Title: The Azura Stones
Author: Helen D.Bailie
Publisher: Bedside Books
P.O. Box 65624
Salt Lake City, UT
www.american-book.com
ISBN:1-58982-374-5,$18.00,2007
Reviewed for Reader Views Kids, 11/07
Have you ever had a really exciting and scary experience all at the same time? Hayley is having the strangest school vacation than she ever has before. Her grandpa left a map showing the location of some very special stones. The Azura stones were very special for many reasons. It is exciting for Hayley and her friends to follow the map, but the fact that they are being followed is very scary. There are many twists and turns in the pursuit of these stones. You never know where the next danger lurks. Just what makes these stones so valuable and so wanted by so many people? What power will you get when you get these?
"The Azura Stones" is a fantastic book for kids who love a suspense or mystery story. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. You won't want to wait to the end to see what will happen. Yet when the book is over, you're sad that the book is over because its just so good. Helen D Bailie is a new author. She is very talented. I hope she writes more stories like this one. I think its target market is kids ages 11-14. Its a fantastic read!
Monday, November 5, 2007
Nate the Skate In Search of His Mate
Nate the Skate In Search of His Mate
Judy Jewel
Dunamis Development
3972 Barranca Pky Suite J-115, Irvine, CA 92606
www.soleshoes.com
ISBN: 0-9767066-0-1, $19.95, 2005.
Reviewed for Reader Views Kids, 11/2007.
Have you ever lost a toy which you really loved? That is what Nate felt like. He was mad because he lost his mate. What good is it to be alone especially if you are a roller skate or a shoe? What kind of a future would you have, you would probably be facing going out in the trash and becoming a resident of the land fill.
Nate was a special skate. He was made by Joey's grandpa with a very special sole which was very giving and friendly. Nate looks for help among the other shoes, but most of them aren't very friendly some are even snobby. Nate searched high and low for his mate. But he and the other discards are feeling very low and useless. Through the text of the story you begin cheering for Nate that he will find his mate. There are cool places where Nate ends up searching like Recycle City and Mentry Shoes.
The pages in this book are glossy and very expressive. The expressions on the faces of the other shoes or characters really add to the delight of this book. Even the garbage can and fire hydrant have facial expressions. I think this is a fantastic book for kids who ever have felt like they are useless and have ever lost a shoe or a toy. If you like a good story about a little guy coming out on top, you will love it. "Nate the Skate" is a great book with alot of soul, humor and rock and roll!
Judy Jewel
Dunamis Development
3972 Barranca Pky Suite J-115, Irvine, CA 92606
www.soleshoes.com
ISBN: 0-9767066-0-1, $19.95, 2005.
Reviewed for Reader Views Kids, 11/2007.
Have you ever lost a toy which you really loved? That is what Nate felt like. He was mad because he lost his mate. What good is it to be alone especially if you are a roller skate or a shoe? What kind of a future would you have, you would probably be facing going out in the trash and becoming a resident of the land fill.
Nate was a special skate. He was made by Joey's grandpa with a very special sole which was very giving and friendly. Nate looks for help among the other shoes, but most of them aren't very friendly some are even snobby. Nate searched high and low for his mate. But he and the other discards are feeling very low and useless. Through the text of the story you begin cheering for Nate that he will find his mate. There are cool places where Nate ends up searching like Recycle City and Mentry Shoes.
The pages in this book are glossy and very expressive. The expressions on the faces of the other shoes or characters really add to the delight of this book. Even the garbage can and fire hydrant have facial expressions. I think this is a fantastic book for kids who ever have felt like they are useless and have ever lost a shoe or a toy. If you like a good story about a little guy coming out on top, you will love it. "Nate the Skate" is a great book with alot of soul, humor and rock and roll!
Growing Up Grizzly
Title Growing Up Grizzly
Author: Amy Shapira
Published by Falcon, an imprint of The Globe Pequot Press, 2007.
ISBN: 978-0-7627-4149-6
Imagine having to make your way through life without your mom and dad! Its not a very happy thought, is it? Well, imagine you're a grizzly bear and forced to find your own way. He is not yet old enough to live on his own but not a baby anymore either. He's in between ages. Its a pretty lonely time for young Emmett. He lives up in Alaska, where the temperatures range greatly. He travels to a cove where he is watched by visitors but no one knows just who he is or where he came from. He didn't have a name until the visitors started watching him.
There is a family of 4 bears living in the same area. Baylee is the mama bear with her cubs named Eleanor, Misha and James. Emmett likes to watch the family of bears, if only he could be a part of their family. The bear family seems to be having such fun. Baylee doesn't like Emmett being around and growls to get rid of him. Emmett was determined to make this family his. He makes friends with the little cubs and wins the mom over. Now he feels like a member of a family. We all need a little help sometimes and Emmett gets the help he needs from Baylee and her family.
"Growing Up Grizzly" is based on a true story of grizzly bears up in Southeastern Alaska. The pictures are actual pictures of bears in their habitats and doing what comes naturally to them. I especially liked the picture of the bear looking through a window of a cabin and seeing his reflection. He needed a friend. All the pictures are awesome! The book would be a delight for bear lovers, Alaska lovers and any others who would like a nice adoption story.
Reviewed for Readerviewkids.com
Author: Amy Shapira
Published by Falcon, an imprint of The Globe Pequot Press, 2007.
ISBN: 978-0-7627-4149-6
Imagine having to make your way through life without your mom and dad! Its not a very happy thought, is it? Well, imagine you're a grizzly bear and forced to find your own way. He is not yet old enough to live on his own but not a baby anymore either. He's in between ages. Its a pretty lonely time for young Emmett. He lives up in Alaska, where the temperatures range greatly. He travels to a cove where he is watched by visitors but no one knows just who he is or where he came from. He didn't have a name until the visitors started watching him.
There is a family of 4 bears living in the same area. Baylee is the mama bear with her cubs named Eleanor, Misha and James. Emmett likes to watch the family of bears, if only he could be a part of their family. The bear family seems to be having such fun. Baylee doesn't like Emmett being around and growls to get rid of him. Emmett was determined to make this family his. He makes friends with the little cubs and wins the mom over. Now he feels like a member of a family. We all need a little help sometimes and Emmett gets the help he needs from Baylee and her family.
"Growing Up Grizzly" is based on a true story of grizzly bears up in Southeastern Alaska. The pictures are actual pictures of bears in their habitats and doing what comes naturally to them. I especially liked the picture of the bear looking through a window of a cabin and seeing his reflection. He needed a friend. All the pictures are awesome! The book would be a delight for bear lovers, Alaska lovers and any others who would like a nice adoption story.
Reviewed for Readerviewkids.com
The Biggest and Brightest Light
Title: The Biggest and Brightest Light
Author: Marilyn Perlyn
Published by Robert D Reed Publishers, 2004.
ISBN: 1-931741-30-1
Reviewed for ReaderViewsKids.com
So many times kids think that they are too little to be important. "The Biggest and Brightest Light: A True Story of the Heart" deals with this same topic. Amanda is afraid that since the new teacher who has doctor in her name will give her a shot. Dr Malko is a doctor of education but she does deal with a medical crisis. Amanda is just 6 years old but she makes an impact on her teacher Dr Malko that will last both of them a lifetime.
Amanda sees a need in her teacher's life and does something to help her. Dr Malko's daughter Elena is very sick. Amanda comes up with an idea of how she can raise money to help Elena and her family with all of the medical expenses. Its heartwarming to see the love this girl has for her teacher. Amanda is excited to get to meet the young Elena. Amanda has a big heart and it shows even more when she goes to work making cookies for the nurses in Elena's hospital. She enters a contest and wonders if she could win. Dr Malko is very encouraging for Amanda.
Some teachers make a big impact on their students! This story shows that students can make a difference in the lives of the teachers as well. I have been encouraged and showed love by a couple of teachers in my life and I wish I could be like young Amanda who brightens her teacher's days. I am a few years older than the young heroine in this story, but I loved the story. The pictures by Amanda Perlyn bring the story to life. Its a feel good story even though there are some sad parts in it. The fact that this is a true story makes me enjoy it all the more.
Author: Marilyn Perlyn
Published by Robert D Reed Publishers, 2004.
ISBN: 1-931741-30-1
Reviewed for ReaderViewsKids.com
So many times kids think that they are too little to be important. "The Biggest and Brightest Light: A True Story of the Heart" deals with this same topic. Amanda is afraid that since the new teacher who has doctor in her name will give her a shot. Dr Malko is a doctor of education but she does deal with a medical crisis. Amanda is just 6 years old but she makes an impact on her teacher Dr Malko that will last both of them a lifetime.
Amanda sees a need in her teacher's life and does something to help her. Dr Malko's daughter Elena is very sick. Amanda comes up with an idea of how she can raise money to help Elena and her family with all of the medical expenses. Its heartwarming to see the love this girl has for her teacher. Amanda is excited to get to meet the young Elena. Amanda has a big heart and it shows even more when she goes to work making cookies for the nurses in Elena's hospital. She enters a contest and wonders if she could win. Dr Malko is very encouraging for Amanda.
Some teachers make a big impact on their students! This story shows that students can make a difference in the lives of the teachers as well. I have been encouraged and showed love by a couple of teachers in my life and I wish I could be like young Amanda who brightens her teacher's days. I am a few years older than the young heroine in this story, but I loved the story. The pictures by Amanda Perlyn bring the story to life. Its a feel good story even though there are some sad parts in it. The fact that this is a true story makes me enjoy it all the more.
Hattie Big Sky
Title:Hattie Big Sky
Author:Kirby Larson
Hattie has been nicknamed Hattie Here and There for a very good reason. Since her parents died when she was a little girl, she has been shifted from one relative to another. She is living with Uncle Holt when she learns that she has inherited 320 acres of Montana land from her Uncle Chester Wright. She has always wanted a place that she could call home. So she decides to stake her claim to the land. Karl and Perilee Mueller offer to help her anyway they can. They become neighbors but more importantly very good friends to her.
Hattie has inherited more than just land as she finds out when she moves to Vida, Montana. It seems that Chester left her , his chess buddy Rooster Jim, his cow Violet, Plug the horse, debts and land that has not been plowed ever. Hattie is at the young age of 16 when she comes there. There is a neighbor Traft Martin who wants nothing more than Hattie to fail so he can claim her property. He even tries some underhanded tricks to try and discourage her from achieving her goal.
The story is set in the time period of the World War I. This book is an excellent book of historical fiction. It talks of the trials of homesteaders, War Bonds and requirements of younger men heading off to fight a war against the Germans. The characters in this book are very interesting and its a learning experience each step of the way. Hattie has a childhood chum named Charlie who she writes to throughout the book and tells him of all her experiences. This is a terrific book for ages 9-12 who have an interest in adventure, history and homesteading. I loved this book and I'm sure you would too. Come visit Vida, Montana during this important time in American history!
Author:Kirby Larson
Hattie has been nicknamed Hattie Here and There for a very good reason. Since her parents died when she was a little girl, she has been shifted from one relative to another. She is living with Uncle Holt when she learns that she has inherited 320 acres of Montana land from her Uncle Chester Wright. She has always wanted a place that she could call home. So she decides to stake her claim to the land. Karl and Perilee Mueller offer to help her anyway they can. They become neighbors but more importantly very good friends to her.
Hattie has inherited more than just land as she finds out when she moves to Vida, Montana. It seems that Chester left her , his chess buddy Rooster Jim, his cow Violet, Plug the horse, debts and land that has not been plowed ever. Hattie is at the young age of 16 when she comes there. There is a neighbor Traft Martin who wants nothing more than Hattie to fail so he can claim her property. He even tries some underhanded tricks to try and discourage her from achieving her goal.
The story is set in the time period of the World War I. This book is an excellent book of historical fiction. It talks of the trials of homesteaders, War Bonds and requirements of younger men heading off to fight a war against the Germans. The characters in this book are very interesting and its a learning experience each step of the way. Hattie has a childhood chum named Charlie who she writes to throughout the book and tells him of all her experiences. This is a terrific book for ages 9-12 who have an interest in adventure, history and homesteading. I loved this book and I'm sure you would too. Come visit Vida, Montana during this important time in American history!
Me and the Pumpkin Queen
Title: Me and the Pumpkin Queen by Marlane Edwards
Publshed by Harper Collins, 2007.
Have you ever thought you could be the big prizewinner? Are you a gardener who dreams of growing the biggest vegetable? Mildred is an eleven year old girl who has dreams of entering a pumpkin in the Circleville, Ohio Pumpkin Show.
Mildred is a girl who is trying to come to terms with her mother's death two years ago. She lives with her Dad, who is a veterinarian. His sister, Arlene, tries to raise Mildred the way she thinks girls should be. However, instead of wanting fancy girly clothes and jewelry, Mildred would rather be a dress down type of girl. Her best friend is a boy named Jacob.
Mildred takes pumpkin growing to a new level when she plants special seeds. Her hero is Howard Dill who developed the Atlantic Giant pumpkin seeds. Mildred gives up alot of fun activities in order to nurture her young seedlings. As she weathers many storms you find yourself rooting for her and hoping that she achieves her goal. Its not just the $2000 prize and trophy that motivate Mildred. Her mother would have loved to grow an award winning pumpkin that is taller than she is and weighs more than 1000 pounds.
I loved this book because I like pumpkins! I can relate with Mildred as we both have best friends that are boys. I'm not a real dressy girl and sometimes find it hard to fit in with my girl classmates like she does. This is an awesome book for gardeners, pumpkin lovers and eaters, and anyone who has ever had a dream. This is an excellent book for ages 8-12. Delight in some pumpkin today and pick up "Me and the Pumpkin Queen." Its delicious reading!
Publshed by Harper Collins, 2007.
Have you ever thought you could be the big prizewinner? Are you a gardener who dreams of growing the biggest vegetable? Mildred is an eleven year old girl who has dreams of entering a pumpkin in the Circleville, Ohio Pumpkin Show.
Mildred is a girl who is trying to come to terms with her mother's death two years ago. She lives with her Dad, who is a veterinarian. His sister, Arlene, tries to raise Mildred the way she thinks girls should be. However, instead of wanting fancy girly clothes and jewelry, Mildred would rather be a dress down type of girl. Her best friend is a boy named Jacob.
Mildred takes pumpkin growing to a new level when she plants special seeds. Her hero is Howard Dill who developed the Atlantic Giant pumpkin seeds. Mildred gives up alot of fun activities in order to nurture her young seedlings. As she weathers many storms you find yourself rooting for her and hoping that she achieves her goal. Its not just the $2000 prize and trophy that motivate Mildred. Her mother would have loved to grow an award winning pumpkin that is taller than she is and weighs more than 1000 pounds.
I loved this book because I like pumpkins! I can relate with Mildred as we both have best friends that are boys. I'm not a real dressy girl and sometimes find it hard to fit in with my girl classmates like she does. This is an awesome book for gardeners, pumpkin lovers and eaters, and anyone who has ever had a dream. This is an excellent book for ages 8-12. Delight in some pumpkin today and pick up "Me and the Pumpkin Queen." Its delicious reading!
TJ and the Sports Fanatic
Title: TJ and the Sports Fanatic
Author: Hazel Hutchins
Published by Orca Book Publishers, 2006.
ISBN: 1-55143-461-x
Reviewed for ReaderViewkids.com, 6/07.
Do you have a friend that is always trying to get you to do things that maybe you wouldn't want to even try to do? Well, TJ Barnes has this problem. TJ has no athletic abilities but his best friend Seymour does. However, Seymour won't try out for a team unless TJ does with him.
What are the right reasons for trying out for a football team? Is it that small chance that you might be good at it and can make lots of money. Or is it to be among the popular kids in school? Football teaches responsibility, teamwork and leadership skills. Whatever the reasons, TJ doesn't want to do it. But being a good friend to Seymour, he tries.
TJ is more concerned with something greater than football. He helps out at his family's hardware store which has fallen on hard times. Perhaps the store will have to go in a different direction than what has always worked before. TJ doesn't understand all the X and O marks when the coach tries to explain the different plays. He doesn't understand all the penalties. But at least he's not like Seymour, who scores the first points of his football career against his own team.
Teamwork takes on new meaning in this book. "TJ and the Sports Fanatic" is an excellent book for football lovers and other sports fans. It keeps your interest in both TJ's first attempt at playing football and being a valuable member of another team...his family. This is a good book for ages 8-12. With football season right around the corner, get prepared for the season by reading this one!
Author: Hazel Hutchins
Published by Orca Book Publishers, 2006.
ISBN: 1-55143-461-x
Reviewed for ReaderViewkids.com, 6/07.
Do you have a friend that is always trying to get you to do things that maybe you wouldn't want to even try to do? Well, TJ Barnes has this problem. TJ has no athletic abilities but his best friend Seymour does. However, Seymour won't try out for a team unless TJ does with him.
What are the right reasons for trying out for a football team? Is it that small chance that you might be good at it and can make lots of money. Or is it to be among the popular kids in school? Football teaches responsibility, teamwork and leadership skills. Whatever the reasons, TJ doesn't want to do it. But being a good friend to Seymour, he tries.
TJ is more concerned with something greater than football. He helps out at his family's hardware store which has fallen on hard times. Perhaps the store will have to go in a different direction than what has always worked before. TJ doesn't understand all the X and O marks when the coach tries to explain the different plays. He doesn't understand all the penalties. But at least he's not like Seymour, who scores the first points of his football career against his own team.
Teamwork takes on new meaning in this book. "TJ and the Sports Fanatic" is an excellent book for football lovers and other sports fans. It keeps your interest in both TJ's first attempt at playing football and being a valuable member of another team...his family. This is a good book for ages 8-12. With football season right around the corner, get prepared for the season by reading this one!
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