Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jake the growling dog has been a family favorite series in our house and this one was no different. My kids love the pictures more than listening to me read the story but they at least listen through the first time. I love how relatable these stories are.
Spooked by a Suspicion by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rocky takes us on another investigative adventure in Spooked by a Suspicion, by Risa Nyman. In this sequel to Swallowed by a Secret, Rocky, a teen transitioning from middle school to high school, enlists the help of his friend, Olive, to prove his mother’s new fiancé, Ted, is ruining Rocky’s life. After his mother announces plans to marry Ted, Rocky suffers a series of unfortunate events. Those events, combined with Ted’s creepy appearance, convince Rocky that Ted is trying to sabotage him. While building the case against Ted, Rocky learns sometimes people aren’t who they appear to be. I was held captive by this story as Rocky built his case against Ted. Nyman’s writing made me want to keep reading to discover what Ted had in store next for Rocky. Although this book is a sequel, it can be read and enjoyed without needing to read book number one. Even though it is written for middle school students, I found this book enjoyable as an adult.
Spooked by a Suspicion by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoy the way the author crafts her stories. This is definitely written a way to be easily followed by younger readers and as such will draw them in quickly. The story kept a good pace and kept you guessing as to how things would progress. If you have a young adult in your home that enjoys mysteries this book is one i think they would enjoy.
Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was exactly what my kindergarten-age son needed. He has been struggling with fears and worries lately, and this book helps address these things beautifully. I really appreciated the notes at the end of the book for parents, as I was at a bit of a loss at how to help him handle these big feelings. I also appreciated the subtle representation for kids with disabilities – the character Tuck opened up a discussion with my son and allowed him to ask questions without the risk of being insensitive to a real person. We talked about why someone might be missing a limb, that it can happen to anybody, and that they can still play and do everything that he and I can, they just might have to do things a little differently and that’s okay. I thought the pictures were very cute and that the writing did a beautiful job of being descriptive while remaining simple enough that my son could read most of it, as well as being enjoyable and engaging with its easy flow and rhyming scheme. Plus, my son loves animal books, so it was able to keep his interest! We will definitely be looking at the other “Jake the Growling Dog” books after reading this one!
Spooked by a Suspicion by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
SPOOKED BY A SUSPICION by Risa Nyman really hit home for me. Being a girl that had a lot of family changes Ms. Nyman really got all of the details right on the nose. So many emotions in this book that if you have ever felt any of them it will instantly make you feel drawn to the book, and make it that much more realistic. Her characters are well developed, her word building skills are fantastic, and although this is book two it can be read as a stand-alone. However I will be going back to read book one and you should too.
Spooked by a Suspicion by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
SPOOKED BY A SUSPICION by Risa Nyman. This is the second book about Rocky after his dad’s suicide. Going from Middle School to High school is hard enough but add dealing with the death of your dad by suicide and now your Mom is wanting to get married to a guy,Ted,you don’t like or trust. Now Rocky is getting accused of stealing. He feels like his whole world is falling apart. The one bright spot in his life is Olive his girlfriend. Rocky is determined to stop the wedding with Olive’s help. When strange things start to happen Rocky thinks Ted is using evil powers to make them occur. He’s convinced that Ted is only going to ruin his Mom’s life so he wants to get rid of him and expose him for who and what he really is. Will Rocky and Olive be able to figure it out before its too late? This is the 2nd book in the series but it can be read as a standalone.
Spooked by a Suspicion by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Spooked by a Suspicion by Risa Nyman is the second book following Rocky after his father’s suicide. In this installment, Rocky’s mother has decided to remarry a man by the name of Ted. Rocky, however, has other plans. He doesn’t very much like Ted, and he is determined to stop the wedding. With the help of Olive, his girlfriend, Rocky dodges bad luck on his mission to keep his mother from making a huge mistake. Much like the first book, young readers will be engaged by the characters of Rocky and Olive, and all the situations they come up against. I give this book 5 stars because I was, once again, swept away and could not stop reading until I was finished. A highly enjoyable read.
Swallowed by a Secret by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Swallowed by a Secret by Risa Nyman is a wonderful story starring two fantastic characters: Olive and Rocky. When Rocky’s dad dies, he sets out on a mission to discover the truth behind his passing, and we are taken along for the ride. This book touches on subjects that are both interesting and relatable for young readers. I specifically appreciate this book because the subject of suicide is something that needs to be talked more about, especially with young people. Readers of all ages will appreciate and simply devour this book from beginning to end. I couldn’t put it down. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it won’t be the last. 5 stars!
Spooked by a Suspicion by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Spook by a Suspicion by Risa Nyman was a great read that showed kids not to judge a book by its cover. This is the second installment following Rocky and his many life changes. Rocky, Olive, Max and their new friend Madison are now in eight grade getting ready for high school when once again, Rocky is thrown a curve ball; Rocky’s mom has announced she is getting married to Ted. Rocky, and his over active imagination once again starts to create stories in his head. Risa does a great job going through a teenagers thoughts and how they can run amuck when you don’t have the full story. She did a great job showing what consequences making assumptions and quick judgements can have. AftSPOOKED BY A SUSPICION, Risa Nyman, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Kids, Familyer Rocky is thrust into the same position he is putting Ted in, he sees what is going on. Such a great read for young teens and preteens. Once again, Risa Nyman puts together a successful entertaining book with a great lesson.
Spooked by a Suspicion by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This novel by Risa Nyman was a n enjoyable read. Any child facing a parent getting remarried will relate to Rocky’s struggle to accept the new person in his mom’s life. Rocky’s adventures as he tries to stop the marriage were funny. I enjoyed reading Risa Nyman’s novel and look forward to reading more from her.
