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Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Poppy (Poppy, #1) in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Poppy by Mary Hooper is a sweet novel. The book gives a look at the lives of English nurses of World War One who took care of soldiers who wounded where their injuries were to the extent that caused the soldier to be returned home. Poppy shows World War One in a fresh and touching perspective.
Poppy takes a look at some of the less talked aspects of war. The book foxes on returned soldier who had facial injuries leaving them disfigured and cause damage to themselves to get away from the fighting and being strong. The topics discussed are series and sensitive issues but the author, Mary Hooper, does a great job of addressing and dealing with the issues in Poppy.
One aspect I enjoyed was the letters that were interspersed throughout the story. The letters brought the voice of the character into the story. I felt the story was an enjoyable and quite touching. They writing style flows well and was easy to slip into the story. It was great to see the novel tackle some of the less well-known aspects of the First World War and I only hope the second book does the same.
I give this story 4/5 stars.
I received this book from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books via Netgalley in exchange of a honest review.
Poppy takes a look at some of the less talked aspects of war. The book foxes on returned soldier who had facial injuries leaving them disfigured and cause damage to themselves to get away from the fighting and being strong. The topics discussed are series and sensitive issues but the author, Mary Hooper, does a great job of addressing and dealing with the issues in Poppy.
One aspect I enjoyed was the letters that were interspersed throughout the story. The letters brought the voice of the character into the story. I felt the story was an enjoyable and quite touching. They writing style flows well and was easy to slip into the story. It was great to see the novel tackle some of the less well-known aspects of the First World War and I only hope the second book does the same.
I give this story 4/5 stars.
I received this book from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books via Netgalley in exchange of a honest review.
Lindsay (1706 KP) rated The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks in Books
Nov 21, 2021
The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks is another excellent book to have for your child or children's bookshelves during the holiday season. Suppose you are looking for another good Thanksgiving book. This one is good.
This one somewhat brings in the fact of Sister's feelings about Thanksgiving dinner and a turkey. Have you had to distract a child from worrying and giving them something else to do? Well, this book shows that with Sister Bear and her worry about a turkey named Plymouth. Mama seems to come up with a suggestion that Sister can write a play about Thanksgiving or the Pilgrims Bears and their journey over to the new land. How we have our Thanksgiving feast and how it came about.
This book teaches several different life lessons and some meaningful things we should be thankful for. Children should be able to describe what Thanksgiving is at your house by their feelings or senses. What could they all be?
Some things children can do as they wait for the dinner on Thanksgiving occur act out or write a Thanksgiving story or what they think the Thanksgiving story is. You may be surprised what Thanksgiving means for them or your family.
Parents and grandparents might want to add this to your child's bookshelves, for they will want to read and reread it. It is terrific to read before the holiday.
This one somewhat brings in the fact of Sister's feelings about Thanksgiving dinner and a turkey. Have you had to distract a child from worrying and giving them something else to do? Well, this book shows that with Sister Bear and her worry about a turkey named Plymouth. Mama seems to come up with a suggestion that Sister can write a play about Thanksgiving or the Pilgrims Bears and their journey over to the new land. How we have our Thanksgiving feast and how it came about.
This book teaches several different life lessons and some meaningful things we should be thankful for. Children should be able to describe what Thanksgiving is at your house by their feelings or senses. What could they all be?
Some things children can do as they wait for the dinner on Thanksgiving occur act out or write a Thanksgiving story or what they think the Thanksgiving story is. You may be surprised what Thanksgiving means for them or your family.
Parents and grandparents might want to add this to your child's bookshelves, for they will want to read and reread it. It is terrific to read before the holiday.
A bit too drawn out children's fantasy.
I don’t read a lot of YA but if there's one thing that’s sure to get me to pick one up it’s…… bookclub pressure! I haven’t read a lot of fantasy recently so I did go into this looking forward to a change of pace and I certainly got that.
The premise for the book is interesting with the crossover of fictional characters into our world being enabled by those able to read them out. However the fact that this was something that was stated in the blurb but didn’t really get covered until well into the book I think speaks to the drawn out nature of this book. I really think it would of been better if it had been condensed. When a character gets captured for a second time I was all “oh no not this again” rather than feeling tension and excitement.
Perhaps a function of this being a translated work, I never really felt I got into the flow of this book. I didn’t like Meggie the 12 year old protagonist, although that may just be a dislike of stubborn annoying 12-year olds in general. I did however love the Elinor character (and not just for the solid name choice!) She’s a no nonsense full on book nerd. I did however find the books general and constant attitude of people that love books are far superior to everyone else to be a bit patronising.
I’m sure I would have enjoyed this a lot more when I was 12.
The premise for the book is interesting with the crossover of fictional characters into our world being enabled by those able to read them out. However the fact that this was something that was stated in the blurb but didn’t really get covered until well into the book I think speaks to the drawn out nature of this book. I really think it would of been better if it had been condensed. When a character gets captured for a second time I was all “oh no not this again” rather than feeling tension and excitement.
Perhaps a function of this being a translated work, I never really felt I got into the flow of this book. I didn’t like Meggie the 12 year old protagonist, although that may just be a dislike of stubborn annoying 12-year olds in general. I did however love the Elinor character (and not just for the solid name choice!) She’s a no nonsense full on book nerd. I did however find the books general and constant attitude of people that love books are far superior to everyone else to be a bit patronising.
I’m sure I would have enjoyed this a lot more when I was 12.
Debbie (52 KP) rated Louisiana's Way Home in Books
Oct 11, 2018
Louisiana's Way Home By: Kate DiCamillo
Candlewick Press
Published date 2 October 2018
Children's Fiction Middle Grade 240 pages
#LouisianasWayHome #NetGalley
I know that this book has already been out in the stores for a while but I just couldn't get my review up before now. I did get the book finished before the publish date though.
I have greatly enjoyed this book and a few others that she has written.
This book is about a 12 year old girl named Louisiana and her grandma, who leave the state of Florida at 3 in the morning. Louisiana doesn't know why just that her grandma woke her up and told her to get into the car. She had to leave behind her friends and pets. She has been told that a curse has been passed down from her great grandfather and that it was time to end the curse. The curse is known as a Sundering. The story goes on to explain how the curse was started and why it is called this name. They travel with no money or means on how to get where they are going. Grandma ends up needing some dental care and time to recover so she has Louisiana help pay for things by her wit and voice. She has a beautiful singing voice. During this time Louisiana meets some a boy who befriends and they are able to have some fun while grandma recovers. On her trip back from one of the visits her grandma has taken off and left her a note. This note explains somethings to Louisiana that changes her life and questions everything that has happened. What did the note say and what does she do?
I do recommend that you read this book or have your middle grader read it. It is a fun and adventurist book.
Candlewick Press
Published date 2 October 2018
Children's Fiction Middle Grade 240 pages
#LouisianasWayHome #NetGalley
I know that this book has already been out in the stores for a while but I just couldn't get my review up before now. I did get the book finished before the publish date though.
I have greatly enjoyed this book and a few others that she has written.
This book is about a 12 year old girl named Louisiana and her grandma, who leave the state of Florida at 3 in the morning. Louisiana doesn't know why just that her grandma woke her up and told her to get into the car. She had to leave behind her friends and pets. She has been told that a curse has been passed down from her great grandfather and that it was time to end the curse. The curse is known as a Sundering. The story goes on to explain how the curse was started and why it is called this name. They travel with no money or means on how to get where they are going. Grandma ends up needing some dental care and time to recover so she has Louisiana help pay for things by her wit and voice. She has a beautiful singing voice. During this time Louisiana meets some a boy who befriends and they are able to have some fun while grandma recovers. On her trip back from one of the visits her grandma has taken off and left her a note. This note explains somethings to Louisiana that changes her life and questions everything that has happened. What did the note say and what does she do?
I do recommend that you read this book or have your middle grader read it. It is a fun and adventurist book.
Lindsay (1706 KP) rated Olive and the Valentine's Spell in Books
Feb 14, 2022
I have come across another decent book about the upcoming holiday named Valentine's Day. Children seem to know what this holiday is about. But if you are looking for one that overcomes a child or children's fear. "Olive and the Valentine's Spell" is a good one. Olive feels that Valentine's day means getting married and a few other things as he tells his feelings to his mom. She wants to help fight with him. Olive seems to have to get rid of all his fun stuff at five years. He thinks he got to do some grown-up things.
Will Olive overcome his fears and enjoy the holiday. Will he see this holiday like any other day and there will be no love. Then maybe love comes in many different forms. Will Olive realizes that and wants this memorable holiday to stick around.
Olive seems confused at the beginning and will let his fears run wild. Children will learn that Valentine's day is a special day for couples. But it also showed what love is and how it can be. It also teaches about overcoming your fear. A parent can help children with reading this book. This book shows that love is essential, which is why we celebrate it.
Will Olive overcome his fears and enjoy the holiday. Will he see this holiday like any other day and there will be no love. Then maybe love comes in many different forms. Will Olive realizes that and wants this memorable holiday to stick around.
Olive seems confused at the beginning and will let his fears run wild. Children will learn that Valentine's day is a special day for couples. But it also showed what love is and how it can be. It also teaches about overcoming your fear. A parent can help children with reading this book. This book shows that love is essential, which is why we celebrate it.
Anne (15117 KP) rated Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murder and the Birth of the FBI in Books
Mar 4, 2022
This book is an interesting look at the Osage murders. This is a version that's adapted for young readers and is more readable and easy to understand and follow. I read both the original book and this version and I prefer this version. This version was more interesting to me and I felt more connected to the story.
The story and look at the Osage people, the murders, and all the history is very intriguing to learn about and know. This tells the story of the true-life murders of the Osage people. This talks about how because of the wealth of the Osage a lot of people wished to control them all due to greed. It's an important part of history that's not discussed or shared about much so it was good to learn about this and it's a great addition to history books.
Reading about this was devastating and it appalled me to learn of the greed and evil people and the horrible treatment of the Osage. This is an enlightening and essential read.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Random House Children's, Crown Books for Young Readers for letting me read and review this informative and good book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
The story and look at the Osage people, the murders, and all the history is very intriguing to learn about and know. This tells the story of the true-life murders of the Osage people. This talks about how because of the wealth of the Osage a lot of people wished to control them all due to greed. It's an important part of history that's not discussed or shared about much so it was good to learn about this and it's a great addition to history books.
Reading about this was devastating and it appalled me to learn of the greed and evil people and the horrible treatment of the Osage. This is an enlightening and essential read.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Random House Children's, Crown Books for Young Readers for letting me read and review this informative and good book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Nichole Knight (6 KP) rated Animal Circus in Books
Jan 25, 2020
Definitely Not a Children's Story and It's Worth the Read
The first thing I thought of when reading this was George Orwell's Animal Farm ... However Batchelor's story can not be compared to that. It's own uniquely written work on circus animals who wish to find peace and freedom.
Even though the cover is bright, quirky, and inviting this book is not for children.
For a short story, it's very depressing from start to finish. I honestly wish there was more to the middle. And, the end left me wanting to know more, though it was a twist that I was not expecting!
For a short to the point story it's worth the time in reading.
((I won an ebook copy in a giveaway on Goodreads.com and this is my honest opinion.))
Even though the cover is bright, quirky, and inviting this book is not for children.
For a short story, it's very depressing from start to finish. I honestly wish there was more to the middle. And, the end left me wanting to know more, though it was a twist that I was not expecting!
For a short to the point story it's worth the time in reading.
((I won an ebook copy in a giveaway on Goodreads.com and this is my honest opinion.))
Bob By: Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead
Children's Fiction 216 pages
The copy of this book I have is a B&N Exclusive Edition so it has a bonus chapter in it.
I picked up this book to read to my son, David. This book takes place in Australia.
It has been five years since Livy has visited her Grandmother in Australia. Now that she has returned she has a feeling she is forgetting something. She goes into her mom's old bedroom where she stayed before and she opens up the closet and out comes this small greenish creature in a chicken suit. This creature is named Bob. He has been waiting five years for Livy to come back for him. He doesn't know who or what he is and five years ago Livy promised to find out. Now it is time for Livy to keep that promise. Bob has a big job helping Livy remember things from five years ago. When Livy is away from Bob for any length of time she starts forgetting about him. As you read the story it takes you through some fun events to help solve the mystery of who Bob is. This was a fun story. There are differences of how Australia talk and what things are called in that country compared to ours. I would recommend that you read this book. We gave it 4 stars.
Children's Fiction 216 pages
The copy of this book I have is a B&N Exclusive Edition so it has a bonus chapter in it.
I picked up this book to read to my son, David. This book takes place in Australia.
It has been five years since Livy has visited her Grandmother in Australia. Now that she has returned she has a feeling she is forgetting something. She goes into her mom's old bedroom where she stayed before and she opens up the closet and out comes this small greenish creature in a chicken suit. This creature is named Bob. He has been waiting five years for Livy to come back for him. He doesn't know who or what he is and five years ago Livy promised to find out. Now it is time for Livy to keep that promise. Bob has a big job helping Livy remember things from five years ago. When Livy is away from Bob for any length of time she starts forgetting about him. As you read the story it takes you through some fun events to help solve the mystery of who Bob is. This was a fun story. There are differences of how Australia talk and what things are called in that country compared to ours. I would recommend that you read this book. We gave it 4 stars.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Tortured With Love The True Crime Romance of the Lonely Hearts Killers in Books
Sep 24, 2020
Tortured with Love is the sad yet horrible story of how a children's nurse gives up everything she has and becomes a killer, all for love.
Ray was married but his wife and children were in Spain. Martha was divorced with two children and felt old. Her life changed when her friend signed her up for a correspondence dating agency and Ray wrote to her. He was already scamming women at this point and Martha was next in line.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Martha Beck was an innocent. No, I think she knew perfectly well what she was doing. It's just her love and infatuation with Ray was too much and she would do anything for him.
I thoroughly enjoyed every word of this book. Written in such a way as to be educational and informative, it was such a gripping story I read it in one sitting. The thing I love about J.T. Hunter's books is he doesn't just go for the 'glory' story. Instead, every book I have read by him has been thoroughly researched, giving the reader more information about whichever subject he is talking about. This one is no different.
A fantastic True Crime read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Ray was married but his wife and children were in Spain. Martha was divorced with two children and felt old. Her life changed when her friend signed her up for a correspondence dating agency and Ray wrote to her. He was already scamming women at this point and Martha was next in line.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Martha Beck was an innocent. No, I think she knew perfectly well what she was doing. It's just her love and infatuation with Ray was too much and she would do anything for him.
I thoroughly enjoyed every word of this book. Written in such a way as to be educational and informative, it was such a gripping story I read it in one sitting. The thing I love about J.T. Hunter's books is he doesn't just go for the 'glory' story. Instead, every book I have read by him has been thoroughly researched, giving the reader more information about whichever subject he is talking about. This one is no different.
A fantastic True Crime read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
