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Recommend this book:
The Wishing Window Well
Aubrey Fogle
2011 Gold Medal
96 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
Allison Sutton wants a pet. She has always wanted a pet. However, they rent a house and the owner said no pets allowed. She had a gold fish but it only lived 6 hours.
When the Sutton's move to the country, Allison's room is below ground, but it has a special window, and she can see the stars. One day Allison and some of her friends found a snake in the window well. If a snake could be there just maybe something else could be too. A variety of animals fall into the window well, each making Allison's desire for a pet much stronger.
The Wishing Window Well is a cute read. I had to laugh at the snake, even if I am not fond of them. I was surprised at the author using the names Dr. and Mrs. Sutton so much. The plot would have felt much warmer if the author had used mom and dad more often. The plot is cute and heartwarming. The characters are easy to like. The Wishing Window Well is sure to please children.
Allison Sutton wants a pet. She has always wanted a pet. However, they rent a house and the owner said no pets allowed. She had a gold fish but it only lived 6 hours.
When the Sutton's move to the country, Allison's room is below ground, but it has a special window, and she can see the stars. One day Allison and some of her friends found a snake in the window well. If a snake could be there just maybe something else could be too. A variety of animals fall into the window well, each making Allison's desire for a pet much stronger.
The Wishing Window Well is a cute read. I had to laugh at the snake, even if I am not fond of them. I was surprised at the author using the names Dr. and Mrs. Sutton so much. The plot would have felt much warmer if the author had used mom and dad more often. The plot is cute and heartwarming. The characters are easy to like. The Wishing Window Well is sure to please children.
Recommend this book:
Phliberty-Jibbits
Anything Is Possible
William Moore
2011 Silver Medal
264 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Ima Jean Snodgrass is from a broken home. She hated her name and wondered how her parents could have stuck a name like that on her. Being from a poor family it only got worse when her parents divorced and her mother move them to New York. If she thought she was poor before it was worse now. With her mother working two jobs and living in a rundown shack, clothes from the Goodwill, Ima Jean became the brunt of many jokes and pranks her at school. Ima Jean feels all alone.
Walking home from school after one of her horrible days at school she sees an unfamiliar store, it seems to beckon her to enter. Phliberty-Jibbets is a one of a kind store, Full of beautiful clothes, candy adventures, all for free. There was an odd assortment of creatures, from a robot, to a roller skating monkey, to a flying pig, to Professor Hemlock. The only ones that can see the store are children who are abused, poor, or sad. Every time things go bad at school, Ima Jean stops at the store.
When mad scientist, Professor Hemlock, abducts Mr. Jibbets, Ima Jean and Mr. Phliberty try to rescue Mr. Jibbets. They must fighting off a giant wolf spider created by the Professor. Will they be able reach him in time.
This is a great children's story. I enjoyed it very much. This book will appeal to both children and adults. The author is a very creative. It reminded me a lot of the Wizard of Oz. Throughout the book the author uses the phrase "Anything Is Possible." What a wonderful message for children. No matter what Anything Is Possible.
Ima Jean Snodgrass is from a broken home. She hated her name and wondered how her parents could have stuck a name like that on her. Being from a poor family it only got worse when her parents divorced and her mother move them to New York. If she thought she was poor before it was worse now. With her mother working two jobs and living in a rundown shack, clothes from the Goodwill, Ima Jean became the brunt of many jokes and pranks her at school. Ima Jean feels all alone.
Walking home from school after one of her horrible days at school she sees an unfamiliar store, it seems to beckon her to enter. Phliberty-Jibbets is a one of a kind store, Full of beautiful clothes, candy adventures, all for free. There was an odd assortment of creatures, from a robot, to a roller skating monkey, to a flying pig, to Professor Hemlock. The only ones that can see the store are children who are abused, poor, or sad. Every time things go bad at school, Ima Jean stops at the store.
When mad scientist, Professor Hemlock, abducts Mr. Jibbets, Ima Jean and Mr. Phliberty try to rescue Mr. Jibbets. They must fighting off a giant wolf spider created by the Professor. Will they be able reach him in time.
This is a great children's story. I enjoyed it very much. This book will appeal to both children and adults. The author is a very creative. It reminded me a lot of the Wizard of Oz. Throughout the book the author uses the phrase "Anything Is Possible." What a wonderful message for children. No matter what Anything Is Possible.
Recommend this book:
Horace Helfin's Holiday Home
John Philip McCarthy
2010 Silver Medal
256 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite
It is a few days before Christmas and young Sally has asked Santa for a special gift this year. Enter Horace Helfin, direct from the orphanage. While Horace creates both chaos and magic around him, Sally's parents begin to look at their relationship and they finally see what they risk in their attempt to separate them from one another.
John McCarthy has created a delightful tale that will not only delight preteens, but it is readable for adults as well. His characterizations are fresh and spontaneous and they suggest the best in the human condition. McCarthy has created believable dialogue and situations in which the young-at-heart will surely become engrossed. It is a page-turner which should hold children glued to their chairs.
This is a story of love, commitment, respect for others, and ongoing hope. It should appeal to a wide audience.
It is a few days before Christmas and young Sally has asked Santa for a special gift this year. Enter Horace Helfin, direct from the orphanage. While Horace creates both chaos and magic around him, Sally's parents begin to look at their relationship and they finally see what they risk in their attempt to separate them from one another.
John McCarthy has created a delightful tale that will not only delight preteens, but it is readable for adults as well. His characterizations are fresh and spontaneous and they suggest the best in the human condition. McCarthy has created believable dialogue and situations in which the young-at-heart will surely become engrossed. It is a page-turner which should hold children glued to their chairs.
This is a story of love, commitment, respect for others, and ongoing hope. It should appeal to a wide audience.
Recommend this book:
Wyndano's Cloak
A. R. Silverberry
2010 Gold Medal
420 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
In Wyndano’s Cloak the author transports the reader to the Kingdom of Aerdem. The action begins from the first page. I was quickly caught up in Princess Jenren’s story.
Medlara appears to Jen and warns her something bad is going to happen but doesn’t reveal what the events will be. Jen fears the return of evil Naryfel. The evil queen is Jen’s aunt and determined to destroy Aerdem. Unfortunately, the King and Prince do not take the warning seriously, leading to near disaster for all.
Jen’s mother is taken captive by Naryful. Rushing to her mother’s rescue Jen is captured. The adventure continues as Jen and Blue attempt to rescue Jen’s mother. Bit and Pet travel to a different realm seeking a doctor that can break the spell that is killing the King and Prince.
Wyndano’s Cloak is two separate but inner related tales. We follow Jen and Blue through the danger of tunnels, sniffers, and dancers. We follow Pet and Bit into the plain world to an orphanage where the children are abused. Eventually, the separate paths of the characters are again united in a climactic finale.
This book will please tweens and older. I’m definitely not a tween and I was entranced by the plot and characters. The plot is filled with danger, action, anticipation, mystery and challenges. I turned the pages eager to see what would happen next. There is a message of love, forgiveness and redemption in this book. A. R. Silverberry is a master at characterization. Few are his equal. His characters grew and matured throughout the tale. I found myself thinking about this book when I wasn’t reading. When I read the last page I was disappointed the book had ended. I wanted to remain in Rose Castle, in the Kingdom of Aerdem. Perhaps the author will take the hint and write a sequel.
In Wyndano’s Cloak the author transports the reader to the Kingdom of Aerdem. The action begins from the first page. I was quickly caught up in Princess Jenren’s story.
Medlara appears to Jen and warns her something bad is going to happen but doesn’t reveal what the events will be. Jen fears the return of evil Naryfel. The evil queen is Jen’s aunt and determined to destroy Aerdem. Unfortunately, the King and Prince do not take the warning seriously, leading to near disaster for all.
Jen’s mother is taken captive by Naryful. Rushing to her mother’s rescue Jen is captured. The adventure continues as Jen and Blue attempt to rescue Jen’s mother. Bit and Pet travel to a different realm seeking a doctor that can break the spell that is killing the King and Prince.
Wyndano’s Cloak is two separate but inner related tales. We follow Jen and Blue through the danger of tunnels, sniffers, and dancers. We follow Pet and Bit into the plain world to an orphanage where the children are abused. Eventually, the separate paths of the characters are again united in a climactic finale.
This book will please tweens and older. I’m definitely not a tween and I was entranced by the plot and characters. The plot is filled with danger, action, anticipation, mystery and challenges. I turned the pages eager to see what would happen next. There is a message of love, forgiveness and redemption in this book. A. R. Silverberry is a master at characterization. Few are his equal. His characters grew and matured throughout the tale. I found myself thinking about this book when I wasn’t reading. When I read the last page I was disappointed the book had ended. I wanted to remain in Rose Castle, in the Kingdom of Aerdem. Perhaps the author will take the hint and write a sequel.
Recommend this book:
Cameras For Kids
Fun and Inexpensive Projects for the Little Photographer (Volume 1)
John Crippen
2010 Bronze Medal
72 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
John Crippen’s Cameras for Kids: Fun and Inexpensive Projects for the Little Photographer is an educational and fun book for children. He teaches the art of photography in a manner that is easy to understand. The list of supplies is simple to find and relatively inexpensive. Most items are found at local dollar stores. He takes the reader step by step through using a camera. The suggestions for using miniature animals in grass are both inexpensive and fun for children.
I have had my camera for several years and had no idea what some of the symbols meant. Crippen’s book cannot only educate children but adults. I believe my camera skills have improved thanks to Camera’s for Kids.
Camera’s for Kids is well written and organized. This book takes the mystery out of taking good pictures.
John Crippen’s Cameras for Kids: Fun and Inexpensive Projects for the Little Photographer is an educational and fun book for children. He teaches the art of photography in a manner that is easy to understand. The list of supplies is simple to find and relatively inexpensive. Most items are found at local dollar stores. He takes the reader step by step through using a camera. The suggestions for using miniature animals in grass are both inexpensive and fun for children.
I have had my camera for several years and had no idea what some of the symbols meant. Crippen’s book cannot only educate children but adults. I believe my camera skills have improved thanks to Camera’s for Kids.
Camera’s for Kids is well written and organized. This book takes the mystery out of taking good pictures.
Recommend this book:
T'Aragam
Jack W. Regan
2009 Bronze Medal
251 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Jack W. Regan creates a medieval world complete with strange critters that will have you laughing.
Max as the 13 year old son of Lord Ransome, a powerful ruler. When the wicked Zodak’s evil army of Phantors killed Lord Ransome, Max fled to save his own life. However, not only was his life at stake but all of T’Aragam, for Zodak enslaving the people.
Max and his quirky friends monster brothers, Doom and Gloom, a wizard named Zohar, and Gramkin a medgekin work together to save the kingdom.
Regan is a talented storyteller. His plot is entertaining and captivating. The character are humorous with voices of their own. The pace is fast with twists and turns that hold the readers interest all the way to the last word. This is the first book in the new series. I suspect this could attract as many readers as Potter’s books.
Jack W. Regan creates a medieval world complete with strange critters that will have you laughing.
Max as the 13 year old son of Lord Ransome, a powerful ruler. When the wicked Zodak’s evil army of Phantors killed Lord Ransome, Max fled to save his own life. However, not only was his life at stake but all of T’Aragam, for Zodak enslaving the people.
Max and his quirky friends monster brothers, Doom and Gloom, a wizard named Zohar, and Gramkin a medgekin work together to save the kingdom.
Regan is a talented storyteller. His plot is entertaining and captivating. The character are humorous with voices of their own. The pace is fast with twists and turns that hold the readers interest all the way to the last word. This is the first book in the new series. I suspect this could attract as many readers as Potter’s books.
Recommend this book:
The Secret of the Sacred Scarab
Fiona Ingram
2009 Honorable Mention
324 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
When cousins Justin and Adam traveled to Egypt with their grandmother and Aunt Isabel an adventure awaited them. Scottish archaeologist James Kinnaird was missing. His theories concerning the legendary Scarab King were controversial. Mysteries abound in Egypt. Adam acquired a special antique scarab. Sinister Dr. Khalid was very interested in Adam’s artifact. Aunt Isabel’s camera was stolen. The boys face danger and kidnapping. Can they rescue Kinnaird, solve the mystery, and find the treasure?
Too often it is difficult to find books that will hold the attention of 10-15-year-olds. They prefer action packed books. The lead characters in this book are Justin and Adam. They will appeal to the focus audience. The boys are intelligent, diligent and brave. They are excellent role models. Fiona Ingram has not short changed the secondary characters. They are well developed with personalities and voices of their own. The plot is fast paced and action packed. Adults will enjoy this book just as much as preteens.
When cousins Justin and Adam traveled to Egypt with their grandmother and Aunt Isabel an adventure awaited them. Scottish archaeologist James Kinnaird was missing. His theories concerning the legendary Scarab King were controversial. Mysteries abound in Egypt. Adam acquired a special antique scarab. Sinister Dr. Khalid was very interested in Adam’s artifact. Aunt Isabel’s camera was stolen. The boys face danger and kidnapping. Can they rescue Kinnaird, solve the mystery, and find the treasure?
Too often it is difficult to find books that will hold the attention of 10-15-year-olds. They prefer action packed books. The lead characters in this book are Justin and Adam. They will appeal to the focus audience. The boys are intelligent, diligent and brave. They are excellent role models. Fiona Ingram has not short changed the secondary characters. They are well developed with personalities and voices of their own. The plot is fast paced and action packed. Adults will enjoy this book just as much as preteens.
Recommend this book:
Hot Issues, Cool Choices
Facing Bullies, Peer Pressure, Popularity, and Put-Downs
Sandra McLeod Humphrey
2009 Gold Medal
133 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Hot Issues, Cool Choices: Facing Bullies, Peer Pressure, Popularity, and Put-Downs is filled with short stories that 10-15 year olds will relate to. The stories are easy to read and very interesting. Each scenario is followed by a few questions to ponder on and a Trading Places question. The scenarios are situations students face every day.
Hot Issues, Cool Choices: Facing Bullies, Peer Pressure, Popularity, and Put-Downs is well written. Humphrey’s style is perfect for students. They will find the stories interesting and thought provoking. Sandra McLeod Humphrey brings wisdom and expertise to her book Hot Issues, Cool Choices: Facing Bullies, Peer Pressure, Popularity, and Put-Downs. MS Humphrey is a retired clinical psychologist. She worked closely with children for over 35 years.
Hot Issues, Cool Choices: Facing Bullies, Peer Pressure, Popularity, and Put-Downs is filled with short stories that 10-15 year olds will relate to. The stories are easy to read and very interesting. Each scenario is followed by a few questions to ponder on and a Trading Places question. The scenarios are situations students face every day.
Hot Issues, Cool Choices: Facing Bullies, Peer Pressure, Popularity, and Put-Downs is well written. Humphrey’s style is perfect for students. They will find the stories interesting and thought provoking. Sandra McLeod Humphrey brings wisdom and expertise to her book Hot Issues, Cool Choices: Facing Bullies, Peer Pressure, Popularity, and Put-Downs. MS Humphrey is a retired clinical psychologist. She worked closely with children for over 35 years.
Recommend this book:
The Secret of the Sacred Scarab
The Chronicles of the Stone - Book One
Fiona Ingram
2009 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
The Secret of the Sacred Scarab is Book One in The Chronicles of the Stone middle grade adventure series by Fiona Ingram. Adventure seeking Adam and his cousin, Justin, vacation in Egypt with their Aunt Isabel and grandmother. A peddler gives Adam a mysterious Egyptian scarab, but an Egyptologist, Dr. Khalid, finds out and attempts to steal it. Archaeologist James Kinnaird, who claims to know the location of the legendary Scarab King's tomb, is missing and the boys are convinced the artefact is linked to his disappearance. The cousins find clues about the Scarab King while exploring the Sphinx and cruising on the Nile. The scarab’s aura lets Adam experience visions about ancient Egypt, and he and Justin manage to decipher some of its hieroglyphics. While they are exploring another historic site, Dr. Khalid's henchmen abduct the boys and take them into the desert, but a deadly sandstorm traps them while riding camels.
Adventure lovers will get the opportunity to become tourists on an exciting tour to Egypt through this magnificent novel, The Secret of the Sacred Scarab by Fiona Ingram. This is an engrossing children’s mystery with non-stop action and interesting dialogue. I enjoyed the entertaining drama while learning about Egypt’s rich historical past. Justin and Adam are smart, fun, and brave. Each possesses distinctive skills that the other lacks. The other characters are also persuasive. Fiona Ingram impressed me immensely with her relaxed, eloquent storytelling that will delight both pre-teens and adults. I look forward to the continuing adventure in The Search for the Stone of Excalibur, Book Two.
The Secret of the Sacred Scarab is Book One in The Chronicles of the Stone middle grade adventure series by Fiona Ingram. Adventure seeking Adam and his cousin, Justin, vacation in Egypt with their Aunt Isabel and grandmother. A peddler gives Adam a mysterious Egyptian scarab, but an Egyptologist, Dr. Khalid, finds out and attempts to steal it. Archaeologist James Kinnaird, who claims to know the location of the legendary Scarab King's tomb, is missing and the boys are convinced the artefact is linked to his disappearance. The cousins find clues about the Scarab King while exploring the Sphinx and cruising on the Nile. The scarab’s aura lets Adam experience visions about ancient Egypt, and he and Justin manage to decipher some of its hieroglyphics. While they are exploring another historic site, Dr. Khalid's henchmen abduct the boys and take them into the desert, but a deadly sandstorm traps them while riding camels.
Adventure lovers will get the opportunity to become tourists on an exciting tour to Egypt through this magnificent novel, The Secret of the Sacred Scarab by Fiona Ingram. This is an engrossing children’s mystery with non-stop action and interesting dialogue. I enjoyed the entertaining drama while learning about Egypt’s rich historical past. Justin and Adam are smart, fun, and brave. Each possesses distinctive skills that the other lacks. The other characters are also persuasive. Fiona Ingram impressed me immensely with her relaxed, eloquent storytelling that will delight both pre-teens and adults. I look forward to the continuing adventure in The Search for the Stone of Excalibur, Book Two.
Recommend this book:
The Taker and The Keeper
Wim Coleman and Pat Perrin
2009 Finalist
176 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Gregory and Yolanda attend the same middle school. Gregory acquired a box that was left from his old science teacher. Among the items inside was an old red monocle. When he put it up to his eye he had a tingling feeling. He would see a tunnel in a concrete wall. When he took the monocle off the tunnel was gone. He put it back on and entered the tunnel. At the end he met up with two boys. They think he is a demon with a red eye. He escapes and returns home. The next day everything is messed up, people yell at him, his brother, his father and step mother and his teachers. No one is happy, except Yolanda. The world has completely changed.
Yolanda notices things are changed. Her favorite story book King Arthur has changed magically. Gregory shows Yolanda the monocle. Together they embark on a fun filled adventure and end up back in time to just before Arthur became the king. They meet Merlin the Magician, The Lady of the Lake, and King Arthur’s sister.
The Taker and The Keeper is a grand story. Middle Schoolers will love the adventure. The plot is interesting and well developed. There is action, adventure and suspense.
Gregory and Yolanda attend the same middle school. Gregory acquired a box that was left from his old science teacher. Among the items inside was an old red monocle. When he put it up to his eye he had a tingling feeling. He would see a tunnel in a concrete wall. When he took the monocle off the tunnel was gone. He put it back on and entered the tunnel. At the end he met up with two boys. They think he is a demon with a red eye. He escapes and returns home. The next day everything is messed up, people yell at him, his brother, his father and step mother and his teachers. No one is happy, except Yolanda. The world has completely changed.
Yolanda notices things are changed. Her favorite story book King Arthur has changed magically. Gregory shows Yolanda the monocle. Together they embark on a fun filled adventure and end up back in time to just before Arthur became the king. They meet Merlin the Magician, The Lady of the Lake, and King Arthur’s sister.
The Taker and The Keeper is a grand story. Middle Schoolers will love the adventure. The plot is interesting and well developed. There is action, adventure and suspense.
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