Children's Book Reviews

"Which Way is Home?" by Maria Kiely          

Set after WWII, this is a middle grade book that tells the story of Anna and her family. After the Communists took over Czechoslovakia, Anna's father disappears. Fearing for their lives, Anna, her mother and sister decide to flee. This was a well written and engaging book. Anna and her family feel very realistic and are very relatable. Overall, well worth reading.

"Hunger Winter" by Rob Currie         

When 13 year old Dirk receives word that his older sister has been arrested, he flees with his younger sister Anna. Together they face arrest, escape, hunger, and German soldiers. This was a well written, engaging middle school book. The care Dirk showed for his sister was inspiring, and a good lesson for that age group. Overall, highly recommended.

"Brave with Beauty" by Maxine Rose Schur          

Goharshad was the queen of Herat (western Afghanistan) during the 15th century. Goharshad was focused on the arts and creating beautiful things. This is a children's book outlining her life and accomplishments. The book was centered on beautiful and detailed illustrations. The story itself was a bit odd, but interesting nonetheless. Overall 4 out of 5 stars.

"West of Alba" by Dave Eagleston         

Matt's father has sent him away from the city and to the town of Alba for the summer. His boss, a poor farmer, slowly begins to open up and tell him stories of his time in the military, where he worked at a Japanese internment camp.        

 This book was well paced and did a good job of alternating between Matt's point of view and the farmer's stories. At times, Matt came across as much younger than fifteen, but overall he was a well developed and interesting character. Overall, I believe this is a good book for middle grade students or pre-teens.

"Hidden Women: The African-American Women Mathematicians Who Helped America Win the Space Race" by Rebecca Rissman         

As NASA raced to the moon, a number of African-American women played key roles throughout the process. This is a middle grade book that details the life and careers of these ladies. Overall, this was a well researched and written book. It seemed to be a good mix of education and storytelling.

"The Captive Boy" by Julia Robb         

August, captured by the Comanche Indians as a boy, is recaptured by a cavalry unit. When attempts to "civilize" him fail, August runs back to the tribe who raised him. August, upset with his treatment, grows to become a war leader, leading his tribe to fight against the very unit who recaptured him.         

Overall, this was a good story. The author used an interesting method of storytelling, where he alternated between perspectives and the type of writing - i.e. first person, journal article, newspaper article, etc. I think this would be a good book for a reluctant reader, as it has enough action to keep the reader entertained.

"Hedy's Journey: The True Story of a Hungarian Girl Fleeing the Holocaust" by Michelle Bisson        

 Although this book was labeled as a middle grade book, I'm guessing that they didn't mean middle school, since it is a picture book. It is hard to review a picture book, as the story line is simplified for the audience. However, I thought this book was well written and handled a hard to discuss situation gracefully. The illustrations were absolutely beautiful. After reading, I found myself searching for more of the illustrators works.

“And Then the Sky Exploded” by David A Poulsen         

When Christian learns that his beloved grandfather worked on the Manhattan project, Christian is filled with guilt at horror. When his school’s travel club decides to travel to Japan, Christian is determined to make amends for his grandfather’s actions. Intertwined with his story is the journey of a young girl who survived the bombing.         

Overall, I thought this book was very simplistic. It was definitely written for a younger audience. I grew extremely tired of Christian’s obsession with the class bully and wished the author had approached that in a different way. Overall, not a book I would reread.

"Frostbite Hotel" by Karin Adams         

When Kirby and his friends decide to build a snow hotel, instead of a snow fort, all of the other kids on the playground copy his idea.  This book was a bit too juvenile for me but I believe it will be good for pre-teens who are focusing on reading chapter books.  

"The End of the Line" by Sharon E. McKay         

When five year old Beatrix's mother is pulled on a tram (because she is Jewish) the conductor and ticket taker quickly step up, claiming that she is their niece.  After taking her home, they are a bit befuddled and aren't quite sure what to do with her.  Despite great risks, they pull in  neighbor, who helps take care of the little girl.         

Overall, I thought this is a very good story for pre-teens.  It shows the heroism of ordinary people and how our actions can effect, even save others.  I did think the characters lacked a bit of depth, but it wasn't as off putting as I normally would have found it.  Highly recommended. 

"Children of the Tipi" Edited by Michael Fitzgerald         

This is a very factual account of Native American life.  It features beautiful illustrations/photographs.  Overall, I didn't think the book was really written for children.  It was more of a collection of quotes and snippets of stories.  The organization seemed a bit disjointed.  I do think children will use this book for research projects, but not for casual reading.

"Something to Prove" by Robert Skead (author) Floyd Cooper (illustrator)        

This is a children's book depicting a baseball game between Satchel Paige, an amazing black pitcher, and Joe DiMaggio.  I thought the illustrations were beautiful.  They were gritty and realistic.  I'm not entirely sure what the author's message was.  It seemed that he was trying to comment on blacks in baseball, but his focus was on Joe DiMaggio.

"Ariel Bradley, Spy for General Washington" by Vanita Oelschlager    

9 year old Ariel Bradley, pretending to be a country bumpkin, stole into enemy camps making note of troops, weapons and their set-up.  I thought the book was written a bit clumsily.  The author spent a lot of time describing his mother's cobbler and relatively few pages regarding his adventures.  Overall, I thought this was a bust.  It didn't contain enough information to be an adventure story and did not hold my attention.

"Rescuing the Children" by Deborah Hodge        

 This is a children's book that follows the war-time lives of eight Jewish children who sought refuge through the kindertransport.  The book alternatives between descriptive historical narratives and snippets told from the children's point of view.  I think this was an interesting book, one that could help teach children about the holocaust and kindertransport.  This would be a good book for the classroom, it is both instructive and touching.

"The Man Who Dreamed of Elk Dogs" by Goble and Waukau-Villagomez        

This is a collection of traditional stories from a variety of Native American tribes.  Beautifully illustrated this book provides insight into a vanishing world and culture.  It did not read well on the kindle, but was easily read on the computer. 

"Song for Papa Crow" by Marit Menzin        

Little crow loves to sing, but his "Caw" chases the other birds away.  After a night of listening to Mockingbird sing, he takes a magic seed and is able to sing like the other birds.  But a hawk snatches him away, leaving him desperately calling for help using other bird’s songs.  Only when he spits out the seed and caws is he rescued by the other crows.          

I appreciated the message, but I didn't particularly enjoy the story.  I thought that the illustrations were a bit....off....and the writing was a bit boring.  Overall, this is one children's book I have to pass on.

"Change the World Before Bedtime" by Moulton, Chalmers and Good        

This picture book shows children how the small things that they do in life can help impact the world.  I thought that the book had a cute message, but overall it wasn't great.  The rhymes seemed a bit forced and the illustrations were ok.  Overall, a good book, not a great book.

"Sketch Monsters" by Williamson and Navarrete        

During Tony's first day of school he tries to act funny, cool and even like a bully, just to make other kids like him.  As he acts up, monsters from his sketchbook escape into the school.  Thankfully, Mandy is there to help.         

This book is written in comic book style, with colorful illustrations.  It switches back and forth between Mandy and Tony, which at times, makes it a bit hard to follow.  I thought it was overly cutesy and a bit clumsy.  Overall, I thought it was an interesting idea, but needed to be organized a bit better.

"Into the Pumpkin" by Linda Frankling         

This is a beautifully illustrated children's book. The images are both spooky and entertaining at the same time.  I can see younger children absolutely loving this book.  The rhymes were cutesy, but they were perfectly complimented by the illustrations.  Overall, I highly recommend this book for younger children.

"Postcards From a War" by Vanita Oelschlager         

This is a picture book for children whose parents have joined the military.  It shows the importance of their work and gives the message that it is ok to be curious, sad, etc.  I think this book conveys a very important message.  It is well written, engaging and wonderfully illustrated.  My only criticism is that sometimes the font color was difficult to read against the backgrounds.  Overall, a home run.

"Margaret and the Moth Tree" by Trogen and Trogen         

Margaret, a poor abandoned orphan is shuffled from one family member to another, until she ends up in an orphanage ran by Miss Switch.  A vain, vile woman, Miss Switch divides the orphans into her favorites and the others.  After trying to get help, Miss Switch orders the other orphans to give Margaret the silent treatment.  Seeking solace, she discovers a group of playful moths.         

This book reminded me a lot of Matilda.  Not because of the storyline but because of the author's writing style.  I thought it was a cute book, one that I could see interpreted as a movie.  I would have liked a bit more content, but then again I'm an adult, not a child.  Overall, this was a great book, one highly recommended.

"Made in China" by Vanita Oelschlager        

 This is a cutesy picture book about adoption.  It chronicles the story of a little girl from china who was adopted by a white family.  She sees the stickers on goods that say "Made In China" and wonder if she is just a good or commodity herself.  I thought the story was interesting, and will be well received.  The illustrations were well done and the pace of the story seemed just right.

"Let's Hear it for Almigal" by Wendy Kupfer         

Almigal is unable to hear until she receives cochlear implants.  Although I thought that the premise of this children's book was good, I found the writing a bit poor.  Not only is it a bit repetitive, but it is written in a jumble of past and present tense.  The illustrations were cute and well drawn, but overall I was a bit disappointed.

"I Came From the Water" by Vanita Oelschlager         

This is a picture book outlining the lie of Moses, an eight-year old orphan.  His family was wiped out in floods, however he was saved when a relative placed him in a basket.  Then an earthquake hit, further decimating the area.

     I thought this was an interesting story, but it was a bit all over the place.  The illustrations were beautiful, and it will teach children about natural disasters.  I wish there was some cultural emphasis in the book, I think it would have added to the overall story.  Overall, not a bad picture book.

"Bonyo Bonyo" by Vanita Oelschlager         

This is the moving story of Bonyo Bonyo, a Kenyan boy who dreams of becoming a doctor.  Through his courage and dedication he is able to go to school, move to the states, and attend medical school.  Years later he goes back to Kenya and builds a clinic for the village.          

This is a beautiful story with amazing illustrations.  It is a moving tale of hope and courage.  Overall, a home run.

"Can You Survive in the Special Forces"by Matt Doeden         

I have always loved the "choose your own adventure" books, and this one is no exception.  It allows the reader to choose between three branches of the Special Forces and then provides in-depth knowledge about that branch.  It shows the difficult choices one must make and provides outcomes based on your choose.  The book is geared more towards boys than girls; however it is very well written, and will entertain and delight anyone. 

"Big Cat, Small Cat" by Ami Rubinger         

Big Cat, Small Cat is a picture book designed for young children learning about rhymes, shapes, colors and sizes.  It felt as if the author was trying to write a book in a Dr. Seuss manner, but I felt she missed the mark.  Dr. Seuss' books always seemed to have a real meaning or story behind them, which this book lacked.  I do not think this is a must read for young children.

"The Wednesdays" by Julie Bourbeau         

On Wednesdays strange things happen in Max's town.  Cars refuse to start, bumpers fall off, anything bad that can happen will.  Most townsfolk stay inside their homes on Wednesdays and hope that nothing bad happens.  On his birthday, Max irritates his parents until they put him outside with the Wednesdays.          

Overall, I thought the book was a bit silly.  But I think it is a perfect chapter book for younger children.  It contains humor and a sense of danger that I think will excite and enthrall children.  Overall, I thought it was well written and the characters were interesting and dynamic.

"Up Cat" by Hazel Hutchins         

This is a very cute picture book for children.  It reminds me exactly of my kitten and all of the things she gets up to in a day.   It is beautifully illustrated and catches the joy and whimsical nature of kittens.  Overall, highly recommended. 

"The World in Your Lunch Box" by Claire Eamer         

I had a lot of fun reading this book.  It was colorful, engaging and full of fun facts and trivia.  It basically follows a kid through seven days of lunches.  For each lunch, four food items are picked out and a brief history is given.  I really loved this book and think many will enjoy its style and pizzazz. 

"Who Were the Accused Witches of Salem" by Laura Hamilton Waxman         

This is a children's book that discusses the who, what when, where why, and how of the Salem Witch Trial.  It provides a time line of events and discusses the major players involved.  It is colorful and well written for its age group.  It defines words that may be unknown and includes information about the time period.  Overall, I thought that this was a well written and concise history. 

"World War I: An Interactive History" by Gwenyth Swain         

I remember reading the interactive books as a teenager, and this brought me right back. In this story you must make decisions which take you through various aspects of World War I. There are 3 story paths, 41 choices and 21 endings. Each choice leads you to facts and information about life during World War I. It is educational, but in a fun and exciting way. Overall, I think it is more geared towards boys than girls, but anyone will enjoy this story.

"Iva Honeysuckle Discovers the World" by Candice Ransom          

8 year old Iva wants to be an explorer. She has found an old treasure map in her grandfather's things and decides to search for the treasure. Her annoying cousin Heaven keeps dropping by, making it harder and harder to explore. On top of that, Iva is kicked out of vacation bible school for playing a prank on Heaven.          

Overall, I thought that this was a cute chapter book for younger kids. Iva is interesting and quite a character. I think that many girls will be able to relate to her.

"Irena's Jars of Secrets" by Marcia Vaughan         

This is a beautifully illustrated and heartbreaking story about Irena, a woman who nearly sacrificed her life to save Jewish children from the Ghetto. It is written in a very matter of fact way, which will be appealing to juvenile audiences. Overall, this book would make a great addition to any library or bookshelf.

"Escaping Titanic" by Marybeth Lorbiecki         

Ruth, along with her mother and sister were on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic.  Ruth, separated from her mother and sister, ended up on a lifeboat watching as the Titanic sunk and listened as people cried out for help.          

I enjoyed this book, I only wish it contained more details and more information.  The illustrations of the ocean and titanic were beautiful, but I thought the people looked too cartoonish for such a serious topic.  Overall, I think this book would make a wonderful addition to any school library.

"The Story of Solomon Bear" by Phillip Laird         

Highly reminiscent of the Velveteen Rabbit, the Story of Solomon Bear is about a girl and her teddy bear.  After they are forced apart, Solomon goes on a journey to find her.  Overall, I thought this was a cute storybook.  One that any child would love. 

"The Garden of Abdul Gasazi" by Chris Van Allsburg         

While Alan is caring for a dog, it runs away into the forbidden garden of Abdul Gasazi, a magician.  Alan chases after the dog but is unable to find him amidst the strange and eerie garden.  Reluctantly he knocks on Gasazi's door, only to be told that the dog has been turned into a duck.  A unique blend of magic and illusion, I believe most children would enjoy this tale.

“Don’t Laugh at Me” by Seskin and Shamblin        

This book is an adaptation of a song which has become the anthem for Operation Respect, an educational program.  The message of the book is that everyone is different and such differences should be respected.  No one likes to be laughed at.  This picture book is wonderful for teaching young children the values of respect and tolerance.

“Passage to Freedom:  The Sugihara Story” by Ken Mochizuki   

      Sugihara, the Japanese diplomat to Lithuania and his home are surrounded by Jewish refugees begging for a visa to travel to safety.  Sugihara asks his government three times if he may write the visas, yet he is denied each time.  Without regard for the consequences, he defies his government and writes visas for hundreds and hundreds of refugees.  Through his courage and determination numerous families are saved from the Nazi’s.  Throughout the book the themes of sensitivity to others, respect for family, and honor towards parents is emphasized.  Overall this is a wonderful book and belongs on shelves in every school and library.

“Bullies are a Pain in the Brain” by Trevor Romain            

Although this book covers an important topic, I found it to alternate between being too serious and too whimsical.  I’m not sure a pre-teen would appreciate the book or its approach.  One positive note is that the book contains numerous resources for parents and teachers including books, organizations and websites.

“The Hundred Penny Box” by Sharon Mathis         

Michael and his great-great-aunt Dew spend time together counting the pennies in her box.  As Michael counts, Dew tells him stories about the hundred years of her life.  I remember reading this book as a child and immediately starting my own penny box.  Re-reading it as an adult, I still found myself captivated by the idea and found myself pulling out my old collection of pennies to add more to it.  I highly recommend this book to children and adults alike.

“John Henry” by Julius Lester                

Wonderfully written and illustrated, this is a folk tale that any child would enjoy.  The dialogue is song-like and instantly engaging.  The pictures are very intricate and beautiful. 

"The Dream Jar" by Pryor and Graham            

Valentina and her family immigrated to the United State from Russia.  Papa spends long exhausting days laying brick while Mama and Aunt sewing for hours and hours each day.  Michael, Valentina’s brother, drops out of school to make money for the baker.  Valentina wants to contribute to the family’s dream jar, set aside to purchase a store, but everyone says she is too little.  However, Valentina begins teaching her family and neighbors how to speak and read English and she is finally able to contribute to the dream jar.  Well written and engaging, the characters come to life and the illustrations are colorful and interesting,

“Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes” by Eleanor Coerr        

“If a sick person folds one thousand paper cranes, the gods will grant her wish and make her healthy again.”  Sadako was two years old when the atom bomb was dropped on her home town of Hiroshima.  en years later she developed leukemia as a result of radiation from the bomb.  “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes” is a heart-breaking tragedy of a brave little girl who desperately wanted to live.  Highly recommended, this book will bring you to tears as you count with Sadako as she folds her paper cranes.

"The Dragon and Turtle Go On Safari"   by Paul         

This is a picture book designed for children.  It is about two friends, a dragon and turtle, who go camping at Mount Sillmanborrow.  I thought the dialogue was a bit advanced for elementary students.  I have never heard kindergartners use the language that these two characters did.  Plus, the authors have the characters throwing food outside their tent for other animals, a dangerous proposition.  Overall, I would not recommend this book to others.

"Star of Fear, Star of Hope" by J. Hoestlandt         

In 1942, in Nazi-occupied France, Helen invites her best friend, Lydia for a sleep over.  During the night, strangers tap on the door, calling out strange passwords.  Word reaches the family, that Jews are being rounded-up and arrested.  Lydia, fearing for her family, rushes home.  Upset, Helen says "You're not my friend anymore!."  Sadly, she never sees Lydia again.  For the rest of her life, Helen regrets the last words spoken between them, and hopes "with all my heart" that Lydia has survived.

        This is a powerfully written book.  One that reminds us of the importance of friendship and partings.  It also is a good starting point for discussions regarding the Holocaust, without providing the gory and horrific details.  Overall, I highly recommend this book.

Sholom's Treasure:  How Sholom Aleichem Became A Writer" by E. Silverman         

This is a delightful picture book, featuring Sholom, an iconic Yiddish writer.  It presents his early life in a humorous manner as he jokes and charms his way through life.  Despite hardships, Sholom used the power of words to bring some light and hope to those around him.  Overall this was a wonderful book, one any child would enjoy.

"Golem" by D. Wisniewski         

In 16th century Prague, rumors that the Jews are sacrificing gentile children begin to spread.  As a result, the populous begin targeting and harming the Jews.  Renowned scholar Rabbi Loew creates a clay Golem to protect his people from harm.  The Golem begins by tracking down those spreading the rumors and targeting Jews and turning them over to the authorities.  However, when the gates of the ghetto is stormed, the Golem grows to enormous height and violently defeats them.  The stark illustrations are powerfully created and convey a sense of the morals of good and evil, right and wrong. This book is wonderfully written and illustrated, making it extremely appealing to younger children.

"Eli Remembers" by R. V. Zee and M. Sneider         

This picture book is a wonderful introduction to the holocaust.  It begins with Eli wondering why his great-grandmother lights candles for the Jewish New Year.  In order for him to understand, his family takes him to the Lithuanian village were his great-grandmother lived as a child.  Then, they drive through the forest to the pit, where 80,000 Jews, including her father and siblings, were shot dead by the Nazi's.  Well illustrated, the pictures contrast the boy's home life with the bleak forest.  Overall, this is a wonderful book, appropriate for all ages.

"Hosni the Dreamer:  An Arabian Tale" by E. Ben-Ezer         

Hosni is a shepherd for the sheikh.  Rather than spend time with the other shepherds, Hosni listens to the elders' tales of faraway places and longs to travel.  When the sheikh takes his sheep to the city, he brings along his shepherds and gives them a gold dinar.  Rather than buying food or exotic items, Hosni spends his money on words of wisdom.  On the way home, Hosni is ridiculed for wasting his money on words.  However, those words soon save him.  Well written and beautifully illustrated, this is an engaging and interesting folk tale.