Book Review - Gossamer by Lois Lowry

Gossamer

by Lois Lowry

Rating - ***** (5 stars)

I really cannot believe it took me over thirty years to discover the writings of Lois Lowry. I have no idea why I did not happen upon them during all my time in the library as an adolescent. It was my son talking about reading The Giver in his middle school that finally brought her writing to my attention. Since then I have been playing catch up. I have yet to read a book by Lois Lowry that I would not recommend. However, all of her books are so very different.

Gossamer is almost like a fairy tale. It falls in lines with fairies that dance in gardens. Except it is little wispy creatures that protect dreams. The book is truly magical, it is also very sweet. From the perspective of the little dream protector we witness an older women taking in a foster child. Even more magical is we see all of the characters start to heal with the help of these magical creatures.

While the topic of the book itself could be very traumatic, it is presented in a manner that is age appropriate for older elementary school students. This book is not exactly a must read, but I would add it to your list anyway.

Book Review - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rawlings

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

by JK Rawlings

Rating ***** (5 stars)

I have a fear sometimes of going back and rereading books. Specifically this is when the plot to the books are so ingrained in my head. Harry Potter is such a pop culture figure that nearly everyone knows how the story goes. If they have not read the book, then they have seen the movie, or heard about it from someone who has. I my case all three.

It is not that I remember the Harry Potter books as this horrible piece of fiction. On the contrary I remember loving the books, specifically the first five in the series. It is just I have read them so many times. I reread them all before reading the next book in the series, before seeing the movies, and just when I felt like it. Admittedly it has been a few years since I have last picked them up. This is why I could once again enjoy the words on the page.

It also has helped me to appreciate that the second book in the Harry Potter series is a really good book. It is even better then the first. It is well written, has a great plot, and flows very well. It is truly a book to make you love reading. So, if it has been a few years - pick them up again. If you know a child who has not read them yet - share them. It will be a magical experience.

 

Book Review - The Silent Boy

The Silent Boy

by Lois Lowry

 

Rating ***** (5 stars)

I have been on a Lois Lowry reading spree as of late. It is one that I foresee continuing until I have devoured all of her books. I am uncertain how I made it through adolescence, with my obsessive reading habit, without having discovered her before now.

I seriously believe that Lois Lowry should go down as one of the greats. She should be hoisted right next to Charles Dickens.

The Silent Boy is another amazing novel. It is a book set in the early 1900s. The main character is a very young girl who wishes to be a doctor like her father. The young girl has wisdom beyond her years, which includes her ability to accept others for who they are. This is all accompanied by a ten year old temperament. She makes for a highly entertaining narrator.

One interesting character with whom she meats is Jacob, a fourteen year old boy who would most likely be diagnosed with Autism in today's society. It is fascinating seeing a character with Autism depicted in a less modern setting. While he helps out with his farm chores, like is expected of all the children, he also refuses to take off a woolen hat, is obsessed with the grinding stones at the mill, mimics sounds, is non verbal, and has a very strong connection with animals.

The ending is a bit sad, and you can see it coming early, some aspect of it from the first chapter. Yet that does not stop the reader from being swept up in the lives of the characters.

I think it is an excellent book for a middle school student, high school student, or adult. I do think it may be a bit difficult concept wise for early elementary school students.

Book Review - Number the Stars

Number the Stars

by Lois Lowry

Rating ***** (5 stars)

I have only recently been exposed to the beautiful writing of Lois Lowry. I am appalled that I was not introduced to her works in any of my coursework, and I am sadden that I did not run across her novels in all my time spent in various libraries in my youth. I am convinced I would have loved her writing even more then I love it as an adult.

There is no doubt that Lowry is writing for younger children. The main character in Number the Stars is only ten years old - she would be in upper elementary school. It is amazing that Lowry can write a novel geared towards this young of a reader, in words that are appropriate for the reading level, and still write such a breathtaking novel.

Number the Stars is a novel about the relocation of Jews during the German occupation of Denmark. The story plot is a difficult time in history, yet the bravery of the many Danish citizens, both old and young, is beautifully portrayed in the novel. The novel teaches bravery, and standing up for what it is right. Children who have known loss will relate to many themes in the novel, yet it is not a novel of despair. It is a novel of bravery and hope. It is written in such a way as to appropriately capture young readers and still appeal to adults.

There is no wonder why Lois Lowry has won many awards for her novels. Her writing is beautiful, and her characters provoke deep passion. When you pick up one of her novels you leave the book behind and enter into an entirely new world. If you have not yet read any of her novels, this one is a great place to start.

Book Review - The Bee Who Was Different

The Bee Who Was Different

by Kurt Zimmerman

 

Rating *** (3 stars)

This is a picture book about a bee who is in a wheelchair, which is even more striking since all the other bees are the same. The book is not about helping educate children about differences in others. Rather it is about overcoming your own difficulties to be a hero.

I like that the main character has a physical disability, that is not common enough in picture books. The message is good, but not great. The pictures are cute, but not anything above and beyond. I wish the book could have expanded slightly to help children without a physical disability understand a bit better, and I think that May have been a goal, however I do not feel it was reached. 

Overall the writing and pictures are average. I do think it could be a useful story for a young child with a physical disability who is feeling left out.



 

Book Review - Big Nate Goes for Broke

Big Nate Goes for Broke

by Lincoln Pierce

Rating **** (4 stars)

My son has been devouring Big Nate books for years now. He moved on to them after catching up with the Wimpy Kid books. I, however, have never picked one up before now. I was in the mood for a light read when I saw one of his books on my Kindle list.

I honestly thought the book would be a series of cartoon panels. I was happy to find that it is a written book that is highlighted with the drawings of the main character, a middle schooler who has a bit of a problem of getting in trouble. He also has an overactive imagine which he channels into his drawings.

This book is about the drawing club that Nate and some friends created. It is also about a rivalry with a local middle school, creativity, and including girls into their group.

The book is well written, entertaining, and clean. The humor and even antics of Nate are appealing to elementary school and middle schoolers alike. It is no wonder that J loves these book. I do not think that it will be long before L starts picking up these books as well.

Book Review - Ariel: The Shimmering Star Necklace

Ariel: The Shimmering Star Necklace

by Gail Herman

 

 

 

Rating *** (3 stars)

I love this series. I think it is a great way to capture young girl's (or boy's) interest in reading, even if it is with the whole princess thing. The chapters and the print are not overwhelming, and the beautiful pictures help with the transition from early readers, to chapter books.

The series is amazing. This particular book is a bit boring. I get it, there is not much plot that you can put into a short chapter book where a huge concern is making the language readable. Yet, I first cringed when I read about how excited Ariel was for the Royal concert being put on by the Village School - maybe it is just the adult in me that thinks this was a bit overdone.

Then the girl that Ariel is helping practice for the concert has a secret friend - this should raise huge red flags. The fact that this secret friend is just a mermaid girl is great, but no one once talked to this child about stranger danger. I was at least thinking it was Ursula. Even Disney characters need to worry about talking to strangers.

Overall the book taught a good message about friendship, and being friends with people who are different. It even was great that the concert was moved to the beach for the water impaired merpeople. It does not make up for the whole first part of the book where I am thinking about this child wondering off and not telling an adult. NOT GOOD! So, it looses two stars.

Book Review - The Mat and Sam Collection (I Love Reading!) Early Reader

The Mat and Sam Collection

by Cindy Bracken

 

Rating *** (3 stars)

The Mat and Sam collection is an set of three early reader books. The first book - Mat and Sam - feature both Sam, who is a dog, and Mat, who is a cat, being friends. The pictures are good and the wording is on level with a beginning reader. The collection then shows Sam in his own book doing various dog things, the writing is also very simple with three to four word sentences. The last book, Mat, shows a cat doing a whole bunch of cat things. The words are easy but there is often two easy sentences on a page.

Overall, the book is a bit weird. Mat and Sam are very common names in early readers, it is weird picturing them as a dog and a cat - real ones, not even drawn. If your child does not like pets then this will probably not perk their interest in reading. However, if all they talk about is dogs and cats - then this should be an interesting collection for them. Not my favorite book, but good writing and clear professional photography.





Book Review - The Deep and Snowy Woods

The Deep and Snowy Woods

by Elwyn Tate

Rating **** (4 stars)

When I was looking at the books I have downloaded over the years this one caught my eye. The cover is adorable, and holds the promise of more beauty to come. When I opened it I asked if L wanted me to read it to her. Her response "Oh, I know this book. I have read it lots of times." She then proceeded to read the book to me - twice - and then type out the following review.

3 animals know but the rest did not know that it is Christmas day. It was interesting because I like running, hoping, and digging. 3 stars because I did not like how it ended. They just made me hanging.

- L age 9

I did some minor editing while she was typing, in truth she really used spell check, and I did ask what she likes, explained how I give a rating, and asked why it was three stars. I think she had a valid reason.  The artwork is beautiful. The words are beautiful because they are incorporated into the artwork, and because they sound beautiful when read aloud. I do agree about the ending. I was a bit surprised when Santa Clause showed up and we were magically in the North Pole, and I also agree that is a bit anticlimactic in the end. 

However, I do believe it earns one more star then L gave it. She smiled the entire time she read it. She nearly ripped the iPad out of my hands to read it to me, then begged to be allowed to read it again. That is why I upped her rating one star. I mean, for my child who adamantly proclaims that she hates to read, that is kind of a miracle. 

Book Review - God Gave Me You

God Gave My You

by Cindy Bracken

Rating **** (4 stars)

This is yet another amazing story by Cindy Bracken. The illustrations appear to be copies of paintings. Some of them are nature in theme, and other's show a mother or father with her child. The story is a simple one that showcase the brilliance of nature, and then the further brilliance of God by giving the child to the care of his or her parents.

As the title alone gives evidence to, this is a Christian theme book. It is a great book for helping a child to understand the joy you feel at being their parent. I read this book to my children a lot when they were younger going through harder days.

Book Review - Tip of the Toes

Tip of the Toes

by. Lily Lexington

Rating ***1/2 (3 1/2 stars)

This is a cute picture book of a young girl who is learning ballet. The start of the book talks about various dance moves, then the story goes on to the girl preparing for a dance recital. To help calm her fear, the teacher gives her a magical bow that will help her to not make a mistake. Then at the end the girl subtly realizes that it was her that was able to dance, not the bow.

The pictures are simple, but decent, computer generations. The text is formatted under the pictures and at times can break into a new page. The writing is good. It is made to rhyme, and at times it is a little forced. The vocabulary is more one for an adult to read to a child, rather then a child to read to an adult. Even if they are familiar with ballet terms they will probably have difficulty with words such as maintaining or enchanted.

If your child is interested in ballet then this is a cute story to check out. The writing and pictures are good, and the plot has a good message - even if it is a bit truncated. Overall, a cute story.

Book Review - Belle: The Mysterious Message (Disney Princess)

Belle: The Mysterious Message (Disney Princess)

by. Kitty Richards

Rating **** (4 stars)

This is a part of the Disney Princess early chapter books series. There are eight chapters in this book and a total of 89 pages. The book also includes beautiful color pictures throughout. 

The storyline of the book takes place after Belle has exchanged places with her father, and before she and the Beast fall in love. It is about a treasure hunt to find the hidden end of a book. 

The writing is good, and on level for early elementary readers. This is currently one of the chapter series that L is reading - so it holds attention for her at least. This would be a great first chapter book for your reader.

Book Review - Seahorses! Learn about Seahorses and Enjoy Colorful Pictures

Seahorses! Learn about Seahorses and Enjoy Colorful Pictures

by. Becky Wolff

Rating ** (2 stars)

This book is not an easy reader. It is a book that would be appropriate for early elementary. There is only about one sentence per page - but the words are not small and the print is. 

This book would be useful for someone obsessed with seahorses, or a child needing to do a report. 

It is not an exceptionally well formatted book. The pictures and fonts are small and not attached together. It was published before the new Kindle formatting options. This does not make for a good fun reading type book - even for the obsessed. But it will still work for information. The book is full of interesting facts about seahorses - many of which I did not know. To be honest this is the only reason that this book is getting any stars at all. Well, the picture on the cover is not bad either. 

Book Review - 5 Sight Word Books for Beginning Readers Volume 1

5 Sight Word Books for Beginning Readers Volume 1

by Cindy Bracken

Rating ***** (5 stars)

I do love Cindy Bracken's early reader books. This collection is no exception. L and S will still read through these books - even though they are well beyond their reading level. 

This collection contains the books

I Can

Is it Blue?

One, Two, Three

It Is My Birthday

Kitten's Walk

I can is an easy book with three word sentences all starting with I can. Is it Blue? Has multiple sentences in large fonts. The book ask a question in relation to a color and then answers it on the same page. It is also repetitive and a great first read. One, Two, Three is a counting book. Unlike other counting books it does not count a new number with every page. Instead the book only counts to three and each number is used for three pages in a row. This should help the beginning reader recognize it easier. It Is My Birthday is a bit harder book. There is still only one sentence per page, however the words to not repeat across pages. However, there are beautiful pictures to help use in word identification. The last book, Kitten's Walk, tells the story of a Kitten meeting friends. It is not as easy a read as I Can but there is repetition in the words that will help out a beginning reader. 

These books are not hard. That is one of the reasons I enjoyed them so much. L had such a hard time learning to read - it is the only thing she has really ever had to work at. It was nice having books that did not overwhelm her. She read this collection more times then I can count. 

Book Review - I Love Reading! Sight Word Reader: Five Sight Word Books for Beginning Readers Volume 3

I Love Reading! Sight Word Reader: Five Sight Word Books for Beginning Readers Volume 3

by Cindy Bracken

 

Rating *****(5 stars)

 

 

If you have followed my reviews you will already know that I love Cindy Bracken's early reader books for Kindle. Her books, as a whole, are interesting, captivating, and appropriate. This collection is no exception.

 

This is the third volume in her sight reader collection. These books are great for emerging or beginning readers. The pages contains a short sentence between 5-3 words. The sentences are repetitive throughout the pages in the story. The new word is introduced by a picture on the page. The pictures in this book are all photography.

 

The series contains the five books:

 

Play Time

On The Farm

That's Funny

Little and Big

What Do Animals Like to Do?

 

This is a great investment for your beginning reader. It can be viewed brilliantly in color, or the pictures can be appreciated in black and white.

 

 



Book Review - Is it True? Dogs

Is it True? Dogs

by Cindy Bracken

Rating **** (4 stars)

Do you have a young child who is obsessed by dogs? You really need to check out this book. Is it True? Dogs is a non fiction quiz book. One one page the author asks the reader a question is it true that. . . Then the next page answers the question and provides more in depth information.

The book is highly engaging. Our family read this book a multitude of times, with all members being engaged in the answering of questions and reading of facts. Even when all three of them knew the book by heart they were still highly engaged.

A wonderful aspect of the book is the beautiful photography. If you child loves dogs then I foresee them just looking in the book to see the pictures themselves.

Even though this book is an early reader, it is one that requires more advanced skills. The question page is more like a level one or two reader. However, the answer page is more like a level four reader. While your child is first learning to read you can take turns reading the pages. Then as their skills develop (or as they memorize the book) then they can read the whole thing by themselves.

This book was L's favorite book for months. Even now when she see's the book on her Kindle Fire she will randomly start reading this book again.

Book Review - Foals Baby Horse

Foals Baby Horse

by Cindy Bracken

Rating **** (4 stars)

This is an I Love Reading book Level 2. It is a nonfiction book which talks about the early life of horses. There is a lot of interesting facts in this book, such as the gestational period, sleeping, and eating habits. There are about two sentences, or six lines of text, per page. The length will be a bit daunting to new readers. However, it is appropriate for a level 2 reader. There are some difficult words in the text - such as veterinarian - however most of the words are one syllables. 

If your child is interested in horses then this is a great introduction for nonfiction reading. There is facts, and numbers, for them to learn how to decode information. However, it is not overwhelming or too in depth for young readers. One of the best aspects of this book is the beautiful pictures. 

This book was a huge hit with both S and L. S, who now reads great but at a slow pace, will still pick up the I Love Reading series. She especially loves this book, as she is crazy about horses. There was a period where Cindy Bracken was all that both S and L would read.

Book Review - Princess Charleston of the Isle of Palm

Princess Charleston of the Isle of Palm

by Kelly Sheehy Degroot

Rating ** 1/2 (2 1/2 stars)

Princess Charleston of the Isle of Palms is a picture book about a princess with a magical window that allows her to see all of her friends who live on the beach - which consist of just seagulls and crabs. When a storm approaches Princess Charleston sings a magical song and creates a place for her friends to wait out the storm. After the storm has passed Princess Charleston visits her friends, and they sing their praises to her.

The plot is basic and uninspiring. The writing is choppy and boring. The words are printed in an italic font which does not really look good, and is not very compatible for reading. The pictures are good, but not amazing. They look like they were drawn with color pencil and then scanned in.

There are so many picture books available on the market. While this book you can tell that an effort was made in producing a good book, it just is not a good book.

Book Review - Essential Sight Words Level 1 - Introductory Readers (set of 8 books)

Essential Sight Words Level 1 - Introductory Readers (set of 8 books)

by Kay de Silva

Rating ** (2 stars)

Sometimes items which can be great are rushed into production. This is one of those items. This is a collection of 8 early readers. Before the readers there is an introduction to the parents which expresses how the stories were created for her two children. The author then makes some decisions for her stories which I do not particularly agree with. Nor, does she provide evidence based on her own observations. 

This book has almost no pictures. Before the reader begins there is a picture and word of nouns - that is it. The rest of the pages are just words. This book is boring. It is perfect if you want to drill your children on reading, and take all the enjoyment out of it. 

That being said there is some good aspects of this book. The first is that you get eight stories for the price of one. The stories continue in ability, with the first story starting with one word pages and the last story having between seven and eight word sentences. The second aspect that I think I like is that if a word has not yet been introduced it is on the bottom of the page. While I think this is a great idea it is a bit awkward when you have a bold sentence and then also have the same sentence (although this is not always the case) right below it in finer print. If it was less intrusive then I think it would make for a better format. 

The actual writing of the stories earns this book the two stars. The fact that the book just looks boring looses it three stars. There is no way this would have held my children's attention when they were learning to read. It will not even hold L's attention now. 

Book Review - Jen's Hamster

Jen's Hamster

by. Rhonda Lucadamo

Rating **** (5 stars)

If you are looking for an early reader set for the Kindle then I highly recommend that you check out Miss Rhonda's Readers. When I first purchased this book for L it was one of a handful of early reader books available on the Kindle. This is one of the books that first started L reading on her own. 

Jen's Hamster is a simply written story about a girl, Jen, who plays with her hamster. There is one sentence per page, and the words are simple and mostly repetitive. It is perfect for new readers.