Flashback Four - Fun Historical Fiction for Kids

If you are regular reader of my blog, then you know how much I love historical fiction.  An engaging story that also  gives kids a perspective about what they are learning in school is a big win in my book.  So I am a fan of this new series by Dan Gutman, who manages to consistently write strong and interesting narratives for kids.

Don't forget to Follow One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or by email so that you don't miss a single story that will have kids understanding the nuances of the Gettysburg Address.  Now come on, that's pretty impressive.

Title: Flashback Four: The Lincoln Project

Author: Dan Gutman

Target: Grades 3-7

Series: This is the first book in a planned series

What this book is about: 

Four kids receive a fabulous invitation from and eccentric billionaire to travel back in time to the day of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.  Since there are no pictures of Lincoln delivering his famous speech, the kids are there to get a once in a lifetime photograph of this momentous event.  The kids are also hoping to record Lincoln’s voice and sell the recording for millions.  However, pulling all this off could prove quite difficult and they definitely run into some trouble!

Why I love this book:

• Dan Gutman does a brilliant job of combining an exciting narrative with plenty of actual history so kids will be learning while entertained - I love that!  While the premise is a bit of a stretch, Gutman is a masterful storyteller so he makes it all work despite the obvious holes in the story.

• I really enjoyed the actual photographs of the time that are dispersed throughout the book.  It reminds kids that while this is a story, it is based in fact and takes place at one of the most deadly battle grounds of the Civil War.

• Gutman manages to get the whole address (which was delivered in only two minutes) into the story twice.  He also does a lovely job of showing kids the importance of each phrase without ever making them feel they are reading a textbook!

Who this book is for: 

If your kids enjoyed Gutman’s Genius Files or Baseball Card Adventure books then this story will be an easy sell.  It is also good for kids who enjoy the Nathan Hale series.

Final thoughts: 

If you read this blog regularly then you know I am a big fan of historical fiction and this book did not disappoint.

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Flashback Four: The Lincoln Project.  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

Charming Early Chapter Book

Having been a Cybils judge for Early Chapter Books, it has gotten me in the mood for this genre.  It takes a special talent to tell a complete story that is charming, funny and fully flushed out with a more limited vocabulary, large type and lots of illustrations.  When I find good ones, I just get so excited!  Today's book is a lovely find and one that charmed me.

Don't forget to Follow One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and by email so that you don't miss a single early chapter book that might just be the one to get you child exited about reading.  I love it when that happens.

Title: Piper Green and the Fairy Tree

Author: Ellen Potter

Target: Grade 1-3

Series: Yes

What this book is about:  

Piper lives on a small island in Maine and has to take a Lobster boat to  another small island to attend second grade.  Her brother has recently left for the mainland to go to high school and Piper misses him.  She starts off the new school year by wearing his old monkey ear muffs, but those really aren’t allowed at school.  Since she has no intention of taking them off, trouble is headed her way, until she finds the Fairy Tree that is.  Can the tree fix her problems?

Why I love this book: 

Piper is just the kind of main character I love.  She is spunky and speaks her mind in a way that I found quite humorous and not cutesy.  While the story is fairly simple, we manage to get a good feel for Piper, her feelings of loss over her brother leaving, and her anxiety about the first days of school.  I found the story charming.

Who this book is for: 

This book is great for newly independent readers.  Large type, small pages and pictures scattered throughout make this book feel manageable.  Good book for kids who are fans of Junie B. Jones and Clementine.  Will appeal to both boys and girls.

Final thoughts: 

A nice new entrant into the early chapter book category.  

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Piper Green and the Fairy Tree.  A portion of each purchase will go to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

Mystery and Adventure for Kids

Today I have a book full unusual curiosities and oddities with a wonderful mystery attached.  For kids who like a good whodunit, with a lot of action and characters who have unusual talents, this is the book to give them.

Don't forget to Follow One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and by email so that you don't miss a single story where being unusual is a valuable and treasured commodity.  And if you need more convincing, check out my One Minute Book talk bellow for an unedited view of this terrific story.

Title: Curiosity House: The Shrunken Head

Authors: Lauren Oliver & H. C. Chester

Target: Grades 4-7

Series: Yes

What this book is about: 

What if I told you this book was about a boy with super strength, a girl who reads minds, a young man who can contort himself into any space and a young woman who can throw knives with uncanny accuracy?  Now what if I told you they performed at the Dumfrey Dime Museum of Freaks, Oddities and Wonders?  Intrigued?  Well I hope so!  The museum acquires a a shrunken head that sets off a series of murders.  Is the head cursed or is someone trying to get to our four intriguing young friends?  Only time, and a few more corpses will tell.

Why I love this book:

• I just thought the premise of this book was so fascinating, and it didn’t disappoint.  I loved the four main characters who are endearing, resourceful and damaged, but who manage to create a family where they feel loved.

• The mystery was a fun one.  I must admit that I saw the clues coming, but as an adult reader it felt like kids had a chance of solving the mystery without it being too obvious.

• This book includes a bearded lady, an alligator boy and a dwarf and the message remains that being different is valued and special.

Who this book is for:  

Kids who like historical fiction or books such as Circus Mirandus will enjoy this one.  It is a mixture of action and character development, so kids have to like both.

Final thoughts: 

I really enjoyed this story.  I can’t wait for the next book in series due out in May!

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Curiosity House: The Shrunken Head  A portion of each purchase will go back to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

One Minute Book Talk

Best Graphic Novel Series for Kids

My favorite graphic novelist/historian has a new installment to his very popular series Nathan Hale's Hazerdous Tales.  If you are unfamiliar with these books, Nathan Hale takes actual events from the past and the individuals who participated in them and crafts a historically accurate story with dialogue that is funny, gag filled and incredibly clever.  The phrases uttered may be pure fiction but your kids will be well versed in the background of our American history.

Don't forget to Follow One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or by email so that you don't miss a single story that brings history to life for kids and makes it apart of their conversations outside of class.  It's kind of amazing when a book can do that!

Title: Nathan Hale’s Hazardours Tales: Alamo All-Stars

Author: Nathan Hale

Target: Grades 4-8

Series: Yes

What this book is about: 
In this sixth installment in the series, Nathan Hale takes on the fight for an independent Texas as it seeks American Statehood against the Mexican despot, Santa Anna.  Of course we learn of the exploits and adventures of Davy Crockett, Stephen Austin and Jim Bowie and how they came to fight at the Alamo and their eventual loss at the hands of the Mexican army.

Why I love this book:

• Nathan Hale is a master at historical fiction and his graphic novel format makes his topics much more relatable and entertaining to kids than traditional non fiction texts.

• This book is not beyond a silly joke or clever gag so kids will be absolutely amused while absorbing so much of our history.

• The one drawback to this book is the plethora of Mexican names and places to remember.  These are not names kids will be familiar with, so the book can get confusing at times because kids will not have a point of reference for some of the material.  This is not something I was concerned about in his other books that deal with more well known historical events.  But this book may be challenging for some younger kids who enjoy this series.

Who this book is for:

Great for kids who like history, battles and graphic novels.  This is probably not the book to start with in the series because much of the history will be new to them.  I would start with One Dead Spy to set up the premise of the books.

Final thoughts: 
I really think Nathan Hale should begin writing history textbooks.  If I had a textbook that made history as entertaining as these books have, I really would have done better in those classes!

To purchase this book:
Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Alamo All-Stars.  A portion of each purchase will go back to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

Great Book to Read Aloud to Kids

Today I am sharing a book that absolutely surprised me in the best way.  I love clever books that have smart humor and a touching message and this book delivered in spades.  I normally shy away from imaginary friend stories, they always feel so juvenile, but the take on this book was so unique I was drawn in despite myself.  Watching Jack realize he is imaginary and what he does with that information is so clever that I was laughing and crying all at the same time (I'm a mom so I'm good at doing both simultaneously)

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Title: Confessions of an Imaginary Friend

Author: Michelle Cuevas

Target: Grades 3 and up

Series: No

What this book is about: 
Jack Papier is the brother of Fleur and he is starting to get a sneaking suspicion that people are not that fond of him.  Teachers ignore him and he is never picked for teams at school.  But Fleur loves him, and that seems enough until he starts to realize that maybe he isn’t actually Fleur’s brother but her … gasp … imaginary friend.  Now Jack is trying to discover who he is and if he can become real even if he isn’t technically “real”.

Why I love this book:

• I generally am not that fond of imaginary friend books, but this book blew me away.  The humor was priceless.  Jack  actually attends an Imaginaries Anonymous meeting where they recite “I’m only as invisible as I feel, imaginary or not.” at the beginning of every meeting.  Of course when he is reincarnated as the wienner dog who is his nemesis at the beginning of the story, I was full out chuckling.

• Jack himself is a wonderful character as he goes through denial at the realization he is imaginary, to wanting to understand what that means, to helping and nurturing those who trust him.

• The children who are helped by Jack are a varied and wonderful bunch. They are quirky and have their faults, but Jack manages to find the best in them.

Who this book is for: 
This is the hardest question for me.  This book is for kids with a wonderful sense of humor who enjoy touching stories. 

Final thoughts: 
This is wonderful book to read aloud with kids.  Teachers would do well to tie this one in with a writing unit of perspective.

To purchase this book:
Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Confessions of an Imaginary Friend  A portion of each purchase will go to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

Baseball Book for Kids

Baseball is front and center in this new offering from Joan Bauer.  However, you don't have to be a fan of the game to appreciate the protagonist in this book, who is one of the most charming and optimistic characters I have met all year.  But, you just may pick up a love for the game after reading this story, if you didn't love baseball already!

Don't forget to Follow One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and by email so that you won't miss any more books that are a home run for your kids.  And check out my One Minute Book Talk below to get a play by play of the action in this terrific novel!

Title: Soar

Author: Joan Bauer

Target: Grades 4-7

Series: No

What this book is about: 

Jeremiah has a heart transplant, and he loves baseball.  Even though he can’t play, he gets fervently excited about his move to the town of Hillcrest, because they are known for their thriving baseball community.  But just when Jeremiah and his father arrive, the town is rocked by a steroid scandal and the high school team is disbanded.  Jeremiah is hoping to watch his middle school team, but no one wants to play there either.  He knows that baseball is a metaphor for life and not just a game, so he gets some kids together and starts to coach a team.  But will his love for the game be enough to pull this town out of their baseball funk?

Why I love this book:

• First off Jeremiah is just a wonderful written character.  He is charming, disarming, insightful beyond his years and someone who isn’t afraid to speak his mind with measured words.  I was completely captivated and amused by him.

• I like the baseball in the book.  Hey, I have been trained to love the sport by my husband and so I enjoyed the motivational speeches and the emphasis on the basics.

• Spoiler alert, they do win the last game, but they don’t win the series and they loose an awful lot along the way.  I appreciate that.  These kids still felt like absolute winners even if their baseball win to loss ratio was negative!

Who this book is for: 

Great realistic fiction for boys.  For kids who like books on baseball and life, this one is a winner.

Final thoughts: 

I have always enjoyed Joan Bauer’s books, but this one impressed me in a way the others hadn’t.  My favorite book from her by far.

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Soar  A portion of each purchase will go back to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

One Minute Book Talk:

Easter Book Baskets

It is time for my annual Easter Basket post.  Every year my kids get a basket filled with new books and the obligatory chocolate bunny, of course!  This is a wonderful time to start a literary tradition for your family.  My kids look forward to their new reads every year, and yes, also the candy!

Click on the links at the bottom of the post to see some of my baskets from previous years!

Also, I have ideas at the end of the post for themed Easter Book Baskets to really wow your kids and get them excited about the prospect of books!

Basket for my 17 year old son:

Transformer Graphic Novels:
My son is addicted to these.  The stories and artwork are sophisticated and the larger hardback volumes feel quite substantial.  For any kids who enjoy a more modern take on comic books, these are sure to be a hit.

In Real Life:
This book is about a fifteen year old boy who loves math and video games, and surprise, surprise, his parents want him off the computer.  Sounds like a book my son can definitely relate to.

Mad Magazine:
Ok, I was a little lazy here.  His subscription ran out so I saved the renewal as an Easter present.  But I am telling myself it's a lot better than getting the new socks he needs!

Basket for my 14 year old son:

Josh Baxter Levels Up:

This book is about a boy in middle school who really needs some wins.  And let's be honest - what kid in middle school doesn't need that!  When Josh's video games get taken away, he needs to focus on a new strategy for success.  And if you are now starting to sense that my boys are addicted to video games, you may be correct!

Alamo All-Stars:
This is the newest installment in the Nathan Hale series.  These graphic novels based on US history are absolutely as informative as they are entertaining.  I have never known an author who can make history come alive for kids the way Nathan Hale has.  Sadly for you I got an advanced copy from the publisher, since this installment isn't available until right after Easter.  So an IOU or perhaps the first book in the series is also a great gift!

Big Game:
My son is addicted to anything written by Stuart Gibbs.  He will be thrilled with his latest book where the mystery surrounding who wants to get their hands on Ronda the Rhino will provide non stop action, and probably a little rhino excrement.  Well, all in a days work.

Basket for my 12 year old daughter:


Ava XOX:
I really like the Ava and Pip book series because the characters are well written and act their age, which is refreshing.  In this installment Ava is dealing with friends who like boys and her own feelings about this situation.  As my daughter gets ready for middle school, I imagine it is something she will be thinking about.

The Kicks:
This one is really a no brainer.  My daughter loves the author Alex Morgan, she loves soccer and she appreciates the stories about being on a team.  Even though these are probably a little young for her at this point, she wouldn't miss this sixth one in the series.

The Key to Extraordinary:
This book is about strong women, magic and mystery.  My daughter loved the author's previous book, A Snicker of Magic so I think she will devour this one as well.


More Book Basket Themes:

As I was looking for books I came across fabulous themes you might want to incorporate in your book baskets.  What about the full set of graphic novels from The Babysitters Club?  You could also provide a Minecraft themed basket or Star Wars.  I also love the idea of one that has non fiction text such as the Guiness World Records books and National Geographic Almanacs.  Your kids will actually thank you for their Easter books.  Now how lovely is that?

Easter Book Baskets from years past:

Easter 2014

Easter 2013

Easter 2012

Charming Early Chapter Book

Bonjour!  Today I have a book that is the result of Mo Willems' recent sabbatical in France and it is a lovely addition to the early chapter book category.  With more heft and sentimentality than the Elephant and Piggie books, it is the next step for kids who have graduated from early readers.  Or your family could make it a read aloud, and you too can share in the adventures of Diva and Flea!

Don't forget to Follow One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or by email so that you don't miss a Parisienne adventure perpetrated by a dog and cat.  And if you would like to hear me share my thoughts on the book entirely in a French accent, check out my One Minute Book Talk bellow.  Non, je dit ca pour plaisanter (I jest - not about the book talk, the French accent!)

Title: The Story of Diva and Flea

Author: Mo Willems

Target: Grade 1-3

Series: No

What this book is about: 
Diva is a small dog that lives in an apartment in Paris.  Flea is an alley cat who identifies as a flaneur, someone who wanders the streets to see what they can see.  When they meet, Diva is terrified of venturing outside of her apartment courtyard.  Flea encourages her to try a few steps.  Flea on the other hand is terrified of the home Diva inhabits because an owner with a broom lives there.  Diva shows Flea that brooms can simply be for sweeping and not shooing cats away.  They each bring out the best in each other, despite their differences, and it is the start of a beautiful friendship.

Why I love this book

• The illustrations by Tony Diterlizzi are absolutely charming.  They elevate the story and help give it a Parisienne feel.

• The story itself is adorable.  The humor is less exaggerated than Mo Willems Elephant and Piggie series, but there are definitely some clever moments scattered throughout the book.

Who this book is for: 
This book is wonderful for kids who like animals and friendship.  It is a touching story with amusing parts, as opposed to a funny book with heartfelt moments, if that makes sense.  The emphasis is more on a sentimental story so your kids have to be open to that.  If they are they will absolutely love this book.

This book is a perfect early chapter book.  There are plenty of pictures but kids need to feel confident with full pages of text and the inclusion of some french words.

Final thoughts:
 This book is the result of Mo Willems’ sabbatical in France and if we get gems like this, I hope he leaves us more often

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: The Story of Diva and Flea  A portion of each purchase will go back to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

One Minute Book Talk:

Detective Books for Kids

My husband and I are totally addicted to the Sherlock Holmes series from the UK.  Perhaps that's why when I read Friday Barnes I was charmed from the start.  I love that the book is not just one mystery, but a series of clever puzzles that need to be solved and Friday is just the girl to do it.

Don't forget to Follow One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or by email so that you won't miss any of the conundrums that can be solved by keen observation and quirky girl who is quite willing to speak her mind.

Also, if you powers of deduction are keen, you will find my One Minute Book Talk at the end of this post.  Another clue into why this book will be a winner with your kids.

Title: Friday Barnes: Girl Detective

Author: R. A. Spratt

Target: Grades 4-6

Series: Yes

What this book is about: 

Friday Barnes is a delightfully quirky and eccentric child who is far more clever and intelligent than the other kids around her.  When she earns $50,000 for solving a bank robbery she decides to use the funds to attend an exclusive private school which she has heard is the finest in the country.  There she realizes that her attempts to stay under the radar simply make her stand out, and she discovers she has an arch rival, the extremely handsome Ian Wainscott. However, it is Friday’s ability to solve crimes which makes her indispensable to students and the headmaster and she takes on cases of missing homework and an elusive swamp yeti.

Why I love this book:

• First off the cast of characters is wonderful.  They are all less than conventional with some odd and outlandish traits, however, that only adds to how endearing many of them are.  In some ways they reminded me of the cast of Scooby Doo.

• The mysteries are all fun and engaging.  Friday works just like Sherlock Holmes as she deduces character traits and suspect’s motivations by just a few keen observations.

• The illustrations by Phil Gosier are a wonderful complement to the text.  They are charming and convey a lot of humor.

Who this book is for: 

This book is written by the wonderful author of the Nanny Piggins series.  If you kids loved those book they will definitely want to give this one a try.  Kids who like a series of engaging mysteries should also be excited about our gal Friday.

Final thoughts:  

This author is just a lovely import from Australia.  The only downside is that all her books are available there while we have to wait in the States for the latest installments!

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Friday Barnes, Girl Detective  A portion of each purchase will go to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

One Minute Book Talk

Princess in Black to the Rescue

Of course no Super Hero Week would be complete without the Princess in Black.  She loves pink, she if frilly, but when the situation demands she can conquer monsters with the best of them.  

Don't forget to Like One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or by email so that you don't miss a single book where the princess saves the day!  And if you need any more incentive to give this book a try, check out my One Minute Book Talk below, where I try to be super convincing!

Title: The Princess in Black and the Prefect Princess Party

Author: Shannon Hale

Target: Kindergarten - Grade 2

Series: Yes

What this book is about: 

In this second book in the series, Princess Magnolia is having a birthday party.  However, as readers will discover, she also has a secret identity as the Princess in Black who fights goat eating monsters that appear in the fields surrounding the castle.  Unfortunately her glitter stone ring, which alerts her to the presence of monsters, starts ringing at all the wrong times during the party.  Will her party guests discover her secret?

Why I love this book:

• First off the illustrations by LeUyen Pham are absolutely delightful.  They bring a lighthearted joy to the story and they provide some giggle inducing moments.

• I very much enjoyed that a princess could be the one who saves the goat boy.  Nice to have a girl saving the guy for a change and one who still likes a pink frilly dress to boot.  I mean a tiara trip can do some serious damage to a monster.

• I like that a perfect party may not always come out the way you planned.  

Who this book is for: 

Great early chapter book with large type and plenty of illustrations.  Phrases are repeated and there are also challenge worlds included.  This book is for any girl who is frills and lace on the outside, but who also likes a good adventure.

Final thoughts:

I actually liked this second book even more than the first.  The third one is just out and I can’t to read it!

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: The Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess Party  A portion of each purchase will go to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

One Minute Book Talk

Super Hero Books for Kids

Super Hero Week continues with this latest offering which combines traditional text with graphic novel components.  In this book kids will learn that being a super hero does not mean you can impress people of the opposite sex.  As always you must rely on your charming personality and sense of humor, which is kinda of a bummer when you have super strength, super speed and you can fly!

Don't forget to Follow One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or by email so that you won't miss a single book where a golden cape means the difference between sneaking out of the house to save the universe or finishing your diner.

If you find that reading at super speed is not your strength, check out my One Minute Book talk below where in the blink of an eye you will be as knowledgeable about the book as I am.  See, you do have super powers after all.

Title: Miles Taylor and the Golden Cape

Author: Robert Venditti

Target: Grades 4-7

Series: This is the first book in a planned series

What this book is about: Miles is a twelve year old boy who has started a new school and is having trouble making friends.  When he accidentally inherits a cape that gives him superpowers, things start to get interesting.  The cape turns him into the lengedary superhero Gilded, who has been protecting his town for over 50 years.  Turns out the cape can only be used for noble purposes, so impressing girls is out of the question.  A new friend Henry helps him understand how the cape works, just in time to help him protect his town from its greatest threat yet.

Why I love this book:

• This book uses an interesting story telling device of inserting comics into the action sequences of the book, so kids not only get to read about Gilded’s exploits, they also get to see him fighting the bad guys.  They don’t represent a large part of the story which is primarily text, but for more reluctant readers it is nice break in the prose.

• I loved the noble elements of the cape.  Since Miles can’t use it for any personal gain, it makes you realize how difficult it is to live such a selfless life.  It also brings home how the life of a superhero may not be all it’s cracked up to be.

• The book is full of action and adventure and the characters are quite likable.  Enough humor and battles to keep kids turning pages.

Who this book is for: 

Fans of Percy Jackson should like this one.  The author of this book actually wrote the graphic novel version of The Lightning Thief.

Final thoughts: 

I thought that Gilded was drawn a little creepy.  Something about no hair and saucer eyes was a little off-putting for me.

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Attack of the Alien Horde (Miles Taylor and the Golden Cape)  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

One Minute Book Talk