City Spies: London Calling by James Ponti

 It's time for spy music to play non-stop in my head again because we're hitting the sixth book in the City Spies series today. I have not read every book in this series, but I have hit a couple. So, I'm pretty sure it will be fun and gripping, but let's find out!

LONDON CALLING

City Spies #6

by James Ponti

Aladdin

Middle Grade Spy Fiction

400 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

FEBRUARY 4th!!!

In this sixth installment in the New York Times bestselling series from Edgar Award winner James Ponti, the young group of spies stages a rescue in Rome in another international adventure perfect for fans of Spy School and Charlie Thorne.

Cairo, the newest member of the City Spies, takes the lead when his sister disappears in Istanbul. Determined to save the family of one of their own, the team risks discovery as their search leads them to Rome. Meanwhile, there’s been intel that seems to threaten the royal wedding about to take place in Westminster, bringing the team back to the UK on an official case for MI6. With so much security all over the city, it’s harder than ever for the City Spies to go unnoticed. Will their skills be up to the task?

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Tension, mystery, and, most importantly, the sense of family shine through on every page.

The newest member of the City Spies, Cairo, is facing his first mission...well, not official since the higher-ups know nothing about it. The City Spies are determined to secretly find his younger sister, who disappeared under very questionable circumstances. Following 'bread crumbs', they jet around the world to figure out where she is, who is after her, and, somehow, take care of an official mission, a royal wedding, as well. It's going to keep them busy.

It's been a bit since I picked up a book in this series, but it was no problem to sink right in, especially with that first chapter. This book starts out with tension pure and gets things rolling right away. And there's a lot going on. Not only do the City Spies need to locate Cairo's sister, but there are evil forces at play, pulling at the ties between their 'family' thanks to an earlier betrayal, which is by no means solved, yet.

The writing flows very smoothly, and the characters come across naturally. The spy end is more of a hunt, this time, with clues to follow (before it unfolds into more, later on), so mystery fans will appreciate that end. While this does involve spies, the technology and abilities don't stretch imagination too far, and the characters expand their capabilities as well as the trust in themselves, which adds a nice touch. The family aspect is inspiring and makes this group golden as they are a bit of a hodge-podge mix but still hold together wonderfully.

This is a nice addition to the series and keeps everything exciting and tension packed the entire way through.

And here he is...

James Ponti is the New York Times bestselling author of four middle grade book series: The Sherlock Society following a group of young detectives; City Spies, about an unlikely squad of five kids from around the world who form an elite MI6 Spy Team; the Edgar Award–winning Framed! series, about a pair of tweens who solve mysteries in Washington, DC; and the Dead City trilogy, about a secret society that polices the undead living beneath Manhattan. His books have appeared on more than fifteen different state award lists, and he is the founder of a writers group known as the Renegades of Middle Grade. James is also an Emmy–nominated television writer and producer who has worked for many networks including Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, PBS, History, and Spike TV, as well as NBC Sports. He lives with his family in Orlando, Florida. Find out more at JamesPonti.com.

Happy Book Birthday, Girls to the Front by Nina Mata!

It's time to shout-out another book birthday! This one, actually, hit the world yesterday, but that still keeps it in the 'fresh off the press' category. It's a nonfiction read for the middle grad audience and highlights 40 Asian women and their accomplishments. I'm looking forward to see, which familiar and new figures it holds.

 

GIRLS TO THE FRONT

40 Asian American Women Who Blazed A Trail

by Nina Mata

HarperCollins

Middle Grade Nonfiction

96 pages

ages 8 to 12

Stand back, the girls are coming Learn about forty amazing Asian American women who have changed the course of history!

From the big stage to the US Navy, from laboratories to the board room, from the Olympics to the pages in books, these girls and women lead every line. Bold, bright, and empowering profiles by Geisel Honor–winning and #1 New York Times bestselling artist Niña Mata place these incredible changemakers at the very front and inspire readers to tap into their own greatness.

Perfect for fans of Little Leaders, Latinitas, Rebel Girls, Notable Native People, and other anthologies for children.

Readers will Mary Tape · Umpeylia “Sugar Pie” DeSanto · Susan Ahn Cuddy · Sunisa “Suni” Lee · Zarina Hashmi · Cristeta Comerford · Anna May Wong · Grace Lee Boggs · Christine Ha · Kimora Lee Simmons · Vicki Manalo Draves · Amy Tan · Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu · Tammy Duckworth · Lucy Liu · Gyo Fujikawa · Kalpana Chawla · Helen Zia · Ny Sou Okon · Vera Wang · Geena Rocero · Patsy Mink · Gabriella Wilson (H.E.R.) · Dr. Erika Lee · Chloe Kim · Margaret Cho · Maya Lin · Yuri Kochiyama · Kristi Yamaguchi · Tye Leung Schulze · Ali Wong · Dr. Kazue Togasaki · Merritt Moore · Nicole Ponseca · Miyoshi Umeki · Joy Cho · Dorothy Toy · Ruby Ibarra · Dr. Mabel Ping-Hua Ling · Kamala Harris

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /     B&N

MY TIDBITS

From artists to scientists and more, this list shows the broad spectrum of accomplishments women originating from the Asian region have made.

These pages list 40 women, who have changed the world or stuck out in there fiedls. Starting in the late 1800's, this list covers a large time frame as well as an expansive range of areas in which these women made a difference. It's a simple layout with an illustration of each woman on the left side of the two-page spread and a several paragraph description of their life and accomplishments as well as an anecdote (when fitting) to make them come across more naturally. At the end of the book, there's a glossary with several terms used in the book, and there's a list of other women, who aren't found in the book, but also made a difference.

The illustrations are colorful and present each women in a gentle and cheerful way. These hover between realistic and a more animated style, which gives the individuals a softer more rounded appearance. 

The text fits well to the age group and brings across the information in a down-to-earth manner. The backgrounds of the individuals are interesting and slide right into their accomplishments, and the meaning it had as well. It's easy to read and raises appreciation for each one.

There is a table of contents in the beginning to make it easy to locate each individual. There doesn't seem, however, to be any order to their presentation. Rather, they are mixed together without any obvious reason. While random, it does help strengthen the message that anything is possible at any time. It's also not necessarily a book to be picked up and read in one sitting. Rather, it's something to pick up and flip through as desired. 

These pages inspire and are lovely for readers, who enjoy learning about others' accomplishments, especially when they're interested in women with origins in the Asian realm.

And here she is...

Nina Mata is a children's bookmaker and New York Times bestselling illustrator. Her books include She's Got This; I Absolutely, Positively Love My Spots; I Promise and I Am More Than (both by LeBron James); and the Ty's Travels series, including the Geisel Honor Book Ty's Travels: Zip, Zoom!  New is her authorial picture book debut. 

Visit her at ninamata.com.

Cover Reveal for The Omen Girl by Yueh Yang

I'm excited to be a part of the first group of people to present the cover on this read. It doesn't hit the shelves until October, but I'm already excited to get my hands on it. 

THE OMEN GIRL

by Yueh Yang

YA Fantasy

Wattpad Books

COMING...

OCTOBER 7th!!!

A chosen-one YA fantasy debut novel inspired by Asian culture with a richly developed world—perfect for fans of Elizabeth Lim, Amélie Wen Zhao, and Sue Lynn Tan.

 In a world divided between respectable citizens and Omens—humans who can transform into monsters—Sozo is one of the cursed.

 Abandoned by her parents when her Omen stain appeared, Sozo survives the streets under the guidance of Esp, a shadowy mentor. But Sozo hides a secret: she can conceal her stain, a rare talent that Esp sees as the key to infiltrating the Temple of Celestial Ichor and competing in the Decade Race of Stars.

 The race is deadly, but the prize is irresistible—a single wish for anything. Esp dreams of using it to reshape the world, and Sozo convinces herself the risk is worth it. With a star-powered flying scooter called an anchor, Sozo becomes a fierce contender, but keeping her stain hidden—and her monstrous side in check—is harder with every challenge.

 As Sozo fights to survive the race, doubts creep in. Should she claim the wish for herself to change life for Omens? Doing so would mean betraying Esp, who won’t let her go without a fight.

 With monsters lurking inside and out, Sozo must decide whose future she’s fighting for—and if she’s willing to pay the price.

PUBLISHER     /     GOODREADS

And here she is...

Yueh Yang is a Canadian immigrant born to a Korean mother and Taiwanese father. Moving as a child from the small summer island of Taiwan to the vast winter wonderland of Canada set in her a love and awe for the beauty of different worlds. Her works are a colorful blend of science fiction and fantasy, and often explore the premise of barriers, be it language or otherwise. She is a piano teacher by day, and an avid consumer of all things movies and anime by night. She lives in Toronto. 

North Beat Christmas by Jenna Zark

Today's read is one I wanted to hit before Christmas....and forgot. Yep, this book slipped off my pile and landed hidden below. I'm a huge fan of Christmas being a part of every day of the year (I've even thought it would be fun to run one of those year-round Christmas stores), so here it is. Plus, if it's a good read, I have no doubt that it's always a good read.

It just so happens to also be the third book in a series. I haven't visited the other books, yet (that was just a spoof in habits, last week), but I have a feeling this series is going to be one I'll have to revisit.

Grab those cuddly blankets and lets sink right in!

NORTH BEAT CHRISTMAS

The Beat Street Series

Book 3

by Jenna Zark

Dragon Moon Press

Middle Grade Contemporary

242 pages

ages 8 to 12

When Christmas is weird instead of wonderful—you can’t just give up.

Twelve-year-old Ruby Tabeata and her older brother Ray are visiting their father in the artists’ neighborhood of North Beach, San Francisco as Christmas approaches in 1958. What should be a glorious holiday turns sour as Ruby and Ray discover their father’s growing addiction to alcohol.

When Ruby finds work at a popular bookstore near her dad’s home, new friends and adventures distract her from worrying. Ruby’s experiences lead her to a daring decision to help her father—and a surprise that brings new meaning to her life. 

Read more about Ruby’s Beat Generation family in The Beat on Ruby’s Street and Fool’s Errand.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Heart and family hit every page in a way not only fitting for Christmas.

Ruby knows her father isn't doing well out in San Francisco and is determined to visit him for Christmas. After her and her brother miraculously convince their mother to let them take the train to San Francisco to visit him, everything seems to be looking up. But her father's life is more difficult than she expected. His alcohol problem sits deep, and her and her brother need to help him earn money by playing music and dancing at the park. When Ruby, finally, has a chance to take a break and chase her poetic hobby, a well-known bookstore nearby turns out to hold more than she realized she was looking for. 

This is set in 1958 and brings the time period across nicely. Details, settings, and even the worries fit nicely to that period in history and expand readers' knowledge without even the slightest hint of 'teaching'. I didn't read the first two books in this series (something I'll have to change) and was a little jarred by Ruby's way of addressing her parents, but that slides in very well with the artist culture, which her family is imbedded in, at that time. The author has done the research and worked it in masterfully. In other words, it's well done.

Ruby is very easy to get behind. She has a strong personality and is willing to give her all for what she wants, but she also has enough sense to back down when necessary, and she does make mistakes. It's fun to follow her as she weaves through the streets of San Francisco and meets vibrant characters along the way. The tougher moments pull at the heart-strings, but her personality shines through every time.

This is a quick-paced story as it heads through Ruby's difficult family life. She loves them dearly, and her brother is an awesome support, but the struggles her father faces aren't small. The themes in this read are ones, which even hit families today. The divorce, single parenting, alcoholism of a parent, light crime, and more are handled naturally. The author doesn't sugar-coat any of these, letting them make the damage they do. While potent, it still stays suitable for the age group and it makes a very nice read. 

One Wrong Step by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Today, we're going to hit a more adventurous read, and one which takes a historical twist. This one promises tension pure as two kids fight for survival on Mount Everest. 

ONE WRONG STEP

by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Scholastic Press

Middle Grade Historical Adventure

336 pages

COMING...

MARCH 4th!!!

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen comes a brand-new, spine-tingling adventure about two kids and their fight for survival on the unforgiving trails of Mount Everest. Jennifer Nielsen's storytelling climbs to new heights in this epic about loss, letting go, and the most important lesson a climber can where the eye goes, a person follows.

For a climber, letting go means certain death. For Atlas, it means something even worse. But he'll have to learn how to let go and look up if he ever wants to see the top...

Twelve-year-old Atlas Wade has been trying to forget the memory of his mother by climbing mountains ever since she died when he was nine years old. When his father signs them up for an expedition group hoping to be the first to ever summit the unconquerable Mount Everest, Atlas can't wait for the chance to prove himself to his father, and maybe finally he can leave his mother behind him on the mountain.

But this time, Atlas is the one left behind, as well as a young American girl named Maddie and their sturdy yet injured Sherpa, Chodak. When news breaks out that war has returned to Europe, and that Nazis are attempting their own summit dangerously nearby, Atlas and Maddie plead with the expedition to come back down.

Their warnings come too late. Atlas looks up that same morning to see an avalanche and when they receive no word from the group, Maddie and Chodak join Atlas as he begins a dangerous journey up the mountain in the hopes of finding survivors.

Atlas, Maddie, and Chodak will have to rely not just on their own wits for survival, but on each other as well, especially as sickness, bad weather, and their fears of a Nazi spy watching them puts their mission -- and lives -- at risk in the brutal terrain. And Atlas will have to learn how to let go if he wants any chance of finding his father and fixing the rift between them caused by his mother's death, before it's too late.

Using one of the world's greatest -- and most infamous -- mountains as a backdrop, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen's storytelling climbs to new heights in this touching, thrilling epic about grief, letting go, and the bonds that keep us alive.

PUBLISHER    /     GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

History meets adventure in a way which pushes characters to their limits and lets the bravery of human spirit shine.

Atlas's mother died three years before, and he still mourns her loss, especially when him and his father are hiking and mountain climbing. After all, these were some of her favorite activities. Atlas and his father have always had a goal, to scale Mount Everest. They've climbed high peeks, taken months to get themselves acclimated in Tibet, and have arranged all the necessary professional equipment and guides. So they are prepared. But things don't go as planned, and Atlas finds himself making some very tough decisions...ones that could cost his and others' lives.

While this is based on historical events and circumstances around 1939, several aspects are, actually, impossible. Atlas is only fourteen and would have never been involved in an expedition to Mount Everest in 1939. Another teen, Maddie, who joins later and has a fear of heights, would have even been less accepted. Once this aspect is overlooked, the story is very well written. I just wish there had been a word to the reader in the beginning explaining this.

The story is tense, grabbing, and keeps the reader in the pages. The author brings the dangers across carefully and clearly, and hits upon facts surrounding climbing and such which aren't often addressed, especially for this age group. The researcher, who joins the group for his studies, is a great way to introduce the more scientific goals of the time and rolls in some of the aspects naturally, especially during conversations. While the knowledge goodness slides in here and there, the tension is kept high to make sure there's never a boring moment. Atlas makes one mistake after the other, which gives him a more realistic touch and also adds extra clout when his father refuses to let him go past a certain point. Not that the adventure ends at that moment.

This didn't hit on the Nazi side nearly as much as I expected after reading the blurb, but the occurrences in Europe are mentioned and explained. A side character also is involved in this aspect, but the story still stays focused on Atlas and the adventures during the climb. 

The ending makes sure the story sticks to the middle grade audience and wraps things up much nicer than reality would have done.

It's a grabbing read for outdoor adventure fans, who love tension, danger, and characters who push their boundaries.

Sometimes, No Means I Love You by Kessa Scott

Happy Sunday! Today's read flows into the goodness of parent and child relationships, and, hopefully, will be a nice read. (I'm always critical when it comes to messaging books) No one likes to hear the word 'no', especially as a child. These pages take a look at that and show that 'no' isn't always as negative as it first appears.

So, let's just open it up and see what this book holds.

SOMETIMES, NO MEANS I LOVE YOU

by Kessa Scott

Illustrated by Poornima Madhushani

Picture Book

28 pages

ages 3 to 5

As the New Year begins, give the gift of connection and growth with Sometimes, No Means I Love You. Through tender storytelling and charming illustrations, this heartwarming children’s book reveals the loving message behind a gentle "no," showing how boundaries can nurture health, happiness, and emotional growth.

Follow an adorable main character as they learn the meaningful lessons that come with hearing "no"—a word that gently guides them toward better choices, independence, and self-awareness. From savoring nourishing meals to taking time for rest and learning patience, each "no" becomes a moment of care and intention.

Perfect for cozy bedtime reading or as part of a New Year’s resolution to build stronger family connections, this beautifully crafted story inspires understanding and fosters love between parents and children.

Why Families Love This
🎉 A Meaningful Gift for a Fresh Start – Share timeless lessons of love, boundaries, and growth with the young readers in your life.
💡 Teach the Value of Boundaries – Help your child embrace the "nos" in their life as acts of affection and care.
✨ Set Intentions for Growth – Start 2025 with a story that encourages patience, kindness, and emotional intelligence.

Begin the New Year with a story that inspires love, learning, and connection. Tap 'Buy Now' to make 2025 a year of joy and meaningful moments for your family!

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON 

You can find a workbook to go along with this read HERE

MY TIDBITS

This one is for parents and children, who want (or need) to explore the goodness behind the word 'no'. Or for anyone, who simply wants a warming read.

A little girl has all sorts of things to do during the day. She's energetic and joyful. The mother, however, needs to tell her 'no' when the girl doesn't want to hear it. The mother explains each time how the 'no', actually, leads the girl into more fun, protects her, or helps her grow. 

With each two-page spread, a new situation comes to light. On one side, the girl is happily doing an activity, on the other the mother explains why the 'no' is really a positive thing. The back-and-forth works very nicely and flows well. Each page holds one sentence to keep the read at a quick pace. These are easy to understand and offer situations, which will be familiar to young listeners/readers. It's no problem to sympathize with the little girl, but also easy to understand why the mother's 'no' isn't a bad thing. The message is delivered clearly and in a way, which offers the warmth of a hug.

The illustrations are bright and cheerful, and make each scene clear. This creates a nice read-aloud even in small group settings. 

It's a lovely read, which fulfills its purpose very nicely.

And here she is...

Kessa brings over a decade of experience in education, having worked as both a classroom teacher and a Teaching and Learning Coach. Her many years in education inform and shape her writing as she seeks to create meaningful picture books that resonate with children and adults alike. 

She lives in Washington State with her husband, daughter, and sweet dog. She draws much of her inspiration from her zesty daughter, Clara Joy, with whom she shares a love for discovering the magic of books. Kessa believes in the enduring power of picture books to spark imagination and encourage meaningful conversations.

With deep appreciation for the teachers and caregivers who help shape young minds, Kessa invites you to explore her stories and consider adding them to your collection.

Learn more at http://www.kessascott.com

Nat the Cat Has a Hat by Jarrett Lerner

The author of this new series for beginner readers is probably one some of you have heard about before. He's written quite a few books over the years, and they tend to have a lovely sense of humor right along with enjoyable characters. So, I'm excited to see what this new series holds.

Off we go!

NAT THE CAT HAS A HAT

Ready To Ready Pre-Level One

by Jarrett Lerner

Simon Spotlight

Early Reader

32 pages

ages 3 to 5

Nat the Cat gets a little jealous in this fourth book in the hilarious, fourth wall–breaking Pre-Level 1 Ready-to-Read series about a grumpy cat, a curious rat, and an exasperated narrator from powerhouse creator Jarrett Lerner!

Nat the Cat has a hat. Pat the Rat has a nicer hat. Nat the Cat wants a hat like that. Will the two friends have a spat?

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /     B&N

MY TIDBITS

Simple, yet, fun and cute for beginning readers.

Nat the Cat gets a hat, and he really likes his hat until rat comes in with a different hat. A prettier hat. Nat would rather have that hat, but when his wished is fulfilled, rat has a new hat. A better hat, and that makes Nat unsure again.

This is an adorable read for beginning readers. It sticks to very short, easy words and sentences and hangs in the 'at' direction most of the way through. There difficulty does increase a tinsy bit through the read, but only enough to introduce another word or two. It's great for those, who know their letters and are making the first dives into words and sentences.

The illustrations stick to the characters without much else, and this works surprisingly well. The characters are cute, and their emotions come across clearly as the tale requires. This give readers just enough to help them along with the story and what's going on without distracting from it. 

While simple, the plot is entertaining and adds a lovely edge of humor. Although it is usually clear what will happen next, this repetition is funny and assists with the understanding about what is being read. It's a read to make even more advanced readers smile. 

And here he is...

Jarrett Lerner is the award-winning creator of more than a dozen books for kids, including the EngiNerds series of middle grade novels, the Geeger the Robot series of early chapter books, the Hunger Heroes series of graphic chapter books, two activity books, the illustrated novel in verse A Work in Progress, and the Nat the Cat series of early readers. You can find him online at JarrettLerner.com and on X and Instagram at @Jarrett_Lerner. He lives with his wife and daughters in Massachusetts. 

Paco the Octopus by Holly Rampone

The second I saw the little octopus on today's cover, I knew I was going to have to take a peek and see what his little adventure was all about. Isn't he adorable? There is a definite message, obviously, which always has me a little more cautious. I really a careful reader when it comes to books with 'in your face' messaging. But there are authors/illustrators who pull it off well...and I'm hoping this book will slide into that category.

So, let's dive in and take a swim with this cute fellow!

PACO THE OCTOPUS

A Tale of Perseverance

by Holly Rampone

Illustrated by Vivien Sarkany

Fernweh Books, Inc.

Picture Book

31 pages

ages 4 to 8

Dive into this captivating underwater world, where Paco, a brave and adventurous young octopus, embarks on a journey of discovery to explore the wonders of the ocean. With the words his Mama used to say to him in mind, Paco musters up the courage to leave his home reef and face his fears - no matter how daunting.

As he ventures further into the depths of the sea, Paco discovers his own unique talents but will he be able to persevere and achieve his goal? Tag along with Paco to find out!

If you enjoyed books like The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming (author) and Nicola Slater (illustrator) and Shark The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating (author) and Marta Álvarez Miguéns (illustrator), you'll love this heartwarming story of adventure and perseverance.

GOODREADS     /      AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Not only adventure meets these pages, but a message surrounding perseverance swims along with it as well as the goodness of octopus facts.

Paco is headed out to discover what the ocean holds, and to help maintain the bravery to do it, he remembers his mother's words about perseverance. Along with the new sites and beauty, he runs into danger and needs to do his best to make it through. A couple almost mean his end, but he does his best to make it through.

I'm going to start with the illustrations because these are more than enjoyable to flip through and gaze at. The ocean scenes come across nicely with the blue hues, watery touch, and dusting of cuteness tossed in. The are calming and inviting, even when danger mounts...just right for the intended audience level.

The tale is quick-paced as Paco heads from one situation into the next on his journey. There's enough tension and excitement to keep the attention of even reluctant listeners. And this does make a lovely read-aloud. As the adventure unfolds, the author weaves in octopus facts. Several of these will probably surprises young listeners and grow their respect for the animals. But then, Paco is adorable anyway.

It's a lovely read with lots of goodness on several fronts.

And here she is...

I am a Colorado native and small business owner. As a mother, entrepreneur, doctor of acupuncture, and functional medicine practitioner with a specialization in oncology, I know perseverance first hand. I am continually reminded of the importance of perseverance through the stories my cancer patients share, which inspired this book—as did my daughter, who was born 11 weeks early, spent 9 weeks in the NICU, and today is a healthy, loving little bookworm.

MY WEBSITE

LEAVE A REVIEW

After Life by Gayle Forman

I was offered this book with the words 'prepare to cry', which tells me that this one is going to be very emotional. The blurb caught my attention, too and seems pretty original: a girl dies but suddenly finds herself alive again seven years later. I'm very curious to see how this one turns and twists, and can't wait to dive in. Oh, and it just appeared about 2 weeks ago, so it's a fresh read, too.

So, let's get going!

AFTER LIFE

by Gayle Forman

Quill Tree Books

YA Paranormal

272 pages

One spring afternoon after school, Amber arrives home on her bike. It’s just another perfectly normal day. But when Amber’s mom sees her, she screams.

Because Amber died seven years ago, hit by a car while on the very same bicycle she’s inexplicably riding now.

This return doesn’t only impact Amber. Her sister, Melissa, now seven years older, must be a new kind of sibling to Amber. Amber’s estranged parents are battling over her. And the changes ripple farther and farther Amber’s friends, boyfriend, and even people she met only once have been deeply affected by her life and death. In the midst of everyone’s turmoil, Amber is struggling with herself. What kind of person was she? How and why was she given this second chance?

This magnificent tour de force by acclaimed author Gayle Forman brilliantly explores the porous veil between life and death, examines the impact that one person can have on the world, and celebrates life in all its beautiful complexity.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

A kaleidoscope of emotions roll from every page, offering hope, healing, and heart.

After following the same path home that she has for entire high school career,  Amber parks her bike outside of her house and finds that everything's changed. She has no clue that she died seven years before and can't even begin to explain her sudden presence to her shocked parents and sister when she finds them. Of course, each of them handles her sudden resurrection differently, and she's doing her best to understand them and give them space. Still, guilt weighs down hard. She knows that she could have been kinder to her younger sister, her aunt has moved overseas, and her parents have long since divorced. The desire to fix things haunts her, although she's struggling herself with the strange mess. But maybe, that's what she's supposed to do. After all, that must be the reason for her return.

This is a carefully crafted read and handles some very difficult themes with finesse. It's also a read full of hope and dealing with grief. Family, the fragile balance of emotions, and facing the results of bad decisions are only the beginning of the messages woven into the tale. But most importantly, it sinks into the theme of grief and the struggle of living on.

While the story bases itself on Amber's point of view, it also switches between various characters. This not only ensures depth in the various subplots and allows the decisions made to be more understandable, but also adds information exactly then when it's needed. Flashbacks come in quite often, too. Thanks to the character names and time periods at the beginning of each chapter, it never grows confusing.

The writing style, extremely short chapters, and emotional dance make it clear that this read is for thought, feeling, and thoughtful depth. The main plot, while seeming to follow Amber's own struggles, actually clings more to those around her...which also means that several aspects of her are never really fleshed out...as if she's missing a little substance like a ghost. Some of her concerns surprised me and felt superficial, while others hit with a wise maturity. So, she has an odd balance and keeps it's feet firmly in the YA realm. 

It's a beautifully done read with tons of sink into and consider long after the book is done.

And here she is...

Award-winning author and journalist Gayle Forman has written several bestselling novels for children and adults, including Not Nothing, the Just One series, and the number one New York Times bestseller If I Stay, which has been translated into more than forty languages and in 2014 was adapted into a major motion picture. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her family.

Noodles and Albie On Thin Ice by Eric Bennett

It appears I'm starting out this year a little differently than those before...how? Normally, I grab books from a series without having read any of the other books before. But this month, I've actually read books in several of the series before. Amazing, right? But no worries, I'm sure this trend won't hold.

Today's read comes from an adorable penguin series. The author brought out the first one in 2014 with the intention of raising awareness for penguins (at least, I'm pretty sure that was the reason). It's now time for book four, and it's fun to see these have been doing so well.

So, let's see what the latest adventure holds!

NOODLES & ALBIE ON THIN ICE

by Eric Bennett

Nightingale Books

Picture Book

30 pages

ages 4 to 8

Who doesn't love penguins, and especially Noodles? Kids of all ages will fall head over flipper for Noodles and his best pal, Albie, in this unique, fun, adventure story of travel, friendship, and saving a colony of Australian Little Blue Penguins.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

This friendly penguin not only packs tons of cuteness but knows how to save the day.

It's time for a baseball game to celebrate New Year's Day in Antarctica, but it doesn't take long before Noodles needs a nap. When he awakens, he discovers that his igloo has broken off from the ice and is floating out at sea. He isn't sure where he's headed, but with Albie at his side, there's no doubt that adventure is coming his way.

This is part of the Noodles & Albie series, and while it can be read as a stand-alone, there are some characters at the end, whose presence will be more understandable if the other books have been visited first. But it does make a lovely story on its own, too.

There is quite a bit of penguin goodness in these pages. While the adventure unfolds, the author seamlessly weaves in some penguin facts and introduces readers to a new species, its habitat, and more. It works right into the story flow, letting the adventure steer the tale from beginning to end.

Noodles is easy to connect with thanks to his human-like and imaginative aspects, such as the baseball cap and a penguin baseball game. This humanization, however, stays on the border to allow the more factual side of penguins to still come across clearly. It creates an enjoyable atmosphere with the hum of fantasy and is sure to draw younger readers/listeners in. But then, Noodles is a lovely character and full of charm.

The text is on the heavier side for a picture book, which makes this a nice read-aloud for story time. It can also be used as an early reader for those, who are sure of their words. Some of the sentences, however, are longer in length and hold a bit more complicated structure. But this also practices those reading skills.

This is a nice addition to the existing series, and it's fun to learn a little about Fairy Island and the penguins which live there.

Go Go Fun Learning Books with Music

Today, I'm going to do something a little different. Instead of a book review for a single book, I wanted to hit upon a series from an independent publisher. No, I'm not receiving any reimbursement for doing this...my kids think I'm crazy for never finding a way to make money from my reviews. But as you might know, Bookworm for Kids is a labor of love. That means that I am never pushed to share a review. So, I'm presenting these books because I really think young readers will enjoy them.

These books come from the Go Go Fun Learning series. This is a musical, singing book collection, which holds over 14 titles. My kids loved books like these when they were small, and this collection has quite the broad assortment as a little more to offer than simple entertainment.

Of course, the music player with the buttons makes it easy for young listeners to choose what they want to hear. The songs are presented in a more childlike fashion (you can head over here to see the demos.) They will quickly pick up on their favorites, no doubt. Each button correlates with a song, which is found on one of the pages. So, it's very easy to use.

For the most part, the songs are already known ones. I was glad to see old nursery rhymes and such included (like Hickory Dickory Dock), since I've noticed that quite a few kids don't seem to know these anymore. 

The collection includes a nice variety of directions...nursery rhymes, lullabies, and Christian songs. But what I also find extremely nice is the foreign language collection. These center around Spanish and Chinese. The English translation is printed along with the Spanish or Chinese one. As a bilingual family, I've noticed that songs tend to stick much faster in young minds than simple words. Plus, older readers, who can read, will enjoy that the two languages are side by side...so much easier to work with.

The illustrations are bright, hold a rounder-cartoon style, and present an energetic and friendly atmosphere. They are easy to identify on the button pad as well.

Summed up, these are fun books, which young readers/listeners are sure to enjoy. And they might learn a few things, too. 

Words from the founder of Go Go Fun Learning...

I’m Tania Wu, a mother and founder of Go Go Fun Learning. I’m always looking to inspire young minds with the joy of language, music, and storytelling. Growing up trilingual, my passion led me to pursue a PhD in literature, teach at UC San Diego, and train in Speech Language Pathology at Boston University. My journey, combined with my background in playing the piano and classical Chinese instruments like the Erhu and Guzheng, fueled the creation of our interactive musical children’s books, the Go Go series.

As winners of the 2024 Mom’s Choice Award and Family Choice Award, at Go Go Fun Learning, we celebrate diversity through melody and rhyme. Our language-learning musical books are available in English, Spanish and Chinese and come with English translations. They blend multicultural musical elements with innovative content, offering a sensory-rich experience that delights little learners. We also offer Christian sound books. Each page comes musically alive with the press of a button, bringing stories, animal adventures, and family-themed songs straight into a child’s hands. In the past year alone, we’ve produced 127 songs in three languages to promote immersive, joyful early learning.

Here's a link to our store:
https://gogofunlearning.com/

Transformers EarthSpark Day for Early Readers

I remember when the very first Transformers appeared, and yes, that probably dates me. It's fun to see that these characters are still going strong. The reluctant readers, whom I know, love things they recognize from videos, movies, and such, and even beginner readers like to visit familiar characters. So, I'm always happy to find reads, which draw these kids in, too.

Let's see how these books do!

TRIO OF TERRANS!

Transformers EarthSpark

Ready-to-Read, Level Two

by Maria Le

Simon Spotlight

Early Reader

ages 5 to 7

EarthSpark is a kids animated series from Nickelodeon and Hasbro introducing the first Transformers bots to be born on Earth, streaming on Paramount+!

Meet a daring new trio of Terran siblings in this Level 2 Ready-to Read based on the show!

Autobot siblings Nightshade, Jawbreaker, and Hashtag have a lot to learn. Join them as they navigate their new world and select their alt-modes!

TRANSFORMERS © 2024 Hasbro. EarthSpark TV series © 2024 Hasbro/Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved.

 GOODREADS    /   AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Fans of the EarthSpark series will recognize the characters and situations, and root for their favorites until the end.

Nightshade, Jawbreaker, and Hashtag get to step into the spotlight in this fast-paced adventure. And I do mean fast. Right away, Optimus Prime and friends are attacked, and the tension stays high thanks to escapes, captures, villains, and more. Each page thrusts the action forward and exposes one sticky problem after the next. Of course, teamwork is golden and the friendship firm, and the three main characters are awaiting a few surprises too as they grow into the challenge. But then, that's one of the things which makes Transformers inspiring.

On the reading end, this is just right for those, who are sure of their words and are building up reading strength. There's about 2-3 sentences per page, and these are written in large font with wider spacing. The vocabulary does stretch word skills while the action flows. This is a very directly described adventure, which states the events, one right after the other, without any descriptions or puff in between. This makes it great for knowers of the show, but maybe not so much for those who aren't as settled into the characters already.

The illustrations concentrate mostly on the individual Transformers with only snippets of the surrounding scenes here and there. Fans will recognize what's going on right away and enjoy seeing their favorite Transformers and more.

This is a fun book for those, who know the series, and is sure to draw these fans in.

WHAT DWELLS WITHIN

Transformers EarthSpark

adapted by Maggie Testa

Simon Spotlight

Picture Book

24 pages

ages 3 to 7

Robby and his Terran friends fight for their lives while trapped underground in this storybook based on a popular episode of the show.

When Robby’s cybersleeves stop working, the Malto Terrans return to the cave where they were born to find the water Robby needs to heal them. Once there, the friends get stuck in an underground tunnel system with Starscream, Nova Storm, and Skywarp! But the devious bots aren’t the most dangerous thing lurking in the tunnels. Can the group band together when faced with a common enemy?

TRANSFORMERS © 2024 Hasbro. Transformers: EarthSpark TV series © 2024 Hasbro/Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Adventure and action shift into high gear as the group of friends do their best to survive.

Robby's and Mo's cybersleeves are no longer working, so they decide to head to the place where the Terrans first appeared, hoping the water there will fix them with its powers. But things go wrong, and the group finds themselves stuck lost in the caves with several very dangerous enemies close behind. Worse yet, they have no idea how to get out.

This short picture book packs a punch and is suitable for those readers, who are pretty sure of their words. It also works well as a read-aloud for individual settings. The print is on the smaller side (white lettering against a dark page), holds around two paragraphs on each page, and helps build word skills as the adventure races along. The tension stays high the entire way through as the group of siblings runs from one dangerous situation into the next. The story glides along nicely and lets even those, who aren't quite as familiar with the characters, sink into the action.

The tension will keep action fans at the edge of their seat, and the illustrations help bring the moments to life. These hold with the text, giving aid to the story flow, but they are also engaging and add to the tension. The dark color tones and constant dimness fit well to the dreary cave atmosphere. However, thanks to the dark coloring of the entire page, the scenes are often very difficult to see. This makes the book less ideal for a group read-aloud, but it's still very entertaining for individual, reading sessions.

The exciting tale grabs and makes this an engaging read, especially for fans, from beginning to end.