This is one of the most exciting books I have read for young readers and early chapter books. It kicks off Maguire’s series set in the small town of Hamlet, VT. It’s silly, suspenseful, and is an introduction to light fantasy/sci fi.

REVIEW

Rosemary Wells is an exceptional author for young readers, and On the Blue Comet is a good selection for its age level. It would be especially appealing to young boys, with the train theme. I enjoyed the historical setting, and the book went in a surprising direction.

REVIEW

What a nice way of presenting details of Medieval history and daily life! When I first looked in the book, I noticed the poetry format and thought it was going to be harder to read, dragging, maybe not something kids would pick for themselves . . .

Read More

I chose this month’s selection largely because it led me to an epiphany about myself. This is the foremost reason I continue to read fiction regularly;  it sometimes offers or confirms realizations about life.

It is also a fantastic book. It isn’t everyday that you can be so drawn into someone else’s  mind. The character is clear-sighted, though possibly more complex than the thinking of the average person.

I also want to note that April was Autism Awareness Month, and the book has a connection. I saw this past week that the prevalence is now 1 in 110 children. Clearly, we have a real problem here.

The character in this book who has Asperger’s is high functioning. I have met one boy in passing who seemed to be at this level. He did, however, have difficulty dealing emotionally with the other children around him.

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous

The illustrations drew me to this book, but the story is what captured me. I chose it partly because this is exactly how interest in the subject begins. I have a son who also pours over the maps, as does his father.

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous

Joseph Bruchac is a major voice for Native Americans of New England. He’s collected stories for many years and written several books. His stories universally resonate with people.  In this particular selection, Bruchac’s protagonist proves himself a leader in a long line of leaders. It is not inherited, but taught and modeled by his elders.

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous

This month’s selection is an alphabet book from Australia. It’s cultural, with some different and interesting words. But mostly I chose it for the striking illustrations.

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous

This month’s selection is a fantastic blend of fantasy/sci fi and historical fiction. The author has some of the more challenging books for teens. This book is pre-teen reading level, though the content is what I would consider to be teen level. Fascinating concoctions are worth the read for themselves. Its predecessor also was named BookAdvice BotM.

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous

The story of this month’s Picture Book of the Month received a Newbery Honor in 1956. The illustrators are Caldecott Medalists. The story and paintings make a fantastic combination. The story is a little longer than what is standard for picture books. Also has more complexity. There is imagination in the tale and depiction, plus gently moralistic portions.

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous

I actually avoided reading this month’s selection for a couple years. I didn’t think I was going to like it. It is by a very quirky author, but his quirkiness works for him. He is great with words and painting images and conveying emotion. Though you’d never guess from the title or subject matter, the story is charming, though an edgy mashing of ideas.

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous