Author Archive

“This is a quiet book, a literary book, and a difficult story to cram between two plain paper covers. A sisterly Bildungsroman is both vast and deep; it covers the happenings over a summer, but also the tendencies of a lifetime thus far, in a way. The narrative is more a series of observations from […]

“Two Times a Traitor is a coming-of-age novel about a boy who inadvertently time-travels back to 1745 where he finds himself in a war. He also finds a father-figure and grows as a person…. The plot of Two Times a Traitor is carefully woven and tension-filled…. Richness of detail, the result of the author’s careful research, helps the […]

“This early chapter book offers a relatable story for intermediate readers, who will empathize with the frustrations of waiting for a younger sibling to become old enough to be a playmate. Cartoonish character illustrations on most pages enhance the text. VERDICT A sweet and tender addition for libraries looking for more new sibling materials or […]

“Using intricate sculpted-clay artwork, Canadian author-illustrator Del Rizzo tells the story of a fictional family’s escape from war-torn Syria. While war isn’t mentioned specifically in the text, readers will get an immediate sense of danger as they observe the family fleeing from a burning city…[T]his story draws attention to an important world issue without subjecting […]

“This stunning book tells the story of Tuan Ho, who at age 6 was forced to flee Vietnam with his mother and sisters…. His flight would be traumatic: terror, grief, gunfire, strangers, and perilous days adrift at sea. This taut account conveys exceptionally well just what refugee children endure, enlarging our compassion and will to […]

“Based on the experiences of a young boy in the Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan, this glimpse of the overarching as well as deeply personal, individual losses for refugee children is poignant but not too heavy. Colorful, clay-sculpted illustrations create friendly, engaging visuals as well.” Click here to read the full review

“This book for early readers is charming…. I liked the big brother, big sister story here. Liam is a good big brother, patient and caring. I also liked how the adults didn’t fit stereotypes. The drawings are simple, but engaging, and show the emotions of the different characters vividly. I also liked how the sometimes […]

“Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4… The illustrations are fabulous, full of color, realistic, expressive – and cute…. To whom would you recommend this book? This would be a fun addition to a pirate-themed storytime. Who should buy this book? Public and lower elementary school libraries and day-care centers” —Katrina Yurenka, Moderator, Youth […]

“I’m very excited to offer a wonderful, poignant book in verse for Marvelous Middle Grade Monday…. The story is lovely, and winds up in a beautiful way with Bailey discovering that sometimes you have to make your own miracles, and that sometimes even miracles aren’t enough. But through the sadness and joy, Bailey remains optimistic, […]

“Author Shari Green has pulled off a terrific feat. She writes this affecting book in first person point of view in young Bailey’s voice in beautiful, lyrical blank verse — and it works seamlessly. The voice is pitch perfect for a young girl, the characters are all fully developed and completely believable, and the story will […]