The Secrets of Worthington Orphanage by R.A. Douthitt

 Today's read was just released last week. I really wanted to get to it by then but wanted the time to sink in and enjoy the creepiness. Because I had a very good suspicion that this was going to head in that direction. The author just happens to be one of my favorite paranormal authors, and I adored the series, which this one acts as a prequel to (if I understood that right). 

Anyway, ghost and spook fans should get excited because if this one holds everything I suspect it will, it will be quite the fun read.

 

THE SECRETS OF WORTHINGTON ORPHANAGE

by R.A. Douthitt

Middle Grade Paranormal

250 pages

ages 10 to 18

When shadows linger and whisper their secrets, danger is never far behind…

Young orphan Darla Sue Jeffries never imagined the horrors lurking behind the pristine façade of Worthington Orphanage. No one could have.

Desperate to escape the clutches of Ruby Worthington, the cold and calculating director, Darla is determined to expose the truth about the orphanage’s chilling past. With only her wits, the memories of her beloved family, and the help of two ghostly allies, Darla unearths a web of lies that stretches far beyond the orphanage walls.

But Darla isn’t the only one seeking justice. Investigative reporter George Lawson is close to unraveling Ruby's deadly secrets. But he must confront the powerful forces determined to keep the orphanage's dark history buried. Can he release his story before tragedy strikes?

As the past and present collide, Darla faces a harrowing risk her life to save the forgotten children of Worthington Orphanage or succumb to the same fate that claimed so many before her.

In this gripping tale of courage, betrayal, and the unyielding pursuit of justice, The Secrets of Worthington Orphanage will haunt you long after the final page.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON      

MY TIDBITS

Ghosts, dark secrets, and mystery swirl together to create a haunting and grabbing adventure.

Darla isn't ready for the orphanage but doesn't really have a choice, since her parents both died and her brother has already been sent to a boy's home. While she's sure her grandmother has tried to find the best home for her, it doesn't take long for the orphanage's wonderful facade to crack. Already the first night, Darla doesn't only meet other girls but the ghosts of children, who had passed. All claim that breaking the rules could easily leave her locked below without food and water with no hope of ever coming out. Determined to escape, Darla soon realizes the only way to freedom is to expose the horrors the orphanage holds, but they go much deeper than she could imagine.

Right away, the reader can't help but sympathizing with Darla and hope that she makes it through, but she never plays the victim, either. Darla might have a heavy, emotional load when her grandmother drops her off at the orphanage, but she's level-headed and tries to take things in stride. Her fears, concerns, hopes, and goals are understandable as she steers the social situations within the orphanage, not always perfectly but as best she can. The other characters gain enough depth to make them interesting as Darla works with them or deals with whatever situations they bring. There's enough sense of friendship and hope to keep the tale from growing too dark, and the tension holds the entire way through.

This isn't a light, ghost read. The deaths of the ghosts were harsh, which might make this a difficult read for more sensitive ghost fans. The danger is raw and obvious, and the intentions of the evil characters aren't puffed over. So, this is one for upper middle graders even if Darla starts off with a younger flair, at first. She grows quickly as the mystery unfolds. And the clues are well-laid making it very hard to guess where everything is going until the end.

Readers, who enjoy mysteries with bite and ghosts with an air of grit, will enjoy this one.

And here she is...

​Ruth A. Douthitt is an award-winning Christian fiction writer based out of Phoenix, AZ. She currently writes fiction for children and women's fiction and nonfiction for adults.

A teacher, speaker, professional artist, podcaster, runner, and an avid reader of biographies and history, Ruth loves all things creative.

http://www.artbyruth.com/

What's Coming in April?

With March coming to a close...and what a month that's been...I'm looking forward to seeing what April holds. Well, I already know it holds Easter (yay!) and several birthdays in our household. One even on Easter. So, it's a party month. Hopefully, the book pile contains the same energy.

And speaking of that book pile...after a closer look, it appears I have a pretty even mix over the age groups. The spookiness of last month doesn't seem to have dribbled over into April too much. Instead, the upcoming sunshine has taken control. I have a handful of mysteries, a few fantasies, and a couple science fiction tales, too. Those are popping up more and more in my stack, which is great since this genre always seems a step behind the others. There are a few reads, which include animals, and a couple nonfiction ones as well. I can safely say that April holds as much variety as the Spring flowers do. 

Not convinced? Here's a quick impression of what's coming up.

PROPHECY

This book is said to be a mix between The Princess Bride and Game of Thrones. I don't think I have to say anything else as to why I wanted to get my hands on it. If it delivers, of course. It's a fantasy story about a girl, who is fighting for her freedom and a thief. There should be tons of action, intrigue, and romance, too. Hopefully, not too much romance...I like my books exciting with romance on the side. I'll let you know if it lives up to these high expectations on the 3rd.

Young Adult Fantasy

ROSIE'S GARDEN

The cover screams Spring and working outdoors...exactly what the next weeks will hold for us, here on the farm. So, I had to take a look at this one. I'm not sure what the story is about, but I'm hoping it holds some inspiration as well as lovely characters. I'll grab up this one on the 8th and see what it holds.

Picture Book

CODE NAME SEVEN

I'm going to stay in the 'original story' direction and take a peek at the first book in this brand new series. It centers around a world where the 'breath of a star' transforms people in impossible ways. I'm not sure what that means, but it should hold intrigue, deal with mystery, and have a teen girl, who is unwilling dragged into the middle of everything. Or something like that? I'm not sure if this is heavy fantasy or science fiction or... hmmmm. No idea. I'll know more on the 11th.

Young Adult Fantasy

THE MISSING BOOK

This is part of a series for chapter book readers, who aren't ready for 'bigger' middle grad novels, yet. It should circle around forming friendships as well as the search for a missing book. I'm not really sure what to expect but have no doubt that it will be full of goodness...that's the impression I'm getting, anyway. I'm going to be exploring this one on the 12th.

Chapter Book

THE ZUZU SECRET

The bearded dragon on the cover caught my attention instantly. Definitely original...but the blurb also runs into the realm of sibling relationships, which is something else I enjoy. These two siblings, however, harbor secrets and need to learn how to steer through their lies and learn a few things along the way. And of course, there's the bearded dragon. I'm going to explore this one on the 14th.

Middle Grade Contemporary

THE CHILD AND THE TREE

After all the unique reads, it's time for something a little calmer. This picture book heads toward nature and should offer emotional, lyrical moments. It will explore the relationship between a child and a tree, and should hold lots of good vibes and warmth. We're looking at this one on the 19th.

Picture Book

THE BARKING PUPPY

While meandering through upcoming titles, this one caught my attention. Maybe because it seems to take a very different tone than many middle grade reads that are currently hitting the shelves. This one should be about friendship, patience, and, obviously, dogs. I'm curious where this read will go and hope it grabs and keeps the reader in the pages. I'm snuggling up with this one on the 21st to find out.

Middle Grade Contemporary

PEPPER MASALAH AND THE KASHMIRE PRINCESS

Fly carpets lead to mystery and adventure in these pages...or so it claims. I'm excited to see where this journey goes, especially since it plays out in Australia. I'm hoping for some cultural and mythical goodness as well as a fun adventure for younger chapter book readers. See if this book holds all of that with me on the 24th.

Chapter Book Fantasy

KAT'S GREEK SUMMER

After the rich pile of fantasy and imagination, I'm looking forward to heading into a contemporary read. Even better, this one heads to Greece and explores some history and culture, while diving into the rich relationship surrounding families. The main character seems to have a problem with lying and needs to deal with the consequences of letting them weave a web over time. Get ready to learn more about this journey with me on the 25th.

Young Adult Contemporary

 

GET DRESSED!

I always smile when I get my hands on a lovely, non-fiction read...and this one takes an original direction. It heads into the direction of fashion and goes through history to take a look at the various trends throughout time. I'm hoping for some very interesting insights because I have no doubt that there will be some surprising tidbits hidden in these pages. I'll be taking a peek on the 29th!

Middle Grade Nonfiction

Every month, I have more books to read than I could ever dream of getting to. But my schedule changes often, thanks to the ever drifting publishing market. My schedule wiggles, shifts, and even opens up. That's where Joker Reads come in. These are books I'm looking forward to picking up and will find a way to squeeze them in, at one point.

I just don't know when.

THE OMEN GIRL

This one doesn't hit the shelves until October, but I'm itching to take an early peek. It handles a girl with special talents, a dangerous contest, and omens. Everything will circle around omens. I'm expecting danger, action, and.... hmmm...  actually, I have no idea. But I'm ready to find out. Oh, and this one is a graphic novel. So, it will be a fun quick read. Hopefully, with top-notch illustrations, too.

When am I taking a look at this one? Well, that's the question, isn't it?

Young Adult Fantasy    /    Graphic Novel

What's the Actually Factually Difference? by Jane Wilsher

Today's read heads into one of my favorite directions—nonfiction! This is the section of the library that my kids always headed to  (and still head to) first. So, I was smiling when I got my hands on today's read. 

This book was released the beginning of February and holds a collection of many facts and tidbits. It appears that it's one to be picked up every now and then, and not necessarily read all in one go (although I'm sure there will be such readers, too). I'm hoping there will be some interesting facts and a little bit of fun.

Oh, and it's MMGM day (Marvelous Middle Grade Monday), so if you love middle grade reads, head on over HERE to discover more suggestions from other readers. 

Ready to see if there's something new to learn in these pages? 

WHAT'S THE ACTUALLY FACTULLY DIFFERENCE?

by Jane Wilsher

Illustrated by Liz Kay

words & pictures

Middle Grade Nonfiction

112 pages

ages 8 to 11

What's the actually factually difference? One question. Over 200 particularly pernickety answers. Wow friends and family with the answers and more in this detailed encyclopedia, ideal for picking up over and over again.  

What's the difference between a country and a continent? What's the difference between an alligator and a crocodile?And what about a wormhole and a black hole? Well, there are seven continents and nearly 200 countries. You’d need to run faster from a gator than a croc, but a croc has sharper teeth and a flatter snout. And as for the trickiness of black holes and wormholes, you'll have to read inside to find the answer to that one. . .  

What's the Actually Factually Difference? is an upbeat, fact-packed encyclopedia exploring the difference between over a hundred pairs. With sections on space, the body, the world, food, technology, transport, animals, and more, What's the Actually Factually Difference? is an accessible introduction to all kinds of popular subjects for children, extending learning by drilling down into the ‘actually factually’ detail of what’s what.

For every pair, the same taxing question, "What’s the difference between?", is asked and answered. Each time, both words are defined, including any similarities and differences. Additional pull-outs and facts are also included for every pair. Authored by Jane Wilsher with detailed and amusing artwork from Liz Kay, every fact is brought to life with humor and wit in this expansive title.

What's the Actually Factually Difference? opens up a world of facts and quizzing with family and friends. This fresh and fun encyclopedia brings non-fiction to life in an exciting new way, making it the perfect next adventure for curious young minds. 

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON    /     B&N

MY TIDBITS

Facts and information hit with with dizzying fun for those who love to know more about tons of different things.

Some things appear to be very similar, so much so that it's hard to know exactly what the differences are, such as  meteors, meteorites, and meteoroids. This book takes a look at all sorts of things, which often can be mixed up or misunderstood. 

The read starts with a quick introduction to various ways the book can be 'used' in more ways than just a read. There are a couple hints for various ways to work it into games and more. The book is divided into thirteen chapters, which include everything from things found in space to plants to historical tidbits and more. There's a very thorough index at the end to help keep everything organized and easy to locate. In each of these chapters, many pairs of terms are presented with quick explanations and very short, extra facts in little bubbles. There's a chaotic atmosphere to the format, which keeps the enjoyment and excitement high. Yet, it's no trouble to sort through the information. The facts are clear, interesting, and include more known things as well as lesser known ones. Some are more difficult concepts, while others are fairly 'easy'. In other words, it makes sure to touch upon a wide variety of interests to give a little something for everyone.

The illustrations are bright, bold, and bring across aspects of the facts in clear fashion, while keeping the atmosphere light. It's clear that the author and illustrator wanted to steer away from dry and boring, and they accomplish this nicely.

And here they are...

Jane Wilsher is an author and editor from the UK, and the founder of bop Publishing. Jane is the author of What Do Scientists Do All Day? (Wide Eyed, Editions, 2020), An Encyclopedia of Unbelievable Facts (Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2021) and 21 Things to Do With a Tree (Ivy Kids, 2023).

Liz Kay is a freelance illustrator based in Yorkshire. When not busy doodling, Liz is usually found hiking and biking around the Yorkshire countryside and playing tennis for my local club. She’s worked on a variety of commissions across illustrated maps, hand lettering and calligraphy, greetings cards, infographics, children’s books, newspapers and magazines, and animation.

What is Love About, Minimoni? by Rocio Bonilla

Today's read comes from a well-loved children's book author in Spain. It's the third highlighting this main character and has already been translated into several languages...which I'm assuming means that it's going to be good. I mean, if it's done that well, it must be good, right? I do enjoy finding lovely kidlit from around the world, so I just had to pick it up when I saw it. Plus, the cover caught my attention. Who doesn't enjoy a dragon in the story?

Or maybe there isn't really a dragon in the story? After reading the blurb and skimming online to create this post, I'm not sure the dragon is truly there. More metaphorically. Perhaps. Not sure. Will see.

So, it's time to open it up and see what's inside!

WHAT IS LOVE ABOUT, MINIMONI?

by Rocio Bonilla

Algar Editorial

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

Minimoni loves to walk with her dog Max, they understand each other very well. On the other hand, it is sometimes more difficult for older people to understand, like when they talk about love... They say that it is capable of moving mountains, but that, at the same time, it is found in small things, or that it makes us fly. But if love cannot be seen, touched or painted, how can they know what it is?

GOODREADS   /   BROMERA

MY TIDBITS

Small, big, invisible, or cuddly...the hunt for the definition of love isn't as easy as it seems.

Minimoni loves her dog and spaghetti. So simple. She doesn't get what adults are always claiming love means, though. When they talk about love, things get confusing. It's strong enough to move mountains yet delicate...light as air but grows like a plant. It makes no sense, but Minimoni has decided she's going to get to the bottom of the mystery. No matter what.

Minimoni is a carefree character with spunk, curiosity, and energy. With her dog constantly at her side, it's hard not to like her. As she explores the mystery of love, it's no problem to understand her confusion...and her reasoning puts a smile on the face. She's logical, and that gives the entire thing a good dose of humor and heart. It radiates from every page in the most enjoyable way. 

The illustrations are playful and bring across each moment with emotion. Even when Minimoni has serious considerations, she's imaginative, and this comes across wonderfully as little hints of silliness always are sprinkled in. 

It's a feel good book to snuggle up with and enjoy all the way through.

You can learn more about Rocio Bonilla and her amazing books HERE!

Viral Hit Vol. 1 by Taejun Pak

 I'm on the edge of screaming 'Happy Book Birthday' this one, since it comes out the beginning of April, but I'm going to hold it back. Still, I'm very excited to have the chance to take a quick peek at it before it hits the shelves.

This read seems to go in the direction of bullying, internet, and more, and I'm hoping it takes an interesting and original twist. Action would be nice but with thought. So, let's see if it's a whammy or not.

VIRAL HIT VOL. 1

by Taejun Pak

Illustrated by Kim Junghyun

Webtoon Unscrolled

YA Action   /   Graphic Novel

288 pages

ages 12 and up

COMING...

APRIL 1st!!!

Scrawny high school student Hobin Yu is probably the last guy you’d expect to star in a video channel that revolves around fighting. Tormented by bullies and working a part-time job to pay for his mother’s medical expenses, Hobin Yu is truly at the bottom of his school’s hierarchy. After he accidentally uploads a video of a fight with his classmate and goes viral, Hobin starts to think there may be another solution to his bullying and money problems.

After following some advice from a mysterious creator, Hobin is soon knocking out guys stronger than him and raking in more money than he ever dreamed. But the pressure starts to build, and one day Hobin might meet his match.

This graphic novel collects episodes 1–8 of the sensational WEBTOON comic Viral Hit.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Fight scenes mix with deeper themes of bullying and collecting social media views to create a read with more heart than first appears.

Hobin Yu is skinny, unimportant, and simply trying to figure out how to hold everything together while his mother is being treated for cancer. That includes paying the bills, and his part-time job doesn't really quite make ends meet. The severe bullying at school doesn't help matters, either. When he agrees to help one of the bullies record a video for the guy's new channel, he ends up in a physical fight with him...which accidentally gets uploaded and immediately achieves tons of views. Not even near to being a fighter, Hobin still finds himself with the possibility of earning the money he needs...if he can figure out how not to get completely destroyed in the process.

There are some obvious triggers in these pages (bullying, fairly violent fight scenes), and the first of these hits with a strong impact to make the tale grab right away. Hobin Yu is easy to sympathize with, while everyone around him comes across as simply terrible. It's a rough school and the bullying is harsh. The tale takes about 25% of the book to get going as readers sink into his situation. Hobin Yu's actions are easy to understand as he tries to use things for his advantage, while not completely losing his moral compass. 

While the fight scenes will grab fans, there's more to these pages. Hobin Yu has a lot to learn and struggles to find balance in the entire situation. He also doesn't feel good in his own skin and, I'm assuming, this will offer character growth throughout the next volumes. There's a little, tiny hint at romance and new forming friendships. But everything has a long way to go. 

The illustrations are well-styled for the theme and let the fight scenes come across with punch. The text is well written and flows naturally. Some of the scene changes jolt and take a second to figure out where the next moment comes from, but the story, interestingly, grows on the reader as it goes on, and these problems don't bother as much as they could. I'm hoping that the rest of the series will bring more depth to the characters surrounding Hobin Yu, but this is only the beginning. And it is a solid beginning.

Hap-Pea Easter by Keith Baker

Since Easter is slowly creeping up on us...I really need to get my decorations up...this read seems to be a perfect fit. It's part of a group of books, which center on the 'pea' theme, and I read the Hap-Pea Valentine's Day book earlier this year. (see review here) It was cute, enough so that I'm looking forward to see what these pages will hold. I'm sure it will be fun and lead into holiday preparations.

So, let's roll right in.

HAP-PEA EASTER

by Keith Baker

Beach Lane Books

Picture Book Holiday

24 pages

ages 4 to 8

Keith Baker’s New York Times bestselling peas have some Easter fun in this picture book filled with eggs, chicks, candies, bunnies, and more!

Hap-pea Easter! Hap-pea Spring! What surprises will it bring?

From sprouting flowers and gentle showers to eggs decorated every which way, there’s plenty of excitement to be had on Easter with the peas! And there might even be an appearance from everyone’s favorite bunny…

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

Busy, cute, and plenty of things to search for make this a read to enjoy from beginning to end. 

I have read another book in this batch of pea tales (and found it cute), but the peas shine in all the right ways in this one. It's a book about Easter and highlights the energy and bright pastels, which are often associated with Spring and the holiday. This isn't a religious read but highlights the season and usual activities surrounding Easter, especially in the egg direction.

 The illustrations are big and cheerful, making it nice for read-a-louds...to an extent. The peas are small and add so much life and bustle to the scenes. Thanks to their size, readers will have to look closer to discover everything they do as they prepare for the big day. Of course, these also hold humor along with the fun. The text is very simple and delivers just enough to bring across the atmosphere and let the pages flow together. The joy and excitement is obvious and contagious...it simply puts a smile on the face. 

Easter activities make this a solid read for the holidays, but the constant pea activity will, most likely, have young readers gazing at the pictures long after the day has passed. There's also an extra bonus of searching for Easter eggs. Although not directly mentioned in the book, little eggs are hidden in the later illustrations to create searching fun.

And here he is...

Keith Baker has written and illustrated many acclaimed picture books for young children, including the New York Times bestselling LMNO Peas, 1-2-3 Peas, Little Green Peas, Hap-pea All Year, LMNO Pea-quel, My Octopus Arms, and No Two Alike. He lives in Washington state.

Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy: Spidermania by Doug Savage

 Ready for something original? Well, today's read should fulfill that desire...if you are. This is the 5th book in a series, and I haven't read any of the other books in this series yet (as always). I'll admit that this one caught my eye simply because it made me look twice and think 'huh?'. Since the series has gone on this long, I assume there's more than just weirdness behind it...and even then, sometimes weirdness is exactly what's needed.

Anyway, I don't know what surprises this book will hold, so let's just take a look.

SPIDERMANIA

Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy Vol. 5

by Doug Savage

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Middle Grade Fantasy   /  Graphic Novel

144 pages

ages 7 to 11

COMING...

APRIL 15th!!!

Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy are back for a cliff-hanger adventure when a spider begins taking control of all of the forest animals in the fifth book from the outrageous, hilarious, beloved series.

It’s a new day in the forest, and the creatures there are beginning to act strange. They’re getting glowing purple eyes, sneezing out web, and seem set on biting other animals and spreading it to everyone in the woods! When their nemesis Cyborgupine is bit, Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy set out to solve the mystery and find a way to save the forest once again—before their own brainwashed friends can stop them!

This is the next adventure in the Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy graphic novel series, and it’s perfect for children ages 8-12.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

These are not your usual characters, but they pack tons of inspiring friendship and are easy to root for until the end.

Everything is normal in the forest, and the deer is healing after its injuries from the earlier book (?), but then, Cyborgupine appears, and it's not acting like it's usual self. Not only is it sneezing spider webs, but it keeps repeating an odd phrase about spiders. Then, the animals see it—a spider bite. Before they can analyze the disease or problem, Cyborgupine bites one of the friends...and they start sneezing webs and repeating the same phrase. Soon, the disease is spreading, and it's clear that the spiders are controlling everything. Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy are determined to save the day but may not be able to escape the danger.

I did not read the other books in the series before this, but it wasn't too difficult to sink into the tale and characters. I would recommend starting at the beginning, however, since there are aspects of this tale which build on each other. That said, this is a quirky adventure all the way through. The characters hold original twists, which edge in the direction of science and experiments, but then, the entire problem arises from the same type of direction. Yep, this gives it an odd, STEM lean, which offers some science inspiration along the way. It weaves in here and there, and if nothing else, lets readers realize how door-opening science can be. In a quirky way, of course.

The plot is pretty straight forward as Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy try their best to get to the root of the problem and save the forest. Tension and action roll from every page right along with a slight humor to keep things fun. These work well with the illustrations, which appear simple but still bring across the emotions and scenes nicely. The text fluctuates from very easy and short to a solid middle grade read. Let's just say that one of the characters really heads into explanations every now and then to up the text amount and vocabulary skills. Otherwise, it's an easy read. 

There's a lovely sense of friendship and working to solve problems. The end seems harsh, at first, but slides its way into an end fitting for the age group.

It's a fun read with heart and goodness underneath adventure, action, and unique characters to root for.

And here he is...

Doug Savage is the creator of the popular comic Savage Chickens, which he has been drawing and posting online every weekday since 2005. Born in rural Ontario and raised by a pack of wild piano teachers, Doug lives in Vancouver with his partner, Janet, and their two cats, Watson and Crumble.

Half-Truths by Carol Baldwin

 We're going to take a step back into history with today's read. Scheduled to hit the shelves around the beginning of April (next month), this book heads back into the 1950's and peeks at the social imbalance between blacks and whites. According to the blurb, it will build in tension and mystery as well to up the stakes. I'm hoping it will be a grabbing read and want to be swept away into the time period.

Will it accomplish that? Well, let's find out!

HALF-TRUTHS

by Carol Baldwin

Monarch Educational Service

YA Historical

300 pages

COMING...

APRIL 2nd!!!

It is 1950, and 15-year-old Kate Dinsmore wants to become a journalist. But, her tobacco-farming father can’t afford to send her to college. She devises a plan to move from rural North Carolina to her wealthy grandparents’ home in Charlotte in hopes of gaining their financial support. Now she has a new set of problems. How can she please her society-conscious grandmother and conform to her new classmates’ lifestyles?

She meets Lillian, her grandmother’s teenage maid, and in spite of their racial differences, they form a tentative friendship. While exploring her grandmother’s attic, Kate unearths a secret that rocks her world and Lillian’s too. The shocking discovery reveals half-truths that threaten the girls’ friendship. What will Kate do when she must choose between Lillian and her new society friends?

Through a mentorship with a newspaper editor, Kate realizes that journalism requires honesty. But, the risks of truth-telling make Kate question herself. If she reveals what she has learned, what price will she pay?

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

The dangers of standing up for the truth hits with heart and tension in a tale, which takes the reader back to the 1950's with a character to root for.

Kate dreams of going to college to become a journalist...something her parents, who run a tobacco farm, aren't completely convinced is the right path. When the KKK comes into their small town and starts to stoke anger and fear, she's more convinced than ever that she needs to report what she sees. So, she moves to live with her wealthy grandparents in the city, who her father, for some unknown reason, avoids. Once there, her grandmother begins to mold her into society and she attends school. It's difficult, but Kate is willing to pay the cost since it means that her grandparents might help pay for her further education. That is until she discovers a tea cup in the attic, and long-buried secrets about her grandmother's past begin to come to light. 

The author does a wonderful job at transporting the reader back in time, settling into the life and streets of the 1950s. The scenes are rich without being overly descriptive, and the worries and concerns of the characters are understandable, even when they aren't always right. Thankfully, Kate has a curious personality with a good moral compass. Her determination and bravery make her easy to root for, while her hesitations and desire not to upset those, whom she holds dear, make her easy to sympathize with. She's a little spunky and has some interesting quirks to give her personality and let her shine but without going overboard. It's a nice balance, which fits to the time and situations with natural flow.

There are several themes and messages in these pages, which lead to thought. While some aspects might seem straight-forward (and often are), the situations open up a degree of understanding for both sides. Not everything in life is black and white or easy, and these pages allow enough food for thought to reach into some of the grayer areas to let the message dig in and sit. It's inspiring, encouraging, and even teaches a bit of history along the way.

Fans of history and wonderful characters are going to enjoy this one quite a bit.

You can learn more about Carol Baldwin here.

Happy Book Birthday, We Leave No Trace! by Terry Pierce!

 

It's time to shout-out another book birthday!!! This year is amazing on that end...I do so love to celebrate.

Today's read comes from the Yosemite Conservancy, and I've reviewed a few books for them over the years. I have tons of fond memories of Parks and wildlife and more, and not only from my childhood. When we go on vacation, it involves tons of outdoor activities, hiking, and exploration. So, to have the chance to support anything in this direction is a treat for me.

Today's read is a board book for the youngest readers out there and is sure to celebrate nature. So, let's take a look!

WE LEAVE NO TRACE!

by Terry Pierce

Illustrated by Nadja Sarell

Yosemite Conservancy

Board Book

7 pages

ages 2 to 5

The great outdoors could use some human kindness—and even the youngest children can help! Little hikers, picnickers, and campers will see how they can pitch in for nature by using the Leave No Trace principles modeled here, such as loving trees gently, leaving natural items in their place, using quiet voices to reassure shy creatures, and putting trash where it belongs. The bouncy, rhyming text and vibrant illustrations in this sturdy board book show tiny kids they, too, can easily help protect any wild or natural place while having fun outside.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /    BOOK ORG.

MY TIDBITS

This little board book is perfect for the youngest readers out there, who are going to be heading outdoors for camping, picnicking, hiking and more. It centers around the message that visiting nature also means respecting it. The Leave No Trace principle remains the main point of this read—the hope that by not disturbing nature more than necessary, others can enjoy it in the future as well.

The illustrations are full of details, which allow young readers not only to visualize various, natural scenes, but also give them something to discover when revisiting the book again. The depictions include lakes, forests, and more, while showing activities such as walking, picnicking and many others. The people enjoying these activities display a wide variety of individuals. And there are some cute animals included as well.

The text is only a couple of lines on each two-page spread. The first pages open with a rhyme, which then turns into a repeated phrase as the various ways to Leave No Trace are explored. These are simple suggestions, which are easy for even the younger readers to understand.

The fun of being out in nature and the joy of experiencing the outdoors is never forgotten, either. There's a calm and happiness on each page, showing how enjoyable it is to be outside. In other words, it's a lovely read.

And here they are...

Terry Pierce is the author of twenty-five children's books, including Eat Up, Bear!, Hello, Meadow!, Mama Loves You So, Mother Earth's Lullaby, and My Busy Green Garden. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts and teaches for UCLA Extension Writers' Program. Terry is an outdoor enthusiast, enjoying backpacking, hiking, rock climbing, and, of course, bear sightings near her home in Mammoth Lakes, California.

Nadja Sarell has a degree in illustration from the North Wales School of Art and Design as well as an MA in dance from Theatre Academy Helsinki. She is the illustrator behind Eat Up, Bear!, Hello, Meadow!, and The One and Only Wolfgang, written by Instagram sensation Steve Greig aka @wolfgang2242 and author Mary Rand Hess, and the Frankie Sparks, Third Grade Inventor series. She lives in Helsinki, Finland.

Seeker Society by Jana Tropper and Kyle Higgins

 I was in the mood for a little adventure, and today's read might just hold plenty of that. At least, that's what I'm getting from the cover. I think it gives steampunk vibes, but I'm not sure that's what this tale weaves around. According to the blurb, it's a type of academy read, but I'm also not sure it would fit into the same 'academy reads' category which was popular in the YA direction a couple years ago. Maybe, it will be more like a 

SEEKER SOCIETY

by Jana Tropper & Kyle Higgins

Illustrated by Zack Giallongo

& Whitney Cogar

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Middle Grade Fantasy   /   Graphic Novel

176 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

JUNE 3rd!!!

Shackleton’s School for Seekers is a haven for students as diverse as the magical gifts they possess. But as the new class of Seekers soon learn, the ability to hear voices from the past or sense an object’s history can lead to great knowledge...and even greater danger.

When Fern, Jordan, and Zack are selected for a mysterious class trip with Shackleton’s fearless Dr. Adichie, they’ve only just begun to explore the limits of their powers. It’s clear their teacher knows more than she’s letting on about the kids’ gifts—and the dangers they’ll be facing. But when an unexpected accident separates the trio from their instructor and leaves them stranded on an uncharted island, they’ll have to learn to rely on each other to survive the hostile environment and the Seekers’ equally hostile rivals, the Keepers.

This gorgeously illustrated graphic novel is now in print for the first time after its successful debut on the Epic! platform.

GOODREADS     /      PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

The ability to connect with the past leads to adventure and danger pure.

The School for Seekers is packed with students, who harbor various gifts...many which lean to peering one way or another into history, gifts in language, and more. While these might, at first, seem calm, these talents are more powerful than they appear. When a group of Seeker students accidentally lands on an island, the adventure is about to begin, but they might not survive it thanks to the deadly creatures residing there.

The illustrations are rich and allow the fantasy world to open up and invite in. The scenes are vivid, and the creatures radiate danger. Each moment hits with emotional clarity and makes this group easy to root for from beginning to end.

The tale is complexly woven and allows the information to dribble between the action, keeping tension high with just enough background knowledge to make things understandable. It flips between present, past, and somewhere in between constantly. Each time, this is marked with a short time note in a rectangle at the top of the page. This helps keep the flashbacks clear. While the constant back and forth allows for information to be dropped at just the right time (avoiding info dumps), it does break the story flow and pulled out of the main plot quite often. It almost grew confusing a few times as the sudden change needed to be recognized and worked in with the main plot every time to understand what was happening. While not my favorite tactic, it keeps the story compact and quick paced.

There's a large amount of diversity on the character end to make sure many aspects are included. This builds nicely into the teamwork as each student needs to learn to handle their own powers while discovering how to work with the capabilities of those around them. That also slides nicely into the mystery and makes it exciting as each clue discovered depends on this vibrant mix.

It's an interesting beginning to a series and lays the foundation for many adventures to come. Fans of quick-paced adventure with super-powers and teamwork involved as well as inner struggles are going to enjoy this one.

And here she is...

Jana Tropper, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a writer, presenter, and speech-language pathologist at a public elementary school outside Chicago. When she's not writing, reading, or playing video games, she enjoys visiting schools and has presented as both an educator and author at several events including C2E2, LITapalooza, New York Comic Con, and San Diego Comic Con. She lives with her husband, Josh, and their own three rescue dogs: Ripley, Newt, and Sandy Lambert.