She Made a Monster

She Made a Monster
Author: Lynn Fulton
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Denise Z.

Summary: You know the monster. But do you know who made him?...Mary Shelley would go on to write the most enduring story of our time, on that has been scaring readers for generations. Now Lynn Fulton and Felicita Sala introduce new readers to the legend of Mary’s monster.

Review: It’s been awhile since I read a biography picture book and authors are writing so many good ones, that I decided to seek out one to review. I chose She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lynn Fulton. The author tells the story of Mary Shelley the writer and how she got the idea for her Frankenstein character and book.

The way the story is told is both inspiring and educational. I love how Shelley’s passion for writing was showcased and how the life and ideas around her inspired her classic book. I also enjoyed how she sought inspiration and courage from her mother. The way her whole story came to life is fascinating and this book is perfect for future writers, young girls, and anyone who is looking for a great picture book biography. The illustrations are dark and creative in itself and compliments Fulton’s take on Shelley’s life perfectly. What an inspirational book!

Saving Winslow

Saving Winslow
Author: Sharon Creech
Rating: 3.5-4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Kelly

Summary: Our main character, Louie, is introduced in the very first chapter to a newborn donkey who has lost his mother.  Louie decides to take on the task of caring for the small donkey because he cannot fathom the idea of the donkey not surviving.

Everyone around Louie is doubting the donkey’s survival.  This drives Louie even more to succeeding.  Though he faces many hardships through the donkey’s first few weeks, he is determined, as Winslow, becomes his friend.

A heartwarming story of bravery and friendship.  This is the story of Louie, a donkey and everything that they can overcome together.

Review: Saving Winslow is an extraordinary story of friendship.  This book is easy to read and fun for the whole family.  I only gave it a rating of 3.5-4 stars because I thought it was a little too cautious as far as the writing goes.  Let me explain.  I chose this book for a Books and Bites pick, book club for all ages, at the library.  From my research, this title did not have any potentially sensitive areas, for a book discussion.  That was really what I wanted for a family program.  That being said, Sharon Creech did a great job and it will be perfect for a family discussion.  I just think that it could have had abit more.  I felt as if the book never really started and/or never really ended.

Saving Winslow is very sweet but I believe there were opportunities in the book to challenge the reader to think more.  It felt like a small, missed opportunity.

I still enjoyed the book, would recommend it to any child as a beginning chapter book.  This is a perfect read aloud for the entire family.  This book would pair very well with Charlotte’s Web.

Just The Right Size

Just The Right Size
Author: Bonnie Grubman
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Gloria

Summary: The book about different animals and how they are all different sizes. It talked about how each animal being their own special size helped them do things other animals could not. How they each were perfect in their own size. And towards the end of the book it tells you how YOU also are perfect in any size you are. Perfect for a hug.

Review: I really enjoyed this book, the illustration was very interesting, and it would catch any child’s attention. I liked how there was a small animal and a big animal on each page so it could easily become an interactive book. Overall it was a very good book, easy to read and comprehend. 

Warcross

Warcross
Author: Marie Lu
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Aleece

Summary: For the millions who log in every day, Warcross isn’t just a game—it’s a way of life. The obsession started ten years ago and its fan base now spans the globe, some eager to escape from reality and others hoping to make a profit. Struggling to make ends meet, teenage hacker Emika Chen works as a bounty hunter, tracking down players who bet on the game illegally. (from goodreads)

Review: Absolutely stunning sci-fi with videogames that keeps your heart racing and the adrenaline pumping.  Nonstop action and fleshed out characters leave you wanting more.

What Is Given from the Heart

What Is Given From the Heart
Author: Patricia C. McKissack
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Christi

Summary: Despite their own poverty since Daddy died, Mama tells nine-year-old James Otis they need to help Sarah, whose family lost everything in a fire.

Review: A beautifully told tale of despair and hope. Even though James has nothing himself his mom and his church show him that there is always someone with less. A family in his community has just lost everything in a fire. James tries to figure out what he can give after he sees his mom using her treasured white tablecloth to make an apron. When everyone gets together to give this family a box of treasures from the community and James hands his present over he realizes how good it feels to give and to help. This book did a great job with illustrations and text to feel for this child and his mom. It might even get you a little teary eyed (I know the ending sure did it for me).