Posts

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reminiscent of the popular Magic Tree House series, I enjoyed the time traveling historical fiction book The Magic Carousel even better. Kept my interest as well, because you never knew which chapter would land you on which year or story, and I could see kids looking up even more about a favorite story (as a side note, I would have liked to know about the historical notes for each chapter/adventure- I did the ebook and didn’t think to flip to the end).

Loved how the storyline was unique and you grew to love the characters and the bond between grandparent and grandchild. The problems he encounters children (and adults) can relate to. Unlike the previously mentioned series that oftentimes seems flat (let’s go to the Middle Ages…. with not much story line), this reads like a novel/story. I can’t wait to see the series continue.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute retelling of Jack in the Beanstalk, but told from the giant or ogre. My favorite part was when the “fear” of the boys “ruins their flavor. I teach elementary school and was pleasantly surprised to see this book (so often, it is 3 Little Bigs, 3 Little Bears, Little Red Riding Hood, etc.). I have mixed feelings about modernizing the tale to include influencing, but I will say, it was a twist I wasn’t expecting.

The ending is very cleverly written as well. The illustrations and text would engage a young audience and still interested elementary school kids.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

The Secrets they Hide (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

The Secrets they Hide: A Commissario Scala Mystery (Book 2) (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome)The Secrets they Hide: A Commissario Scala Mystery (Book 2) by P J Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My second Inspector Scala book, and I enjoyed it. The plot was a little easy to figure out (I read a lot of mysteries) but the book was still very interesting due to the consistent antics of the main character- from the love of his daughter to the love of his sandwiches to his love of work.

The best part of the mystery was the poetry left by the killer that helped the Commissario solve the mystery, as well as his daughter helping catch the culprit. The beautiful setting descriptions and day in the life of a police officer continues in this book of the series. I can’t wait to read another one.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Murder in a Gated CommunityMurder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I personally dislike HOAs, having lived in one that didn’t allow for more eco friendly yards and did nothing when neighbors emptied their pool repeatedly into my yard, so I loved the refreshing take and bickering between the neighbors in this book. Instead of a “whodunnit” mystery, this one revolves more around the culture of the community and trying to come to a consensus on what the community means to the members that live there.

I loved the funny anecdotes the best, from the bickering about the Oxford comma at a board meeting to stealing a neighbor’s dog with good intentions. A fast summer read novella that I would recommend reading.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Vrain

/0 Comments/in /by

Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines (Science Folktales #3)Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the different fonts for words to focus on- like hot, cooled, fly, delicious etc.- made the book look more interesting and fun. I thought it was interesting baby bear is feminine- I guess in my mind, I always pictured baby as a boy.

The physics concepts integrated in the story (titled, flat, dripped, all) provided a nice twist to the story, and would interest even slightly older children as they replicated pitcher pouring or making something level like the table. Even as an adult, I giggled at the fulcrum/seesaw towards the end of the book!

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Planting Hope by Jennifer Raines – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Planting HopePlanting Hope by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Holly’s life changes when she returns to her grandmother’s house to care for her, Holly dwells on a colleague’s murder and her upbringing. She is forced into helping with one of her grandma’s projects (gardening with at-risk kids) and gets more than she bargained for working alongside Kit, whom we find out later had an abusive upbringing, akin to the kids they are working with. You have to read to find out if their friendship blossoms like the garden they are creating, or does Holly storm off when Nana is better?

The interactions between Kit and Holly, Kit and the kids, and Holly and Nana are realistic and make this a worthwhile read.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Hole in the Rock by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Hole in the RockHole in the Rock by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute read, and Lizza was a well-written teenage character- at times self-centered, at times caring, and at times annoying- love how she was written. The plot is succinct and fast paced. I could definitely envision a tourist trap like the Hole in the Rock, complete with the tacky souvenirs.

My favorite part was the passion Lizza shows protecting animals and her love for her brother is evident. The cause and effect of her actions also shows a slight character change. I could see preteen readers really enjoying this novel.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Notebook Mysteries ~ Parisian Intrigue (Notebook Mysteries Book 6) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Parisian IntrigueParisian Intrigue by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having never read any of the series, I was impressed this read as a stand-alone, but intrigued me enough to check out the other notebook books!

I loved when Jules called the Eiffel Tower the “vulgar” iron structure- my family (in a lighthearted manner) calls it similar names (or unfinished!). My favorite quote from the book was “The Case of the Vanishing Lady” and “The Woman Who Knew Too Much,” which summarizes the cases Emma, Jeremy, Tim, and Dora unexpectedly fall upon while visiting the 1889 Paris Exposition. I also enjoyed learning about the exhibits through the fictionalized story, and appreciated the “real” facts at the end of the book.

Be prepared to drool over all the wonderful Parisian food treats as you try to solve the mysteries in this book!

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines (Science Folktales #3)Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the different fonts for words to focus on- like hot, cooled, fly, delicious etc.- made the book look more interesting and fun. I thought it was interesting baby bear is feminine- I guess in my mind, I always pictured baby as a boy.

The physics concepts integrated in the story (titled, flat, dripped, all) provided a nice twist to the story, and would interest even slightly older children as they replicated pitcher pouring or making something level like the table. Even as an adult, I giggled at the fulcrum/seesaw towards the end of the book!

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy TalesWhen Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I couldn’t get into a lot of the stories near the beginning and middle of the anthology, but the last story was AMAZING! I also loved the idea of a fairy tale museum, although some of the tales (and it could be reader error, for I don’t know all fairy tales) I had a struggle finding which fairy tale it was a variation of.

Overall, I enjoyed the at-times lyrical prose as well as the varied lengths of the included stories. I also appreciated how magic was a part of every story, given that was the title.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One of my favorite parts of The Misery House is the story is told through various characters seamlessly, alternating chapters telling their side. I don’t enjoy true horror, but this book hit just the right bone-chilling feeling.

In my mind, the house on the hill was akin to a haunted house and the setting fit the story perfectly. The characters are diverse, from a baseball playing kid to his older sister, whom has a friend in an interesting relationship. Then a new family moves to the same town, and the discussion turns to family and community bonds. A page turner, and I really enjoyed reading to find out what happens to New Haven.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Shalom Israel by Melissa Lavi – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Shalom Israel: A place like no otherShalom Israel: A place like no other by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The cadence and rhyme are spot on throughout the book (easy to read and follow). I really appreciated th glossary/interesting facts at the end- saves Googling some of the concepts of the book.

I enjoyed the graphics- very visual, and the skywriting of “Shalom” with clouds was really neat. I also appreciated the mixed media art (real photographs and clipart). A little long for the youngest crowd, but I think ages 4 and up would enjoy the lyrical narrative and the illustrations.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have read many of Lois’s books, and this one is just as cute with underlining messages. Holding Up has both a giant and monsters, and through the story, teaches the importance of not bullying or name calling, and persevering and being each others’ champions. I liked how the character holding up the sky could be anyone’s dad and not a super hero physique.

A felt the book was a little wordy for the youngest crowds, but ages 4 and up should appreciate the story. The colorful illustrations add to, and not distract, from the story.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Ways to Improve BaileyWays to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved having the list of things her brother has to “improve” Bailey, but didn’t like how they didn’t go in numerical order (just my opinion, felt it was weird). Loved how Bailey is blind to true love and then finds it. Enjoyed the team work aspects of saving Froyo.

Felt parts of the book were stagnant, but overall, i would definitely recommend it and/or read more books by Cori Cooper- felt like Shopaholic or similar (I am not a heavy romance reader) and I appreciated the banter between Bailey and the rest of the characters.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood: Novella One)Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Talks Like Thunder is a strong 3 for me- I felt the beginning (where she is taken to live with her grandfather) and ending were both cut short (wanted to find out more), and the next book of the novella is about different characters, so we probably won’t.

I give it a strong 3 because of her strong character traits are exhibited throughout the book, and the Apache customs are interwoven throughout the story in logical ways instead of being a laundry list or forced upon you. I had to look up if Apache girls/woman could be warriors, and was glad to see this part of the novella rings true. I tend to not read summaries until after I read the book, so was surprised and pleased to see this is based on a true story, and one that needs to be told, and although the target age is YA/high school, felt it was worth reading.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

My Goodbye GirlMy Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first novel by Anna Gomez and it won’t be my last. Fast read, perfect for summer around the college courses I am taking as well as work…. neither Simon nor Tessa got on my nerves the entire book, which usually what happens when I read romance-like books. I enjoyed the little snippets of different countries and cultures they visit together, and felt overall the story flowed well without being overally wordy or too long, just the right length.

My favorite part was when Simon is trying to figure out technology to stay connected with Tessa- very funny lines throughout that part of the story! Looking forward to reading her other two novels.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The title fits this book to a T. Two girls that couldn’t be more different (Kenyan Neyah and Abby from the States) share a common dream. Parental warning- children deaths of malnutrition, cancer, and cholera are mentioned as well as physical and mental brutality. Yet, that is reality of kids around the world, and author Bleckwehl captures the eagerness of the teenagers to do something to help others.

I appreciated the closure of the book (you aren’t left hanging) as well as the banter between Neyah and her teacher, as well as Neyah and her father. Neyah’s relationships with her pen pal, family members, school peers, and people she meets at the watering hole are well developed and three dimensional, and I couldn’t wait to read what happened next.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

The Master of DemiseThe Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my second book by Nadija, and this book is just as breathtaking and suspenseful as Ten Thousand Shells and Counting. Mitch is a highly unlikeable, egotistical character that you can’t help but hope for a change of character. I disliked him from page one, yet didn’t want the story to end to find out (1) whom murdered the student and (2) did Mitch do it?

Unlike some psychological thrillers, I appreciated the author’s attention to detail and consistent story lines, which made the story more realistic and believable. I read a lot of books, and was grateful the ending/plot was not obvious.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

A Teacher's HeartA Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Classroom teacher here. Really cute and informative (mainly through the fantastic illustrations!) book about how teachers come in all shapes and sizes. Looking forward to a follow up with students and how diverse they are. Also, a great introduction to adjectives a young child may or may not know. I also enjoyed the vary vibrant colors throughout the book, as well as the not-lengthy text to keep youngsters engaged.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Huff... Puff... Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get SmartHuff… Puff… Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I (and the children I shared this book with) loved the different font choices for the pigs’ names and vocabulary or cool words (lurking, overlapped) as well as the traditional story words (huff, puff, etc.).

Science concepts such as mica rock, grinding flour are also introduced. As an adult, I loved the twist ending, and it would be perfect for parents/educators/teachers that are doing compare/contrast between versions of the book- reminds me of The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs, but yet another refreshing ending.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909Huff… Puff… Grind!, Science Folktales, Lois Wickstrom, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Kids, Family

 

The Boys of Alpha Block by Nancy Nau Sullivan – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

The Boys of Alpha BlockThe Boys of Alpha Block by Nancy Nau Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book reminded me of Freedom Writer’s Diary, yet author Nancy Sullivan dives deeper in to each boy’s (inmates) backgrounds and stories of why they landed in the detention center/prison. The writing was powerful and very moving, and realistic, edge-of-your-set type of writing.

Not these easiest subject matter (especially the preface), yet enjoyable novel, and makes you think (at least it made me think, being an educator) how society fails these teenagers (among countless others) and what the “best” way is to rehabilitate them to lead “normal” lives.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Seen by Lori Nelson – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

SeenSeen by Lori Nelson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I normally don’t read dystopian novels, but the cover drew me in and I wasn’t disappointed. Some of the story is a little dark, given the genre, and I felt the beginning was a little disjointed until I figured out the separate yet intertwined story lines of Mouse, her brother Meph, and their friend.

Having the brother having to choose between different family members was a clever plot twist (and I am not giving it away because it is in the blurb), and Lori Nelson does a fantastic job capturing Meth’s feelings and struggles. This was my first Lori Nelson book and I look forward to see what kinds of atmosphere or worlds she has in her other books, because this one book had a well written plot.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois J Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have read several books by Lois Wickstrom, and all of them tell a message or solve a problem but through a narrative or story instead of being preachy. I can see kids making up their own imaginary friends, or even turning this into a STEAM experience and have them make a messy helper to remind them to clean their spaces.

I appreciate how the illustrator always depicts kids with different skin colors, disabilities, etc. as well as the central messages of the story line. Some picture books tend to be too wordy for young kids, but this one does not- I could see young kids really enjoying it!

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Editor Kill Fee (The Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries Book 3) by GG Collins – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Editor Kill Fee (Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries #3)Editor Kill Fee by G.G. Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought the cover was adorable, and was pleasantly surprised I liked the story, because I rarely choose a book by its cover. One of the things I appreciated the most was the Santa Fe/New Mexico feel, I “travel” through books because I can’t afford actual, and GG Collins doesn’t disappoint with her description of the buildings, food, and overall culture of the Southwest.

I thought the book was a little predictable, but given the genre of cozy mystery, in my opinion, that is expected, and the dialogue and characters make it a worthwhile read. I look forward to reading the first two books in the series, although this one read very nicely as a stand alone novel.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Tally and the Angel: Book Three, Japan by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Japan (Tally and the Angel #3)Japan by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Eleanor Dixon continues Tally’s adventures in Japan for book 3. I thought this one was more scary and tense than the first two, especially if you have younger kids. I thought the cultural references and traditions were very well laid out in this book, even though I am adult, I learned some Japanese vocabulary as well as history of taiko drumming.

I thought the best characterizations is when Jophiel takes a break from Tally (I won’t tell you why!) and the pain/angst Tally goes through not having her new friend literally by her side. As with the first two books, I enjoyed how the story of the spirit/being at the beginning of the chapter interweaves with what is happening with Tally and her friends in modern day times.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

The Wandering Isles: A Crown of Stones Novella (Soulbound Journeys Book 1) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

The Wandering Isles (The Crown of Stones)The Wandering Isles by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked this better than the trilogy- thought the plot, writing and sequence of events was more succinct and less wordy and drawn out. I appreciated how the story picks up right after Magic-Borne, and throughout this novella, we learn more about Ian and Jarryd’s previous experiences as well as their down-again and up-again friendship.

My favorite part of the book was how the main character of the book doesn’t even exist, being spirits/faes/undetermined entities that inhabit the islands Jarryd and Ian have sailed to. Haven’t read a book before that a non-entity drives the plot along as well as C.L. Schneider does in this book. Overall, I enjoyed this book and makes you think- would you want all your fears taken away?

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Tally and the Angel: Book Two, Canada by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Canada (Tally and the Angel #2)Canada by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Eleanor Dixon continues Tally’s adventures by juxtapositioning her second journey from hot and sticky India to bitterly cold Canada. Tally masters sled dog (mushing), the cold, and missing her friends as she tries to save loved ones from angry gods.

Along the way, the friendships Tally makes in this book are less profound than her two besties in India, but the cast of characters is more unique- from invisible cursed people to a beloved dog. The use of Innuit words as a sparkle of local flavor as well as the vivid descriptions of the cold climate, as well as Eleanor described the hot stickiness of India in book one. In this book, I felt Tally had to become more brave because she encountered more foreign things than in book 1.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Tally and the Angel: Book One India by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

India (Tally and the Angel, #1)India by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book would be perfect for kids that love geography and learn about other countries of the world. I appreciated how the author, Eleanor Dixon, mentions death and grief in a realistic way. The book follows Tally as she solves the mystery of how to save not only her best friends sister, but numerous other children. I love how Eleanor interweaves some historical cultural icons of India throughout the story (feeling less forced than some other series), such as clothing, multiple deities, etc.

You can tell the author has actually visited India, because the descriptions are authentic in feel and a joy to read. Even as an adult, I enjoyed reading about Tally’s adventure and can’t wait to see what problems she solves in Canada (book 2) and Japan (book 3).

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor)What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom

I have read a lot of Lois Wickstrom’s books, and this is one of my least favorites. It is still a good story, but too fantasy in my opinion- I like the more realistic stories where it shows actual reality. The book still follows the scientific method, I just didn’t like the story as much as some others Lois has written.

My favorite part was when Alex used the recorder and had to experiment with her voice speed and volume t make it sound like the plants- I could just hear kids re-enacting this part!

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Helpful HudsonHelpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have taught Kinder-2nd grade students, and know the importance of teaching emotional regulation and self care. This book is perfect, especially for the younger crowd. Kids could relate to Hudson and identify what he did and what his caring family did to make him feel better. It made me, as, an adult, feel better as well after a rough day of work!

The illustrations add to the story, and I appreciated the simple yet poignant message. Well written, not too wordy but gets the story across, and would highly recommend.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909