Kitty Hawk and the Hunt for Hemingway's Ghost - Iain Reading

Genre: Middle Grade, Mystery
Source: I received a copy from the publisher to help facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Kitty Hawk is one of those series that appeals to all ages. This middle grade novel appealed to me first as a great series to put on my middle grades classroom shelves, then it appealed to me because it combines two things. I love to read about history and mysteries. I loved this book in the series.  I live in Florida ad have been to Key West.  I was able to picture so many things Kitty sees. The idea that this young lady is sure to go after what she wants to know, gives girls everywhere a leg up in the world.  It encourages them to reach for their dreams and goals. This is an excellent second book in the series.

Two Short Stories

Thicker Than Water by Clink Roslam

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

This was a great short story. The life of two boys, brothers take different paths as they grow up. One is constantly in some form of trouble. He fights at school and at home to protect his younger brother. After spending a little over a year in rehab for a heroin addiction, the older brother returns.  His first stop is to see his mother. His second stop is at the secret spot only he and his younger brother share. But, as the younger brother discovers, sometimes things go too deep to be repaired.  He accepts this as easily as he breathes.  This story is woven together nicely and is one I love for the emotions it brings to the surface.  I would read many more short stories by this author and hope to see more from him.

The Bully Barn by Robert Gioia
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source: I received a copy to help facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Marty the mouse lives in a barn with several other animals. Every day he goes to the duck pond where he finds peace. Every day he runs through a maze of animals who bully him one way or another. Carla was the leader of the chickens and loved saying hurtful things about all of the animals. She makes fun of Marty's tail. Henry the horse tries to stomp on Marty. The pigs wallowing in the mud call him a dirty rat when he asks if he can play with them. Gaston the goat shoves Marty around. But things change the next day when the chickens turn on Rusty the Rooster Seeing Marty crying, and understanding how he feels, Marty steps up and puts each of them in their place. For me the most important part came when the owl stepped forward and mentioned that he had seen it going on for quite some time. But, by him saying nothing at all, he was just as guilty as those who had. This is an excellent way to point out the many types of bullying. This should be a must read in all classes.




David's New Shirt by Karma Sanda
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source: I received a copy to help facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

David was the youngest of seven children. His poor mother worked so hard she only had time to sew in the winter. The oldest child always got the new shirt and the others were passed down. By the time the shirt got to David it was thin and had so many patches holding it together.  David was a very kind and caring child, even if he was the youngest. He spoke to and took care of every creature he saw.  One day his shirt fell apart.  He knew his mom was to busy to sew a new shirt and would not have the money for one. But, don't worry. Find out how David got a new shirt One thing I absolutely loved about this book was the illustrations. They have what I call the "Precious Moment" feel to them. This is definitely a book to share with your youngest ones.

Oliver & Jumpy Stories 1-3 by Werner Stejskal
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source: I received a copy to help facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Oliver is an elegant tomcat whose best friend is Jumpy the Kangaroo. In the first story we find Oliver riding in Jumpy's pouch as they jump through the countryside. Jumpy stops abruptly and Oliver goes flying out of her pouch. He lands on a mole. Molly the mole is not hurt and offers to share her lunch with them.  In the second story, Oliver and Jumpy save a baby duck from an eagle. We learn that Oliver chases mice but doesn't eat them. In the final story we learn abut Jumpy's surprise. She has a small baby Joey in her pocket and Oliver agrees to help her take care of the baby. This is a cute book for ages 2-4.