Six Picture Books for Older Kids: Books to Think About
July 30, 2018 July 30, 2018 / Pamela Kramer	/ Leave a comment
Picture books aren't just for babies. There are many thoughtful, informational picture books that are wonderful reads for children of all ages. Here are just a few.
"God Bless America: The Story of an Immigrant Named Irving Berlin" is a very timely nonfiction picture book by Adah Nuchi and illustrated by Rob Polivka. The author is the daughter of immigrants, and this book is chock-full of references to the contributions of immigrants to our country. And the man who wrote such American classics as "God Bless America," "White Christmas," "Blue Skies," and "There's No Business Like Show Business," to mention just a few, was an immigrant. In fact, Izzy Baline, more famously known as Irving Berlin, was a prolific, brilliant songwriter. Yet his family escaped from Russia where Jews were being persecuted, and they came to America with their children, their work ethic, and nothing else. When Berlin's father died, the family was even more in need. So young Berlin went to work, kept writing songs, and eventually sold one, which led to more work. As much as this story is about Irving Berlin, it's also very much a story about the contributions that immigrants make to our great country. Nuchi writes, "And while some people didn't like that the voice of America belonged to an immigrant and a Jew, most people felt that a refugee was just the right person to celebrate the hope America held." Ain't that the truth. (Disney-Hyperion)
Middle Grade Novel 'Strays Like Us' Lovely Story About Child and Dog in Need of Help
July 29, 2018 / Pamela Kramer
"Strays Like Us" by Cecilia Galante is an often heart-wrenching story of a child and a dog, both in need. Fred, short for Winifred, lived with her mother who had an addiction problem. Although her mother managed to keep a job at a drug store, her behavior and financial problems meant Fred's life was never predictable. Her mother constantly told Fred how much she needed Fred, and how she relied on Fred.
'The Final Six' by Alexandra Monir Is a Too-Possibly-True to Miss Reading Dystopian Novel
July 24, 2018 / Pamela Kramer	/ Leave a comment
The world Alexandra Monir creates in "The Final Six" is one that is all too believable. Climate change has caused the sea levels to rise, and tsunamis have devastated coastal cities. Rome is underwater and people live on the top floors of tall buildings. Whole populations in large cities have drowned when tsunamis rushed in to engulf everything.
'Lifel1k3' (Lifelike) by Jay Kristoff is the First Book in a YA Dystopia Series
With "Lifel1k3," author Jay Kristoff takes readers on a wild ride in a bleak (so very bleak!) dystopian future where atomic bombs have destroyed much of the Yousay (USA, get it?) and California has become a barren island because of a huge earthquake. The ocean is filled with plastic and other garbage, and animals and trees are nonexistent.
In fact, robots and humans coexist in a depressing world with gray skies and a desperate struggle for survival. In this world lives Evie, with her grandfather, her best friend Lemon, and her robot best friend Cricket. This family group is wonderful, but Grandpa is dying from cancer, so Evie fights robots in an arena to win money to buy him medicine.
'Jurassic World: The Evolution of Claire' by Tess Sharpe: Perfect for Sci-fi and Adventure Fans
"Jurassic World: The Evolution of Claire" by Tess Sharpe is a prequel to the story of the two most recent "Jurassic World" movies. In this book, seasoned author Sharpe creates the story of how Claire Dearing, who becomes the park's operations manager, first gets involved in the Jurassic world.
Dearing is in college when she applies for an internship with the brilliant Mr. Masrani, who not only is fabulously wealthy, but whose genius is (re)creating dinosaurs and a theme park where people will be able to see dinosaurs. When she is offered the internship, it's her dream come true.
'Not If I Save You First' by Ally Carter Perfect Light Adventure for YA Reader
"Not If I Save You First" is a stand-alone novel by seasoned author Ally Carter. This novel is a quick read, due in large part to the engaging main character and the action-filled plot.
Maddie and Logan were best friends when they were ten. His father was President of the United States; her father was his Secret Service protector. They roamed the halls of the White House together, and one night, it was Logan who spotted the Russians trying to kidnap his mother. He alerted the Secret Service, Maddie's father saved the day, and everything changed.
Now Maddie lives in a remote part of Alaska where she doesn't attend school, watch television, or talk on the phone. She and her dad don't have electricity or running water, but Maddie is a pro at cutting logs and heating water for bathing. She can start a fire, shoot a gun, use a knife, but she can't talk about the latest shows or music. She's also furious that her one friend from the past, Logan, has never answered even one of the weekly letters she has sent him for years.
So when Logan shows up at their cabin, Maddie is dumbstruck. When they are attacked, Maddie is left for dead, but she recovers, and she sets out to rescue the captured Logan on her own. The story is filled with twists and turns, bad guys who are all evil and those who may not be. And on top of it all, Maddie and Logan need to learn to trust each other.
Carter creates a sassy, intelligent main character with lots of guts and courage. She's funny and one step ahead of the bad guys — most of the time. It's a fun read, and readers will keep the pages turning to find out what trouble Maddie and Logan get into next.
Please note: This review is based on the final, hardcover book provided by Scholastic Press, the publisher, for review purposes.
From Robins to Band-aids: Nonfiction Picture Books Perfect for Summer Reading
Just because it's summer and the sun is shining doesn't mean it's time to stop reading. Not with all the fabulous books out there that children will love and that will keep them learning new information. From animals who build shelters to the man who invents a way to make bandages to help his accident-prone wife, here are a bunch of books to make your summer a bit more interesting!
Some Feel-Good Summer Picture Books to Enjoy With a Favorite Toddler
July 8, 2018 / Pamela Kramer	/ Leave a comment
Summer is a great time to keep reading to your young ones, whether it's reading inside in the air conditioning on a 90-degree day or taking refuge from thunderstorms by reading and snuggling. Here are six fabulous picture books that can kick off great discussions with your kids.
'Between You & Me' by Susan Wiggs Explores Love as It Relates to Responsibility and Conflicting Loyalty
July 6, 2018 July 6, 2018 / Pamela Kramer	/ 2 Comments
Susan Wiggs takes what seems like a cliche and uses her writing chops to turn out a novel, "Between You & Me," that is touching, thoughtful and unique. Romance between the Amish and the "English" (as they refer to those of us who are not Amish) is fairly standard fare in romance novels. Wiggs doesn't sugar-coat anything in terms of the main characters and their cultural backgrounds.
Summer Comic Books that Will Keep You (and Your Kids) Learning: 'Action Presidents' Series
Shhh. Don't tell the kids, but when they start reading and laughing out loud at the humor in the "Action Presidents #1: George Washington" and "Action Presidents #2: Abraham Lincoln," they will be learning a bunch of history at the same time. Real history — history presented in a graphic novel format that's humor-filled and easy-to-understand.
'Tempests and Slaughter' by Tamora Pierce; Fabulous First Book in a New Series, 'The Numair Chronicles'
Tamora Pierce's fans are legion. But if you haven't read one of this master of fantasy's many books, this is the perfect time to start and the perfect book to start with: "Tempests and Slaughter." It's the first book in a new series, and it's a prequel to some of the other books about the Tortall universe.
As with all of Pierce's books, the characters feel quite authentic, and each of the three main characters is unique. Each one demonstrates very human weaknesses and strengths. Pierce is fabulous at hinting at events to come through characters' actions and dialogue — just subtle hints at deeper character traits.
'Grump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves' by Liesl Shurtliff
Fans of "Jack: The (Fairly) True Tale of Jack and the Beanstalk," "Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumpelstiltskin," and "Red: The (Fairly) True Tale of Red Riding Hood" will adore the latest fractured fairy tale about "Grump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves" by Liesl Shurtliff.