We Are All Flowers by Orlaith O’Sullivan introduces kids to the gentle art of “flower-watering,” a mindfulness practice rooted in Zen teachings that encourages appreciating the good qualities in others and ourselves. With its rhyming text and whimsical illustrations, the book delivers a lovely message about kindness, self-esteem, and connection. The concept of “flower-watering” is beautiful—showing children how recognizing others’ strengths can brighten everyone’s day, while also encouraging self-reflection and self-care. The mindfulness tie-in makes it an enriching read, especially for families exploring emotional intelligence or Zen practices. However, the rhyming meter felt awkward, making it tricky to read aloud smoothly. When I shared the book with my grandchildren, I […]
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Beyond the Headlines Review
Beyond the Headlines takes readers into the fast-paced world of investigative journalism, following veteran reporter Clare Carlson as she tackles the murder case of billionaire Charles Hollister. The story’s premise is captivating, weaving together themes of celebrity, domestic abuse, and a decades-old mystery tied to the Vietnam War. The author’s newsroom expertise is evident, providing an authentic glimpse into the relentless pressures of breaking news. The novel kicks off with an emotional jailhouse interview with Laurie Bateman, a former supermodel and actress accused of killing her husband. As Clare digs deeper, the case becomes more tangled, spanning multiple murders and unsettling family secrets. While the plot promises suspense, the execution […]
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Chemistry Made Fun for Little Ones
Who knew chemistry could be so charming? My First Science Textbook: Protons and Neutrons introduces kids to the building blocks of the universe in a fun and engaging way. This award-winning picture book brings science to life through Pete the Proton, Ned the Neutron, and Ellie the Electron, turning complex ideas into a delightful story of friendship. The book’s rhyming sentences and vibrant illustrations captivated my grandchildren, ages 8 and 10, but they didn’t understand all the concepts, even though the target age range is 2-7. The bilingual English and Spanish format was a brilliant touch, making it accessible to even more young readers. While my science-teacher husband pointed out […]
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Revenge and Redemption in Ancient Egypt
Wilbur Smith, the legendary master of historical adventure, immerses readers in ancient Egypt with The New Kingdom. Known for his vivid storytelling, Smith’s novels span continents and eras, and this book certainly adds to his impressive legacy. Hui, a young scribe, sees his life shattered when betrayal and murder tear his family apart. Cast out by a conniving stepmother and brother, Hui’s journey takes him from the comforts of Lahun to the harsh realities of exile. Along the way, he joins the Hyksos—a formidable army of outlaws—and transforms into a fierce warrior. His quest for vengeance becomes intertwined with the fate of Egypt itself, as gods and mortals collide in […]
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Picture Book Review: Women in Medicine
Women in Medicine, the fifth book in the “Science Wide Open” series, introduces young readers to the incredible contributions of women in the medical field, including Dr. Helen Taussig, Dr. Gerty Cori, and Florence Nightingale. The book’s premise is engaging—a curious young girl asks questions that spark a journey through several careers in medicine. It aims to inspire kids, especially girls, to explore science. The vibrant illustrations by Danielle Pioli are a highlight. They bring the concepts to life and make the historical and medical details accessible. However, medicine is a vast field, and while the author touches on a range of topics—from surgery to disease treatment—the breadth ends up […]
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Sisters in the Shadows: A Review of Daughters of War
Daughters of War was an emotional and gripping experience. Historical detail saturates the story, vividly portraying the dangers and harsh realities of wartime France. I asked, “Would I be as brave as these three sisters in the face of such adversity?” My honest answer? Probably not. Set in the small village of Dordogne in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, this novel introduces us to three sisters—Hélène, Élise, and Florence—who each grapple with the weight of war in unique ways. Hélène, the eldest, shoulders the heavy burden of keeping her family safe, often at great personal cost. Élise, headstrong and rebellious, risks everything by aiding the Resistance, while Florence, the […]
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Beautiful Illustrations, Misaligned Audience
As the grandmother of six (4 of whom are in the target age group), I can’t give this book a glowing review. Read on to see why. Alphabet Rockers’ takes their song of the same name and transforms it into a book, showcasing diverse kids sharing their experiences with exclusion, misunderstanding, and the need to speak up. The narrators, a mix of races, genders, and abilities, tell their stories in a series of vignettes, encouraging readers to listen and amplify voices of protest and support. The book opens with a Black child expressing fears about safety and inviting readers to understand their perspective. Other stories follow, including a South Asian child […]
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Love, War, and Legacy: A Journey Through the Castle Keepers
Collaborative novels like The Castle Keepers are on trend for good reason—they bring fresh perspectives and layered storytelling. Written by Aimie K. Runyan, J’nell Ciesielski, and Rachel McMillan, this book weaves three tales of love, war, and resilience. While the concept is solid, it didn’t wow me. Set during the Gilded Age, the Great War, and post-WWII, the stories follow three women navigating societal constraints and class divisions. The setting—a castle overshadowed by a family curse—adds an air of mystery that unites the narratives. The novel shines with its strong female characters, rich historical detail, and intriguing themes. The first two novellas stood out: Beatrice’s rise from scandal in “The […]
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Behind the Curtain: A Beautifully Imagined Story of Maud Baum and The Wizard of Oz
As a child, The Wizard of Oz was a magical event in my household, airing only once a year on TV. The music, characters, and story were unforgettable, and when I later learned the tragic details of Judy Garland’s life added a bittersweet layer. When my book club picked Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts, I couldn’t wait to dive into the history behind the beloved film. This enjoyable novel centers on Maud Gage Baum, the widow of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz author, L. Frank Baum. Told through Maud’s eyes, the story alternates between her younger years as a suffragette’s headstrong daughter and her later life, when she visits […]
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A Heart-Pounding Wilderness Thriller
Allen Eskens delivers another standout suspense novel with Forsaken Country, an intense, heartbreaking story set against the wild beauty of Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area. This latest installment in the Max Rupert series works seamlessly as a standalone, blending emotional depth with pulse-pounding action. Max Rupert, a former homicide detective, has retreated into isolation after the tragic loss of his wife. But his friend Lyle breaks through his solitude when he begs for help. Lyle’s daughter Sandy and grandson Pip have vanished, and the local authorities refuse to investigate. Max reluctantly agrees to dig deeper, uncovering a dangerous trail that leads to Sandy’s ex-husband Reed. Eskens crafts a riveting cat-and-mouse […]
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