What Hurts the Most by Willow Rose

 

Genre: Adult, Suspense/Thriller

Source: I purchased a copy

I love the setup of this book the chapter titles are dates. The book switches back and forth between past and present and the dates help keep you from getting confused.  Mary is a journalist with a young son. She has been fired from her job. When she learns her brother has been arrested for murder she returns to Cocoa Beach Florida to try to solve this crime. The tensions run high in this book. In the beginning she stays with her father and her step-mother. There is definitely no love lost between Mary and her step-mother.  Then there is her ex-husband and all of her old friends. Together they set out to try to prove her brother’s innocence.   One thing is for sure, Willow Rose does an excellent job of creating a variety of well fleshed out characters. Each of them have their own quirks, some of them very annoying. Be sure this book will keep you on the edge of your seat reading until the end.

Plum Springs by Dan Lawton

 

Genre: Adult, Thriller
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This could have been ripped straight from the headlines. As a matter of fact we have seen stories like this in the news. We have the abuse of young children by their father. Bo and Rusty work long hours in the field. They have little food or water. They do everything they can to protect their youngest sister Ruby. Living next door are the family members who should do everything in their power to protect them but didn’t.  I think as things got worse for the children and the mother and grandfather did nothing to help the children, I got angrier. No child should have to take matters into their own hands to protect themselves. I kept thinking the whole system had let them down. They were slipping through the cracks. This is not an easy book to read. The story of abuse will rip your heart out. What the children do to protect their sister will haunt you.  The writing shows the strength of the characters and the love that bonds them together. Most importantly it shows that there is always hope.  This is a wonderful book that I highly recommend.

What Waits in the Woods by Kieran Scott

Source: I own a copy
Genre: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Mystery

Oh, My Gosh!  I thought the book, "What Waits in the Water" was good. This put a whole new spin on stalkers and mental illness. I truly didn't see what was coming straight at me. The story builds up in layers. All the way through I kept thinking, so ____ is the killer, only to find out I was wrong. The story starts very uniquely. You have someone in a mental facility telling you the doctor keeps asking them "why". They believe the answer is very obvious. So you don't know the gender of the person in the mental facility which is why I didn't see their identity coming at me. Everyone was suspect.  You have three girls going on a camping trip. Callie is new to the group and trying to push herself out of her comfort zone. The other two, Lissa and Penelope have been best friends for a long time. Then you have Jeremy, Callie's boyfriend who has tagged along.  This makes Lissa's boyfriend Zach upset. He decided to prank them and show up anyway. Then there is Ted, someone they just met who tells them he will lead them to his cabin where they can call their parents. Someone in this group is lying. When the first person is killed, the others must try to figure out who it is before they all lose their lives.

Adventures With Scarlet and Twinkle by Janice Ford

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Genre: Children's Book

This author has once again given us five wonderful little stories to share with our young loved ones.

A Little Girl and Her Doll

Scarlett received a stuffed elephant as a Christmas gift one year. Now she and Twinkle play together every day. One day while climbing the ladder to their treehouse Twinkle slips. Scarlet rushes down to help her friend. They discover Twinkle’s skirt has gotten dirty. Scarlett knows what to do, it is mom to the rescue.

Scarlet Loses Twinkle

Sometimes making a choice can be difficult. Scarlet and Twinkle get permission to go to the park one day. Twinkle reminds Scarlet that the next day is mom’s birthday. They decide to pick some berries for mom and surprise her with them the next day. After picking berries Scarlet has to leave Twinkles in the park so she can carry the berries and hide them. Unfortunately she has to go to bed without Twinkles. When she wakes up the next morning Twinkles is in the kitchen with mom. Mom knew that Twinkles had been left in the park and went to get her and bring her safely back home. Leaving Twinkles behind had been the hardest choice Scarlet had ever made.

Feeling Scared

School is the one place Scarlet can’t take Twinkles. When her teacher announces they all must participate in the school play Scarlet is scared. She explains her fear to her mother, who promises to help her memorize her lines. She tells Twinkles who explains how speaking in front of others is just like one of the adventures they have. She learns it is okay to be afraid and that sometimes you have to face your fears.

Helping a Friend Out

Scarlet was play with Twinkle when she noticed a rip in her shoulder. She took Twinkle to the house where her dad quickly fixed Twinkle right up. As she went outside she saw her best friend from school crying. She sat Twinkle down and went to Jennifer. Jennifer had secretly taken her doll to school and forgot her. The school was closed and she would have to wait until the next day to get her. Scarlet helped her out by letting Twinkle spend the night with Jennifer so she wouldn’t be sad and lonely. This is a story that teaches children about sharing and caring.

A Very Important Lesson

Scarlet and Twinkle get permission to explore their neighborhood one day. They decide to go a different direction. At the end of their street they see a forest and decide to enter it. The deeper they go the darker it gets. When they decide they should go back they realize they don’t recognize the way because it all looks the same. That is when they notice a ball of stuffing and realize a hole in Twinkle’s foot has actually saved them. All they need to do is follow the stuffing to get back out. Scarlett tells her parents about the forest and the lesson she has learned about not going to unfamiliar places without an adult.

The thing I love about Janice Ford’s books is that they are simple stories for the youngest child with simple lessons. 

Uprooted by Kandi J. Wyatt

Genre:  Middle Grade, Young Adult, Fantasy

Source:  I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

As always Kandi Wyatt has created a series you have to read. Once I started the book I could not put it down. As I have said before, her world building is so realistic you find yourself along for the ride with the characters.  She has created a world where some lands are in almost total darkness, while some lands have too much light.  This creates a unique problem that kids who have taken science will understand. Without light you can’t grow products to help you life. On the other hand if you have too much light you have the same issue. She has created these worlds and the people who inhabit them with such skill.

Hest, the main character lives in a land where very little grows. He has never seen a tree. Any wood they have must be imported so it is limited.  His parents are dead so he works for a woman who runs the tavern. He has feelings for her daughter and her son is like a little brother to him. He is in charge of the stables and beyond  good with horses. One day a man shows up with a magnificent horse. Hest doesn’t get off to a very good start with him. The next day as the man prepares to leave he finds Hest working his horse. It is through this activity a life changing decision is made for Hest. He sees the man hand a bag of money to the woman who has been like a mother to him since his own died. He believes he has been sold.  He goes with the man.  It is along this trip he learns he is not a slave but something more.

Hest grew as a character and a man throughout this story.  However, knowing this is a new series I know there is so much more to learn about this character. He proves his loyalty not only to the people of the new land he now belongs to but also to a dragon.  Yes!  I knew the master storyteller of dragons would have to place one somewhere. At least I hoped she would.  I can not wait to read the next book and learn more about this new world she has built. I do hope I left enough teasers here to make you order your copy today. You won’t regret it.

A Boy's Best Friend by Janice Ford

Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This is a collection of five short stories. The first story is “Steven Meets Stuart”. Steven loves animals. He has done a lot of research. He wants a pet. He chooses what he believes is the perfect pet a puppy. He tries to persuade them to get him one for Christmas. He finds nothing under the tree that would be a puppy. Imagine his surprise when his dad brings in a surprise box.

The second story is “Adventure Time with Steven and Stuart”.

Steven loves his new dog.  What is even better is that he has learned his dog can talk to him. One day while exploring the woods behind his house he hears a noise in a bush. He finds a bunny who is stuck. Stuart tells Steven the problem and he is able to help the bunny.

The third story is “The Great Big Monster!”

Like a lot of children, Steven is scared of storms, especially when the wind sounds like a monster outside his window.  Stuart jumps in bed with Steven but is just as scared. But mothers always make things better. Steven and Stuart are allowed to sleep in their parent’s bed.

The fourth story is “Steven Makes a New Friend”.

Steven and Stuart are exploring their neighborhood when they come across a small girl with a stuffed elephant. She looks sad. Steven learns she wants to go into the forest to pick some flowers for her mom. However, the last time she went in she got lost.  Steven and Stuart are there to help this little girl.

The final story in this collection is “School is Fun”.

Steven loves his dog Stuart so much. He is excited to let his dog know that their teacher is allowing the students to bring their pet to school for a special project.  Steven can’t wait to show his dog to all of his classmates. It is one of his best days ever.

This collection was a joy to read. It was bubbly and showed how much love and friendship can come from having a pet. It also shows how we can be there for others.  Another great job from this author.

What Waits In The Water by Kieran Scott

Genre: Middle Grade, Horror
Source: I own a copy

Hannah and her new step-sister are total opposites. Hannah is a swimmer and loves the water. Katie can't swim and plays softball.  When Hannah is invited to her best friend Jacob's lake house she is excited. She and Jacob have been best friends since they were very young. She had heard so much about their lake house. Hannah had not planned on her new step-sister tagging along. On the way down to where they will meet Jacob, Hannah realizes there is something between Jacob and Katie. It isn't bad enough she has to spend the weekend with her step-sister there. She learn there are no parents and Jacob has invited two other friends.

Strange things happen. Hannah is racing Jacob when she is suddenly pulled under water. Later she sees something she identifies as a monster. The new friend Colin seems attracted to her. He is the one who tells the story of the drownings in the lake. When Hannah, Katie and Jacob visit the burned island across the lake Hannah finds a box with a diary. It is the diary of a girl who has gone missing.  Was she a victim of the lake? Hannah and Katie watch as their new friend Alessandra is pulled under the water. She surfaces and screams for help before she disappears.  All Hannah and Katie want is off the island.

This was definitely a very creepy, edge of your seat book. I read it in a little over two hours. I have spent a lot of time talking about it to my students. That is how good this book is. Now I must read the other book "What Waits in the Woods". I am sure it will be just as good.

Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova

Genre: Middle Grade, Graphic

Source:  From my classroom shelves

 

Usually this book is passed from student to student and checked out. However, the last student put it into my book bin to be checked back in and I snagged it.  I will tell you from the beginning I am not a big graphics fan. Every student who has read this has told me I need to read it. I agree with them, it was great.

This could have been taken right out of my classroom. I am always hearing students talking about what course is best.  We have those students who will argue until they are blue, that art is the best subject. Then we have those students who love the sciences, or math, or English.

The characters face the very things students new to our school or new to middle school face. They worry about bullying, making friends, family problems, will their teachers like them or will they like their teachers. This is what made this book ring true. The author took a lot of time to flesh out her characters. These are some of the most diverse characters I have seen in a book.   I loved this book and understand why all the students kept recommending it to me.

The Robber Girl by Franny Billingsley

Genre: Middle Grades, Young Adult, Adult, Fantasy
Source: I purchased a copy

This is probably one of the harder reviews I've had to write. I absolutely loved this book. There are so many layers to it that make it hard to write about it. We have a young girl working alongside "Gentleman Jack" a known criminal. She believes he rescued her after her mother abandoned her. While trying to rob a stagecoach Gentleman Jack is caught. This young girl is taken home to the Judge's house. This is a house that has known sorrow. The judge and his wife lost their son and daughter to smallpox. As you read along you realize that things definitely are not what they seem.  The judge and his wife try to "tame" this wild girl. She communicates with her dagger who keeps reminding her how much Gentleman Jack has done for her. You know something is afoot whenever she begins to communicate with the dolls in a dollhouse the judge had made for his daughter. The dagger also doesn't like when she thinks she remembers things. It doesn't want her to remember.  There are definitely reasons Gentleman Jack has not named her. There are reasons she has been lied to for five years.   She is the only one who holds the key to what Gentleman Jack wants. Better than that she holds the key to who and what she is.  I tried to explain this to my students and had just as much trouble explaining it to them.  I recommend this one to everyone who loves beautiful language, fantasy and, unreliable characters.

Ten More Wonderful Picture Books

Here are the rest of the books my theatre class and I read. Maybe you will find one that you really like.

Rabbit Makes a Monkey out of Lion byVerna Aardema
Rabbit and Bush-rat have found some honey and begin eating it until lion comes along. He tells them it is his honey. They get away by fooling the lion. This is called “making a monkey” out of him. The next day rabbit goes back with turtle. Once again they get away by fooling the lion. The lion realizes that the rabbit is behind all of this and decides to hide in rabbit’s house and gobble him up when he returns home. The rabbit is smart and fools the lion once again.

Federico and the Wolf by Rebecca J. Gomez
This is a modern Spanish version of the Red Riding Hood story. It is full of Spanish words and rhymes. Federico must do some shopping for his mom and take it to his grandfather’s shop. He is met by the wolf. The wolf rushes off to the grandfather’s shop. Of course Federico get the best of the wolf and rescues his grandfather.

Cindy Ellen A Wild Western Cinderella by Susan Lowell
This is a western re-telling of the Cinderella story. This version takes place in the old west. Instead of a ball they have a rodeo and a square dance. Instead of a glass slipper, Cindy Ellen has diamond studded spurs. Instead of turning a pumpkin into a carriage she rides in a stage coach. This was a fun and refreshing twist on a common fairytale.

The Girl Who Wore Too Much by Margaret Read MacDonald
This a folktale from Thailand. This story tells about a young girl who has been spoiled by her parents. They have given her the best of everything. When the young girls of the village are invited to a party Aree can’t decide which of her finest dresses, or beautiful jewelry to wear. She puts one dress on over another. The she puts all of her jewelry on. She thinks she will be the most beautiful girl there. She meets her friends outside. The hold their laughter in. As they walk along Aree can’t keep up and is left behind. Her friends come back for her twice. Both times when they try to help her she stops them because she doesn’t want her dresses messed up. She never makes it to the dance. The next morning her friends find her where she had sat down. She has no strength to move. They get her parents who realize and help her realize how wrong they were for giving her everything.

Oh, Kojo! How Could You! By Verna Aardema
In this African tale an old man named Ananse is a trickster. One day Tutuola goes to the river and asks the spirit of the river for a son. He warns her that the son will not want to work but will one day repay her. She goes home and is given a son. One day the son tells his mom he needs some gold because he wants to go to the market. On the way he meets Ananse and buys a dog from him. The second time Ananse tricks him into buying a cat. The final time he tricks him into buying a dove. On the way back home the dove tells him she is the queen mother of the chief of her village. If he will return her then her son will reward him. He takes the dove home and the son gives him a magic ring. He wishes for a village and people. Then he wishes for food to feed the people. Ananse is mad and believes the ring should be his. He steals it back. Kojo send the cat and dog to get the ring back. He is warned that Ananse will try to poison the animals. The cat doesn’t follow directions, but the cat does and returns the ring to Kojo. That is why cats are honored to this day.



Imogene’s Last Stand by Candace Fleming

Imogene loves history. She is saddened that the old historical society building is falling apart. She and her dad fix it up and she is ready for people to tour this wonderful place. However, no one comes. No one seems interested, especially after they learn that a shoelace factory is going to be put there and will put them on the map. Imogene tries everything. She even writes to a famous historian. The day the bulldozers arrive she locks herself in stocks. When they ask her father what he is going to do about it he joins her. People come and hang out. The mayor shoes up and so does the historian along with the President. They declare the house a historical monument and save the building and all of its history. The book is full of historical quotes and tidbits of history. This book shows that one person can make a difference.

We Forgot Brock by Carter Goodrich
Phillip’s best friend is Brock. No one else can see him. They call him Phillip’s imaginary friend. One day they go to the fair and Brock rides on the rides with Phillip. When Phillip goes to get some cotton candy Brock rides other rides. Brock gets sleepy and falls asleep in his father’s arms. They leave the fair, leaving Brock behind. Brock realizes Phillip is gone and begins to cry. He gets on the Ferris Wheel to get a better look and can’t find him. A young girl and her imaginary friend Princess Sparkle-Dust invite him home with them. Eventually they run into Phillip. Now when Phillip and Brock play with Anne and Princess Sparkle-Dust everyone thinks they are talking to each other.




Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

Chrysanthemum, a tiny mouse loves her name until she starts school. Some of the kids make fun of her name. It isn’t until their music teacher, whom they all love,  tells them she too is named after a flower, that they change their mind.

The One and Only Dylan St. Clair by Kamen Edwards
Dylan spent his summer at theater camp. He is excited for the school play. There are no auditions, instead the teacher hands out the parts. Dylan is given the part of a squirrel in space. He is not happy at all. A kid playing the part of Saturn doesn’t like his role. It is through telling Dylan how lucky he is that Dylan decides he really does have the best part.





The Tale of Rabbit and Coyote by Tony Johnston

This is a wonderful Mexican folktale. In this version the rabbit tricks the coyote many times. He then climbs a ladder to the moon. That is why coyotes howl at the moon. Instead of referring to the man in the moon, they refer to the rabbit in the moon.