Heartland: The Complete First Season

Heartland: The Complete First Season
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Christi

Summary: A family ranch...A horse whisperer...A fight to save a dream...Set against the stunning vistas of the Rocky Mountains, Heartland follows fifteen-year-old horse whisperer Amy, her older sister Lou and her grandfather Jack through the highs and lows of life on a family-owned horse ranch.

Review: I was interested in this show after watching the Christmas special on the Up channel. After watching the first season, I was hooked. The horses, the ranch, a teenage horse whisperer, the family, and my favorite - grandpa Jack make this show a must see for the whole family. I tend to say it’s a modern day Little House on the Prairie. Why not check out a different way of life at a horse ranch and a family you won’t be able to forget?

The Education of Ivy Blake

The Education of Ivy Blake
Author: Ellen Airgood
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Julie H.

Summary: Fifth grade Ivy’s world is turned upside down when she goes back to living with her mother after years apart. Ivy misses the stable home she had with her best friend’s family, and struggles with her mother’s inconsistent behavior and fits of anger. Adjusting to a new school and making friends would be hard enough, but Ivy also has to deal with being alone and taking care of herself while her mother is at work or out with her friends. How will Ivy get through this? Can her creativity and artistic talent carry her through this rocky time in her life?

While The Education of Ivy Blake was written as a companion to the book, Prairie Evers, it reads like a stand-alone novel, and readers will not miss a beat even if they haven’t read Ellen Airgood’s first novel in this series (although they may want to go back and read it after finishing this one!)

Review: This novel was gentle but interesting: Ivy was likeable and sweet, but realistic. Although the book touches on sensitive topics, it is never too dark, and always offers hope and speaks to the kindness and generosity of friends and strangers. Overall, I truly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone middle school age or older who is looking for a positive and encouraging realistic fiction novel.

Nose to Toes, You Are Yummy!

Nose to Toes, You Are Yummy!
Author: Tim Harrington
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Sue

Summary: This is an activity book that you can do with your youngest child.  “Wave your hands, hands, hands!”  “Tug your ears, ears, ears!  They’re all so neat, neat, neat!”  It’s a fun way to learn some body parts, and have fun while doing it. 

Review: This book has cute animals set on bright, uncluttered backgrounds.  It is very effective for little ones.  The simple text can either be read or sing. 

Skeleton Creek

Skeleton Creek
Author: Patrick Carman
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Denise Z.

Summary: Although housebound following an eerie accident, teenaged Ryan continues to investigate the strange occurrences in his hometown of Skeleton Creek, recording his findings in a journal and viewing email video clips sent by fellow detective Sarah. The reader may view Sarah's videos on a website by using links and passwords found in the text.

Review:  A young, enthusiastic reader introduced me to this series. Patrick Carman does an excellent job intertwining mystery with horror with his unique writing style. The book is written in diary form, making it seem real and believable. There’s also videos that you can access online to make the story come to life even more and will keep young readers intrigued and wanting to know what happens next. This book can be too scary for those who spook easily, but perfect for older readers.

You Wouldn't Want to Live Without Vaccinations!

You Wouldn't Want to Live Without Vaccinations!
Author: Anne Rooney
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Denise Z.

Summary: Sticking sharp needles into small children doesn't sound like a nice thing to do -- but sometimes you have to 'be cruel to be kind.' Since the 18th century, vaccinations have saved millions of people from deadly diseases. In the future, as new techniques are invented, we might even be able to give vaccines without that needle.

Review: From this hugely popular series comes a fun, familiar, and educational way to learn about vaccinations. This book is packed with a lot of information on the subject and takes the reader on a historical journey from the birth of vaccines to present day. At times, I thought this book had too much information on the subject, however, anyone who wants to gain more facts will appreciate every tidbit of information. This book will help younger readers understand why getting a vaccination is important for their health.

Unwind

Unwind
Author: Neal Shusterman
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Julie H.

Summary: In Shusterman’s frightening dystopia, a law allows parents to have misbehaving children “unwound” between the ages of 13 and 18. The child is taken to a camp before finally being dismantled and used for donor organs. When Connor finds out his parents have decided to have him unwound, he runs away to try to survive on his own until he turns 18 and is safe from unwinding. Along his journey he meets Risa and Lev, two other unwinds with their own sad pasts. Together, they may be able to survive, and maybe even change the world.

Review: While the basis for this story seems unbelievable (who would agree to creating a law that allows children to be used for donor organs?) it isn’t actually too far away from things that have happened throughout history. If you can suspend your disbelief enough to give this book a chance, you will find that it is well-written, fast-paced, and scary without being graphic. The characters feel real, and the premise of the book is thought-provoking. If you enjoy dystopian fiction, and you’re looking for an exciting read, give this book a shot! I would recommend this book for mature teens and adults. Some content may be disturbing for younger readers.

The Honest Truth

The Honest Truth
Author: Dan Gemeinhart
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Sue

Summary: When twelve-year-old Mark learns that his cancer has returned and he will need to go in for another round of chemotherapy, he decides to set out to achieve one last big goal.  He promised his deceased grandfather that he would climb Mount Rainier.  Without telling his parents, he leaves home with his camera, his notebook, his dog and a plan to reach the top of Mount Rainier – even if it’s the last thing he ever does.  This compelling book is about incredible determination, friendships, heartaches, and ultimately dealing with whatever life throws at you. 

Review: The book is definitely worth reading.  It deals with a difficult subject (cancer), but the short chapters, and straight forward way that Mark makes his decisions is realistic.  The ending is very appropriate with everything that has happened to Mark.  A well written, good book.  

Dear Zoo

Dear Zoo
Author: Rod Campbell
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Sue

Summary: A child writes to the zoo asking for a pet.  The zoo sends various animals, but they are all not quite right.  The giraffe is too tall, the camel to grumpy, the elephant too big, etc.  Finally they send the perfect pet – a puppy!

Review: This lift-the-flap book is one of my favorites.  The language and illustrations are simple.  It is perfect for one of baby’s first books, and sure to be become a favorite for your baby too.  The flaps are easy to open, and the animal sounds can be made for each animal that is sent. 

The Yes

The Yes
Author: Sarah Bee
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Reviewer: Julie

Summary: This colorful and beautifully illustrated picture book chronicles the challenges the Yes, a “great big orange thing” faces as it travels through forests, rivers, and hills to get to its goal. All along the way, the Nos tell him he can’t do it, but the Yes pushes on. The book features made-up words and has an almost Seuss-like quality about it. 

Review: I thought this book was lovely to look at and conveys a strong message: there will always be people around you telling you that you can’t do something, but it only takes your own faith in yourself for you to succeed. However, this book may not be suitable for very young children, as it is important for them to learn to listen when they are told no. In the book, the Yes climbs a tall tree, goes over a rickety bridge, and swims across a deep river, and all of these are things that could be potentially dangerous to a child who disregards someone else’s warnings.

I would recommend this book for older children and even adults who need could use a little positivity and encouragement in their day!

Room for Bear

Room for Bear
Author: Ciara Gavin
Rating: 4/5 Stars

Summary: Bear and a family of ducks try to find the perfect home to share, but what suits the bear does not suit the ducks, and what suits the ducks does not suit Bear.

Review: This was a really cute book that depicts love and family and that sometimes who you consider family is not always biological. The ducks and bear couldn’t live without one another so they found a way to make it work.  I would recommend it.

Hank Has a Dream

Hank Has a Dream
Author: Rebecca Dudley
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Denise Z.

 



Summary: Hank relates to a friend a dream in which he flies to the sea, past the trees, and over the clouds.

Review: I enjoyed the unique illustrations in this book more so than the story. Author and Illustrator Rebecca Dudley impressively designs everything that is depicted in each picture for the story, including Hank the bear and the scenery that surrounds him. This is a picture book with few words and unique illustrations that makes it worthwhile to pick up and read at least once.

Hidden

Hidden
Author: Loic Dauvillier
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Julie H.



 

Summary: This serious graphic novel begins with a young girl listening as her grandmother shares, for the first time, of how she was hidden away from the Nazis after being separated from her parents as a young Jewish girl in Paris. The story is sad, but ends on a positive note. The book also includes an afterword that provides more historical details to accompany the story.

Review: While this graphic novel is about a grim subject, it also highlights the kindness of people in a time of need and the power of hope. The illustrations really convey the characters’ emotions, and the dialogue will teach young readers about a terrible time in history while still offering them a happy ending. I would recommend this for children 3^rd grade and up, and I encourage parents to read this book with their child and discuss this difficult subject together.