When people hear the word “genocide,” most think–surely something like that can’t happen in today’s world. But unfortunately it has and it does. Jane Springer has written a book for young adults about genocide, and it is one that I recommend all teens read. Let’s have a new generation of people who CAN’T say, “Surely, [...]

*Young adult contemporary fantasy (paranormal) *Eighth grade boy vampire as main character *Rating: Eighth Grade Bites is an exciting read with a great teen character that all of us can relate to–even though he’s a vampire. Short, short summary: This is the first book in Heather Brewer’s The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod series. I am [...]

*Picture book for preschoolers through 2nd graders *City dog and country frog are main characters *Rating: City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems is a touching book about friendship and life. Kids will love it, and so will the adults that share it with them! Short, short summary: In the spring, city dog meets country [...]

Perspective On my way to see you, I passed a man with a problem. His load unsecured in a pick-up— A cooler and lawn chair, a tent and poles Now scattered all over the road. He waited and waited for cars to fly by, Shouting and stomping ‘til he timed it just right To save [...]

Don’t Squeal Unless It’s a Big Deal By: Jeanie Franz Ransom Illustrated by: Jackie Urbanovic Magination Press, 2008 Ages 3 to 8 This is a cute and enchanting book with an important message for kids. Most kids don’t think much about tattling. They seem to always be tattling about someone. But is it really that [...]

I am pleased to introduce to you two books for tween (young YA) readers that will appeal to boys (and girls, too!) and that are on a subject we don’t see very often–prehistoric adventure. I am also happy to let you know I have TWO books to giveaway to TWO lucky winners who leave a [...]

This is going to be a super short post today as I have a busy holiday planned. That’s a good thing–but makes getting all the work done a little harder. Anyway, I listened to this book: In a Heartbeat by Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy recently,and I really loved it. The Tuohys are the couple [...]

I am super-excited about introducing this book to you. Who said Coo? is written by Deborah Ruddell and illustrated by Robin Luebs–twin sisters from Illinois. Robin spoke to a group I was in in Illlinois and showed us this book before it was on the shelves. I fell in love with the first reading, and [...]

Saturday Writers is a great writing group in St. Peters, MO that meets on the last Saturday of most months. They sponsor a contest each year for short stories, and ANYONE can enter. Are you trying your hand at writing short stories? If so, consider entering this contest. It could lead to publication. If you [...]

Here is a really cool AND SUPER EASY way to help people in the world. Have you heard of Meals on Wheels? Meals on Wheels is a program that delivers or provides meals for seniors who can’t afford them or who are homebound and can’t get out to get their own food. To find out [...]