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Wintergirls, Abigail Packard
Wintergirls, Abigail Packard
Children's Book and Media Review
Even after agreeing to work on her recovery and moving in with her dad, Lia is still struggling to eat regularly. She counts every calorie and avoids eating too much so that she can be thin, thin, thin. But when she learns that her childhood best friend, Cassie, is found dead and alone in a motel room, Lia’s struggle with eating intensifies and she begins seeing visions of Cassie’s ghost. Lia’s life unravels more and more as she resists eating. She become estranged from her dad, stepmom, and stepsister. Her relationship with her mother, which has never been strong, deteriorates …
Our Car, Leah Christopher
Our Car, Leah Christopher
Children's Book and Media Review
What is your car like? A son riding along in the car with his father describes all the things their family’s car can do and the adventures they have in each season. In rainy weather, the car’s hood goes up; in summer, the car tows their trailer. It also takes work to care for the car; they need to wash it and get it repaired. The boy dreams of the day he can drive on his own—but for now, his mom tells him not to park on the rug.
Elmer's Walk, Leah Christopher
Elmer's Walk, Leah Christopher
Children's Book and Media Review
While life swarms on around him, Elmer the elephant enjoys the beauty and peace of nature. A beautiful spider web doesn’t entice the monkeys to pause, but Elmer observes it thoughtfully. Elmer points out an interesting log to the crocodiles—but they keep on moving. He invites the snake to admire the colorful flowers to no avail. Even the lion won’t delay his nap to look at the waterfall. Rush, rush, rush—no one has time to appreciate nature with Elmer. Eventually, Elmer finds and joins his cousin Wilbur in watching the sun setting and stars rising in the night sky. But …
Ella & Monkey At Sea, Samantha Bullock
Ella & Monkey At Sea, Samantha Bullock
Children's Book and Media Review
A new home for Ella, her mother, and her plush toy, Monkey, awaits across the sea. But first they must leave everything they know behind and ride an ocean liner full of unfamiliar people and activities. Ella and Monkey feel very sad at first and don’t even want to play. When a big storm tosses the ship back and forth, the two buddies realize they can chase away their fear by drawing pictures—pictures of the sun, to be exact. As they distribute the artwork to other passengers they have met on the ship, Ella and Monkey cheer up and so …
Spacepop #1: Not Your Average Princesses, Jazmin Gomez
Spacepop #1: Not Your Average Princesses, Jazmin Gomez
Children's Book and Media Review
When the evil Empress Geela kidnaps their parents and takes over their planets, the five princesses of the Pentangle are forced into hiding. Not content to quietly bide their time, Princesses Athena, Rhea, Juno, Luna, and Hera go undercover. They form a band to fight back in their own way and spread a message of hope. As their fan base grows, they team up with The Resistance to carry out missions that weaken Geela’s position. Though they are successful in their first battles, it’s only the beginning of the war, and the princesses prepare to continue the fight for their …
Confessions Of A So-Called Middle Child: Watch Out, Hollywood!, Gabrielle Borg
Confessions Of A So-Called Middle Child: Watch Out, Hollywood!, Gabrielle Borg
Children's Book and Media Review
Charlie C. Cooper is a twelve-year-old ex-bully turned do-gooder who becomes famous overnight after helping her friend Marta. When Chad, her Hollywood agent, calls with an audition for a new TV show, Charlie will do anything to get that spot, including lying to her friend. The only drawback is that the role requires gymnastic skills, which Charlie definitely does not have. Chad wants Marta, an amazing gymnast, to audition too. Charlie trains with Marta and everything works out until her lie is exposed. Charlie works to fix her situation. If Charlie is anything, she’s someone who won’t give up, and …
Make It Yourself! Paper Pop-Up Art, Beverly Jones
Make It Yourself! Paper Pop-Up Art, Beverly Jones
Children's Book and Media Review
Crafty children will love this creative paper art book. There are six pop-up art projects included that will provide hours of fun for young creators. Unique cards and one-of-a-kind pieces of art are featured in this crafter's dream. Though the projects look challenging, the step-by-step instructions make these artistic masterpieces something that elementary-aged children and even their parents and teachers will want to try.
Refugee, Abigail Packard
Refugee, Abigail Packard
Children's Book and Media Review
Josef is a Jew during WWII fleeing to Cuba. Isabel is a young girl from Cuba during the political unrest of the mid-90s escaping to America. And Mahmoud is a young man from present-day Syria, running from the violence and destruction that plagues his home country. Each character undergoes horrific and stressful journeys in order to find hope in a new home. Josef’s family never make it to Cuba, but through a painful sacrifice, Josef’s sister is able to find peace and a home. Despite the grueling journey filled with loss, Isabel’s family finally make it to Florida. And after …
Knock, Knock, Leah Christopher
Knock, Knock, Leah Christopher
Children's Book and Media Review
Bear is snuggling down for a long winter of hibernation. But other forest animals keep pestering him, knocking on the door and scooting inside with food and decorations. After each knock at the door, Bear grows more impatient. How is he ever going to get some sleep? With his den filled to the brim, a frustrated Bear is ready to tell the giddy bunch all to get out. When he sees the cause for the celebration—“Happy Hibernation!”—he realizes his friends are going to miss him, and he will miss them, too. And once spring arrives, Bear is ready to party …
Little Bo In London #4: The Ultimate Adventure Of Bonnie Boadicea, Maryn Wheeler
Little Bo In London #4: The Ultimate Adventure Of Bonnie Boadicea, Maryn Wheeler
Children's Book and Media Review
Little Bo, a small gray Persian cat, and her owner, Billy, are part of a crew aboard the yacht Legend cruising the Mediterranean. Like previous adventures, Little Bo and Billy run into excitement when pirates board the yacht for a ransom. Little Bo’s excellent timing and courageous spirit help Billy save the day. When they are invited to Buckingham Palace to be awarded by the Queen of England, Little Bo finds herself in trouble with the royal dogs. Luckily, she finds her way back to her owner to finally meet the Queen.
Dusk, Maryn Wheeler
Dusk, Maryn Wheeler
Children's Book and Media Review
A boy, his grandfather, and his dog go for a winter walk to the river at dusk. As the sun goes down, they head back to the city and notice all types of people scurrying about for their holiday shopping. Soon the city lights come on, one by one, highlighting the holiday festivities for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. The city lights are as bright and cheerful as day.
I Am Actually A Penguin, Taran Burnett
I Am Actually A Penguin, Taran Burnett
Children's Book and Media Review
Imagine living in the snowy world of Antarctica and eating fish for every meal. That is exactly what a little girl does when she receives a stylish penguin costume from her uncle. She loves the costume so much that she feels like she actually becomes a penguin—even when her family tries to convince her otherwise. She hangs out in the fridge and tries to create snow in her house. All the while, her family persistently reminds her that she is not a penguin. When Monday rolls around she is persuaded that her exciting costume needs to be washed. She is …
Chinese Handcuffs, Abigail Packard
Chinese Handcuffs, Abigail Packard
Children's Book and Media Review
Dillon’s life is shattered after his older brother, Preston, commits suicide. The worse part is that Dillon witnessed the whole thing. Torn up from this horrific tragedy, Dillon tries to find solace in preparing for an ironman and working with the girls’ basketball team. Dillon meets Jennifer, a basketball star with her own set of horrific secrets. Jennifer has been sexually abused by her father and step-father for years. Try as she might, she just can’t escape. As Dillon learns more about Jennifer and her plight, he develops a plan. Together, Jennifer and Dillon work to overcome the horrors they …
The Art Of Starving, Abigail Packard
The Art Of Starving, Abigail Packard
Children's Book and Media Review
Matt’s mother is struggling to keep her low-paying job at the slaughterhouse, and Matt’s older sister Maya has run away from home. To compound these issues, Matt suspects Tariq (a boy Matt both hates and loves) may have been involved in Maya’s disappearance. Life for Matt changes when he discovers the superhuman abilities he develops when his body is deprived of food. Matt wants to use his powers to help find his sister and punish whoever has hurt her. As Matt tries to discover what has made his sister leave, he becomes entangled in a tempestuous relationship with Tariq and …
The Absolutely True Diary Of A Part-Time Indian, Abigail Packard
The Absolutely True Diary Of A Part-Time Indian, Abigail Packard
Children's Book and Media Review
Arnold Spirit, Junior, has only known the Indian reservation that his family has lived on for generations. The kids tease him relentlessly for the birth defects that make his head too big, his eyes lopsided, and his speech stuttered. But Junior has always believed "Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.” That is, until Junior decides to enroll in the local all-white high school twenty-two miles away. Now Junior has to face ridicule on both fronts, from the students at his new school and the kids he’s left behind at the reservation. But Junior learns to triumph …
Looking For Alaska, Abigail Packard
Looking For Alaska, Abigail Packard
Children's Book and Media Review
Miles “Pudge” Halter enrolls at Culver Creek Boarding School after going through the motions for year after year. It’s here that he meets the Colonel, Takumi, Lara, and Alaska. Despite working hard to get good grades, the group throws themselves into smoking, drinking, and pulling off epic pranks. But as the group grows closer, secrets come out. After a night filled with too much alcohol, Alaska and Miles finally seem to be getting somewhere, but all that comes to a halt when Alaska drives off, drunk, and is killed in a car accident. Miles and his friends can’t seem to …
Not Even Bones, Karen Abbott
Not Even Bones, Karen Abbott
Children's Book and Media Review
Nita is seventeen and has been dissecting cadavers for as long as she can remember. Her parents capture and sell body parts of human mutations on the internet to the highest bidder. Usually the bids are in the millions. The book’s title comes from the fact that nothing is wasted, not even bones. Nita is abducted and finds herself on the other side of the scalpel. Left to her own devices, she fights to survive in a world that considers her unnatural.
The Ministry Of Suits #1 The Ministry Of S.U.I.Ts, Sara Esplin
The Ministry Of Suits #1 The Ministry Of S.U.I.Ts, Sara Esplin
Children's Book and Media Review
No abstract provided.
Relish, Emma Patton
Relish, Emma Patton
Children's Book and Media Review
Lucy doesn’t remember things in the traditional way. Instead, her most significant memories are those that are related to food. It is the remembrance of the taste and experience of eating food that allows her to string together moments from her upbringing and explore how she eventually arrived in adulthood. Lucy grew up with food-enthusiast parents and was taught from a young age about high-quality cuisine. Unlike other kids, Lucy ate the fancy foods that her parents ate and was able to participate in the dinner parties with adults who saw food as a way of life. Eventually, Lucy develops …
Missing May, Emma Patton
Missing May, Emma Patton
Children's Book and Media Review
Summer and Uncle Ob are grieving. After Aunt May’s death, they realize May was the heart and soul of their little family. May was the mother figure Summer always needed and had been since Aunt May and Uncle Ob adopted her when she was six years old. Summer is devastated at the loss of Aunt May, but she is also saddened that Uncle Ob seems completely lost without May. Summer wishes that Ob loved her enough that she could be the reason for him to keep on living and trying, but she can see that she is not enough. Luckily, …
Special Reports: Us Immigration Policy, Amanda Bishop
Special Reports: Us Immigration Policy, Amanda Bishop
Children's Book and Media Review
This non-fiction resource examines immigration policy in the United States. The information spans from the nation’s founding to the modern era. Chapters are divided thematically and range from history, to the relationship between immigration and the economy, to the opposing views on immigration in the United States. The information is well organized and includes factual information presented in an unbiased way. Various viewpoints and perspectives, as well as historical events, are recounted and analyzed in a way that allows readers to understand the long-term affects of immigration in the United States. The sources used in the book are foot-noted and …
Ninja!, Ellen Mccarty
Ninja!, Ellen Mccarty
Children's Book and Media Review
Ninja Maxwell opens our eyes to the secret adventure that is all round us. Hidden in the everyday surroundings of a normal household, he finds the tools and shows us the skills necessary to be a ninja. He sneaks through the rooms of his house, tumbles, and is fast on his feet. We follow this young boy as he enters enemy territory of the kitchen on a secret mission: cookies and milk! He must be strong, face danger, and overcome obstacles of dog, mother, little sister, and kitchen counters. When his sister falls and cries, it brings dishonor on this …
Angel In Beijing, Sara Esplin
Fairy's First Day Of School, Ashley Mckenzie
Fairy's First Day Of School, Ashley Mckenzie
Children's Book and Media Review
It is fairy's first day of school, and she needs to know what to expect. When she first arrives, she will be sprinkled with fairy dust and will hang her backpack to keep her wings from being smashed. For lunch, she has a single sprinkle! If she's shy she's encouraged to wave at new friends and join in the fun. After a wonderful day of learning and playing, she returns home to her family to tell them all about it. Each page of this book brings the magical fairy world to life with sweet illustrations filled with delicate wings, whimsical …
The Night Box, Karen Abbott
The Night Box, Karen Abbott
Children's Book and Media Review
Max notices that the day is tired. It has long shadows and is sinking low in the sky. Everything is slowing down and preparing to rest, even Max. After brushing his teeth, he climbs into bed and says good night to his busy mother. But when the door is closed, Max gets out of bed and opens a box that releases the night and absorbs the day! Max makes some lovely observations about the night. How big it is, how playful, how friendly, until at last when he is exhausted, he climbs into bed. Night itself becomes tired and crawls …
American Girl: Like Sisters #1: Emma Moves In, Kristie Hinckley
American Girl: Like Sisters #1: Emma Moves In, Kristie Hinckley
Children's Book and Media Review
Normally, Emma loves every single moment with her twin cousins, Natalia and Zoe. But things change when Emma's mom and Natalia and Zoe's mom decide to fix up their mom's old house and transform it into a bed and breakfast. Emma has a hard time adjusting to living with so many people, attending a new school, and making new friends. Plus, she misses her dad, who had to stay behind and tie up some lose ends. When the twins' friend who doesn't seem to like Emma ends up in their English class group project, they figure out how to make …
Fun Experiments With Light: Periscopes, Kaleidoscopes, And More, Shelby Bunker
Fun Experiments With Light: Periscopes, Kaleidoscopes, And More, Shelby Bunker
Children's Book and Media Review
Fun Experiments with Light by Rob Ives is a great book full of fun activities. With most of the required materials being ones you likely have at home or in a classroom, this book teaches the science of lights with more than ten crafts. This book will teach kids how to make a camera, kaleidoscope, microscope, and more. The book also includes an introduction to the science of light, a glossary, and an index.
The Ethan I Was Before, Jennifer Padgett
The Ethan I Was Before, Jennifer Padgett
Children's Book and Media Review
Thirteen-year-old Ethan and his family live on the East Coast. When Ethan suddenly loses his best friend and confidant, his world blackens with despair. Depression and isolation set in and he becomes unreachable. His parents decide the only reasonable thing to do is move far, far away from the memories of it all. Soon, they find themselves in the hills of the small town in Georgia, Palm Knots, where their mother spent her childhood years. Though it’s far from easy, Ethan is able to gradually put the pieces of his life back together again. He finds friendship, forgiveness, and closure …
The Squirrels' Busy Year: A First Science Storybook, Ariel Woodbury
The Squirrels' Busy Year: A First Science Storybook, Ariel Woodbury
Children's Book and Media Review
Winter is cold. The squirrels cuddle in their nest to stay warm when they aren't out looking for the acorns they've buried. Spring is warm. The squirrels are out looking for food like the yummy maple tree buds and bulbs that they dig up from the ground. Summer is hot. There is thunder and lightning. Fall is cool. Now that there are acorns, the squirrels are busy collecting them to save underground for winter.
Willy And The Cloud, Ariel Woodbury
Willy And The Cloud, Ariel Woodbury
Children's Book and Media Review
Willy decides to go to the park. With only one tiny cloud in the sky, Willy isn't worried, but as Willy walks, the cloud seems to follow him and grow bigger. By the time Willy gets there, the cloud is too troubling to enjoy the park, even though no one else seems to mind. Forced to go home, he closes the curtains to avoid the ever-present cloud. When he opens them again, the cloud is gone—or so he thinks until he goes back outside. Unable to take it any longer, he stands up to the cloud and is able to …