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![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/caves-cannons-and-crinolines&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/511dM7oRU1L._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Beverly Stowe McClure has written a treasure for young adults that will enhance their knowledge of the Civil War and transport them back in time. "Caves, Cannons and Crinolines" is written from the perspective of fourteen year-old Lizzie who is growing up during a scary time as the Civil War is taking place around her, tearing apart her family and ...){kind=link}
Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines
Beverly Stowe McClure
2012 Honorable Mention
154 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Kristie Ingerto for Readers' Favorite
Beverly Stowe McClure has written a treasure for young adults that will enhance their knowledge of the Civil War and transport them back in time. "Caves, Cannons and Crinolines" is written from the perspective of fourteen year-old Lizzie who is growing up during a scary time as the Civil War is taking place around her, tearing apart her family and destroying her home. Lizzie's older brothers are fighting in the Confederate Army and her father is the town father so that he is working long hours caring for the sick townspeople and also injured soldiers. The fighting and having to live in a cave while her world is being completely changed angers Lizzie and she decides to take matters into her own hands. However, this is not as easy as dressing as a boy and going by the name "Eli" and fighting in the army as Lizzie thought would be the answer to the problem. Meeting a wounded Yankee soldier and bringing him home to be cared for makes Lizzie wonder if her thoughts and views are correct. During this unsettling time, Lizzie and her family are living in fear, yet they must keep their pride strong and also continue to be there for each other.
This is a well-written historical fiction that brings this time period alive for young readers. There are historical details throughout the story and the descriptions and language will transport the reader to Mississippi and the midst of the Civil War. Although this story takes place years ago, the characters struggle with similar thoughts and feelings as the reader does today, which brings the characters to life and the reader will laugh and cry along with Lizzie and her family. This book is a great read for not only young adults, but older adults as well!
Beverly Stowe McClure has written a treasure for young adults that will enhance their knowledge of the Civil War and transport them back in time. "Caves, Cannons and Crinolines" is written from the perspective of fourteen year-old Lizzie who is growing up during a scary time as the Civil War is taking place around her, tearing apart her family and destroying her home. Lizzie's older brothers are fighting in the Confederate Army and her father is the town father so that he is working long hours caring for the sick townspeople and also injured soldiers. The fighting and having to live in a cave while her world is being completely changed angers Lizzie and she decides to take matters into her own hands. However, this is not as easy as dressing as a boy and going by the name "Eli" and fighting in the army as Lizzie thought would be the answer to the problem. Meeting a wounded Yankee soldier and bringing him home to be cared for makes Lizzie wonder if her thoughts and views are correct. During this unsettling time, Lizzie and her family are living in fear, yet they must keep their pride strong and also continue to be there for each other.
This is a well-written historical fiction that brings this time period alive for young readers. There are historical details throughout the story and the descriptions and language will transport the reader to Mississippi and the midst of the Civil War. Although this story takes place years ago, the characters struggle with similar thoughts and feelings as the reader does today, which brings the characters to life and the reader will laugh and cry along with Lizzie and her family. This book is a great read for not only young adults, but older adults as well!
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/they-stood-alone&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41GAmSQjBGL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=What a fabulous book! In "They Stood Alone: 25 Men and Women Who Made A Difference," author Sandra McLeod Humphrey presents people who started out ordinary but accomplished extraordinary things. She explains in the beginning that she chose these particular men and women based on select criteria such as having courage to step up away from popular be...){kind=link}
They Stood Alone!
25 Men and Women Who Made a Difference
Sandra McLeod Humphrey
2012 Silver Medal
176 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Lori M for Readers' Favorite
What a fabulous book! In "They Stood Alone: 25 Men and Women Who Made A Difference," author Sandra McLeod Humphrey presents people who started out ordinary but accomplished extraordinary things. She explains in the beginning that she chose these particular men and women based on select criteria such as having courage to step up away from popular belief, having the confidence to believe in themselves, having the vision to see things from a different perspective, and for providing breakthroughs that changed our world.
Included among the 25 men and women who made a difference are some names you'll recognize like Rosa Parks, Mother Teresa, and Christopher Columbus, and perhaps some that you won't, like Nikola Tesla, Marian Anderson, and Rachel Carson.
This book was delightful. It presented each man or woman, included an image of them, explained why they were bold and courageous, and provided facts, figures and information about each. Oh how I wish that this book had existed when I was in Middle School social studies class! The writing style is warm and easy to read. The content is just enough without being too much. The information provided is interesting and thought-provoking. It in in short just an all-around great read.
Even as a middle-aged adult, I learned so much about some of our ancestors who sacrificed much and were bold enough to pursue their dreams. I think that I might look for some biographies for some of these people for additional reading.
What a fabulous book! In "They Stood Alone: 25 Men and Women Who Made A Difference," author Sandra McLeod Humphrey presents people who started out ordinary but accomplished extraordinary things. She explains in the beginning that she chose these particular men and women based on select criteria such as having courage to step up away from popular belief, having the confidence to believe in themselves, having the vision to see things from a different perspective, and for providing breakthroughs that changed our world.
Included among the 25 men and women who made a difference are some names you'll recognize like Rosa Parks, Mother Teresa, and Christopher Columbus, and perhaps some that you won't, like Nikola Tesla, Marian Anderson, and Rachel Carson.
This book was delightful. It presented each man or woman, included an image of them, explained why they were bold and courageous, and provided facts, figures and information about each. Oh how I wish that this book had existed when I was in Middle School social studies class! The writing style is warm and easy to read. The content is just enough without being too much. The information provided is interesting and thought-provoking. It in in short just an all-around great read.
Even as a middle-aged adult, I learned so much about some of our ancestors who sacrificed much and were bold enough to pursue their dreams. I think that I might look for some biographies for some of these people for additional reading.
Recommend this book:
Crossroads
Mary Ting
2012 Gold Medal
314 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
I love the book and its unique plot, which is loosely based on Genesis 6:1-4 and the results of that event. I've always been fascinated by that passage. Most preachers steer clear of it not knowing what it means, how to explain it or the purpose of it. Author Mary Ting brings a unique perspective to this scripture. She successfully creates a fascinating love story that will keep readers entranced.
The story centers on Claudia Emerson. As long as she could remember, she had vivid dreams of a special place. Only they were not dreams. She was at the crossroads between Heaven and Earth. Claudia had done the impossible; she had gone where human kind was not supposed to go. After meeting several angels, she was sent back with Michael as her guardian. The fallen sought her and tried to capture her, but Michael managed to prevent the capture but not before Claudia was injured. Obviously it was going to take more than one angel to keep Claudia safe from the powers of the fallen.
Crossroads by Mary Ting has it all: danger, romance, suspense, incredible characters and a plot that is sure to thrill. I would consider this a book for preteens and young adults but this "senior" adult enjoyed it too. The action never stops as good and evil battle to the death. Just when the reader thinks the excitement and danger is over, an unexpected demon pops up. Michael, Claudia, and the other Alkin all play well together. I'd like to see this made into a series with each Alkin as the lead in a tale. This well written and fascinating love story will keep readers entranced. The plot is original and has the potential to be a bestseller. In Crossroads, love crosses all boundaries.
I love the book and its unique plot, which is loosely based on Genesis 6:1-4 and the results of that event. I've always been fascinated by that passage. Most preachers steer clear of it not knowing what it means, how to explain it or the purpose of it. Author Mary Ting brings a unique perspective to this scripture. She successfully creates a fascinating love story that will keep readers entranced.
The story centers on Claudia Emerson. As long as she could remember, she had vivid dreams of a special place. Only they were not dreams. She was at the crossroads between Heaven and Earth. Claudia had done the impossible; she had gone where human kind was not supposed to go. After meeting several angels, she was sent back with Michael as her guardian. The fallen sought her and tried to capture her, but Michael managed to prevent the capture but not before Claudia was injured. Obviously it was going to take more than one angel to keep Claudia safe from the powers of the fallen.
Crossroads by Mary Ting has it all: danger, romance, suspense, incredible characters and a plot that is sure to thrill. I would consider this a book for preteens and young adults but this "senior" adult enjoyed it too. The action never stops as good and evil battle to the death. Just when the reader thinks the excitement and danger is over, an unexpected demon pops up. Michael, Claudia, and the other Alkin all play well together. I'd like to see this made into a series with each Alkin as the lead in a tale. This well written and fascinating love story will keep readers entranced. The plot is original and has the potential to be a bestseller. In Crossroads, love crosses all boundaries.
Recommend this book:
African Cowboy
U.D Abdulkareem
2011 Bronze Medal
204 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Molly Edwards for Readers' Favorite
I love reading and learning about new authors and this was a perfect new author and new book! I loved most everything about this novel. The words, the characters, the plot. All of it was unique and really drew me into the story. I have never read a book quite like this before, but I will say that I hope to read more work like this in the future.
Bappa is a rich cattle herder in Africa with two wives, two sets of children. His wife Demmo, along with Ribaldo and Halimah are abandoned by Bappa and left to live a poor life. While Bappa is looking after his more favored family of his second wife, his young children, Ribaldo and Halimah go against everything in Africa and fight to become educated. They want nothing more than to become better than what they were and live a life of comfort. Little did they know that their father, Bappa, the man who denied and abandoned them, has lost his fortune and home and wants nothing more than to be accepted by his children. His children are torn between doing what is right and the anger they have toward their father.
This is a moving, emotional story that will pull you in, grip you, and take you to the African setting of Nigeria, amongst these African Fulani cattle herders, African Cowboys, and set you down in an unexpected place. You will see the importance of knowledge, the effect that greed and attitude can have on a person. If you have never read a book like this before, then I encourage you to read this 5 star novel. Twists, turns, and compelling characters will surround you and keep you turning the pages until the very last page is reached.
I love reading and learning about new authors and this was a perfect new author and new book! I loved most everything about this novel. The words, the characters, the plot. All of it was unique and really drew me into the story. I have never read a book quite like this before, but I will say that I hope to read more work like this in the future.
Bappa is a rich cattle herder in Africa with two wives, two sets of children. His wife Demmo, along with Ribaldo and Halimah are abandoned by Bappa and left to live a poor life. While Bappa is looking after his more favored family of his second wife, his young children, Ribaldo and Halimah go against everything in Africa and fight to become educated. They want nothing more than to become better than what they were and live a life of comfort. Little did they know that their father, Bappa, the man who denied and abandoned them, has lost his fortune and home and wants nothing more than to be accepted by his children. His children are torn between doing what is right and the anger they have toward their father.
This is a moving, emotional story that will pull you in, grip you, and take you to the African setting of Nigeria, amongst these African Fulani cattle herders, African Cowboys, and set you down in an unexpected place. You will see the importance of knowledge, the effect that greed and attitude can have on a person. If you have never read a book like this before, then I encourage you to read this 5 star novel. Twists, turns, and compelling characters will surround you and keep you turning the pages until the very last page is reached.
Recommend this book:
Finding You
Kristen Kehoe
2011 Honorable Mention
176 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite
This is the story of a family in crisis. Sloan was only fifteen when her father died. Her mother just left, leaving Sloan to take care of her sister. At eighteen, Sloan is a senior in high school. The world is closing in on her, the pressure is high. Her fifteen year old sister is making bad decisions. Sloan is working hard to be accepted into a renowned art program and working to earn a swim title. Meeting the new kid at school changes many things.
Finding You demonstrates the complications that life brings. It demonstrates the importance and complexity of relationships. One of the many things I liked about this book is the way it defines hope and love. Despite all that Sloan goes through she always manages to find hope. I also enjoyed the way the book demonstrated that we can turn to our passions, such as art to help us find emotional release.
This is a realistic contemporary romance that will bring out emotions in the reader. Kehoe skillfully moves back and forth between the narrative of the main characters, and has fully developed the secondary characters making them an asset to the story line. Finding You by Kristen Kehoe is an entertaining read that will appeal to young adult and adults.
This is the story of a family in crisis. Sloan was only fifteen when her father died. Her mother just left, leaving Sloan to take care of her sister. At eighteen, Sloan is a senior in high school. The world is closing in on her, the pressure is high. Her fifteen year old sister is making bad decisions. Sloan is working hard to be accepted into a renowned art program and working to earn a swim title. Meeting the new kid at school changes many things.
Finding You demonstrates the complications that life brings. It demonstrates the importance and complexity of relationships. One of the many things I liked about this book is the way it defines hope and love. Despite all that Sloan goes through she always manages to find hope. I also enjoyed the way the book demonstrated that we can turn to our passions, such as art to help us find emotional release.
This is a realistic contemporary romance that will bring out emotions in the reader. Kehoe skillfully moves back and forth between the narrative of the main characters, and has fully developed the secondary characters making them an asset to the story line. Finding You by Kristen Kehoe is an entertaining read that will appeal to young adult and adults.
Recommend this book:
An Unknown Journey
Dao Huynh
2010 Finalist
224 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Dao is one of ten children. She wants to go to boarding school in hopes of someday living in a country where she will have freedom from responsibility to her family. She goes to school and finally makes it to America only to discover that you cannot escape family responsibilities.
Dao Huynh paints a brilliant word picture of life in South Vietnam. Huynh is a master at details and emotion. She incorporates details, bits of conversation, and bits of a song and description of the most unlikely thing that brings the story to life. Dao brings a sense of her own emotions as she lived what we read. There was a sense of panic and uncertainty as she leaves on her long journey to a new life. At times she felt desperate. She was a young woman in a culture she didn’t understand. The writing is so vivid the reader feels as though they were climbing into the make-shift boat with her. An Unknown Journey will captivate readers.
Dao is one of ten children. She wants to go to boarding school in hopes of someday living in a country where she will have freedom from responsibility to her family. She goes to school and finally makes it to America only to discover that you cannot escape family responsibilities.
Dao Huynh paints a brilliant word picture of life in South Vietnam. Huynh is a master at details and emotion. She incorporates details, bits of conversation, and bits of a song and description of the most unlikely thing that brings the story to life. Dao brings a sense of her own emotions as she lived what we read. There was a sense of panic and uncertainty as she leaves on her long journey to a new life. At times she felt desperate. She was a young woman in a culture she didn’t understand. The writing is so vivid the reader feels as though they were climbing into the make-shift boat with her. An Unknown Journey will captivate readers.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/shoot-the-wounded&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51oSNrYFbTL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Shoot The Wounded" centers around the small town and families of Maplewood. Leigh and Ronnie were best friends in grade school, things changed as they started high school. Their family life was very different. In her teen years Ronnie turned wild. Jake was a new boy in the neighborhood. Soon problems arise though between Leigh, Ronnie, Jake and ot...){kind=link}
Shoot the Wounded
Lynn Dove
2010 Finalist
160 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Lynette Fowlston for Readers' Favorite
"Shoot The Wounded" centers around the small town and families of Maplewood. Leigh and Ronnie were best friends in grade school, things changed as they started high school. Their family life was very different. In her teen years Ronnie turned wild. Jake was a new boy in the neighborhood. Soon problems arise though between Leigh, Ronnie, Jake and others at school. Jake has a past that is about to threaten his friendship with Leigh and Ronnie.
This book digs deep into the lives of youth, the rumors, and the gossip. Words can damage people. That’s when you find out who are your real friends. The characters are well developed. I recommend this book to both teens and parents. I believe it will open dialogue between them. Shoot The Wounded reflects on many of the issues teenagers have to contend with today, pregnancy, drinking, family values and peer pressure.
"Shoot The Wounded" centers around the small town and families of Maplewood. Leigh and Ronnie were best friends in grade school, things changed as they started high school. Their family life was very different. In her teen years Ronnie turned wild. Jake was a new boy in the neighborhood. Soon problems arise though between Leigh, Ronnie, Jake and others at school. Jake has a past that is about to threaten his friendship with Leigh and Ronnie.
This book digs deep into the lives of youth, the rumors, and the gossip. Words can damage people. That’s when you find out who are your real friends. The characters are well developed. I recommend this book to both teens and parents. I believe it will open dialogue between them. Shoot The Wounded reflects on many of the issues teenagers have to contend with today, pregnancy, drinking, family values and peer pressure.
Recommend this book:
Lodestone Book One
The Sea of Storms
Mark Whiteway
2010 Bronze Medal
290 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
The Kelanni was enslaved by the Keltar working for the“prophet.” The Kelanni was forced to pay tribute to the prophet through slaves and food. Lyall and Shann joined forces to stop the destruction of the Kelannni. Keris was sent to hunt down the rebels and bring them back dead or alive. On her quest, she was befriended by a chandara. The odd creature convinced her that the prophet was evil. Keris went against her mentor and all she was brought up to believe to help the rebels. Together they look for a way to neutralize the weapon that can destroy a civilization.
This is book one in The Sea of Storms series. Whiteway is a master at description. It was easy to envision the culture. The plot moves along at a good steady pace. It is well developed. The characters come to life on the pages of this book. They are unique but so well described that I could picture them. The characters all play well together. This is a science fiction that is sure to please the most discriminating fans.
The Kelanni was enslaved by the Keltar working for the“prophet.” The Kelanni was forced to pay tribute to the prophet through slaves and food. Lyall and Shann joined forces to stop the destruction of the Kelannni. Keris was sent to hunt down the rebels and bring them back dead or alive. On her quest, she was befriended by a chandara. The odd creature convinced her that the prophet was evil. Keris went against her mentor and all she was brought up to believe to help the rebels. Together they look for a way to neutralize the weapon that can destroy a civilization.
This is book one in The Sea of Storms series. Whiteway is a master at description. It was easy to envision the culture. The plot moves along at a good steady pace. It is well developed. The characters come to life on the pages of this book. They are unique but so well described that I could picture them. The characters all play well together. This is a science fiction that is sure to please the most discriminating fans.
Recommend this book:
The Secret of Bailey's Chase
Marlis Day
2010 Gold Medal
176 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite
Marlis Day offers a wonderful journey into the imaginative mind of the preteen child. Two cousins are drawn together through the tragic death of Grey Bailey's parents. With assistance from her newly-found friend and cousin Sparky, Grey Bailey is warned of evil forces which will attempt to undermine the magical powers granted to the cousins by their distant ancestor, Grandma Bailey.
Apart, the two cousins have no extraordinary powers but, together, they are able to move objects and explore avenues not available to the average child. The book teaches cooperation, inspiration, adventure and imagination, as well as stressing values important to the preteen caught between childhood innocence and teenage responsibilities.
"The Secret" is well written and should appeal to both girls and boys in the upper elementary years. I applause Ms. Day who pulls together a delightful adventure story which stimulates the young reader.
Marlis Day offers a wonderful journey into the imaginative mind of the preteen child. Two cousins are drawn together through the tragic death of Grey Bailey's parents. With assistance from her newly-found friend and cousin Sparky, Grey Bailey is warned of evil forces which will attempt to undermine the magical powers granted to the cousins by their distant ancestor, Grandma Bailey.
Apart, the two cousins have no extraordinary powers but, together, they are able to move objects and explore avenues not available to the average child. The book teaches cooperation, inspiration, adventure and imagination, as well as stressing values important to the preteen caught between childhood innocence and teenage responsibilities.
"The Secret" is well written and should appeal to both girls and boys in the upper elementary years. I applause Ms. Day who pulls together a delightful adventure story which stimulates the young reader.
Recommend this book:
 formed an instant connection. Against her father’s wishes,...){kind=link}
The Crescent
Jordan Deen
2010 Silver Medal
190 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
Lacey’s parents are constantly fighting. Her father is a violent alcoholic. When she hears the battles begin, she often sneaks outside. One night, she feels someone watching her and sees two big yellow eyes. At first she wasn’t sure if the animal was a wolf or dog. She and Grant (dog) formed an instant connection. Against her father’s wishes, she moved the gigantic dog into her bedroom. He slept with her, listened carefully to every word she spoke and attempted to protect her.
Lacey is seventeen years old and a senior in high school. During the mornings, she helps out in the office. It was an instant attraction when in walked Alex, handsome and sexy, he makes a play for her heart. A few days later, she met Brandon, even more attractive, but seldom around. However, there was a connection between Lacey and Brandon, continually in her dreams telling her to remember.
Eventually, the truth comes to light. Lacey must decide to save her intended mate or the people she knew as her family. If she makes one decision she dies and so does Brandon. If she makes another decision others die. Lacey is in the midst of an ancient war with no way out. Her body is transforming.
It is hard to believe that this is Jordan Deen’s first novel. It reads like the work of a seasoned author. The plot is a mix of fantasy and romance. The characters are well developed. I truly cared about each of them. While this book is definitely fantasy, it has a realistic setting. In this book, Lacey has to choose between her heart and mind. This is an unusual love story for Juvenile readers. Adults will also appreciate the depth of the story. I hope this is the beginning of a new series. I want to know more about Lacey, Alex and Brandon.
Lacey’s parents are constantly fighting. Her father is a violent alcoholic. When she hears the battles begin, she often sneaks outside. One night, she feels someone watching her and sees two big yellow eyes. At first she wasn’t sure if the animal was a wolf or dog. She and Grant (dog) formed an instant connection. Against her father’s wishes, she moved the gigantic dog into her bedroom. He slept with her, listened carefully to every word she spoke and attempted to protect her.
Lacey is seventeen years old and a senior in high school. During the mornings, she helps out in the office. It was an instant attraction when in walked Alex, handsome and sexy, he makes a play for her heart. A few days later, she met Brandon, even more attractive, but seldom around. However, there was a connection between Lacey and Brandon, continually in her dreams telling her to remember.
Eventually, the truth comes to light. Lacey must decide to save her intended mate or the people she knew as her family. If she makes one decision she dies and so does Brandon. If she makes another decision others die. Lacey is in the midst of an ancient war with no way out. Her body is transforming.
It is hard to believe that this is Jordan Deen’s first novel. It reads like the work of a seasoned author. The plot is a mix of fantasy and romance. The characters are well developed. I truly cared about each of them. While this book is definitely fantasy, it has a realistic setting. In this book, Lacey has to choose between her heart and mind. This is an unusual love story for Juvenile readers. Adults will also appreciate the depth of the story. I hope this is the beginning of a new series. I want to know more about Lacey, Alex and Brandon.
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