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Recommend this book:
Rathuun
King of the Prairie
David Fitz-Gerald
2026 Honorable Mention
339 Pages
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Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
In David Fitz-Gerald’s Rathuun: King of the Prairie, the titular Rathuun is born on the prairie into a buffalo brum, whose safety depends on old migration paths. As a calf, he is saved by Na-Muh, a human boy whose kindness marks him for life. Years later, the same open country becomes a killing ground when hunters use cliffs, rifles, and wagons against the buffalo. Drumm, the ruling bull, answers each threat too late, so Rathuun begins to believe their survival requires a new kind of leader. He rises from a grieving son to a protector, challenging Drumm for the right to guide the brum. As rival bull Drekk draws the frightened buffalo toward a northern legend, Rathuun searches for the lost route to Hruun-thurakk, the birthplace that may hold the last chance for his brum.
David Fitz-Gerald’s Rathuun is an absolutely gorgeous story that follows the life of a buffalo and his pursuit of survival. This is an extremely thoughtful novel and unique in that its point of view is through Rathuun, giving us a non-human perspective that names elements like human hunters as 'striders', and railroads as 'fire-snorters'. Rathuun is easy to like because he is strong, but his strength has tenderness. He accepts his newborn sister Ashuun despite the grief for his dead twin Ruz, then offers a beaten rival a path back if he can serve the brum. I love Branneth, a cow. She is encouraging and honest, gently nudging Rathuun to greet his first calf, Huruuk, then later expressing her desire to follow the path set by Shaa-Luun, the buffalo deity. The narrative shines brightest in the scene setting, from Mammoth Hot Springs rising in steam beside mineral terraces to a square-built prairie town with a white church and bells that ring across the plain. Well written and immersive, I desperately want to read more of this type of inventive storytelling. I am now a true fan. This is the best book I have read all year. Very highly recommended.
In David Fitz-Gerald’s Rathuun: King of the Prairie, the titular Rathuun is born on the prairie into a buffalo brum, whose safety depends on old migration paths. As a calf, he is saved by Na-Muh, a human boy whose kindness marks him for life. Years later, the same open country becomes a killing ground when hunters use cliffs, rifles, and wagons against the buffalo. Drumm, the ruling bull, answers each threat too late, so Rathuun begins to believe their survival requires a new kind of leader. He rises from a grieving son to a protector, challenging Drumm for the right to guide the brum. As rival bull Drekk draws the frightened buffalo toward a northern legend, Rathuun searches for the lost route to Hruun-thurakk, the birthplace that may hold the last chance for his brum.
David Fitz-Gerald’s Rathuun is an absolutely gorgeous story that follows the life of a buffalo and his pursuit of survival. This is an extremely thoughtful novel and unique in that its point of view is through Rathuun, giving us a non-human perspective that names elements like human hunters as 'striders', and railroads as 'fire-snorters'. Rathuun is easy to like because he is strong, but his strength has tenderness. He accepts his newborn sister Ashuun despite the grief for his dead twin Ruz, then offers a beaten rival a path back if he can serve the brum. I love Branneth, a cow. She is encouraging and honest, gently nudging Rathuun to greet his first calf, Huruuk, then later expressing her desire to follow the path set by Shaa-Luun, the buffalo deity. The narrative shines brightest in the scene setting, from Mammoth Hot Springs rising in steam beside mineral terraces to a square-built prairie town with a white church and bells that ring across the plain. Well written and immersive, I desperately want to read more of this type of inventive storytelling. I am now a true fan. This is the best book I have read all year. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Gaffle O'Feral
The Life & Tail of an Alley Cat
JT Meuse
2026 Bronze Medal
296 Pages
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Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Gaffle O’Feral: The Life & Tail of an Alley Cat by J.T. Meuse is the story of a young alley cat named Gaffle, who recounts his life as a street-smart feline navigating a world full of danger, loyalty, and unexpected friendships. The story begins along the rocky coastline of Skerries, Ireland, where Gaffle lives with his family among a colony of cats near the sea. His father, Whiskers O’Feral, is a respected figure among the cats in the area, known for his strength and kindness despite the hardships of life without a permanent home. When Gaffle and his family accidentally board a ship while searching for food, their lives change dramatically. Captured by sailors who believe the cats are wild and dangerous, the kittens and their mother are trapped in a crate and brought to the ship’s captain, starting a series of unpredictable events that send Gaffle on a long journey far from home.
J.T. Meuse blends adventure and humor through the voice of its feline narrator. Gaffle’s first-person perspective gives the story a playful tone, and the pacing quickly moves through action-packed moments, including narrow escapes, encounters with humans, and journeys across cities and on ships. The dialogue between the cats adds charm, while the descriptions of coastal towns, busy streets, and nighttime adventures help bring the settings to life. Meuse balances lighthearted scenes with tension-filled moments that keep the plot moving. Readers who enjoy animal-centered adventures and stories from a unique perspective will enjoy the imaginative approach and lively voice that carry the tale. Gaffle O’Feral captures the excitement of exploration while emphasizing themes of family, belonging, and the search for a place to call home. Young and old will enjoy the uniqueness that Meuse offers readers.
Gaffle O’Feral: The Life & Tail of an Alley Cat by J.T. Meuse is the story of a young alley cat named Gaffle, who recounts his life as a street-smart feline navigating a world full of danger, loyalty, and unexpected friendships. The story begins along the rocky coastline of Skerries, Ireland, where Gaffle lives with his family among a colony of cats near the sea. His father, Whiskers O’Feral, is a respected figure among the cats in the area, known for his strength and kindness despite the hardships of life without a permanent home. When Gaffle and his family accidentally board a ship while searching for food, their lives change dramatically. Captured by sailors who believe the cats are wild and dangerous, the kittens and their mother are trapped in a crate and brought to the ship’s captain, starting a series of unpredictable events that send Gaffle on a long journey far from home.
J.T. Meuse blends adventure and humor through the voice of its feline narrator. Gaffle’s first-person perspective gives the story a playful tone, and the pacing quickly moves through action-packed moments, including narrow escapes, encounters with humans, and journeys across cities and on ships. The dialogue between the cats adds charm, while the descriptions of coastal towns, busy streets, and nighttime adventures help bring the settings to life. Meuse balances lighthearted scenes with tension-filled moments that keep the plot moving. Readers who enjoy animal-centered adventures and stories from a unique perspective will enjoy the imaginative approach and lively voice that carry the tale. Gaffle O’Feral captures the excitement of exploration while emphasizing themes of family, belonging, and the search for a place to call home. Young and old will enjoy the uniqueness that Meuse offers readers.
Recommend this book:
Dinky
The Nurse Mare's Foal
Marta Moran Bishop
2026 Silver Medal
216 Pages
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Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Kamil Wróbel for Readers' Favorite
Dinky: The Nurse Mare’s Foal by Marta Moran Bishop follows a young, orphaned horse navigating a world that sees him as a mere commodity. Separated from his mother right after birth, the young foal is pushed into a cold transportation ring and a temporary rescue stable. In the barn, an elder goat named Ole Jack fills him in on the true realities of the trade. Throughout it all, our little hero and his companion, Lucky, endure malnutrition and frightening training sessions. His path changes when Ken and Marta adopt him from a sweltering county fair, bringing him to a farm where he must integrate with a protective gelding named Chrome and a wise mare named Connella. In the end, can a sickly, defensive, "junk foal" learn the intricate rules of herd socialization and truly heal from his early trauma?
Dinky: The Nurse Mare’s Foal by Marta Moran Bishop is an eye-opening story that gives us a beautiful look at how traumatized animals heal. Telling the story through Dinky’s point of view gives this tale a sweet, innocent quality that really pulls at your heartstrings. The book does a wonderful job of showing the huge difference between people who do not care and people who offer real kindness, sending a powerful message about how we treat animals. It is very rewarding to watch the little foal grow as he slowly learns to drop his fear-based biting and kicking because he finally has stable boundaries. Having older horses step in as mentors to teach him about personal space adds a lot of depth to the farm setting. The story moves at a gentle pace that matches true recovery, making Dinky’s milestones and pasture interactions feel very authentic. This amazing book teaches a lot about horse communication while remaining easy for readers of all ages to follow. It is a great choice for families who want a heartwarming tale about the power of a caring forever home.
Dinky: The Nurse Mare’s Foal by Marta Moran Bishop follows a young, orphaned horse navigating a world that sees him as a mere commodity. Separated from his mother right after birth, the young foal is pushed into a cold transportation ring and a temporary rescue stable. In the barn, an elder goat named Ole Jack fills him in on the true realities of the trade. Throughout it all, our little hero and his companion, Lucky, endure malnutrition and frightening training sessions. His path changes when Ken and Marta adopt him from a sweltering county fair, bringing him to a farm where he must integrate with a protective gelding named Chrome and a wise mare named Connella. In the end, can a sickly, defensive, "junk foal" learn the intricate rules of herd socialization and truly heal from his early trauma?
Dinky: The Nurse Mare’s Foal by Marta Moran Bishop is an eye-opening story that gives us a beautiful look at how traumatized animals heal. Telling the story through Dinky’s point of view gives this tale a sweet, innocent quality that really pulls at your heartstrings. The book does a wonderful job of showing the huge difference between people who do not care and people who offer real kindness, sending a powerful message about how we treat animals. It is very rewarding to watch the little foal grow as he slowly learns to drop his fear-based biting and kicking because he finally has stable boundaries. Having older horses step in as mentors to teach him about personal space adds a lot of depth to the farm setting. The story moves at a gentle pace that matches true recovery, making Dinky’s milestones and pasture interactions feel very authentic. This amazing book teaches a lot about horse communication while remaining easy for readers of all ages to follow. It is a great choice for families who want a heartwarming tale about the power of a caring forever home.
Recommend this book:
The Scent of Home
A Dog’s Journey Through Loss, Loyalty, and the Search for Home
Marco Magiolo
2026 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Mansoor Ahmed for Readers' Favorite
The Scent of Home by Marco Magiolo is a quietly moving novel told by the most unlikely narrator: a street dog named Dexter who once had everything and lost it all. The story opens in a busy city, where Dexter survives by his wits — stealing pizza from restaurant tables, reading human moods by scent, and navigating a world of cars, thunderstorms, and cruelty with a dry humor that makes him impossible not to love. What he carries with him, beneath all that streetwise swagger, is the memory of Bill, an elderly retired man who gave him a backyard full of lavender, a warm bed, and a life of quiet companionship until the morning Bill did not wake up. What follows is Dexter's long journey back to something he can barely name: not just shelter, but belonging. That journey leads him through a brutal animal control facility, a chance rescue on a rainy night, and into the orbit of a grieving family with a tired, loving mother named Sarah, her fierce teenage daughter Emily, and a frail grandfather whose company turns out to be exactly what Dexter needs most.
Marco Magiolo, a veterinary doctor and animal behavior specialist, brings genuine expertise to Dexter's voice. The dog's bewilderment at cell phones, mirrors, and the inexplicable human attachment to glowing screens is consistently funny without ever feeling forced. The plot moves at an unhurried pace, and the characters — particularly Emily and her grandfather — are drawn with enough specificity to feel real. I found myself most fond of Janeth, the neighbor whose cookies and rose bushes support the story with a lovely continuity, and of the shelter founder Sheila, whose quiet moral backbone gives the novel its social conscience. The themes of grief and trust run beneath every chapter without ever becoming heavy. The Scent of Home is a generous, warm-hearted novel that earns its ending and reminds you, gently but firmly, that love and loyalty look very much the same in any species.
The Scent of Home by Marco Magiolo is a quietly moving novel told by the most unlikely narrator: a street dog named Dexter who once had everything and lost it all. The story opens in a busy city, where Dexter survives by his wits — stealing pizza from restaurant tables, reading human moods by scent, and navigating a world of cars, thunderstorms, and cruelty with a dry humor that makes him impossible not to love. What he carries with him, beneath all that streetwise swagger, is the memory of Bill, an elderly retired man who gave him a backyard full of lavender, a warm bed, and a life of quiet companionship until the morning Bill did not wake up. What follows is Dexter's long journey back to something he can barely name: not just shelter, but belonging. That journey leads him through a brutal animal control facility, a chance rescue on a rainy night, and into the orbit of a grieving family with a tired, loving mother named Sarah, her fierce teenage daughter Emily, and a frail grandfather whose company turns out to be exactly what Dexter needs most.
Marco Magiolo, a veterinary doctor and animal behavior specialist, brings genuine expertise to Dexter's voice. The dog's bewilderment at cell phones, mirrors, and the inexplicable human attachment to glowing screens is consistently funny without ever feeling forced. The plot moves at an unhurried pace, and the characters — particularly Emily and her grandfather — are drawn with enough specificity to feel real. I found myself most fond of Janeth, the neighbor whose cookies and rose bushes support the story with a lovely continuity, and of the shelter founder Sheila, whose quiet moral backbone gives the novel its social conscience. The themes of grief and trust run beneath every chapter without ever becoming heavy. The Scent of Home is a generous, warm-hearted novel that earns its ending and reminds you, gently but firmly, that love and loyalty look very much the same in any species.
Recommend this book:
Animal Revolution
General Jack and the Battle of the Five Kingdoms #5
David Bush
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Richard Prause for Readers' Favorite
In David Bush's Animal Revolution: General Jack and the Battle of the Five Kingdoms, the events behind the French Revolution are told through the poignant experiences of farm animals. Amid the ongoing war and terror, Cookie and Doodie, two rooster friends, lead the farm animals and ally themselves with peasants in a fierce battle against a relentless golden eagle, Bony, his eagle comrades, and a brutal Parisian Republican army. The Vendée Revolt bears witness to their guerrilla-styled war tactics. Ailing and low on resources, the animals and peasants are still determined to win this battle in the name of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Tragically, in every war, there will always be casualties. Can the animals press on for the sake of freedom? Will they honor the legacy of their fallen friends? Will their courage be enough to see them through?
Animal Revolution: General Jack and the Battle of the Five Kingdoms is a gripping and immersive depiction of the events that took place during the Vendée Revolt and the French Revolution. With vivid imagery and historical details, this narrative is indisputably a tale of opposition and solidarity. Even though the revolution is told mainly through the experiences of the animals, some segments of the book are dedicated to authentic human experiences. David Bush aptly merges the best of both worlds (fiction and non-fiction) to paint a clear picture of the startling realities of the French Revolution and the fight for freedom. This book is well-written, intriguing, and even suspenseful in all the right places. The plot is intertwined with several unanticipated twists, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. Historical fiction enthusiasts who enjoy tales of courage and resistance will undoubtedly appreciate this read.
In David Bush's Animal Revolution: General Jack and the Battle of the Five Kingdoms, the events behind the French Revolution are told through the poignant experiences of farm animals. Amid the ongoing war and terror, Cookie and Doodie, two rooster friends, lead the farm animals and ally themselves with peasants in a fierce battle against a relentless golden eagle, Bony, his eagle comrades, and a brutal Parisian Republican army. The Vendée Revolt bears witness to their guerrilla-styled war tactics. Ailing and low on resources, the animals and peasants are still determined to win this battle in the name of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Tragically, in every war, there will always be casualties. Can the animals press on for the sake of freedom? Will they honor the legacy of their fallen friends? Will their courage be enough to see them through?
Animal Revolution: General Jack and the Battle of the Five Kingdoms is a gripping and immersive depiction of the events that took place during the Vendée Revolt and the French Revolution. With vivid imagery and historical details, this narrative is indisputably a tale of opposition and solidarity. Even though the revolution is told mainly through the experiences of the animals, some segments of the book are dedicated to authentic human experiences. David Bush aptly merges the best of both worlds (fiction and non-fiction) to paint a clear picture of the startling realities of the French Revolution and the fight for freedom. This book is well-written, intriguing, and even suspenseful in all the right places. The plot is intertwined with several unanticipated twists, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. Historical fiction enthusiasts who enjoy tales of courage and resistance will undoubtedly appreciate this read.
Recommend this book:
Sick as a Dog
Tracy Carter
2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Veronica and her search and rescue dog, Leda, are on the hunt again. After finding and rescuing an injured hiker, high up in the mountains, the two find themselves drawn into an investigation where wildlife is threatened. In Tracy Carter’s Sick as a Dog, the mystery becomes more intense when they discover the remains of a dead woman. Identification is the real challenge, and the mystery thickens as plots and subplots lead to both national and international criminal activity. As the two combat and follow the clues, Veronica continues to be plagued by the haunting reality that there is a serial killer who sets his sights on taking her down. The killer is imprisoned, for now, but he will find a way out. And he will find Veronica.
Tracy Carter’s novel, Sick as a Dog, is a thrilling K-9 mystery, the third book in the Veronica Kildare K-9 Mystery series. The plot follows the rescue team, particularly Veronica and Leda, as they rescue and resolve different issues in the Colorado wilderness. Between training specialty dogs and making rescue attempts, Veronica keeps her body and mind active and busy to help dull the knowledge that there is a price on her head. The narrative intrigues and engages as the author leads readers through the dog/handler team’s various activities. The dog training segments are interesting and demonstrate how well the author knows the subject of dogs, dog training, and, especially, rescue dogs. Dialogue is used effectively, developing the characters and moving the plot forward. A fast-paced, action-filled mystery that will thrill dog lovers.
Veronica and her search and rescue dog, Leda, are on the hunt again. After finding and rescuing an injured hiker, high up in the mountains, the two find themselves drawn into an investigation where wildlife is threatened. In Tracy Carter’s Sick as a Dog, the mystery becomes more intense when they discover the remains of a dead woman. Identification is the real challenge, and the mystery thickens as plots and subplots lead to both national and international criminal activity. As the two combat and follow the clues, Veronica continues to be plagued by the haunting reality that there is a serial killer who sets his sights on taking her down. The killer is imprisoned, for now, but he will find a way out. And he will find Veronica.
Tracy Carter’s novel, Sick as a Dog, is a thrilling K-9 mystery, the third book in the Veronica Kildare K-9 Mystery series. The plot follows the rescue team, particularly Veronica and Leda, as they rescue and resolve different issues in the Colorado wilderness. Between training specialty dogs and making rescue attempts, Veronica keeps her body and mind active and busy to help dull the knowledge that there is a price on her head. The narrative intrigues and engages as the author leads readers through the dog/handler team’s various activities. The dog training segments are interesting and demonstrate how well the author knows the subject of dogs, dog training, and, especially, rescue dogs. Dialogue is used effectively, developing the characters and moving the plot forward. A fast-paced, action-filled mystery that will thrill dog lovers.
Recommend this book:
Uplift
A Novel
Jessica Mann
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Uplift is a work of fiction in the mythical adventure, animals, and action genres. Penned by author Jessica Mann, this charming story tells the story of Columbina, a young Clark’s Nutcracker with a sharp intellect and deep curiosity. Raised in a high mountain wilderness, she challenges traditional norms and befriends an ostracized Belted Kingfisher named Halcyon. As their home faces threats from humans, Columbina realizes the danger posed by the Tall Ones. She must lead her fellow birds to work together to protect their habitat. The tale, narrated from the perspective of birds, explores themes of family, friendship, and environmental stewardship. Mann's passion for animal welfare and ecology translates into an enchanting and enlightening read.
Jessica Mann’s ability to anthropomorphize the bird characters without losing their natural essence was remarkable, making Columbina’s journey both relatable and inspiring as we lend our human sensibilities to her problems. Her rebellious spirit and curiosity are brightly penned with a confident and vibrant command of language, and her willingness to challenge traditions and forge new friendships in the face of adversity offers us the chance to follow along with a close narrative focus on her mission. The bond between Columbina and Halcyon, despite societal opposition, highlights the power of acceptance and understanding, and the unique ways in which they understand one another straddle the world of human communication versus animal bonds. There is a mystical and wise presence to the story, underscoring the deep connections within nature thanks to evocative imagery and emotionally intelligent mood-setting. The looming threat from the Tall Ones, representing human encroachment, is a poignant reminder of the environmental challenges today that evoke a sense of urgency and the importance of unity in protecting the natural world. Overall, Uplift is a highly recommended read for its captivating narrative and important central message.
Uplift is a work of fiction in the mythical adventure, animals, and action genres. Penned by author Jessica Mann, this charming story tells the story of Columbina, a young Clark’s Nutcracker with a sharp intellect and deep curiosity. Raised in a high mountain wilderness, she challenges traditional norms and befriends an ostracized Belted Kingfisher named Halcyon. As their home faces threats from humans, Columbina realizes the danger posed by the Tall Ones. She must lead her fellow birds to work together to protect their habitat. The tale, narrated from the perspective of birds, explores themes of family, friendship, and environmental stewardship. Mann's passion for animal welfare and ecology translates into an enchanting and enlightening read.
Jessica Mann’s ability to anthropomorphize the bird characters without losing their natural essence was remarkable, making Columbina’s journey both relatable and inspiring as we lend our human sensibilities to her problems. Her rebellious spirit and curiosity are brightly penned with a confident and vibrant command of language, and her willingness to challenge traditions and forge new friendships in the face of adversity offers us the chance to follow along with a close narrative focus on her mission. The bond between Columbina and Halcyon, despite societal opposition, highlights the power of acceptance and understanding, and the unique ways in which they understand one another straddle the world of human communication versus animal bonds. There is a mystical and wise presence to the story, underscoring the deep connections within nature thanks to evocative imagery and emotionally intelligent mood-setting. The looming threat from the Tall Ones, representing human encroachment, is a poignant reminder of the environmental challenges today that evoke a sense of urgency and the importance of unity in protecting the natural world. Overall, Uplift is a highly recommended read for its captivating narrative and important central message.
Recommend this book:
Pontus and Electra to the Depths of the Sea
A Novel in Verse
Shanti Hershenson
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite
Pontus and Electra to the Depths of the Sea by Shanti Hershenson is a heart-wrenching tale of love, loss, and environmental grief told through poetry. Through the unlikely romance between two Great White sharks, this unique story explores connection, vulnerability, and the devastating impact of human interference in the natural world. Emotionally powerful and beautifully written, this collection of poems is a must-read for lovers of eco-poetry and unconventional love stories that stay with you long after the final page.
Pontus and Electra to the Depths of the Sea by Shanti Hershenson is a breathtaking and genre-defying tale that pulses with lyricism, love, and ecological heartbreak. Told entirely through poetry, this hauntingly beautiful story brings two Great White sharks into an almost mythic love story beneath the waves. What begins as an unexpected connection between two isolated beings quickly deepens into a tender exploration of companionship, vulnerability, and resilience in a world slowly unravelling. Pontus and Electra’s bond is achingly pure, built on shared loss and the discovery that even in the vast, indifferent ocean, someone can truly see you. Hershenson writes with poetic mastery as the verses in each poem are saturated with emotion, weaving environmental commentary into the narrative without ever sacrificing the depth of the story. This book is perfect for readers looking for something fresh and different. This collection is the perfect lyrical storytelling for anyone looking for a unique book of poems. I found myself enjoying this more than I could have imagined, and I look forward to more works from this author.
Pontus and Electra to the Depths of the Sea by Shanti Hershenson is a heart-wrenching tale of love, loss, and environmental grief told through poetry. Through the unlikely romance between two Great White sharks, this unique story explores connection, vulnerability, and the devastating impact of human interference in the natural world. Emotionally powerful and beautifully written, this collection of poems is a must-read for lovers of eco-poetry and unconventional love stories that stay with you long after the final page.
Pontus and Electra to the Depths of the Sea by Shanti Hershenson is a breathtaking and genre-defying tale that pulses with lyricism, love, and ecological heartbreak. Told entirely through poetry, this hauntingly beautiful story brings two Great White sharks into an almost mythic love story beneath the waves. What begins as an unexpected connection between two isolated beings quickly deepens into a tender exploration of companionship, vulnerability, and resilience in a world slowly unravelling. Pontus and Electra’s bond is achingly pure, built on shared loss and the discovery that even in the vast, indifferent ocean, someone can truly see you. Hershenson writes with poetic mastery as the verses in each poem are saturated with emotion, weaving environmental commentary into the narrative without ever sacrificing the depth of the story. This book is perfect for readers looking for something fresh and different. This collection is the perfect lyrical storytelling for anyone looking for a unique book of poems. I found myself enjoying this more than I could have imagined, and I look forward to more works from this author.
Recommend this book:
Coal Dust and Dreams
The Story of a Girl and Her Pit Pony in the Coal Mines of Wales
M.J. Evans
2025 Gold Medal
209 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Life is never what it seems. For young Bethan, it’s filled with uncertainty. Her father works with the pit ponies in the Welsh coal mines. When a pony is injured, he brings it home for Bethan to nurse back to health. It is during one of these ventures that Dobbin, an injured pit pony, enters her life. On her eleventh birthday, all she wants is to sit on the recovered Dobbin’s back, to have a short ride. A bond develops that will help the young girl when her father is injured, and she has to leave school to work in the mines to help support the family. In M.J. Evans’ Coal Dust and Dreams, Bethan works her magic with the pit ponies, particularly Dobbin, but she never loses sight of her dreams to return to school and get an education that will help her leave the grueling mine work behind.
M.J. Evans’ middle-grade novel, Coal Dust and Dreams: The Story of A Girl and Her Pit Pony in the Coal Mines of Wales, is a marvelous work of historical fiction that will teach young readers about the valuable work of pit ponies and those who cared for them. The story begins with a grandmother telling her granddaughter the story about pit ponies. The story that evolves is full of memories as the grandmother relives her own childhood. As the plot unfolds, young readers will learn about the sad state of pit ponies and miners, the abuse that both pit ponies and miners faced, and the rampant discrimination against women in the workforce, particularly in the mines. The story also tells of Bethan’s determination to continue her education, even when faced with all the adversities that life dishes out. A simple, yet powerful story.
Life is never what it seems. For young Bethan, it’s filled with uncertainty. Her father works with the pit ponies in the Welsh coal mines. When a pony is injured, he brings it home for Bethan to nurse back to health. It is during one of these ventures that Dobbin, an injured pit pony, enters her life. On her eleventh birthday, all she wants is to sit on the recovered Dobbin’s back, to have a short ride. A bond develops that will help the young girl when her father is injured, and she has to leave school to work in the mines to help support the family. In M.J. Evans’ Coal Dust and Dreams, Bethan works her magic with the pit ponies, particularly Dobbin, but she never loses sight of her dreams to return to school and get an education that will help her leave the grueling mine work behind.
M.J. Evans’ middle-grade novel, Coal Dust and Dreams: The Story of A Girl and Her Pit Pony in the Coal Mines of Wales, is a marvelous work of historical fiction that will teach young readers about the valuable work of pit ponies and those who cared for them. The story begins with a grandmother telling her granddaughter the story about pit ponies. The story that evolves is full of memories as the grandmother relives her own childhood. As the plot unfolds, young readers will learn about the sad state of pit ponies and miners, the abuse that both pit ponies and miners faced, and the rampant discrimination against women in the workforce, particularly in the mines. The story also tells of Bethan’s determination to continue her education, even when faced with all the adversities that life dishes out. A simple, yet powerful story.
Recommend this book:
Lawyers, Dogs, and Money
A Veronica Kildare K-9 Mystery Book 2
Tracy Carter
2024 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Susan van der Walt for Readers' Favorite
In Lawyers, Dogs, and Money: A Veronica Kildare K-9 Mystery Book 2 by Tracy Carter, Veronica Kildare moves to Colorado to get away from her traumatic past involving the death of her fiance. His violent death still haunts her in her dreams. Her father, Bob, buys a former day spa and converts it to a dog training facility. It enables her to start her Dogged Pursuit K-9 business, training dogs for various uses such as drug detection or service dogs to warn about allergies, and even training a dog as a protection dog for an older woman. She and her dog, Leda, also actively work to find missing persons and search for drugs and contraband in schools and businesses. But when they try to help a friend, Kadri, who suspects someone is stalking her, they get entangled in a dangerous web of intrigue, putting Veronica again in danger.
I love Leda, Veronica's service dog - well-trained, courageous, and always eager to work. Tracy Carter introduces us to dogs from the various breeds Veronica is training and describes their unique characteristics and personalities. We also get some insight into the techniques used to train dogs to detect drugs, peanuts, etc. Although this is not a fast-paced novel, the author keeps the reader engaged by slowly revealing clues about Kadri's dilemma through Bob's research. I recommend Lawyers, Dogs, and Money to dog lovers who will fall in love with the various dogs in the story and will cheer Veronica on as she strives to solve the puzzling mystery of Kadri's stalker.
In Lawyers, Dogs, and Money: A Veronica Kildare K-9 Mystery Book 2 by Tracy Carter, Veronica Kildare moves to Colorado to get away from her traumatic past involving the death of her fiance. His violent death still haunts her in her dreams. Her father, Bob, buys a former day spa and converts it to a dog training facility. It enables her to start her Dogged Pursuit K-9 business, training dogs for various uses such as drug detection or service dogs to warn about allergies, and even training a dog as a protection dog for an older woman. She and her dog, Leda, also actively work to find missing persons and search for drugs and contraband in schools and businesses. But when they try to help a friend, Kadri, who suspects someone is stalking her, they get entangled in a dangerous web of intrigue, putting Veronica again in danger.
I love Leda, Veronica's service dog - well-trained, courageous, and always eager to work. Tracy Carter introduces us to dogs from the various breeds Veronica is training and describes their unique characteristics and personalities. We also get some insight into the techniques used to train dogs to detect drugs, peanuts, etc. Although this is not a fast-paced novel, the author keeps the reader engaged by slowly revealing clues about Kadri's dilemma through Bob's research. I recommend Lawyers, Dogs, and Money to dog lovers who will fall in love with the various dogs in the story and will cheer Veronica on as she strives to solve the puzzling mystery of Kadri's stalker.
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