Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

This title is part of a series on accomplished women that is geared for those who are between the ages 9-12. Other titles in the series have been about J.K. Rowling, Oprah Winfrey and Mae Jemison. In this one, young readers will be inspired by Michelle Obama.
The story begins when Michelle is eight and wakes up on her birthday. Readers spend time with Michelle and her close family. They learn about how important school was to Michelle and about her dream to follow her brother to Princeton, only for a guidance counselor to tell her that she might not be “Princeton material.” The authors talk about how this made Michelle feel and acknowledges that one cannot always listen to or believe those around them. And, yes, Michelle made it to Princeton where she had mentors and thought big for herself.
From here the book goes on to describe Michelle’s early jobs, meeting Barack and, of course, the presidency. Attention is paid to how Michelle found her way to programs that had meaning to her while First Lady and how she inspired others thought initiatives on areas like healthy eating.
The book ends noting Michelle’s accomplishments after the White House like her successful biography.

Throughout the book there are quotes from Ms. Obama that show her personality, dreams and strength. The illustrations throughout are original and appealing.
At the end of the book there are tips on how to become a leader like Michelle and a section on questions for readers to answer. There is alps a bibliography.
This book is an excellent addition to an excellent series. I hope that it will inspire girls to achieve all that they can and to believe in themselves.
Many thanks tho NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest reveiw.

The author of this book recalls that she was a child who always questioned. Often the author found her answers (or more questions) through her reading. With this book, she is encouraging young readers to think deeply and not be afraid to question.

This book provides an introduction to philosophy and life’s big questions, as for example, what happens when we die, what is human nature and so much more. This title is divided into five chapters, Identity, Life, Truth, Culture, and Creativity. Within each are questions to explore and the thoughts of philosophers and thinkers on the topic. For example, there are quotes on human nature from Plato, Salman Rushdie, Noam Chomskey and others. In a section on is god real, there are quotes from Maya Angelou and Karl Marx.

Early in the book, the author suggests ways to respectfully listen and disagree with others. She also notes that everyone can change their mind about something.

This book is colorfully and brightly illustrated. It is a great resource.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange f

Robyn Carr is a prolific writer of women’s fiction; to name just a few there she has written the Virgin River, Grace Valley and Thunder Point series.  Her many fans will pretty much always read what she writes.

This title is a standalone.  It tells the story of Justine (in her fifties) and Addie (in her thirties), sisters who, due to their age difference, were not especially close.  Addie, for reasons that the book makes clear, left her degree program to care for her parents while married mother Justine went from success to success with the support of her house parent husband.

However, as we all know, novels often have an arc.  Characters have experiences, struggle, grow, learn and, if they are lucky, find themselves in a better place.  As Justine’s marriage implodes and Addie tries to figure out what to do with her life, what will happen?  At the end of the novel, will the sisters be closer and happier?  (Readers will hope so).

In following the Justine and Addie’s stories, Ms. Carr explores social issues including women who return to the workforce insecure after years away and men who face partner abuse.  The author clearly wants her readers to know that there is help for those who suffer. She also wants toshare what makes for a good relationship in her estimation.

This book is an easy read that fans of the author will welcome.  The small town setting is very appealing.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#SunriseonHalfMoonBay #NetGalley

Pub date:  April 14, 2020

Digitalpw.com. Publisher’s Weekl y is making all content available. I love how the book world is trying to help us.

Booklistonline.com is offering free access until further notice. It is an excellent resource.

This is an absolutely adorable book for young children.  It gently, sweetly and humorously illustrates ways to be kind.  The illustrations are delightful, to the muted side but in a good way.  Highly recommended!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

#LittleBookofKindness #NetGalley

So, many of you on this site may have young children at home and many of them may be bored.  If you want to offer a nice diversion to your 4 to 8 year old, consider this title.  Dover publishes a number of inexpensive activity books, of which this is one.  The puzzles are simple but fun and your child will be good to go with just a pencil and some crayons.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:

I love this book! The illustrations are so vibrant and appealing. The story of Astrid is that of a girl who was thrilled to learn to read and enter fictional worlds. She loved being a child and was not eager to grow up. But, grow up she did and as a bit of a rebel.

Readers will learn that Astrid’s most famous character, Pippi Longstocking, got her name from the author’s daughter, Karin. Astrid eventually wrote these stories down and…the rest is history.This is another excellent entry in a series that offers children the opportunity to learn about little people who grew up to be people who did big things.

As always, there is a timeline biography at the end of the book with photos of the author.Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:

Grow Kind is another title published in conjunction with the American Psychological Association. These books address issues and subjects that will lead to positive growth for children.

In this title, that is colorfully and very cheerfully illustrated, a young girl learns about being kind to others. This is shown is several ways; there is allowing her older sister to sleep late, picking the bounty from a garden and sharing it with neighbors and classmates. The protagonist also gives food to someone who is standing by the road and is hungry.

As always, the story is followed by sections for adults that further enhance the lesson of the story and that help those who interact with children to understand their needs. I found this title to be another good entry in a good series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest

Mostly keeping the choices light as I think that we may all be looking for escape reading.