Book of the Month for May 2012
With such a cheesy title, how could I pass up this month’s selection? It is one of the best books I’ve read for young readers in quite some time. It is light fantasy, but I especially like the historical and literary references. I was pleased to learn that the inn does exist. I also like that the authors have created a wonderful, complex story with believable characters, giving young readers credit for being capable of thinking. Drawings by Barry Moser are a plus. 4th grade on up should enjoy the story, and maybe read with 2nd and 3rd graders.
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May 8th, 2012 by minerva66 | Comments Off
Picture Book of the Month for April 2012
I am late, late, late this month. No, I didn’t have trouble deciding. It just kept slipping my mind.
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April 21st, 2012 by minerva66 | Comments Off
Book of the Month for April 2012
This month’s selection is the last of a trilogy. The whole series is strong and unique, unfolding within an alternate world. The blend of historical and futuristic, or the path possible but not taken, is exciting. It is also full of adventure, pivotal events one after another.
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April 2nd, 2012 by minerva66 | Comments Off
Picture Book of the Month for March 2012
I have a few to choose from this month. I’m going with this selection, because we are experiencing glimpses of spring. It’s not quite happening yet, but it’s on the way.
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March 15th, 2012 by minerva66 | Comments Off
Book of the Month for March 2012
This book has been on my To Read list for years. Finally, got around to it. It has a different handling of World War II. The subject matter is German Occupation and espionage, but the author also connects it to a present day story. Part historical fiction, part mystery and thriller, and part search for identity and family relationships.
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March 2nd, 2012 by minerva66 | Comments Off
Young Repairman Jack Crossword
This is the fifth crossword to be posted to the site. I’m excited about the series. It is interesting and transitional to adult fiction, since it is connected to Wilson’s huge and popular Repairman Jack series.
CROSSWORD
February 17th, 2012 by minerva66 | Comments Off
Picture Book of the Month for February 2012
This month’s selection is particularly exciting. It isn’t often that you see a teaching story that is a pleasure to read and artistic, with literary and historical links besides. Yet, it is still a simple story. Beautifully done!
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February 16th, 2012 by minerva66 | Comments Off
Book of the Month for February 2012
This month’s selection is a historical fiction/mystery for elementary to middle school readers. The title and cover art hide the nature of the book. It has a fairly serious theme, though the treatment is quirky and lighthearted. Very different approach to this theme. The underlying mystery and wonderful characters keep the reader hooked.
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February 3rd, 2012 by minerva66 | Comments Off
Not Your Ordinary Mystery – list
*updated Feb 3, 2012
100 Cupboards by N. D. Wilson
Black Mirror by Nancy Werlin
The Calder Game by Blue Balliet
Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
The Circle of Magic Series by Tamora Pierce
The Conch Bearer by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
The Danger Box by Blue Balliett Read the rest of this entry »
January 21st, 2012 by minerva66 | Comments Off
Picture Book of the Month for January 2012
You can find some real treasures at the library. That is where I discovered this month’s selection. The illustrations are the main attraction, beautiful prints. If you are looking for a selection for the very young, try it out. It might also be a good selection for art students, as an example for linoleum or wood cut prints.
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January 17th, 2012 by minerva66 | Comments Off
Note: I have made a point of including books that people of all ages can enjoy. Try some books that are a challenge and some for younger people too--no matter your age.
**Most of the books on this site were written for children and young adults. There are some adult books included because they appeal to younger readers too and because they are transitional for teenage readers.