Posts

Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the BeansFee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought it was interesting the author changed Jack to Jacqueline (side note- I appreciated this, my late grandmother’s name!). So many fairy tales have young boys, so it was refreshing.

I loved Jacqueline’s smarts- for example, arguing with the old man giving her the beans that all plants touch the sky. (Allows for a science discussion or wondering!).

The vocabulary chosen might expand a child’s mind, like how the vines were intertwined. Overall, a comical and entertaining re-do of Jack (loved the part of Jacqueline washing off sweat in the dog’s water dish)!

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Euphoric Wonderland by Ryan M. Becker – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the MindEuphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I stepped out of my normal comfort zone to try my hand at beat poetry. I found I liked it better if I tried to “read” it aloud like I was at a poetry slam.

I loved the graphic art/design of the book- made it feel as if the pages were playing music as you read the poems. I honestly didn’t understand most of the poems, yet I could tell they were powerful. I also enjoyed the narratives sprinkled about the book about the authors’ clear love of the Beatles.

My favorite poems were “You Say You’re King,” because I understood some of the metaphors and connections to Shakespeare, an area I have read. I think I would have enjoyed this volume more if I could connect more with the Beatles songs and find the correct pentameter the author was thinking. In the referenced poem, I loved the line “you think you’re modern William S., more like Hamlet and a mess.” The second poem I really resonated with was “Spelling Check You Break My Neck,” because it was a satirical look at editing and had a great beat.

Overall, I am glad I picked it up and tried something new!

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills Book 1) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills #1)The Guardian of Whispers by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved the story line even as an adult, and much in the lines of Percy Jackson, Wings of Fire, Harry Potter; yet less dark so suitable for audiences of all ages. I enjoyed the banter between the two main characters, Frank and Jon, and the connection they have being twins.

The role of minor characters is also important in this book, which I think sends a positive message that not everyone needs to be a lead character/person to make an impact in the world. The mystery aspect of this book was intriguing, and even as an adult I didn’t guess the culprit until he was revealed. I enjoyed learning about the different classes the 10 year olds attend, and the author does a great job “showing” instead of boringly giving a syllabus. Overall, I recommend this read!

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Concert Hall Hit (A Darcy Gaughan Mystery) by J.C. Kenney – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Concert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan MysteryConcert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan Mystery by J.C. Kenney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The author does a great job intertwining little hints about who the murderer is (although I figured it out about half way through, but it was still a good read). I appreciated the generations represented, from high school teenagers to older (musicians) senior citizens, and how they worked together to solve the crimes. My favorite character was the less-than-likeable police officer- she had some great snarky lines throughout the book.

It may be a regional thing, but I disliked some of the slang or colloquial language (deets for details, “oh yesi,” “give me your digits” for phone # requests, the leaker for snitch). I did like mention of lesser known artists that I had to go preview their music, such as Chuck Mangione.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Stars Like Gasoline by Jessika Grewe Glover – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Stars Like GasolineStars Like Gasoline by Jessika Grewe Glover
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first third of the book, in my opinion, I had a hard time differentiating between the stories of the French artist and Japanese artists’ stories. Once I had the story lines straight, I loved how the author intertwines past histories and current relationships to make you keep reading to find out what happens next. I will warn you- there are some tough scenes (physical abuse, kidnapping, etc), but overall, I fell in love with Celia’s story as she navigates a new friendship.

Not usually reading book with ghosts, I liked how I stepped out of my comfort zone and reading a book where a spirit ends up playing a large part of the plot line. I appreciated the French and Spanish phrases being either explained or paraphrased, because they were a nice touch to the story yet I am unfortunately monolinguistic. Overall, the plot moved fast enough, I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

People Safari by Feather Chelle – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

People SafariPeople Safari by Feather Chelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Like the vocabulary- from the idiom “faint of heart” to “homo sapiens” to settlement to cluster to monstrosity, which is refreshing for a book I would target towards preschoolers and younger. The book would be a joy to read to a young audience because it is told through different animal voices.

The story reminded me of Just So Stories, telling who humans stand and have hands. As an adult, I appreciated both the cuteness of the book as well as the funny regurgitated children from the school bus scene.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Cabin Eight (The Millersville Series Book 3) by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Cabin Eight (The Millersville series)Cabin Eight by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed Cabin Eight better than the second book of the trilogy, The Thieves, because not only did it have an escape room feel, the clues and cleverness Miranda must exhibit were spot on. The setting descriptions and the terror she goes through was more profound, similar to the first book (Shore Lodge) of the series (although all three books can be read as stand alone novels).

My favorite part of the book was the internal thoughts Miranda has, her dialogue makes it feel as you are locked in the facility and not her. I felt the ending was a little rushed after the slow build up in the middle of the book. I would have also liked to see more of an epilogue of what Miranda chooses to do in her life after the ordeal she goes through. I also thought the interspersed social media/computer savviness thrown in throughout the book was a clever way to bring up the “why” she finds herself in a not-for-fun escape room. 4.5 stars (because I liked the premise of the first book, a kid turning in a parent in a psych ward, more original).

View all my reviews

 

@bookworm1909

The Thieves by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

The ThievesThe Thieves by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second of the Millersville series, it can be read as a stand alone (it is set in same location but uses different characters).

Loved how the book is told in two different, intertwined stories (Jas who steals money to help her ailing father, and the thieves that “one-up” the original robbers). – The plot twists and turns, alternating narrators almost every chapter, that lead the stories to one concise conclusion. As far as morality, I enjoyed how the author makes you question what (if anything) is worth stealing for. I didn’t enjoy this book as much as Shore Lodge, but it is still a worthwhile read because of the oddities of the characters and situations the author lands Jas in.

a

View all my reviews
@bookworm1909

Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first time I am reading a book by Susan Oram, and it won’t be the last. Who doesn’t love a thriller which pits blood (family) versus friends? I sure don’t!

Read the book to discover how Jackie escapes from the psychiatric ward on an island, and along the way, be amazed at her cleverness of figuring out how to save herself. Remind me a lot of the book Behind Closed Doors, which I also really enjoyed reading. I can’t wait to read the other two books in this series.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

monster for megmonster for meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I appreciated this book had a character whom is blind, something atypical for children’s picture books. I also loved the line “Monsters are so big they bump their heads on the ceiling….” opening up the discussion of what a child’s monster may look like and how everyone’s monsters can be different.

I also appreciated how Lois interweaves the use of other senses in order for the characters to play the “guess what a monster is” conversation or game they are entwined with. The ending is sweet, and overall, the story is fast-paced and engaging for kids of all ages.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Yeti Left Home by Aaron Rosenberg – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Yeti Left HomeYeti Left Home by Aaron Rosenberg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yeti Leaves Home may be written with supernatural characters, but it is a well written, classic, trying to fit into society book that leaves you wanting more. Wonderfully written, superb dialogue between the cast of characters, and a very realistic and believable story line despite the main characters consisting of a yeti, a banshee, and other not of this world characters.

Wylie’s transformation from a loner to friendship blossoms as the novel unfolds is stellar, and in my opinion, the best part of the book. As a side note, the food they consume in the book makes you salivate for good grub. I am definitely going to check out more books from this author!

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Foxy Tails by Natalina Reis – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Foxy TailsFoxy Tails by Natalina Reis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great title- plays on the “tales” versus “tails,” as Hull has 9 tales and this book is steeped in royalty and fairy tale- yes, it is a man-man romance, but at the same time, much more than that- a great story of adventure, hardship, sacrifice and finding the truth about one’s past.

Hull (the fox character) and a healer go on an adventure together to discover why they are the remaining survivors of each of their respected families. Along the way, we see a beautiful new relationship blossom and take hold. I am normally not a romance reader, so I really enjoyed the books balance between sex scenes and the adventure they go on. The third main humanoid character, female, was wonderful, as she provides logic and reasoning when both men are too caught up in love to realize. A solid 4 star read.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Future World Changers by Janice Pratt – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

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: 4 of 5 stars

A great collection of stories designed to teach children lessons about social and personal issues they may be experiencing. I enjoyed the mix between human characters and animal characters (orphaned horses, squirrels, lions) refreshing. My favorite story was “Catch Your Thoughts Before They Ruin Your Day,” because that story even transcended to me as a an adult, yet still connects with kids, about having a positive outlook and growth mindset. Overall, the stories were stories and not just preaching a lesson, which I have seen in other anthologies.

As a side note, I found “Tonight is the Night” story about bedtime fears to not fit in with the age range/topics covered in the rest of the stories- which I could see 6-9 year olds relating to.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

A Spot of Earl Slay (Tea Time Troubles Book 1) by Aubrey Elle – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

A Spot of Earl SlayA Spot of Earl Slay by Aubrey Elle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Naomi and her daughter Ella move to a new small town after a divorce. They stumble upon a dead body in the barn the first day there, and the rest of the book focuses on solving the “whodunnit.” The banter and discussions with their next door neighbors and other townfolk (like the HVAC technician) make this a quick but highly enjoyable read, with the plot moving quickly.

I can’t wait to read the other two books in this series, and love the little quirks thrown in (like a teacup collection) and how everything can (or can’t) be solved by a strong cup of tea. Most cozy mysteries I find pointless or dry, but it is not the case for A Spot of Earl Slay.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Teenage War Survival Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Book 1) (Teenage War Survival series)Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book reminds me of Diary of A Young Girl- different war, different circumstances, but the same incredible, amazing, and sad story. Despite living through wartorn Bosnia, Nadija survives teenagehood by experimenting with dancing, boyfriends, school, and family relationships, akin to todays’ modern teenagers.

I enjoyed the book, abet with tissue in hand, because Nadija’s innocent yet scarred voice shines through her memoir. The inclusion of war time recipes was also interesting, and the creativity of the refugees to make do with bare supplies was encouraging.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Small Fry by Stephenie Wilson Peterson – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

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

The author, Stephenie Peterson, has captured the behaviorisms, attitudes, and angst of middle school students. The main character, Silas, struggles with a bully, but due to friendships and his family, turns his life around. This book would be a great conversation starter for anyone with kids entering middle school.

Being an educator myself, I did find some of the teachers’ behaviors to be almost as poor as the worst students they were in charge of, and not the adult role models the student body needed. I enjoyed the inclusion of modern events, such as the pandemic, and aware of disabilities, such as Alzheimer’s, that were seamlessly integrated within the story.

View all my reviews

 

@bookworm1909

White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

White Picket FencesWhite Picket Fences by Susan Meissner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved the story overall…. the beginning and ending are fast-paced and excellently written; the middle drags a little. Loved the characters- I grew to love all of them. For tackling tough subjects (death, marital issues), the story was heart wrenching at times.

I enjoyed the format of the story (current times then flash backs to the incident with Curtis), and felt all the minor characters were needed to keep the story flowing. I would read a sequel to this book if one was written.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

Esprit de CorpseEsprit de Corpse by Ef Deal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was. an interesting read, set in 1800s Paris, but complete with automatons, robots, and other futuristic technologies. One of my favorite aspects of this book is the twin sisters, Jacquie and Angel play off each other well, one being an artist/musician and one loves tinkering with metal in her workshop. It takes both of them, with their unique skill sets, to solve the issue of ending an engineered war.

I appreciated the use of French language peppered through the book, but appreciated the translator built into my Kindle. This added to the atmosphere of feeling like you were in 1800s Paris.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

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.

View all my reviews

 

@bookworm1909

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

/0 Comments/in /by

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!

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

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

/0 Comments/in /by

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.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

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

/0 Comments/in /by

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.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

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

/0 Comments/in /by

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.

View all my reviews

 

@bookworm1909

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

/0 Comments/in /by

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.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Pulling Together by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

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.

View all my reviews

 

@bookworm1909

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

/0 Comments/in /by

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.

View all my reviews

 

@bookworm1909

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

/0 Comments/in /by

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!

 

@bookworm1909

The Romanov Heiress by Jennifer Laam – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

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!

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

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

/0 Comments/in /by

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.

View all my reviews

 

@bookworm1909

Streets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Jennifer Crain

/0 Comments/in /by

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.

View all my reviews