Search Results

< Back Hayley Lyle Barefoot King: The Indian Dalit Who Defied Caste to Bless Others A deeply moving biography by author Hayley Lyle. Barefoot King: The Indian Dalit Who Defied Caste to Bless Others is a biography written by author Hayley Lyle about a man born into the lowest caste in India. Natarajan ‘Raj’ was born in 1966 into the Paraiyan caste (a low-caste group of Hindu Indian society, formerly known as ‘untouchables’ but now called Dalits). His family were bonded laborers, an illegal yet prevalent form of slavery. At five years old, Raj’s father sent him to school to try and give him a better chance in later life. On his first day at school his teacher gives him a new name, Rajendran. Worried that a Hindu untouchable name like Natarajan would condemn him to stay in his caste forever, the teacher changed his life. Lyle writes, ‘With a single swipe of a pen, she redefined Raj’s entire reality in a way that would allow Raj himself to forge his own role and prospects’. Raj excels in school, but he is ridiculed and bullied by the other students. At the age of thirteen, Raj received a sponsorship from a relief organisation, Bright Future, to continue his studies. He would later work for the organisation, impacting the lives of thousands of people during a fifteen-year period. He went on to work for the Samuka Initiative, as a national coordinator overseeing the sponsorship and education of thousands of children and families. He worked with the Global Rights Network, fighting against the illegal system of bonded labor, and he also helped to set up a grassroots non-profit organisation named Maarga, to enrich the lives of children in the slums. This is a powerful and inspiring story of an extraordinary man, who was able to climb out of extreme poverty, through education and charitable sponsorship. The biography captures his struggles as he strives to make a better life for himself and others. Through his philanthropic work he improved the lives of thousands of people in villages and slums. Raj’s journey is an inspiration to others who find themselves trapped in similar circumstances. The book explores the inhumanity of the caste system, and the pain, hardship and suffering experienced by many thousands of people. It is a powerful reminder of the social inequalities that exist in India and across the world. The book is based on Lyle’s research and interviews with Raj and with other significant people in his life. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful and inspiring biography of an extraordinary man growing up in the lowest caste in India. Purchase here

A Mystery Solved, A Prediction Fulfilled < Back Alayne Smith A Mystery Solved, A Prediction Fulfilled Ellen Jones helps her aunt solve a family mystery, by author Alayne Smith It’s 1962, and Ellen Jones is considering her future, before she returns back to her studies in broadcast journalism at Columbus University, Miami. What journalism career will she pursue? Should she get together with JoJo, following her split from Luke? But first, her Aunt Essie recruits Ellen to help her solve a mystery. She has found a carving in an antique mint julep cabinet, with the date of her great grandmothers wedding, Mary Ellen Davis marries Thaddeus Baird, May 1866 . But family records also show that Mary Ellen married another man, Thomas Brown Mitchell, in December of the same year. Aunt Essie is curious and determined to solve the mystery. Who was Thaddeus Baird and what happened to him? And why did her great grandmother marry twice in such a short space of time? Ellen agrees to help her aunt and discovers that Mary Ellen wrote for a local newspaper, the Marshall-Times Standard. She also discovered that she volunteered at the Jericho School, where she met Thomas Brown Mitchell, a soldier who set up the school in a converted kitchen behind the old Garvey plantation house. They find a journal belonging to Mary Ellen, with declarations of her love for Thaddeus Baird. As Ellen and Aunt Essie delve further into Mary Ellen’s past, they soon discover that their ancestor was embroiled in a scandal that nearly destroyed her reputation. Then, when a dead body is found in a tunnel beneath the old Garvey plantation house, Ellen and Aunt Essie believe there is a connection to Mary Ellen. A Mystery Solved, A Prediction Fulfilled is a superb mystery novel for young adult readers, by author Alayne Smith. Spanning two time periods (1962 and 1866), the book follows two young women as they come of age in different eras. The book provides a fascinating insight into the lives of women during the 1800’s and 1960’s. While their lives are very different, they experience similar challenges and dilemmas. The book moves at a gentle pace, but is packed full of intrigue, mystery and suspense. Well written, with a fascinating plot, this book will appeal to those who enjoy mystery, suspense and historical fiction. The book is the third instalment of the Ellen Jones series. I had not read the first two books in the series, and I could easily follow the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I hope to go back to the other books, to learn more about Ellen Jones’ back-story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Well written, with a fascinating plot that spans two time periods, this is a superb novel packed full of intrigue, mystery and suspense. Purchase here

< Back Christine Corrigan Mendez Leo Gets His Nighttime ZZZs Leo loves sport. He is always busy, doing this, doing that, doing everything! But, because Leo is busy doing lots of different activities, he gets tired sometimes. Leo often wakes up during the night and cannot get back to sleep. He thinks about all the things he needs to do and the places he needs to be. He tries new techniques to get back to sleep, but nothing seems to work. One day, Leo falls asleep during class, and another day he falls asleep while playing in a soccer match! Leo’s good friends are members of the Kids Can Club and Leo decides to join. The Kids Can Club take on all kinds of projects to help kids, animals and grown-ups too. Leo shares his story with the Kids Can Club, and they make it their next mission to help Leo get back to sleep. Leo learns a new technique called the ‘Scrunch up-Five Unscrunch’, which he uses to get back his nighttime ZZZ’s. Leo Gets His Nighttime ZZZs is an illustrated picture book for newly independent readers, by author Christine Corrigan Mendez. This is an engaging and insightful book for young readers about a young boy who struggles to sleep. He tries everything to get back to sleep, but cannot do it on his own. With a little help from his friends at the Kids Can Club, Leo learns new techniques for a restful night’s sleep. The book will help young readers understand why they might struggle to sleep, and provides practical tips to help them get a good night’s sleep. The story emphasises the importance of friendship and teamwork, and will encourage young readers to share their problems or concerns with others. With full guidance on the ‘Scrunch up-Five Unscrunch’ technique, this is a fabulous resource for children and their parents or caregivers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An engaging and insightful book, with practical strategies to help young children have a restful night’s sleep. Purchase here

Ring Fold < Back Scott Swisher Ring Fold Author Scott Swisher takes readers on a time travelling adventure A stream of massive earthquakes wreak havoc across the world. The tremors are so large they alter the Earth’s axis, and create a dimensional fold that acts as a gateway across time to the fourth dimension. The U.S. Special Intelligence found that some gifted individuals could transport back in time, and back to the present, through the fold. They discovered that these individuals had a special blood type, which enabled them to transport across the fold. Some of these individuals were captured and experimented on, in an attempt to replicate their blood. But some escaped and sent their children to live in different eras, in order to protect them. These people were known as ‘the Ring’, protectors of the fold.Jordan Zesker is experiencing strange buzzing in her ear, forces tugging at her limbs, and the worst migraine she has ever experienced, when she is approached by a man named Jacob, who claims to be her mentor. She is suddenly pulled by Jacob into the fourth dimension, where she learns she has the special blood type which enables her to travel across time. She also discovers she is one of only five descendants linked to ‘The Ring’. Jacob recruits Jordan to track down the other four descendants, on a mission to save humanity. Jordan has to transport to different eras of human history, the 1950’s, 1970’s, 1980’s, and 2010’s to find the descendants. Together, they face an epic battle to safeguard the future of humanity. Ring Fold is an exciting sci-fiction, time-travelling adventure, by author Scott Swisher. This is a unique and imaginative story, packed full of action and adventure. The reader is transported across different historical periods, where they meet a range of diverse characters. Each time period is meticulously researched, the characters are authentic, and the descriptions of clothing, music and environments are realistic. This is a fun, entertaining and engaging read, that will appeal to young adult readers and adults who enjoy sci-fi and time-travelling adventures. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An exciting sci-fiction, time-travelling novel, packed full of action and adventure. Purchase here

< Back Andy Lipman The CF Warrior Project, Volume 2: Celebrating Our Cystic Fibrosis Community A deeply moving collection of stories about cystic fibrosis (CF), from author Andy Lipman Author Andy Lipman writes the second volume of The CF Warrior Project: Celebrating Our Cystic Fibrosis Community. The first chapter presents the profiles of many trailblazers who saved lives through a lifetime of dedication to CF, including Doris Tulcin who created the CF Foundation. Chapter two shares the stories of those living with CF, such as six year old Liam Wilson, already an advocate for CF awareness and fundraiser. In the third chapter, we hear from several people who were diagnosed later in life, including Terry Wright an African American man who was not diagnosed until aged fifty-four, after years of pain and suffering, due to biases and stereotypes in diagnosis. Chapter four tells the stories of moms who have raised children with CF, including Margarete Cassalina and Laura Bonnell, both mothers of two CF warriors. Chapter five explores the impact of CF on the entire family, and presents stories from the parents, children, siblings and spouses of those living with CF. In Chapter six, we hear from those who have survived double-lung transplants, and in chapter seven, we hear from those who run to stay healthy and active, inspire others, and raise money for CF. Chapters eight and nine present the stories of famous people who are advocates for CF, and TV celebrities living with CF. Chapter ten discusses the benefits of exercise for CF, through various sports such as softball, tandem-surfing, bodybuilding, yoga, swimming, climbing, adventure sports, and martial arts. The eleventh chapter explores the unique ways people have made a difference, through fundraising, advocacy, research, science and politics. The final chapter is a beautiful and loving tribute to the author’s mother, and CF advocate, Eva Lipman. The CF Warrior Project, Volume 2: Celebrating Our Cystic Fibrosis Community , is a collection of thoughtful and inspiring stories by author Andy Lipman. This book is the second installment in the CF Warrior Project, and explores the impact of CF on those living with disease, their loved ones and their physicians, and many others who have dedicated their lives to raising awareness of CF. Told through a series of personal stories, this is a deeply moving and insightful collection, from a wide and diverse range of people impacted by CF. Each story is unique. Each story is powerful. Each story is inspirational. Each story will give hope to anyone living with, or impacted, by CF. This is a beautifully curated and written collection, and the author has done an excellent job at bringing the stories to life. Thank you to Andy Lipman for collating these stories, and to all the individual contributors who shared their personal stories. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A collection of thoughtful and inspiring personal stories about cystic fibrosis, and the impact on those living with the disease, their loved ones and their physicians. Purchase here

< Back Christy Burbidge Paulie The Piping Plover's Sea Turtle Rescue: A Martha's Vineyard Tale Paulie the Piping Plover lived on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. It was his first migration south to the Gulf of Mexico, and he was going to miss his friends, Liam the lobster, Sarah the sea turtle and Belle the blue fish. But just as Paulie is about to leave, he discovers that Sarah has been cold-stunned and taken to the Sea Turtle Rescue Center on Cape Cod. Worried about their friend, Paulie, Liam and Belle build a raft and ride in the wake of a ferry all the way to Cape Cod. When they arrive at the Rescue Center, they find Sarah is safe and well looked after. The three friends decide to help spread the word about cold-stunned sea turtles and come up with a plan. They face an arduous journey back home, but they are determined to help other sea turtles stranded on the beaches of Cape Cod. Paulie The Piping Plover's Sea Turtle Rescue: A Martha's Vineyard Tale is a charming, illustrated picture book by author Christy Burbidge. When three friends learn that Sarah the sea turtle is missing, they will stop at nothing to find her. With strength and determination, the friends work together to find Sarah. Inspired by the work of the Rescue Center, the friends hatch an innovative plan to help other sea turtles. This is an inspiring and engaging picture book for young readers, with an adorable cast of characters and charming illustrations Mary Jo Helchowski. Perfect for young children who love birds, sea turtles and other sea creatures, as well as for budding explorers and conservationists. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An inspiring and engaging tale, with an adorable cast of characters, charming illustrations, and an important message about friendship and ocean conservation. Purchase here

< Back Nancy Jean Exploring is NOT for Me!: A Humorous, Perspective-Taking Outdoor Adventure for Kids George is not looking forward to the outdoor adventure at the ‘Ruffin It Camphound’, planned by his mom. He thinks it will be dull and boring. Gemma, on the other hand, is super excited and looking forward to playing with her paw friends in the park. When they arrive at the campsite, Gemma puts on her special spy glasses to look for treasure, while George is reluctant to leave his tent. ‘Exploring is NOT for me!’ George cries. Poor George cannot get comfortable in his bed and is not having the best time at camp. The next day, while Gemma is out searching for treasure, George notices she has left her special spy glasses behind. He heads out to find her, and reluctantly becomes involved in the search. He doesn’t like the cold water, or climbing the rocks, but he is determined to help Gemma win the grand prize. With a little guidance from Gemma, George conquers his fears and soon discovers that outdoor adventures are not so dull and boring after all. Exploring is NOT for Me!: A Humorous, Perspective-Taking Outdoor Adventure for Kids is a fun and interactive picture book for young readers by author Nancy Jean. The book follows the adventures of George, a pup who does not enjoy the outdoors. George is a cute and funny little pup, with a unique personality. He knows what he likes, and will not be forced into anything he doesn’t like! Many young children do not enjoy certain activities, and the book provides reassurance that it is okay not to join in. It will give young ones the confidence to say no, and to sit out when they don’t feel comfortable in an activity, but it will also help them to develop the courage to try out new activities. With lots of fun facts and interactive activities, this is the perfect book to get children interested in the outdoors. I particularly enjoyed the whimsical illustrations by Lucy Shin, who captured George’s unique personality perfectly. A joy to read for both children and adults, and I hope there will be more adventures of George and Gemma to come very soon. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fun and humorous interactive picture book, about a cute little pup who attempts to conquer his fears of the outdoors. Purchase here

< Back Kelly Cheek Gazing Into the Abyss Spirit medium, Suzy Quinn, returns in the fourth book in the SpiritSense series. Suzy Quinn and Fin MacKinley decide to move in together, after three years dating. It’s been a tough few years for Suzy, after losing both her husband, Mark, and daughter, Emma, in a tragic boating accident several years previously. Suzy is a spirit medium and able to connect with the spirit world. She found notoriety in the media and was dubbed a ‘ghost whisperer’ for her ability to talk to ghosts. But despite her unique ability, she has not been able to connect with either her own husband or her daughter. The couple settle into their new living arrangements and Fin proposes to Suzy. As they look forward to spending the rest of their lives together, Suzy is contacted by the mother of an old friend, Joan Rossi. Joan explains that her daughter, Michelle, recently passed away and has been haunting her ever since. Michelle has asked her mother to call Suzy Quin, the ghost whisperer. Suzy agrees to help Joan, and within a few minutes of entering her home, she connects with Michelle’s spirit. Through her spiritual connection with Michelle, Suzy is able to see her flashbacks, and her memories of other dead people. She soon discovers that Michelle dated her husband Mark, long before Suzy had met him. Through Michelle, Suzy is able to feel, converse and experience the man she deeply loved. As Suzy continues to support Joan, in order to experience her dead husband, she questions whether marrying Fin is the right thing to do. Suzy witnesses Michelle’s flashbacks to her troubled life with her mother, her turbulent relationship with Mark, her addictions to alcohol, drugs and sex, and her devastating illness. During the final weeks of Michelle’s life, Suzy learns that her unfinished business is actually with her, and finally discovers the real truth about her death. Gazing Into the Abyss is a supernatural thriller, by author Kelly Cheek and the fourth book in the SpiritSense series. This is a gripping, page-turning thriller, about a woman who has a unique ability to connect with the spirit world. When the mother of an old friend contacts her, she gets to reconnect with the man she once deeply loved. The scenes where she observes her husband in his previous relationship are both heart-breaking and heart-warming. The characters are well developed, and the plot is well-crafted. Full of intrigue, mystery and suspense, this book was hard to put down. I had not read any of the previous books in the series, and could easily follow and enjoy the story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping, page-turning supernatural thriller, full of intrigue, mystery and suspense. Purchase here

< Back Laura Lee Rittman Lucky Ruby - A Hanukkah and Christmas Holiday Book The holidays are approaching, and Ruby’s mom and dad are busy decorating the house, but Ruby doesn’t feel as excited as she usually would. Ruby invited her friend, Violet, to her house for a holiday party, and Ruby overheard Violet talking to another girl about Ruby celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas. Ruby is sad and wonders whether she did the right thing inviting Violet to her home. When Violet arrives, she is initially apprehensive, but soon gets involved in the celebrations. She enjoys cooking latkes with Ruby’s Bubbie, making Christmas Charade medals with Ruby’s cousin, helps Ruby’s mom light the candles on the menorah, and plays spin the dreidel with the entire family. Violet enjoys the party and recognises how lucky Ruby is to celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. Lucky Ruby - A Hanukkah and Christmas Holiday Book, is a sweet and charming holiday picture book for young readers, by author Laura Lee Rittman. The book follows the story of Ruby who is worried about her friend visiting her home after she overheard her talking about her celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas. Violet is welcomed by Ruby’s family and joins in the celebrations, soon realising that celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas is not so weird after all. The author skilfully blends the two holidays, showing how Ruby’s family decorates the Christmas tree and also lights the menorah for Hanukkah. It is a wonderful introduction to the key holiday traditions of both the Jewish and Christian faiths, and shows how both holidays can be celebrated together. The illustrations by Cennet Kapkac are filled with warm and cosy family holiday scenes, which bring the festivities to life. This is a perfect picture book to share in preparation for the holiday season, and would also make a great Hanukkah or Christmas gift. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A sweet, charming and touching multi-cultural picture book, which celebrates friendship, family and faith in all its forms. Purchase here

< Back Timothy Frazier Lauren The Cow A little cow with a big dream, by author Timothy Frazier Lauren, a Jersey cow, lives on a farm in the countryside. When she grows up, she wants to be a jumping cow. But cows don’t jump, her mum tells her. Undeterred, Lauren is determined to become a jumping cow. So, every day, Lauren trains very hard and climbs up and down the hill to make her legs stronger. Tim the Fox helps Lauren train, and she starts to jump over small obstacles, starting with a single blade of grass. As Lauren becomes more confident, she attempts to jump over a fence. But she is not quite ready, and crashes into the fence, headfirst. Lauren is sad, and doesn’t think she will ever become a jumping cow, but with a little help and encouragement from Tim, she picks herself up and starts training again. The other farm animals notice her training, and cheer her on. Little by little, Lauren gets stronger and stronger, and her jumps get higher and higher, until eventually she jumps high over the fence. But Lauren doesn’t stop there! What will she jump over next? And how high can she go? Lauren the Cow is a charming, illustrated picture book, by author Timothy Frazier, about a little cow with a big dream. Cows are not made for jumping, everyone tells her. But Lauren is strong, confident and determined. She doesn’t listen to those who tell her she can’t do it, and she trains hard to follow her dream. But Lauren knows she cannot achieve her dream on her own, and with a little help from her friend Tim and the other farmyard animals, Lauren does eventually succeed. She perseveres when others tell her it is not possible, and she keeps going despite setbacks. The book demonstrates that hard work pays off, and will help encourage young children to follow their dreams. It will help to develop confidence, strength and resilience in young readers. Lauren the Cow is a cute character, and the illustrations by Meritxell Andreu are delightful. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A charming picture book, with an adorable little cow, that will help to develop confidence, strength and resilience in young readers. Purchase here

< Back B.V. Glants Half Notes from Berlin A historical fiction novel about the beginning of the Nazi regime, by author B.V. Glants One hundred- and two-year-old Hans, a half-Jew, half-German, veteran of the second world war, vowed never to speak about his life during the Third Reich. But, facing isolation during the Covid19 pandemic lockdown, he decided to tell his story of the beginning of the Nazi regime. Hans recalls his youth in 1933, shortly after Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany and new laws were passed to control the ‘undesirables’ of society. In 1933, fifteen-year-old Hans barely even notices the divisions in society until one day his teacher rages about the Jews and tears down the national flag of Germany, replacing it with a large swastika. Hans believes he and his family are true-blooded Germans, and are safe from persecution, as he witnesses increasing hostility towards the Jewish community and his Jewish classmates. When Hans overhears a conversation between his parents, he learns of his true Jewish heritage, as his maternal grandparents converted from Judaism to Christianity before his birth. As Hans tries to keep his Jewish ancestry secret, he takes a stand against the brutality of the regime, and befriends and falls in love with a local Jewish girl, Rebecca. But as tensions grow at home and at school, Hans is forced to abandon his relationship with Rebecca and is pressured, and eventually tricked, into joining the Hitler Youth. Half Notes from Berlin is a moving, historical fiction novel set in 1933 about a young boy coming of age during the beginning of the Nazi regime. Beautifully written by B.V. Glants, the story is told through the eyes of fifteen-year-old Hans, as he comes to terms with his Jewish heritage and navigates life in a frightening new world. Hans experiences a number of major events in a relatively short period of time: learning of his secret Jewish ancestry, his first kiss and first love, the decline of his family’s business, and his mother’s illness. All set against the backdrop of the violence and brutality of the Nazi regime. Glants describes Hans inner turmoil and despair respectfully and with compassion, as he grapples with his conscience whether to conform and protect himself and his family, or whether to stand up against the oppressive regime. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written and moving historical fiction novel about a young boy coming of age during the beginning of the Nazi regime. Purchase here

< Back Deborah Erdmann and Kate Jungwirth Haunted Hemlock Book blurb... Dominic and his friends are invited back to Point Beach for the holidays to await the ghostly apparition of the Christmas Tree Ship. It soon becomes clear there are more mysteries that need solving, when the owner of a nearby cabin sees dead people and the hauntings have spread to the small town of Two Rivers. When a ghost hunter is called to the scene, the young detectives become entangled in a spirited effort to solve this spooky case. Will they be able to scare the ghosts away in time for a Christmas miracle? Purchase here