Echo – Pam Muñoz Ryan

Posted on November 9, 2016 by laura

Echo was another favorite for our daughter as she read the nominated books for the Texas Bluebonnet Award. The book is a bit larger than most nominated works (592 pages), but the length did not dissuade her as a reader. She truly could not put this one down. I found her reading it every time she had a chance as well as a number of times she really needed to be doing other things. Echo is beautifully written and provides a considerable degree of depth and complexity for the reader. Using three stand alone historical fiction stories that focus on the need to be brave, the author expertly interweaves them together using the musical ability of the children and a harmonica as a special link. This book lends itself for discussion and would make a great text for a mother/daughter book club.

Hiawatha and the Peacemaker – Robbie Robertson

Posted on November 7, 2016 by laura

Our daughter fell in love with Hiawatha and the Peacemaker. She has now read all twenty of the books nominated for the Texas Bluebonnet Award, and this is her very favorite. The themes of peace and forgiveness define the book, and the illustrations truly enhance the well-written text. This one is a winner!

Girl Talk: 52 Weekly Devotions – Lois Walfrid Johnson

Posted on October 17, 2016 by laura

Girl Talk is a terrific weekly devotional that is targeted to middle school girls. Each section includes a Bible passage and a story and then questions for further thought that are divided up so that each day one has a question or two to think about and answer. There is ample space within the book to use as a place to answer the questions as well as journal. This devotional would be a wonderful gift for a middle school girl.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishing, no other compensation was given. All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

Way Back Wednesday ~ Crenshaw – Katherine Applegate

Posted on October 12, 2016 by laura

Living in Texas with a fourth grader who loves to read, The Texas Bluebonnet Award program is a big deal at our house. Students in grades 3-6 across the state read nominated books and get to vote for the winner. Our daughter is delighting in reading all of the nominated books this year. One of her favorites is Crenshaw which she just recently re-read on her own.

This post was originally published March 30, 2016.

As huge fans of The One and Only Ivan, our family was eager to see what Katherine Applegate would write next. We were not disappointed! Crenshaw is awesome! Just as The One and Only Ivan was a book we opted to partner read with our daughter; Crenshaw was as well. Dealing with serious topics is handled masterfully by Applegate, but with our daughter’s sensitive nature, reading the book together was the right choice for our family.

Homelessness is a challenging topic to read about at any age . To create a book targeted to eight to twelve year-olds that tackles the topic is particularly difficult. The use of an imaginary friend was a powerful tool in making this book age appropriate and highly enjoyable.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate – Jacqueline Kelly

Posted on September 21, 2016 by laura

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is a favorite at our home. It is a beautifully written book that explores a scientific question (Why the yellow grasshoppers in her backyard are bigger than the green ones..) and the development of a close relationship between Calpurnia (Callie) and her grandfather. Our daughter has read and re-read this one. It is simply terrific!

The Secret Destiny of Pixie Piper – Annabelle Fisher

Posted on August 31, 2016 by laura

The Secret Destiny of Pixie Piper is a fun book which features Pixie Piper and her pet goose named Destiny. Being one of Mother Goose’s relatives is no easy task especially when you are a fifth grade girl. This fantasy tale is a highly enjoyable read that features positive lessons about friendship with lots of giggles along the way.

Can I Tell You a Secret – Anna Kang

Posted on August 29, 2016 by laura

Can I Tell You a Secret is a precious book that features a little frog with a big secret – He is scared of the water and cannot swim! This would be a problem for anyone to be sure, but it is a huge problem for a frog. Ultimately, Monty the frog learns that conquering your fears is a lot easier when you have the help of a friend.
Can I Tell You a Secret is a darling book that would make a terrific read-aloud.

Favorite 1st Day of School Book!

Posted on August 22, 2016 by laura

This post is a flash from the past. It was originally published in 2011.

The Kissing Hand is an old favorite to read at the start of the school year. Little Chester Raccoon is hesitant to leave his mother’s side and go to school. She assures him that he will love school once he is busy playing with new toys, new books, and new friends. She also shares a special secret that has been in their family for years – the kissing hand. The kissing hand allows a little love from home to be with Chester at all times and gives him the confidence he needs to tackle his first day of school. Quite simply a heartwarming story that provides true comfort to little ones and perhaps a few Mommies and Daddies too!

Silly Wonderful You – Sherri Duskey Rinker

Posted on August 10, 2016 by laura

Silly Wonderful You lovingly presents all of the changes that come with the arrival of a child in a sweet and loving way. Darling pictures that have a bit of a vintage feel enhance the text. This one would make a lovely baby shower gift.

Miracle in Music City – Natalie Grant

Posted on August 8, 2016 by laura

Today our daughter is providing her first official review to the blog.

Miracle in Music City is part of the Faithgirlz series. It provides a good lesson about the importance of being brave and taking risks. I really enjoyed it. It was an awesome book!