Laura

Posted on July 8, 2013September 30, 2014 by Laura

An Elephant in the Garden

Published: 2011 Theme: The Madness of War, and Survival Best for: over 11 "If they hate us, Karly, it is because we have also bombed their cities. What we are seeing now is a world gone mad, children, a world full of brutes, all intent on killing one another. And we should not forget that we are all responsible for making it happen." This children's book is an utterly fascinating and unique piece of historical fiction. In essence, this is a story of WWII from the point of view of a family of German refugees...

Posted on July 8, 2013June 9, 2016 by Laura

Mary, Queen of Scots

Published: 2002 Theme: History Best for: girls 9 and older "There was a soft chorus of ayes, and the three other Marys dropped to their knees and vowed as well to follow me through tumult and repose and never to marry until I have so done. Did any person have a luckier charm than these four steadfast friends?" This is one of many in a series called The Royal Diaries. What an absolutely fabulous way to learn history. Reading a diary is always fun, and even more so when it chronicles history...

Posted on June 29, 2013June 12, 2024 by Laura

Sandry’s Book – Circle of Magic Book 1

Published: 1997 Theme: Self-control, Development of inner powers Best for: Ages 10 and up "Meditation teaches self-control," Lark told the children firmly. "It teaches discipline. You learn to govern and organize your mind. Since a few of you were sent here because it was thought you were ungovernable..., meditation could turn out to be the most important thing you do here." This book is pure fantasy, from the location to the premise, and done with great skill and care. It's a fantasy book that is perfect for younger readers, as there is nothing scary or too out of the ordinary in it.

Posted on June 29, 2013September 30, 2014 by Laura

Moon Over Manifest

Published: 2010 Theme: Community, Honoring the Past Best for: 11 and older "Death is like an explosion," Miss Sadie said, her accent thick, like the humid air that hovered heavy around me. "It makes people take notice of things they might have overlooked." This is a serious historical fiction children's book, covering some pretty intense topics, all set in 1936 and earlier. From bootlegging to the Ku Klux clan, from immigrants to war casualties, this book is no light reading.

Posted on June 29, 2013September 30, 2014 by Laura

Frogged

Published: 2013 Theme: Don't be Gullible Best for: Pre-teen girls "Either the witch would be reasonable, or she would not. Imogene had read enough fairy tales to worry that a royal decree on the matter was less likely to soften the witch's heart and more likely to make her stubborn." If you are looking for a fun, light-weight summer children's book, one to take on a trip, this new book is a good choice. It's a silly little take-off on the princess-kissed-frog story, with amusing and sometimes dangerous twists of the plot.

Posted on June 23, 2013June 12, 2015 by Laura

The Sword in the Stone

Published: 1938 Theme: Compassion for all creation Best for: good readers over age 10 "The Wart did not know what Merlyn was talking about but he liked him to talk. He did not like the grown-ups who talk to him like a baby, but the ones who just went on talking in their usual way, leaving him to leap along in their wake, jumping at meanings, guessing, clutching at known words, and chuckling at complicated jokes as they suddenly dawned."

Posted on June 22, 2013June 24, 2015 by Laura

Anne of Green Gables

Published: 1908 Theme: Growing up Best for: Girls 9-12 "There's such a lot of different Annes in me. I sometimes think that is why I'm such a troublesome person. If I was just the one Anne, it would be ever so much more comfortable, but then it wouldn't be half so interesting." It is a cliche to say things are timeless, but books like this really are. There's nothing awkward reading it today. The emphasis on character development, and the growing pains of a young girl...

Posted on June 22, 2013September 30, 2014 by Laura

Rebound

Published: 2000 Theme: Compassion, Friendship Best for: Boys age 10 and up "You know, it wasn't so much about being in the wheelchair that I learned about, but how people reacted to me being in the chair. People treat you different. They act like you're...you're..." "Stupid!" David snapped." What a courageous book for someone to write. And what a perfect book for middle school boys. The author is a middle school teacher, and clearly knows the issues boys are up against...

Posted on June 15, 2013September 30, 2014 by Laura

A Necklace of Raindrops and Other Stories

Published: 1968 Theme: Fairy Tales Best for: 5- 8 "The cat sat on the mat. Lots of cats do that, everybody knows. And nothing strange comes of it. But once a cay sat on a mat and something strange did come of it." What a delight to find a contemporary writer who is able to create wonderful fairy tales. For that's what this children's book is: a collection of truly magical fairy tales.