Free Lunch by Rex Ogle

Genre: Middle Grade, Memoir

Source:  Purchased a copy

Free Lunch – Rex Ogle

Genre: Middle Grade, Memoir

Source:  I purchased a copy

Middle school is tough. Most sixth graders feel like a fish out of water on the first day. There are class changes, often it is a new school and then, there is lunch. For Rex Ogle his first year in sixth grade is made tougher by the fact his mom has signed him up for free lunch at his school. He must tell the lunch lady each time he gets lunch that he is on the free program. This is such an embarrassment for him, especially since he has to shout it since the lunch lady can’t hear him. Rex has told his story so honestly it is raw. You feel for him when they are evicted and must live in government housing. It wasn’t bad enough everyone he was once friends with knows he gets free lunch. Their new housing sits close enough to the school that everyone will soon know how poor he is.  As a teacher I found myself very irritated at the teacher who decided Rex would be a trouble maker simply on first impressions. I am not naïve enough to think that all teachers are compassionate. I have worked with many teachers that made me wonder why they became a teacher. It wasn’t because they truly loved children. Their behavior told a different story. This story resonates with all kids at all levels. I understood how Rex felt. We went through a financial crisis when I was a teen. I chose not to eat lunch and tell others I just wasn’t hungry. It was less embarrassing. Poverty hits children of all colors and all ages. Thankfully today, students scan their ID card for lunch. No one needs to know if they get free lunch or not. This book has a long waiting list in my class. I recommend it to all teens.

 

A Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

 

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Novel in Verse
Source: I purchased a copy

This is one of those books that grabs you in the beginning and won't let go. Will is outside his apartment with his best friend when a shooting occurs. From the time he was young, he has been taught what to do. If you hear shots, you "eat the pavement." After a few minutes, he stands up to see who the unlucky person is, only to discover it is his brother. Another thing he is taught is you never cry. He takes his mother back inside, where she numbs herself the way she always does. Finally, he goes to the room he shared with his brother. He looks through his brother's drawer until he finds the gun his brother has. He slides it under his pillow. The third rule of the code he has grown up with is you kill the person who killed your loved one. The next morning Will puts the gun in the back of his pants and gets on the elevator to take care of business. When the elevator stops on each floor, someone from his past gets on and talks with him, his uncle, his dad, and others. They each have advice for him. All of these are people who have died. The question we read to find an answer to is, on this long way down, would he listen to them?

My heart broke for the character losing his brother the way he did. It broke even more, knowing that so many young people live this very life. I had a student many years ago who told me he had not done his homework because they had several drive-by shootings that night. He said his biggest fear was getting struck by a bullet while sitting in his room. This is a quick read since it is written in verse. I am not sure how I feel about the ending. If you want to know what I am referring to you need to read the book.

The Nativity Story For Children

 

Genre:  Children's Picture Book

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

Growing up I remember my mother reading the story of Christ's birth straight from the Bible before we opened Christmas presents. As a teen I had the privilege of doing it. When my children came along my mother once again would read the story while the grandchildren sat on her lap. This beautiful picture book has two beautiful things in one. It is straight from the Bible, yet it has beautiful pictures to accompany it. As a younger child I didn't understand all of the words. Having this book would have helped me understand this. My grandchildren are much older, yet this is the book I will take to my daughter's house to read to them. They will get the benefit of both God's word and beautiful pictures to help them understand. This should be a must read in every house at Christmas time.

The Lonely Dead by April Henry

Genre: Young Adult, Middle Grade, Mystery

Source: I purchased a copy

I love April Henry's books. I chose this book for my "First Chapter Friday" read. I want to entice my students to read more. I had this at home to read and loved the first chapter. Since we read the rest of the period after I read the first chapter, it was the perfect time for me to finish the book. 

Adele is a young girl who lives with her grandfather. Both of her parents are dead. When she was young her grandfather took her to a psychiatrist who diagnosed her with schizophrenia. They determined it ran in the family. But what if it isn't schizophrenia? What if her ability to see and speak to the dead is real. She has taken medication for years to keep her from seeing and hearing the dead. All it took was for her to miss one dose and realize how much of life she has missed out on for her to make a conscious decision to not take any more.  

Adele is invited by her former best friend to a party at her house. After a few drinks that lead to a mistake she can't take back, she is ousted from her friend's house in front of everyone at the party. It isn't until she is walking home through the park that she comes across her friend. The problem is that her friend is dead.  Now Adele has become the prime suspect and possibly the target of the real killer.

The characters were spot on. You have Adele who has gone through a lot of hardships. Then you have her ex-best friend Tori who has issues of her own. All of the characters are believable. April Henry did such a wonderful job of creating her setting I could see it in my head. What I like most is the tension she creates in her novels. It steadily builds. It eases up just a bit then full steam ahead again. There are so many more of her books for me to read. I just have to get them away from my students. It seems that once you talk up any of her books the kids can't keep their hands off of them.  I highly recommend this and all of her books.

The Nativity Book For Toddlers by Kidsup Publishing

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

This is the perfect Christmas story to read to your young toddler. They have taken the Christmas story straight from the Bible and told it in a manner that your young toddler will understand. They have paired it will beautiful illustrations that your child will want to spend hours looking at. This would be a great story to read every year for young and old.

The Real Story of Christmas by Mam talk Publishing

 

Genre: Children's Pictue Book

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review

I have to applaud Mam Talk for such a beautiful book.  The story is taken straight from the Bible. They give the scripture reference so parents can find it in the Bible. They have a shortened version for the youngest child and a longer version for the older child. The text is even divided. The first page is for the younger child and is written on a darker blue background. The version for older children is on the next page on a lighter background. The beautiful pictures are similar on both pages. For me the most important part is that they did not shy away from the Biblical story of Christmas. This company has quickly become one of my favorites for children's picture books. Every parent, grandparent who wants to make sure that their child learns the true story of Christmas should check out Mam Talk's books.

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲: 𝐏𝐨𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐲 & 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐖𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐲 𝐂. 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐥𝐞

 

Genre: Adult, Poetry

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

    When I was asked to read and review this book I didn’t know what to expect. I had never heard of this author. I enjoy reading poetry. This book however was something different, something that resonated more personally with me.

    The book is broken into four parts; Body, Mind, Heart and Soul. Each section seems to be a picture of a part of her life. Through her poems we learn a little about her, but as with most poetry we learn to look within ourselves. With many of the poems I found a piece of myself brought to the surface, or I found healing within her words.  Books like these are hard to describe. It is not a work of fiction, but a look into the authors, life, thoughts and the way she has dealt with it all. It is open, honest and at times raw.

    Her poem “Battle” spoke to me, about a me that lived some thirty years ago. I wondered how she knew me so well. “Off the Grid” resonated with me. My thoughts of wanting to just be a hermit, by myself with no one or nothing to possess me. This poetry and musings shows a path I traveled so many years ago. My faith in God is what carried me through just as it did the author. I believe sometimes we have to cross paths with a book such as this to remind us of the journey God has walked with us. To remind us that no matter what our circumstances he is there for us. I looked up the word Synergy. In its easiest definition it is a collaboration between two things that make the outcome so much better. In this book you see the collaboration between the author and God and how she has come out a better person because of that relationship. No matter where you are in life this is a wonderful book to read. I highly recommend it.

Exalted by Kandi J. Wyatt

Genre:  Young Adult, Fantasy

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

 

COMING NOVEMBER 1, 2022

 

Exalted is the third book in the Four Stars Over Ardatz series. In book one, Uprooted, we meet Hest, an orphan stable boy who believes he is sold into slavery. He learns that the money paid to his employer was compensation for the lost wages she would earn from his services.  In the second book, Blessed, we find Hest has been elevated to the highest position in the kingdom. In this third book, Exalted, we find Hest riddled with nightmares.  Having killed the father of his enemy the son seeks revenge. He wants nothing less than to destroy the King, but not before the King watches everything and everyone he loves destroyed.

If you are unfamiliar with Kandi’s books, let me tell you that she creates fantasies that feature dragons in a way you would not believe. She is a true artist.  You feel at one with the dragon’s she creates. They are so realistic they seem almost human. The bond she creates between the dragon in the book and the King is a bond that is so strong that it has the power to destroy them both, or bring them victory. You will need to read this book. Kandi has created a glossary of words in the back for the specific vocabulary her characters speak. She has created worlds so realistic you feel you are there with the characters. I have loved all of her books. However, I believe she has gone over the moon in the writing of this series. There are five more books planned in this series and I can’t wait to read them all.

If you want to learn more about Kandi J. Wyatt then visit her website at https://kandijwyatt.com/

New Release From Kandi J. Wyatt

 

Exalted is releasing on 11/1/2022 and is on pre-order for 99 cents from 9 to 27-9/29.

Blurb:

If achieving your dreams consumed your very self, would you pay that price?

Hest’s titles seem to constantly multiply—dragon rider, warrior, husband, king—and he's working hard to live up to them all, even if each one seems to require more from him than the last. Between suffering beggars, jealous nobles, and a gang of violent thieves plaguing the capital, he can hardly find time to spend with his wife, let alone his dragon. And while he sleeps, one dark dream is repeating--an old enemy, come to destroy everything he loves.

Fearing what feels like a prophecy, Hest tries to protect his new wife, but his attempts only alienate her. He seeks comfort in the bond with his dragon, but even then he must be vigilant against losing himself in it and taking on the draconic form that terrifies his people and steals his mind. Then the unthinkable happens: he and Usheen are shot out of the sky, captured and brought to face powers far beyond his imagining.

Hest will do what it takes to keep his family and his kingdom safe, but at what cost? Will there be anything left of him when it is over?

Exalted is the third book in the coming-of-age fantasy series, Four Stars over Ardatz: Sovereigns. If you like addicting stories, vividly-written tales, and vibrant characters, you’ll love Kandi J Wyatt’s book.

Start reading Exalted today to live your dreams!

 Only $0.99 to pre-order from 9/27-9/29!

Retailers: https://books2read.com/sovereigns3

Swag – Fill out the form on this page if you pre-order a copy to get some FREE swag: https://kandijwyatt.com/exalted-book-3-sovereigns/

Bio:

Kandi J Wyatt lives with dragons, most in human form--and some even blow fire! She spends her days providing space for teens to be themselves, inspiring them to be more than meets the eye, and spilling hope into their world. When she's not hanging out with fictional characters, Kandi's chilling with family watching anime or playing games. Her toddler granddaughter keeps her running--often in circles--and full of joy.

Where to find me:

One link to rule them all: ​https://sleek.bio/kandijwyatt

Website: http://kandijwyatt.com/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/kandijwyatt/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/kandijwyatt/

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/kandijwyatt

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13817774.Kandi_J_Wyatt

Bookbub: https://bookbub.com/profile/kandi-j-wyatt

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kandi-J-Wyatt/e/B00ZTC4T10/

Newsletter sign up: https://www.subscribepage.com/kandijwyatt

Fellowship of Fantasy: http://www.fellowshipoffantasy.com/directory.html?filterP=Kandi%20J.%20Wyatt

Flinch-free Fiction: https://flinchfreefiction.com/dragon-courage/

Langlois, Oregon website: http://worldfamouslanglois.com/content/dragons-langlois-local-author-kandi-wyatt


Buy links:

Dragon Courage series
Dragon's Future: https://www.books2read.com/u/bzpDq9
Dragon's Heir: https://www.books2read.com/u/47YQE3
Dragon's Revenge: https://www.books2read.com/u/b5qvGb
Dragon’s Cure: https://www.books2read.com/u/47kxJa
Dragon’s Posterity: https://www.books2read.com/u/4DA8og
Dragon’s Heritage: https://www.books2read.com/u/3neVN6
Dragon’s Winter: https://books2read.com/u/meeJ8A
Dragon Courage books 1-3: https://books2read.com/u/bOyEvg

Myth Coast Adventures:
An Unexpected Adventure: https://books2read.com/u/3yDLX6
An Unexpected Escapade: https://www.books2read.com/mythcoastadventures2
An Unexpected Exploit: https://www.books2read.com/mythcoastadventures3
Myth Coast Adventures Trilogy: https://books2read.com/u/b6MJdy

Four Stars over Ardatz

Sovereigns:
Uprooted: https://books2read.com/u/3R6BDL
Blessed: https://books2read.com/u/mYyQMW
Exalted: https://books2read.com/sovereigns3

Middle Grade Fantasy:
Journey from Skioria: https://www.books2read.com/u/4AwJee

Children’s Book:
Tea for Dragons: https://books2read.com/teafordragons

Short Story:
The Apprentice of Amadan Dubh: https://books2read.com/u/mYGdax

Fantasy Anthologies:
Fantastic Creatures: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N8SZJET/
Mythical Girls: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08977DG3D/
Finding God in Anime: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B094Q1PX7P/

Biblical Retellings:

The One Who Sees Me: https://www.books2read.com/u/mdrRlb
To Save a Race: https://www.books2read.com/u/49PG5k

Perchance to Dream by Tamara Belko

Genre: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction

Source: I won a copy from LibraryThing. The opinions here are my own.

 

I read this book in a little under two hours. This is a story of characters who are broken. How can one broken person help another? We have four characters here who are working through some major issues. Grace has lost her mother to cancer. She is losing her father to alcohol, and she lost herself when she died. Xander lost himself and his music due to Becca, a very broken girlfriend. Mrs. Carter is broken, but few people know this. Music ties Xander, Grace and her father together. They say that music is healing and in this case it seems to be.

I grew up in a house of music. It has always been my go to when I was down or faced with a problem. It is what centered me during my trying physical therapy after double knee replacement. Unfortunately, I had a lot in common with Grace. Often kids aren’t willing to talk about cutting. When they talk with me and find out I truly do understand a door is open. This is a book I will definitely put on my shelves. It is very powerful. I don’t know who might need this book, but I thank the author for creating something so pure and raw. I highly recommend this gut wrenching, honest look at brokenness and healing.