid, showing any young person they can be an inventor. Alex also exhibits growth mindset, having to try multiple inventions to succeed in solving problems.

Alex also shows perseverance and grit, which are characteristics I appreciate in children’s literature. An added feature are 2 pages about Earth’s magnetic field and diagrams about the field. You have to read the book to discover what Alex builds instead of a flying carpet!

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price by C. L. Schneider – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Magic-Price (The Crown of Stones, #1)Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first of a trilogy, I was hooked from about 10 pages in. I normally don’t read fantasy, but quickly got drawn into Ian Troy and the pain, suffering, and perseverance he endures. The writing is stellar at feeling his intense emotions as he battles others as well as himself.

I appreciated the book had an ending, because so many trilogies I have read previously do not have each book have a proper ending (just setting up the next book), but this is not the case here.

One thing I didn’t like (again, I don’t read a lot of fantasy) was the amount of dead bodies/gore involved in the book. I did like the plot, and how the author clearly thought out how the characters interact with each other, and no obvious plot flaws or goofs. The crown of stones plot line is also intriguing- can’t wait to find out what happens to it in book #2.

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones Book 2) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones, #2)Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Magic Scars continues where the first book of the trilogy leaves off. The reader discovers more of the history of the crown of stones, and Ian (and his family’s) part in it. Along the way, Ian continues with his struggle of controlling the uncontrollable magic running through is Erudite veins.

Throughout the book, the author continues with the fantastic descriptions of the various settings as the first book, especially of the Langorian prison and refugee camp. The blood, sex and gore, which I didn’t care for in the first book, also continues. However, I am drawn in and interested in what happens to Ian and his colleagues to continue reading the series.

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Borne (The Crown of Stones Book 3) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Magic-Borne (The Crown of Stones, #3)Magic-Borne by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The last of a trilogy, I was continually intrigued to find out what happens to Ian- does he save the realm or does the universe have something else in store for him? No spoilers here, I strongly suggest you read this installment (Magic-Borne) to discover the finale for yourself.

Akin to the other two books in the series, I liked how the author used italicized writing to emphasize the connection or time jump- helped myself as a reader clue in something was different. I also appreciated how the loose ends of each sub plot, some resulting from way back in book 1, were tied up succinctly is this las volume. As I stated in my reviews of the other two books, too much gore/blood/bodies for my personal opinion, but being dark fantasy genre, I understand it sometimes comes with the territory. Overall, I would highly recommend reading the entire trilogy, the middle book drags a bit, but the overarching story is first class.

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Little Red, the Detective (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain

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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: 5 of 5 stars

Beautiful illustrations enhance, rather than distract, from the story. The story length is perfect for little ears, and is different enough to keep kids interested in from the original tale.

As an adult, I enjoyed the slight twists in the tale the author chose (picking flowers, turning her into a detective, and how Little Red gets granny back). As an educator, I liked the inclusion of things like the flower identification guide and fingerprinting identification guide to turn into lessons easily that coincide with the story. I loved the ending as well, and I could see kids writing a tale about the gift she gets next and what adventure Little Red has on her next trip to her grandmothers.

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Pulling Together by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Pulling TogetherPulling Together by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lila assumes her grandma made a mistake when she knitted her a 3-neck poncho. As the day turns blustery cold, Lila learns a lesson of gratitude and friendship as her and her friends stave off a bullyish boy.

This book would be perfect for a discussion of inclusion, taking chances (and elders sometimes know better) and getting along with peers. The colorful illustrations enhance to story as well. Perhaps too wordy for the youngest listeners, would be a delightful read/listen for slightly older preschoolers and kindergarten aged children.

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Insomnia: (A Short Stories Collection) by Kelly Covic – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Insomnia (A Short Stories Collection)Insomnia by Kelly Covic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Be prepared to be fearful of bumps in the night. Covic has written a wonderful collection of spooky short stories which are captivating and leaves it up to you, the reader, to determine what really happened. Disliking stories that tie up all loose ends, I appreciated leaving something to the readers’ imagination.

I enjoyed the wide range of topics- from a magical trunk in an attic to a traditional haunted house, every story was refreshing. My favorite story was “The Attic,” because it keeps you guessing where the main character is going to end up. In all the stories, the dialogue and descriptions of the setting set the eerie tone for the reader. I look forward to reading more from this author.

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The Silent Road by S.N. McKibben – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Normally I don’t read romance, and had some extra time on my hands and picked up The Silent Road. The banter, conversation, and emotions between Jake and Dan what drew me in. I personally didn’t care for the erotic scenes (not my cup of tea), but wanted to keep reading to find out what happens do Dan- if he ends up finding the college money for his daughter and getting his license. Had a soft spot for Dan, for I work with children that have similar reading difficulties such as dyslexia, trying to navigate in a printed world.

The third character in the book was a pet dog, Mimi, which provided comic relief when feelings got too intense. I would love a sequel to figure out what happens to Jake and Dan next!

 

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The Romanov Heiress by Jennifer Laam – Review by Jennifer Crain

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The Romanov HeiressThe Romanov Heiress by Jennifer Laam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an informative historical fiction read about a time period, family, and historical aspects I have read little about. The author, Jennifer Laam, does an excellent job incorporating factual information with a fictionalized story line of Olga and her family.

The tense and secluded atmosphere the book creates provides tension and tells the “other” side of the story- the more human side- as the four sisters (as well as other characters along the way) try to survive after being smuggled out of Russia during the Romanov era. The emotions and feelings of the characters are enhanced by the descriptions of the settings and daily life the girls (and others) must endure. A 4-and-a-half star read for me!

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Dawnbreaker: The House of Blood and Sun by Hadley Thorne – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Dawnbreaker: The House of Blood and SunDawnbreaker: The House of Blood and Sun by Laura Morgan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I normally don’t read vampire romances, but a reading challenge prompted me to broaden my horizons, and I ended up unexpectedly enjoying Dawnbreaker. Chronicling the challenges of Niamh, the author expertly combines a magical world with the real world, and trials and tribulations of standing up to blood family versus a family she loves. Her love and counterpart, released vampire Connor, is likable because of turning his whole live into protecting his true love.

One outstanding feature of the book is Thorne’s ability to succinctly describe even the minor characters in the book, making it feel as you are part of the world Niamh is creating for herself.

My only hope is there is a sequel planned, because I felt the ending was lacking, and very much appears to set up for a sequel. I also enjoyed the author’s inclusion of the music playlist at the end of the book, music being a central theme interwoven throughout the book.

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Streets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Streets of ShadowStreets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Streets of Shadow” is the first book I have read by Rebecca Bischoff, and I will be seeking out her others. My favorite part of this 1600s-setting novel is the descriptions Rebecca writes of the dark alleyways and living conditions of Scotland. Every night I read this novel, I felt like I was transported to the sounds, sights, and social dramas of the time period.

The story itself features around a very likable fifteen year old named Kenna, and the trials and tribulations she endures in order to discover what true family and friends are. Along the way, she grows up in many different aspects and transforms from the high-society girl she thought she was on the outset. Well written, thought out plot makes this book a very enjoyable read, wanting to know what Kenna does next.

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What Loretta’s Katydid Did (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain

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What Loretta's Katydid didWhat Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautiful watercolor illustrations support this cute story about a girl who completes her science fair project.

This book also serves as an introduction to garden pests, food webs, and basic scientific method. Loretta is a believable, realistic character that could easily be a real person. As an educator, I enjoyed how Loretta solves the scientific problem of what is happening to her orange tree.

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A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by Jennifer Crain

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

A retelling of Cinderella that is intriguing with a surprise ending! The author, K.L. Small, does a fantastic job of deviating from the original fairy tale to captivate your interest, while still keeping enough elements of the original fairy tale (magic, bravery, saving people you love) to keep it fresh.

The best part of the book, in my opinion, is the characterization of the main characters. I grew to really like the growth the Cinderella character, Princess Zarina, exhibits as the story unfolds. She is not a stagnant character by any means!

Another aspect of the book I thoroughly enjoyed are the believable twists and turns to get the story from point A to point B. Nothing seemed “forced,” and a truly magical read.

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Chicken Little Investigates (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Chicken Little investigatesChicken Little investigates by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Really a darling retelling of the folk tale “Chicken Little.” Attractive illustrations, great use of onomatopoeia and clever twist to the original story.

Younger children will delight in “what happens next.” At the same time, older children could experiment with the gravity experiments and see, if they were king, what they would call the stuff falling from the sky.

Engaging tale all the way around.

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The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain

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The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand)The Empty Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an adorable story about a kid who receives a magical unbirthday present. The illustrations are engaging and the story line keeps you wondering what trick Caspian is going to try next with his gift.

I enjoyed how much the author left the gifts to the imagination- things that may be possible, but haven’t been invented yet, which stretches mine (and any young reader)’s imagination.

From a social emotional stand point, the book offers readers a chance to discuss delayed gratification and disappointment at an age-appropriate level. The story line is realistic with a touch of magic.

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A Stranger in Disguise (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Jennifer Crain

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A Stranger in Disguise: An Italian Murder Mystery (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome)A Stranger in Disguise: An Italian Murder Mystery by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Even though this is #4 as a series, I read it as a standalone, and now I want to go back and read the first three. The story centers around multiple murdered bodies as an actors’ troupe is set to perform the cursed play, Macbeth.

As Macbeth himself says, “If it were done when ’tis done, then ’t were well
It were done quickly”- I found the book a fast read, yet intriguing. The author, P.J. Mann, does an excellent job dropping enough hints to help you solve the mystery of the murder yourself, without hitting you over the head being obvious. Enough twists and turns to keep it interesting, and if I wasn’t such a well read mystery reader, I might have solved it before Inspector Scala.

I found the banter between Inspector Scala and his colleagues to be refreshing and highly realistic- I thought I was a fellow detective working along side him. The author also characterizes the suspects well- reminds me a lot of Donna Leon’s writing, which is a high compliment. I also enjoyed the inclusion of every day nuisances like traffic refreshing because even the police have similar irks as civilians!

As a side note, while reading this, I assumed the author was male, because PJ Mann illustrates the camaraderie and banter among the male police squad spot on.

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A Stranger in Disguise (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Jennifer Crain

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A Stranger in Disguise: An Italian Murder Mystery (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome)A Stranger in Disguise: An Italian Murder Mystery by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Even though this is #4 as a series, I read it as a standalone, and now I want to go back and read the first three. The story centers around multiple murdered bodies as an actors’ troupe is set to perform the cursed play, Macbeth.

As Macbeth himself says, “If it were done when ’tis done, then ’t were well
It were done quickly”- I found the book a fast read, yet intriguing. The author, P.J. Mann, does an excellent job dropping enough hints to help you solve the mystery of the murder yourself, without hitting you over the head being obvious. Enough twists and turns to keep it interesting, and if I wasn’t such a well read mystery reader, I might have solved it before Inspector Scala.

I found the banter between Inspector Scala and his colleagues to be refreshing and highly realistic- I thought I was a fellow detective working along side him. The author also characterizes the suspects well- reminds me a lot of Donna Leon’s writing, which is a high compliment. I also enjoyed the inclusion of every day nuisances like traffic refreshing because even the police have similar irks as civilians!

As a side note, while reading this, I assumed the author was male, because PJ Mann illustrates the camaraderie and banter among the male police squad spot on.

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