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< Back Ona Gritz Everywhere I Look A heart wrenching memoir by Ona Gritz about the tragic death of her sister, Angie Boggs. Ona Gritz’ older sister, Andrea (Angie) Gritz Boggs, her partner, infant son, and unborn child were brutally murdered by a couple that were visiting their home. Their bodies were dumped in a crawl space beneath their house and were not discovered until over six weeks after their disappearance. Several decades after Angie’s death and tormented by childhood memories and guilt for not standing up for her sister, Gritz set out to find out more about Angie’s life and tragic death. She examines court documents and official school records and decides to write a memoir, addressed to her sister. Gritz recalls her childhood, growing up with Angie, six years her senior. Angie was adopted by Gritz’ parents as a baby and Gritz always believed she was treated unfavourably by her parents, particularly her mother. Gritz recalls ‘Our roles were clear to us. I was our parents’ good girl. You were a devilish force. The sisters were close during childhood and Gritz describes her sister as both a ‘tormentor and protector.’ Gritz adored Angie, but the sisters grew apart during Gritz’ teen years, when Angie was frequently away from home. Through her research, Gritz learns about Angie’s birth and early years, her schooling, and how she was abused at a very young age. She learns that Angie spent time in mental institutions and correctional facilities during her teen years and had a drug addiction. As Gritz discovers the truth about her sister’s adoption, she uncovers family secrets that had been buried for many years. Everywhere I Look is a poignant memoir by Ona Gritz about the life and death of her older sister, Angie Boggs. Written as a letter to her sister, the first love of her life, the book allowed Gritz to connect with her sister, and come to terms with her own grief. The detachment and numbness Gritz experienced for many years was a symptom of PTSD and survivor syndrome. The process of writing the memoir helped Gritz find the path towards healing. The memoir is a loving tribute to Angie and a testament to the unique and unbreakable bond between sisters. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A stunning and deeply moving exploration of grief and healing, beautifully told by Gritz with raw honesty and vulnerability. Purchase here

< Back Caryn Rivadeneira Monster Match: Frankinschool Book 1 Fred meets his monster match. Fred is given a book by his teacher, following an author visit, which is inscribed to a Frank. It is a mystery, as Fred definitely recalls his mom asking for the inscription for Fred. In creative writing, the class is asked to write a story about What if...? Fred looks at his new book and has an idea. What if I am Frank in school? Frank-in-school? Frankinschool? As Fred starts to pen his story, a green mist covers the classroom, the children fall asleep, and Fred discovers that his story has come to life. He is magically transformed into Frankinschool, and his enemy, Luisa, has also transformed into Princess Maria Luisa Octavia. The pair learn that they must work together to solve the mystery of green mist to wake their classmates. Frankinschool and Princess visit the school attic, where they find a laboratory infested with bats, mice, and a rather friendly ghost, named Frank. Frank has invented a potion to send children to sleep so that he can steel their books. Frank wants his book back and will do anything to get it! Will Frankinschool and Princess recover the book before Frank finds it? Will Frank ever escape from the confines of the attic? And can they wake their classmates from their slumber? Monster Match: Frankinschool Book 1 by author Caryn Rivadeneira is a funny and entertaining chapter book for middle grade readers about a young boy who writes a story and is suddenly transformed into Frankinschool in his creative writing class. He must join forces with his number one enemy, to help him solve the mystery and return back to his human self. This is a unique and imaginative book, and will appeal to children who enjoy fantasy, adventure, and suspense. A great first instalment of a planned series, and I look forward to more adventures from Frankinschool and Princess. The wonderful black and white illustrations by Dani Jones complement the story perfectly. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A funny, entertaining, and slightly spooky chapter book for middle grade readers. Purchase here

< Back Jeffrey Hope Real Spies Don't Use Rowboats It is 1976 and the first day of summer in Cricket Cove, a small town on the coast of Maine. The Hassenfuss brothers are planning a summer of spy-filled adventure in their homemade rowboat. Fifth-grader John and fourth-grader Sam are spies in training and members of their own James Bond Society. When their dad buys an outboard motor, the brothers plan to use it on their boat, to explore the bay and hone their spy skills. But when their mom announces a work conference in New York, the boys are taken on an unexpected road trip to the big city. Family friends, the Johnsons, stay in their house while their own house is being renovated. The Hassenfuss family explore the sights of New York, and the brothers meet a real-life detective who gives them a special investigative training manual. But, when the boys return home to Cricket Cove, with a plan to try out their new spy skills, they soon discover that the Johnson family have broken a cardinal rule that could ruin the rest of their summer. Real Spies Don't Use Rowboats is a chapter book for newly independent readers, by author Jeffrey Hope. Set in 1976, the book follows the Hassenfuss brothers as they embark on a summer break filled with discovery, adventure and brotherly bonds. The brothers spend their days on their trusty rowboat, pretending to be spies on secret missions. Hope captures the essence of the 1970s, and the innocence and curiosity of childhood, beautifully. Full of brotherly love and lots of banter, this is a timeless story that will transport readers back to a simpler time, defined by outdoor adventures, imaginative play, and community spirit. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A gentle, funny and nostalgic tale, beautifully capturing the joy of summer during childhood. Purchase here

Overcoming Deepest Grief, A Woman's Journey - Grief, Acceptance, Gratitude and Joy < Back Mary Aviyah Farkas Overcoming Deepest Grief, A Woman's Journey - Grief, Acceptance, Gratitude and Joy A collection of essays, prose, and poems, from author Mary Aviyah Farkas, following her journey through unimaginable loss, to acceptance, gratitude, and joy. Overcoming Deepest Grief, a Woman’s Journey: Grief, Acceptance, Gratitude and Joy is a collection of essays, prose, and poems by author Mary Aviyah Farkas. The book was written by Mary following the death of her beloved sister, and wife of eighteen years within a six-month period, and the trauma she experiences as she leaves her cherished home and builds a new life in Southern California. The collection follows Mary’s personal journey from the depths of depression and grief, through to acceptance, gratitude, and joy. We learn of Mary’s history, her connection with God, and her experiences of being a lesbian woman in the twenty first century. We see Mary build a new life, make new friends, connect with family, experience the joy from the simple things in life, and find new love. This book is a deeply intimate and emotional memoir of one woman’s journey through life, and her experiences of love and unimaginable loss. It gives hope and comfort to anyone who is experiencing grief and depression that they can live a fulfilling life and love again. This is a beautiful book, and a moving tribute to Mary’s wife, sister, and friends. Written by Mary during a turbulent thirteen-year period, and told through Mary’s unadulterated words, this is a book of pure, raw emotion. It is a deeply moving book, and it brought a tear to my eye on several occasions. Whilst the book is targeted at teens, it is equally suitable for adults. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A deeply intimate and emotional memoir of one woman’s journey through life, love, and loss. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Jim Lichtman Trust and Confidence: The 1998 Battle between the Secret Service and Ken Starr Author Jim Lichtman presents fascinating new insights into the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal Trust and Confidence: The 1998 Battle Between the Secret Service and Ken Starr is a political, non-fiction book by author Jim Lichtman about the investigation into the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal. In 1998, independent counsel KenW. Starr, issued a motion to compel Lewis Merletti, the former Director of the US Secret Service, and agents on the president’s protective detail, to testify about what they had heard or seen in relation to President Clinton’s intimate relationship with Lewinsky. It was the first time in history a director of the Secret Service was asked to testify against a sitting president. Merletti challenged Starr’s motion, arguing that due to the nature of the job, the President must have absolute confidence and trust in the agents of the Secret Service. Compelling an agent to testify against a President on anything other than a criminal act, would undermine trust and confidence, the basic tenet of the Secret Service, and threaten the very survival of the agency. With the support of all living former directors of the Secret Service, the upper echelon of the Department of Justice, and the former president George H.W. Bush, Merletti battled Starr’s Office of Independent Counsel for six months, taking the case all the way to the Supreme Court. The book is a tense political drama, presenting fascinating new insights into the legal battle between Starr’s Office of Independent Counsel and the upper echelon of the Department of Justice, following the Clinton-Lewinsky affair. Based on over twelve years of research by the author Jim Lichtman, including interviews with Lewis Merletti, documents from Merletti’s personal files, and other documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping, well-written and extensively researched book, which will appeal to readers of political drama and historic non-fiction. Purchase here

Emos, Posers, Goths, & Haters < Back John Randall Emos, Posers, Goths, & Haters Book blurb... There are Rules! Andrea Cox heads into her Senior Year of High School at Evergreen High, just outside of Seattle, on top of the world. Her initiation into the Empresses is a foregone conclusion. The Empresses are at the top of the food chain of the eight different cliques. Andrea's ambition may get the better of her as she tries to outshine the clique's president, Charlotte Davis. As the winter semester turns to spring, the old wounds of Evergreen High of what is known as 'The Reckoning' cast a disturbing shadow leading up to Prom. Will Andrea's ever-increasing need for popularity and social media success be her undoing? Meanwhile, bullying has consequences! Purchase here

< Back M. E. Torrey Fox Creek Book blurb... The beloved, biracial daughter of a Louisiana planter is sold into slavery and must somehow survive while caught between the world of the white elite and the brutality of slavery. Purchase here

< Back Julia Coldicott Just Being Fred A funny and charming picture book about diversity and inclusion, from author Julia Coldicott Frederick looks like a frog. He is green and slimy, has big bug-like eyes and can jump high in the sky. But more than anything in the world Frederick would like to be a duck. He feels like a duck on the inside, so why can’t he be a duck? Frederick’s frog friends disagree. They laugh at him and repeatedly tell him that he is a frog, and a frog he shall stay. Until one day, poor little Frederick, lonely and upset, talks to his mum and dad, and explains that he thinks he is a duck. His parents accept his desire to be a duck with open arms. “If you feel like a duck in your body, dear Fred, then a duck you shall be. It’s your life!” They both said. Brave Frederick returns to his friends beaming with confidence and tells them he will live as a duck just as he feels. Beautifully written by Coldicott, with sumptuous rhyme and repetition that younger will love. I imagine this book will be a bedtime favourite, as young children will love to shout aloud to ‘You’re a frog!’ ‘No, I’m not,’ ‘Yes, you are,’ which is repeated throughout the book. The illustrations by Lily Baron are adorable and funny. Young children will giggle at Frederick in some silly situations, and his many attempts to swim and fly like a duck. This is a sweet and charming picture book with an important message about equality, diversity, and inclusion. It will help children to understand the importance of self-acceptance, and of accepting others just the way they are. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A sweet and charming picture book, with an important message about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We loved it. Everyone needs to be more like Fred! A SILVER WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Jackie Ewing Life Lessons from a Late Bloomer - Vignettes of a Small-Town Girl A fascinating journey of self-discovery, by author Jackie Ewing Life Lessons from a Late Bloomer - Vignettes of a Small-Town Girl is an intimate memoir by Canadian author Jackie Ewing about her life, loves and adventures, from a small town to the big wide world. The book follows her journey from student to teacher, mother and wife; and across the globe as she travelled extensively from Canada to Kuwait, Mexico, London and beyond. Ewing talks about her experiences of teaching all over the world, her love of children and her passion and dedication to the profession. She recalls fond and funny memories of teaching ‘her kids’, and how even in the most challenging times, she attempted to bring joy into the classroom. She talks about many challenging situations throughout her life, including the breakup of her marriage, and a terrifying scare with breast cancer. All told with love, affection, and lots of humour. There are many wild and funny moments, including her first foray into a strip club, and an encounter with a wild bear while pregnant. The book comprises ten chapters, each with a life lesson at the end of the chapter. The key life lessons are: Embrace yourself; Choose people who value you; Go the extra mile; Adapt and be flexible; Suck all the marrow out of life; Get down off that high horse; Bet on yourself; Just keep getting back up; What other people think of you is none of your business. For many of us, life can be tough, unforgiving, demanding and relentless, and these are wise lessons to live by. As a forty-something woman myself, I wished I had this advice twenty years ago! Overall, this is a light-hearted, fun and inspiring self-help book, full of anecdotes and useful advice from a woman who has lived life well. Ewing writes with such honesty, warmth and humour, and it was a joy to read. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy self help books, humorous fiction and women’s fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A light-hearted, fun and inspiring self-help book. A joy to read and highly recommended. Purchase here

Author Ellen Dee Davidson creates an enchanting and magical world < Back Ellen Davidson WIND It’s a very strange day for sixth-grader Katie. Her classmates mock her as she thinks she hears the old oak tree outside her classroom window talk to her, and later at home she senses her beloved cat, Sasha, is trying to tell her something. Then without any warning, an earthquake strikes the town and Katie falls through a crack in the floor and into the deep dark basement below. But when Katie awakens from the fall, she finds herself in a strange and mysterious world. She encounters Za, a grumpy alien from a far distant planet, also lost in the strange new world. The only hope for the pair is to find the elusive Winged Ones, hidden away in the Golden Hills at the far corner of the planet. Katie reluctantly joins Za on the journey quest, and she is given a charm bracelet to help guide her on the journey. Accompanied by Kira, a friendly lion, the pair set off on a perilous journey, through forests and meadows, deep caves, and rivers. There are many dangers along the way, and the new friends must fend off river monsters and flying beasts, fish men and flower fairies. Katie soon discovers she has a special power to talk to all the creatures featured on her charm bracelet. But as Za is captured, Katie must use all of her strength and courage to resist the powerful forces of the Poison One, to save her friend and herself. Wind is a wonderfully written, faced-paced, fantasy story for young middle grade readers. Ellen Dee Davidson creates a magical and enchanting world, and takes the reader on an extraordinary journey, packed full of amazing characters and fascinating scenes. The main character is well developed, and readers will relate to her journey and her personal struggles, as they learn more about her life at home. The book was gripping, entertaining and full of unexpected twists and turns - a real page-turner and hard to put down! Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A wonderful, faced-paced, fantasy story, packed full of amazing characters and fascinating scenes. A SILVER winner and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Deanna Chesley What If We Had A Pet Shark? A fun, rhyming, picture book by author Deanna Chesley, with a rather terrifying question. What if…? Ellie returns from a field trip to the zoo. She has a very big and quite terrifying question. A question, she is too afraid to ask. A question, she is too afraid to know the answer. What if we had a pet shark? Ellie reluctantly asks her momma. Or a crocodile, a giraffe, or a skunk? Ellie imagines what might happen if she brought home some scary and very unusual pets. Will they help around the house, or will they create mess and chaos, Ellie ponders? As she snuggles down to sleep with her beloved pooch, Ellie soon realises that the best pet is the one snuggled up right beside her. This illustrated picture book will have younger children laughing out loud and squirming in their seats! The story is based on a typical question that a young child might ask, and will help spark the imagination and further conversations. What if…? Written in rhyme by Deanna Chesley, with stunning, vibrant illustrations that will entice younger readers by Roksana Barwinska. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘This fabulously fun picture book will have children laughing out loud and squirming in their seats. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Ruthie Marlenée And Still Her Voice Book blurb... It’s Easter, 1967, when Anna LeMar, a lonely half-Mexican teen, stabs her father and runs away, but she’s not alone. Grandma Phoebe, her dead white grandmother, has colonized her brain and hitched along in a mental sidecar for the ride of their lifetime. Anna has also inherited Grandma’s musical talent and so reluctant travel companions, they navigate the world with Anna’s guitar strapped to her back and the knife she used on her father strapped to her leg. On the road, Anna encounters all sorts of characters and begins to discover her own voice as she searches for a way to cut the strings that bind her to Grandma Phoebe. Set during the Summer of Love and the tumultuous 60s, this coming-of-age speculative story chases history through Anna’s adventures and quest for love. A generational family drama, it’s also a story of mothers, daughters, granddaughters, and the ties that bind us for generations. Purchase here