Spring is here! March has been a lovely month of delightful stories. I hope you find a new favorite among those listed below. They are alphabetical by title and labeled by age group for your convenience. Do you know another great book I should include in my blog? Please contact me here and let me know!
40 Weird Facts
By: Carrie Webster
(Reedsy) - Nonfiction Picture Book
This uniquely illustrated picture book has a little something for everyone. From fascinating images created from fruits and vegetables to compelling facts that are likely new, readers of all ages will be talking about this book long after it ends. Please see my full review here.
Broken
By: Julie Astier
(Independent Request) - Young Adult
This story is written specifically to target reluctant young adult readers who may not have the desire to finish longer books. Despite its brevity, it is a gripping story about a boy named Samuel who has sadly missed out on love and affection throughout his life. Teen readers with an interest in dark, tragically realistic stories will fly through this book and build new empathy for others along the way. Please see my full review here.
By: Ewa Podleś
(Independent Request) - Nonfiction Picture Book
I loved the vibrant and varied images in this book about circles. It teaches children the difference between flat and three-dimensional circles by showcasing the myriad objects in the universe that are this shape. Many of the fruits and items were unfamiliar to me as an adult, and I loved seeing things like the colorful dragon fruit and a washing machine door included. This will no doubt inspire treasure hunts for circles around the house and the outside world! Please see my full review here.
Dreamrovers: Price of Deliverance
By: Christie Valentine Powell
(Independent Request) - YA
This book is a really interesting take on humanity and the things that connect and separate us. It would make a fascinating film series or video game because of the fact that many of the characters can travel into dreams or communicate with one another telepathically. Violence and hints of romance are included in this story for young adult readers, and the primary message is one of growing to trust others and find support and love along the way. Please see my full review here.
The Easter Bunny’s Vacation
By: Jemima Neal
(Independent Request) - Picture Book
Jack Rabbit the Easter Bunny is feeling a little run down. As technology becomes more prevalent, he feels that children around the world aren’t appreciating his efforts as much as they once did. So, he and his wife decide to take a vacation to get back to their roots and rediscover what they really want from their lives. This secular Easter story is a fun read-aloud for families who look forward to the Easter Bunny’s arrival every year. Please see my full review here.
Every Llama Needs a Scarf
By: Tunisia Williams
(Independent Request) - Picture Book
This rhyming story presents familiar animals in unexpected ways! From sloths reading books to owls wearing glasses, readers will love seeing recognizable creatures doing very human-like activities. A delightful addition to Storytime collections, readers will love seeing the world in a new light through this silly and colorful narrative. Please see my full review here.
The Game With No Name
By: L.G. Cunningham
(Reedsy) - Middle Grade
Fans of Jumanji will love this middle grade adventure into a frightening board game. Not only are some game elements scary on their own, but the only escape from the game’s clutches is to win. Readers who enjoy things that go bump in the night will love this second installment of the Jitters series by L.G. Cunningham. Please see my full review here.
I Not David
By: Kameo Monson
(Independent Request) - Women’s Fiction
This story surprised me in its depth and complexity. Though I do not have direct experience with Autism myself, I felt strongly for Kat, the mother in this story. Her emotions are profoundly tangible and her transformation is uplifting even through difficult moments. Any mother who has a child with Autism (or not!) will connect with the experiences depicted in this story and will look forward to learning what happens to the family in subsequent books. Please see my full review here.
KidVenture: Twelve Weeks to Midnight Blue
By: Steve Searfoss
(Independent Request) - Middle Grade
As someone who knew very little about business until adulthood, this book helped me understand the basics of business in a straightforward and accessible way. The main character, Chance, is only ten years old, yet thanks to a supportive home environment and a resilient spirit, he is brave enough to start his own business. Doing so is not easy and he does make mistakes, but as he sets goals and sees them through, he is learning skills that will last a lifetime. Please see my full review here.
Kitchi: the Spirit Fox
By: Alana Robson
(Reedsy) - Picture Book
This beautifully illustrated book is a touching story about a little boy who is navigating the loss of his older brother. Although it isn’t written by an author of Native American descent, it includes imagery and connections to Native American culture. Young children will appreciate the limited amount of text, rhyming structure, and especially the striking illustrations. I highly recommend this story! Please see my full review here.
Legal Crime
By: Samiksha Bhattacharjee
(Independent Request) - YA
This debut story by a thirteen-year-old author shows great promise. While I had trouble following the narrative for the first half of the book, things became clearer later on. The detail included in this story is impressive for the author’s age, and as she matures herself, her writing will, as well. I’m looking forward to seeing how her writing grows and improves in future stories. Please see my full review here.
Love Hates us All
By: Lawrence Savage
(Independent Request) - YA (Explicit)
Reading this book is like walking into the troubled mind of a gifted artist. Its gritty, often pessimistic approach to love in the modern world is one that many readers will recognize. The writing itself is poetic in nature without being a true novel in verse, and a handful of true poems are incorporated throughout. I especially loved the poem Conspiracy and could easily imagine it and the words of the story itself as they would be read aloud. Definitely geared to a mature young adult or adult audience because of several detailed sex scenes, mental health challenges, and extensive alcohol use, readers with an interest in a raw examination of the human experience will be drawn to this poetic novel. Please see my full review here.
The Secret at Welsh Hill Farm
By: Jeanette Fiumenero
(Independent Request) - Picture Book
This heartfelt story about a family of Welsh descent and their farm in the United States is a lovely tribute to the author’s mother and her family. Including references to Welsh culture and heritage, readers of all backgrounds will enjoy learning more about Welsh culture through this story. Written for older elementary school-aged readers, the emotion-centered illustrations and narrative text make this book a lovely addition to family collections. Please see my full review here.
Sheltered: When a Boy Becomes a Legend
By: Jacob Paul Patchen
(Independent Request) - Middle Grade
This is the story of James, a thirteen-year-old boy who has found himself as the leader of a resistance group called The Risers two years after the United States suffers a terrible, widespread, internal terrorist attack. Gripping tactical details are included in this story, which is written by a former Marine and combat veteran. The message of becoming better than one’s foes is found throughout the narrative, compelling James and his companions to do what they can to rise from the ashes of this war. I really enjoyed this story! Please see my full review here.
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