Four More Wonderful Books by Carole P. Roman

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

If You Were Me and Lived in Brazil
Readers will learn that Brazil is the largest country in South America and is the largest Portuguese speaking country in the world. They will learn about the Amazon, foods, sports and holidays. The book is full of wonderful information that allows readers to be transported to Brazil.







If You Were Me and Lived in Ancient China
This is a wonderful book for kids to learn about the story of Ancient China. The reader learns about the different classes and how life differed between them. You learn what they ate and why. The author has included information about the three religions. This is a great book to put on my shelves as a resource for my students.

If You Were Me and Lived in the American West
The author has done a wonderful job painting a picture of what life was like as people from the East moved to the West to have a better life. They traveled the Oregon Trail. The reader looks at life lived as they traveled chores the kids had, and what they ate. Readers learn of the hardships they faced and the new life they had. The author has included eight small biographies of famous people from the West as well as a glossary.



If You Were Me and Lived in the Middle Ages

This is one of thickest books this author has written for children. It is another book that I will proudly place on my school shelves. Readers will learn when the Middle Ages began and ended. Readers will also learn about the different classes of people and what life was like for them. Most readers will love to read about knights and castles, foods and jobs At the end of the book the author has once again given us a glossary and short biographies of famous people of the Middle Ages. It is my pleasure to recommend this book.

Cole's Perfect Puppy by Frances Crossno

Genre: Children, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Christian
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:
Cole's Perfect Puppy is a Christian novel intended for young readers who love animals, especially dogs. The story revolves around Cole, his younger brother Caleb, and their new-found friend Rachel who teaches the brothers about friendship, sacrifice, and God’s perfect love.

My Opinion:
I absolutely loved this book. I sat and read it in less than thirty minutes. I liked how the author showed the older brother taking responsibility for his younger brother. She also showed that the older brother could be a little irresponsible when distracted.  All of the characters were believable. The situations such as bullying, standing up for others. Giving to others by making a personal sacrifice are lessons I want my students to learn.  Both Rachel and Cole and his brother Caleb had hardships when it came to their parents. I won't tell what it is because I don't want to spoil it.

I read a review that said this book would be great for a Christian school or library. I find it perfect for a public school because students will be able to relate to the message. I also love that my Christian students will be able to find books their parents will approve of them reading. I loved the Christian message presented, yet not crammed down the reader's throat.  I finished the book and took it in to my mother and told her she had to read the book.  I gave her just enough info she started thinking about who we knew that would love a copy of this book.  I will enjoy putting this on my school shelves and recommending it to all of my students.

The Snake Fence by Janet Kastner Olshewsky

Genre: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction

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

This is a great historical novel. Take a young Quaker boy named Noble, who believes in nothing less than peace, and put him in the middle of violent situations. He wants to bring peace between the Delaware Indians and the British settlers.

Noble wants to be a cabinet maker. Although he’s finished his apprenticeship his desire won’t become a reality until he has his own tools. That requires money. He searches for a way to make the money. An opportunity opens the door and he step through. He joins a wagon train from Pennsylvania to take supplies to Fort Cumberland. He isn’t exactly excited that he must have an older brother travel with him. This is the only way his father will allow it.

But what happens when he wants to continue helping against his father’s wishes?

I really enjoyed the book. There was obviously a lot of research don’t before the author wrote this book.  It gives us a look at the belief system and work ethic of those peaceful people called Quakers. Most people think of Quakers only when they see the oatmeal box. This gives kids an opportunity to learn about them and about the time period it is set in.  I recommended this to my 8^th grade teacher as part of one of her units. I believe this would hold their interest and help them learn so much about that time period. This is one book I will highly recommend.