Book Review: 300 Things I Hope by Iain S. Thomas

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300 Things I Hope cover image“I hope you are touched by the smallest gesture of friendship.”

“I hope it feels like your muscles are singing when you exercise.”

“I hope you learn the difference between the easy thing, the hard thing, the smart thing and the right thing.”

These are just a few of the things Iain S. Thomas includes in his book, 300 Things I Hope. Many are thoughtful, like the ones above. Some are whimsical and fun, like, “I hope you cover something in stickers.” Some are kind of silly, like, “I hope you get to meet aliens or your favorite band.”

But all of the things that Thomas hopes are thought provoking. Some are sure to bring a smile to your face, others may prompt you to look at life and the people you encounter differently. Carla Kreuser’s black and white line drawings are sometimes spare, sometimes bold, depending on the hope illustrated.

This little gem of a book can be read one page at a time in sequential order or opened at random to provide food for thought. It would make a great gift on a special occasion.

The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Book Review: The Day of the Pelican by Katherine Paterson

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The Day of the Pelican cover imageMeli and her family are Albanians living in Kosovo in the 1990s when tensions are high between Kosovars and Serbs. The tensions eventually erupt into violence, with families displaced, people disappearing, and houses ruined. Meli and her family must flee, eventually ending up in a refugee camp on the border. Eventually they make their way to the U.S., where they find peace. That is, until two planes fly into the World Trade Center Towers in New York.

The Day of the Pelican by Katherine Paterson unveils a region in struggle and the human desire to live in safety among family and friends. The history of Kosovo is complicated, and for the most part people of all ethnicities live peacefully next to each other. Yet some would like to cleanse the area of Albanians, either by killing them or forcing them to leave.

When Meli and her family relocate to they U.S., they are just starting to feel safe when the events of 9/11 catch them in a wave of anti-Muslim sentiment. Their determination to face their own fears and peacefully confront the fears of others leads them through the tough times.

The heartfelt story emphasizes that when judgments are made against all people of a race or religion based on the actions of a few, they are flawed. It is only when people are seen as individuals that we can move past stereotypes of all kinds and connect on a human level.

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Book Review: Wilf the Mighty Worrier Battles a Pirate by Georgia Pritchett

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Wilf the Mighty Warrior Battles a PirateWilf, everybody’s favorite worrier, is back after having saved the world from destruction by his evil neighbor Alan. This time Alan has another evil plan to destroy the world, and Wilf has to stop him. But first he must overcome all the things he worries about, like garden gnomes and giant squids and dark caves that could have bears and bats and scorpions.

Wilf the Mighty Worrier Battles a Pirate by Georgia Pritchett sees Wilf on Alan’s pirate ship, sailing into unknown lands as he tries to stop Alan and get his sister’s sand bucket and shovel back. Techniques used throughout the book, like narration that speaks directly to the reader, words in bold, large type, and quirky illustrations are sure to appeal to readers aged 8 to 11. Once again, Wilf shines as a champion of worriers everywhere.

The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: I Dissent by Debbie Levy

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I Dissent cover imageJustice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has become such an icon on the Supreme Court that she is now the subject of a picture book for young readers. I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark was written by Debbie Levy, and it looks at some of the early events that helped form young Ruth’s sense of justice.

That sense was formed in part by her trips outside of her Brooklyn neighborhood into small towns, where she saw signs on businesses saying Jews, Mexicans and colored people weren’t allowed. She also grew up at a time when girls were expect to grow up, get married, have kids, and take care of their homes. But her mom told her that girls could do more, and she took her to the library where she could read about women who went beyond the expected.

Over the years, Ruth dissented against the norm to get into college, go to law school, and get hired as a lawyer. She became a judge, then was appointed the first female Jewish member of the Supreme Court, where she has ruled on the side of equality for women and minorities.

Looking at the things Justice Ginsburg has objected to throughout her life is an interesting way to get across what she stands for. The illustrations show her growing from a determined young girl to a steely eyed member of our country’s highest court.

Those wanting more information will be happy there are two pages in the back of the book giving more information about milestones in her life as well as notes on Supreme Court cases and a selected bibliography. Ginsburg’s story is an inspiration to girls. Parents may also want to check out her own words about raising trail-blazing daughters in this story for Inc.

The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

 

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Book Review: Metaltown by Kristen Simmons

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Metaltown cover imageColin and Ty work in the small parts factory of Metaltown, a dark, cold place where even children who work are only one step away from starvation and homelessness. Lena’s father owns the factory and his word rules Metaltown. The three meet by chance, and their fight for what’s right will either pull them together or bring their worlds down around them.

Metaltown by Kristen Simmons portrays a society where the neediest are also the most vulnerable, a world with perpetual war and the only dream is surviving. But Colin holds a spark of hope that by banding together they can all bring change. It’s a powerful message that even the weak can find ways to triumph over the strong.

Simmons keeps the plot moving with several twists that should keep readers engrossed in the dystopian future she envisions. It’s a fast-paced read that will keep you on the edge of your seat cheering for Colin, Ty and Lena as they fight for what they believe they deserve. I recommend Metaltown for mother-daughter book clubs with girls aged 11 and up.

The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Meet the Bobs and Tweets by Pepper Springfield

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Meet the Bobs and Tweets cover imageThe Bobs are a family of slobs (except one), the Tweets are all neat (except one). When a real estate agent sells them houses across the street from each other, it’s just a matter of time before the two families clash. It’s up to the two littlest ones to find a way to calm the conflict.

Meet the Bobs and Tweets by Pepper Springfield is a fun book about two families with extreme habits. Rhyming verses will remind readers of Dr. Seuss, and they are great for reading out loud. Here’s an example from chapter 1, which starts like this:

A mob of Bobs lives like slobs.

A mob!

Of Bobs!

Oh, such slobs.

The comparisons between the two families are silly and fun, with one side happily running wild and the other getting pleasure from tidying up. The two misfits love their families even though they don’t fit in. But that’s exactly why they can help the two sides learn how to get along. It’s a great message for younger kids about respecting traits unlike yours in other people.

Illustrations by Kristy Caldwell are vibrant and whimsical. This book is sure to be a hit with readers aged 4 to 8 and their parents.

The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Book Review: Speed of Life by J. M. Kelly

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Speed of Life cover imageWhen baby Natalie was born out of wedlock, twins Crystal and Amber vowed they were in it together, just as they had been their whole lives. They would raise her together and move out on their own after they graduated from high school. Teen pregnancies are common in their family (their own mom was a teen when they were born), and they are saving every penny from their jobs to help with their plan. When Crystal grasps that college could be part of that plan, she starts to think of their future in different terms. Amber, however, doesn’t see things the same way.

Speed of Life by J. M. Kelly is a story for anyone who has hoped to change her life for the better. It recognizes that success comes in many forms, not just with a college degree, but also that teens don’t have to be defined by family expectations (or lack of them) just because everyone else has acted a certain way in the past.

Amber and Crystal may look alike, but their dreams for the future are different. Coming to the realization that that’s okay, and they can both achieve what they want, is the hard part. Speed of Life provides insight to the emotional, physical, and monetary challenges teens face when overcoming personal circumstances to succeed. It’s an inspiring story great for mother-daughter book clubs and readers aged 14 and up.

The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Book Review: A Guide to the Other Side by Robert Imfeld

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Guie to the Other Side cover imageBaylor Bosco has a unique talent. He not only sees ghosts, but he can deliver their messages to loved ones still on Earth. His twin sister Kristina, who is also a ghost, acts as a go-between for Baylor and the other side, a sort of spirit-world gatekeeper. But when a mysterious ghost covered in a sheet appears to Baylor, neither twin knows what it means. They set out to solve the mystery while learning things about their unique abilities along the way.

A Guide to the Other Side by Robert Imfeld is a ghost story that’s inventive and just the right amount of creepy. In Baylor’s experience, most people who have passed on want to convey good messages to the loved ones they left behind, so they can find their own peace. The sheet man, as he calls the strange visitor, is different, and Baylor feels something menacing from him. It’s intriguing for readers to follow along as he and Kristina unravel the mystery.

This first novel gets the Beyond Baylor series off to a great start, and readers aged 9 to 12 are sure to read this and want more.

The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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