Book Review Key 2010+
+ + + + + Outstanding
+ + + + Highly Recommended
+ + + Recommended
+ + Average
+ Poor
|
SEARCH BELOW FOR
RECENT BOOK REVIEWS
Don't forget to check the archives further down for older reviews.
|
.
|
| *You may publish these book reviews on your website or in your ezine or newsletter. Please include the following byline with each book review:Book review by Lisa Barker, http://www.biblioreads.com |
Posts Tagged ‘Author last name P’
Friday, August 6th, 2010
 + + + Still Sucks To Be Me
Author: Kimberly Pauley
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Mirrorstone (May 11, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0786955031
ISBN-13: 978-0786955039
Book description: With vampire boyfriend George and best friend Serena by her side, Mina thought she had her whole life—or rather afterlife—ahead of her. But then Mina’s parents drop a bomb. They’re moving. To Louisiana. And not somewhere cool like New Orleans, but some teeny, tiny town where cheerleaders and jocks rule the school. Mina has to fake her death, change her name, and leave everything behind, including George and Serena. Not even the Vampire Council’s shape-shifting classes can cheer her up. Then Serena shows up on Mina’s doorstep with some news that sends Mina reeling. Mina may look a lot better with fangs, but her afterlife isn’t any less complicated!
Book review: A great addition to the first novel. Mina’s a vampire now, but she still has problems from high school drama to love trouble, to a vampire cult. I loved the little vampire drawings at the top of each chapter as well as the believable characters. A nice read that I recommend to fans of the first book as well as those interested in vampires, love and high school stories.
- R.C., 16 yrs old.
Tags: Ages 12-Up, Author last name P, fantasy, high school, Recommended titles, romance, Title S, vampires
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, May 24th, 2010
 + + + + Define Normal
Author: Julie Anne Peters
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (May 7, 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316734896
ISBN-13: 978-0316734899
Book Description: Antonia is asked by her school council to peer council a fellow student with a not so bright past. As Antonia gets more and more frustrated trying to help out Jazz she learns she may need some help with her own life as her sick mother becomes more and more distant and Antonia is burdened with running the house and taking care of her younger brother. Jazz and Antonia need each other more than they think.
Book Review: This book is well written and entertaining. I can see why it was a national book award finalist. Define “Normal” is a hard book to put down and it makes you put your own life in perspective. The dialog and suspense will move you forward and the plot twists will make you love the book more.
-Review by N.C., 16-yrs old
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name P, Highly Recommended titles, life, teen, Title D, tween
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
 + + + + + A Paddling of Ducks: Animals in Groups from A to Z
Author: Marjorie Blain Parker
Illustrator: Joseph Kelly
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (March 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 155337682X
ISBN-13: 978-1553376828
Book description: Featuring groups of animals from an army of ants to a herd of zebras, this book takes young children on a wildly imaginative tour through a zany animal kingdom. Each group of animals is described using a collective noun (for example, a skulk of foxes, a nest of vipers, a labor of moles). Joseph Kelly s richly detailed illustrations show animals engaged in gently surreal play on a summer day in various park-like settings. Young readers will revel in the visual jokes and puns on every page.
Book review: LOVED this book. The illustrations are superb, fun and very appealing. Reading this with your little one is a real visual treat as you run through the alphabet of animals and take in their silly fun on each page. Definitely an ABC book worth buying and adding to your home library. Will be a favorite for years to come.
Tags: abc, Ages 4-5, Ages 4-8, alphabet, animals, Author last name P, humor, Outstanding titles, Title A
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, February 1st, 2010
 + + + + + The Kissing Hand
Author: Audrey Penn
Illustrators: Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Tanglewood Press (July 25, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1933718072
ISBN-13: 978-1933718071
Book description: Chester Raccoon doesn’t want to go to school–he wants to stay home with his mother. She assures him that he’ll love school–with its promise of new friends, new toys, and new books. Even better, she has a special secret that’s been in the family for years–the Kissing Hand. This secret, she tells him, will make school seem as cozy as home. She takes her son’s hand, spreads his tiny fingers into a fan and kisses his palm–smack dab in the middle: “Chester felt his mother’s kiss rush from his hand, up his arm, and into his heart.”
Book review: As a mother I was very touched by “The Kissing Hand.” This is an idea mothers can share with their little ones and easily implement creating both confident kiddos and childhood memories to treasure.
Here’s the breakdown:
Characters: Chester and his mother quickly resonate with the young reader especially in their dialog where Mother Raccoon is soothing and reassuring, wise and nurturing.
Events / Story Line: It’s Chester’s first ‘night’ of school and he’s nervous and wants to stay home with mother where everything is comforting and familiar. Mrs. Raccoon shows him a special way to keep ‘in touch’ with her throughout the night by teaching him about the kissing hand.
Illustrations: The illustrations are wonderful and remind me of the old Golden Books. Filling the page, detailed and comforting, they underscore the warmth of the narration.
Reader relevance: This is the perfect gift for a child starting school! Little one’s will relate to Chester’s feelings and love the concept of the kissing hand.
Reader Excitability / Overall Presentation: Moms will absolutely be touched. Little ones will immediately take to the idea of a kissing hand – if they haven’t already been doing this at home.
Tags: Ages 0-4, Ages 4-5, Author last name P, first day of school, kindergarten, Outstanding titles, Title K
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
 + + + + + Chester Raccoon and The Acorn Full of Memories
Author: Audrey Penn
Illustrator: Barbara Gibson
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Tanglewood Press (August 25, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1933718293
ISBN-13: 978-1933718293
Book description: This title is an important addition to the Chester Raccoon/Kissing Hand series on life issues for children. Mrs. Raccoon helps Chester and his friends deal with the death of their friend by teaching them to make memories together. Many children must face the loss of someone close and the accompanying funeral, and this book will help them prepare for that experience and understand the positive aspects of memorializing loved ones.
Book review: My jaw dropped when I opened this book. From the start the illustrations enfold the reader and sweep you right into an expertly written story that is as tender and touching as it is consoling and healing. The prose is always only soothing and motherly and not the least bit syrupy or patronizing.
Here’s the breakdown:
Characters: Chester and his mother quickly resonate with the young reader especially in their dialog where Mother Raccoon is soothing and reassuring, wise and nurturing.
Events / Story Line: This story line is remarkable in that it offers children a practical means to work out their mourning; something constructive to do when a little one feels helpless.
Illustrations: Awesome. I like the full page illustrations. They really underscore the soothing tone of the story while dealing with a somber subject and offering hope.
Reader relevance: I think this is a book that little ones will appreciate, giving them an outlet for their emotions and something to create and hang onto with regard to their deceased loved one.
Reader Excitability / Overall Presentation: Death is difficult for kiddos but I think this is a book that will sew hope in a child’s heart and help him/her grieve and celebrate life.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name P, death and dying, Outstanding titles, Title C
Posted in Book Reviews |
Wednesday, November 11th, 2009
 * * * Sounds of the Wild: Safari
Author: Maurice Pledger
Reading level: Ages 6-10
Paperback: 16 pages
Publisher: Silver Dolphin Books; Pop edition (November 17, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1571455566
ISBN-13: 978-1571455567
Book description: What was that sound? It’s the scampering hooves of an antelope trying to avoid the clutches of a hungry cheetah! A male lion smells an intruder — ROAR! Young readers experience the amazing sights and sounds of Africa in this entertaining book. As they explore the Masai Mara, the Serengeti, and the Kalahari, young safari-goers meet a menagerie of safari animals, including favorites like giraffes, elephants, and zebras as well as unusual critters like black mamba snakes, dung beetles, and goliath herons. Maurice Pledger’s stunning pop-up panoramas, realistic animal sounds, and an informative field guide make this a book young readers will read again and again.
Book review: Wow! What they can do with books these days! What a treat. Each turn of the page is a new experience with appropriate music and animal facts. It’s a virtual safari all in one book. Key pages name each animal in the pop-up dioramas. You’ll have a safari specialist on your hands in no time.
Tags: Ages 6-10, animals, Author last name P, nature, Outstanding titles, safari, science, Title S
Posted in Book Reviews |
Friday, October 23rd, 2009
 * * Anna’s World
Authors: Wim Coleman and Pat Perrin
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Chiron Books (July 31, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935178067
ISBN-13: 978-1935178064
Book description: The United States of America in the late 1840s–a nation torn by the crime of slavery and a war of conquest in Mexico. Fourteen-year-old Anna Coburn doesn’t want to grapple with such terrible issues. Just growing up seems awful enough. Forced from her home and away from her beloved father, Anna is sent to live among the stern people called Shakers. Their strange ways and strict lifestyle are both appealing and difficult for the bright, headstrong Anna. When reunited with her father, Anna is then plunged into upper-class Boston life, where she faces a troubling mystery, new responsibilities, and events that will affect not just herself and her loved ones, but a country about to come apart at the seams. With a cast that includes Henry David Thoreau, a perceptive Shaker schoolmistress, and a murderous false friend, Anna’s World is a powerful coming of age story, widely praised for its vivid characters, gripping plot, and moral stature.
Book review: This historical novel is pretty interesting and one I’d definitely recommend to my friends. I thought the lifestyle of the Shakers was both eye-opening and realistic. I could really get into this story and I liked the characters and setting very much. The story has a good feel to it making it a very relaxing and enjoyable read. Also, the chapters are short making it an easy read for those just getting into longer fiction. ~ R.C., 15 yrs old.
Tags: Ages 12-Up, Ages 9-12, American history, Author last name C, Author last name P, Highly Recommended titles, historical, Shakers, Title A
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
 * * * Why Did I Get This Credit Card?
Author: Twyla Prindle
Illustrator: Randy Jennings
Paperback: 48 pages
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0981937292
ISBN-13: 978-0981937298
Book Review: I know that if I want to teach my kids how to handle money responsibly, I turn to Twyla Prindle’s books. Why Did I Get This Credit Card? might seem to be a mature topic for kids but Twyla breaks it down so kids can master the concept along with parental guidance. A great way to prepare your kids for the future, ensuring not only fiscal savvy but good stewardship as well. An outstanding title that I highly recommend.
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name P, Christian, credit cards, money, Outstanding titles, tithing, Title W
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
 * * Can I Have Some Money Please?
Author: Twyla Prindle
Illustrator: Lorie Miller Hansen
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Prindle House Publishing Company (December 2, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0975952722
ISBN-13: 978-0975952726
Book review: Excellent book on tithing and sharing treasure. Easily explains the concept of prosperity and sharing the wealth. Especially useful for helping youngsters think beyond themselves and practice good stewardship.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name P, Christian, Highly Recommended titles, money, tithing, Title C
Posted in Book Reviews |
Saturday, August 29th, 2009
 * * / * * * Sucks to Be Me: The All-True Confessions of Mina Hamilton, Teen Vampire (maybe)
Author: Kimberly Pauley
Paperback
Publisher: Mirrorstone (August 26, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0786950285
ISBN-13: 978-0786950287
Book description: Mina Hamilton’s parents want her dead. (Or undead to be precise.) They’re vampires, and like it or not, Mina must decide whether to become a vampire herself. But Mina’s more interested in hanging out with best friend Serena and trying to catch the eye of the too-hot-for-high-school Nathan Able than in the vampire training classes she’s being forced to take. How’s a girl supposed to find the perfect prom date and pass third-year French when her mom and dad are breathing down her neck–literally?
Book review: I thought it was going to be dorky, but it wasn’t. It was really good. The story is realistic, funny and well put together. ~ N.C., 14 years old
Buy it on Amazon.
Tags: Ages 12-Up, Ages 9-12, Author last name P, fantasy, Outstanding titles, Title S, vampires
Posted in Book Reviews |
Wednesday, August 26th, 2009
 * * * The Delicious Bug
Author: Janet Perlman
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (September 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1553379969
ISBN-13: 978-1553379966
Book description: One delicious bug, two foolish chameleons, and a pair of hungry crocodiles. Isn’t anyone willing to share? Will peace be restored to the rain forest?
Book review: If you’re tired of the kids fighting, try this book. I know my six-year old will get right into this and get the message while laughing all along. Two chameleons fight (humorously) almost to the death over one bug. At last they call a truce, decide to share and, best of all, make up to everyone around them for the trouble they caused. That’s what gets this book three stars – for helping little ones to think beyond themselves and see that sharing benefits everyone.
This book is coming out in September 2009.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name P, bugs, friendship, insects, Outstanding titles, Title D
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, July 30th, 2009
 * * * Lulu’s Pajamas
Author: Lucy Papineau
Reading level: Ages 6-10
Hardcover: 24 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (September 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554533716
ISBN-13: 978-1554533718
Book description: Young Lulu has the best Mama and Papa in the world and the best pet ladybug, Lili-Poo. After her Mama tells her a story and her Papa sings a goodnight song, Lulu drifts gently off to sleep in her favorite soft-as-a-butterfly-kiss pajamas. In the morning she decides “never ever” to take them off again! What will she do when her friends laugh and her beloved pajamas show the scars of a busy day at school? Suddenly Lulu can hardly recognize her pajamas, and they sure don’t smell like a pink dream anymore….
Book review: Where was this book when my kids were going through this phase? Loved the concept – wonderfully done! Lulu learns a lesson about wearing the appropriate clothes at the appropriate times. A perfect story for ages 3 – 6; a terrific bedtime story, too.
This book is coming out in September 2009.
Tags: Ages 0-4, Ages 4-8, Author last name P, bedtime story, clothes, Outstanding titles, silly, Title L
Posted in Book Reviews |
Sunday, July 20th, 2008
 * * * Tiger at The Table
Author: Scott Parish
Illustrator: Andrew Chandler
Pamphlet: 14 pages
Publisher: Lulu Press
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1411647041
ISBN-13: 978-1411647046
…
…
…
 * * * Tigre a La Mesa
Author: Scott Parish
Illustrator: Andrew Chandler
Pamphlet: 14 pages
ISBN-10: 141166003X
ISBN-13: 978-1411660038
…
…
…
…
Book review: Both these books are ADORABLE! The lesson is simple and easily grasped by your little one. The illustrations just make these books instant favorites.
I’ve had these books for sometime and finally have a book review blog to share them with my readers! Author Scott Parish is a Dad and writes from experience with a lot of love and creativity.
You can buy both these books on Lulu.com.
Tags: Ages 0-4, Ages 4-5, animals, Author last name P, manners, Outstanding titles, Spanish, tigers, Title T
Posted in Book Reviews |
|
