Category Archives: Recommendation

The Dreams We Made

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“Every night a little girl and her daddy built dreams out of paper, scissors, and glue.” So begins story of an extra special relationship between a father and daughter that ends suddenly with the death of the father.

The little girl does not understand the concept of death and continues waiting for her father’s return. Eventually she destroys the last unfinished project they were working on together.

‘ “I miss Daddy,” said the little girl. “I do too,” said Mommy. “But Daddy is still with us, even when we can’t see him. We can meet him in our dreams and take him with us as we create new memories.” ‘

Some time later, the little girl starts to rebuild the destroyed project with the help of her mother and daddy looking on in her dreams.

Submitted by Mary Pong

Granny Left Me a Rocket Ship

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“When Granny died, there was a hole in our family. Remembering her helped us fill it.” So begins this loving story of how a young boy uses the cane once used by his Granny to keep her close to him.

Ashley Barron’s layered cut paper images show how the young boy uses his imagination and the cane to create a tent, a butterfly net, a beach umbrella, a fishing rod, a stick horse, a flagpole, a knight’s sword, a flying broomstick, a sea monster, and a rocket ship all with Granny looking on. “When Granny died, she left me a world of adventures…”

Submitted by Mary Pong

Take a Chance

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Bob, the cardinal, has anxiety about trying new things until Eagle confides “He can take mini chances!” Bob decides to follow Eagle partway up the mountain. Little by little, Bob stopping several times, deciding to go a little farther each time, until Bob arrives at the top of the mountain. “The view is out of this world.” Now, Bob decides he will go back and try each of the activities he passed on with his friends Flamingo, Pigeon, and Crow.

Bob discovers, “Sometimes you don’t know what you’re missing… until you take a chance.”

Submitted by Mary Pong

Cat Sees Snow

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written by Laura Gehl and illustrated by Fred Blunt

Cat, Dog and Pig approach the snow in a variety of ways and all enjoy the cold, white stuff by the end. This bright and cheery story is perfect for the brand new reader. The repeated text and short length (less than 100 words), makes this book very accessible for young students. The colorful line drawn illustrations complement the story and move it along. The notes to parents/guardians at the beginning of the book are quite helpful. This is a solid choice for new readers, who will cheer on the characters and cheer for themselves after reading a book!

I Love My Magic!

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by Kelly Leigh Miller

Willow LOVES her magic. It is what makes her a witch and she uses it for absolutely everything. After using it at a soccer game and getting a ton of goals, her (mummy) teacher takes away her wand and tells her she’ll get it back at the end of the day. Willow is devastated! How can she function without her wand? Yet, she manages very well and understands that there is magic inside her in the form of her own abilities- she doesn’t have to use a wand for everything!

Bright illustrations and friendly looking monsters add to a simple story about valuing yourself without all the extra ‘stuff’. The message is sweet and, with discussion, is a good lesson for all.

Try a Bite, Trilobite!

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by Jonathan Fenske

Bug really wants his friend, Trilobite, to try his snack. But, Trilobite ONLY eats noodles. In the end, Trilobite is willing to take a nibble and eats the whole thing. Fortunately, she has LOTS of noodles to share.

This easy reader is written in the same way as “Elephant & Piggie” and uses speech bubbles to convey the story. Colors are bright and there is a lot of white space on the page. The characters’ emotions are clearly shown in their expressions and the book is simple enough for early readers. This book should fly off the shelves as another option for those kids that love Mo Willems’ books and easy graphic novels. Highly recommended.

The Sioux

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Betty Marcks impresses me with the amount of up to date information she squeezes into 32 pages about the Sioux native people. The Sioux call themselves The People of the Seven Council Fires and are composed from three cultural groups: Lakota ,Dakota, and Nakota from the United States and Canada. Marcks shares the early history of the Sioux, their first encounters with white culture, the native uses of their resources, how they continue their cultural traditions, and their current Sioux government.

The book includes a timeline, glossary, a student safe internet site – FACTSURFER.COM, and an index.

Submitted by Mary Pong

The Legend of Greyhallow

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by Summer Rachel Scott

Legend of Greyhallow, by Summer Rachel Short
Ainsley and Tobin have moved into a wonderful old house with their parents to make it into a bed & breakfast in the small town famous for its connection to a beloved fantasy film and filmmaker.  In fact, the house used to belong to the vanished director himself. When the siblings discover some magical movie making equipment in the attic, they quickly discover that they can enter the movie and become a part of its world – dangerous monsters, villains, and all! Unfortunately, some of the danger can also get out into the real world. What follows is a crazy magical adventure as they try to save the movie world and their own while attempting to not be killed. I liked that everything was not easy and that the children really had to be creative problem-solvers when the events became pretty dire. I also enjoyed the mixing of realities. It reminded me of  Inkdrinker, by Cornelia Funke, or Between the Lines, by Jodi Picoult, with the boundaries of the story breaking and allowing it to mix with our world – like breaking the 4th wall in theater. It’s a perfect book for anyone who wishes they could disappear into their favorite movie world – both a fun and cautionary tale. I’m not sure it needed the sub-plot of Ainsley’s crumbling friendship with Charlotte, but it did allow for another person to see & come to believe that magical crossover was real. I think upper elementary & middle school students will enjoy this fantasy novel as much as I did.

Bone Smith

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by Nicki Pau Preto

Bonesmith (House of the Dead Duology)

Wren Graven is a bone smith valkyr – a ghost-fighting warrior.  She’s determined to prove that she’s got what it takes. When she gets banished,  she has to go to the extreme and work with one of her people’s greatest enemies in hopes of  saving the golden prince. In the process, she learns about her past. This book was a great and interesting read. The fantasy and enemies-to-lovers storyline made it a great plot twister and a fun read. She has to work with Julian, her sworn enemy, who has kidnapped the golden prince. It has a  dramatic twist all throughout the book. I highly recommend this book to people who like fantasy romances and who aren’t afraid of a few ghosts. I love the details, and how the author really put thought into the scenes in the book. I like Wren’s personality and courage. There were a couple parts of the book that were a little unclear. Like for example, it was talking about a boy with the same ring as the one Wren had, and then something about the wren on the ring being Wren and the other bird being the kid.  I didn’t understand until later it was her brother.  I wished it would have been a little clearer with that scene.  Overall, I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for the author’s next book of the series to come out.

Review by 7th grader, Addison K., Komachin Middle School

The Cherokee

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I am impressed with how up to date this book on the Cherokee native people is. I reached out to my Native friend and former colleague after reading author Betty Marcks statement, ” I am a white women of European descent. As such, I can claim no direct lived experience of being a Native American…” My friend is very impressed with Marcks’ writing.

Marcks has included the importance of the Cherokee language, the Cherokee make up of three tribes, the early history of the Cherokee with white culture, the native uses of resources, continuing cultural traditions, and the current Cherokee government.

The book includes a timeline, glossary, a student safe to use FACTSURFER.com internet site, and index.

Submitted by Mary Pong

The Blackfeet

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I am impressed with how up to date this book on the Blackfeet native people is. I reached out to my Native friend and former colleague after reading author Betty Marcks statement, ” I am a white women of European descent. As such, I can claim no direct lived experience of being a Native American…” My friend is very impressed with Marcks’ writing.

Marcks has included the importance of the Blackfeet language, the confederacy of four nations, the early history of the Blackfeet with white culture, the native uses of resources, continuing cultural traditions, and the current Blackfeet government

The book includes a timeline, glossary, a student safe to use FACTSURFER.com internet site, and index.

Submitted by Mary Pong

The Navajo

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My friend born and raised on the Navajo reservation was very impressed with how accurate and up to date this book on his native people is. I reached out to my friend and former colleague after reading author Betty Marcks statement, ” I am a white women of European descent. As such, I can claim no direct lived experience of being a Native American…”

My friend thought very highly of Marcks’ inclusion and importance of the Navajo language, the clans, the early history of the Navajo with white culture, the native uses of resources- the rug weaving, basketry, jewelry making, the cultural upbringing of the women, and the current Navajo government. Mt friend was under the impression Marcks must have talked with a Navajo elder.

The book includes a timeline, glossary, a student safe to use FACTSURFER.com internet site, and index.

Submitted by Mary Pong

Gilly’s Monster Trap

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Young Gilly lives on the coast of Lighthouse Bay where she spends most of her time in the water until an unseen monster arrives one day. The monster makes things disappear, like: snapper, prawns, and a wooly sweater, but it isn’t too serious until it snatches one of Gilly’s beloved flippers right off of her foot as she sits on the end of a dock. Rumors begin to fly around the little coastal town about the monster. Then one day, the monster grabs Gilly’s other flipper! That does it! Gilly will trap this monster to get her flippers back. The town helps Gilly set a trap. Nothing happens, until one day the monster is struggling out in the water caught in a fishing net. It could drown. Gilly convinces the town to help rescue the monster or else they won’t get their missing things back. In the end, Gilly needs rescuing from the monster trap she has fallen into. ‘ “Hey, you’re not a rotten monster– you’re a sneaky walrus!” ‘ The town folk get their items back and become friends with the walrus.

Cyndi Marko’s illustrations make me want to go find this lovely quaint little seaport in Northern British Columbia or southern Alaska surrounded by snow capped mountains. I loved the humorous pictures of Gilly’s pet gold fish who goes everywhere with Gilly ( in and out of its goldfish bowl).

Marko includes an entire page full of walrus facts and over 1 1/2 dozen websites for those who will want to learn even more about walrus.

Submitted by Mary Pong

Also by E. B. Goodale

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This intergenerational book invites the reader to be present in the now and reflect on what loved ones experienced in the past. The young character can see her family’s remembrances as if through a mirror, a window, or a sliding glass door – learning more about herself, her family, and the world. Also use the book to highlight the use of description to bolster the retelling of small moments of time.

Colorful illustrations catch the eye to show the child’s present. Purply two-tone illustrations are used on the pages that describe the memories. A small, bright red bird can be found on every page, tying the past and present together.

This Is Why They Hate Us by: Aaron H. Aceves

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Reviewed by OHS Student, Ffiona P.

This romance will resonate deeply with anyone who is struggling with their mental health, navigating their sexuality, or finding themselves in unrequited love.

Enrique has been in love with his close friend Saleem for quite some time now. With the help of his best friend Fabiola, and a number of potential romantic conquests, he plans to work through his crush. With each new encounter he learns more about himself, and about living as a bisexual person than he ever thought he would. Through all of this he is struggling with his mental health, attempting to come out to his parents, and inform Fabiola about his past mental breakdown. With unexpected support from various sources he is able to end his summer in a way that leaves him satisfied, though not in the ways he would have guessed.

I loved how relatable it is, Aaron H. Aceves was able efficiently explain thoughts and feelings that the character was having, in a way that was very satisfying. For lack of a better word. I loved how the author was able to trick me, and I’m guessing everyone else who read the book. I thought I knew exactly where the book was going to end up, then he convinced me I was wrong, then I ended up being right again at the last minute when I thought all hope was lost. This book was an emotional roller coaster that had me squealing, kicking my feet. Then would make my chest heavy the next minute with how deeply I felt for the MC and his situation while he was battling his mental health. THIS BOOK LEFT ME SATISFIED! I feel like whenever an author wants the book to make an impact, or to make a heavy statement about life, they feel the need to leave it on a plain note. Not even necessarily a bad one. But many authors write these types of books with the hope of the reader being satisfied with the MC being content. Which is the whole point I’m sure. But this book made me celebrate the happy ending as if it was me experiencing it. I kind of went into it with the mindset of “this seems like the kind of book where the happy ending is a given, and everything will turn out okay.” But the author was able to write the story in a way that made me feel RELIEVED almost when the happy ending came. Relief and genuine joy. He was able to capture that same feeling of when something good happens in real life. Because nobody in real life is thinking “it will all work out great for me, I will find the love of my life, and be happy.” He was able to capture that “Oh my god, how lucky am I to have this wonderful person in my life” mindset. I really appreciated that.

Barely Missing Everything by Matt Mendez

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Reviewed by OHS Student Wiley P.

In this book, three Mexican main characters Juan, JD, and Fabi are all trying to figure out what to do with the problems life throws at them, especially in a world where having brown skin can make things extra difficult. The fast paced and intriguing writing keeps in going and the characters learning. This novel is constantly engaging and makes you keep reading.

Themes of racism and poverty within the southern United States.

A definite purchase for all libraries.

Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn

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Reviewed by OHS Student Adelaide E.

Book 2 in the Legendborn Series

Interweaving Arthurian legend with the harsh realities of slavery and its modern affects, Bloodmarked will be a compelling and educational read for people of all ages, but primarily the YA audience, as it has a young female lead on the path of discovering more about her heritage and newfound powers.

Soon after the events of the previous book Legendborn, Bree Matthews is learning to control her powers as a medium and the Scion of Arthur in order to rescue fellow scion Nicholas, a quest on which her right to rule is questioned by the Order of the Round Table, and her relationship with the Kingsmage Selwyn Kane develops.

I liked that it had a strong female protagonist whose struggles included people challenging her right to rule and discovering the implications of her new status as a medium, which includes obtaining the powers, skills, and qualities of her ancestors, such as Arthur.

Personally, I didn’t feel that there was much development with her relationship with Sel or Nick. Nothing substantial happened because Nick was kidnapped throughout the entirety of the book, leaving Sel to remain his Kingsmage. There was some discussion about whether Sel would be able to be Kingsmage to the both of them, but this was an unresolved point in Bloodmarked.

Finch House

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Twelve year old Micah discovers the old dilapidated Victorian house her grandfather (Poppop) makes her promise she will never go near has been repaired and has people living in it. Micah knows this because she has just met Theo, the boy who lives there, outside in his yard. That is one promise she has broken to her dear Poppop.

Micah’s curiosity about Finch House grows the more Poppop refuses to talk about the house. Finch House has drawn many children into itself over the decades, so many that these missing children no longer make the news. Poppop’s sister Jenn was one of them. Little by little Micah is drawn into Finch House, literally. That is another promise Micah has broken to her Poppop. Curiosity has trumped Micah’s rational behavior. Will Micah be able to escape the hold her great aunt Jenn has on her and escape Finch House? Or will Micah be trapped inside Finch House forever?

This book draws the reader into itself much like Finch House does to the children (now ghosts) that live within it.

Submitted by Mary Pong

Why are We Afraid?

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When the light go out “after the clap of thunder” Max asks his father ‘ “Dad, have you ever been afraid?” ‘

So begins this conversation starter book on a story about fear. Fear can be about the: unknown, shadows, words or blows, lonely or alone, real monsters, freedom, falling short, free-falling, fading away, and/or the armor will crack open.

Older children will see or may need help seeing the symbolism both in the words and in the illustrations. Fear is pictured as a black hole in the sky on the front end cover and as a black oval shape that can carried around through the story pages.

The adult sharing this book may want to read the last two pages first – SHINING A LIGHT ON FEAR. They include: the original fear, the types of fear, the lessons behind our fears, the masks of fear, and the appeal of fear. Plus, two activities.

Submitted by Mary Pong

Does a bear Poo in the Woods?

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Shy Barry the bear seeks some privacy when he does his ‘ “First job of the day.” ‘ Barry treks through the woods avoiding the woodpeckers, skunks, and moose until finally his old friend Brenda Bigpaw tells him of a place up stream. Lucky for Barry, he finds the cabin before the burly woodsman returns there to do his business on the “POO THRONE”.

Cute, humorous illustrations with a nice rhyme scheme.

Submitted by Mary Pong

A Consuming Fire by Laura E. Weymouth

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Reviewed by OHS Substitute

Readers who enjoy Fantasy Adventure will love this book! The characters are very intriguing, especially since one is even an all-consuming evil God.

“Love requires nothing by gives everything.” Anya, the main character, sets off to kill the unappealing, all-consuming evil God after the demise of her twin sister Ilya. On her quest she finds a love and strength that she has never before known, making her feel invincible. Anya embodies a powerful force that aids her in conquering evil raised against her.

The characterization is the books strong suit; characters are very well developed with strength, forgiveness, mercy, and perseverance.

The only downside was that at times the dialogue was difficult to follow.

Everyone Hates Kelsie Miller by: Meredith Ireland

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Reviewed by OHS Substitute

This novel is definitely light reading with lots of fluff: romantic inclinations, rules of friendship, and the pressures to be perfect. Two rivals, Eric and Kelsie, find themselves on a roadtrip to U Penn to visit their exes who have recently ghosted them. Along the way, these high school seniors reveal haunting memories and insecurities to one another that leads them to an unexpected friendship.

The book attempts to warn teens of the pressures of growing up and accepting yourself and others. The author touches on relevant issues for a high school audience: prejudice, friendship demands, perfectionism, fear of failure, underage drinking, and risky sexual behaviors. Although these themes and topics are in the book they are mentioned superficially and without depth, making characters seem pretty shallow as well.

Class Pet

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Harvey the Hammerhead Shark is busy drawing his latest Iron-Manta-Ray comic book when he gets caught not paying attention in class. His teacher, Ms. Lumpy, chooses this time to teach Harvey a lesson in responsibility by having Harvey take the class parrotfish Pirate home for the weekend. Pirate is annoying with his squawking, to say the least. Harvey’s parents don’t want pets and are upset that Harvey was not paying attention in class. As a consequence, Harvey’s parent make the decision that Harvey choose between taking care of Pirate at home or take care of Pirate at the big birthday party Harvey’s been looking forward to going to all week.

Flash, the birthday boy, has already asked Harvey not to bring Pirate to the party. Harvey chooses to go to the party. The party’s DJ, Sea J. Marsh-shallow, has an allergic reaction to Pirate and leaves immediately.

The party is ruined! but NO! Pirate is a terrific DJ. Problem solved.

And Harvey has the rest of the weekend to put the finishing touches on his Iron-Manta-Ray comic.

This series includes: a Cast of Characters list ( character’s names are in bold the first time they appear in the story), word list (glossary), glossary words featured in bold type in the story, statements said with strong emotion are in larger font in bold type, five chapters, three or more black and white illustrations per chapter, and questions at the end.

My biggest problem is with Ms. Lumpy. I realize this is a children’s story but in real life Ms. Lumpy would be in hot water for sending the class pet home for the weekend without the parents’ consent.

Submitted by Mary Pong

The Friendship Wish

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Moving to a new place is just as hard for this little mermaid- Rosie- as it is for any other person. In this first book of the Mini Mermaid Tales series, Debbie Dadey works her magic of sharing life experiences with which young readers will be able to relate.

Rosie, the little mergirl, is too young to start Trident Academy. Rosie just moved into the area 3 days ago and is lonesome. Rosie has only just met Aqua, who talks her into going to take a quick look at the school. From there, they get swept into the school as the regular students enter the building. Impetuous Aqua cannot help herself from exploring the school, while shy Rosie is weary and reluctant, but follows Aqua deeper into the school.

First, they are in ‘deep-sea trouble’ for making a mess in the art/music room and later they are in ‘deep-sea trouble’ for leaving their neighborhood without telling anyone.

Despite their destressing first experience together, Aqua and Rosie become friends when their parents are shown a school for younger ‘mini mermaids and merboys’.

Six chapters, two or more black and white illustrations per chapter, table of contents, large font, word list (glossary),and story questions at the end all make this a fin-tastic (47) first book in a new series!

Words from the glossary appear in bold type within the story. Even bigger and bolder words of strong emotions also appear.

Submitted by Mary Pong

Into the Deep!

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Dr. Ick is excited to introduce the reader to “…all things that might make other people say, “Ick!” ‘ (4) This time Dr. Ick is exploring sea creatures. Along the way Dr. Ick gives a tiny bit of information about “five regions: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern Oceans.”(7) , its terrain, and depths.

Dr. Ick tells a little about the oarfish, blobfish, the red-lipped batfish, frogfish, leafy sea dragon, and mimic octopus.

“There are so many more species waiting to be discovered in our ocean!” (22)

Much of the book is illustrated in cartoon characters with eight inserted photos of the actual sea creatures giving this book more of a whimsical presentation of a factual one.

Submitted by Mary Pong