I Can Deal With Anger: A Children’s Book About Understanding Big Emotions and Learning Anger Management Skills. (I Can Books 5)
Written and Illustrated by Alicia Ortega
A lovely illustrated, rhyming book that is part of the I Can Deal with book series for elementary school readers.
Mia is a Queen, but she lives her life out in the real world. Mia goes to school and interacts with her peers. She experiences the same emotions and feels the same frustrations.
Mia’s teacher, Miss Luna, teaches her many techniques to handle Mia’s emotions. Mia learns to use positive affirmations, quiet spaces, writing in her journal, counting, and breathing techniques.
At the end of the book, the author provides a maze and a coloring page for readers to practice implementing some of these strategies.
This nicely illustrated multicultural book deserves a place on the shelf of home and classroom libraries.
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Publisher’s Book Summary: Logan Osborne has spent his life chasing the shadows of the past.
As a child, he watched helplessly as his father was snatched from a fishing boat by what he swore was a mermaid. No one believed him then. No one believes him now.
Determined to prove that mythical creatures exist, Logan is drawn back to the small coastal town where his nightmares began after another mysterious disappearance stirs the waters.
Teaming up with his pragmatic colleague Elliot Sheppard and his fiercely loyal friend Penny Swanson, Logan dives headfirst into an adventure packed with danger and deception. As they dig deeper, the trio faces resistance at every turn—a secretive agency with its own agenda, a suspiciously unhelpful police force, and Logan’s old flame, who may know more than she’s letting on.
What they uncover is far darker and more terrifying than Logan ever imagined: the truth about his father, the secrets of Minatuck, and the horrifying reality of the Mermaid of the Hamptons.
Will Logan and his friends expose the lies that have haunted him for years, or will they be Dragged Down Deep into the swampy, secretive underbelly of a town that guards its mysteries with deadly intent?
Michael Okon is an award-winning and best-selling author of multiple genres, including paranormal, thriller, horror, action/adventure, and self-help. He graduated from Long Island University with an English degree and later received his MBA in business and finance. Coming from a family of writers, he has storytelling in his DNA. Michael has been writing from as far back as he can remember, his inspiration being his love for films and their impact on his life. From the time he saw The Goonies, he was hooked on the idea of entertaining people through unforgettable characters.
Michael is a lifelong movie buff, a music playlist aficionado, and a sucker for self-help books. He lives on the North Shore of Long Island with his wife and children.
Logan Osbourne struggles to recover from a childhood trauma. When his father was dragged from a small boat and drowned by what he insisted was a mermaid, no one believed the tale. Now an adult scientist, Logan is determined to prove that a mythological creature called The Thunderbird exists. Together with his partner Elliot and the support of his university, Logan sets off to prove that the Native legend is true.
No one in the small town seems willing to talk, and Aimee, a former girlfriend, is out to beat him to the punch in finding the creature. Deception and deceit lurk around every corner. Logan faces physical danger, mental anguish, and socal ridicule. Will he succeed in uncovering the mystery surrounding his father’s death and the secrets of Minatuk? Why is everyone afraid of the answers?
From the intriguing quotes that introduce the adventure to the final chapter, readers are drawn into the complex characters and the twists and turns of the thriller. Another wonderful tale by a talented author that does not disappoint.
GIVEAWAY
Readers who join us on this tour can enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a copy of Dragged Down Deep, signed by Michael Okon. The grand prize winner will also take home a $100 Amazon gift card!
Soha is excited when her teacher announces an essay competition. She is confident that she can win. Her enthusiasm is dampened when the topic is announced. The students must write about why their mom is a superhero. Soha’s classmates share with her that each of their mothers have important positions in the community like teachers, doctors, and pharmacists. Soha’s mom is a stay- at- home mom.
Soha soon realizes that she is wrong. Her mom volunteers at soup kitchens, bake sales, and the food bank. She is a valuable member of the community. Soha learns that not all heroes are paid for their work. The value lies in the results that they produce for others.
This picture book is a valuable teaching tool. Children realize that a community needs responsible citizens who know the value of teamwork, empathy, kindness, and respect.
I highly recommend this beautifully illustrated multicultural book for readers in elementary and middle school. A worthwhile addition to both home and classroom libraries.
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First book in a series for beginning and middle school students. Evie’s mom has a new job, and Evie is sent away from home for the summer. It doesn’t take long for Evie and her newfound friends to get into trouble. As punishment, her mother enrolls Evie as a volunteer in a local animal shelter where she meets an abused dog.
Evie learns the value of hard work and giving back to the community. As a backstory, young readers are introduced to the concept of PTSD and the difficulties military families must face. These are explained in an age-appropriate way.
I would recommend the book to readers in the seven to twelve age range. It would make an excellent choice as a classroom discussion read aloud book.
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The Feather Chase: (The Crime-Solving Cousins Mysteries Book 1)
Written by Shannon L. Brown
The Feather Chase: (The Crime-Solving Cousins Mysteries Book 1)
Written by Shannon L. Brown
This is the first book in a new crime-fighting mystery series for middle-grade readers. Sophie is staying with her cousin, Jessica, for the summer. The twelve-year-old cousins share an affinity for adventures and mysteries.
While walking along a trail, the cousins discover a briefcase filled with feathers. They bring their prize to the local sheriff who immediately decides to assist them in their newest adventure.
The plot moves quickly, and the characters remind me of a Nancy Drew book. I believe it has the most appeal for readers in fifth or sixth grade. The characters are interesting and plot details sustain the mystery.
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I got completely absorbed in this middle-grade adventure. At the outset, readers meet Lucy who is arguing with her brother Tom. Readers feel at home in an average American family. When Lucy’s teacher introduces the topic of oceans, Lucy decides she is all-in on pursuing an adventure to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a boat without engines or sails.
Her determination and persistence convince her family, friends, and teacher to support Lucy in her adventure. She solicits sponsors, learns about navigation, secures supplies, accesses communication equipment, and prepares for the big day.
Readers share the elation of stars, sunsets, and serenity of the seas. They also experience its dangers at every turn. For forty-five days, they read her diary and the writings of her classmates at home.
I love the lessons of sea-faring knowledge, and the strong character displayed by the protagonist. This book is a page-turner and an enjoyable read for the target audience of ages seven through twelve, but I promise a rewardable experience for any age reader.
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One Giant Leap has much to offer. A middle-grade read that leans a bit more to the upper grades of that range contains an interesting plot. Four students have won a science competition to take a trip to outer space from a space tourist organization, but both of Fin’s parents are in the hospital. He needs a guardian to participate.
A conflict of emotions and stress at the outset. Well, I will reveal that Fin accepts the prize, but not the details of this fantastic opportunity. The book combines lots of space trivia, factual scientific information, and middle-grade angst connected with coming of age. Its adventure plot moves swiftly.
I especially enjoyed the author’s approach of including rather advanced vocabulary definitions in the glossary and a section at the end separating fact from fiction. Space afficionados and science geeks will both enjoy the book. Even adults will not be disappointed.
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A beautifully illustrated picture book that explains the emotion of worry to even the youngest child.
The author covers the nature of worry, reassures children that it is a common occurrence, and presents examples of situations in which a young child might be afflicted with worrying. It instills a feeling of self-confidence and urges children to either take action or seek advice from an adult when facing the problem.
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Books for Benjamin: A Fun Picture Book Valuing Reading and Libraries!
Written by R. G. deRouen
Illustrated by Ulianna Barabash
This book is the most creative picture fiction book that I’ve seen in a long time.
The protagonist is a worm named Benjamin who has no desire to fit in with his family and worm friends. He loves books and wants to spend all his time reading. He fashions a plan to escape his life in a grocery store by hiding in a newspaper but when the purchaser discovers him she tries to kill him. Benjamin narrowly escapes but finds a dragonfly, ant, and ladybug to bring him to a safe place. Can you guess where that might be? Soon Benjamin finds himself in trouble again until he finds a sympathethic librarian who succeeds in making him famous.
Elementary school readers will turn each page as they follow this adventure, delight in the fanciful illustrations, and learn about the value of reading and safeguarding our literature. A bonus section features the history of the library.
Highly recommend the book and hope to see more creativity from this author.
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Extra Special Heart: Highlighting the Beauty and Strength of a Child Born with CHD, Congenital Heart Defect
Written and illustrated by Carli Valentine
A beautiful picture book that tells the story of a little boy born with congenital heart disease. Children are told that the boy’s heart is super strong and that he is very brave in facing the challenges the condition brings to him. He faces surgery with courage and his spirits bouyed up by the support of his family and friends.
What a wonderful way to teach children about inclusion and to see physical handicaps as a strength rather than a weakness! It is a wonderful teaching tool to open up a discussion on all sorts of disabilities.
Highly recommended as a resource for parents and teachers of children with disabilities but also to build empathy for these children from kids in the general population.
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October 22, 2025
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