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Book Reviews: Age 3 to 7 Glynis Falloon New Friends Lori Hoffman Penna Catawampus: The Story of a Crooked Cat Leah Ingledew The Umbrella Dilemma! Mariah Clark Skewes O is for Pig Kate Shooltz Kate the Earthling Nabila Nawaz Milden and the Vanishing Numbers Kathleen Welton Whoo! Hoo! Hoo! The Carousel at the Zoo Fafa Meistrell 38 Socks Mariah Clark Skewes Never Pet a Penguin James Christopher Starry-Eyed Stanley: The Little Star Who Dared to Dream Christy Burbidge Paulie The Piping Plover's Sea Turtle Rescue: A Martha's Vineyard Tale Lynsey Martin How to Get an Alligator Out of the Bathtub LOAD MORE

< Back Brandon Moore Bridget Kimble Learns Self Control Bridget Kimble is looking forward to her first day at EnMotion elementary school and cannot wait to meet lots of new friends. She travels to school by bus and meets her teacher, Ms Widget. Ms Widget explains the school rules and asks each student to introduce themselves. But, when it is Bridget’s turn to introduce herself, a boy interrupts her. Bridget is upset but Ms Widget steps in and allows the boy to introduce himself first. Bridget stays quiet and when the boy has finished talking, she calmly introduces herself. Later, Ms Widget explains why she stepped in and praises Bridget for demonstrating self-control. Rather than reacting to the boy, Bridget processed the situation and made a decision to control her emotions. Bridget Kimble Learns Self Control is an illustrated picture book by Brandon Moore about a little girl’s first day at elementary school and the big feelings that come with it. When an interaction in the classroom doesn’t go as planned, her teacher gently guides her through a lesson in self-control and kindness. Moore skilfully captures the emotional highs and lows of a first day at school, offering readers a realistic and relatable experience. The story will help children learn that it is okay to feel sad or upset when someone doesn’t follow the rules, and how to pause, breathe and respond calmly. The anime-style illustrations by Mick Edrick M. Marcellana are vibrant and expressive, perfectly capturing Bridget’s experience and emotions. The book not only helps young readers learn important life skills, it also introduces them to this striking and expressive art-form. With additional creative content at the end of the book, this is a great resource for budding comic book or anime artists. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A sweet and empowering first-day-at-school story that will help young children learn self-control and important life skills. Purchase here

Readers Choice Book Awards, book reviews and awards voted by readers in three categories, with cash prizes for gold award winners: Best Childrens Book 3-6; Best Childrens Book 7-10; Best Childrens Book Illustrations; Best Childrens Book Cover Design. *** Submissions CLOSED *** OUR STORY The Readers' Choice Book Awards was established in 2020 to provide quality book reviews and an affordable award contest with real financial rewards. The Readers' Choice Book Awards currently runs two award contests per year and submissions for book reviews are open all year round. The Readers' Choice Book Awards accepts submissions from any author, but submissions from self-published authors and small publishers are encouraged. There are four awards available across four categories and the winners of each category receive a cash prize. OUR REVIEWS AND AWARDS We launched four new book awards in 2020! All entrants receive a detailed and thorough review of their book. All winners and finalists (with a five star review) will receive a digital badge / sticker. A cash prize of $250 will be awarded to the gold winner. Book review Entry to contest Gold digital badge / sticker Website listing and promotion ***$250 cash prize*** GOLD WINNER SILVER WINNER Book review Entry to contest Silver digital badge / sticker Website listing and promotion BRONZE WINNER Book review Entry to contest Bronze digital badge / sticker Website listing and promotion FINALIST Book review Entry to contest Finalist digital badge / sticker Website listing and promotion AWARD CATEGORIES Best Children's Book (3 to 7) Best Children's Book (8 to 12) Best Book for Teens Best Book for Adults If you would like to enter a book in any of the following categories, please use the submission form or check out the FAQs for further information. HOW DOES IT WORK? 1/ Decide on the book category and use our online form to submit your book here. 2/ Pay the submission fee via Paypal and upload or email your book to us. You may enter more than one book, or for more than one category, but you must complete a separate form for each book and each category. 3/ Your book will be sent to one of our b ook clubs, school reading groups or nurseries (depending on the category), and will be given a review and a star rating (out of 5). 4/ You will receive your book review and star rating within 3 to 4 weeks (Express Review) or 6 to 8 weeks (Standard Review) 5/ ALL books receiving a 5 star rating will go through to our award contest, where our reader panel will select the GOLD, SILVER and BRONZE winners. 6/ The GOLD award winner will receive a cash prize of $250, and the SILVER and BRONZE winners will receive a SILVER AND BRONZE award. 7/ ALL books with a 5 star review will receive a FINALIST award. 8/ ALL finalists and winners will be listed and promoted on our website and on social media.

< Back Kate Grant No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth is a memoir by Kate Grant about her life and work with the Fistula Foundation, a not for profit organisation set up to provide life-transforming surgery for women with obstetric fistula. Fistula is a debilitating childbirth injury, which can leave a woman incontinent and, as a result, often abandoned by her family and shunned by her community. With a background in advertising, Grant was keen to put her skills to use in the nonprofit sector. She completed a master’s degree in public affairs and found work at the United States Agency for International Development, where she met her first fistula patient at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia, led by Dr. Hamlin. She later met Ric Haas, the founder of the Fistula Foundation, and was asked to join the board to support Dr. Hamlin’s work. In 2005, Grant became the Fistula Foundation’s first Chief Executive, and led the expansion of the Foundation from supporting one hospital in Ethiopia, to become the global leader in fistula treatment, supporting women in more than 30 countries across Africa and Asia. No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth is a candid and inspiring memoir, which captures Kate Grant’s personal journey, with a powerful account of women’s health inequalities and global health advocacy. Grant’s journey, from corporate advertising to becoming a leading voice for women suffering from debilitating obstetric fistula, is marked by dogged determination, endless energy, and enduring empathy for women impacted by this debilitating condition. Grant’s reflections on leading a global non profit organisation, developing partnerships with local healthcare providers and fundraising under pressure, offer valuable lessons for anyone working in, or interested in, global health and international development issues. The book humanizes and destigmatizes a medical condition that affects hundreds of thousands of women in the developing world. Grant shares personal stories of many women whose lives were transformed following surgery. Their stories are heart breaking, yet uplifting, and shine a much needed light on women’s health and obstetric fistula in vulnerable populations. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An inspiring and deeply moving memoir that shines a much needed light on obstetric fistula. Purchase here

Book Reviews: Adult Kate Grant No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth Lynne Golodner Cave of Secrets Lesley Beiro and Heather Scott Over the Lotion Randy Susan Meyers The Many Mothers of Ivy Puddingstone Morgan Hatch Gone to Ground Kyle Palmer The Last Rival: A Time of Our Choosing Apple An Mother of Red Mountains: A Novel of a Woman's Journey Through Revolutionary China Teri M Brown Daughters of Green Mountain Gap Rebecca Sharpless Shackled: 92 Refugees Imprisoned on ICE Air Micah Briarmoon A Haunting Deception Deb Miller Forget the Fairy Tale and Find Your Happiness Kay Smith-Blum Tangles LOAD MORE

The Girl Who Broke the World < Back Renee Hayes The Girl Who Broke the World Can a teenager heal the world and restore the balance between humanity and nature? Five hundred years after the Oxygen War that ravaged the earth and destroyed more than eighty per cent of the population, Zemira (Zee) Creedence is looking forward to her eighteenth birthday and the annual moon festival, held every year to celebrate Mother Nature and the creation of the new world. While walking through the forest with her companion, Wolf, there is an enormous blast and Zee falls into a void. She is pulled to safety by Wolf and wakes up in a hospital bed in a neighbouring territory. When all the other patients are discharged, Zee realises that she is being kept in the hospital under false pretences. Zee has mysterious powers she has hidden since childhood and is able to manipulate her environment. She uses her powers to escape the hospital with her friend Pax. But, as the friends attempt to return back to their home, Zee discovers that she is being hunted by the King of Kymera and his army. Returning home, Zee learns that her mother is missing and has been taken as bait by the King. As Zee attempts to rescue her mother from the evil King, she finally learns the truth about her mysterious powers, her absent father, and her families connection to Mother Nature. The girl who broke the world by author Renee Hayes is a fantasy adventure, set in a futuristic world, after the earth was reset following a devastating war. The book follows teen, Zee, as she comes of age, and discovers the truth about her world and her ancestry. This is a tense and thrilling adventure, as Zee finds herself at the centre of a battle for control over the new world. Zee is a strong, powerful, female protagonist, who will stop at nothing to fight for her family and her friends. With a mesmerising futuristic world full of weird and wonderful creatures, and a gripping plot full of mystery, drama, suspense, and a little romance, this is an epic fantasy fiction novel not to be missed. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An epic fantasy fiction novel, with a strong, powerful, female protagonist. Not to be missed. Purchase here

< Back Deborah S. Greenhut The Hoarder's Wife Inside the secret world of the hoarder, by debut author Deborah Greenhut Sixty-five-year-old Grace Berg receives a telephone call and is told that her ex-husband, and the father of her two children, Professor Ludwig Berg, has tragically taken his own life. As Grace grieves for the man she once loved, she reads her old journal and reflects on the life she shared with him. The signs were there from the start of their relationship. The clutter. The mess. The lack of empathy. The signs of disorder. Grace recalls how Ludwig took control of their finances and slowly accumulated lots of possessions, throwing their family home into disarray. The couple seek specialist help and Ludwig is diagnosed with adult ADHD, OCD, ODD, perfectionism, procrastination, and depression. But as Ludwig’s hoarding and anger escalates, Grace finally reaches breaking point and makes a heart-breaking decision to reclaim her life, after thirty-five years of marriage. The Hoarder’s Wife by Deborah Greenhut is an engaging and poignant novel, revealing the secret world of the hoarder from the perspective of a hoarder’s wife. Written as a series of journal entries, this is an intimate and personal story about one woman’s experience of living with someone with a severe mental illness, and the devasting impact of hoarding disorder on families and relationships. Greenhut writes about the disorder with sensitivity and compassion, describing Grace’s turmoil as she makes the most difficult decision of her life. This is a deeply moving and emotional story, and it will appeal to readers of women’s fiction and literary fiction. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An engaging and poignant novel, revealing the secret world of the hoarder from the perspective of a hoarder’s wife. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Kathleeen Janz Anderson September Wind Book II A tale of survival and justice by author Kathleeen Janz-Anderson. Emily Rezell had a troubled childhood. Her mother died just hours after she was born, and she never met her father. She was brought up by her strict, god-fearing grandfather on his Illinois farm. After accidently killing a man who raped her over many years, Emily flees to San Francisco and finds work in a brothel to make ends meet. Emily is forced to go on a dinner date with a wealthy widow named Donald Shillings, by her manipulative landlady. Donald asks her to move into his mansion and be a nanny to his two children. Emily is unsure of Donald’s motives but has no choice after her cash and necklace are stolen from the brothel. She settles into the Shillings’ home and develops a bond with the children, Maria and Nathan. Donald is strange, elusive, and controlling, but Emily persuades Donald to buy the children ponies. He employs a stableman named Paul, but Emily believes he has been hired to spy on her. Emily notices odd behaviour from Donald and his staff and starts to explore the estate. When she finds something sinister buried in the grounds, she tries to escape but falls down a flight of stairs and is knocked unconscious. When she wakes in hospital, Paul is by her side. As Emily recovers from her injuries, she learns the truth about the mysterious stableman. Paul persuades Emily to return back to Illinois, and after a year on the run, she is forced to confront her past. September Wind Book II is a riveting and emotionally charged family saga / coming of age fiction novel, and the second book in the series by author Kathleeen Janz-Anderson. Set in the 1960’s the novel follows a courageous young woman who is forced into a life on the run after she accidently kills a man who rapes her. Her life spirals out of control, as she ends up in a brothel, and is then tricked into working for a man who exploits her. The book shows the plight of women and girls, during a period in our recent history when they had few rights and limited opportunities. Gripping, heart breaking and thought provoking, this book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A riveting and emotionally charged family saga about a young woman who is forced into a life on the run. Purchase here

< Back Madeline Pasimio Contrary to Conception: Stories and Lessons about Successful Birth Control and Contraceptive Methods Everything you wanted to know about birth control and contraceptive methods but were afraid to ask, by Madeline Pasimio Contrary to Conception is an informative and educational reference book by Madeline Pasimio about birth control and contraception. The book describes the key terms and definitions of contraceptive methods, explores the history of birth control, and provides useful insights into different methods, such as the pill, emergency contraception, barrier methods, the shot, the implant, hormonal and copper IUDs, and sterilization. Each chapter includes detailed information about each method and how it works, its effectiveness and side effects, and other considerations and common misconceptions. Each chapter also includes fictionalised stories, based on women’s real-life experiences, such as student Gina who suffered aggravating period cramps and decided to try the pill to help alleviate her symptoms, and parents of two-Terri and David who considered permanent methods of contraception to prevent future pregnancy, such as male and female sterilization. This book is a valuable resource for anyone considering birth control for the first time, or for those who want to learn more about different contraceptive methods. It is educational and informative, but accessible and easy to read for all readers. Madeline Pasimio writes about this sensitive, and often taboo subject, respectfully and without judgement. This book will help educate women and their partners, to make informed choices about contraception and birth control options. This book should be an essential part of sex education and the school curriculum, and would make a valuable addition to any home, school, or public library. As a veteran, but very naïve, contraceptive user, I wish I had this book when I started using contraception many years ago. Now, as a mother of a teenage daughter, I will be recommending this book to her, and all of my female friends and relatives. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An informative and educational reference book about birth control and contraception, that should be an essential part of sex education and the school curriculum. Purchase here

< Back Stephanie Brick The Secret Doors of Cannondale A young girl finds a secret door and is whisked away to an alternate, magical realm. Twelve-year-old Adeline Perle has moved from her mother’s military base in Illinois to Connecticut. She hopes that the family will settle down and she will finally be able to make new, long-lasting friendships. The family move into Uncle Bennie and Aunt Constance’s home on the Cannondale estate, while they find their footing in the area. Uncle Bennie asks Adeline to avoid certain areas of the estate, while Aunt Constance is recuperating from an illness. As Adeline explores the expansive estate, she finds a secret door. Despite Uncle Bennie’s warning, Adeline opens the door and discovers a secret passageway, leading to an unusual octagonal room. She explores the room and finds a book with a secret cutout. Inside the book, she finds a hidden crystal. Adeline places the crystal inside her pocket and continues to explore the house. Outside, she meets a group of teenagers having a garden party and develops an instant connection. When she returns to the house, Adeline’s world is literally turned upside down as she falls through the sky and is transported to another realm. Unbeknownst to Adeline, she has landed in the realm of Nouvaal, a dangerous world on the brink of destruction from dark magic. As Adeline attempts to make sense of the new world she learns that the crystal in her pocket has special powers, that could destroy Nouvaal if united with other lost crystals. Adeline is pursued by Heli’aa, the ‘Protector of the Realm,’ who will stop at nothing to secure the crystal for her own evil gains. The Secret Doors of Cannondale is a thrilling fantasy adventure for middle grade readers, by Stephanie Brick. The book follows the journey of Adeline, a young girl who finally finds a sense of belonging in a new home, before being suddenly uprooted again and transported to another world. The book takes readers on an exhilarating journey through time, space, and an alternate universe, full of mystery and magic. This is a delightful and enchanting tale that will appeal to readers of both fantasy and science fiction. The book ends on a nail-biting cliff-hanger, so readers will have to wait for the next instalment to find out what happens next! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A must read for anyone looking to escape into a magical universe filled with wonder, excitement and danger. Purchase here

< Back Amanda M Cetas Thrown to the Wind A harrowing journey of strength, survival, and self-discovery. Based on true events, this historical fiction novel follows one boy's journey from France and across the ocean to North America in the seventeenth century. In France, 1660, during a period of rising tensions between the Catholics and Protestants (Huguenots), nine-year old Etienne Gayneau, a Huguenot, is separated from his cousin and only friend Nicolas. But, when a ship arrives in La Rochelle transporting King Louis XIV's elite musketeers, Etienne agrees to meet Nicolas at the harbor to witness the event. Etienne dreams of becoming a musketeer himself one day, and senses he is about to witness something momentous. But he doesn’t realise that the arrival of the ship will turn his life upside down. Etienne must choose whether to flee France with his family, to avoid his father’s arrest for being a heretic, or to run away and hide out in a safe haven with his cousin, a Catholic. If Etienne leaves France, he will never see Nicolas again or fulfil his dream of becoming a musketeer, but if he stays with his cousin, he will never see his family again. Etienne decides to flee, and leaves with his family, leaving everything but their faith behind. The family face a perilous journey, first to Amsterdam, Holland, and then across the Atlantic Ocean to New Amsterdam. The journey is fraught with many dangers, as they encounter criminals and pirates, and face many other challenges, including illness and injury. Etienne is quite literally thrown to the wind, but eventually gains confidence as a cabin boy. Thrown to the Wind is a well-researched, historical fiction novel for middle grade readers, by author Amanda M Cetas. The story follows a family who flee religious persecution in seventeenth century France, and seek refuge and freedom in the unchartered territories of North America. Told through the eyes of an innocent nine-year old boy, this is a harrowing journey of strength, survival, and self-discovery. Beautifully written, with meticulous attention to detail, the author brings this fascinating period of human history to life. The authors ability to balance historical accuracy with a compelling narrative, makes this novel an entertaining and enlightening read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, and particularly those interested in seventeenth century migration from Europe to America Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautiful coming of age story about a young boy who flees religious persecution, leaving everything behind but his faith. Purchase here

< Back Sara V Robinson Walter Bilingual Edition English/Spanish Author Sara V Robinson, tells Walter’s story Walter is a black Labrador mix dog, who didn’t have the best start in life. In his first home, his owners didn’t allow him inside the house. He was locked outside in the backyard, unloved, alone, and cold. His whole life was restricted to a patio, doghouse, and a fence. But Walter was a curious dog, and he wanted to explore beyond the confines of the fence. One day, Walter jumped so high he could see the lights and the bustling city in the distance. As he jumped high into the sky, Walter grabbed onto the fence with his front legs, and fell into the street below. Walter explored his surroundings, and was dazzled, by all the new sights, sounds and smells of the city. After a night exploring the city alone, Walter was tired, hungry, and scared. He found a parked car for shelter, and fell asleep. Walter was woken in the morning by strange sounds, and was quickly captured by dog wardens and taken to the city dog pound. He was taken to a new home, but this time locked inside a kennel, and surrounded by many other frightened and abandoned dogs, also in desperate need of a loving home. Walter soon settled into the pound, but longed to be adopted by a loving family. One day, a couple named Sofia and Christian visited the pound and spent time with Walter outside his kennel. Walter felt an instant connection with the couple and hoped they might adopt him. Will Sofia and Christian choose Walter and take him home? And will Walter ever find his forever home? Walter, by author Sara V Robinson, is a sweet and charming story for younger readers, inspired by a true story. The book tells the story of Walter, a young dog who was rescued from a dog pound in Atlanta, Georgia. Told from the unique perspective of Walter, this book will engage and entertain readers of all ages. With valuable messages about the importance of showing care and compassion for all living creatures, this book will help educate readers about responsible dog ownership. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and charming story with valuable messages about the importance of showing care and compassion for all living creatures Purchase here