photo by jeff wilcox www.flickr.com
Reviewed by Margo Dill, www.margodill.com, margodll@aol.com
Young adult novel, fantasy (sort-of), set in “once upon a time. . .”
15-year-old girl as main character
Rating: An interesting twist on the classic Cinderella tale–with politics and everything.
Short, short summary: Ella has been to the ball and swept away by the prince, once he found [...]

I am so happy to receive The Butterfly Award from Gail Piernas-Davenport, the Riant Writer. On her blog, The Riant Writer, she is “dedicated to mirthful truth in writing and in life.” She has passed on this award for a “cool” blog to me, and I am very honored!
The Butterfly Award has a few [...]

Reviewed by Margo Dill, www.margodill.com, margodll@aol.com
Picture book/easy reader for kindergarteners through third graders, contemporary
Loveable housekeeper as main character
Rating: I think Amelia Bedelia is hysterical. In this book, the subject of baseball makes her even funnier!

Short, short summary: Amelia Bedelia, who takes EVERYTHING literally, is going to play baseball when a player gets sick. Who would [...]

Today, I am revisiting a book that is dear to my heart–Give a Goat. Here is what I already posted about it on a previous day. . .
Reviewed by Margo Dill, www.margodill.com, margodll@aol.com
Picture book for K-5, contemporary
Fifth-grade class as main characters
Rating: A beautiful book with a wonderful message.
Short, short summary: If you have ever heard [...]

This photo got a lot of comments when I used it with my Halloween post. It seemed only appropriate to share it during the holidays, too and with this book!
Reviewed by Margo Dill, www.margodill.com, margodll@aol.com
Picture book for preschool through 2nd grade students
Bad kitty as main character
Rating: When I read this book, I said to myself, [...]

Thank you again, everyone, for making Under the Night Sky part of a successful blog tour on “Read These Books and Use Them.” I am happy to announce that Claudia is the winner of the copy of the book. If you are curious, how I pick the winner so scientifically. . .I put [...]

If you leave a comment on this post anytime between 12/13 and 12/15 (by 8:00 p.m. CST on Monday), you have a chance to win a free copy of this beautiful picture book UNDER THE NIGHT SKY about the aurora borealis! Please make sure to put an email address with your comment, so it is [...]

Reviewed by Margo Dill, www.margodill.com, margodll@aol.com

Middle-grade novel, historical fiction during World War II
11-year-old girl as main character
Rating: A strong voice telling a strong story!
Short, short summary: Hazel lives in a world where people hate the Japanese because of the war. Hazel hates the war, and it has ruined her birthday since she was born on [...]

Reviewed by Margo Dill, www.margodill.com, margodll@aol.com
Young adult contemporary novel
Senior boy as main character
Rating: You will love the main character and wonder why the poor guy can not catch a break. You care, you laugh, and you cry.
Short, short summary: Tyler spent the summer before his senior year doing community service with the janitorial staff and [...]

Reviewed by Margo Dill, www.margodill.com, margodll@aol.com
Picture book for PreK-1st grade students
PreK boy as main character
Rating: Very cute book which will hit home for many parents as well as children!
Short, short summary: Oliver’s mom, dad, and sister do not let him speak for himself. At his fourth birthday, his sister doesn’t even let him blow out [...]