Posts from the ‘middle grades’ Category

DIABETIC DREAMER

Dream Big with Diabetes

Written and illustrated by Sally Huss and Elizabeth-Hamilton Guarino

Olivia sits on the sidelines because she suffers from diabetes. When her friends ask her to play sports, go swimming, travel, or attend group events, Olivia replies that she wants to sit it out to play it safe. Her friends respond to her objections and give her examples of others who take precautions but instead choose to live their lives like normal children. Olivia wonders, are there others afflicted with diabetes who are pursuing and succeeding in their dreams?

Read this beautiful multicultural picture book that proves all children with disabilities can find a path to follow their fondest dreams. All children deserve an opportunity to succeed.

Recommended for any reader who has ever dared to dream.

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LARGER THAN LIFE LEGEND

Saint Patrick the Forgiver: The History and Legends of Ireland’s Bishop

Written and Illustrated by Ned Bustard

As a historian, I am familiar with the life of Saint Patrick, but this beautiful picture book written in rhyme presents Patrick in a novel way for both children and adults.

The line cut illustrations in brilliant colors combined with the rhymes that are fun to read and roll off the tongue compel readers to revisit the book and its lessons. Bustard integrates the larger-than-life legends about Patrick, but lays bare his personal human struggles. How could he forgive the slave captors who had kidnapped him and obey God’s calling to voluntarily return to the site of his captivity? Children immediately realize his torment and feel how difficult it might be to forgive.

This book is a good choice for Christian parents seeking to explain the role of St. Patrick in Ireland’s history or for educators teaching about the St. Patrick holiday. It teaches them a valuable lesson about forgiveness.

Highly recommended for children of all ages and adults who enjoy reading a well-written rhyming picture book that educates the mind while pleasing the eye.

Reviewed by Barbara Ann Mojica, children’s book author, for Net Galley

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IT’S YOUR CHOICE

Illustrated Would You Rather? : Jokes and Game Book for Children 5-11( Silly Kids and Family Scenarios, 1

Written and Illustrated by Dr. Shh

Book is part of a series. This one features jokes and games for elementary and early middle grade students.

I love interactive choice books because they encourage children to do critical thinking while they make choices. The first part of the book presents crazy scenarios, the second crazy questions. Each section is richly illustrated with black and white images. Readers are urged NOT to look at the answers provided ahead of time. As a bonus, the author includes references for the curious reader who wants to go into any of the topics in greater detail.

An excellent choice for readers age six through twelve as well as the reluctant reader.

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WHY YOU MUST LEARN TO BE A CRITICAL THINKER…

FIND OUT WHY THIS IS SO IMPORTANT WITH THIS FREE GIFT

DO YOU BELIEVE OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM IS IN TROUBLE?

SHOULD PARENTS AND TEACHERS HAVE ACCESS TO ALTERNATIVES?

WHAT SPECIFICALLY ARE THE PROBLEMS WE NEED TO FIX?

WHAT CAN WE DO TO GIVE OUR CHILDREN THE EDUCATION THEY DESERVE?

LET’S HAVE A DISCUSSION!

Click on the link below:

https://fabulous-innovator-745.ck.page/d2bf416904

I WOULD LIKE TO HELP.

WHO AM I?

I am a parent, grandparent, author, historian, and educator with forty years of experience as a teacher, principal, and school district administrator serving children in both the general and special education populations. I provide parents and teachers with tools and resources to accomplish their goals.

SET UP A FREE COACHING SESSION BY EMAILING:

BARBARA@LITTLEMISSHISTORY.COM

EVERY DAY CAN BE AN ADVENTURE

Catch Up!

Written by Cazzy Zahursky

Illustrated by Sam Cabbage

A family enjoys a picnic in a local park. When a bottle-cap falls off the table, their dog Buddy runs away with it. He just wants to play fetch. But that bottle-cap finds itself on an unexpected journey when different animal groups in the park commandeer it to use for fun. The boy runs around trying to regain possession while readers are treated to a riotous adventure.

The funny picture book features huge, colorful illustrations and large font. It is a fun read aloud for adults or beginnng readers. Characters are multicultural and diverse including children with disabilities.

Highly recommended for children ages two through five.

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PIRATE IN SPACE, MISSION ONE

Katt Scallion and the Oracle Bird: Katt’s First Adventure

Written by E. K. Issacs

Illustrated by Taru Haimi

This is the first book in an adventure/mystery series for elementary and middle school readers. Katt is a feline space pirate, accompanied by a sloth named Speedy. Things have been slow in the pirate business lately until he is dispatched to retrieve the egg of an oracle space bird.

Off the readers go on this mystery adventure. Katt meets lots of interesting characters on his quest. The book features lots of dialogue and humor. The characters are interesting and the plot moves along quickly. I would describe the book as a chapter book for advanced elementary school readers or an introductory middle school read. There are a few black and white illustrations that enhance the tale.

Recommended for ages six through twelve who enjoy mystery, adventure, humor, and animal characters.

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TIME SLIPPING AWAY

Time to Rhyme

Written by Nigel Tetley

Illustrated by Peter David Scott

A beautifully written rhyming picture book that captures the imagination of a child and the adult who reads. it.

A child views time through the days of the week, the months of the year, and its seasons. The lovely color pastels complement the mood of the text perfectly. While all of us never seem to have enough time, seeing the concept envisioned through the eyes of a child is refreshing and perceptive. After reading this tale, the mood felt is restful and calming just like the beautiful illustrations.

Recommended for a child of any age, but I feel adults will enjoy it just as much.

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AUGUST OR FOREVER – VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR AND GIVEAWAY #augustorforever

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Ona Gritz.

ABOUT THE BOOK

August or Forever

Written by Ona Gritz

Ages 9 + | 108 Pages

Publisher: Fitzroy Books | ISBN-13: 9781646033072

Publisher’s Book Summary: Ten-year-old Molly has always loved having a sister, but sisters are supposed to live together, right? Molly certainly thinks so. Unfortunately, her older half-sister Alison lives on a whole other continent. Their video chats are great, and Molly is thrilled when Alison’s hand-written letters arrive in the mail like surprise gifts.

Still, it’s not enough, not compared to what other siblings have. That’s why when Molly finds out that Alison is finally coming to visit over the summer, she devises a plan to get her sister to stay. But then Alison arrives with plans of her own, a fragile heart gets broken, and Molly stumbles upon a painful piece of her sister’s past. Molly has always loved having a sister, but this is the August when she’ll learn what it really means to be one.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Bookshop

Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ona Gritz is the author of two previous children’s books, including Tangerines and Tea, My Grandparents and Me, a Nick Jr. Family Magazine Best Alphabet Book of the Year and Scholastic Parent & Child Magazine Teacher’s Pick. Her essays and poems have been published widely. Recent honors include two Notable mentions in The Best American Essays, a winning entry in The Poetry Archive Now: Wordview 2020 project, two 2021 Pushcart nominations, and a 2022 Best of the Net nomination.

Learn more about her work at onagritz.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

A RELATIONSHIP REDEFINED

August or Forever

Written by Ona Gritz

Ten-year-old Molly is excited that Alison, her older stepsister, will be leaving her home in London to visit upstate New York. Throughout the years Molly has carried on a virtual relationship with her sister, meeting only once years ago. Now Alison has graduated university and Molly devises a plan to ensure her visit becomes permanent.

This tale is narrated in first person by Molly. Perhaps she loves Alison too much. Each of the girls have experienced troubles and losses. Molly needs to learn to recognize her sister’s needs as well as her own.

Gritz develops the characters in detail, using apt dialogue that conveys their emotions. She explores family bonds including complex issues like love and loss. The chapters are short and easy to follow. While the book targets a middle-grade audience, it also strikes a chord among adult readers. A great book for a book club or classroom discussion; the author includes starter questions at the end of the story.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a paperback copy of August or Forever, autographed by Ona Gritz, and a glass heart necklace (like one that figures prominently in the story)!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

A signed, paperback copy of August or Forever

A glass heart necklace

Nine (9) winners receive:

A signed, paperback copy of August or Forever

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

https://gleam.io/bOrBE/august-or-forever-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Wednesday, February 1, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewA book review of August or Forever
Thursday, February 2, 2023The Fairview ReviewA book review of August or Forever
Friday, February 3, 2023Writer with WanderlustA book review of August or Forever
Monday, February 6, 2023The Momma SpotA book review of August or Forever
Tuesday, February 7, 2023The Growing Readers PodcastAn author interview with Ona Gritz
Wednesday, February 8, 2023Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review of August or Forever
Thursday, February 9, 2023My Reading GetawayAn author interview with Ona Gritz
Friday, January 10, 2023J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review of August or Forever
Monday, February 13, 2023BookshelfmamaAn Instagram post of August or Forever
Tuesday, February 14, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewA booklist featuring August or Forever
Wednesday, February 15, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewAn article by author Ona Gritz
Thursday, February 16, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn article by author Ona Gritz
Friday, February 17, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of August or Forever
Monday, February 20, 2023Life Is What It’s CalledAn author interview with Ona Gritz

THE SECRET SUITCASE

The Magical Suitcase (The Decoders Book 1)

Written by Alba Arango

First book in a mystery detective series that targets middle grade readers. It’s a little more than one hundred pages so it might also be considered a beginning or reluctant reader choice.

Three friends, Matt, Steve, and Jenny team up to solve the mystery held within the suitcase purchased for one dollar at an auction. Turns out a poem written by a pirate long deceased holds the key to a hidden treasure. When someone else offers a lot more money for the suitcase, the three amigos are sure they need to follow the clues and resolve to uncover the treasure.

The characters are not complex and the plot not too intricate but readers who like detective and mystery stories probably won’t be disappointed.

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MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN’S BOOK DAY 2023 Arletis, Abuelo and the Message in a Bottle #READYOURWORLD

I am honored to participate in the 10th anniversay of an event that I have been involved in since its inception. Here’s to all the readers of the world, big and small, young and old, from all corners of the globe.

DREAMS SHARED IN A BOTTLE

Arletis, Abuelo, and the Message in a Bottle

Written by Lea Aschkenas

Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu

A beautifully written and illustrated children’s book with an inspiring message. Arletis lives on a tiny street in a Cuban village. When she gazes at her location on a map in school, she dreams of the world that stretches beyond her small world. While Arletis is content living with her parents, sister, and grandmother, a tiny voice inside wants to know what lies beyond it.

One day, her parents take her to the seashore. Arletis finds a bottle washed ashore that contains a message in a foreign language. She writes back in her native language and hopes for a response. Thousands of miles away, an elderly tugboat captain answers her message. The rest of the tale is magical. Maybe dreams in a bottle come true.

The author is masterful in creating beautiful language phrases to convey her message. For example, “In summer, the heat got so heavy and thick it rolled down the street in dizzying waves…” Images portray the spirit and emotions of the characters. They literally jump off the pages drawing in the eyes of the reader. Bonus features include a Cuban recipe, glossary of unfamiliar words, and a list of resources to continue learning more. The book will be available in Spanish and English editions. Based on a true story, this multicultural tale will delight children and adults of all ages.

Don’t miss this release in April 2023.

THANK YOU to our wonderful MCBD participants and supporters including Co-Hosts, Medallion and Author Levels Sponsors, book reviewers, book donators, and readers! 

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