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Under A Sky On Fire by Suzanne Kelman
A Chord Of Three Strands Under A Sky On Fire by Suzanne Kelman is a powerful historical novel set in London in 1940-1941 at the height of the blitz. The novel follows the fortunes of three women – two WAAF’s and one who works in Churchill’s cabinet war rooms. They are all brave young women […]
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*Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake and illustrated by Jon Klassen
Skunk and Badger are a delightful new odd couple in chapter book format, perfect for newly independent readers. *Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake and illustrated by Jon Klassen. Alonquin, 2020. 136 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 6-10 Recommended For: Ages 6-10 (all, as a read aloud) Badger is a geologist who lives in his aunt’s house and does Important Rock Work. A classic introvert, he loves his quiet, deliberate work. He does not like to be interrupted. When Skunk arrives, he tells Badger that Aunt Lula has offered him a place, too! She is sure Skunk and Badger will be best friends! Skunk cannot wait to move in!…
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The Time of Green Magic by Hilary McKay
“Green Magic” lurks in an ivy-covered house, in this delightful MG fantasy. The Time of Green Magic by Hilary McKay. Simon & Shuster (Margart McEldery Books), 2020, 229 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-14 Since the death of her mother, when Abi was too young to remember, the 12-year-old and her father and grandmother have lived comfortably in their London flat. Since the abandonment of their father, Max and Louis have gotten along fine with their mom in a rented house on the other side of town. But then their parents met, sparks flew, and the kids found themselves mashed into an uncomfortable family crammed…
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When I’m With You by Jennifer Rodewald
Believe In Me When I’m With You by Jennifer Rodewald is a charming contemporary Christian novel. It is the third book in the Big Prairie Romance series but can be read as a stand-alone. We all have a past. We need to face our pasts before we can move forward into our futures. Sometimes our […]
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The Lost Children by Shirley Dickson
Heart Wrenching The Lost Children by Shirley Dickson is a heart wrenching historical novel set in the North East of England mainly during World War II. The novel shows the bond of twins – a boy and a girl born in 1935. Theirs is a story of searching to belong as they are evacuated in […]
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*Beyonders Trilogy
Jason, an ordinary American boy, is summoned into a world that needs a hero. Original, highly imaginative, full of action and characters who are ready to give their lives for a worthy cause. The Beyonders Trilogy by Brandon Mull. Aladdin Books. (paperback) A World Without HeroesSeeds of RebellionChasing the Prophecy Reading Level: Teen/YA, Ages 12-15 Recommended For: Teen/YA, Ages 12-15 Jason is an ordinary American kid who is swallowed by a hippopotamus and pulled into Lyrian, a world that needs a hero. Before long he is sent on a quest to find the scattered secret syllables of a magic word that will destroy the evil wizard Maldor. Others who have…
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The Medallion by Cathy Gohlke
He Makes A Way The Medallion by Cathy Gohlke is a powerful Christian historical novel set in Nazi occupied Warsaw during WWII. Cathy Gohlke has woven a fictional tale around factual events. Real figures such as Dr Korczak and Irena Sendler put in an appearance in this heart wrenching tale. The fact that we know […]
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Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gohlke
Choose Life Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gohlke is a marvellous Christian historical novel that will consume your thoughts and your every waking moment. At the heart of the novel are secrets and choice. We all must choose when we stand at crossroads in life. We always have the choice to do the right thing. […]
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PB Roundup: Your Place in the Universe, If You Came to Earth, and I Talk Like a River
Three critically-acclaimed picture books tackle big subjects like the size of the universe, the scope of humanity, and the power of words. Your Place in the Universe by Jason Chin. Holiday House (Neal Porter Books), 2020, 38 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 4-8 Recommended for: ages 6-12 How big is BIG? Well, in comparison with this book, the average eight-year-old is five times taller. But then, an ostrich, the tallest bird in the world, is twice as tall as an eight-year-old. And a giraffe is twice as tall as an ostrich, but dwarfs in comparison with a redwood tree, which in turn can’t hold a candle to the world’s…
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Dogwood Plantation by Carrie Fancett Pagels
Trust And Hope Dogwood Plantation by Carrie Fancett Pagels is a fascinating Christian historical novel set in the South in 1814. There are factual details around which the author has woven her tale. America was at war with the British. A character has been invalid out of the navy, retaining a bad leg. He reminds […]
