My Superhero Mom

Written by FA Khan

Illustrated by Noor Alshalabi

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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Evie and the Volunteers: Book 1: Animal Shelter

Written by Marcy Blesy

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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Mommy Camp (For Dads Too) Plan the Best Summer Ever

Written by Barb Asselin

Practical planning guide for moms, dads, grandparents, and caregivers. This planning guide is really for any time of the year that a family knows they will have to share together. The key is to do the research and plan ahead including both indoor and outdoor activities. Camp does not have to be sleep away, and vacations need not be expensive with hotels and airfare. Depending on budget, there are numerous ways to have a great time.

Some of the ideas included will be familiar to readers like going to the beach, building a fort, or picnicking, or visiting with family members. Others stress finding inexpensive community resources like local theater, museums and libraries. Families may visit local fairs, farmer’s markets and yard sales. Asselin includes many recipes for cooking in the kitchen and crafts like home-made play dough. Gardening and volunteering opportunities can be found in any neighborhood. While the author does not reinvent the wheel, she does a good job of presenting suggestions and then providing a template that the reader can download free to implement their own ideas after discussing with their own families.

Recommended for moms, dads, grandparents and caregivers who don’t want to spend another summer or school vacation faced with children who say, “I’m bored, what can we do today.?”

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