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< 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 Jamie Andrea Garzot Unconventional A Memoir of Entrepreneurism Politics and Pot A unique and personal memoir by cannabis advocate and entrepreneur, Jamie Andrea Garzot Unconventional, A Memoir of Entrepreneurism, Politics, and Pot is a memoir by Jamie Andrea Garzot about her experience of setting up and running a medical cannabis store in conservative, Northern California. Garzot explains how she was not a typical cannabis user or part of ‘cannabis heritage’, but used cannabis to help her sleep during episodes of insomnia. As a user of cannabis for medicinal purposes, her experience of purchasing cannabis was not good. Typical stores were unfriendly, intimidating, dirty, and hidden away in back-alleyways. In 2009, she risked it all to leave her secure, corporate job and opened a cannabis store, seven years before full legalisation. Her goal was to create a store that was accessible and welcoming to anyone, regardless of their cannabis experience or background. Her driving force was delivering a great experience for every customer. Garzot describes how she set up the business with minimal funds, and how she went on to lead a successful, multi-million-dollar business. She discusses the many business and leadership challenges she faced, and how she navigated the complex and changing legal landscape. Garzot shares a number of stories of how cannabis played a therapeutic role for clients with Aids, Cancer, and other addictions. Garzot became an advocate for cannabis and worked tirelessly to improve the industry and further the legitimization of cannabis in society. However, whilst the business was thriving, Garzot faced many personal challenges. She discusses openly her childhood and the enduring impact of her mom’s death, her tumultuous marriage and divorce. Unconventional, A Memoir of Entrepreneurism, Politics, and Pot is a memoir by Jamie Andrea Garzot about how she made a successful and profitable business in the cannabis industry. This is an insightful and absorbing memoir by an inspirational woman who has shown, with a strong vision, hard work, commitment, and dogged determination, that anything is possible. This is a well written and fascinating book, with some heartfelt moments and lots of humor. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy memoirs, and those who are interested in enterprise, leadership, and the cannabis industry. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A riveting read about an inspirational woman who made her fortune in an unconventional business. Purchase here

< Back Laurie Anne Zaleski Travels with Ariel - What's up in Baker Lake? Can a young scientist rescue injured caribou and repair a twenty-year-old borehole? Eleven-year-old Ariel is passionate about the earth, rocks, and science. After winning first place in an International Science Fair at school, she is selected for a HER ( Headquarters of Environmental Resolution) mentorship program . As part of the program, she has the opportunity to work alongside real scientists and be part of a real-life scientific investigation. She is given an assignment in Baker Lake, Canada, and travels with her mom and beloved dog, Champ, to a site on the very edge of the Arctic Circle. She meets her mentor, a world-renowned geomorphologist Dr Bryce, and learns that several caribou have been injured near a damaged borehole on the Arctic Tundra. Her mission is to work with the scientists to investigate, repair, and recalibrate the old borehole and safeguard the migrating caribou. Ariel and the team trek to the site and find an injured caribou and her young calf. They secure the site and take the injured caribou back to the town for treatment. As the caribou are treated, the scientists attempt to repair the borehole, so it can continue to capture important data about the terrain. Will the caribou recover from their injuries? Can they be released back into the wild to continue their journey? And will the team be able to repair the twenty-year-old borehole to secure the site for future generations? Travels with Ariel - What's up in Baker Lake? by author Laurie Anne Zaleski is a chapter book for newly independent readers about a young girl who goes on a scientific adventure of a lifetime to the Arctic Tundra. Ariel is a charming, likeable, and fun character, with a love for geology and conservation, and a passion for adventure. Her journey is inspiring, as she wins a contest and fulfils her dream to be involved in a real-life scientific investigation. The book is full of interesting facts and figures about the earth, geology, and science in general, and will encourage young readers to explore more about these fascinating subjects. I hope this book will inspire a love of STEM, and the next generation of geologists and scientists. Fascinating, insightful, and inspiring. Who said rocks were boring? Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful, inspiring story about a young geologist who goes on an amazing adventure to the Arctic Tundra, Purchase here

< Back Jessica Lee Anderson Naomi Nash: Saving Snakes Naomi and her friends set up a new club to rescue snakes in their neighborhood. Naomi’s mom is a veterinarian at the Austin Exotic Animal Hospital, and often brings home animals for rehabilitation. This time her mom is bringing home a five-foot-long, western rat snake, that had accidently swallowed two ceramic eggs. Naomi is looking forward to meeting the creature, but her brother Nolan is not interested in the slightest. Naomi names the snake Beauty and her mom shows her how to take care of the snake. Naomi decides to set up a snake rescue club, Naomi Nash Saves Snakes in a Dash, with Nolan and her friend, Emma. After Naomi completes a quiz to prove she is responsible enough to rescue snakes, her parents permit her to set up the club as a trial run. But their neighbor, Taylor, isn’t too keen on snakes and objects to a snake rescue club on their street. Undeterred, the snake rescuers advertise their services and get their first job, to rescue a plain-bellied water snake that is trapped by a neighbors pool. They also rescue a DeKay’s brownsnake stuck to a glue trap in the neighbours garage. Naomi Nash: Saving Snakes is an illustrated chapter book by author Jessica Lee Anderson, part of the Naomi Nash series. The book follows a little girl who is inspired by her mom’s veterinary work and decides to set up a club to rescue snakes. This is a fun, entertaining and educational book, full of interesting snake facts that will help young readers learn more about snakes, and other wildlife. Naomi is a cute and charming character and a positive role model for young readers. She has a sense of adventure, a love of wildlife, and a strong community and entrepreneurial spirit. I hope this book will encourage even the most snake-phobic readers to take an interest in these fascinating creatures. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more about Naomi Nash and her amazing adventures. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An entertaining and educational book, with a cute and charming protagonist. Purchase here

< Back Susan Justice Children Who Dance in the Rain Sophie learns important life lessons on a trip to India, by author Susan Justice Sophie wakes up tired and is in a bad mood. She doesn’t want to go to school, and she refuses to eat her fruit for breakfast. She demands her mother drives her to school because it’s raining. Later the same day, Sophie’s mom tells her they are planning a family trip to India to see her grandmother. When she finally arrives at her grandmother’s house in a village in India, Sophie is shocked at how different it is to her own home. Sophie complains about the lack of cleanliness and lack of Wi-Fi, and asks to stay somewhere else. Sophie meets a girl named Nanaki, carrying lots of plastic trash in a bag. Nanaki explains that she has no parents and is collecting plastic to help buy food for her younger brother who is ill. Sophie visits Nanaki’s home, a house made of mud. Nanaki explains that she doesn’t have money for toys, but loves to play and dance under the night sky with the other children. Sophie soon realises how lucky and privileged she is to live in a nice home with plentiful food. Suddenly, it starts to rain, and Sophie joins in with Nanaki and the other children as they dance barefoot in the mud and rain. Returning home, Sophie discovers that happiness doesn’t come from material possessions, but from being grateful for what you have and sharing it with others. Children Who Dance in the Rain is an illustrated picture book by author and legal advocate Susan Justice. This is a wonderful, entertaining and educational picture book, which teaches younger children important life-lessons about gratitude, kindness and humility. This is a great resource for parents, carers and teachers to start conversations with younger children about privilege and will make a great addition to home and pre-school libraries. I particularly liked the book was partly set in India, and the diversity of the story and images presented. The artwork by Lena Bardy is bright, vibrant and mesmerising, which brings the culture of India to life beautifully. Simply stunning. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful, entertaining and educational picture book, about gratitude, kindness and humility, with stunning artwork. Purchase here

< Back Kristen Niedzielski A Bee In A Big Universe A bee discovers just how little he really is, in comparison to the universe. Brian is a very busy, and very fast bee. His friend, Sam the Snail, challenges Brian to fly to the end of the universe. Brian is confused, he has only ever known the meadow where he lives, and that is big enough. Brian asks his mom, What is the universe, and how big could it be? His mom explains that the universe is far bigger than the meadow, and much higher than the sun. It includes millions of planets and stars, and only some can be seen in the night sky. She explains that the universe is so big, no one has seen it all, and no one knows where it ends. Brian tries to fly as far as he can to reach the end of the universe, but his wings soon get tired, and he doesn’t get very far. When Brian explains to Sam just how vast the universe is, Sam apologises to his friend for being mean. One evening, Brian watches all the sparkling stars in the night sky and realises that he is a very small bee, in a very big universe. His mom teaches him about the solar system, and the names of all the planets. Brian decides that he would like to be a scientist bee when he grows up, and study the stars, moons, and the planets in the solar system. A Bee in a Big Universe is an entertaining and insightful picture book, written and illustrated by Kristen Niedzielski. This is a fun, engaging and accessible picture book that will help younger children learn about the universe and help build vocabulary about the solar system, planets, and seasons. The book provides additional resources for parents and carers and will hopefully inspire young children to learn more about science and astronomy. The digital illustrations are bright, fun and attractive for the target reader group. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, engaging and accessible picture book for younger readers about the solar system and the universe. 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

< Back Srdjan Macanovic Bridge Between Two Worlds: From Sarajevo to London Book blurb... Bridge Between Two Worlds is a luminous literary memoir, tracing an extraordinary journey from the siege of Sarajevo to the operating rooms and quiet beaches of Australia. At once intimate and universal, it explores how knowledge, compassion, and memory can rebuild a life shattered by war. It traces a remarkable journey - from the besieged streets of Sarajevo to the halls of Cambridge and the healing shores of Australia. Through war and exile, loss and renewal, Dr. Macanovic weaves a deeply human story of resilience, compassion, and the search for belonging. Blending memoir, reflection, and philosophy, Bridge Between Two Worlds: a Doctor's Journey from Sarajevo to London builds literal and metaphorical bridges - between East and West, past and present, science and spirit, and above all, between pain and hope. Purchase here

< Back E.N. Chanting Origin of Violet Origin of Violet by E.N. Chanting is a haunting and emotionally charged novella that delves into the harrowing journey of Violet, a twelve-year-old girl who endures unimaginable abuse and trauma. The story begins with Violet taking a drastic and violent step to escape her abusive stepfather, she calls "The Beast." The opening chapter is raw and unsettling, plunging readers into Violet's dark and chaotic world. As the story unfolds, Violet must face the consequences of her actions, including legal battles, therapy, and confinement in a psychiatric ward. Despite her traumatic past, Violet's sharp wit and determination shine through, making her a compelling and multidimensional protagonist. E.N. Chanting portrays the long road to healing, but due to the length of the novella there isn’t a great deal of time to capture the full psychological impact of the abuse on Violet. The novella doesn't shy away from the grim realities of Violet's experiences, but it also offers moments of hope and light, particularly through the relationships she forms with her therapist, attorney, and foster parents. These characters provide a sense of stability and love that helps Violet begin to rebuild her life. The author skilfully balances the dark themes with moments of humor, friendship, and hope, creating a story that is both heart-breaking and uplifting. Origin of Violet is a powerful and thought-provoking read that sheds light on the devastating impact of childhood abuse. It sets the stage for the continuation of Violet's story, leaving readers eager to see how she navigates her new life and confronts her past. The story will appeal to readers of thriller, horror, and realistic fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A haunting and emotionally charged novella about childhood abuse and the resilience of the human spirit. Purchase here

< Back Joanne Russo Insull Don't Follow Pino! Brothers, Dugan and Pino, escape their yard and are lost far away from home, by author Joanne Russo Insull This is a picture book for young readers about two dogs, brothers Dugan and Pino. Dugan loves to go on a walk with his mom and big brother, Pino. Every morning, they walk around their neighborhood and meet lots of new people. Dugan and Pino try to be on their best behavior when they walk on their leash, and if they are very lucky they might even receive a nice treat or two. When they are not out walking, they like to play outside in their back yard. The yard is locked and safe, and Dugan and Pino run and play with the squirrels and chipmunks. But one day, a workman who is fixing a pole behind the house, forgets to shut the gate. Pino suggests to Dugan that they go on a walk outside, without their mom. Dugan is reluctant, he knows they shouldn’t leave the yard alone, but Pino is persistent. Dugan is scared they will get lost, or get into big trouble, but he follows Pino through the gate and out into the street. He tells himself, “Don’t follow Pino!”, but he continues to follow him into a field, far away from home. As Dugan becomes more concerned, he hears his mom calling from the other side of the field. He turns around and sees her waving at the entrance, walking quickly towards them. But Pino thinks it’s a game, and he runs even further away. Suddenly, Dugan notices his mom turn around and walk slowly in the opposite direction. Dugan panics and decides to follow his mom rather than Pino. He runs as fast as he can to catch up with his mom, and Pino follows closely behind. Mom is happy to see her boys again, and quickly puts on their leashes. Dugan feels bad for scaring mom and promises never to run away again. Pino, on the other hand, has other ideas! Don't Follow Pino! by Joanne Russo Insull is a sweet picture book about a couple of mischievous dogs, who escape the safety of their back yard and become lost far away from home. Dugan is influenced by his older brother, Pino, and tags along even though he knows he shouldn’t. Mom eventually finds them, but Pino thinks it’s a game, and runs away. Mom’s quick reaction is to turn and walk in the opposite direction, to bring the boys safely home. Dugan and Pino are sweet and adorable characters, and younger children will enjoy reading about their exciting adventure. This is a fun read for the whole family, but there are some important messages for young people too, about peer pressure, following rules, personal safety. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet picture book about two mischievous pups, and a fun read for the whole family. Purchase here

< Back Stephanie Scott Tools to Cool Finding Ways to Cope Nini the bird helps readers find different ways to keep cool. Tools to Cool Finding Ways to Cope, by author Stephanie Scott, is an illustrated seek and find book for young readers, with tools to help them cope in stressful situations. On each page, a different situation, scenario, or emotion is presented, (ie, feeling stressed or worried at school, making new friends, or feeling angry or mad) and then provides a number of coping mechanisms, such as finding a quiet space to calm down and relax, deep breathing, or dancing. On each page, the reader is asked a number of questions, to help them find a solution that might work for them, and a ‘Can you find?’ bubble, which encourages readers to look for the item in the illustration. This also encourages positive action, by encouraging the reader to explore further in real life. There are over 20 coping tools and strategies hidden in the book. Tools to Cool Finding Ways to Cope is a unique and interactive seek and find book, where readers are encouraged to find coping tools and strategies that are hidden in the illustrations. This is a cleverly crafted book for young readers, which addresses the topic of coping with stress, with a fun and engaging activity. The book follows an endearing character, Nini the bird, as she navigates her way through different scenarios. The book is designed to be used independently by children, and will encourage readers to take control and develop their own coping mechanisms. It will also make an excellent resource for parents, carers, and teachers to discuss stress and coping mechanisms with young children. It will encourage open conversations about emotions, and teaches valuable life skills in an accessible and enjoyable way. Overall, a charming and educational illustrated book that not only entertains children, but also empowers them to handle stress in a positive and proactive manner. Star rating: 5 stars Summary: A unique and interactive seek and find book for young readers, which addresses the topic of coping with stress, with a fun and engaging activity. Purchase here

< Back Josh Weiss-Roessler Future Me and the VR Prison Book blurb... After losing her grandmother, eleven-year-old gamer Lu Jacobs retreats into the controlled world of her favorite VR game with her online team. But when her grizzled, middle-aged future self appears asking for help to stop an AI bent on trapping humanity inside a VR prison, Lu has no choice but to re-enter the real world, specifically Prescott Academy, a school for gifted students where the AI has planted a spy to seed the dangerous technology that will destroy the future. Realizing this isn’t a job for one person, Lu recruits her online teammates IRL. But she still has to juggle grief, friendship, and her secret mission, while navigating dazzling technology, suspicious classmates, and the growing fear that anyone, even her teachers, could be the AI spy. As they race to uncover the truth, Lu’s hardest task may be proving to herself that she’s more than the mistakes and losses she carries. Purchase here