Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!

This title finds the sweet spot between a fiction adventure and a science book for kids. It is an illustrated chapter book for elementary school aged children that features a diverse group of explorers.
Meet Connor and his friends who are excited to have a new mission. Watch as Connor magically arrives at the exploration station to find out what his next task will be. Readers will discover that they are to help some whales.
This book appeals to its readers who are at the age when clubs and secrets are intriguing. I think that kids will learn a lot while following the protagonists’ adventures. Hopefully, a love of science will be introduced or reinforced.
At the end of the book are a quiz and a glossary. These both help to reinforce the learning that the text provided.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

pub date:  July 7, 2020

#TheSecretExplorersandtheLostWhales #NetGalley

I am late in reviewing this title for which I apologize.  But…you can still read the wide-ranging articles included in this anthology.  They certainly have not dated in just a year.

The collection reflects a varied source list including The Atlantic, The New Yorker, The National Geographic, Esquire, The New York Times Magazine and more.  Just a few of the authors included here are Leslie Jamison, Jill Lepore and Caitlin Flanagan.  Topics range from Paul Manafort to MS-13 to Bret Kavanagh, just to name a few.

Pick up this collection.  It will provide ample food for thought and discussion.

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

Two that especially appeal to me here…Mary Oliver.  I adore her writing.  I also really like McDermid’s Karie Pirie series.  Highly recommended.

I anticipate new books coming out in just the same way that kids anticipate those December holidays; I can’t wait. This reader has features seven intriguing entries, including one by Julia Alavarez, author of Afterlife, in it she talks about her family’s escape from the Dominican Republic. This is followed by a chance to start reading her new novel. The Mountains Sing is about the Viet Nam war. The author brings the children and women to life in this book. Also featured are entries by Jill McCorke, Richard Farrell, Larry Watson, Shruti Swamy and Caroline Leavitt. Each book excerpt is preceded by something that the author has written to introduce it. There is probably at least one title here that each reader will enjoy. Can’t wait for the pub dates.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#TheAlgonquinReaderSpring2020 #NetGalley

Ms. Sancez Vegara does a beautiful job telling the story of Jesse Owens. While reading this book, young readers will learn about Owens’s many incredible athletic achievements, while also learning about the racism and hardships that he endured. This entry is most highly recommended. As always, the illustrations enhance the text.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

This book encourages families to unplug and try other kinds of activities, everything from playing board games to nature walks to crafts to cooking and more.  The case is very well made.  Early in the book, it is suggested that kids and their families try to unplug from devices for even as little as 30 minutes.  They know that this can be a challenge.

The book is divided into sections based on the seasons.  For instance in spring, there is a suggested scavenger hunt.  Summer suggestions include a bark and leaf boat regatta, while for fall, you could make bonfire bread or baked apples.  One of the winter suggestions is building a snow fort.

This book has many photos throughout.  They add to the text and are quite appealing.  In all, this is a good book to get folks away from devices and into the real world.

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

pub date: June 23, 2020

#TheUnpluggedFamilyActivityBook #NetGalley

Laurie King began writing historical mysteries featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes a number of years ago.  She began with The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, a book that I loved, and has now made it to her 16th and  newest novel, Riviera Gold.

There are many authors who write stories based on Sherlock Holmes. I think that the books by Ms. King are among the best in the genre.  In time, the story has made it to the Jazz Age and the novel has a mix of historical and fictional personages.  Among the real people are Gerald and Sara Murphy, but our intrepid duo is more interested in Mrs. Hudson.

There is murder and more in this title that I recommend.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#RivieraGold #NetGalley

The Finney books are modern classics.  I reviewed the Anna Lee Huber (see archive).  February House is about a very interesting group of people including Auden, Carson McCullers, Benjamin Britten, the Bowles, and Gypsy Rose Lee.  They once lived together in a Brooklyn, New York commune.

The riddles in this book are often quite challenging.  I think that even adults will find that they cannot solve them all.  Geared toward children 9 to 12,  this book contains many excellent puzzles to work out  Luckily, there is an answer key at the end, in case either adult or child is stumped.

Many thanks to Callisto, the publisher, for this fun book in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:

start Out Strong Are you a new riddler? No worries! Boost your skills with helpful solving strategies and warm-up riddles.

Riddle for Hours at a Time Stay focused and busy with a variety of word puzzles that are clever, amusing, and, most importantly, challenging!

Discover Classic Puzzles Fill up on fun facts about some of the world’s most famous riddles and see how things have changed over time.

Kate DiCamillo has written many wonderful children’s books including Because of Winn Dixie. She is a children’s author whom I admire so I was very happy to receive this title as an e galley.
This title is part of a series of chapter books about Deckawoo Drive although it is the first one that I have read. The tone is fun and entertaining. Stella, the verbal and precocious protagonist, is a second grader which gives a sense of the age a child might be to enjoy this book.
Young readers learn that Stella is thrilled with her second grade teacher, the beautifully named Tamar Calliope Liliana. All would be perfect in Stella’s opinion were it not for Horace Brown. What will happen in their relationship? Can they be friends?
Young readers will turn the pages to see what happens as the students in Miss Liliana’s class write poems with metaphors and as Stella and Horace are sent to the principal. What will happen to them? How will the day end?
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. This is a delightful book for either reading aloud or for children who are beginning to enjoy chapter books.