Author Michele Kwasniewski does it again in “Burning Bright,” the second book in The Rise and Fall of Dani Truehart Series. Picking up where book one, “Rising Star,” leaves off, readers continue to follow Dani Truehart as we witness the changes her rise to fame is having on her. As she juggles this new world and leaves high school and other kids her age behind, readers will wonder whether stardom is truly all it is cracked up to be.
The adventure of “Dogs and Demons” by R J Lee Heroux features a young boy and his two dogs as he discovers a parallel realm where dogs talk and train their “humans” to protect themselves. James and his dogs Loki and Buddy meet four other children, along with their dogs, who have also come to train in Olympus. As the children learn more about this realm and its inhabitants, they come to realize that a crisis is unfolding and they are uniquely qualified to prevent it.
Ruozhen is a Chinese American fifth grader, entering her final year of elementary school in Austin, TX. “Turning the Corner” takes readers through her final year of elementary, which also happens to be her first year back in person after two years of online learning due to COVID-19.
A 360-degree view of life with autism.
Author David Petrovic and his mother, Sandy Petrovic, have invited readers into their hearts and minds through the story, pictures, activities, and words strewn across the pages of “See ME: The Invisible Autistic Boy.”
One teen’s single-night journey full of magic, surprise, and introspection.
“Because of the Night” is a creative, lively, and delightful read. Written for teens, many ages will easily enjoy this story. In fact, there were times I was convinced the author had hidden “Easter eggs” for the adults; little gems of humor that only those who lived in the last millennium will appreciate.
“Our Threatened Kin - Fur, Feather & Fin: Verses on India’s Vanishing Wildlife” by Dev Shah is an encyclopedia style book of unique, exotic, and vanishing animals from India. The target audience is Teen/YA, but I believe it would also be great for young readers. The book presents a list of animals native to different regions within India. Each animal has its own feature spread. Within its pages, readers will find a beautiful, accurate image; a descriptive information paragraph; a map showing the region where they are located; and a color-coded status on each animal.
“A Warm Touch” by Connor Shane is an adventure set several hundred years in the future where WWIII has destroyed all humans. Prior to their extinction, scientists had been experimenting with gene splicing, combining the DNA of 22 humans with the DNA of eleven species. A male and female were created from each species, including the wolf, kangaroo, snake, hawk, hyena, tiger, coyote, monkey, fox, panther, and even a dragon. In addition to carrying both human and animal traits, these humanoids tend to be very colorful. The test subjects were hidden underground when the humans were annihilated. After the damage to the planet settled, earth became known as FourEarth. Society developed within the United Cores. There are eleven cores which are further broken down into sectors. The area outside the cores is undeveloped and much of it is unexplored.
I must say that since I was a child, more years than I care to admit to, the books written for this age group have gotten so much better and I am very grateful for that. A Home Called Haven: The Lower World is the first in a new series named A Home Called Haven and it is an absolutely wonderful beginning for a series that I hope will be around for a very long time….. Think Magic Treehouse here everyone.
Jexter Bladebrace is a great name for a hero and in this fantasy novel, we follow Jexter as he battles against alien foes who are attempting to take the Earth for themselves. He has some people who are accompanying him on this journey, Shelly and Mac, as they resist a terrible foe and they further encounter beings along the way who offer help and assistance.
“The Urban Boys: Discovery of the Five Senses” is a fascinating and facile second edition fantasy by K.N. Smith, an award-winning writer who appeals in both charisma and passion in promoting innovations, talents, and natural endowments, globally.
The books prologue grips with shock and alarm, when a squabble between one authoritative Joaquin and his friend Ross quickly spins into a dreadful and gruesome sight, and one that may take forever to rub off the minds of Della and Juson, a loving couple who stumbles across the two during an adventure of their lifetime in the forest.
In "Flounder!" siblings Haden, Ella Grace, and Walker are spending the day with their grandparents, Nana T and Pop, by the shore, and are begging to check the crab trap and go fishing! The kids playfully tease Nana T until they are on their way to the water. While there, they spot a fish mixed in with the crabs that looks pretty strange - its body is flat, and it has both eyes on the same side of its head! This sparks a discussion on the fish known as the flounder and makes Haden want to go fishing for a big one. Haden experiences an exciting time while fishing that results in help from Pop, but also a new fishing hat, just like he wanted.
"Flounder!" showcases a happy and carefree family who is respectful of themselves and what's around them. The love they have for each other is evident in their actions. "Flounder!" is a moment in time memorialized by Nana T to serve as both a keepsake for her and her family as well as a model for others on how to use what's in nature as a means to learn in a less traditional way than pen and paper. The story contains some mild excitement while pairing as a way of learning.
Sprout is young, Sprout is small, and Sprout is not very strong. But, when Sprout’s birthday party is ruined by Shade Man, and a whole year goes by of Shade Man casting his shadow, Sprout decides it’s time to do something about it. The shade is causing all the forest family to be sad. With Shade Man blocking the sun, there are no parties and no fun. So, Sprout brings together his whole forest family to move Shade Man and bring back the sun. Even the older trees, who are hesitant to move their roots, decide a change is needed.