The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to Share by Argyro Graphy – 5 Star Review!

Story Rating: *****
Cover Rating: A

This was a very cute, fun book that not only spoke about children learning to share but also about accepting children who are different or unique. Bentley is a hippo who is different from everyone else, and he has big dreams. He reaches out to another kid, a monkey, who is also a little different – despite a rough start. I think the message is beautiful and the way the message is represented is compelling, entertaining for children, and well thought out.

The cover is eye-catching and offers readers a good depiction of what they should expect to find within the book.

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A Trail of Honesty, by J.A. Angelo – 5 Star Review!

Story Rating: *****
Cover Rating: B

I read this book with both of my children to get a good idea of how their age ranges would react to it, in addition to how I felt about it. My son, age two, didn’t quite grasp the story arc but he adored the colorful pictures. My daughter, age ten, liked the story and followed along with the “moral of the story,” answering the questions in the back and opening up a more mature discussion about obedience and honesty. I adored the book, and especially loved there there was a section in the back for discussions. Brilliant.

The cover is moderately eye-catching and offers an accurate depiction of what readers should expect to find within the story.

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**Special Note: 20% of all book royalties made from purchases of this story are donated to the Wounded Warrior Project and the Coalition to Support American’s Heroes to help Armed Forces members and their families during difficult times.**

A Picture of Freedom: The Diary of Clotee, a Slave Girl by Patricia C. McKissack (Dear America Series) – 5 Star Review!

Story Rating: *****
Cover Rating: A

This is another fictional diary part of the Dear America series. It takes place in 1859 on a plantation in Virginia, and tells the story of a young colored girl in slavery who teaches herself how to read and write, despite it being illegal to do so. Her master’s son is also helpful, and helps. Clotee has to keep her diary hidden, due to the illegalities of slaves knowing how to read and write. Near the end of the book, it discusses slaves escaping to freedom via the Underground Railroad and how young Clotee takes part. It’s a beautifully written, tragic, heartbreaking story that has a bittersweet ending.

The cover is eye-catching and offers an accurate description of what readers should expect to find within the book.

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The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss – 5 Star Review!

Story Rating: *****
Cover Rating: B

This is a cute book filled with simple vocabulary for the earliest speakers (like toddlers) or earliest readers (like preschoolers). As with all Dr. Seuss books, this one has bright, fun, imaginative illustrations that keeps children thoroughly entertained. It’s silly and fun while still being educational and useful.

The cover is moderately eye-catching and offers an accurate description of what readers should expect to find within the story.

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Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman – 3 Star Review!

Story Rating: ***
Cover Rating: A

This is an interesting historical book written in fictional diary formatting about a young woman who doesn’t want to be “sold off” into marriage by her father. She fights at every turn, using her sharp wit and mischievous nature. This is a telling book into a time of history we’ve not experienced, where young woman had little to no say about their futures. It makes a person wonder how many other young maidens decided to fight against their prospects of arranged marriages to wealthy men old enough to be their fathers or grandfathers.

The cover is eye-catching and offers an accurate description of what readers should expect to find within the book.

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The Winter of Red Snow: The Revolutionary War Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart by Kristiana Gregory (Dear America Series) – 5 Star Review!

Story Rating: *****
Cover Rating: A

The Dear America series encompasses the books that once made me fall in love with the fictional dairy book format. This one tells the story of a young girl during the American revolutionary war. It is a heart-breaking story of change, despair, and hope during the late 1700’s, as told through the eyes of a young girl – which is a way that people do not often get to experience history. I highly recommend this book for all preteens and teenagers, as it is both a historically sound book and one that allows people of that age a glimpse into the history books in a way that is personal for them.

The cover is eye-catching and offers an accurate description of what readers should expect to find within the story.

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Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor – 4 Star Review!

Story Rating: ****
Cover Rating: A

This is a classic middle-grade aged book that features a loving story between a boy an a dog, thrills, mystery, and adventure. It literally has a little bit of everything. It’s written in a compelling way that is both detailed and simplistic enough for younger audiences. The main character, Marty, shows a lot of determination and moxie for a young boy, and infused into the story is an important lesson on working for the things you want most.

The cover is eye-catching and offers an accurate description of what readers should expect to find within the pages.

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Old MacDonald Had A Farm: A Glittery Nursery Rhyme Book by Flying Frog – 4 Star Review!

Story Rating: ****
Cover Rating: A

This is an adaptation of an old nursery rhyme, but the illustrations have made it one of my son’s all-time favorite books. (In other words, THIS is the book he’ll have me read to him a dozen times a night if he had a choice.) The book is larger, so the images are easier for my son to pick out the different animals and recognize the other items (trees, farmer, fence, etc.) Very cute book.

The cover is eye-catching and offers an accurate description of what readers should expect to find inside the book.

Purchase on Amazon