tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82701579446606165312024-03-14T04:11:00.920-05:00Live to Read to LiveBooks are not made for furniture, but there is nothing else that so beautifully furnishes a house.
~Henry Ward BeecherJill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.comBlogger465125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-75744302262696201372024-03-02T07:34:00.000-06:002024-03-02T07:34:20.674-06:00The Ghost in the Garden by Alisse Lee Goldenberg<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwcobkwLvps29Uqmfn0M5y2rACd53ZetFcHTTD8Tw5nthTZtcDO678pR06eU05Xq0UMhFrZVc8WnzdNPrIYNfZRJwtCsrA5tFke6CZfckzMqaHAT3zaiUhuQn3FTh4C2aDDYNRhkIZTW3VYUf5_Ka0yx44OiTMLQjErvlPUmDWCQqxe6-kSmXBEowwJpxX" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="218" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwcobkwLvps29Uqmfn0M5y2rACd53ZetFcHTTD8Tw5nthTZtcDO678pR06eU05Xq0UMhFrZVc8WnzdNPrIYNfZRJwtCsrA5tFke6CZfckzMqaHAT3zaiUhuQn3FTh4C2aDDYNRhkIZTW3VYUf5_Ka0yx44OiTMLQjErvlPUmDWCQqxe6-kSmXBEowwJpxX" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sophie Madison, 12 years old, is moving to the small town of Stratford, Ontario. She can't help compare her new small town to all the exciting parts of Calgary that she loved so much. Her guidance counselor father thought a smaller school would be beneficial but Sophie was not convinced. The only silver lining is in the form of a very cool turret bedroom in her new house. The house even comes with a garden and if Sophie's eyes do not deceive her, a resident ghost!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That's not the only "ghost" in her life. Sophie's best friend, Tina, seems to have ghosted her. Thankfully she meets a neighbor boy her age, Fitzroy, who offers to show her around Stratford. He also proves to be a great ally in trying to solve the mystery of some very strange occurrences happening in Sophie's house. Fitz calls on the help of a teacher with an interest in the paranormal and discovers that there may be more than one haunted place in Stratford. Eventually, Sophie comes clean to her parents about the strange nighttime events and they are portrayed in a positive, supportive way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from <u>The Ghost in the Garden</u>. I thought it might be along the lines of an imaginary friend who helps Sophie cope with moving. Tabitha does fit that description but there is a second spirit of a decidedly more sinister nature which added a good bit of scare factor to the story. Given that the story involves a 12-year-old, I would say this is best suited for middle school readers. I think younger readers may find some scenes rather frightening (especially if they have a vivid imagination!). I really liked the interactions between Fitz and Sophie and enjoyed exploring the town through Sophie's eyes. The author had some end notes explaining some things unique to Canada and the inspiration for the story setting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For the reader who enjoys a bit of fright fiction, this story offers good doses of friendship and a strong family to help offset the scary parts. Nothing Sophie will face at her new school could be half as frightening as the summer she survived! Sophie offers readers a great role model of a courageous heroine who learned to face her fears. That's a skill we could all benefit from!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of </i><u>The Ghost in the Garden </u><i>from Reedsy Discovery for the purpose of review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.</i></div><br /><p></p>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-69793531922795753732024-02-09T07:16:00.001-06:002024-02-09T07:16:39.053-06:00Beanstalk by Linda Nosul and Catherine Travers<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0C-2aRkkQ-Xd_32nSK-X9tYz9r6NT2VNCuWqXxkzeNujOWAu8LtF-_-zYbV2ULzD1Djid0cfNJKOhV3KESxU3Klybu4sujP5hGaPzZbpyh-VcDAZmR551iSpO0vpbY1iqfFfLkT0fdp1bloUve8A-7NUsuJNIndjek5IysDioF1-fEy_D-4Jf5RlKjwxv" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="263" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0C-2aRkkQ-Xd_32nSK-X9tYz9r6NT2VNCuWqXxkzeNujOWAu8LtF-_-zYbV2ULzD1Djid0cfNJKOhV3KESxU3Klybu4sujP5hGaPzZbpyh-VcDAZmR551iSpO0vpbY1iqfFfLkT0fdp1bloUve8A-7NUsuJNIndjek5IysDioF1-fEy_D-4Jf5RlKjwxv" width="159" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jackie has been moved to a new community--again. His family has been moving around to accommodate his mother's medical training and residencies. His dog, Ollie, and his love of math and skateboarding have been constants in his ever-changing life. When he meets Pete, he finds they don't have a whole lot in common until after they both get mysteriously sucked down a hole in Jackie's yard. Pete doesn't hesitate to try to help and hops in right after Jackie. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They end up in the underworld (the Kingdom of Ondergrondse). Made up of four provinces: Fairiehaven, Gnomestead, Meadowood, and Ogreville the boys encounter [not surprisingly] fairies, gnomes, and ogres. A prophecy has warned that the princess of Ondergrondse is in danger and must be taken to Upworld (the world humans inhabit). The two boys find it a challenge trying to convince her that she is in danger and why she should trust two "little" boys.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jackie and Pete are faced with physical and mental challenges as they try to rescue the princess who has been kidnapped by an ogre seeking to take control of the underworld by marrying the princess. Readers will be drawn into the suspense and adventure from the first chapter until the final resolution. The conclusion has a hint of ambiguity, which allows for a subsequent book. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Beanstalk offers a perfect mix of adventure, problem-solving, and a heroic quest on the level of a middle school reader. It's a nice length for advanced younger readers or older struggling readers. The length limits the development of the Ondergrondse setting but perhaps a further adventure will flesh out more details later. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few cautions as a parent. There were several misuses of God's name;"oh my god" was used four times (the repetition of that made it stand out more). I was also concerned about a reference to <i>Stranger Things </i>(a program with mature content that I would not recommend for a middle school audience). Another reference was made to <i>Twilight Zone</i> which may not be understood by younger audiences. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Overall, <u>Beanstalk</u> offers some good lessons about teamwork, friendship, courage, and compassion. With the inclusion of several elements of classic fairy tales, the story offers a bridge from childhood books into the greater complexity of middle-grade fantasy. For that reason, I think this book is a worthy stepping stone for a child's literary journey, offering an imaginative tale with a satisfactory conclusion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of </i><u>Beanstalk</u><i> through Reedsy for the purpose of review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.</i></div><p></p>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-24497440720379596542023-12-21T07:44:00.004-06:002023-12-21T07:44:53.336-06:00Puzzleheart by Jenn Reese<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjep4wrJVhDx_IXwPPTxa34i3_gfk7Zu_qYZCL56QcgNE11bH1hxV3Dq7XAEbZmSP8moaVAKy1UF1ITArz7kzqMMe3hjKCrQSTcA8b1RLkCmll7thsgZfV9cSHYrloNDMH9lBLk1FCsHgYXNlg6ItwGw_nAMSw2VkybwpjUDZ_gdocnoAiXKXFu3SlZd6cP/s391/Puzzleheart.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjep4wrJVhDx_IXwPPTxa34i3_gfk7Zu_qYZCL56QcgNE11bH1hxV3Dq7XAEbZmSP8moaVAKy1UF1ITArz7kzqMMe3hjKCrQSTcA8b1RLkCmll7thsgZfV9cSHYrloNDMH9lBLk1FCsHgYXNlg6ItwGw_nAMSw2VkybwpjUDZ_gdocnoAiXKXFu3SlZd6cP/s320/Puzzleheart.png" width="209" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will start with the positives. I loved the cover and parts of the interior shown (cleverly in the shape of a heart--a hint the house is sentient, perhaps?). The winter scene and fantastic house let off vibes of Greenglass House. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Perigree and Perigree's father have fallen on hard times and after many years of no contact, Perigree's father has reached out to his mother. The reunion was not the Hallmark variety. But Perigree's grandmother is not the only one turning a cold shoulder; the house itself seems to have something against the visitors. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The book offers some puzzle-like challenges and readers will follow Perigree's progress along with a new friend made while staying at grandmother's. Through the process of solving the puzzles, the two young people are able to share with each other some of the pain they have both experienced. There are some perilous moments and near-death experiences that may be too intense for younger readers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Note: The main character, Perigree, had the preferred pronoun "they/their/them." Using a plural pronoun in a book is quite distracting because the reader is constantly evaluating whether the reference is in fact plural or just referring to Perigree. I went ahead and finished the book to complete this review. The inclusion of plural pronouns is a deal breaker for me in a book. It not only muddies the clarity of language, but it forces upon the reader what I consider a false reality. I read for pleasure, not to be preached at or manipulated and I would caution parents to consider carefully what their children read. This is not one I can recommend. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of</i> <u>Puzzleheart</u> <i>through NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.</i></div><br /><p></p>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-69651858662707285622023-12-21T07:33:00.002-06:002023-12-21T07:33:43.169-06:00A Ranger's Guide to Glipwood Forest by Andrew Peterson<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vlvrGXYT6h5CoWkNaZ63nS-XtLJiKJwheDmvNrRPRg4P83i5CcCYU6MpPJZBDOCofulrfHBfC6ie4jPZf8IgiGCw4L-Fk98m2OAutHLg2HIwrAIQcsq17DmwEjICGgo40Y7wRLwjY1hUomfQ09rWKl62WAsrwh9xH0qFUiIFwssNECPMob-TDN_pgY7Y/s385/Rangers%20Guide_Glipwood%20Forest.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vlvrGXYT6h5CoWkNaZ63nS-XtLJiKJwheDmvNrRPRg4P83i5CcCYU6MpPJZBDOCofulrfHBfC6ie4jPZf8IgiGCw4L-Fk98m2OAutHLg2HIwrAIQcsq17DmwEjICGgo40Y7wRLwjY1hUomfQ09rWKl62WAsrwh9xH0qFUiIFwssNECPMob-TDN_pgY7Y/s320/Rangers%20Guide_Glipwood%20Forest.png" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The companion guide to The Wingfeather Saga by the same author, readers will be treated to part map, part history, and part travel guide. Fans of the series will eat up every page of this delightful book! </div><div><br /></div>The origin (and adventures) of the Glipwood Official Rangers Guild (GORG) offers fresh insight into the series. With this guide in hand, readers will feel like they are actually traveling through Glipwood. Complete with a beast guide, travelers will be well prepared to face all the dangers they may encounter. Landmarks and how they were named are also covered in this book along with a glossary of suggested gear to be fully prepared. <div><br /></div><div>Love the author's creativity in building the world of the Wingfeather series. With this step-by-step guide through the forest, I hope children will be inspired to explore their own forests with an equal measure of creativity and imagination. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of</i> <u>A Ranger's Guide to Glipwood Forest</u> <i>through NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.</i><br /> <p></p></div>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-22419209196111782842023-11-13T22:23:00.000-06:002023-11-13T22:23:08.397-06:00The Story Orchestra: The Planets <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dX03sUjsy4XqwkA_FWKXAigwqfNvWL9Bmnzqt2NoaQ7bSW_wH9y6yjBdpjH1eNveVOnyF35T8lxzGt9tTCToaQFQ86qgXrCOkrne2hvCtLMSzH0HhHzE1P0Hx6B7zRoO8jjLWjINI54VktQQQYt-A5-dCcFs8Al51aIXG3mr4xOLizHAWXn7836nAphq/s255/Story%20Orchestra.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="255" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dX03sUjsy4XqwkA_FWKXAigwqfNvWL9Bmnzqt2NoaQ7bSW_wH9y6yjBdpjH1eNveVOnyF35T8lxzGt9tTCToaQFQ86qgXrCOkrne2hvCtLMSzH0HhHzE1P0Hx6B7zRoO8jjLWjINI54VktQQQYt-A5-dCcFs8Al51aIXG3mr4xOLizHAWXn7836nAphq/s1600/Story%20Orchestra.png" width="255" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Science and the arts are perfectly combined in <u>The Story Orchestra:The Planets</u> by Jessica Courtney Tickle. Siblings Tim and Helen have a fresh new space-themed bedroom which magically launches them on a space adventure through the universe! Readers will learn about the solar system while also hearing musical samples from the movements of Gustav Holst's "The Planets" orchestral suite. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I loved the bright and eye-catching illustrations. Children will love poring over the details of each page and the various planetary stops. The addition of music offers a multi-sensory experience--what a great way to foster interest in music and astronomy at the same time. Background on Gustav Holst is included at the end of the book and offers a great learning extension of the book. What a fun and engaging book to add to your library! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Disclaimer: I received a free digital edition of</i> <u>The Story Orchestra: The Planets</u> <i>through NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.</i></div><br /> <p></p>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-90902897538152813222023-11-05T22:48:00.004-06:002023-11-08T06:44:11.900-06:00The Tale of the Animals' Christmas in Crouch End by Lance Lee<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcruRX-CG1ezkFlmkZWVNGHIrb0tpLK4lbUuz6gLrm0QI1ie-dEhXmlsX99FPm2eDyvu0Wm7M6dEJd4_KE5nNNwxiLwkG90APSqoezcwg9IMtgrEoVgaF9EJW5zPYcWUDf7X1qBg4-r7jAo_VIy8QM7xHGPoA5lQVbE3J1JeMVrSGEsNovs4-9vll89iP/s453/Tale%20of%20Animals%20Christmas.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcruRX-CG1ezkFlmkZWVNGHIrb0tpLK4lbUuz6gLrm0QI1ie-dEhXmlsX99FPm2eDyvu0Wm7M6dEJd4_KE5nNNwxiLwkG90APSqoezcwg9IMtgrEoVgaF9EJW5zPYcWUDf7X1qBg4-r7jAo_VIy8QM7xHGPoA5lQVbE3J1JeMVrSGEsNovs4-9vll89iP/s320/Tale%20of%20Animals%20Christmas.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Destined to be a Christmas classic, <u>The Tale of the Animals' Christmas in Crouch End</u> will charm the socks off readers young and old--preferably enjoyed jointly as a holiday read-aloud. This book combined so many of my favorite things: talking animals (reminiscent of Wind in the Willows), a British setting, a home project, and a bit of magic sprinkled throughout.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">An unusually wet season has forced Marvin's mole family to reroute their front door. Imagine the mole's surprise when the new door is adjacent to the den of Rufus, the resident fox of the neighborhood and known hunter of small animals. Marvin is wielding tools (handy defense should the fox become unfriendly), and explains that he does home repairs. Very serendipitous because Rufus' home has been utterly ruined with standing water everywhere. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rufus hires Marvin to do repairs and so begins the start of a tentative truce among the animals. Rufus' nephew, Rupert, will be visiting over Christmas and Rufus wants to make the best impression possible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As the home repairs continue, Rufus finds that his hunting has been curtailed which gives him more time to explore the curious traditions that humans follow at this time of year. Lights and decorated trees appear and a festive spirit permeates the neighborhood that seems to cast a spell over even the animals. A feast is proposed and the animals agree to a period of harmony to share the holiday. When problems arise, Rufus calls upon his gift of second sight and seeks the help of Tinya the fairy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So many fun details and heartwarming aspects of this story. It will make a wonderful book to read as a family year after year. With 9 chapters, it makes the perfect run-up to the holiday--creating anticipation to know what will happen next while slowly ushering in the most magical time of year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I appreciated that while Santa was an obvious part of the story, the Christ child was also mentioned. And while the story is not particularly religious, it does offer a touching lesson on what makes Christmas special that anyone can appreciate. Pick up your copy today and be enchanted not only by the story but also the delightful illustrations drawn by the talented Meilo So. This review and others can be found at <a href="https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/the-tale-of-the-animals-christmas-in-crouch-end-a-fable-for-children-and-their-parents-lance-lee#review" target="_blank">Reedsy Discovery</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of</i> <u>The Tale of the Animals' Chrismas in Crouch End</u> <i>from Reedsy Discovery for the purpose of review. The opinions expressed are my own.</i></div><br /> <p></p>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-22613300337388359252023-11-01T07:39:00.001-05:002023-11-01T07:39:22.923-05:00World War II: Fight on the Home Front (History Comics)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfuouUXwFD3cRVLpBHohSGWOvMtEUnY-WECKqQVnsZfqPPjpfOdj3EhGdwhVYPua_2zINd42q8cY6bbmjiZ8oWLLhlDokzV3-W9r2ZFGtEjP0-fbmSRpjF3gw3YjvX3FDX1QVmyPgawjl8BoCOp4basWtj38kTGCLDiv_qxar1Fo8ynD1Ckx99tllh1Fh/s362/History%20Comics.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfuouUXwFD3cRVLpBHohSGWOvMtEUnY-WECKqQVnsZfqPPjpfOdj3EhGdwhVYPua_2zINd42q8cY6bbmjiZ8oWLLhlDokzV3-W9r2ZFGtEjP0-fbmSRpjF3gw3YjvX3FDX1QVmyPgawjl8BoCOp4basWtj38kTGCLDiv_qxar1Fo8ynD1Ckx99tllh1Fh/s320/History%20Comics.png" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was unfamiliar with the History Comics series but I was blown away by the content of <u>World War II: Fight on the Home Front</u>. I have not previously read such a wonderfully thorough explanation of all that Americans did to help fight the war at home. So many everyday heroes were highlighted: women who filled jobs that servicemen had vacated, retired men who helped patrol streets, and even children who salvaged whatever metal scraps they could find. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was awe-inspiring to read about the sacrifices and deprivations that were willingly adhered to in order to provide needed materials for the war. One cannot read this book without being amazed by the ingenuity, creativity, and determination of citizens who formed countless support organizations, turned factories into munition suppliers, and organized book drives to ensure soldiers had things to read. I loved the excerpts from real letters (albeit, some very bittersweet as they were the last words a soldier sent). The unprecedented unity and collaboration of citizens to fight a common enemy was unbelievable but so important for children to know about.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And yet there were still areas where the war revealed long-held prejudices against women, African American soldiers, and Native Americans. The war created a forum where some of these barriers were broken but not all. And it's important for children to know about those areas where history failed some groups of people. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The authors have created a panoramic view of the war from start to finish without glossing over the less-than-stellar parts of our history. So much careful research was put into this book and presented in a way that children can understand. And even though we are at peace at the moment, hopefully, this book will inspire children to find ways to contribute to their community at any age. I highly recommend this book for ages 8 and up. It would make a valuable addition to any school classroom or home library. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of</i> <u>World War II: Fight on the Home Front</u> <i>from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received. </i></div><br /> <p></p>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-5729377022318005212023-10-24T07:43:00.000-05:002023-10-24T07:43:23.096-05:00Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity by Elizabeth C. Bunce<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplef955JUNMbuXlcrJQapUnybDlhjDL3kJAwcWupFXUUFe8QhCcYFK-94C9ANFm-JMsUZsdVA1_p5IF5nPooi-sAgOzOsGLhMaCifWBdI6F8N8DF_3U_PRvLkJkIW63rYJ8lqXO3uz-Lq80Lsn3-yP4Dfo8mIuq-diK5LYcNqQZ9yrjIDratUuV0gAoGI/s383/Myrtle,%20Means.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplef955JUNMbuXlcrJQapUnybDlhjDL3kJAwcWupFXUUFe8QhCcYFK-94C9ANFm-JMsUZsdVA1_p5IF5nPooi-sAgOzOsGLhMaCifWBdI6F8N8DF_3U_PRvLkJkIW63rYJ8lqXO3uz-Lq80Lsn3-yP4Dfo8mIuq-diK5LYcNqQZ9yrjIDratUuV0gAoGI/s320/Myrtle,%20Means.png" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was very satisfying to review the 5th Myrtle Hardcastle book as I had the privilege of reviewing the first two books of the series as well. From the first chapter of book 1, I knew Myrtle was destined for literary greatness. And book 5 did not disappoint!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity</u> finds our young heroine packing for an excursion. Her governess, Miss Judson, had just been informed that she was heiress to an estate in Scotland and Myrtle will be accompanying her. From the moment they arrive, it becomes clear that someone does not want Miss Judson to inherit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Miss Judson's uncle had died unexpectedly and Myrtle (of course) suspected foul play. The plot thickens as the body count increases and within the labyrinthine halls of the estate, Myrtle makes some surprising discoveries. As she and Miss Judson get closer to the truth, sinister forces continue working against them. But Miss Judson and Myrtle are not ones to back down from mystery or manipulation and they continue trying to discover the truth behind the mysterious happenings on the estate. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The book offers stunning descriptions of Scotland's natural beauty and readers will pick up a nice assortment of Scottish vernacular (the author very helpfully provided a glossary at the back for translation). As Myrtle and Miss Judson peel back the layers of intrigue, readers will be taken on a wild ride through (possibly) haunted halls to solve clues for the ultimate treasure hunt: finding a part of the clan's ancestral history.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As the familial ties are revealed, Myrtle appreciates even more how much Miss Judson means to her and she hopes that she will not lose her governess to the charms of Scotland. I highly recommend this vocabulary-building, puzzle-solving mystery. While some characters do get killed, descriptions are not gory or overly detailed. Myrtle Hardcastle is a young sleuth worth meeting and I hope her adventures continue for many more books!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of</i> <u>Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity</u> <i>from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received and the opinions expressed are mine alone.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><br /> <p></p>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-87730227483844686632023-10-17T07:33:00.001-05:002023-10-17T07:33:21.965-05:00Sir Cumference and the 100 Percent Goose Chase<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANdg9U1K2Pp91Th4dkbALUaW31QH466DWgxwyENz1GTdWsQelHXnzrqNVdXd8v5yHyx-LFy38ZpwO542FR2pLiogQhjtHJ4WXH9m0oomuqLge1e20x1Iy_6PsPV2W0I5YxA39qRIh15eJA0bantaMFkYEINvbBfed8-MWnK3f_ttwIoIY8akWip2ZGDb3/s284/Sir%20Cumference.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="255" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANdg9U1K2Pp91Th4dkbALUaW31QH466DWgxwyENz1GTdWsQelHXnzrqNVdXd8v5yHyx-LFy38ZpwO542FR2pLiogQhjtHJ4WXH9m0oomuqLge1e20x1Iy_6PsPV2W0I5YxA39qRIh15eJA0bantaMFkYEINvbBfed8-MWnK3f_ttwIoIY8akWip2ZGDb3/s1600/Sir%20Cumference.png" width="255" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was first introduced to Sir Cumference while attending a homeschool conference sometime in the 2000's. The title caught my eye as math had not been a favorite subject of our oldest. It soon became an almost annual tradition to buy another Sir Cumference book at the homeschool conference. All six of our children were delighted by the clever play on words that helped explain math terms in such a memorable and fun way! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Sir Cumference and the 100 Percent Goose Chase</u> is the 11th book in the series. I was excited to review and revisit a series that had been so well-loved in our homeschool. The focus of this book (as the title suggests) is on percentages. In this tale, Percilla has a gaggle of geese to deliver to various customers. As misfortune strikes along the way, Percilla must determine how to distribute the remaining geese in a fair manner. Fans of Sir Circumerence will be familiar with Percilla's traveling companion, Lady Di. Thankfully, all comes right (mathematically) in the end!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am always astounded by how cleverly the author explains challenging math concepts in ways children (and adults!) can understand. The stories are so fun that children won't even realize they are learning math! And even though my youngest is 16, I'll be adding a physical copy of this book to our home library. I consider Sir Cumference a staple for any school or home library. The series should also have a special place in every elementary or middle school math classroom--each book is like a cinematic story problem. The illustrator's renderings of the time period and the math concepts are absolutely perfect and so wonderfully complement the story.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was fascinating to <a href="https://www.charlesbridge.com/blogs/news/the-birth-of-sir-cumference" target="_blank">read how the author</a> became inspired to begin the series. I am so thrilled that she brought such a clever, whimsical, helpful series into the math world! Looking forward to future books in the series!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of</i> <u>Sir Cumference and the 100 Percent Goose Chase</u> <i>from NetGalley for the purpose of review. </i></div><br /> <p></p>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-79451794736877080932023-10-17T06:59:00.001-05:002023-10-18T07:51:14.457-05:00Anne Dares by Kallie George<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Vr1W2MQeqVcmuBWZ3y86Mwp7a95axXRbs5_k4vPsSFo4z5ZJXvdyKLnaKM0Egtw_K2Uu_E3HEbrCqEMp2IVscJt74O3khn9Weq47z0GKevCNC19IsQDP5ePkXGz9_R3ewHFsjyzOgAiSw9XqaSbEbbWn4m229rwT8IAXWdUhfd9sk8EJoW2GCYw6q-JX/s333/Ann%20Dares.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Vr1W2MQeqVcmuBWZ3y86Mwp7a95axXRbs5_k4vPsSFo4z5ZJXvdyKLnaKM0Egtw_K2Uu_E3HEbrCqEMp2IVscJt74O3khn9Weq47z0GKevCNC19IsQDP5ePkXGz9_R3ewHFsjyzOgAiSw9XqaSbEbbWn4m229rwT8IAXWdUhfd9sk8EJoW2GCYw6q-JX/w245-h320/Ann%20Dares.png" width="245" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am of the opinion that no childhood is complete without an acquaintance with Anne Shirley and I am so glad that author Kallie George has made this spunky heroine accessible to younger readers through this 5th chapter book in a series inspired by L.M. Montgomery's original <u>Anne of Green Gables</u>. In reading about the illustrator, Abigail Halpin, I was pleased to find out that she has been inspired by Tasha Tudor--ah, a kindred spirit (Tudor is a favorite illustrator of mine).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The author takes a few stories from Montgomery's pages, elaborates on them, and brings them to life for younger audiences. Halpin's illustrations are a wonderful complement to the story helping children envision the action and each character. I especially liked that both Marilla and Matthew had moments to shine in this chapter book. This would be a wonderful book to help entertain younger family members while the original series is read aloud. The bright and lively illustrations will help bring Anne's adventures to life for any age. Don't miss this delightful introduction to one of literature's most beloved characters! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Learn more about the author and sign up for her newsletter at her <a href="https://www.kalliegeorge.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. You can purchase your copy at <a href="https://amzn.to/3tzMmuV" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (affiliate link). Happy Reading!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of</i> <u>Anne Dares </u><i>through NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received and the opinions expressed are my own. </i></div><p></p>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-19704972127894566072023-10-04T07:21:00.014-05:002023-10-04T07:21:00.132-05:00Soldier's Heart: Reading Literature through Peace and War at West Point<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMkZwRY3xNnyqCHJg-euX8bFf4ZJjrFmN41XvxvSzhJBITi1vyjJE4FPK-3aeTCiTA-feQjYh4F5P8kLg5-ElkDbe0tHTp7XCt8c0xrH1FFIyJXIAp0PS42dc7p1FGCRzsM-3r_eEW4yal7MxUbM1k6RXmoQ_dt2eHlsBwMRMTa_yndsHlN6GPxlQ6gcn/s466/Soldier's%20Heart.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="311" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMkZwRY3xNnyqCHJg-euX8bFf4ZJjrFmN41XvxvSzhJBITi1vyjJE4FPK-3aeTCiTA-feQjYh4F5P8kLg5-ElkDbe0tHTp7XCt8c0xrH1FFIyJXIAp0PS42dc7p1FGCRzsM-3r_eEW4yal7MxUbM1k6RXmoQ_dt2eHlsBwMRMTa_yndsHlN6GPxlQ6gcn/s320/Soldier's%20Heart.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What I thought would be a book full of book recommendations and anecdotal stories about how literature had impacted soldiers in peace and war, was instead a collection of very dense essays primarily on military philosophy, military procedural commentary, and military politics. I slogged through many chapters hoping for a few golden nuggets--either of books I might want to read (or revisit) or stories of the transformational power of literature. Unfortunately, the book fell short on both accounts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While there were a few interesting stories, the death knell for me was when the author dressed down a Christian military organization (by name, which I found in very poor taste). It became a springboard for the author to unload what seemed like an exceeding amount of bitter feelings toward Christian military personnel. At that point, I decided to cut my losses and abandon the book. It will be purged not only from my TBR pile but also from my personal library--guilt-free.</div><br /><p></p>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-60346381684935262822023-10-02T10:55:00.000-05:002023-10-02T10:55:51.716-05:00Alice Atherton's Grand Tour by Lesley M. M. Blume<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpuldo_b7lY57i_2prXqHPFULUsWQ08bJM2Pb5VVFzg5TZeW3nKdjA_ZeFiql9SmQpYuENhQFvxLB9jk9yaKx7exf27y81Zgqq5DKYAERBec-wZlvMuvaCvD9gEp64rmrT7F7f5TmHrokxA8igDlwNN_XWLfXHOAC7BTgDpipo12MSAEfnWspo8GbuUbM/s385/Alice%20Athertons%20Grand%20Tour.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpuldo_b7lY57i_2prXqHPFULUsWQ08bJM2Pb5VVFzg5TZeW3nKdjA_ZeFiql9SmQpYuENhQFvxLB9jk9yaKx7exf27y81Zgqq5DKYAERBec-wZlvMuvaCvD9gEp64rmrT7F7f5TmHrokxA8igDlwNN_XWLfXHOAC7BTgDpipo12MSAEfnWspo8GbuUbM/s320/Alice%20Athertons%20Grand%20Tour.png" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Alice Atherton's Grand Tour is an enchanting book about her summer stay with her father's friends, the Murphy family. Alice is reeling from the recent loss of her mother and her somber, no-nonsense governess hasn't done much to improve the situation. Her father believes that the charms of the Murphy family (along with their children) will be exactly what Alice needs to revive her spirits.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mr. and Mrs. Murphy and their children warmly welcome Alice into their family. Their days are filled with the sea and so many new adventures. And while she is visiting, Mr. and Mrs. Murphy have lined up some mentors for the children to learn from: Pablo Picasso, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and others. Each mentor offers different lessons (and some offer examples NOT to follow). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Readers will learn right along with Alice about art, music, theatre, and writing through each of the selected mentors. The summer is a balm to Alice's grieving heart as her view of the world is expanded in so many interesting ways. Above all, Alice gets a taste of a very hands-on eduction that involves not only learning by hearing but learning by doing. The question is whether Alice will want to return home after all the excitement of life with the Murphy family!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The author sensitively approached the loss of a parent and the myriad of feelings that Alice experiences as a result. <span> Mr. and Mrs. Murphy serve as in loco parentis offering direction, connection and understanding--pushing Alice to try things she never dreamed she could. Don't we all need someone to push us outside of our own safety so we can experience more of life? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This book would be a marvelous read aloud in the elementary or middle grade classroom to bring historical figures to life and hopefully inspire a greater appreciation for the arts in its many forms. How will Alice's magical summer conclude? Will she have to return to her stodgy governess or will she find a way to bring some of summer's magic back home to America? You will have to read it yourself to find out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I highly recommend this book and I loved the historical notes the author included as an Afterword about each of the mentors from the book. You'll also find out some interning information about the Murphy family as well. A wonderfully, imaginative, sweet story that introduces children to noteworthy figures within the arts and literature worlds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of</i> <u>Alice Atherton's Grand Tour</u> <i>from NetGalley for the purpose of review No other compensation was received.</i></div><p></p>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-920512210482455432023-10-02T10:22:00.000-05:002023-10-02T10:22:03.382-05:00Fun in the Mud: A Wetland Tale<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuttKmzzwlf9dSBfOFv9l3Rx_ro8irnpOGQDpj3Y6psCyLPDSdgh9lp7R8zTPi47TbIy9hvqsfNPluX3A_o-Dy6j5bdVJ6cFuvg6YiP2VBUKg317lev34M1l5vAIELxAGW0h_Gvn1wKug7RnJosONy3cfwgZN0J5YoWczdFtdjtGQAMLI9a44qUnTwB48_/s255/Fun%20in%20the%20Mud.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="255" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuttKmzzwlf9dSBfOFv9l3Rx_ro8irnpOGQDpj3Y6psCyLPDSdgh9lp7R8zTPi47TbIy9hvqsfNPluX3A_o-Dy6j5bdVJ6cFuvg6YiP2VBUKg317lev34M1l5vAIELxAGW0h_Gvn1wKug7RnJosONy3cfwgZN0J5YoWczdFtdjtGQAMLI9a44qUnTwB48_/s1600/Fun%20in%20the%20Mud.png" width="255" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Readers will get a bird's eye--or perhaps I should say fairy eye's view--of the wetlands in this engaging picture book that educates youngsters while also stirring their imagination. The main character details han excursion into a wetland area. I like how the author speaks directly to children with a hypnotic prose that encourages observers of the wetlands to keep their eyes and ears open to the magic that lies around them. And speaking of magic, the reader is introduced to 2 spritely characters: Jack and Mini who offer a tour as well as helpful information about salmon, tides, migration and other facts about resident wildlife.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The illustrations add to the serenity of the book with muted watercolors. The first splashes of color in the book are the boots of the child and the flowers she spies nearby. When the fairies present themselves, they help the child navigate and understand more about the wetlands. It's a fun way to gently instruct the readers without feeling like a science book. I loved the strong emphasis the book places on being still, taking the time to listen, and learning to appreciate what nature has to offer. A message needed now more than ever at a time when children are losing touch with the natural world as screens have overtaken school and play times. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the end of the book, the author includes information about a restored wetland that inspired the book. Interested readers may want to further research wetland habitats or even better, seek out local wetland areas to explore for themselves. Hopefully this book will help spark a greater interest in the natural world for children of all ages. This book would make a wonderful supplement to an elementary science classroom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Note for Christian parents: the author gives Mother Nature credit for the successful restoration of the wetland area described. This could lead to a discussion of varying worldviews and how it compares to the concept of a personal Creator involved in His creation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Disclaimer: I received a complimentary digital copy of</i> <u>Fun in the Mud</u> <i>through NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received and the content of this review is entirely my own.</i></div><br /> <p></p>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-34240466761732892842023-09-24T09:43:00.006-05:002023-09-24T10:11:52.842-05:00Spring Begins in March by Jean Little <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_xN9btdCCegtDfg4dPKPxu6WN8na1zrXFFtShih3Nrn8ITDdNELGMJlAzrM9XtlHEwNneVXgMf9DenC2lJ-1X1gUu-lVHAoMoUlX0PyM870tGrjlQiUG6U9XpFMqxYKQcrlohrq-AlU7yQR6IYQOe6U9auN0J5UvfEFBZLqDUnXo8qa8zW6958rKNs6eO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="245" data-original-width="180" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_xN9btdCCegtDfg4dPKPxu6WN8na1zrXFFtShih3Nrn8ITDdNELGMJlAzrM9XtlHEwNneVXgMf9DenC2lJ-1X1gUu-lVHAoMoUlX0PyM870tGrjlQiUG6U9XpFMqxYKQcrlohrq-AlU7yQR6IYQOe6U9auN0J5UvfEFBZLqDUnXo8qa8zW6958rKNs6eO" width="176" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To discover a book that reaches into one's soul to instruct and inspire is a rarity. Jean Little's book, <u>Spring Begins in March </u>offers a realistic glimpse into the growing pains of a young girl. Reading about Meg's bossy friend, her left-out feelings within her family, her challenges at school, and her resentment when her grandmother moves in, bring back similar memories of trials that (at the time) seemed to loom so large, and yet looking back now are very inconsequential. While my struggles as a child may not have been exactly the same as Meg's, the state of having feelings "too big" to understand or work through on my own was all too familiar. There is something comforting in being on the other side of those struggles and having the benefit of perspective. And yet it is also good to be reminded of how influential difficult childhood events can be; revisiting them can help elicit greater kindness and patience toward young people in our lives. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Children's literature is a powerful force that I continue to enjoy even past my own mid-century milestone. There are several reasons that I will never outgrow juvenile fiction. First of all, it offers an opportunity to inhabit a place of innocence. There are very few areas of life that have not been tarnished by vulgarity and crude sensuality. And yet authors like Jean Little offer an authentic, wholesome voice in the midst of so much literary "noise." Many older books offer lovely stories without the added garbage. (Note: There are some contemporary authors that are still writing wholesome books but you often have to do some pre-reading as the thrust of today's literature is often at odds with Biblical truths.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A second reason I enjoy children's literature is what I can learn from the adults in the story. While Little's protagonists are young, the adult supporting characters offer wise examples to follow. Such a book can reinforce a reader's own positive experiences at home and perhaps help them appreciate the adults in their life who are actively helping them learn and grow. On the flip side, for children who do not have a positive example in the home, Little's books can help them imagine a different future for themselves when they reach adulthood. It has been instructive for me as an adult to see how problems are handled with grace and patience and makes me want to create a similar atmosphere in my home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The magnitude of a problem in juvenile fiction may vary in size or intensity from my own, but the root cause may be very similar to my own. Adults still have to navigate challenging friendships, discord at home and work, and disappointments in the course of one's life. Sometimes a character's parent or mentor offers wisdom that can help reframe past hurts or help one see how to endure present ones. Yet another reason kiddy lit has relevance for all ages.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yet another reason to love children's books is because they typically have a happy ending, and--let's be honest--some days you just need a story wrapped up and tied with a beautiful bow. And although Little's books brought tears to my eyes, they were the happy kind! (If you'd like to read the first book about Meg and her siblings, check out my review of <a href="https://www.livetoreadtolive.com/2023/05/mine-for-keeps.html" target="_blank">Mine for Keeps</a>.) So many areas of life have disappointing or tragic endings but in the world of a children's book, all can be right with the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One final reason I enjoy children's literature is because it offers a meaningful way to connect with my own children. Some books were read multiple times in our home (once to the older set, again to the younger; looking forward to revisiting with future grandchildren!). I have often suggested a book to one of my kids, only to have them be ambivalent about the recommendation. But when I decided to read it aloud to them instead, they have been drawn into the story and often love the book. It's such a privilege to introduce my kids to the books I loved as a child and also experience new stories together. Because of my children, I was introduced to the Bastables (E. Nesbit), the Penderwicks (Jeanne Birdsall), the Vanderbeekers (Karina Yan Glaser), and the Melendy family (Elizabeth Enright). All exceptional series for any age.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will add a word about audiobooks; some do not count listening to books as reading. I vehemently disagree with that opinion. There are some books that have been pure magic solely because of the narrator. One example (not a children's book) would be <u>Boys in the Boat</u> read by Edward Herrmann. I am not sure I would have made it through reading a print copy but the audio had me utterly captivated from the first paragraph (and if you have not heard it, I highly recommend it!). Some audiobooks have been enjoyed dozens of times and helped while away miles in the car, rainy days, or lazy days of summer. In our house Elizabeth's Enright's <u>Gone Away Lake </u>and <u>The Saturdays</u> have been the most listened to--probably a dozen times each. We even listened to all of Pilgrim's Progress on cassette--made the book much less daunting. And audiobooks allow the reader to engage their hands while listening: crocheting, coloring, or doing a jigsaw puzzle. Audiobooks have also provided motivation for me to get out for walks (saving listening to only those times). And they have made mundane tasks like cleaning, folding laundry, or cooking much more enjoyable. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you'll include some children's books in your literary diet regardless of your age. There is much magic, adventure, and wisdom to be found there!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>I found this particular book treasure at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/talcottmercantile/" target="_blank">The Talcott Mercantile</a>, a beautiful coffee and ice cream emporium located in central Iowa. If you find yourself in the neighborhood on a Friday or Saturday, stop in and tell the proprietress, Carrie, where you heard about her shop. You can follow them on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/talcottmercantile/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> to find out about menu and store offerings.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-44839149518646042132023-09-14T21:02:00.002-05:002023-09-14T21:02:53.007-05:00The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall by Ali Standish<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJ6YN43Nrg7Ww_MRyiLPj_SA5buM9L-5Z4OUREF9lDDMWdlURAMKoobxF_S0JZIfZ4vpvy_BfRadjR8_Rzvj6tcC7uWEPQiTx3c1fTn0wEGhzP46NbIQcYN6DKuzR1nuY-OSszfxGQwGTSho-ZgTNBvJuLyC8Dl9D5v8sUxrED5J6KeMAH050Yw3XvE20/s385/Tales%20of%20Baskerville.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJ6YN43Nrg7Ww_MRyiLPj_SA5buM9L-5Z4OUREF9lDDMWdlURAMKoobxF_S0JZIfZ4vpvy_BfRadjR8_Rzvj6tcC7uWEPQiTx3c1fTn0wEGhzP46NbIQcYN6DKuzR1nuY-OSszfxGQwGTSho-ZgTNBvJuLyC8Dl9D5v8sUxrED5J6KeMAH050Yw3XvE20/s320/Tales%20of%20Baskerville.png" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When Arthur saves a fainting woman and her baby, he makes the acquaintance of an English gentleman. The man was impressed when Arthur explained how he knew the woman was in imminent danger. Upon his leaving, the stranger told Arthur, "Your powers of observation served you well today. Perhaps even better than you know." With those enigmatic words, Arthur heads home to retell his family all about the adventure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Life has been anything but easy for Arthur. As an older child, he feels the weight of the family's poverty. Arthur's father was an illustrator but strong drink has diminished his productivity. His mother is a master at making meager portions stretch and infusing hope and encouragement into her children. She is convinced that Arthur is destined for great things. Sohis mother is not at all surprised when a mysterious summons appears inviting Arthur to attend Baskerville Hall (tuition-free).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The original manner in which Arthur is conveyed to school offers a hint at the thrills that await him. He soon makes friends with Irene and Jimmy (if this is all sounding like Harry Potter, the similarities are there--as well as a formidable foe). Unlike Hogwarts, the "magic" of Baskerville Hall is mostly based on scientific inquiry. (Just a note, there is a bit of mysticism thrown in with a mention of seances but those were not central elements of the story). As Arthur begins to feel as though he may have a chance to really make something of himself, he finds himself facing possible expulsion. Will the truth come out in time or will Arthur have to face the humiliation of leaving Baskerville Hall? Readers will love the suspense and mystery of this band of three friends. I highly recommend the first in this very entertaining new series for readers in middle grade and look forward to the next installment!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of</i> <u>The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall</u> <i>from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><p></p>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-56672408495042817392023-09-05T10:30:00.003-05:002023-09-05T10:30:50.698-05:00September TBR<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfigQId6Brf9Ac1Fffhgg0-2lsDW4xq-GTCXHpXbMdvy7HcyHjeJz9856CbJtEr04UybereUN3qrfMouMXVkxh3hmck4QmmcYsRkC2YNbIgHLvYABfTCniEazphWM8gv6x1_Gx0Wh1bsG2INHb4sg6hbm8UsF8CH4T9qKDhukMMcjCBTep9IaVEtNI7A8J/s640/September%20TBR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfigQId6Brf9Ac1Fffhgg0-2lsDW4xq-GTCXHpXbMdvy7HcyHjeJz9856CbJtEr04UybereUN3qrfMouMXVkxh3hmck4QmmcYsRkC2YNbIgHLvYABfTCniEazphWM8gv6x1_Gx0Wh1bsG2INHb4sg6hbm8UsF8CH4T9qKDhukMMcjCBTep9IaVEtNI7A8J/w321-h198/September%20TBR.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">September brings the promise of cooler days, cozy nights, and the temptation to hibernate with a good book. Last week I was under the weather which meant some extra time for reading and I thought I'd share my to-be-read stack for this month. <i>(Note: I have included affiliate links to the titles below for your convenience; I may receive a small commission if you purchase the book through the link).</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1) <u><a href="https://amzn.to/44GCmwX" target="_blank">Spring Begins in March</a></u> by Jean Little was a treasure found a wonderful little coffee/ice cream/boutique/antique shop not too far from my home. I had wanted to introduce a friend to this magical place and while there, this book jumped out at me. I had read other books by Jean Little and appreciated the sensitive way she wrote about childhood struggles (some based on her own life). When I got home, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this was the sequel to another book I'd recently reviewed: <u><a href="https://www.livetoreadtolive.com/2023/05/mine-for-keeps.html" target="_blank">Mine for Keeps</a></u>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2) <u><a href="https://amzn.to/3OZzlBY" target="_blank">The Accidental Feminist</a></u> by Courtney Reissig was a book that my daughter found had been left behind in a vehicle. I don't remember if it's one I picked up or whether it was an old resource from a gender studies class my husband taught a while back. In any event, I was intrigued by the title and thought it a worthy challenge to my faith. The author discusses the ways that feminism has creeped into the evangelical church. Readers are challenged to examine their views of gender to see how well they align with Scripture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3) <u><a href="https://amzn.to/3P4adKq" target="_blank">Soldier's Heart: Reading Literature Through Peace and War at West Point</a></u> by Elizabeth D. Samet was written by an English professor from West Point. I was actually hunting for another book in our home library and this title caught my eye as we recently had a daughter complete Basic Combat Training. The author talks about the benefit of classic literature in the preparation of soldiers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4) <a href="https://amzn.to/3R2EBaG" target="_blank"><u>This Present Darkness</u> </a>by Frank Peretti is one that I first read in college and it is just as relevant today as when it was written. Although the story is fictional, it pulls back the veil of our world and offers the reader a glimpse into what spiritual warfare may look like between the forces of good (God's angelic army) and evil (Satan and his underlings). I am reading it aloud to my youngest daughter who witnessed first hand a bit of that battle while working at a church camp this past summer. I wanted her to better understand God's power and the importance of being prepared to wage war against the enemy through prayer and the study & memorization of Scripture. I feel that this is a book that every believer should read. 1 Peter 5:8-9 reminds us, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5) <u><a href="https://amzn.to/3r4Esc7" target="_blank">Enid Blyton: A Literary Life</a></u> by Andrew Maunder recounts the life of a children's author who I have thoroughly enjoyed. Finding wholesome reading for young people is a perennial challenge and Blyton is an author whose books I can unreservedly recommend. I find it fascinating to learn more about author's lives and the influences that shaped them. If you are looking for a wholesome series to watch, I highly recommend "Malory Towers" based upon a book series Blyton wrote by that name. You can <a href="https://www.byutv.org/malory-towers/episodes?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Banner&utm_campaign=MaloryTowers&utm_content=StreamFree&gclid=CjwKCAjwo9unBhBTEiwAipC114OrkynncTJ0765vwO5idTyDuXMRjoQhlC8FFuqtrETFxUG2rFwWrhoCc4kQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">stream the series free</a> on BYUtv.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Reading!</div><p></p>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-27287934623221160182023-08-31T20:38:00.002-05:002023-08-31T20:38:31.424-05:00The Restorationists: Beneath the Swirling Sky<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIM9gkluyM8b_vXz9Soqlo1DrXj20z5UjLHrD7OPMLr2FPA3MEGd_nAQzehKuuzSDzu2M4jXdbjT1uFuye7ja6JMaJG82OFw02f8xBC8TkVhNiU33GSJMZP7oTOKimkVEESrGULZnpVhYDzTkes-aW-7J-R_ndjUbUld8eeI8TQnxGSF9FwtlIHbGiwey4/s385/Swirling%20Sky.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIM9gkluyM8b_vXz9Soqlo1DrXj20z5UjLHrD7OPMLr2FPA3MEGd_nAQzehKuuzSDzu2M4jXdbjT1uFuye7ja6JMaJG82OFw02f8xBC8TkVhNiU33GSJMZP7oTOKimkVEESrGULZnpVhYDzTkes-aW-7J-R_ndjUbUld8eeI8TQnxGSF9FwtlIHbGiwey4/s320/Swirling%20Sky.png" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Restorationists is a new middle-grade fantasy series penned by Carolyn Leiloglou. Siblings Vincent (named after Vincent van Gogh) and Lili (named after Lilias Trotter) are visiting their great-uncle Leo over spring break while their parents are on a cruise. Leo is an art conservationist and Vincent is convinced that his mother has arranged for him to "encourage" Vincent to paint. But Vincent wants nothing to do with art. When they arrive and meet Georgia, they are shocked to learn that she is their second cousin. As Vincent steps into Leo's house, he quickly realizes that avoiding art is going to be harder than he thought because every square inch of wall space seems to be bursting with art. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As Vincent and Lili were shown around, they were curious about areas that seemed to be "off limits." When Lili later goes missing, Georgia reluctantly explains that their families have the ability to travel through paintings. It's up to Vincent and Georgia to go after Lili and bring her safely home. Easier said than done. As Vincent is trying to wrap his mind around the whole alternate-world-within-a-painting scenario, Georgia is doing her best to explain how things work while also explaining how people have various giftings. Vincent realizes that everything he once believed about his life was only half-true. His parents had kept this whole Travel idea secret and now his ignorance may cost his sister her life!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are enemies at work wanting to steal and destroy the greatest works of art. And the enemy is employing kidnapped children to do the dirty work--marring and distorting works of art. Youngsters are held in suspense wondering if Lili will be rescued and whether the evil mastermind behind stolen or vandalized art will ever come to justice. This would make a delightful read-aloud at home or at school. Children will learn a great deal about famous artists and their works (and the author includes a list of works referenced so that readers can research more about each. What a great way to experience art in a fresh way! I highly recommend this imaginative story with its allegorical elements and look forward to future books within the series!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you'd like to engage more with the author, check out her <a href="https://www.carolynleiloglou.com/" target="_blank">website</a> and discover more about this title and her others. You can also <a href="https://randomhouse.app.box.com/s/9f7hws16cyjjka89cvki5iw4ufj6y514" target="_blank">read a sample</a> of the first chapter! This book can be pre-ordered prior to its release on September 12, 2023.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of</i> <u>Beneath a Swirling Sky</u> <i>from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received and the opinions expressed are my own. </i></div> <p></p>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-18642887728107823222023-08-26T07:31:00.003-05:002023-08-26T07:31:27.581-05:00The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead & Wendy Mass <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16mxoKxASUvHjNqn-COIpMpY4xByjXotzrZXPppDycTw3r2KH7i1z-K9iT7C7a1ReUrhwMsm4XEPejFyQYTBsIMrSlwjCOJsZninr616GTUfZIztJWfAbxo83NX37hR04jMzN8PshhkjUCTjaxQm72bJx8gorP5pUYh5PTwUaIulLnLA_YAJeA9PKU2rg/s255/The%20Lost%20Library.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="255" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16mxoKxASUvHjNqn-COIpMpY4xByjXotzrZXPppDycTw3r2KH7i1z-K9iT7C7a1ReUrhwMsm4XEPejFyQYTBsIMrSlwjCOJsZninr616GTUfZIztJWfAbxo83NX37hR04jMzN8PshhkjUCTjaxQm72bJx8gorP5pUYh5PTwUaIulLnLA_YAJeA9PKU2rg/s1600/The%20Lost%20Library.png" width="255" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A book about a Little Library? Yeah!! And if you are a cat lover, that's cause for a double yahoo!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was familiar with Wendy Mass and knew my kids had enjoyed previous books written by her so I took my chance with this one. Geared at upper elementary or middle grades, this offers something for everyone: pet companions, mystery, and friendships. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Martinville has been without a library due to a fire (the origin of which was never discovered). When Even discovers a Little Library (with a cat perched on top), his curiosity draws him to check it out. He finds two books of interest and is very surprised to find out that his own father had checked out one of them. As he reads both of these books, he becomes drawn into the mysteries of the library fire. His dad was acting very odd about the book Evan had found and being a bit dodgy about the days he had spent at the Martinville Library. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even and his best friend Rafe, are determined to find out what really happened so many years ago but it's hard to solve a mystery that no one in town will talk about. Part of the mystery of this book has to do with the people who are taking care of Mortimer. I love the tenacity of Evan and Rafe, the loyalty of the cat, Mortimer, to his Little Library duties, and the bit of mystery as Martinville's past events come slowly into focus. There is also a little side story starring Mortimer which offers the reader a lesson about kindness and friendship in the animal world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">[Parental Note: An other-worldly element pertaining to ghosts factors into the story. Nothing sinister but worth mentioning so parents aren't blindsided if they choose to steer clear of those types of books. It may offer an opportunity to talk with kids about what they think happens after people die.]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Disclaimer: I received a free digital audio version of </i><u>The Lost Library</u> <i>for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received and the opinions expressed are my own. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div> <p></p>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-18707521801218612762023-08-22T07:33:00.004-05:002023-08-22T07:33:58.879-05:00The Curious Vanishing of Beatrice Willoughby<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpdL23g9Nu9IXTc-4x63hNjtn9Ps6vl4Q1cITwhIbkDdwm0FcWRrqV4d3R1nGLkvaHC898l0dLh_Aq6ODhAzUcAZF3nY21wn-_D9fty1aOzJFr7i_KxbiyDhXEyooJCRqtKA4tZBXf5g7WTNxiFH37dGsqJya5aqhrfiog53Q93npb-TYZ6-CKCVYmDLR/s385/Vanishing%20Beatrice.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpdL23g9Nu9IXTc-4x63hNjtn9Ps6vl4Q1cITwhIbkDdwm0FcWRrqV4d3R1nGLkvaHC898l0dLh_Aq6ODhAzUcAZF3nY21wn-_D9fty1aOzJFr7i_KxbiyDhXEyooJCRqtKA4tZBXf5g7WTNxiFH37dGsqJya5aqhrfiog53Q93npb-TYZ6-CKCVYmDLR/s320/Vanishing%20Beatrice.png" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Offering a bit of mystery, magic, and the macabre, this middle-grade tale combines just the right amounts of fun and fright. The Amadeuses have hosted an All Hallows Eve party each year for the residents of Nevermore. It was the most anticipated event of the year with elaborate decorations, freakish puppets (hand-crafted and available for purchase), and fantastic food. All of that ended, however, when 6-year-old Beatrice Willoughby vanished during one tragic party. Mort Amadeuses was blamed for the crime and Beatrice was never found.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fast forward 13 years and a few select residents have received mysterious invitations for an All Hallows Eve party at the Amadeuses' creepy mansion. Presumably one of the guests was responsible for Beatrice's disappearance and those in attendance are tasked with solving the mystery and bringing the true culprit to justice. But they only have until midnight and time is running out. Will the mystery be solved or will more people face the same fate? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A perfect tale for Halloween with a storyline to get a youngster's heart racing but hopefully not enough to give nightmares. Has the creep factor of the Addams Family and readers are kept guessing until the surprising & satisfying conclusion. This could be a good family read for children 8-11, or a read alone for 12+ audiences. All in all, it was a clever story with lots of interesting "reveals" along the way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of </i><u>The Curious Vanishing of Beatrice Willoughby</u> <i>from NetGalley for review. No other compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own. </i></div><i><br /> </i><p></p>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-62076153656385654652023-08-18T23:53:00.000-05:002023-08-18T23:53:21.435-05:00Mrs. Porter Calling (Book 3, The Emmy Lake Chronicles)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsE-mH9TfLDoxSpSuXGoh5GLZw1MCQks9vEFrHgirbdPtg36aLpZ60XqNpHEhq6fAnlTk2xbu7XSOPg0tsNQOwwGMC1HrTR0b3VbzGwL00cesw6Jlqe3uErzSVSStxX_cvKDSOqCu_XWSFczhBCOncdWWpqRIyVbavaCF8_rgWm8tf7i-aCKHR7qkxCrcY/s385/Mrs_Porter_calling.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsE-mH9TfLDoxSpSuXGoh5GLZw1MCQks9vEFrHgirbdPtg36aLpZ60XqNpHEhq6fAnlTk2xbu7XSOPg0tsNQOwwGMC1HrTR0b3VbzGwL00cesw6Jlqe3uErzSVSStxX_cvKDSOqCu_XWSFczhBCOncdWWpqRIyVbavaCF8_rgWm8tf7i-aCKHR7qkxCrcY/s320/Mrs_Porter_calling.png" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Emmy's husband is fighting in WWII and while he's gone, she shares a home with her friend Bunty (owned by Bunty's grandmother). When their mutual friend bemoans the conditions at her flat, Emmy and Bunty invite her and her three children to join them. This small community of friends forms a wonderful support system offering a division of labor and the pooling of rations (which offered more options for cooking!). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Alas, all is not quite so cozy for Emmy at work. She has loved writing the "Yours Cheerfully" [advice] column for <i>Woman's Friend</i> magazine. Helping other women with their problems has helped Emmy keep her mind off missing her husband. She feels like the magazine offers hope and wisdom for women in some pretty dire circumstances. When the magazine changes ownership, it quickly becomes evident that the new owner, Mrs. Porter, wants to change nearly everything about the publication. She starts by slashing the best features and turning a deaf ear to the concerns voiced by the faithful employees who revived readership when the magazine had floundered. The staff decide to band together to keep the magazine from utter ruin. But when a personal tragedy strikes close to home, Emmy struggles to see much hope for the future.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I loved the variety of characters working at the newspaper. AJ Pearce has created a world I'd love to step into. Readers will be rooting for Emmy, Bunty, and Thelma as they face the challenges of war, doing their part, and trying not to let discouragement take over their lives. While not everything turns out sunny, the reality of life during WWII is portrayed in a realistic and sensitive way that gives readers a glimpse into the struggles that women faced not that long ago. I highly recommend all three books in this series by AJ Pearce.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of</i> <u>Mrs. Porter Calling</u> <i>through NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.</i></div><i> </i><p></p>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-2330065412187947012023-07-22T22:48:00.004-05:002023-07-22T22:58:14.252-05:00The Little Books of the Little Brontes by Sara O'Leary<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pvW-mc9geKAdI7u4zUHVAVKzosYnzAl0YvSnago6rkGm5m8ASPKzbNqY-wRKEI8ow-Krg6jdiXkFBRH5NJwJE9B4evnivdZgOVaBmpmRIvbBDMLUo8Ft_SUIVOb3IaFu1Ew0k7ft1HnCgv3vIYHdNtUUvf2dDhalpto288Py6jSAUG0vNdLMxBGgytIa/s337/Little%20Books_Little%20Brontes.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pvW-mc9geKAdI7u4zUHVAVKzosYnzAl0YvSnago6rkGm5m8ASPKzbNqY-wRKEI8ow-Krg6jdiXkFBRH5NJwJE9B4evnivdZgOVaBmpmRIvbBDMLUo8Ft_SUIVOb3IaFu1Ew0k7ft1HnCgv3vIYHdNtUUvf2dDhalpto288Py6jSAUG0vNdLMxBGgytIa/s320/Little%20Books_Little%20Brontes.png" width="242" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What a charming glimpse at the childhood years of the Bronte youngsters and the influences that shaped their literary lives. The illustrations by Briony May Smith are breathtakingly beautiful: fresh, innocent, and gently crafted to hold the attention of young readers. I really liked the multiple "panels" of pictures on some of the pages that almost gave the impression of a graphic novel--the variations in layout offered a visual surprise throughout the book. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love everything about this book: the period clothing, views of village life, and background information on the Bronte family. Readers will learn about the family members that died all too early (shared in a sensitive, gentle manner). In spite of (or perhaps because of) these tragedies, the family seems to have been very close. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I loved the idea that the Brontes started their literary journey through the creation of miniature books that depicted stories taken from their vivid imaginations. I really enjoyed the added material at the end of the book that offers children, parents, and educators more details about the Brontes--including a timeline of life events and a bibliography to guide readers into further research. The author explains to readers how they can create their own miniature book--what a fun idea! I hope <u>The Little Books of the Little Brontes</u> will inspire many future authors. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Disclaimer: I receved a free digital ebook of</i> <u>The Little Books of the Little Brontes</u> <i>from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.</i></div><br /><p></p>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-38233061772814535082023-07-15T21:41:00.003-05:002023-07-15T22:10:21.353-05:00The Curious Mysteries of Eli Marks by John Gaspard<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55FgLnZL9oq_HyRWgvWtqwaCE4rlWJUVYNl-fCKtWsddHWivIC9VuQBKr9xnVdheh5cEDupmABHbeX8hVdbQfZ8R5v0ekuIgCsZtiL8aVhNrniRMcLQD9N7dSoi6xTZUpezwaTrSL6y6t5nN3U6q4Fsvq0tNOKBWGdMEIMy3xwjN6W4s1M6ClH2E4Sdxc/s640/Eli%20Marks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="407" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55FgLnZL9oq_HyRWgvWtqwaCE4rlWJUVYNl-fCKtWsddHWivIC9VuQBKr9xnVdheh5cEDupmABHbeX8hVdbQfZ8R5v0ekuIgCsZtiL8aVhNrniRMcLQD9N7dSoi6xTZUpezwaTrSL6y6t5nN3U6q4Fsvq0tNOKBWGdMEIMy3xwjN6W4s1M6ClH2E4Sdxc/s320/Eli%20Marks.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hot off the press! <u>The Curious Mysteries of Eli Marks</u> is a fabulous collection of [try to] solve-it- yourself mysteries. Aimed at upper-elementary and middle-grade readers, author John Gaspard has created a wonderful book that encourages readers to apply logic to solve mysteries encountered by the main characters. Eli lives with his Aunt Alice and Uncle Harry and as he starts a new school, a chance encounter with Nathan leads to the beginnings of a great friendship (and a shared interest in magic tricks). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Eli makes another great friend when attending a magic club in the back room of Uncle Harry's magic shop. Cecilia used Eli as a volunteer to demonstrate a trick and from then on, Eli, Nathan and Cecilia were inseparable. Each chapter in the book presents a mini-mystery that Eli and his friends help solve. There are enough clues for a careful reader to solve (and I like that there are some empty pages before the solution to discourage peeking!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Eli Marks reminded me of the Encyclopedia Brown books I so enjoyed as a child. I think Gaspard's books are a great bridge between beginning chapter books and young adult mysteries--it can be very hard to find books that offer a more challenging read without adding inappropriate content. As Eli and his friends solve mysteries, they also learn more about friendship and how to handle a bully. Eli's aunt and uncle offer a wonderful model of nurturing and wise parental figures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I especially liked the overarching storyline with magic tricks woven throughout. The author includes a handbook ("Harry's Magic Emporium"), in the back of the book for youngsters to try their hand at the tricks themselves. Each trick is explained with the help of diagrams and step-by-step instructions. What a great way to develop an interest in magic for a new generation! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I highly recommend <u>The Curious Mysteries of Eli Marks</u> and I hope more adventures of the young sleuth will be forthcoming! This book would make a great addition to any home or school library. Grab a copy today for the magic or mystery-loving youngsters in your life!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you are looking for Gaspard's other titles featuring Eli Marks, you can <a href="https://www.elimarksmysteries.com/" target="_blank">read all about them on his website</a>. You can also check out the <a href="Eli Marks podcast" target="_blank">Eli Marks podcast</a>. Lots of great material to keep you in suspense this summer!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of</i> <u>The Curious Mysteries of Eli Marks</u> <i>from Reedsy Discovery for the purpose of review. The opinions expressed are my own.</i></div> <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-74422130745511368892023-07-05T19:02:00.000-05:002023-07-05T19:02:11.540-05:00A Cryptic Clue by Victoria Gilbert {Audiobook Review}<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjCPD2XLL477tsJ-WrkRU0S_wzTnGXvM-G1LGaI1uUUFdPJHXuaYOEpMQgHEdx5yb1Nh7HwHhv1gc0r9-KV-anB0EZNuHYy0Gve9L73tcZ6SBzs4WOzmVkTDw2mDJmAjXDrQPe9-xbzCXdaNgERYuXPHCbt0PWhI-PskSkzNfqQ0m_l5QENaMbsGZumGc/s255/Cryptic%20Clue.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="255" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjCPD2XLL477tsJ-WrkRU0S_wzTnGXvM-G1LGaI1uUUFdPJHXuaYOEpMQgHEdx5yb1Nh7HwHhv1gc0r9-KV-anB0EZNuHYy0Gve9L73tcZ6SBzs4WOzmVkTDw2mDJmAjXDrQPe9-xbzCXdaNgERYuXPHCbt0PWhI-PskSkzNfqQ0m_l5QENaMbsGZumGc/s1600/Cryptic%20Clue.png" width="255" /></a></div><p>I admit that it took me a bit to get into the story. A somewhat reclusive bachelor (mid 30's) hired Jan, an archivist (old enough to be his mother) to help catalog his library. It was refreshing to have a book with a platonic friendship. The employer, Cameron "Cam" Clewe is primarily a homebody as he struggles with agoraphobia and is a bit socially awkward. Having worked with all kinds of people as a librarian, Jane is not at all put off by Cam's idiosyncrasies. Jane could be described as a reluctant retiree, not really expecting to have been let go. When the opportunity to archive a personal collection came up, Jane jumped at the chance. Just as Jane is learning the ropes and where things are in the expansive home, a body turns up (in the library, of course). </p><p>Cam needs someone to help clear his name because he is the primary suspect in the recent murder. And so Jane's duties immediately expand to include sleuthing. Librarian-turned-detective is not so very large a leap as every good librarian does a fair amount of detection in helping patrons explore new titles or dive into research projects. And those skills prove invaluable as Jane and Cam methodically sift through clues to find the killer. </p><p>Although it took a bit to get into the story, I would say this was an overall pleasant read, not too complicated and nicely wrapped up in the end (with perhaps a hint of future mysteries to come?). If you are looking for a cozy mystery for reading at the beach or lounging by the pool, check out <u>A Cryptic Clue</u> and see if you can guess the guilty party before the final chapter. </p><p><i>Disclaimer: I received a free digital audio recording of </i><u>A Cryptic Clue</u><i> from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received. </i></p><i> </i><p></p>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-29743995808527640492023-07-05T18:38:00.000-05:002023-07-05T18:38:14.464-05:00Mrs. Plansky's Revenge by Spencer Quinn {Audiobook Review}<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7Q790vQYYFYImBQPYSk9Q2ZN-4cNhRliRkxRYW4mS6WMP0aVO7JeTiE8u3tzEy0NOEeU6jGC_kJ3GgpBHNdga_jMwBvMBRrSRdQYWtWFsXC_sGHz55sp0Pm4Hf4s96QJYBT7XwgomdP_R0bdk1YiNc0M5H-_N9HHlHD5Puw2nXxUa4lpTNfh_LlDdI6l/s255/Mrs.PlanskysRevenge.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="255" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7Q790vQYYFYImBQPYSk9Q2ZN-4cNhRliRkxRYW4mS6WMP0aVO7JeTiE8u3tzEy0NOEeU6jGC_kJ3GgpBHNdga_jMwBvMBRrSRdQYWtWFsXC_sGHz55sp0Pm4Hf4s96QJYBT7XwgomdP_R0bdk1YiNc0M5H-_N9HHlHD5Puw2nXxUa4lpTNfh_LlDdI6l/s1600/Mrs.PlanskysRevenge.png" width="255" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was unfamiliar with this author (either under this pen name or his own name) and I spent the first few chapters trying to figure out the disconnect of what seemed to be comedic content with a very sobering cyber crime: the old fake-grandchild-asking-for-money-ploy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mrs. Loretta Plansky seemed a likeable retiree who lived in a senior community, enjoyed tennis with friends, and a [mostly] leisurely life (when not dealing with her cantankerous father). Perhaps a little too likeable in that everyone (her daughter, daughter's boyfriend, son and father) all were happy to stand in line for handouts from Loretta. I did have the thought that if you are foolhardy enough to promise $250K to one child and $750K to another that you are well on your way to proving the old adage, "A fool and his money are soon parted." However, before those <strike>greedy</strike> children can get their hot little hands on the money, a young imposter from Romania calls Loretta posing as her grandson Will with a sob story about being in jail, etc. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I find it a bit suspect that in this day and age that a 71-year-old woman would STILL fall for this routine. The woman must not read or watch any news. But this is fiction after all, so she lets the caller have her password to her bank account (say what?!) so he can make an online transfer of less than $10,000. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Surprise, surprise, the next morning all of Loretta's money at the bank has been drained. And to add insult to injury, her investments are gone as well (because she uses the same password for both--who still uses one password for all accounts?). As the author is giving the reader a glimpse into Loretta's character, there is a lot of internal dialogue that would seem to indicate a woman whose marbles may not be all accounted for. In spite of this, Loretta takes it into her head to try pursuing the thieves and her quest takes her to Romania where she manages to outsmart and outmaneuver corrupt law enforcement and various other goons. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you are looking for a completely farcical tale in which to immerse yourself, then Mrs. Plansky's Revenge may be just the ticket. A note of caution, however, this particular farce is served up with a large side of profanity and bawdy humor. Two aspects that quite frankly made it a challenge for me to finish reading and make it impossible for me to recommend. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Disclaimer: I received a free digital audio recording of</i> <u>Mrs. Plansky's Revenge</u> <i>from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received and the views expressed are entirely my own. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270157944660616531.post-7963171221350706122023-06-30T19:57:00.003-05:002023-06-30T19:57:53.811-05:00The Secret Sisters by Avi<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5osk_c2JCV1657eQ4yVxFGU-ODRfUjAskZkbaxFOpwHcuoPowQ6BCKC0BDLY35cUBWbSFSY3HOgnI9hoMuT74hoEM5OgdDq8MP_iuKkN8EYtoxpnqNcRVBuzdPAjhj3mAXczlUFm2EWPvmC8AamwUEpWJdxktesRMkaVEVaoM9j3MODc5WXGULMlE2JiS/s385/Secret%20Sisters.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5osk_c2JCV1657eQ4yVxFGU-ODRfUjAskZkbaxFOpwHcuoPowQ6BCKC0BDLY35cUBWbSFSY3HOgnI9hoMuT74hoEM5OgdDq8MP_iuKkN8EYtoxpnqNcRVBuzdPAjhj3mAXczlUFm2EWPvmC8AamwUEpWJdxktesRMkaVEVaoM9j3MODc5WXGULMlE2JiS/s320/Secret%20Sisters.png" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Readers were introduced to Ida Bidson in <u>The Secret School</u>, and now Avi offers the next installment in Ida's path toward her dream of becoming a teacher. Ida feels like she is a step closer to that dream when an opportunity to attend high school opens up in Steamboat Springs. She boards with a former teacher, Miss Sedgewick, and the world suddenly opens up to her. So many differences between her life at home and life in Steamboat Springs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At school, she meets so many girls with various backgrounds. Ida is faced with new ideas and new friendships--can she still remain herself in this new environment? With challenging studies and a principal who has taken a disliking to her, Ida has her work cut out for her. If she doesn't pass her classes, she'll have to leave and that will be such a disappointment to the parents who sacrificed for her to have this opportunity. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Readers will get a glimpse at life in 1925 and share in Ida's excitement when using a telephone for the first time or seeing a movie. And she even belongs to a special club of "sisters"--girls who want to celebrate everything modern. But will modern life clash with the traditional values of the school principal? Can Ida find a balance between her life in the past and the possibilities of life in the future?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Check out <u>The Secret Sisters</u> to find out how Ida's year concludes and whether she'll be returning for another term or going home in shame. This book about friendships, learning to face consequences, and working hard to achieve your goals will resonate with young people of all ages. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of </i><u>The Secret Sisters</u> <i>from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received and the opinions expressed are my own.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><p></p>Jill Stanishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424250184639194917noreply@blogger.com0