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Recommend this book:
Knights Without Ceremony
Insurrection
Ari Magnusson
2026 Finalist
296 Pages
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Children - Coming of Age
Reviewed by Richard Prause for Readers' Favorite
In Ari Magnusson's Knights Without Ceremony: Insurrection, Gorum is just coming out of war, and the kingdom’s peace is shaky and uncertain. The king allows boys from all classes to train as knights, which is a new decree. Ettan, a poor thirteen-year-old who looks after his younger brother Gerrit, joins the program hoping it will give them a chance at a better life. He quickly sees how unfair things are. Noble children cheat the system, while the knights in charge don’t stop them. Ettan changes his fighting style to survive the difficult trials, but constant provocation and unfair decisions make it all much more challenging for him. At the same time, Gerrit helps hungry children, risking their safety to do what he believes is right. As hidden political agendas unfold, the idea of knighthood begins to seem hollow. Will Ettan ever get a fair chance in a system that seems designed to hold him back?
Knights Without Ceremony: Insurrection by Ari Magnusson is a YA fantasy adventure that looks at political and social issues through the eyes of a courageous teen boy. The plot is simple and easy to follow, letting Gorum's unfairness show itself without any extra dramatics. The kingdom is strict and rigid, where tradition protects the powerful, and the training grounds reflect that in every challenge the boys face. Ettan's growth is influenced by frustration and harsh lessons about people with authority and power. Gerrit offers a softer perspective, helping people in little ways that push back against the unfair rules. The book also looks at honor and shows how it can be used to hide selfish motives and corruption. Magnusson doesn’t glorify corrupt knights but shows who really gains from this unjust system. Fans of fantasy and YA social class stories will enjoy it.
In Ari Magnusson's Knights Without Ceremony: Insurrection, Gorum is just coming out of war, and the kingdom’s peace is shaky and uncertain. The king allows boys from all classes to train as knights, which is a new decree. Ettan, a poor thirteen-year-old who looks after his younger brother Gerrit, joins the program hoping it will give them a chance at a better life. He quickly sees how unfair things are. Noble children cheat the system, while the knights in charge don’t stop them. Ettan changes his fighting style to survive the difficult trials, but constant provocation and unfair decisions make it all much more challenging for him. At the same time, Gerrit helps hungry children, risking their safety to do what he believes is right. As hidden political agendas unfold, the idea of knighthood begins to seem hollow. Will Ettan ever get a fair chance in a system that seems designed to hold him back?
Knights Without Ceremony: Insurrection by Ari Magnusson is a YA fantasy adventure that looks at political and social issues through the eyes of a courageous teen boy. The plot is simple and easy to follow, letting Gorum's unfairness show itself without any extra dramatics. The kingdom is strict and rigid, where tradition protects the powerful, and the training grounds reflect that in every challenge the boys face. Ettan's growth is influenced by frustration and harsh lessons about people with authority and power. Gerrit offers a softer perspective, helping people in little ways that push back against the unfair rules. The book also looks at honor and shows how it can be used to hide selfish motives and corruption. Magnusson doesn’t glorify corrupt knights but shows who really gains from this unjust system. Fans of fantasy and YA social class stories will enjoy it.
Recommend this book:
The Big Dream
The Crow's Tales
Pannell and Sigfusson
2026 Finalist
310 Pages
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Children - Coming of Age
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
In Pannell and Sigfusson’s The Big Dream, Brandon is a downtown schoolboy whose final English grade depends on an essay about his summer plans. He thinks his ordinary routine cannot fill the assignment until GameTeck announces a remote-operated car race in Riverside. The contest offers a place in a new video game for winning designs, so Brandon decides to build a crow-shaped racer with his friends. Their plan begins on Brandon’s roof, where pigeons share space with a crow that collects shiny objects. To enter, Brandon needs money for a kit, permission from his parents, help from his friends, and enough practice to handle a real racecourse. As summer nears, one school essay turns into a plan that could change how Brandon sees his own life this year.
Pannell and Sigfusson’s The Big Dream is a wonderful middle-grade adventure and is a brilliant story with a lot of heart. The authors make Brandon easy to root for, and we end up liking him because his big summer idea becomes a lesson in honesty, friendship, and follow-through. The incorporation of birds is creative, and while there's mischief afoot, my younger reader had a lot of fun imagining what was happening. The settings are specific enough to make Brandon’s world easy to picture. His rooftop holds pigeons, a coop, and a jar of found objects. His grandparents’ farm has a pond, pier, barn, and open practice ground for the racer. Younger readers, and those who are young at heart, who enjoy friendship, family humor, and inventive summer stories, will love this. Very highly recommended.
In Pannell and Sigfusson’s The Big Dream, Brandon is a downtown schoolboy whose final English grade depends on an essay about his summer plans. He thinks his ordinary routine cannot fill the assignment until GameTeck announces a remote-operated car race in Riverside. The contest offers a place in a new video game for winning designs, so Brandon decides to build a crow-shaped racer with his friends. Their plan begins on Brandon’s roof, where pigeons share space with a crow that collects shiny objects. To enter, Brandon needs money for a kit, permission from his parents, help from his friends, and enough practice to handle a real racecourse. As summer nears, one school essay turns into a plan that could change how Brandon sees his own life this year.
Pannell and Sigfusson’s The Big Dream is a wonderful middle-grade adventure and is a brilliant story with a lot of heart. The authors make Brandon easy to root for, and we end up liking him because his big summer idea becomes a lesson in honesty, friendship, and follow-through. The incorporation of birds is creative, and while there's mischief afoot, my younger reader had a lot of fun imagining what was happening. The settings are specific enough to make Brandon’s world easy to picture. His rooftop holds pigeons, a coop, and a jar of found objects. His grandparents’ farm has a pond, pier, barn, and open practice ground for the racer. Younger readers, and those who are young at heart, who enjoy friendship, family humor, and inventive summer stories, will love this. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Power of a Flower
Ann Marie Hannon
2026 Honorable Mention
76 Pages
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Children - Coming of Age
Reviewed by Shawna L. Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Ann Marie Hannon's The Power of a Flower tells the story of Samantha, a sweet and caring little girl who is always worried about things. One day, Samantha noticed that her little potted plant was not healthy and felt sad. She decided to share her concerns with her wise grandma, who loved to tell Samantha stories. Grandma then shared a heartwarming tale about another little girl and her flower with Samantha. The story follows the journey of a little girl who named her flower Mari-gold with the help of her best friend. They even made up a little song to sing to the plant. However, the flower started to wilt, and the little girl realized she needed to learn how to care for it. She went to the library, researched about pollination, and studied her flowers. She even planted seeds to grow new plants. The little girl learned how to care for her flowers through persistence and hard work.
The Power of a Flower by Ann Marie Hannon reminds us that it's normal for everyone to have worries and that trying to solve them is essential. It's a heartwarming tale of friendship, sharing, and scientific discovery that will inspire and entertain children for years. The story teaches children aged seven through twelve essential friendship, sharing, and kindness lessons. It also provides valuable knowledge on science topics such as pollination and the plant life cycle. This book would be an excellent addition to any home or school library. Ann Marie Hannon has included appealing illustrations of the girls and the little plant to add to the story's charm.
Ann Marie Hannon's The Power of a Flower tells the story of Samantha, a sweet and caring little girl who is always worried about things. One day, Samantha noticed that her little potted plant was not healthy and felt sad. She decided to share her concerns with her wise grandma, who loved to tell Samantha stories. Grandma then shared a heartwarming tale about another little girl and her flower with Samantha. The story follows the journey of a little girl who named her flower Mari-gold with the help of her best friend. They even made up a little song to sing to the plant. However, the flower started to wilt, and the little girl realized she needed to learn how to care for it. She went to the library, researched about pollination, and studied her flowers. She even planted seeds to grow new plants. The little girl learned how to care for her flowers through persistence and hard work.
The Power of a Flower by Ann Marie Hannon reminds us that it's normal for everyone to have worries and that trying to solve them is essential. It's a heartwarming tale of friendship, sharing, and scientific discovery that will inspire and entertain children for years. The story teaches children aged seven through twelve essential friendship, sharing, and kindness lessons. It also provides valuable knowledge on science topics such as pollination and the plant life cycle. This book would be an excellent addition to any home or school library. Ann Marie Hannon has included appealing illustrations of the girls and the little plant to add to the story's charm.
Recommend this book:
I Love You So
Wild About You Collection Book 1
Danielle LaRosa
2026 Bronze Medal
39 Pages
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Children - Coming of Age
Reviewed by Diana Lopez for Readers' Favorite
For a mother, seeing her children grow up is an experience that fills her with pride. Sometimes it’s hard to put all those feelings into words, because there are so many memories she’d like to capture. Danielle LaRosa shares that feeling and describes the joy of motherhood in I Love You So. The story is told from the perspective of a lioness mother gazing at her cub in her arms. She longs to watch him grow up, to be with him when he takes his first steps, and to take him to school on his first day of class. She also wants to enjoy everyday moments, like playing with him and eating ice cream by his side. She wants to always be there for him, celebrating his birthdays with cake and gifts, and watching him mature as he learns to be independent. She reminds us that, in the blink of an eye, children grow up, and that’s why we must appreciate every moment together.
Danielle LaRosa shares a beautiful story that evokes warmth and nostalgia. She highlights the most meaningful moments in a child’s growth, such as when they say their first words or learn to ride a bike. But she also promotes important values, like learning to forgive, being a good friend, and striving to achieve one’s dreams. That’s why I found this story so captivating. I also liked that the author uses short sentences and highlights some key words in a different color, which makes it easier to read. Additionally, I loved the illustrations by Pencil Master because on every page, we see how the little lion grows, and little by little, the mother’s wish comes true until her son is ready to set out on his own path. I Love You So is a charming book for sharing a special moment between mother and child.
For a mother, seeing her children grow up is an experience that fills her with pride. Sometimes it’s hard to put all those feelings into words, because there are so many memories she’d like to capture. Danielle LaRosa shares that feeling and describes the joy of motherhood in I Love You So. The story is told from the perspective of a lioness mother gazing at her cub in her arms. She longs to watch him grow up, to be with him when he takes his first steps, and to take him to school on his first day of class. She also wants to enjoy everyday moments, like playing with him and eating ice cream by his side. She wants to always be there for him, celebrating his birthdays with cake and gifts, and watching him mature as he learns to be independent. She reminds us that, in the blink of an eye, children grow up, and that’s why we must appreciate every moment together.
Danielle LaRosa shares a beautiful story that evokes warmth and nostalgia. She highlights the most meaningful moments in a child’s growth, such as when they say their first words or learn to ride a bike. But she also promotes important values, like learning to forgive, being a good friend, and striving to achieve one’s dreams. That’s why I found this story so captivating. I also liked that the author uses short sentences and highlights some key words in a different color, which makes it easier to read. Additionally, I loved the illustrations by Pencil Master because on every page, we see how the little lion grows, and little by little, the mother’s wish comes true until her son is ready to set out on his own path. I Love You So is a charming book for sharing a special moment between mother and child.
Recommend this book:
The End of the Sidewalk
Nancy Schutt McCorkle
2026 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Coming of Age
Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
The End of the Sidewalk by Nancy Schutt McCorkle centers on a white girl named Gertrude, or Trudy, growing up in Mississippi during the early 1960s. Segregation and clashes over civil rights are part of her everyday life. Her mother, who serves on the state’s interracial commission, invites some Freedom Riders over to their home one night, and from then on, their family faces harassing phone calls, late-night threats, and even violence as they speak out for change. At the same time, Trudy begins junior high and experiences shifts in friendships, as well as new ones. A secret bond with a Black girl she meets through their housekeeper, Jetta Mae, forces her to see how unfair it is in their town, when all she wants is for them to be friends out in the open. Where is the true “end of the sidewalk,” and what happens when a girl dares to step past it?
As an educator, I think The End of the Sidewalk by Nancy Schutt McCorkle could be used to start class discussions on inequality, kindness, and friendship. I also think it would be an excellent choice for classroom reading to understand civil rights better. When I read it, I truly felt empathy for Trudy and the others in the story who were just trying to make life equitable for everyone. I also like how she’s a real kid: she’s stubborn, scared, hopeful, a bit naïve, and only tries to do what she believes is fair, even when some adults around her don’t. The writing is clear, making it easy to visualize what was happening. When reading about Trudy visiting her beloved Miss Magnolia, it was as if I were right there with her. Aesop once said, “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees,” so if you’re looking for a read that reinforces that golden rule and also pulls at your heartstrings, then this is the book for you. This truly is a great read!
The End of the Sidewalk by Nancy Schutt McCorkle centers on a white girl named Gertrude, or Trudy, growing up in Mississippi during the early 1960s. Segregation and clashes over civil rights are part of her everyday life. Her mother, who serves on the state’s interracial commission, invites some Freedom Riders over to their home one night, and from then on, their family faces harassing phone calls, late-night threats, and even violence as they speak out for change. At the same time, Trudy begins junior high and experiences shifts in friendships, as well as new ones. A secret bond with a Black girl she meets through their housekeeper, Jetta Mae, forces her to see how unfair it is in their town, when all she wants is for them to be friends out in the open. Where is the true “end of the sidewalk,” and what happens when a girl dares to step past it?
As an educator, I think The End of the Sidewalk by Nancy Schutt McCorkle could be used to start class discussions on inequality, kindness, and friendship. I also think it would be an excellent choice for classroom reading to understand civil rights better. When I read it, I truly felt empathy for Trudy and the others in the story who were just trying to make life equitable for everyone. I also like how she’s a real kid: she’s stubborn, scared, hopeful, a bit naïve, and only tries to do what she believes is fair, even when some adults around her don’t. The writing is clear, making it easy to visualize what was happening. When reading about Trudy visiting her beloved Miss Magnolia, it was as if I were right there with her. Aesop once said, “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees,” so if you’re looking for a read that reinforces that golden rule and also pulls at your heartstrings, then this is the book for you. This truly is a great read!
Recommend this book:
Butterfly Sea
Cynthia Mackey, Marie-Laure Couët
2026 Silver Medal
42 Pages
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Children - Coming of Age
Reviewed by Alija Turkovic for Readers' Favorite
Butterfly Sea by Cynthia Mackey is a children's picture book about two siblings who set out to take a snapshot of a butterfly. However, as they wait to spot the butterflies they hope to find, they stumble on other marvels as well. As the older sibling readies her camera to capture pictures of the beautiful scenery unfolding around them, the younger sibling takes them both on fun little adventures with her creative mind. Through the power of play and imagination, the siblings envision a mermaid on a quest to find ice cream, a pirate searching for treasure, and a silly shark who eats cheesy goldfish crackers and sour lemonade. Through these quirky adventures, the children learn that true discovery requires patience and a lot of creativity. Join them on their incredible adventure today.
Butterfly Sea by Cynthia Mackey teaches readers about the value of play, a child's imagination, appreciation for nature, and finding joy in the little moments. The story is easy to follow and is backed by captivating artwork. The illustrations by Marie-Laure Couët are vibrant and full of warmth, making each page feel like you just stepped into a child’s colorful dream. Through the siblings' adventure, young readers are encouraged to be brave and inquisitive when they explore the world around them. I love how the author reminds us that beauty can be found in the small things that occur in our lives. She teaches us that sometimes, the most epic adventures aren't the action-packed ones – they're often found in the quiet moments we share with our loved ones. Mackey’s message is clear: you don’t need big adventures to find true happiness. Sometimes, all you need is to open your heart to the simple moments happening right around you every day.
Butterfly Sea by Cynthia Mackey is a children's picture book about two siblings who set out to take a snapshot of a butterfly. However, as they wait to spot the butterflies they hope to find, they stumble on other marvels as well. As the older sibling readies her camera to capture pictures of the beautiful scenery unfolding around them, the younger sibling takes them both on fun little adventures with her creative mind. Through the power of play and imagination, the siblings envision a mermaid on a quest to find ice cream, a pirate searching for treasure, and a silly shark who eats cheesy goldfish crackers and sour lemonade. Through these quirky adventures, the children learn that true discovery requires patience and a lot of creativity. Join them on their incredible adventure today.
Butterfly Sea by Cynthia Mackey teaches readers about the value of play, a child's imagination, appreciation for nature, and finding joy in the little moments. The story is easy to follow and is backed by captivating artwork. The illustrations by Marie-Laure Couët are vibrant and full of warmth, making each page feel like you just stepped into a child’s colorful dream. Through the siblings' adventure, young readers are encouraged to be brave and inquisitive when they explore the world around them. I love how the author reminds us that beauty can be found in the small things that occur in our lives. She teaches us that sometimes, the most epic adventures aren't the action-packed ones – they're often found in the quiet moments we share with our loved ones. Mackey’s message is clear: you don’t need big adventures to find true happiness. Sometimes, all you need is to open your heart to the simple moments happening right around you every day.
Recommend this book:
Not Logan
How I Accidentally Became A YouTube Star
Melanie Hunter
2026 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Coming of Age
Reviewed by Gabriel Santos for Readers' Favorite
What kid doesn’t want to be internet famous these days? That’s also true for Logan Blake, an average twelve-year-old boy with not-so-slightly below average coordination. His YouTube gaming channel, Not Logan, has a grand total of three subscribers. His hopes of stardom are as much of a pipe dream as everyone else’s. What changes this? Battle Bunnies. Battle Bunnies is an indie game like any other, but not in Logan’s hands. He happens to find a mind-bending glitch in the game. It sends his character flying to who knows where in a ridiculous, physics-defying pose. Add Logan’s hilariously over-the-top reaction to the mix, and you have the recipe for a viral video. The video quickly attracts viewers and nets the channel 100,000 subscribers by the end of the week. How will this change Logan’s life? You'll find out in Melanie Hunter’s Not Logan, all about the joys, pains, and weirdness of internet fame.
Not Logan: How I Accidentally Became A YouTube Star is tailor-made for social media-obsessed kids. Anyone can easily finish the book in one sitting. Logan’s relatable narration makes for a fun read, filled with self-deprecating humor and witty remarks. The doodle-style illustrations add more charm and help bring the story to life. Melanie Hunter shows a firm grasp of internet culture and its special brand of weirdness. Strange memes, peculiar language, and odd trends; it's all there. She also highlights common problems that content creators face, including haters, burnout, and trouble with platforms. The story is still lighthearted and optimistic from beginning to end. Not Logan is a celebration of authenticity and self-expression, teaching young readers the value of remaining true to themselves. It’s a lesson kids and adults alike need to be reminded of from time to time.
What kid doesn’t want to be internet famous these days? That’s also true for Logan Blake, an average twelve-year-old boy with not-so-slightly below average coordination. His YouTube gaming channel, Not Logan, has a grand total of three subscribers. His hopes of stardom are as much of a pipe dream as everyone else’s. What changes this? Battle Bunnies. Battle Bunnies is an indie game like any other, but not in Logan’s hands. He happens to find a mind-bending glitch in the game. It sends his character flying to who knows where in a ridiculous, physics-defying pose. Add Logan’s hilariously over-the-top reaction to the mix, and you have the recipe for a viral video. The video quickly attracts viewers and nets the channel 100,000 subscribers by the end of the week. How will this change Logan’s life? You'll find out in Melanie Hunter’s Not Logan, all about the joys, pains, and weirdness of internet fame.
Not Logan: How I Accidentally Became A YouTube Star is tailor-made for social media-obsessed kids. Anyone can easily finish the book in one sitting. Logan’s relatable narration makes for a fun read, filled with self-deprecating humor and witty remarks. The doodle-style illustrations add more charm and help bring the story to life. Melanie Hunter shows a firm grasp of internet culture and its special brand of weirdness. Strange memes, peculiar language, and odd trends; it's all there. She also highlights common problems that content creators face, including haters, burnout, and trouble with platforms. The story is still lighthearted and optimistic from beginning to end. Not Logan is a celebration of authenticity and self-expression, teaching young readers the value of remaining true to themselves. It’s a lesson kids and adults alike need to be reminded of from time to time.
Recommend this book:
Energy Wars
The Awakening
Jodi Dee
2025 Finalist
200 Pages
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Children - Coming of Age
Reviewed by Tanja Jurkovic for Readers' Favorite
Energy is all around us; it forms a vital part of every plant, person, and thing in this world. When Myles witnessed an event at school in which one of his peers, Sally, became a target for bullies, he never thought that energy might be the driving force behind it. During that strange event at school, Myles thought he was losing his mind because he saw what appeared to be huge balls of energy crashing into her and everyone who got in the way. Not sure what to do with that newfound information about himself, Myles, together with Sally, his best friend Charlie, and with the help from his late grandmother's letters, discovers a whole new world of secrets, intrigue, and battles invisible to everyone else but him. Or so he thought. Will he be able to save the world and find out who he truly is in the process?
With immersive storytelling, Jodi Dee brings the topic of energy wars to a different level. The characters and the plot that revolves around them, building their lives and depicting their emotional states, create a solid foundation for an intriguing story that will slowly play out before the reader's eyes. The writing flows easily, and the atmosphere of all the situations that Myles has to go through to even start planning to save the world is realistic and transports the reader into this seemingly simple, ordinary world of a teen still searching for the reason for his existence. Energy Wars has an underlying important theme that tackles the topic of bullying in school, the relationships people choose to have with one another, and how that affects our lives and emotional states. The theme is so well embedded in the story that it feels relatable and genuine. I would recommend this wonderful and exciting book to everyone who needs an additional energy boost to tackle life and all the challenges it might bring.
Energy is all around us; it forms a vital part of every plant, person, and thing in this world. When Myles witnessed an event at school in which one of his peers, Sally, became a target for bullies, he never thought that energy might be the driving force behind it. During that strange event at school, Myles thought he was losing his mind because he saw what appeared to be huge balls of energy crashing into her and everyone who got in the way. Not sure what to do with that newfound information about himself, Myles, together with Sally, his best friend Charlie, and with the help from his late grandmother's letters, discovers a whole new world of secrets, intrigue, and battles invisible to everyone else but him. Or so he thought. Will he be able to save the world and find out who he truly is in the process?
With immersive storytelling, Jodi Dee brings the topic of energy wars to a different level. The characters and the plot that revolves around them, building their lives and depicting their emotional states, create a solid foundation for an intriguing story that will slowly play out before the reader's eyes. The writing flows easily, and the atmosphere of all the situations that Myles has to go through to even start planning to save the world is realistic and transports the reader into this seemingly simple, ordinary world of a teen still searching for the reason for his existence. Energy Wars has an underlying important theme that tackles the topic of bullying in school, the relationships people choose to have with one another, and how that affects our lives and emotional states. The theme is so well embedded in the story that it feels relatable and genuine. I would recommend this wonderful and exciting book to everyone who needs an additional energy boost to tackle life and all the challenges it might bring.
Recommend this book:
Rooted
A Seedling's Journey
Tammy Cranston
2025 Honorable Mention
32 Pages
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Children - Coming of Age
Reviewed by Priya Mathew for Readers' Favorite
Have you ever wondered how a seed grows to be a mighty tree in a forest? Tammy Cranston tells an imaginative story titled Rooted: A Seedling’s Journey. Told from the point of view of the seedling, the story follows the seedling as it grows despite seasonal changes and personal struggles. The forest is full of supportive folk, from Grandpa Oakey, a majestic oak, to other friendly animals that form a community around the seedling. They cheer the seedling along in its ‘Seed to Tree’ ceremony, an important rite of passage where the seedling will have to fulfil three requirements. Each stage of the seedling’s growth is shown as a metaphor for emotional milestones. Although there are many trials, like storms, broken branches, and the seedling’s self-doubt, its journey is not just guided by the ebbs and flows of nature but also adds lessons of courage and hope for young minds.
Tammy Cranston’s Rooted: A Seedling’s Journey has a gentle tone and is suited to a young reader. The illustrations complement the storytelling and bring the forest and its characters alive with soft, earth-toned artwork. The plot is straightforward, looking at the journey of growth and transformation of a seed. It moves forward in a thought-provoking manner, allowing young minds to think about each stage of the seed’s transformation. The importance of community is something that was reinforced for me in this story. The characters are also thoughtfully created. Grandpa Oakey has the voice of a patient, generational mentor, while the seedling could symbolize every child learning to believe in themselves. Tammy Cranston also invites us to reflect on our own growth journeys at the end of the book. Rooted left me with the reminder that even the smallest among us have the potential to become tall and strong someday.
Have you ever wondered how a seed grows to be a mighty tree in a forest? Tammy Cranston tells an imaginative story titled Rooted: A Seedling’s Journey. Told from the point of view of the seedling, the story follows the seedling as it grows despite seasonal changes and personal struggles. The forest is full of supportive folk, from Grandpa Oakey, a majestic oak, to other friendly animals that form a community around the seedling. They cheer the seedling along in its ‘Seed to Tree’ ceremony, an important rite of passage where the seedling will have to fulfil three requirements. Each stage of the seedling’s growth is shown as a metaphor for emotional milestones. Although there are many trials, like storms, broken branches, and the seedling’s self-doubt, its journey is not just guided by the ebbs and flows of nature but also adds lessons of courage and hope for young minds.
Tammy Cranston’s Rooted: A Seedling’s Journey has a gentle tone and is suited to a young reader. The illustrations complement the storytelling and bring the forest and its characters alive with soft, earth-toned artwork. The plot is straightforward, looking at the journey of growth and transformation of a seed. It moves forward in a thought-provoking manner, allowing young minds to think about each stage of the seed’s transformation. The importance of community is something that was reinforced for me in this story. The characters are also thoughtfully created. Grandpa Oakey has the voice of a patient, generational mentor, while the seedling could symbolize every child learning to believe in themselves. Tammy Cranston also invites us to reflect on our own growth journeys at the end of the book. Rooted left me with the reminder that even the smallest among us have the potential to become tall and strong someday.
Recommend this book:
Can i Have a Phone?
Joshua McGrath
2025 Bronze Medal
55 Pages
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Children - Coming of Age
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
It used to be that the difficult decision for parents and guardians was whether or not to allow children to watch television and which shows were safe entertainment. Now technology is dominating the dilemma. In Joshua McGrath’s Can i Have a Phone?, Leo is distraught that he’s the only one in fourth grade without a phone. He keeps begging his parents to give him a phone so he can do all the neat things his friends can do. What does his mother do? She suggests he read a book and she brings home lots of books to get him interested. But he still wants his very own phone. That is, until the teacher gives the class an assignment to write a short story and Leo doesn’t have any idea how to start. Perhaps he should read a book…
Joshua McGrath’s picture book, Can i Have a Phone? is all about this difficult modern age and young people’s desire to have the newest and the fanciest of high-tech gadgets. But is high-tech really better? That’s the big question facing Leo and his parents. Told in simple language so young readers can easily follow along and improve their reading skills (as well as their ability to write their own short story like Leo), the plot follows Leo as he navigates the desire to keep up with his friends and to have the newest and the best that technology has to offer. The illustrations by Karina Bulgakova are bright, bold, and colorful and add some zest and humor to the story. Young readers will certainly relate to Leo with all his questions and demands. They will also learn that reading’s not so bad, once you get into a really good book and using your imagination is a great way to spend the day having fun. Life doesn’t have to be high-tech and complicated to be fun. This story will open the door to discussions with parents, caregivers, and teachers. A great resource and a fun read.
It used to be that the difficult decision for parents and guardians was whether or not to allow children to watch television and which shows were safe entertainment. Now technology is dominating the dilemma. In Joshua McGrath’s Can i Have a Phone?, Leo is distraught that he’s the only one in fourth grade without a phone. He keeps begging his parents to give him a phone so he can do all the neat things his friends can do. What does his mother do? She suggests he read a book and she brings home lots of books to get him interested. But he still wants his very own phone. That is, until the teacher gives the class an assignment to write a short story and Leo doesn’t have any idea how to start. Perhaps he should read a book…
Joshua McGrath’s picture book, Can i Have a Phone? is all about this difficult modern age and young people’s desire to have the newest and the fanciest of high-tech gadgets. But is high-tech really better? That’s the big question facing Leo and his parents. Told in simple language so young readers can easily follow along and improve their reading skills (as well as their ability to write their own short story like Leo), the plot follows Leo as he navigates the desire to keep up with his friends and to have the newest and the best that technology has to offer. The illustrations by Karina Bulgakova are bright, bold, and colorful and add some zest and humor to the story. Young readers will certainly relate to Leo with all his questions and demands. They will also learn that reading’s not so bad, once you get into a really good book and using your imagination is a great way to spend the day having fun. Life doesn’t have to be high-tech and complicated to be fun. This story will open the door to discussions with parents, caregivers, and teachers. A great resource and a fun read.
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