August 13th, 2018
“My newest favourite thing is a novel in verse. Until this year, I had never read one before and now I have four under my belt. The latest being Missing Mike by Shari Green, published by Pajama Press Inc. I LOVED it! Missing Mike is a fabulous novel in verse set against of the wildfires that devastated Western Canada last […]
Posted in Missing Mike
January 1st, 2018
Youth Services Book Review “Rating: … 5 The first-person narrative should hold readers riveted….The importance of family shines through this compelling memoir, and a series of color photographs adds to the emotional impact. ….Readers who enjoy this book might also enjoy Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai. In addition, they will want to seek out Adrift […]
Posted in Book Authors, Marsha Skrypuch, Too Young to Escape, Van Ho
December 23rd, 2017
“In this book for a middle-grade audience (eight to 12 years), the reader readily identifies with Alba’s efforts. Kadarusman also provides plenty of information on hummingbirds, which have such small feet that they only perch, never walk.” Click here to read the full review
Posted in The Theory of Hummingbirds
October 13th, 2017
“The Bronze Age setting makes for a unique backdrop, and Aissa is a sympathetic character. Her struggles are heartrending, and made more so by the lyrical storytelling style. The descriptions of the dances are especially vivid. VERDICT Hand-sell this unusual tale to fans of Shannon Hale’s historical fantasies.” —Mandy Laferriere, Fowler Middle School, Frisco, TX […]
Posted in Dragonfly Song
October 11th, 2017
“Slug Days is told in the first-person narrative of a young girl on the Autism Spectrum Disorder…. Sara Leach makes Lauren’s voice young and blatant, focusing on what is important to the child and often ignoring what others deem priorities. Who the girl is, is undisguised. She needs her routines and obsesses about things that others might […]
Posted in Slug Days
October 9th, 2017
“This is the third book in the Princess Pistachio series. It is a wonderful little chapter book with very endearing illustrations starring the Princess and her dog, Dog. Yep, you heard me right, her dog’s name is Dog…. I truly loved the illustrations, especially adorable Princess Pistachio. Gay’s watercolour, and coloured-pencil work bring the text alive and […]
October 7th, 2017
“Violent conflicts occur around the globe every day. History shows how small disagreements often erupt into larger conflicts that can morph into wars. Wars have long-lasting effects on the environment as well as civilians and the troops who fight in them. This week’s column features books that explore some of those wars and conflicts…. [Karen […]
Posted in Two Times a Traitor
October 4th, 2017
“I loved that Green has chosen a deaf girl for a heroine, and the story is not about being deaf. Deafness is just part of who Macy is, like having red hair….I appreciated the reminder that, while change may be unwelcome, it can also bring wonderful things. Give this to anyone who enjoys books about intergenerational relationships, […]
Posted in Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess
September 26th, 2017
“Lauren, a girl on the autism spectrum, takes readers through a week full of ups and downs in this sensitively told story….Bender’s pencil drawings readily reflect characters’ frustrations and other emotions—feelings that Lauren acknowledges she has trouble recognizing. Leach’s empathetic novel should both open eyes and encourage greater patience and understanding.” Read the full review […]
Posted in Slug Days
September 11th, 2017
“The middle-grade novel follows the ups and downs of Lauren – a young girl around seven or eight, who has autism spectrum disorder….In creating a nuanced, formidable character, Leach tackles a challenging topic with skill and even some lightness.” —Helen Kubiw Read the full review on page 26 in the September 2017 issue of Quill & […]
Posted in Slug Days
