children’s chapter – Page 6

Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North by Dan Bar-el

I was thrilled to see this sequel because after I had read the first book in this series, I needed more of Duane and his friends. I love the way that the author narrates the books and I really enjoy the characters. It’s how the characters relate to one another, how they view themselves in their world and their own unique personalities that make these characters stand out. You don’t need to have previously read the first book to enjoy this book in the series but I highly recommend that you read it because you’ll love it.

His winter slumber is over, as Duane walks out to find his friends and they bring him up-to-date on what he has missed. Starving, the friends head down to the beach for a picnic. They were a great, cheerful group of friends but now, a new face has arrived and he’s causing waves among the small group. It seems that this weasel has a comment about everything and everyone. They’re such a tight group of friends that, when one of them is affected by the weasel, the whole group is impacted. That darn weasel!

There were some great moments in the book, moments that made me smile and laugh. I loved how Duane removed the snow without using a shovel. If only that would work in real life, I would love to be able to do that. As I sit here now, in Iowa with over 14 inches of snow on the ground, I’m thinking I could roll myself a nice-sized fort. The concern and the effort that the characters put forth for Duane and Boo was so sweet. That’s what friends do for each other and they each did what they wanted and what they were capable of doing also. I can’t wait to see how much Musk Ox changed, if any, when he returns back to the Very, Very Far North. I was afraid that he was going to be gone for a while but I’m glad to see that he’s coming back shortly. I enjoyed the letter he wrote.

This was a great sequel and I can’t wait to share it with my grandchildren when they get older. It’d make a great read aloud or it’s a great chapter book.

The Circus of Stolen Dreams by Lorelei Savaryn

She just wasn’t ready so, when the Land of Dreams appeared, Andrea was more than ready to pay the price of admission. Her price was: one of her dreams or a memory but what awaited her was, the opportunity to forget her troubles. This was definitely a good deal, Andrea thought. As the carnival specular surrounded her, Andrea tried to put the past 3 years behind her.

It had been 3 years since Andrea’s brother disappeared. Her parents have been moving forward and have decided to finally get rid of the rest of Francis’ possessions that have been boxed up and stacked in the garage. Andrea just couldn’t deal with moving on without Francis. When she came across Reverie, I think she was hoping that this might be the escape that she was looking for.

I was mesmerized by this novel. I loved how Andrea fell for Reverie and it’s magic. She befriended Penny, who shows Andrea how the Land of Dreams works. Penny has been at Reverie for a while so she knows everything about it. It’s a magical journey as Andrea travels to Reverie searching for answers. I enjoyed the little twists in the story and the adventure that it took me on. I enjoyed the character of Andrea as she had a huge heart and she was much stronger than she thought she was. I really loved the love and the bonds that I felt in this book. A fantastic book that I really enjoyed.

“I ask the Sandman”

“To a land of dreams, in which I can play”

Escape This Book! Titanic by Bill Doyle

I had to laugh when I opened up this book, as whoever had read this book from the library before me, had literally started to do the activities inside the book even though, it was a library book. Inside the front cover, they had written “Please ~~araus~~ earese me.” As I started to read, I noticed this individual had did many of the activities on the pages of the book; they had drawn, folded, and even ripped inside the book, according to the directions. I understand their actions as this book is very interactive and as I read the text, I got very involved in the story.

On page one of this book, you’re told to draw a face directly on the space provided, following the directions they provide. Now, the story unfolds. You have just drawn yourself trapped in this book (which is the Titanic) and soon, the Titanic will hit an iceberg and well, the boat floods with water and it’s not good. The narrator in the book is looking for an assistant for a special mission but you have to escape out of this book first. He’s sent his pet gopher to see how you do since he can’t be there himself. So, grab a pen/pencil and doodle, get destructive, and navigate your way out of this book to survive.

I thought this book was really cute. I liked how the author engages the reader inside the pages. Once you get onboard and accomplish a few challenges, you’ll get to decide what type of traveler you’ll want to be for the voyage: first, second, or third-class, crew member, or a stowaway. Each of these classes has a % of survival rate attached to it which will also affect the challenges you will have to do inside the book. After you choose your path, you’ll learn what it was like being a traveler for that type of passenger on the Titanic. It’s great educational information, presented in a fun, entertaining manner. I enjoyed the illustrations and the facts that are a part of this journey. During this journey, you’ll have to do a variety of tasks to survive and when things don’t work out, you’ll find yourself in the water. Perhaps you’ll “sink below the surface, you wonder what would have happened if you had decided to …….” “Return to page xxx to pick a different path!” OR if you’ll lucky, you just might be one who survives.

I thought it was a fun adventure and there are plenty of opportunities to divert your path. The black-n-white illustrations were fun and entertaining and the information was engaging. If you do end up not surviving, the author gives you the option of going back “to page xx” and starting over, where you can choose a different path. For the child who is a hands-on learner, this would be a great book for them to learn about this event in history or a great tool for any child, as it’s like a game.

I do have to wonder, after you have made it through the book one time (through all the different scenarios), and you have completed all the activities, then what? Is it still fun for them? I’m glad to see that a paperback is coming out soon, it would be fun to have your child perhaps do it again at a later date and see how their answers change. I also think, perhaps kids could share their books/answers if one of their friends have the same book. I think if you borrow this book, make sure your little ones don’t mark it up. If they like it, buy them a copy, use the borrowed copy as a preview copy. I love the idea of the book, it’s just not one you should “use” unless you own it. 4.5 stars

When You Know What I Know by Sonja Solter

How do you not let someone see something that has affected your entire life? If you’re trying to achieve this misrepresentation, you have to remember that your emotions and personality have also been affected, in fact, your whole being has been altered. In poetic form, this powerful story addresses the issue of abuse. Reporting abuse has been talked about for years but what if that didn’t work and now, you’re left questioning the act itself. Where do you go then?

It was frustrating to read the reaction from Tori’s mom after Tori spoke out about what happened between herself and her uncle. When her mom didn’t believe her, Tori began to doubt herself which then, caused an avalanche of issues. Doubt herself? You were there, right Tori? If you were there and remember it, it happened and it’s real. I couldn’t believe that her mother even said though things without thinking it through.

Tori’s head is now swimming with lots of scenarios, tons of “what if….?” are crossing her mind, as if everything that transpired was her fault. She’s slowing withdrawing herself, closing herself off from everyone. Her grandmother is no help either. I was now having my doubts about the adults in Tori’s life when her teacher noticed that she is not acting like herself. Please let this person be a positive influence in her life?

I liked the way the story flowed with its poetic form. I think it made the story more dramatic, it helped move the story along and it centered the story more. Although Tori dealt with a lot of ups and downs, I feel that unfortunately, what she had to deal with is what many individuals go through today. I thought this was a good book that addresses this issue for younger children. 4.5 stars

Shadow in the Woods and Other Scary Stories

I loved this little book. I didn’t know what to expect as I thumbed through it but now after reading it, I want to see if my library has more in this series. I didn’t expect such great scary stories inside this book.

There are 5 stories in this book: Shadow in the Woods, The Monster in My Room, Fingernails, The Writing on the Wall, and The Animal Behind the Locker. One of the them, gives me chills, just thinking of it now. The other four stories were fun and entertaining stories that kids will enjoy.

I have read a lot of short scary stories to my own children, to my granddaughter, and to the children I sub for as a substitute teacher. I liked how these stories kept the action going throughout yet the stories were not that long. The illustrations were colorful and enhanced the story. The font is big and easy to read. Great scary stories to put a smile on your face.

In Shadow in the Woods, Hugh knows he’s not supposed to walking in the woods at night by himself, yet he does it. He has to. It seems to be a long walk and he’s supposed to be by himself. In The Monster in My Room, Ruby is sure there is a monster under her bed, she’s sure of it yet no one finds anything when they look. In Fingernails, Tommy has a problem with biting his fingernails so grandmother thinks she can help him. In The Writing on the Wall, Sophie doesn’t like her new house and she thinks that no one is listening to her. In The Animal Behind the Locker, Emma hears noises behind her locker so she climbs in to investigate.

They reminded me a bit of the stories of In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories, only these stories weren’t that dark. I hate comparing books to other books but I don’t want people missing these books because they think they might be too scary, they’re not. These stories make the reader use more of their imagination making them ideal for younger readers. They’re fun, engaging stories that I really enjoyed. 5 stars.

Kitty and the Treetop Chase by Paula Harrison

This is a series but you don’t need to read the previously books in the series to enjoy this one. I hadn’t read the previously books and I really enjoyed this children’s chapter book. This is a quick-paced story as Kitty is faced with a few obstacles as she solves another mystery using her superpowers with her cat crew at her side.

In this adventure, Kitty’s father has just finished creating a tree house for her and she can’t wait for her first sleepout. Mother has just informed Kitty that tonight, some good friends are coming over for dinner with their son, Ozzy. Mother thinks that Kitty should invite Ozzy to her sleepover. What?!? Kitty thought the tree house would only be hers.

When the family arrives, Ozzy seems too quiet for Kitty but nevertheless, she invites him to her sleepover. During the night, big changes occur for these two.

This was a fun adventure. I liked how there was some emotional ties and the mystery had a few layers to it. The storyline was easy to read but not childish. It was a good story.

MonsterStreet: Camp of No Return by J.H. Reynolds

Every time I read one of these MonsterStreet books, I swear it’s the best one that I have read. So, I will say it again, these books just keep getting better and better! I’m hooked on this series! Every time that I hear that a new one is coming out, I’m all over it, just waiting for release day and I’m over 50 years old. This book had it all. It had the creep factor, the suspense, the cliff hangers at the ends of some of the chapters and fantastic characters. Do you need to start at the beginning of this series to enjoy this? No, but I guarantee that you’ll be inhaling them, once you start reading them.

As you read books in this series, you’ll come across aspects in the mystery that you know or you feel that you know, are not as scary as they come across. What I like about this series is that the author, dismisses many of these aspects immediately, instead of letting them add up, and then dismissing them later in the book. An example: if a character in the book finds a cloth with red liquid on it. Instead of having the reader believe that this cloth is a bloody towel throughout the book, the author lets the characters uncover what the cloth might be immediately and dismisses it as a napkin with ketchup on it. I feel that helps put the important pieces of the mystery together in the book.

Riding to summer camp on the bus, a few of the kids, made friends. They each felt special, as they were amongst a selected group to be invited to Camp Moon Lake. It was said to be magical yet they have promised, like all previous campers before them, not to disclose what occurs while at camp.

When Brodie tells Harper and Darla the rumor that he heard about the camp, this summer camp just took on a chill. As a fog smothers the camp and a scream welcomes the campers, this week at camp will be one that everyone will remember.

I enjoyed the horror aspects of this for young readers. No blood or gore but I would know your audience before letting young elementary children read this. Some children might not be able to handle it, and I’d hate to hear about someone having a nightmare. If a child is able to distinguish reality from everything else, they should be okay reading this. I’m not going to go into what this book was about as I don’t want to spoil it. I really loved the book and the ending was amazing! I can’t wait for the next one!

Issues: bullying, friendship, family,

Until Tomorrow, Mr. Marsworth by Sheila O’Connor

Covers can be deceiving and this one truly was. I thought the cover of this book looked dull yet the inside of the book was just the opposite. Written in letter correspondence, I found myself on an incredible journey with Reen, as she tries to save her family. What started out as a business correspondence between Reen and Mr. Marsworth turned into something more impressive than they both expected.

Reen and her older two brothers have been living with their grandma, since their mother’s death. Since Reen has no other friends, she hangs out with her youngest brother Dare.

Mr. Marsworth was a customer on Reen’s paper route and she needed important information to do her job. Known as a loner/recluse, Reen (11), takes to paper and pencil to get the answers she needs. In his responsive letter, he’s right to the point but that’s not the end of this. Reen keeps the letters flying a few times back and forth. Reen is a talker but in this case, a writer, and so she does, to Mr. Marsworth. Soon, it’s just Reen writing and waiting, waiting for a reply from her new friend. I really got impatient and angry too, why wasn’t he responding to her and when she pleaded to him to respond, what was he doing?

Reen begins to pour out her heart to Mr. Marsworth in her letters. It’s not just the newspaper information she needs now but she needs a friend, someone she can talk to. I could feel the love, the anxiety and the desperation in her words as she wrote. She wrote him about her day, her issues and she’d ask him some questions. She found that there are some questions that Mr. Marsworth just couldn’t answer. Those questions were too difficult and/or he just wasn’t ready to answer them for her. How Reen handled this really said a lot about Reen, I thought. What she had with Mr. Marsworth meant more to her than the answers. Now, that is good stuff!

The story occurs in 1968 when the Vietnam War was on everyone’s mind including Reen’s. Her old brother, Billy’s future is on the line: college, sign up for the military, or be drafted? For Reen, there is only one answer and she’s determined to make that happen.

Reen also has been corresponding with a soldier in the war. She received his name from her teacher as part of a project. Reen now knows first-hand what war is all about. I loved how she takes this project seriously and how much time she devotes to it.

That ending was fabulous! I had suspected something an ending like that but nothing as involved as that. I had to get out the tissues as the tears were flowing and I couldn’t stop them. What an awesome book!! Good heavens!! Can someone erase my brain so I can read it over again?? I loved it!

The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Rauf

Loved, loved, loved this book! Why? It’s about three boys who have “adopted” a new student in their classroom. I loved how they just took him under their wings and how they all matured and grew throughout the book. The book addresses bullying, friendship, family issues, and cultural differences.

I’ve been singing high praises for his book since I finished it. I didn’t think I would love this book so much but after every page, I loved London so much!

London has three best friends. When the school year starts, there is one empty chair in the classroom. That chair is right next to Clarissa, the girl who hates boys, for boys are stupid and smelly. They’ve been in a school almost a month, when Ahmet joins their classroom. Looking sad and scared, Ahmet sits in that empty chair while London watches. Later, London talks to his friends and he asks them to take on the promise that he has made: to be Ahmet friend.

I found myself smiling and enjoying this read as the boys get to know one another. It’s a difficult task with a language barrier (Ahmet speaks Kurdish)and with time constraints at school but they try different tactics including fuzzy-coated lemon drops, fruit, and listening to other people’s conversations.

I especially loved chapter five. The emotions just poured out of this chapter. London talks about his mother and his love and respect for her. He speaks about his father and his feeling about him. London discusses his admiration for his Uncle Lenny. London has a heart-to-heart conversation with his mother, he then asks, “What is a refugee kid?” and she explains this to him. London makes a list of questions that he wants to ask Ahmet, this list is so cute.

“I always sit in the chair next to the fridge because I like being able to open the fridge door without getting up. It’s like looking into an extra room in the house – but one that’s filled with food.”

I enjoyed listening to Ahmet tell his own story to the class, about his life in Syria and his journey. The book included a variety of reactions that show the positive and the negative views that individuals (children and adults) have about refugees in our society today. I think it’s good that children see this difference in opinion, so they can understand and learn how to handle the diverse opinions.

I had many goosebump moments, many yes! moments and I did shed some tears while reading this book. I can’t believe that this is the author’s debut novel. I’ve got you on my radar now, Orjali Rauf. You are a rock star! I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. This book was an absolute joy to read.

“Sometimes words hung around longer than people, even when you don’t want them to.”

“words can hurt more than punches, because when you get a bruise or a bump after being punched, it disappears after a while and you can forget all about it. But words can stick around for a long time, and the meanest words stick around the longest. “

Caleb and Kit

I felt more compassion for the secondary character in this book than the main character. At first, I thought perhaps Kit was imaginary but then as the story progressed, I wanted to know more about Kit’s situation as it seemed she had no one, except the rock.

Caleb’s best friend is now into sports, leaving all the things they used to do together behind. Caleb feels like he lives in the shadow of his perfect, older brother Patrick. To escape his brother, Caleb heads off into the woods by their house. Spying some crawfish, Caleb stops to try to catch them. He thought she was an angel the way the sun surrounded her face, but it was only Kit, the new girl who was now telling Caleb how to fish.

This was where she hung out at. This area inside the woods. She invited him to return the next day and he definitely would! Finally, he had someone to hang out with and a special place that no one knew about.

I liked reading about the friendship these two started and how things progressed. They both had issues that they were trying to hide/avoid. Kit was doing a great job of hiding hers and then, there was Caleb, who couldn’t get away from his. Caleb had a father who was unpredictable, a mother who was over-protective, and a brother who thought he could do no wrong.

Caleb starts to question Kit about her carefree life and her responses were short and matter-of-fact. I felt there was some kind of jealousy at times, as Caleb watched Kit. I wanted and needed to know about Kit, as there’s something going on there. Yet, Kit remains silent, not questioning Caleb about his life. Caleb wonders if she notices that he’s different than other kids.

It’s a great book that covers a lot of different topics. Caleb has cystic fibrosis and Kit is being abused and neglected but these issues don’t take center stage. It’s quite an adventure.