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Recommend this book:
The Big Switch
Varney and Cedric
Lynn Slaughter
2026 Finalist
206 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th
Reviewed by Olga Markova for Readers' Favorite
The Big Switch: Varney and Cedric by Lynn Slaughter is a remarkable novel for children. We meet Varney and Cedric, two teenagers, both misfits, unhappy with their lives. Varney is a born-and-bred vampire, but he hates how blood tastes, dislikes his mum’s cobweb cookies, and dreams of becoming a human. Cedric is a human, always gets into trouble, bullies his classmates, and is obsessed with vampires. Life looks gloomy for Varney and Cedric until Witch Camilla offers them a thirty-day trial to switch their identities. By the end of the trial, they will have to decide if they want to return to their old lives. Excited, the boys start the trial. But will they cope with the challenges that lie ahead? And will they want to keep their new identities?
The Big Switch: Varney and Cedric by Lynn Slaughter is one of the best fantasy novels I have read recently. As a curious adult, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this novel. It was entertaining, thought-provoking, educational, and topical. The humor was witty, the storyline was intriguing and fast-moving, and it felt fascinating to step into the shoes of Varney and Cedric. The boys’ characters felt so authentic that I found myself rooting for them both. I also appreciated the story’s child-friendly light pitch on important issues, such as school bullying, bad-boy stigma, and dysfunctional families. But most of all, I liked the story’s ending. I highly recommend this fabulous tale to teenagers, their parents, teachers, and generally everyone young at heart.
The Big Switch: Varney and Cedric by Lynn Slaughter is a remarkable novel for children. We meet Varney and Cedric, two teenagers, both misfits, unhappy with their lives. Varney is a born-and-bred vampire, but he hates how blood tastes, dislikes his mum’s cobweb cookies, and dreams of becoming a human. Cedric is a human, always gets into trouble, bullies his classmates, and is obsessed with vampires. Life looks gloomy for Varney and Cedric until Witch Camilla offers them a thirty-day trial to switch their identities. By the end of the trial, they will have to decide if they want to return to their old lives. Excited, the boys start the trial. But will they cope with the challenges that lie ahead? And will they want to keep their new identities?
The Big Switch: Varney and Cedric by Lynn Slaughter is one of the best fantasy novels I have read recently. As a curious adult, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this novel. It was entertaining, thought-provoking, educational, and topical. The humor was witty, the storyline was intriguing and fast-moving, and it felt fascinating to step into the shoes of Varney and Cedric. The boys’ characters felt so authentic that I found myself rooting for them both. I also appreciated the story’s child-friendly light pitch on important issues, such as school bullying, bad-boy stigma, and dysfunctional families. But most of all, I liked the story’s ending. I highly recommend this fabulous tale to teenagers, their parents, teachers, and generally everyone young at heart.
Recommend this book:
Trapped
Bella Olson
2026 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Children - Grade 4th-6th
Reviewed by Ann Linus for Readers' Favorite
In Trapped by Bella Olson, Ava is a smart 11-year-old inventor who lives with her parents and siblings. When she was not inventing some machine, she was dodging traps set by her younger twin brothers. Ava lived a happy and comfortable life until she took a wrong turn while daydreaming on her way to school. Ava quickly dug out her map to guide her home, but a gust of wind snatched it out of her hands and into the clouds almost immediately. A gigantic facility stood before her. Ava’s curiosity led her to its huge doors, which creaked open. This reminded Ava of a scary story about two little girls who had been trapped in a facility by an evil scientist named Dr. Heynis. Still, Ava’s curiosity took her down the narrow corridors until someone grabbed her. His lab coat read “Heynis Lab,” and she couldn’t break free. And so the weirdest adventure of her life began.
Trapped by Bella Olson is a whimsical blend of science fiction, adventure, and fantasy. The story was imaginative, suspenseful, and chaotic in a way that made me wonder, “How did the author come up with this?” It made more sense after I learned of the young author's age. I was impressed by her imaginative and creative streak. Trapped is character-driven, and the characters have remarkable personalities. Ava, the protagonist, was resilient, intelligent, and empathetic. Through her, the author conveyed positive messages. Dr. Heynis, the frustrating antagonist, reminded me of Dr. Robotnik, the antagonist in Sonic the Hedgehog: a crazy, laughable scientist who fed off his subordinates’ devotion. I also enjoyed the use of humor and irony in the conversations. I liked Trapped and recommend it to young readers.
In Trapped by Bella Olson, Ava is a smart 11-year-old inventor who lives with her parents and siblings. When she was not inventing some machine, she was dodging traps set by her younger twin brothers. Ava lived a happy and comfortable life until she took a wrong turn while daydreaming on her way to school. Ava quickly dug out her map to guide her home, but a gust of wind snatched it out of her hands and into the clouds almost immediately. A gigantic facility stood before her. Ava’s curiosity led her to its huge doors, which creaked open. This reminded Ava of a scary story about two little girls who had been trapped in a facility by an evil scientist named Dr. Heynis. Still, Ava’s curiosity took her down the narrow corridors until someone grabbed her. His lab coat read “Heynis Lab,” and she couldn’t break free. And so the weirdest adventure of her life began.
Trapped by Bella Olson is a whimsical blend of science fiction, adventure, and fantasy. The story was imaginative, suspenseful, and chaotic in a way that made me wonder, “How did the author come up with this?” It made more sense after I learned of the young author's age. I was impressed by her imaginative and creative streak. Trapped is character-driven, and the characters have remarkable personalities. Ava, the protagonist, was resilient, intelligent, and empathetic. Through her, the author conveyed positive messages. Dr. Heynis, the frustrating antagonist, reminded me of Dr. Robotnik, the antagonist in Sonic the Hedgehog: a crazy, laughable scientist who fed off his subordinates’ devotion. I also enjoyed the use of humor and irony in the conversations. I liked Trapped and recommend it to young readers.
Recommend this book:
Make Way For Monarchs
Eco Warriors, book 3
Carolyn Armstrong
2026 Bronze Medal
246 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
In this captivating third book of the Eco Warriors series, author Carolyn Armstrong takes readers to the forests of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Mexico. Make Way For Monarchs follows eleven-year-old twin siblings Sierra and Sydney on their new adventure in El Rosario Monarch Reserve. Their mom is tasked with photographing millions of monarch butterflies during their annual migration from the eastern United States and Canada to spend their winter in Mexico. Sydney and Sierra soon discover the plight of the monarchs, with deforestation and illegal logging threatening their winter home. With Sydney's unique ability to talk with animals, the sisters must find a way to save the monarchs' habitat. Helping them on their quest are talking horses and an adorable dog. However, some dangerous people are standing in their way.
Make Way For Monarchs is an engrossing adventure for children that showcases the importance of wildlife preservation and the impact of climate change. What I love about these books from the Eco Warriors series is how author Carolyn Armstrong seamlessly incorporates messages about climate change and deforestation into the narrative while still keeping it entertaining and exciting. Young readers will definitely enjoy the talking animals featured in this story. The sisters, Sierra and Sydney, inspire hope and goodwill. They use their unique abilities to help the monarchs in their own ways. The plot moves at a brisk pace and is laced with mystery, intrigue, and adventure. The narrative also has plenty of humor and charm, leaving you with a smile on your face. It's a fantastic adventure for preteen and young adult readers.
In this captivating third book of the Eco Warriors series, author Carolyn Armstrong takes readers to the forests of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Mexico. Make Way For Monarchs follows eleven-year-old twin siblings Sierra and Sydney on their new adventure in El Rosario Monarch Reserve. Their mom is tasked with photographing millions of monarch butterflies during their annual migration from the eastern United States and Canada to spend their winter in Mexico. Sydney and Sierra soon discover the plight of the monarchs, with deforestation and illegal logging threatening their winter home. With Sydney's unique ability to talk with animals, the sisters must find a way to save the monarchs' habitat. Helping them on their quest are talking horses and an adorable dog. However, some dangerous people are standing in their way.
Make Way For Monarchs is an engrossing adventure for children that showcases the importance of wildlife preservation and the impact of climate change. What I love about these books from the Eco Warriors series is how author Carolyn Armstrong seamlessly incorporates messages about climate change and deforestation into the narrative while still keeping it entertaining and exciting. Young readers will definitely enjoy the talking animals featured in this story. The sisters, Sierra and Sydney, inspire hope and goodwill. They use their unique abilities to help the monarchs in their own ways. The plot moves at a brisk pace and is laced with mystery, intrigue, and adventure. The narrative also has plenty of humor and charm, leaving you with a smile on your face. It's a fantastic adventure for preteen and young adult readers.
Recommend this book:
Forgotten Secrets of the Tuscarora Eye
A Hannah Hallie Hawkins History Mystery
D. L. Bush
2026 Silver Medal
213 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
In Forgotten Secrets of the Tuscarora Eye by D. L. Bush, Hannah's school assignment collides with questions about her family history, following her from Pinewood Elementary to her late great-aunt Buggy’s house in North Carolina. While staying there with Chan and Aimee, Hannah uncovers a blanket hidden in the attic and evidence of a concealed room once used by children. Strange messages suggest someone else knows the house well. A chance meeting with Atohi links the property to another family whose past intersects with Buggy’s. Together they trace clues through old papers and a locked diary written by Hazel Hawkins, whose rivalry with her sister Hallie left something important missing: a wampum pendant hidden during a childhood conflict. Hannah pursues the pendant as a way to understand where she belongs and why the past still shapes the present.
D. L. Bush’s Forgotten Secrets of the Tuscarora Eye is a middle-grade mystery that crackles with family history, friendship, and cultural inheritance. I love the little, relatable moments, and found the story's heart really started pumping when the girls form Camp Wigwam as a place of trust, and Hannah reads Hazel’s diary by lamplight. There is an intimacy here that is beautiful. Hannah is the story's engine but not necessarily its anchor, and I felt all along that this was a true ensemble cast, each fully fleshing out the story through her choices near the end, especially her decision to seek Elisi’s knowledge and to share discoveries instead of guarding them. Chan brings steadiness through practical loyalty, while Aimee’s bird knowledge gives her an identity unlike anyone else. This is an excellent mystery with history for readers of all ages. My own middle-grade reader and I look forward to what comes next.
In Forgotten Secrets of the Tuscarora Eye by D. L. Bush, Hannah's school assignment collides with questions about her family history, following her from Pinewood Elementary to her late great-aunt Buggy’s house in North Carolina. While staying there with Chan and Aimee, Hannah uncovers a blanket hidden in the attic and evidence of a concealed room once used by children. Strange messages suggest someone else knows the house well. A chance meeting with Atohi links the property to another family whose past intersects with Buggy’s. Together they trace clues through old papers and a locked diary written by Hazel Hawkins, whose rivalry with her sister Hallie left something important missing: a wampum pendant hidden during a childhood conflict. Hannah pursues the pendant as a way to understand where she belongs and why the past still shapes the present.
D. L. Bush’s Forgotten Secrets of the Tuscarora Eye is a middle-grade mystery that crackles with family history, friendship, and cultural inheritance. I love the little, relatable moments, and found the story's heart really started pumping when the girls form Camp Wigwam as a place of trust, and Hannah reads Hazel’s diary by lamplight. There is an intimacy here that is beautiful. Hannah is the story's engine but not necessarily its anchor, and I felt all along that this was a true ensemble cast, each fully fleshing out the story through her choices near the end, especially her decision to seek Elisi’s knowledge and to share discoveries instead of guarding them. Chan brings steadiness through practical loyalty, while Aimee’s bird knowledge gives her an identity unlike anyone else. This is an excellent mystery with history for readers of all ages. My own middle-grade reader and I look forward to what comes next.
Recommend this book:
Fearless Growth Mindset Short Stories for Girls
Inspiring tales to build confidence, self-esteem, kindness, and resilience
Toby Sparrow
2026 Gold Medal
125 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Fearless Growth Mindset: Short Stories for Girls is a collection of eight motivational short stories by Toby Sparrow. At the rock-climbing camp, Sahana learns the value of perseverance and practice after she saves her bully's life. Skye is a phenomenal dancer who shies away from the spotlight. But when the lead dancer for the regional finals sprains her ankle, Skye must rise to the occasion. While racing at the Soapbox Derby, Naomi learns that giving her best effort is more important than any trophy. After struggling to remember her lines in the school play, Willow trains her mind with some help from her mother. When her best friend invites Nina on a camping trip, she is reluctant to go. However, she eventually steps out of her comfort zone and sees its benefits.
Fearless Growth Mindset: Short Stories for Girls is the kind of short story collection that any young girl will be delighted to read. That's because Toby Sparrow's characters will resonate with preteens who face similar challenges in their everyday lives, especially young girls in this case. I like how the author infuses key life lessons into his stories to make sure youngsters learn something from these tales. At the same time, these narratives are also immensely entertaining. The protagonists are easy to like. They learn to navigate challenges with the help of their friends and family members, which kids will find very inspiring. Each of the eight stories in this book covers a unique theme. I enjoyed every story and highly recommend that parents introduce the book to their children.
Fearless Growth Mindset: Short Stories for Girls is a collection of eight motivational short stories by Toby Sparrow. At the rock-climbing camp, Sahana learns the value of perseverance and practice after she saves her bully's life. Skye is a phenomenal dancer who shies away from the spotlight. But when the lead dancer for the regional finals sprains her ankle, Skye must rise to the occasion. While racing at the Soapbox Derby, Naomi learns that giving her best effort is more important than any trophy. After struggling to remember her lines in the school play, Willow trains her mind with some help from her mother. When her best friend invites Nina on a camping trip, she is reluctant to go. However, she eventually steps out of her comfort zone and sees its benefits.
Fearless Growth Mindset: Short Stories for Girls is the kind of short story collection that any young girl will be delighted to read. That's because Toby Sparrow's characters will resonate with preteens who face similar challenges in their everyday lives, especially young girls in this case. I like how the author infuses key life lessons into his stories to make sure youngsters learn something from these tales. At the same time, these narratives are also immensely entertaining. The protagonists are easy to like. They learn to navigate challenges with the help of their friends and family members, which kids will find very inspiring. Each of the eight stories in this book covers a unique theme. I enjoyed every story and highly recommend that parents introduce the book to their children.
Recommend this book:
Halley Harper, Science Girl Extraordinaire
Nature Code Breakers
Tracy Borgmeyer
2025 Finalist
198 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Halley Harper: Nature Code Breakers is yet another enthralling installment of the Science Girl Extraordinaire series by Tracy Borgmeyer. Halley Harper, a fourth-grade science prodigy, outdid herself by winning the Invention Convention award for her Monarch Micro Tracker at the White House. However, her trip to the White House is marred by her encounter with Ms. Spark, her Camp Eureka nemesis. Halley's family has recently moved to the town of Tyler, Texas, making Halley the new girl in her class. Halley soon discovers that her Grammy used to be a secret agent for the US government, and now, on her recent trip to Camp Eureka, she stumbles upon something lost decades ago. Additionally, someone is trying to steal her invention and use it for nefarious purposes.
Author Tracy Borgmeyer knocks it out of the park with this absorbing installment in the series. Packed with mystery and intrigue, Halley Harper: Nature Code Breakers is a delightful adventure for kids and young adults alike. Spinning a fast-paced yarn, Borgmeyer takes readers on a captivating adventure in the wild, featuring a couple of nature's endangered species in crucial roles in the plot. Young readers will find it easy to relate to the characters. Halley is awesome, as usual, but I also liked the return of Nathan and Ms. Mac, as well as Ava's introduction in this book. The narrative addresses the increasingly relevant and important topic of wildlife conservation in a way that young readers can understand. It's a wholesome adventure for preteens.
Halley Harper: Nature Code Breakers is yet another enthralling installment of the Science Girl Extraordinaire series by Tracy Borgmeyer. Halley Harper, a fourth-grade science prodigy, outdid herself by winning the Invention Convention award for her Monarch Micro Tracker at the White House. However, her trip to the White House is marred by her encounter with Ms. Spark, her Camp Eureka nemesis. Halley's family has recently moved to the town of Tyler, Texas, making Halley the new girl in her class. Halley soon discovers that her Grammy used to be a secret agent for the US government, and now, on her recent trip to Camp Eureka, she stumbles upon something lost decades ago. Additionally, someone is trying to steal her invention and use it for nefarious purposes.
Author Tracy Borgmeyer knocks it out of the park with this absorbing installment in the series. Packed with mystery and intrigue, Halley Harper: Nature Code Breakers is a delightful adventure for kids and young adults alike. Spinning a fast-paced yarn, Borgmeyer takes readers on a captivating adventure in the wild, featuring a couple of nature's endangered species in crucial roles in the plot. Young readers will find it easy to relate to the characters. Halley is awesome, as usual, but I also liked the return of Nathan and Ms. Mac, as well as Ava's introduction in this book. The narrative addresses the increasingly relevant and important topic of wildlife conservation in a way that young readers can understand. It's a wholesome adventure for preteens.
Recommend this book:
Sele Speaks Without Words
A Neurodiversity book perfect for readers of all ages
Webilor Ediale, Jecoe Firmalan
2025 Honorable Mention
123 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Join a fun-loving neurodivergent boy on his wondrous adventures in a magical realm with Webilor Ediale's Sele Speaks Without Words. Despite his nonverbal autism, sensory processing disorder, and learning disabilities, young Sele loves to explore the outdoors. While taking a walk in the park with his mom and little sister, Sele comes across a mysterious and colorful stone that suddenly transports him to a magical world with a variety of plants and animals. He meets Maddie the Dragonfly with three sets of wings, Drogo the Owl, who suffers from nyctophobia, Cha-Cha the Butterfly with a broken wing who also has OCD, and Flash, the playful young monkey with ADHD. One by one, Sele helps his new friends overcome their issues and begins his journey back home. However, he must now navigate a few challenges of his own.
Sele Speaks Without Words is an uplifting adventure tale for preteens, neurodivergents, and neurotypicals alike. The narrative celebrates diversity and inclusivity while incorporating a beautiful message about adopting a growth mindset to conquer the hurdles life throws one's way. With an engaging story, author Webilor Ediale highlights the everyday challenges kids suffering from disorders like autism, ADHD, and OCD face and shows how they can rise above their seeming disabilities and find ways to express themselves through art, music, and dance. The characters are adorable. Young readers will find a lot to relate to in Sele. His friendships with Maddie, Drogo, Cha-Cha, and Flash make him easy to root for. Additionally, Jecoe Firmalan's eye-catching illustrations breathe life into these characters. If you're looking for an inspirational adventure tale that also entertains, this book will be right up your alley!
Join a fun-loving neurodivergent boy on his wondrous adventures in a magical realm with Webilor Ediale's Sele Speaks Without Words. Despite his nonverbal autism, sensory processing disorder, and learning disabilities, young Sele loves to explore the outdoors. While taking a walk in the park with his mom and little sister, Sele comes across a mysterious and colorful stone that suddenly transports him to a magical world with a variety of plants and animals. He meets Maddie the Dragonfly with three sets of wings, Drogo the Owl, who suffers from nyctophobia, Cha-Cha the Butterfly with a broken wing who also has OCD, and Flash, the playful young monkey with ADHD. One by one, Sele helps his new friends overcome their issues and begins his journey back home. However, he must now navigate a few challenges of his own.
Sele Speaks Without Words is an uplifting adventure tale for preteens, neurodivergents, and neurotypicals alike. The narrative celebrates diversity and inclusivity while incorporating a beautiful message about adopting a growth mindset to conquer the hurdles life throws one's way. With an engaging story, author Webilor Ediale highlights the everyday challenges kids suffering from disorders like autism, ADHD, and OCD face and shows how they can rise above their seeming disabilities and find ways to express themselves through art, music, and dance. The characters are adorable. Young readers will find a lot to relate to in Sele. His friendships with Maddie, Drogo, Cha-Cha, and Flash make him easy to root for. Additionally, Jecoe Firmalan's eye-catching illustrations breathe life into these characters. If you're looking for an inspirational adventure tale that also entertains, this book will be right up your alley!
Recommend this book:
No Time To Waste
Eco Warriors, book 2
Carolyn Armstrong
2025 Bronze Medal
216 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
No Time To Waste is the second book in the Eco Warriors series by Carolyn Armstrong. Sydney and her sister Sierra are eleven-year-old twins who recently returned home from a trip to the Arctic, where they helped save some polar bears. Paying heed to a message from a bird they met in Svalbard, the twins arrive in Monterey Bay in search of another keystone species. After helping an otter get rid of a plastic ring stuck around its leg, Sydney tries to decipher the message of an otter she named Sunny. Soon, she and her sister learn more about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and help a whale get free from a fishing net. In a race against time, the sisters must develop a prototype to take out the microplastics clustered in the ocean.
No Time To Waste takes young readers on an enthralling oceanic odyssey. Author Carolyn Armstrong tells a captivating tale with an increasingly relevant message about plastic pollution and marine life conservation. The book features eleven-year-old twin sisters as the main characters, alongside some quirky and immensely adorable sea creatures, including a few otters and a gigantic blue whale that animal lovers are bound to enjoy. Sydney and Sierra have distinct personalities and strengths, and they use these to cover for each other and complete their missions. Young readers will definitely relate to them, and they will find the twins' determination to work toward saving the oceans inspirational. Books like these are a must-read for kids nowadays with the growing challenge of climate change and environmental pollution. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and can't recommend it highly enough.
No Time To Waste is the second book in the Eco Warriors series by Carolyn Armstrong. Sydney and her sister Sierra are eleven-year-old twins who recently returned home from a trip to the Arctic, where they helped save some polar bears. Paying heed to a message from a bird they met in Svalbard, the twins arrive in Monterey Bay in search of another keystone species. After helping an otter get rid of a plastic ring stuck around its leg, Sydney tries to decipher the message of an otter she named Sunny. Soon, she and her sister learn more about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and help a whale get free from a fishing net. In a race against time, the sisters must develop a prototype to take out the microplastics clustered in the ocean.
No Time To Waste takes young readers on an enthralling oceanic odyssey. Author Carolyn Armstrong tells a captivating tale with an increasingly relevant message about plastic pollution and marine life conservation. The book features eleven-year-old twin sisters as the main characters, alongside some quirky and immensely adorable sea creatures, including a few otters and a gigantic blue whale that animal lovers are bound to enjoy. Sydney and Sierra have distinct personalities and strengths, and they use these to cover for each other and complete their missions. Young readers will definitely relate to them, and they will find the twins' determination to work toward saving the oceans inspirational. Books like these are a must-read for kids nowadays with the growing challenge of climate change and environmental pollution. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and can't recommend it highly enough.
Recommend this book:
Haven
Valerie Biel
2025 Silver Medal
176 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
If only life were simple and safe. For Mardella, life with her parents is anything but safe. In Valerie Biel’s Haven, Mardella and her mother have to escape with the few items they can pack quickly to start a new life in a small town where, hopefully, Mardella’s abusive, drug-dealing father can’t find them. They settle into an apartment in a seniors' residence and, while Mom works in the office, Mardella makes friends with the senior residents, cheering things up by painting away the gloomy tan color that’s everywhere. The only problem is, her father does find them and threatens them with a gun. How can they escape now?
Valerie Biel’s middle-grade novel, Haven, is a troubling story about domestic abuse and survival. The plot follows Mardella and her mother as they settle down and try to put the past behind them. The characters are well-developed and believable. The descriptive narrative creates vivid images of the residence and the dullness that surrounds Mardella’s new life and home. The dialogue is used effectively and helps move the story along. There are some illustrations scattered throughout, adding another dimension to the developing story. Although troubling in many ways, this story addresses a complexity of emotions, including Mardella’s misplaced feeling of guilt. It also highlights some positive emotions about intergenerational friendships as Mardella finds friends amongst her senior neighbors and learns to accept a new sense of what makes a family and what home really means to her. She’s a strong young lady who will forge ahead for what she believes in, even if it requires some difficult and quick decisions. A powerful story.
If only life were simple and safe. For Mardella, life with her parents is anything but safe. In Valerie Biel’s Haven, Mardella and her mother have to escape with the few items they can pack quickly to start a new life in a small town where, hopefully, Mardella’s abusive, drug-dealing father can’t find them. They settle into an apartment in a seniors' residence and, while Mom works in the office, Mardella makes friends with the senior residents, cheering things up by painting away the gloomy tan color that’s everywhere. The only problem is, her father does find them and threatens them with a gun. How can they escape now?
Valerie Biel’s middle-grade novel, Haven, is a troubling story about domestic abuse and survival. The plot follows Mardella and her mother as they settle down and try to put the past behind them. The characters are well-developed and believable. The descriptive narrative creates vivid images of the residence and the dullness that surrounds Mardella’s new life and home. The dialogue is used effectively and helps move the story along. There are some illustrations scattered throughout, adding another dimension to the developing story. Although troubling in many ways, this story addresses a complexity of emotions, including Mardella’s misplaced feeling of guilt. It also highlights some positive emotions about intergenerational friendships as Mardella finds friends amongst her senior neighbors and learns to accept a new sense of what makes a family and what home really means to her. She’s a strong young lady who will forge ahead for what she believes in, even if it requires some difficult and quick decisions. A powerful story.
Recommend this book:
Dyani's Adventure
Kitty Arceneaux
2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Grade 4th-6th
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Dyani’s Adventure by Kitty Arceneaux is a delightful children’s book that invites young readers to explore the wonders of diversity, friendship, and cultural understanding through the eyes of its spirited protagonist, Dyani, a curious and adventurous young girl. Setting out from her cozy neighborhood, she embarks on an enlightening journey where she meets a vibrant array of characters, each offering a unique glimpse into their diverse cultures and backgrounds. From the local library to bustling marketplaces, Dyani encounters individuals like Pilar, Melo, Tu, Doshi, and Mrs. Ono, who warmly share their traditions, customs, and stories. These encounters broaden Dyani's perspective and teach her the value of embracing diversity within her community.
Dyani’s Adventure explores cultural diversity in a way that is accessible to young readers, promoting empathy, acceptance, and unity. Dyani's quest to find “something more” leads her to discover that the world’s beauty lies in its differences, and understanding and connection are vital to building lasting friendships. The story provides a platform for discussing diversity, encouraging readers to see the world through Dyani's eyes and appreciate the uniqueness of every individual. Dyani's Adventure is a perfect read for children and families who wish to foster a deeper understanding of the world and the people around them. This book is a reminder that, despite our differences, there is always common ground to be found. Kitty Arceneaux's storytelling not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impact on young minds, making it a worthy addition to any child's bookshelf. It's a celebration of diversity that we can all appreciate and support.
Dyani’s Adventure by Kitty Arceneaux is a delightful children’s book that invites young readers to explore the wonders of diversity, friendship, and cultural understanding through the eyes of its spirited protagonist, Dyani, a curious and adventurous young girl. Setting out from her cozy neighborhood, she embarks on an enlightening journey where she meets a vibrant array of characters, each offering a unique glimpse into their diverse cultures and backgrounds. From the local library to bustling marketplaces, Dyani encounters individuals like Pilar, Melo, Tu, Doshi, and Mrs. Ono, who warmly share their traditions, customs, and stories. These encounters broaden Dyani's perspective and teach her the value of embracing diversity within her community.
Dyani’s Adventure explores cultural diversity in a way that is accessible to young readers, promoting empathy, acceptance, and unity. Dyani's quest to find “something more” leads her to discover that the world’s beauty lies in its differences, and understanding and connection are vital to building lasting friendships. The story provides a platform for discussing diversity, encouraging readers to see the world through Dyani's eyes and appreciate the uniqueness of every individual. Dyani's Adventure is a perfect read for children and families who wish to foster a deeper understanding of the world and the people around them. This book is a reminder that, despite our differences, there is always common ground to be found. Kitty Arceneaux's storytelling not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impact on young minds, making it a worthy addition to any child's bookshelf. It's a celebration of diversity that we can all appreciate and support.
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