Our Little Adventure at Christmas by Tabitha Paige*

 Sarah Mackenzie recently interviewed Mrs. Paige on RAR. Mrs. Paige, a certified speech pathologist, a mother, and an artist/author, has written and illustrated numerous beautiful board books. 

Each Christmas a badger decorates his favorite evergreen tree.This Christmas, however, a storm tears through the forest and rips off his treasures. Badger is sad. His friend, Red Bird, witnesses Badger's reaction and summons other forest friends to gather treasures to redecorate the tree for Badger.

Rhyming text with provided activities in the back to revisit the story.

*Highly recommend. I requested at least one other book by her via ILL.

-Borrowed from the library.

Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell

 Elaine of Ascolat, known as The Lady of Shallot, has grown up with Arthur and his fighting men. She sews their clothes and mends their wounds. The only other woman in the camp is Morgan, who teaches her how to gather plants, flowers, herbs to create healing salves. Two events disturb Elaine's normal rhythms-Arthur becomes lead warrior and decides to attack the Saxons (they have only defended their home, were not ever on the offense) and another woman, Gwynivere, joins the group. Will her father and brothers die in this attack? Although Gwynivere is pledged to marry Arthur, she and Lancelot seem to be pursuing each other. Elaine is heart-broken---she loves Lancelot.

Labeled as "YA"

A novel in verse, which I read in one afternoon   

An exciting tale & perspective during the time of Arthur and his loyal men   I love Elaine's tom-boy nature & her relationship with her father & brothers.

Considerations: girl-power perspective (but the author does NOT degrade men or minimize their gifts), men check out Elaine's figure (not graphic-she can tell they are looking at her developing/changing figure), she & another young man become a romantic couple at the end-very sweet-they share a kiss-they had been friends for years (I like the author's emphasis on the importance of developing a friendship first before romance.), violence -Saxons kidnap the girls & are cruel/violent 

-Borrowed from the library

The Lost Package by Richard Ho illustrated by Jessica Lanan*

 A package is packed with love and care. Along the way, it flies out of the mail transport truck and lies on the city street. Will the recipient ever view its contents? 

A sweet book about traditional mail and a brief look into the postal service. 

Mr. Ho unashamedly exalts the USPS (his author's note is very interesting!).

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Candle Island by Lauren Wolk*

A great summer read! 

Lucretia & her mom move to Candle Island, Maine to escape---her father's death, journalists who want to interview her artist mother. Candle Island contains its own secrets-vandals, children with special gifts, a hidden room. 

I was captivated by the author's poetic sentences, her development of the setting (I wanted to move to Candle Island & explore it!), and her plot pace-how she revealed the secrets to the reader. Ms. Wolk also created likable, distinct characters. I appreciated Lucretia's relationship with her mom-so sweet.

The description of yummy meals Mrs. Sanderson made & served gave me the desire to knock on their door & ask to partake!

*Highly recommend but--Lucretia seemed too wise beyond her years . . .yet when I learned her full story, I could understand why she seemed a lot wiser than a typical 12-year-old.. . . Despite this slightly downside to the book, I still consider this novel as one of my favorite middle grade novels I have read in awhile.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Capybaras by Alfredo Soderguit translated by Elisa Amado

 The chickens are content with their mundane lives. Then the capybaras arrive. They are different. Can they be trusted? Until hunting season is over, the chickens agree to allow them to stay. Rules are established. The rules are broken. Then a capybara performs a heroic feat and transforms the chickens' opinions of them.

I liked the dry, subtle humor. The illustrations add to the story. While reading it, I was wondering if the author was trying to express his opinion on immigration. 

-Borrowed from the library.

Golden Name Day by Jennie Dorothea Lindquist*

 Award winner- Newbery Honor in 1956

When Nancy's mother becomes ill and is hospitalized, she travels to country to live with Mr. & Mrs. Benson for a year. The Bensons and their family are old friends of her mother's. Nancy calls the Bensons, Grandpa & Grandpa & their relatives "aunt/uncle". This family is rooted in the Swedish culture. One tradition is celebrating one's name day. Nancy is disappointed when she discovers that her name is not Swedish, and therefore, does not have a designated day. The disappointment consumes her. Will she waste her year at Grandma & Grandpa's trying to figure out a way to have a "name day"?

I liked this one better than book #3, The Crystal Tree. Nancy's character was more flawed and realistic. Her character development was apparent.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Tales from Maple Ridge #6 The New Kid by Grace Gilmore illustrated by Petra Brown

 Oswald Robbins, who wants to be called Wally, is a new kid in the Maple Ridge one room schoolhouse, making the total number of students an odd 21. Judging him from his looks and mannerisms, the students label him as odd and suspicious. When a coveted book goes missing from the brand new school library, Wally is the number one suspect. Fortunately, Logan wants to investigate and makes a new a friend.

I liked this story the best out of the five I have read in this series.

Discuss: judging others, welcoming new & different people to a group, jumping to conclusions

-Borrowed from the library.

The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline*

 Lavishly illustrated, this version of The Snow Queen will capture the reader's imagination and attention. Kai & Gerda are next door neighbors and best friends. When a piece of an evil troll's powerful mirror enters Kai's eye and heart, he transforms into a selfish, mean boy. Out sledding with the other children, he ventures further and attaches himself to the Snow Queen's sled. She keeps him captive. Everyone in the village concludes he has drowned in the river. Meanwhile, Gerda misses her friend and refuses to believe he has died. Bravely she searches the world until she finds him and restores him to former self.

*Higly recommend. I love the detailed, rich illustrations.

-Borrowed from the library.

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

 Award Winner: Newbery Honor Book-2005

On Januray 4, 1935 twelve-year-old Moose moves to Alcatraz with his family, where his dad takes a position as an prison guard. Why? --So his sister Natalie can attend a special school that is supposed to help her to learn to function in society. Moose hates the change. Not only does he not interact with his dad much, he is now required to watch his challenging sister every day after school so his mom can teach piano lessons. As he adjusts to island living, he finds himself in some situations that may cost his dad his job and Natalie"s position in THE school.

This book is at times humorous and other times heart-wrenching. Ms. Choldenko develops her characters well and creates an engaging plot. If I had had the time, I could have finished this book in one sitting.

Natalie is what we would call "autistic" or "on the spectrum"  in today's society. Because Ms. Choldenko's sister, Gina, was autistic, she portrays Natalie in a realistic manner and also Moose, as a sibling trying to be a supportive yet struggling to reconcile the impact her behavior has on him and his family. She also reveals the tenison the parents experience. The mother's reaction to Natalie's condition was superbly achieved. 

Warnings/discussions: autism & its impact on the individual and his/her loved ones, intense moments when Natalie has tantrums,  Moose describes a large woman's chest as watermelons jiggling, when Moose returns after leaving Natalie alone, he discovers her with a convict, holding hands with him-he is afraid something more intimate has happened between them-she is obessessed with him-nothing graphic is stated but the mature reader can infer Moose's fears (nothing did happen), lying, Moose's father gives him a half of a beer when they were both upset

-Borrowed from the library

The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman

 Award winner-Newbery Honor-2026

Clare the fox died but is undead. He resides in Deadwood Forest and ushers dead creatures into the Afterlife. The Afterlife reveals to him which place each creature is to enter: Peace, Progress, Pleasure, or Pain. For six years he has maintained a productive mushroom garden, devoured interesting books, cared for his cottage, and of course, ushered souls into their deserved afterlife realm. Then a badger named Gingersnipes knocks on his cottage door, and his predictable life is upheaved. 

This book is well-crafted-characters, plot, setting, word choice. I loved reading it and especially appreciated Clare and Gingersnipes.

Considerations: worldview about the afterlife, Afterlife is treated as a supreme being, most souls are considered "good", karma is mentioned, where creatures go is based on how they have lived/view themselves

Rock Paper Incisors by Amy Timberlake illustrated by Jon Klassen

 3rd in a series

Skunk and Badger, two "bachelors", have adjusted to being roommates. Skunk creates delicious meals while Badger focuses on "important rock work". Then two orphan rats are thrusted upon them. Chaos ensues. How will Badger finish his article for Rock Hound Weekly when the rats demand constant attention? Then a bear choose to hibernate in front of their door. . . giving birth to three cubs.  Chickens to the rescue! 

Ms. Timberlake creates likable, believable charaters in the rats. They reminded me of  rambunctious, curious preschoolers. 😀 

Warning/considerations: old earth worldview, evolution (all life came from algae, bacteria to abundant life-Cambrian Explosion)

-Borrowed from the library

NCIS Origins**DVDS

 This series reveals how Leroy Jethro Gibbs and Mike Franks form a friendship  when NCIS was just NIS in the 1990s. The 1st episode begins with elderly Gibbs reflecting on his early years as a marine and how he joined NIS. He narrates and then the "younger versions" of himself and his team come into focus and unfold the story. 

We love this series. With depth and character development, the show is a rarity "these days". Although each episode focuses on a naval murder case, it has flashbacks providing the backstory of the team members. I cannot really express how well-written and well-produced this show is. The acting is superb also. This show displays flawed humanity and its desire to find meaning in life and to find justice.

Viewers who like constant action with little character development may not appreciate this show.

**Highly, highly recommend for older teens & adults.

Warnings/considerations: violence-war, murder-sometimes graphic, snippers/revenge, Gibbs's wife & daughter are murdered, murdering is portrayed/reasoned as ok in some situations; Tish, Franks's girlfriend was raped-it is alluded to-not depicted; Franks & Tish live together, unmarried; Franks smokes a lot; drinking to unwind; death of beloved people; cursing; during the last episode the viewer can infer Wheeler is participating in a homosexual relationship w/ a FBI agent-he vows to stop, restore his marriage, & not lie anymore

Giant by Judith McQuoid

 Sarah Mackenzie interviewed Mrs. McQuoid on RAR about her debut book, Giant. It was one of my favorite author interviews ever! Redeemed Reader also reviewed it this past summer (2025). 

Mrs. McQuoid offers readers a sample of C.S. Lewis's childhood when he lived in Belfast. The main character, however, is Davy, a boy from a working-class family. Davy's mother works for the Lewis family as a housekeeper. When she brings Davy along to work in hopes he can work small jobs for the Lewis family, Davy forms a friendship with C.S. Lewis. Their friendship bolsters both of them-Davy to pursue his love for art and reading and Lewis to persevere during his mother's illness, her eventual death, and then a horrible boarding school situation. 

I loved the book and would have read it in one sitting if time allowed. Will middle grade readers like this gentle story? If they value friendships, character-driven stories, and a love for C.S. Lewis, they will appreciate it. More plot-driven readers may not see the point to it. 

I love that Mrs. McQuoid includes in the back a list of books mentioned throughout the novel.

-I own it.

No Purchase Necessary by Maria Marianayagam

 I almost read this book in one day! The plot will keep the reader engaged from the start until the end.

Eighth grader Ajay always gets straight As. His parents expect it. Their high expectations apply to many situations. Their strictness affects his and his sister's ability to maintain friends and to fit in. Ajay's priority at his new school is make the most popular boy, Jacob Underson, like him. Huge problem-Jacob does not like Ajay and finds ways to manipulate him each day. In desperation, Ajay agrees to steal a candy bar at the convenience store across from the school. This one act of dishonesty paves the way to more lies and deceit. How will he stop from lying so he can return to a life of integrity?

Faith is integrated but not Ajay's source of strength. The family is Catholic and attends Mass each Sunday. Ajay confesses to a priest about his sins. Families not from a Catholic background may want to discuss this belief system.

Discuss: lying, stealing, bullies, Catholicism, immigrants, heart attack, Ajay likes a girl, Mindy, and expresses his interest in different ways-they develop a good friendship

Readers who like characters who are flawed and realistic will appreciate this story.

-Borrowed from the library.

Impossible Creatures Book Two: The Poisoned King by Katherine Rundell illustrated by Ashley Mackenzie*

 To his delight, Christopher Forrester is summoned back to Glimouria Archipelago. Dragons are dying. He is needed to determine the cause.

Anya Arden, the princess of Dousha, is devastated when her grandfather dies. When her father is accused of murdering him, Anya begins to investigate. Soon she is banished from the castle.

She and Christopher join forces to decipher how to prevent the evil and the hatred seeping into the archipelago. Unusual creatures assist them ( The Guardian's Bestiary in the book is very helpful!).

An exciting fantasy book-the chapters are short. A reader could devour this book in one sitting! I like how Anya deals with her hatred and her desire for revenge (she realizes how detrimental they are)

*Highly recommend for 5th grade and older.

Considerations: feelings of hatred and desires to avenge, violence-some descriptive, the girl has center-stage for being fierce; the boy is more the supportive role, a man and woman share a kiss (very sweet)

-Borrowed from the library.

Meet Molly-An American Girl 1944 #1

 Molly & her friends are trying to come up with an amazing Halloween costume during a time when money and resources are limited. Molly's mother suggests that they dress as hulu girls with paper flowers and grass skirts made out of newspaper & crepe paper. When Molly & her friends make fun of Ricky for liking a girl, he vows to get revenge. A "war" breaks out between them. Molly, her friends, and Ricky learn some valuable lessons about anger and revenge.

Considerations: lying, Molly likes it when someone is jealous of her, anger & revenge (Molly's mother address this)-all bad behavior is portrayed as bad and consequences occur, Ricky has a crush on Jill's friend, so Molly & friends sing the "K-I-S-S-I-N-G" song to him

-Borrowed from the library.

Earl & Worm Snow Problem and Other Stories by Greg Pizzoli**

 I love this series for beginning readers. These entertaining and relatable stories will appeal to even the most reluctant readers.

This book takes place over one day-Earl's birthday. Worm attempts to create a special day for Earl but, of course, encounters hinderances and frustrations. All ends well, though. 

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Nine Moons of Han Yu & Luli by Karina Yan Glaser*

 Ms. Glaser interwines two character's stories across the centuries-Han Yu in Ancient China (731 AD) travels the Silk Roads to find a cure for his family who is suffering from tuberculosis & Luli sets out to save her family's livelihood in Chinatown, NYC in 1931

Both children accept the challenges and utilize their creativity to help their families. I loved discovering how Han Yu's life impacted Luli centuries later. Having a male main character  and a girl main charater will allow a wide audience to enjoy it. Although some of the solutions seemed a bit "too perfect" (especially with Luli), I loved this book. The plot was compelling and interesting. I liked this novel better than A Duet for Home and the later Vanderbeeker books.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Earl & Worm series by Greg Pizzoli**

 I love this series! They are perfect for beginning &/or transitional readers (fluency, stamina, building confidence). 

Even though Earl & Worm are great friends, when they first met, Worm did not like Earl's disposition. Grumpy Worm eventually softens to Earl's friendliness. Together they navigate writing poetry, house cleaning, the affect of an unlucky penny, and watching a sunrise.

I am waiting for #3 to be published (Nov. 11, 2025). 

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Together Tree by Aisha Saeed illustrated by LeUyen Pham

 Rumi is a new student. The other students do not protest when Asher, a bully, is mean to him. When Asher throws a rock, and it scrapes Rumi's knee, other students finally gather their courage and befriend Rumi. 

A didactic story  Based on the author's son experience

-Borrowed from the library.