Author: sljauthor

Posted on

Today’s book recommendation: THE WINTERTON DECEPTION: FINAL WORD by Janet Sumner Johnson

– Middle Grade Mystery

This middle grade mystery is so, so good! The main protagonists are twelve-year-old twins and the book has so many elements that make it fun: a spelling bee, a mansion with secret passages, a scavenger hunt, hidden treasure, tricky family dynamics, as well as long-buried family secrets.

📚 Here’s the official book promo:

*****
A twisty middle grade mystery for fans of Knives Out, The Inheritance Game, and The Westing Game. Twelve-year-old twins enter a spelling bee in a last-ditch effort to save their family from financial ruin, only to find themselves in a cut-throat competition to uncover a fortune and dark secrets about the wealthy relations they’ve never known.

Hope Smith can’t stand rich people—the dictionary magnate family the Wintertons most of all. Not since she and her twin brother, Gordon, learned that their dad was one. So when Gordon enters the family into the Winterton’s charity spelling bee, Hope wants nothing to do with it. But with their mom losing her job and the family facing eviction from the motel where they live, they desperately need the money, and it looks like Hope doesn’t have much of a choice.

After winning the preliminary round, the Smiths are whisked to Winterton Manor to compete in the official Winterton Bee against their long-lost relatives. Hope wants to get in and out, beat the snobbish family at their own game, and never see them again. But deceased matriarch Jane Winterton had other plans for this final family showdown. Before her death, she set up a clue hunt throughout the manor—an alternate way for Hope and Gordon to get the money that could change their lives.

Still, others are on the trail, too. With tensions at an all-time high, a fortune at stake, and long-simmering family secrets about to boil to the surface, anything could happen.
*****

I especially love the close twin relationship between Hope and Gordon and how they both approach their estranged family and their challenges so differently.

Do yourself a favor and pick up this book! The second one, FAULT LINES, is out now, too!

Happy reading!

Posted on

Today’s book recommendation: LOVE, SOPHIA ON THE MOON by Anica Mrose Rissi

  • SEL (Social Emotional Learning) Picture Book

There’s no doubt about it: little people have BIG feelings, and they often don’t know quite how to handle them.

In LOVE, SOPHIA ON THE MOON, Sophia is no different. This beautiful picture book, illustrated by Mika Song, does such a good job of showing how to honor those feelings while helping the child through them with gentle love and humor.

Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

*****
Life on Earth isn’t always fair, so Sophia runs off to the moon, where there are no bedtimes, no time-outs, and no Mom.

But as Sophia and her mom send letters to each other, Mom has a clever comeback for all of Sophia’s angry notes. Home starts to sound not-quite-so-bad, especially when Mom reports that someone from the moon has moved in to Sophia’s old room, they’re having spaghetti for dinner, and they’re reading Sophia’s favorite story at bedtime.

*****

This book has so much heart! I really love how the whole thing is written in letters back and forth between Sophia and her mom. Rissi does such a great job of allowing the subtext to shine through, despite what is actually said.

This is one you’re going to want to curl up in a soft blanket and read again and again.

Happy reading!

Posted on

Today’s book recommendation: BOMB: THE RACE TO BUILD-AND STEAL-THE WORLD’S MOST DANGEROUS WEAPON by Steve Sheinkin -Young Adult Nonfiction

Okay, I already admitted that I love spy stories, but this one is a MUST READ! Sheinkin is a genius at making this true story from the past read like an international espionage thriller novel. Even if you know your history, you can’t help but turn the page to see what happens next.

Also, one thing I love is the amount of detailed research Sheinkin puts into his books. It’s absolutely astonishing! If he says it was raining, it was actually raining on that day in history, and if there are tulips blooming, then there were tulips blooming!

Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

*****
In December of 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking discovery: When placed next to radioactive material, a Uranium atom split in two. That simple discovery launched a scientific race that spanned three continents.

In Great Britain and the United States, Soviet spies worked their way into the scientific community; in Norway, a commando force slipped behind enemy lines to attack German heavy-water manufacturing; and deep in the desert, one brilliant group of scientists was hidden away at a remote site at Los Alamos. 

This is the story of the plotting, the risk-taking, the deceit, and genius that created the world’s most formidable weapon. This is the story of the atomic bomb.
*****

There is a reason this book has won all kinds of awards, including National Book Award Finalist, Newbery Honor Book, and Cybils Winner for Nonfiction. It’s really that good!

Sheinkin beautifully weaves the American, Russian, and German parts of the story together, and you come away from the book with a healthy fear of the power of the atom bomb and an appreciation for the individuals involved in making it. 

True stories are sometimes the most unbelievable, and this is one you don’t want to miss.

Happy reading!

Posted on

Today’s book recommendation: SNOW WHITE by Matt Phelan – Middle Grade Graphic Novel

I’m a sucker for both historical fiction and fairy tales retellings, and this graphic novel by Matt Phelan is a stunning combination of the two.

The timeless tale of Snow White is transformed into something brand-new when it takes place in New York City during the Great Depression.

🍎 Here’s the official book promo:

*****
The curtain rises on New York City. The dazzling lights cast shadows that grow ever darker as the glitzy prosperity of the Roaring Twenties screeches to a halt.

Enter a cast of familiar characters: a young girl, Samantha White, returning after being sent away by her cruel stepmother, the Queen of the Follies, years earlier; her father, the King of Wall Street, who survives the stock market crash only to suffer a strange and sudden death; seven street urchins, brave protectors for a girl as pure as snow; and a mysterious stock ticker that holds the stepmother in its thrall, churning out ticker tape imprinted with the wicked words: “Another . . . More Beautiful . . . KILL.”
*****

The storyline is perfect and Phelan’s drawings evoke plenty of emotion with minimal text. I loved the film noir atmosphere of the drawings, the high stakes of the fairy tale, and the perfect pacing. This was a page-turner that neither my kids nor I could put down!

You’ll want to read it over and over again. Order a copy today, and, as always, happy reading!

Posted on

Today’s book recommendation: FLOWER TALK: HOW PLANTS USE COLOR TO COMMUNICATE by Sara Levine – Nonfiction Picture Book

This is one of my all-time favorite picture books! While you will find it shelved with nonfiction, technically, it’s “informational fiction” because it is narrated by an adorable little cactus with a prickly attitude!

No matter how you categorize it, FLOWER TALK is both informational and highly entertaining!

Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

*****
Pssssst! Did you know plants can talk?

It’s true! Plants use the colors of their flowers to communicate with animals. But why animals? Because they help plants make seeds by moving pollen from one flower to another. Learn the secrets of flower talk from a narrator with an inside scoop!

This new book from Sara Levine features a cantankerous talking cactus as a narrator, revealing to readers the significance of different colors of flowers in terms of which pollinators (bees, bats, birds, etc.) different colors “talk” to. A fun nonfiction presentation of science info that may be new to many kids―and adults!
*****

The voice in this book is brilliant and makes for SUCH a fun read-aloud! And the illustrations! I can’t tell you how much I love them!! Masha D’yans manages to make the little cactus guy so adorable and so cranky, all at the same time. I love her gorgeous, whimsical style.

Do yourself a favor and pick up this book today!

Happy reading!

Posted on

Today’s book recommendation: GIRL FROM NOWHERE by Tiffany Rosenhan – Young Adult Thriller

If you like spy stories, this is the one for you! The pacing is right on the money, and who doesn’t love living the fantasy of having all the language, self-defense, and survival skills that the main character, Sophia, has by the time you’re a teenager? 😊

Honestly, I am kind of obsessed with espionage stories, so I was an easy sell, but if you or your teenagers are looking for a bit of pure entertainment, look no further!

Here’s the official BOOK PROMO:

*****
Ninety-four countries. Thirty-one schools. Two bullets. Now it’s over . . . or so she thinks.

Sophia Hepworth has spent her life all over the world–moving quickly, never staying in one place for too long. She knows to always look over her shoulder, to be able to fight to survive at a moment’s notice. She has trained to be ready for anything.

Except this. Suddenly it’s over. Now Sophia is expected to attend high school in a sleepy Montana town. She is told to forget the past, but she’s haunted by it. As hard as she tries to be like her new friends and live a normal life, she can’t shake the feeling that this new normal won’t last.

Then comes strong and silent Aksel, whose skills match Sophia’s, and who seems to know more about her than he’s letting on . . .

What if everything Sophia thought she knew about her past is a lie?

Cinematic and breathtaking, Tiffany Rosenhan’s debut stars a fierce heroine who will risk everything to save the life she has built for herself.
*****

I’ve had the privilege of meeting Tiffany, and she is as delightful as her book! And while she hasn’t traveled to all of the countries that Sophia has, she has traveled extensively, and it adds a wonderful note of authenticity to the novel.

Make sure you can afford to neglect all your responsibilities for a good day or two before you dive into this one because you won’t want to put it down. 😂

Happy reading!

Posted on

Today’s book recommendation: HERO DOGS! True Stories of Amazing Animal Heroes! by Mary Quattlebaum – Nonfiction Chapter Book

I admit it. I was one of those kids poring over all the gorgeous photos in National Geographic magazines–that distinctive yellow border always caught my eye, and then I was hooked!

I recently discovered that National Geographic Kids has a whole series of chapter books that feature true stories about animals and outdoor adventures. And they have the traditional yellow border, as well, so yay! 😊

🐶 Here’s the official book summary of HERO DOGS!:
Calling all dog lovers! Join the adventure as National Geographic Kids Chapters presents a trio of true stories about incredible acts of canine heroism. From Glory the bloodhound, who saves lost pets, to terriers who help raise orphaned hippos, these brave pups are sure to inspire young animal lovers.

The photos are super fun and high-quality (of course!) and the author, Mary Quattlebaum, has done her research well. The three main dog stories she found for this book are amazing and she knows how to keep it clear and engaging for young readers.

The simple fact that these are TRUE stories is awesome. This book is primarily for the upper elementary grades, ages 7-10. At this age, many kids love to learn about the world around them–things that have really happened have more meaning for them, so really, it’s perfect!

Check out this book series if you have a child that age. It would make a fantastic stocking-stuffer!🎄

And, as always,
happy reading!

Posted on

Today’s book recommendation: SECRETS OF THE SEA: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist by Evan Griffith – Nonfiction Picture Book Biography

I absolutely LOVE picture book biographies. There have been so many amazing people in the world and well-done picture book biographies capture the essence of their lives and achievements so beautifully!

Secrets of the Sea is no exception! Jeanne Power was a courageous and creative woman from the 19th century who went from being a respected Parisian dressmaker to a famous marine scientist.

At this time, pretty much everything scientists knew about sea creatures was from studying dead specimens. Jeanne came up with the idea of building her own aquarium to study marine life while they were alive, and she made many exciting discoveries!

Evan Griffith made impressive discoveries of his own during his thorough research for this book, and Joanie Stone’s illustrations really made it all come to life. I’d never heard of a paper nautilus before, but my boys and I went on a little research binge about them after reading this book.

It’s the perfect book to read to be inspired by creative problem solving and overcoming trials. Pick it up today and give it a try!

Happy reading!

Posted on

Today’s book recommendation: NINETY-NINE FIRE HOOPS: A MEMOIR by Allison Hong Merrill

This book is exceptional! One of the finest memoirs I’ve had the privilege of reading. It was as much a page-turner as a thriller, and I love thrillers! I laughed out loud and was so touched by Allison Hong Merrill’s raw honesty and insight.

It’s an immigrant story where one young woman’s search for love and belonging takes her from Taiwan to America. Really, this is an important book for everyone. It’s a story of empowerment and self-determination, and it will leave you feeling inspired to live your best life.

While this is an adult memoir, I highly recommend it for teens age 15+. There are heavy topics of neglect and abuse that Allison suffered both as a child and during her first marriage, but you won’t find anything graphic.

There’s a reason this one has won so many awards 🏆 and it would make the perfect holiday gift 🎁 for yourself and for those you love.

Happy reading!

Posted on

Today’s book recommendation: SPI-KU: A CLUTTER OF SHORT VERSE ON EIGHT LEGS by Leslie Bulion – Middle Grade Literary Nonfiction

My boys spent hours pouring over this beautiful book of science poetry! The illustrations by @r2meganck are detailed and fun, and the verses by @lesliebulion are super playful and informative.

I’ll be the first to admit that I do NOT like spiders, at least, not in my home. 😂 But, that doesn’t mean I don’t like learning about them from a safe distance!

Reading this book, I was struck by the sheer variety of spiders around the world, and all the cool things they can do. Did you know that some spiders can make a snake-like hiss by rubbing their legs together or build a booby-trapped door to catch prey, rather than a web?

Or that some male spiders strum a special mating “song” on a female’s web to let her know he’s interested? But that after he’s done, he better clear off quick if he doesn’t want to be her lunch!

I also really loved the sizing chart in the backmatter. Some spiders are REALLY big and some are REALLY small–either way, it’s extra creepy!

Besides being a super fun book to explore, SPI-KU is also the perfect complement to a poetry unit, or to bring poetry into a biology unit. Spiders are fascinating creatures, and this is a fun format to learn all about them.

Happy reading!