Search Results

< Back Jodi Dee Energy Wars - The Awakening Myles is an average, almost fourteen year old, student at Whitmore Public School. It’s just an ordinary day at school when Myles notices something unusual. A huge, flaming ball of fire, bursts out of Tommy Milfoil’s mouth towards Sally Munson. Invisible to everyone except Myles, the fireballs fly across the school, like an energy war between the students. Myles notices how the intensity of the fireballs change, depending on the energy of the people. He can see peoples energy fields, and how one person can positively or negatively impact another person’s energy, just by being near them. Myles learns that everything on the planet has an energy field, and for humans, the positive things that make people happy, like friendship or love, can increase a person’s energy field. On the other hand, negative things, like the stress associated with an exam, can put a person’s energy field on high alert. Strangely, Myles is unable to see his Principal’s energy field. When Myles’ father gives him a number of boxes left to him by his late grandmother, he discovers she had a secret life and connections with a number of important, historical figures. As Myles sets out to uncover the truth about the peculiar energy wars, and his grandmother’s secret life, he soon discovers he has a special gift and an important, clandestine mission he must fulfil. Energy Wars - The Awakening, by author Jodi Dee, is a fun, fast-paced, sci-fi, adventure for middle grade readers. The book follows the journey of Myles, as he discovers he has a special gift and unique powers. Myles is a likeable character, with typical teen troubles, that many readers will relate to. The book centres not only on his powers, but also his friendships, as he tries to navigate his new world. With plenty of quantum physics for the most avid sci-fi readers, coupled with a bit of mystery and a lot of action, this story has all the right ingredients to make this a superb middle-grade novel. The book ends on a gripping cliff-hanger, and I hope there isn’t too long to wait for the next instalment! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A gripping and thought-provoking sci-fi novel for middle grade readers, full of action and adventure. Purchase here

< Back Dr Janice Cohn Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine When war breaks out in Ukraine, a young boy named Artem is sent away to Poland with his mother, while his father stays behind to fight in the army. Artem is scared and struggles to understand. He doesn’t want to leave his country or his father. Arriving in Poland, Artem and his mother are driven by volunteers to a Welcoming Center. At the centre, Artem and his mother meet a chef named Paulo working in the World Central Kitchen. A week later, they find a place to stay with a Polish family, but Artem will never forget the kindness shown by Paolo and the other volunteers. Meanwhile, a girl in America named Hannah wanted to help the war effort in Ukraine, but didn’t know how. She decides to raise money for the World Central Kitchen to help feed Ukrainian children. She makes potato pancakes, a Ukrainian treat and wraps them with yellow and blue ribbons, the official colors of Ukraine. She sells the ‘freedom pancakes’ in her neighbourhood and sends all the money straight to the World Central Kitchen. Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine is a powerful and heartfelt book by author Dr Janice Cohn, about the impact of war on Ukrainian children. The book connects the stories of a young boy from Ukraine who is forced to flee to Poland with his mother when the war breaks out, with the story of a young American girl who raises money to help feed Ukrainian children. Based on real-life experiences of Paulo and Hannah, Artem and his mother are composite characters. Cohn gently introduces young readers to the realities of war with empathy and compassion, and encourages others to support children in need across the world. The stunning illustrations by Ukrainian Yana Holubiatnikova, with hues of yellow and blue, capture the sombre mood of fear and displacement. They elevate this story into something unforgettable. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A timely and age appropriate exploration of the war in Ukraine, told from the perspective of children. Purchase here

< Back Kristin Nilsen Worldwide Crush: A Novel Rory Calhoun is a teen popstar with perfect teeth and messy hair who’s inspiring first crushes all over the globe. Millie Jackson is just one of the millions of fans who love him—but that doesn't mean her heart doesn't break for him every single day in this laugh-out-loud coming-of-age story. How many of Rory’s fans collect “data” about him in a special notebook hidden in their underwear drawer? Or have faked a fascination with whale migration for a chance to visit his hometown? Millie may not be Rory’s only fan at Susan B. Anthony Middle School, but she's convinced she's the biggest—and the best. Rory’s new song “Worldwide Crush” is climbing the charts, and his lyrics are clear: he’s looking for love—and he’s looking in the audience. Meaning Millie’s secret fantasies of running in the surf and eating waffles with him may not be crazy after all . . . she could be that girl! But first she has to get to his concert—his completely sold-out concert in a city nowhere near her home for which she does not have tickets or a ride. She just has to figure out how. Purchase here

< Back Nick Vakalopoulos There's Something About ROBINS The beautiful robin is captured in this children’s picture book, by author and wildlife photographer, Nick Vakalopoulos. There's Something About ROBINS follows a robin in its natural habitat, as it hops in the grass, searches for food, listens for predators, and prods the ground to find a worm or a bug. The robin soars through the sky before landing on the ground to feed its young. There's Something About ROBINS features glorious technicolour photographs of Robins in their natural environment, taken and edited by Vakalopoulos. This book is a great introduction to robins for young readers, but older readers will enjoy the photography too. We might be fortunate to spot a robin in nature, but we rarely get an opportunity to see a robin up close, and in this level of detail. The robin is a stunning bird, and the photographs wouldn’t look out of place on a festive greetings card. The book might inspire children and adults to grab their binoculars and explore birds in their natural habitats. While aimed at a younger audience, this book is a great reference for readers of all ages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A glorious book about the beautiful robin, and a perfect resource for wildlife enthusiasts. Purchase here

< Back Kate Mathos Georgie Karras and the Niddle of Nern In 1941, as Europe is ravaged by the second World War, a ten-year old girl from Chicago faces an entirely different battle. Georgia Karras’s father has enlisted in the army to help with the war effort, while Georgia discovers a strange green light emanating from her attic. Georgia and her best friend Sam follow the light and find a curious letter and a small bottle of pixie potion. They fall through the floorboards and find themselves in a strange world, known as the Kingdom of Nern. As Georgia and Sam try to make sense of their new world, they meet a pixie named Lizl and a purple ‘fuzzball’ creature named Ned. They learn that many years ago, the current King of Nern began a war with the rightful Queen Aurelia. Georgia and Sam are sent on a perilous quest across Nern to find a mysterious amulet and to right the wrongs perpetrated by the King. On the journey, Georgia discovers that her father’s involvement in the war effort was not quite what she was led to believe. As Georgia tries to find the truth about her father, and restore the rightful queen on the throne, the Kings Guard and evil Leechers will stop at nothing to catch her. Georgie Karras and the Niddle of Nern is a fantasy fiction novel for middle-grade readers, by author Kate Mathos. Set in 1940’s Chicago, the book whisks readers away to an alternate world, brimming with magic and mystery. The story follows Georgia, an ordinary girl with an extraordinary destiny. Packed full of action and adventure, with a colourful cast of characters, and captivating twists and turns, the book will keep young readers on the edge of their seats. With pixies, sea witches, merfolk, dragons, pirates, and many more wonderful creatures, this book has all the ingredients for an epic fantasy fiction story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A captivating fantasy fiction novel, with a colourful cast of characters, set in the magical and mysterious world of Nern. https://a.co/d/cS3yBPT Purchase here

< Back Janice Hechter Where Are the Women? Girl scouts will stop at nothing to get a statue of women represented in Central Park. Where Are the Women? The Girl Scouts’ Campaign for the First Statue of Women in Central Park tells the true story of a group of young girl scouts who set out to raise awareness of the lack of women statues in Central Park, New York, in 2016. At the time, none of twenty-two statues in the park portrayed a real-life woman. The girls supported an organisation called Monumental Women, which works to bring statues of women into the park. The girl scouts made signs, cards and pins, and marched down the cobbled sidewalks of Central Park West to raise awareness and protest about the number of women represented on pedestals in Central Park. The girls raised funds to help pay for a statue by selling cookies, and throughout 2017 and 2018 raised thousands of dollars. But the girls were disappointed when the proposed location of the statue was a dark, isolated corner outside of the park. As the girls continued to fight for a statue in the park, public awareness increased. Finally, in 2020, a sixty-year-old ban of new statues in the park was overturned and a statue of three inspirational women was revealed. The three women, Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady changed history when they fought for women’s rights. Where Are the Women? The Girl Scouts’ Campaign for the First Statue of Women in Central Park by author Janice Hechter is an inspirational true story about an inspirational group of girl scouts. Through perseverance and self-less determination, the young women worked tirelessly to get the first statues of real-life women in Central Park. This is an inspiring and empowering story, which highlights not only the importance of representation, but also the impact of youth activism. It demonstrates how the collective efforts of individuals, can drive significant change. The young women featured in this book, are a credit to girls and women everywhere. Truth, Anthony, Cady, and all the other women who fought for gender equality, would be proud of their achievements. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary : This is an inspiring and empowering story, and a must-read for anyone interested in social justice, history and youth advocacy. Purchase here

< Back Rachel Goguen Sticks Paws & Pucks - The Championship Game Brothers, Owen and Liam, are coaches for the Boston Hockey Team. It is the most important game of the season as Boston face their opponents, the Wilds, in the championship game. Owen and Liam meet their fellow coaches and the players to prepare for the big game. The team head to the rink, and greet the fans who are hoping for a glimpse of their favorite player. Boston start well and lead the game at the end of the first quarter. The coaches gather the players in the locker room and provide motivation and encouragement for the second period. But during the second period, one of the Boston players, Billy, is injured when the puck hits his leg. Billy is forced to retire from the game, but the other players are not discouraged. The coaches and the players become even more determined to win the trophy for the team. Sticks Paws & Pucks - The Championship Game is a book for newly independent readers by author Rachel Goguen. The story follows the Boston Hockey Team coaches and players as they prepare for, and play in, the biggest game of the season – the championship game. But, when the game doesn’t quite go according to plan, the Boston players and coaches show teamwork, perseverance and determination to finish the game. Goguen masterfully captures the camaraderie of the team and the fast paced excitement of hockey, while weaving in themes of friendship and resilience. Young hockey players and other athletes will enjoy this fun and inspiring story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fun and action-packed story about a hockey team, determined to win the championship. A perfect pick for hockey fans. Purchase here

< Back Hazem Nassar If I Must Go, You Must Stay Salma is all alone, trapped underneath the rubble following an explosion. She cannot see or hear her mama, or papa, or big brother Ahmad. Suddenly she hears Ahmad’s voice. She cannot see her brother, but she can see a small yellow bird. Ahmad provides comfort and reassurance that someone will rescue her soon. But, it is so dark, and Salma is frightened. Ahmad explains that he is on his way ‘up’ and it is time for him to use his wings and go. Salma begs him not to leave her behind. She wants wings too, and wants to go ‘up’ with him. She does not know what she will do without her brother. Ahmad explains that she is not ready, but if he must go, she must stay to tell his story. Will Salma find her own wings? Will she be rescued from the rubble? If I Must Go, You Must Stay is an illustrated picture book by Hazem Nassar about a little girl who is trapped under the rubble after a bombing in her village. Alone and frightened, Salma hears her brothers voice, and sees a small yellow bird. Realising the bird is Ahmad’s spirit watching over her, Salma finds comfort and strength in a dire situation. This beautifully written and illustrated picture book explores the devastating impact of war from a child’s perspective, and handles grief sensitively and with grace. Salma’s journey from fear to courage, guided by her brothers spirit, is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A heart-wrenching and uplifting story about the devastating impact of war on young children. Purchase here

< Back Hans Ness Rolo on the Planet of the Cats Rolo on the Planet of the Cats is the sequel to Rolo the Pet Earthling, by author Hans Ness. Rolo is a thirteen year old juvenile male hooman from planet Earth, who was adopted as a pet earthling on the planet Blorx. Rolo has lived his whole life on Blorx, but escapes and travels to Earth with his pet Quiggles in search of the ancient home of his ancient ancestors. But, when Rolo arrives on Earth he cannot find a single earthling in sight. Much to his disappointment and mild terror, he discovers that catlings have overthrown the hoomans and taken their place at the top of the pyramid of power. He is summoned before the court, charged as an illegal alien, and remanded at a detention centre - the Litterpool Pound for Stray Hoomans. He escapes and stows away on a Flying Circus skyship, where he meets Ailey, an eleven-year-old juvenile hooman and a circus performer on the ship. Ailey agrees to help Rolo find his family in the mythical city of Zorx, in return for helping her flee the circus. Rolo and Ailey are fugitives are on the run, but bounty hunters are hot on their trail. Rolo on the Planet of the Cats is a fun and entertaining addition to this unique and captivating sci-fi adventure series, by author Hans Ness. Featuring strange creatures, alien worlds, and not-so-cute-cats, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy imaginative, alien-themed stories. I loved the first book in the series, and I loved this one even more! With a unique plot, memorable characters, and plenty of humour, this is a thoroughly enjoyable, laugh-out-loud story that will appeal to readers of all ages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fun, quirky, and action packed sci-fi sequel, about a young earthling who escapes from the planet Blorx to discover Earth has been overtaken by catlings. Purchase here

< Back Nick Vakalopoulos A Blue Jay Is Hungry A Blue Jay Is Hungry is a photography book by author and wildlife photographer, Nick Vakalopoulos, about the magnificent bird, the Blue Jay. Written in rhyme, the book follows a Blue Jay as it goes about its daily business. The Blue Jay is captured in glorious photography, as it searches for food, rests on a branch, and then launches into the air, before swooping down like an arrow to eat a tasty nut. The photographs depict the bird in various moments of flight and action, showcasing the birds beautiful colors and patterns, as well as its anatomy. A Blue Jay Is Hungry is an educational and entertaining book for readers of all ages. Full of interesting facts about the Blue Jay and stunning photography from Vakalopoulos, the book will appeal to readers who are interested in nature and wildlife photography. Each page includes a full color photography of a Blue Jay in its natural habitat, resting in trees and soaring through the air. The book will increase awareness of the magnificent bird and will help to prompt further discussions about wildlife and conservation. Written in a simple and engaging rhyme, this book can be enjoyed by readers both young and old. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful and insightful picture book about the magnificent Blue Jay, accompanied by glorious wildlife photography. 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. Winners and finalists of the Autumn 2024 Readers' Choice Book Awards announced! We are pleased to announce the winners of the Autumn 2024 Readers’ Choice Book Awards. Best Children’s Book 3-7 **GOLD** AC Bradburn, Dancing with Cara: The Nature Stories **SILVER** Sara Patricia Kelly, 4 a.m. Raspberry Party: Childhood Poems **BRONZE** Deanna Hart, A Firefly Named Felix **FINALISTS (5 Stars)** Kelly Pacheco, The Excavator Who Didn’t Want to Dig Kathleen Welton, Pigs Have Wings Nicole Frankel, What is math good for, anyway? Joseph L Licari, Mia's Mouses Miranda Thomas, Five More Minutes Sweet P Susan and Matthew Downing, Bradykin's Snowy Adventure Susan and Megan Downing , Bradykin Unleashed: A Summer Camp Adventure Jacqueline Crann, Being Different Is The New Cool Kim Adams, Billy Be Kind: My BIG Feelings Melissa Rousu, Grandpa Loved Wild Things Michael and Nicole Collazo, Cozy Critters on the Ark Allison Hill, Lolly the Left Out Lobster Tracey smith, Where's Grandma? A Child's View on Loss, Grief and Bereavement Karen B. Shea, A Bug-Lightful Discovery Trevor Crafts, Aaron Burakoff, The Apple That Fell Far From the Tree Adalgisa and David Nico, Frogs on the Mountain: The Mountain Yellow-Legged Frogs in Yosemite Ken Waldecker, Princess Ella and the Great Squirrel Chase Ken Waldecker, Princess Ella and the Missing Kittens Ken Waldecker, Princess Ella and the Lost Fairy Garden Elisa Stad, Mama's Love Language: Sometimes Tastes Like Hainan Chicken Rice Nancy Jean, Exploring is NOT for Me!: A Humorous, Perspective-Taking Outdoor Adventure for Kids Laura Lee Rittman, Lucky Ruby - A Hanukkah and Christmas Holiday Book Sheeba Varghese, Mommy, Am I Indian Today? Nicola A Lewis, Tilda finds her rainbow Raven Howell, Blink and Glow Brett Gunning and Stacy Padula, On the Right Path: Book Five Tanya Hackett, My Brother Lives in Heaven Hong Lee, Bob and Fluffy's First Adventure: A Story of Kindness and Friendship Hope Chambers, Tuck, Cluck and Buck: The Quest for a Pups New Home (Tucker Tails) Best Children’s Book 8-12 * *GOLD** Kristin Nilsen, Worldwide Crush: A Novel **SILVER** Jodi Dee, Energy Wars - The Awakening **BRONZE** Janice Hechter, Where Are the Women? **FINALISTS (5 Stars)** Deborah Cholette, Digger: Dig or Die! Diane LaDouceur, Maggie Governor Nathan Deal, Veto, the Governor's Cat Tracy Markley, Rhyming Riley, The Dog That Rhymes all the Time FA Khan, ABCs of My First Surgery David Kopacz, A Bowl Full of Ideas for Inventive Minds Victoria Pannell, The Bird Caper Frances Wong, How Lexi Walker Almost Saved the World Sarah Bergquist Kosumi, The Last Free Dog Daryl McCullough, Chubby the Bear's Big Choice Eileen Hobbs, Under the Golden Rain Tree Justin Pierce, Hurry Up Pup Eileen Hobbs, Stella and the Sea Stars Best Teen Book **GOLD** Zachary Palmer, The King's Labyrinth **SILVER** Annette Masters, The Hennessy Lie **BRONZE** Mark Sabbas, The Monarchs **FINALISTS (5 Stars)** Aud Supplee, Aylen Isle Stacy Padula, Montgomery Lake High #4: The Battle for Innocence Stacy Padula, Gripped Part 2: Blindsided (3rd edition, May 2024) Ellen McGinty, Saints and Monsters Aggie L Jae, The Water Door Noah Bella Michaelis, Manda and the Fish Joyce Margolin, The Sea Jewel: A Tale of the Hidden Treasure CT Emerson, The Serpent's Tongue (NOVA 02) Kristin Nilsen, Worldwide Crush: A Novel Carlos Lozano, Super Super Carro Best Adult Book **GOLD** Randy Susan Meyers, The Many Mothers of Ivy Puddingstone **SILVER** Teri M Brown, Daughters of Green Mountain Gap **BRONZE** Kay Smith-Blum, Tangles **FINALISTS (5 Stars)** Carter Fielding, Murder at the Summit: A Blake Sisters Travel Mystery J. Paul Rieger, Jr., Sunscreen Shower Frank Victoria, The Founders" Plot SAVI, The Journey Begins Within Christopher Schildt, An American Christmas Carol Jordan Marsh, Try Your Own Case D.F. Kennedy, The Last Time I Saw Her John Posner, Forever is Too Long Susan Hayden, Now You Are a Missing Person Kimberly Harms , Are You Ready? How to Win a Legacy to Die For Jeffrey Hallett, Paths Into Darkness And Light Alexander Fernandez, Above the Ashes Marlayne Jan Giron, A Place of Refuge Kara Zajac, The Significance of Curly Hair: A Loving Memoir of Life and Loss Angela White, Dealing With The Dead Paula Cappa, Draakensky, A Supernatural Tale of Magick and Romance Kate Woodward Young, M.Ed., From Oh Sh*t to I Got This: Finding Your Success Route. Greg Fields, The Bright Freight of Memory Mumtaz Hussain, Portrait in Words Robert A. Kayal, Mastering The Business of Medicine and The Doctor-Patient Relationship Ed Cannon, The Kings' Despair Cherie Carter-Scott, Life IS a Game: Life Lessons Learned Living The Rules for Being Human Jan-Benedict Steenkamp, Warrior, Queen, Scientist, Activist: Gritty Women Who Bent the Arc of History Joseph Clarke, SOL: supportive guidance for healing and awakening Alejandro Benavides, Olivia: Boxcar-Camp Girl and Visionary of La Hispanidad Lili Udell Fiore, Lili's Caregiver's Guide Mario Cartaya, Journey Back Into The Vault: In Search of My Faded Cuban Childhood Footprints Tejal Toprani Misra, Seeking Sita: The First Diwali John Madinger, LETHAL DOSES: The Man Who Gave Fentanyl to America John Randall, Fragmentation Vol II: In Search Of Bill Matthews, The Last Ride of the Old Peacekeepers: The Moment within the Moment Pam Christian, I Hope You're Having a Great Day! I Know I Am! Michael Weber, Slow Burn Entrepreneur: Succeed on Your Own Terms with the RELAX Method Bhavini Bhargava, Unheard S. A. Reeves, The Bookshop Mysteries: A Bitter Pill Dale L. Roberts, Advanced Self-Publishing for Authors: A Guide to Author Success and Platform Growth Julie A. Wendt, What's Eating Our Kids?: A Parent's Guide to Food Allergy, Intolerance, and Toxicity Leonie Rosenstiel, Protecting Mama: Surviving the Legal Guardianship Swamp Freddie Floyd Jr, It's TIME TO GROW: How Focusing On Spiritual Growth Can Transform Your Life and Relationships Milan Schwarzkopf, Living Your Best Third Act. How to Be Healthy, Wealthy, and Happy in your Retirement Katherine Linn Caire, Accidental Sisters: The Story of My 52 Year Wait to Meet My Biological Sibling

< Back Jeremiah Gilbert On to Plan C A Return to Travel Jeremiah Gilbert’s experience of international travel, following the Covid19 pandemic. On to Plan C: A Return to Travel by author Jeremiah Gilbert is a travel memoir / travel guidebook about the authors return to international travel after more than two years of cancellations, following the Covid19 pandemic. Gilbert, a Californian travel writer and photographer, describes his experience of travelling to Fiji, Europe, and the West Indies. In May 2022, Gilbert travelled to Fiji and describes a visit to the oldest settlement in Fiji , a nd the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere . He discusses a near death experience whilst climbing sand dunes in Sigatoka. During a trip to London in July 2022, he has afternoon tea on a Jubilee themed bus and visits Greenwich and Tower Bridge. From London, he travels to Bergen, the street art capital of Norway; Copenhagen, the capital and cultural centre of Denmark; and Berlin, where he visits the Holocaust Memorial, Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie. In November 2022, Gilbert takes a Christmas river cruise, travelling on the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel, visiting Dordrecht, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Mannheim, Strasbourg, Freiburg, and the Ravenna Gorge enroute. In December 2023, Gilbert takes a three-week Caribbean cruise, visiting St. Barts, Antigua, Martinique, St. Vincent, Trinidad, Guadeloupe, St. Kitts, Grenada, Bonaire, Aruba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. On to Plan C: A Return to Travel is an insightful and captivating blend of travel memoir and travel guide, with a stunning collection of photographs. While Gilbert shares his experience of each destination, the main sights, activities, and cultural experiences, he also discusses his travel experience, and how he navigated the airlines and train services in a post-Covid world. Through vivid storytelling and lots of humor, Gilbert takes the reader on a journey across continents, weaving his own personal experiences with practical travel tips. The memoir aspect provides an intimate touch, allowing readers to connect with Gilbert’s experience and adventures, while the guide provides valuable insights for anyone looking to embark on a similar journey. Whether you are a virtual traveller, or are planning your own adventure, this book offers a delightful mix of inspiration and advice. What sets this book apart is Gilbert’s breathtaking photography. Each image transports the reader to the heart of the destination, capturing the landscapes, culture, and people, beautifully. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An insightful and captivating blend of travel memoir and travel guide, with a stunning collection of photographs. Purchase here