A Wolf Called Wander by Roseanne Parry

 

Genre: Middle Grade, Animal, Adventure

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

This book is based on an actual wolf somehow separated from his pack. Anyone who loves stories that tug at your emotions will love this book. Swift wants only to be the head of a pack. His life is not an easy one. He faces many challenges in his life. His will to survive is strong. What I loved most about this book is that both kids and adults will enjoy this book. There is information in the back that will reach out to that person who loves reading nonfiction information. The story carries you along to a satisfying end. As a teacher I enjoy reading books that I can recommend to my students. This is one that I know they will really enjoy.

Student Saturday: Wishtree by Katherine Applegate

 

Genre:  Middle Grade, Fantasy

Student Reviewer: Sophie E.

Wishtree by Katherine Applegate is a passionate fantasy book with a wonderful theme about friendship. The Wishtree, also referred to as Red, lives in harmony with its best friend Bongo the crow. Red is known around town as The Wishtree because on the first day of May every year, people traditionally tie its branches with paper or cloth with their wishes written on them. None of these wishes have been known to come true. 

However, recently a young girl, Samar, who had just moved to town started showing up at Red's roots each night. When the day of wishing begun, the quiet girl decided to share a wish with Red. After being bullied and shamed for her religion and looks, will Red be able to grant her one single wish with the help of its forest friends? Will Samar be able to fit in like everyone else?

Second Chance Inn by Marlayne Giron

 

Genre: Adult, Amish Fiction

Source: I received an advance reading copy. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I usually read this author’s books in one to two days. However, I have been sick for almost a month. I had finished the first half of the book and got sick again. I am glad I was finally able to finish it. My husband said he knew how sick I was when I didn’t even feel like reading. I am sorry it took so long to finish this wonderful book.

Marlayne Giron is a very talented writer. In Second Chance Inn we meet Rachel Wilson and her daughter Karen. It is obvious from the start that they don’t get along and Rachel isn’t sure how to make it work. After her husband dies Rachel and her daughter move to Pennsylvania. She has bought a farmhouse belonging to an Amish widower. The idea is to turn it into a bed and breakfast so everyone who stays can have a full Amish experience. The only difference is there will be electricity and inside bathrooms.

Samuel Miller has sold the farm to Rachel after losing his family. He stays on to work with the animals and continue to be a part of his Amish community, even if he has had a falling out with God. We see the way God uses both adults to help the other heal. We see a teenager who lived in the world of social media and immediate gratification embrace the Amish lifestyle and turn from being an angry teen to very pleasant young lady. We see Karen’s attitude toward her mother completely change.  It is obvious that God is in the details here. Marlayne has obviously done a lot of research into the Amish lifestyle. Her characters are well developed and her setting puts you right in the middle of the story. I hope Marlayne continues to write in this genre. She is natural at it. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.