Sylvia

 

Sylvia

Author: Bryce Courtenay

ISBN: 0-670-07026-2

Pages: 498

 

Sylvia is a story of the Childrens crusaide, which occured in the year 1212.  Bryce Courteney has search dark corners of long ago to piece together this novel.  I found it interesting and unbelieveble.  How can this happen to young girl.  One who is loved and protected so dearly by her mother only to have her die.  She is made to face horrid world of her father, unprotected and extreme.  Not only is her father unbelievably cruel but the women are unreal!!!  How can women be so cruel to a small girl?  She runs away on a pilgramage only to find more deception. 

 

She a birth mark on her shoulder that continues to bring her attention, along a with an amazing voice.  The more she tries to tell the truth, the more people speak of only the whispers that create her world.  She is forced to live a lie to make a world for herself. 

 

Very interesting story. It was long read which I have to admit I nearly put down half way through, as it seemed to be going nowhere.  Having said that I am glad I kept reading!

 

 

This was available from: Fishpond and Book depository

 

 http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/Sylvia-Bryce-Courtenay/9780670070268?rid=190765843&keywords=0670070262

 

 

http://www.bookdepository.com/Sylvia-Bryce-Courtenay/9780670070268

 



Blog Tour

Hi every one.  I was asked to be a part of this blog tour to introduce Never Surender Your Soul.  I am part way through reading it, so cannot offer my views of it yet.  I will let you know what I think when I am finished.  So far it has some interesting and thoughtful things to offer.

“NEVER SURRENDER YOUR SOUL” BY BRIAN MICHAEL GOOD

“Never Surrender Your Soul” is a synopsis of Brian Michael Good’s life struggles and triumphs, meant to encourage struggling individuals make sense of the world and find hope to live a meaningful life. The book explains how the author was able to rise from the ashes of defeat to live a successful and rewarding life and feel peace and contentment. Brian's spiritual and lifestyle insights provide the truth and inspiration individuals need for creating significant life changes. The title reflects the heart of the book, as the author beseeches the reader to consider areas of life that can weigh them down, such as hardship, fear, and depression, which can drive them to give up their soul – their very ticket to the afterlife. Decide to keep your ticket to the afterlife by never surrendering your soul. This book will show you how!

 

BOOK DETAILS

Publisher: Big Bang Publishing

Publication Date: December 29, 2014

Genre: Self-Help/Spiritual/Memoir

Formats: Paperback, Kindle

Print Length: 104 pages

Paperback Price: $8.00

Kindle Price: $2.99

 

 

BOOK LINKS

Amazon Paperback: www.amazon.com/Never-Surrender-Your-Brian-Michael/dp/0986252727

Barnes & Noble Paperback: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/never-surrender-your-soul-brian-michael-good/1121024044?ean=9780986252723

Kindle: www.amazon.com/Never-Surrender-Your-Brian-Michael-ebook/dp/B00RKW5U2O

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/book/show/24699224-never-surrender-your-soul

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Never-Surrender-Your-Soul/357581144409444

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brian Michael Good is a self-made man. He has lived a life buffeted by character-altering hurricanes. His life storms began in his trauma-filled childhood within his dysfunctional family.

He survived childhood verbal, physical, and sexual abuse; the death of two siblings; the stigma of being homeless - not once, but three times; two bankruptcies; a six-pound cancer that was doubling every two months; a near-fatal suicide attempt in 2003; the death of his best friend; three divorces; and the rejection of his only daughter.

How can one man encounter so many hurricanes, survive them, learn from them, and then strive to make the world a better place? This was the question Brian asked himself that led to “Never Surrender Your Soul.”

 

 

AUTHOR LINKS

Amazon: www.amazon.com/Brian-Michael-Good/e/B00RL2OGB4

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/10777469.Brian_Michael_Good

Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Brian-Michael-Good-Author/100000235296330

Twitter: www.twitter.com/1PearlofWisdom

Google+: www.plus.google.com/101467357273510278816/posts

Website: www.brianmichaelgood.com

Blog: www.brianmichaelgood.com/blog

 

 

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

April 19, 2015: Bunny’s Book Reviews – www.blog.kybunnies.com

April 19, 2015: Books Are Love – www.hello-booklover.tumblr.com

April 19, 2015: Mrs. Mommy’s Booknerd’s Book Reviews – www.mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com

April 20, 2015: Beach Bound Books ­– www.beachboundbooks.com

April 20, 2015: Cassandra M’s Place – www.cassandramsplace.com

April 21, 2015: Riding & Writing – www.ginamc.blogspot.com

April 21, 2015: Deal Sharing Aunt – www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com

April 22, 2015: Authors’ Curtilage with Darmie Orem – www.authorscourtwithme.blogspot.co.uk

April 23, 2015: Authors & Readers Book Corner – www.arbookcorner.wordpress.com

April 23, 2015: EFT Tapping Stories & Other Tales – www.efttappingstories.wordpress.com

April 23, 2015: Woman on the Edge of Reality – www.womanontheedgeofreality.com

April 24, 2015: Read, Learn and Shine – www.readlearnandshine.blogspot.co.nz

April 24, 2015: IMPACT Books & Art – www.impactbooksandart.wordpress.com

April 25, 2015: My Life. One Story at a Time. – www.mylifeonestoryatatime.com

April 25, 2015: Triptasy – www.icetrail.blogspot.com

Mommy's little wordling

Mommy's Little Wordlings

Author: Linh Nguyen-Ng

Blurb... Little words hold big meanings. The Little Wordlings are children who use their simple words to express their feelings for loved ones. No one is more adored than the first person who made them smile. No one is more cherished than the person who gave them life. There is no one like Mommy. Join the Little Wordlings as they show Mommy how much she is appreciated and loved


My view of this book is... Brilliantly thought up and produced.  I love the graphics!  In each picture there are hidden little words.  Each page holds a treasured memory.  Each picture is a picture of childhood.  Therefore I class this book as more than a children's book.  I would buy this for my mother for mothers day if I still had her about to treasure.  It says everything I would tell her today.  I think this book would make the perfect mothers day gift for a coffee table book.  If my kids handed me this, I would treasure it and probably cry.

So sorry...  If this is a children's book to you, then enjoy reading it to your kids.  I am sure all kids will love it and enjoy the pictures and reading the little wordling words.  If this book captures you like it did for me... the buy it for your Mum!  Or your Grandmother!  Or your guardian angel that has loved you through your childhood!

Take a look at it... its a sweet little world of wordlings.


Check out the youtube trailer at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ml1lNRXqHfE

This was available from: Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=mommys+little+wordlings



Leaths legacy

Leaths legacy
Anne Ashby
978-1-62830-646-0

 

 

This book was fantastic!  A friend of mine knows this author and she connected me to her.  I am so thankful.  I really connected with this one.

 

It is set in New Zealand and brings with it both the dynamics if city life and country life.  It may be a romance, which is really really well done for a romance, but the mystery is what grabbed me.  Leath is a city girl who inherits a large block of land and unit,s from someone she knows nothing about.  She sets out to find who the woman is, uncovering skeletons from her families past.  I had to keep reading to find out more and more about the woman.  She became very interesting and was quite a character in herself. 

 

Mean while the neighbour wants the land for his parents, as his father is no longer mentally well.  He goes about everything the wrong way, while falling in love with Leath.  A typical love circle but very well done.  For a romance book I was impressed.  It was just the right amount of romance leaving me interested with the story line. 

 

Anne Ashby is an awesome writer!  I cant wait to pick up another one of her books.  I highly recommend her. 

 

 

This was available from Amazon

 

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=leaths+legacy

Adolescence

Adolescence

Author: John W. Santrock

ISBN: 978-0-07-811716-9

Pages: 463



 

Well it's been quite a week here!  I have assignments practically coming out my ears.  So when it comes to time reading a lovely novel... It hasn't happened.  So I thought about what I could give you to read and come up with one of my text books.  What!!! Yes, one of my text books. 

 

This was one from last year.  But it is a goodie.  For any of you out there with children or teens, its well worth the read.  It goes into every developmental issue for adolescence.  I found it interesting.  How often have I heard about rebellious teens.  What about the fact they are trying to find their identities in a world of adults.  They go from primary school to high school, and find all new issues.  Where to fit in?  At the same time their brain is literally changing.  Pruning and developing.  Why are we as parents not told this rather than being judged because our precious children are now different?

 

It is an expensive book but if you can get your hands on a copy I recommend reading it!

 

This was available from : Book depository

 

http://www.bookdepository.com/Adolescence-John-Santrock/9780078117169



 

 

How to make stuffed animals

How to make stuffed animals 

Author: Sian Keegan

ISBN: 9781592537990

Pages: 128

 

 

This is a different addition to the review profile today.  This is added because my daughter continually gets it out of the library.  If a book continually makes it into my home it must be a one.  She made a cute set of deer for us for Christmas from this book.  It was a girl and boy.  I received one and my husband the other. 

 

So extremely cute!!!

 

This book has 18 projects.  They say they are modern and simple.  I have to agree.  If a young person can bring home a book and make the toys without any help... its a good book.  For a young person to want to make these animals then it must be modern. 

 

Now my daughter does love animals, so I can see why she has grasped this one. 

 

The book includes all the patterns.  You do need a photocopier to enlarge the patterns.  They are all clearly labelled which makes the placements simple. 

 

Illustrations are great and they show ideas for presenting them.  Overall a good addition to a crafter's bookshelf.

 

 

This was available from:  Book depository and Fishpond

 

http://www.bookdepository.com/How-Make-Stuffed-Animals-Sian-Keegan/9781592537990

 

http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/How-to-Make-Stuffed-Animals-Sian-Keegan-Jennifer-Korff-By-photographer/9781592537990?rid=1748383612&keywords=9781592537990

 



Because I love you

 

Because I love you

Author: Max Lucado

Picture book

ISBN: 9780891079927

 

This is just the sweetest story I have read in ages.  It is about a wise man named Shaddai who built a village for children to live in.  He builds a protective wall around the village.  Building it rock by rock with his own hands.  One day a curious child named Paladin finds a hole in the wall.  He climbs through the wall and becomes lost on the other side.  This is until Shaddai goes looking for him leaving the others to search for the one lost child. 

 

I love this author's stories.  I love the pictures in his books.  For this reason I had to add this to my collection and I was not disappointed.  There is something that draws me into the message in each of Max Lucado's books.  The beauty and love in the messages are treasured by my children even though they are getting past picture books.  I recommend not only this book but taking a look at the author's books over all.  They are becoming treasures on our bookcase.

 

 

This was available from Book depository, Fishpond and Amazon:

 

http://www.bookdepository.com/Because-I-Love-You-Max-Lucado/9780891079927

 

http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/Because-I-Love-You-Max-Lucado-Mitchell-Heinze/9780891079927

 

http://www.amazon.com/Because-Love-You-Max-Lucado-ebook/dp/B008KRXEGC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424591346&sr=8-1&keywords=because+i+love+you

 

 



Hot body all year round

Hot Body All Year Round: The pop pilates plan to get slim, eat clean and live happy through every season
Author: Cassey Ho

Pop Pilates!!!  I love pop pilates.  Cassey Ho is a instructor, youtuber and designer.  She has her own blog http://www.blogilates.com/, her fitness apparel is available via the blog, and her Youtube videos will leave you feeling fit, toned and inspired to keep moving. 

I have to have this book!  It is available now for pre-order from Amazon and is due for release in April  http://www.amazon.com/Cassey-Hos-Hot-Body-Year-Round-ebook/dp/B00N6PET9E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423176953&sr=8-1&keywords=hot+body+all+year

Check out her youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/blogilates  She is bubbly and has such an amazing attitude to life on these clips that it keeps you moving.  If you enjoy her videos there is an app that you can get a calendar containing a schedule of clips for each day. 

But it is the book I am waiting for and I will be reviewing it upon arrival.  Check her out and see if like me you would like the book.



More than a carpenter

 

More than a Carpenter

Authors: Josh McKowell and Sean McDowell

ISBN: 978-1-4143-2627-6

Pages: 168

 

 

 

 

The back of the books states:  Skeptic Josh McDonald thought Christians were out of their minds.  He ridiculed and insulted them, then decided to combat them with his own thorough research to disprove the claims of Jesus Christ.  To his surprise, he discovered that the evedience susgested exactly the opposite.

 

 

When my daughters curriculum for the year contained this book, I was interested in seeing what this little book had to offer.  It is a part of the Sonlight core 200 curriculum, which I have found to be very good in historical depth.  So one night I went of to bed with a book that looked simple and was is small in structure.  Upon opening... it proved me wrong.  This book is far from simple!  It was not a quick read like I expected.  The depth of research is fantastic. 

 

Here is a list of the chapters which kind of shows the subjects withing the cover pages.

• My story
• What makes Jesus so different?
• Lord, liar or lunatic?
• What about science?
• The challenge of the new atheism
• Are the bible records reliable?
• Who woudl die for a lie?
• What good is a dead messiah?
• Did you hear what happened ot Saul
• Can you keep a good man down?
• Will the real messiah pelase stand up?
• Isn't there some other way?
• He changed my life

 

I have read a few books that tell of a persons story and journey.  This one tops them all as it offers research that far extends the call of duty.  It is not a self help book.  It is not just a mans story.  It is his reasearch.  Reasearch that even supprised the writer and changed his life and arguement so much, that he wrote a book to tell the world.

 

And... it is well written and presented in a book that can easily be popped into a hand bag (I am a woman).  I have to say... I am impressed!

 

 

This was available from:  Fishpond, Book Depository and Amazon

 

http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/More-Than-Carpenter-Josh-McDowell-Sean-McDowell/9781414326276

 

http://www.bookdepository.com/More-Than-Carpenter-Josh-McDowell/9781414326276

 

http://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Carpenter-Josh-McDowell-ebook/dp/B002OFAY6O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423175038&sr=8-1&keywords=more+than+a+carpenter

 

If you link into Amazon you can take a peek inside.

 

 

Josh also has a website that I have just had a look at:  http://www.josh.org/

 

 



The story catcher

The Story Catcher
Author: Donna L Martin

 

 Please note: to look inside this book you will need to go to Amazon as linked below.

It was the only way I could get a picture to link to my blog post today.

Thank you Amazon

 

 

 

I was offered the opportunity to read this book as part of a blog tour.  I am pleased I said yes to this book.  It is precious!  The illustrations are fantastic!  I will read this book over and over due to the illustrations and moral content of the story.  The story has a catchy repititon that young children will love.  Be warned... it is a book you may have to read over and over again.  BUT, you will really enjoy it.  It's not too wordy or too long, so reading it over again and again will do you no harm.  It comes with the added recommendation of my children which is always a bonus.  The blurb below tells the story well along with the addition I will add, that their is a connection to reading, learning and faith. 

 

I give this book a definate 5 star rating.  Grab a copy from amazon for on your phone or tablet and have a lovely book to read to your little ones while waiting anywhere.  It will brab their attention and you too, will enjoy the precious little Addie, as she tries to catch her own story.

 

 

Blurb:

 

Addie comes from a long line of readers, or “story catchers,” as her family likes to call themselves. Every time Addie tries to catch a story on her own, though, the words play tricks on her. Addie tries everything she can think of to corral those wiggly letters, but it  will take a little faith to become the next STORY CATCHER.

This is available from:

Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.com/B00PHJRVG0

Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.com/0990908542

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-story-catcher-donna-l-martin/1120753878?ean=9780990908548

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/492614

 

THE STORY CATCHER FAN CLUB: Fan club membership includes:

Membership Certificate

Bi-monthly Newsletter full of mazes, puzzles, games, news and other goodies

Reading log for earning Story Catcher Award

Short story starring YOU!

http://donasdays.blogspot.com/p/story-catcher-fan-club.html

 

TRAILER LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvuB8FQXcmM

 or use Embed code: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DvuB8FQXcmM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

AUTHOR BIO:

By day, Donna L. Martin is a Fourth Degree TaeKwonDo Black Belt; by night, she is a self-proclaimed “ninja author” of picture books, middle grade chapter books, and young adult novels. Somewhere amidst all this excitement, she also created the Free Author Promotion event that takes place every May during the Children’s Festival of Reading. Donna loves laughter, snuggling with her cat, and reading good books. To get a sneak peak of what it was like growing up among the swamps of southern Louisiana, check out Tales from the Bayou on her blog at www.DonnaLMartin.com.

Linked

Linked

Author: Imogen Howson

ISBN: 978-1-78206-185-4

Pages: 359

She thought she was an only child.  She thought her world was safe. She was wrong.

This was totally different from what I would normally pick up and read.  I am glad I did.  It was a page turner because it was different.  I found it intreging and strangely realistic.

Elissa has dreams that cause severe pain.  As she prepares for brain surgery she discovers she has a twin and it is her pain she can fell as the twin links into her mind.   Elissa finds her bruised, battered and terrified.  She has to help her, but this lead the two on the run from the government.  The chase is no ordinary chase and it takes them to space and beyond as they find secrets of Lin's life and potential future. 

This book goes down as a book I would not have picked up and read unless it had be given to me and highly recommended.  Thank you to my Aunty who handed me several books to read over my holiday break.  I sat in sun and read, while totally forgetting any deadlines or responsibilities... I was on holiday, that's what one is meant to do.  It grabbed from the first few pages and from there didn't fail to keep me interested and in suspense.  I actually recommend reading this.  It is not like many of the books that are similar to the next one on the self at the bookstore.

This was available from: Book Depository, Fishpond and Amazon.

http://www.bookdepository.com/Linked-Imogen-Howson/9781782061854

http://www.amazon.com/Linked-Imogen-Howson/dp/1442446560/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420759367&sr=8-2&keywords=imogen+howson

http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/Linked-Imogen-Howson/9781782061854

Unraveled is the sequel.  I haven't read this yet but intend to. 

Leave a comment if you have read this one and let me know if it is as good as the first.

 

Guardian of the underworld: Underworld chronicles

Guardian of the Underworld
Author: Rachel Tetley
Ebook

 

Fantastic! My favorite childrens book for 2014

Rachel Tetly is a mother of five children, blogger of thenaughtykitchen.wordpress.com (check this out for quick yummy recipes), and the author of Guardian of the Underworld.  I have been one of the lucky ones that received a copy of this superb book from Rachel.  Myself and my children are hooked and hanging on for the next book! 

 

 

SYNOPSIS:

Two worlds.  Neither can exist without the other.  And one guardian to ensure their survival.  But a family with a score to settle forces one boy, into a dangerous adventure

Jake Summers is an ordinary boy with an ordinary family- so he thinks. He has just spent another summer holidays building dens in the woods with his best friend Paul. But when someone special unexpectedly dies, Jake is determined to find out the truth, unaware that it will change his life forever.

He discovers a key to Grandpa’s forbidden room, and is plunged into a long-forgotten magical world, together with class mate Arianna Brown and a strange creature called Noggin. Stormy seas, underground carts pulled by Golden Eagles and a dragon all stand in his way. He must race against time to fulfil an ancient magical prophecy and save the world.

 

 

I read this book aloud to my kids and they loved it.  They could not wait for me to pick it up again the next day.  It was just as good to read aloud as the Nania books.  The characters were realistic and we found ourselves just as much a part of their journey as they were.  The plot was easy to follow and well structured.  The language...  absolutely fantastic!  The language is in the ranking of the descriptive voice of the Nania series.  My children commented frequently on the language in this novel.  It was what enticed them the most.  My boy said he loved this book because he could see the story and characters in his mind.  I have been looking for a series like this for him, forever.  He doesn't always find it easy to comprehend what he reads as he doesn't envision the story.  But well done Rachel, you achieved this and I will definitely be giving him the rest of your books to read! 

 

I found this book to have great family values and there was a link to the benefits of forgiveness.  If all the series has the same values, I will continue to blog the series as I can get my hands on them.  It is good to see a children's book that has children addressing their parents with respect. 

 

Now awaiting the next book in this series...

This was available from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Guardian-Underworld-Chronicles-Rachel-Tetley-ebook/dp/B00LA1HGWS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420962050&sr=8-1&keywords=guardian+of+the+underworld

 

 

Rachel's blog if you want to know more about her or try out her recipes which are also worth looking at:   http://thenaughtykitchen.wordpress.com/

 

 



A year down yonder

 

A Year Down Yonder

Author: Richard Peck

ISBN: 978-0-14-230070-1

Pages: 130

 

 

Mary Alice's childhood summers in Grandma Dowdel's sleepy Illinois town had been packed with enough surprises and drama to fill the double bill of any picture show.  But now she is fifteen and faces a whole long year with Grandma, a woman well-known for sharking up her neighbors - and everyone else?  All Mary Alice can know for certain is this: when trying to predict how life with Grandma might turn out... better not.

 

This book made me giggle.  The antics of Grandma were fantastic.  She was such a character, you had to keep reading.  For example: she was allowed all the nuts from a neighbors tree that fell to the ground, so the drove into the tree.  They fell, they were hers!  This lady had a way of fixing everything, and the community let her away with everything.  The school bully loses her horse and shoes, they survive a tornado... Read the book and take Mary Alice's journey through a year with Grandma.  You will be delighted.

 

Written in first person from Mary Alice's experiences I can see why this book is a John Newbery medal winner.

 

This book carries the approval and recommendation of my daughter :-)

 

This was available from: Book Depository, Fishpond, Sonlight and Amazon

 

http://www.bookdepository.com/Year-Down-Yonder-Richard-Peck/9780756913137

 

http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/Year-Down-Yonder-Richard-Peck-Don-Freeman/9780142300701

 

https://www.sonlight.com/130-94.html

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=a+year+down+yonder

 

 

A chaper book that will be enjoyed by all ages, but easy enough for the young independant reader

You are special

 

You Are Special

Author: Max Lucado

ISBN: 9781859855454

Picture book

 

 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

 

I was sitting thinking about how brilliant Christmas day was, when I remembered this book.  I nabbed my son who hadn't heard read it and we read it together.  This book has such a brilliant message for children.  It even touches the hearts of adults. 

 

Every day a new wemmick is made.  Each one is different.  Each is loved by its maker.  One little wemmick isn't able to do very much well and he gets sticked with dots all the time.  No matter how hard he tries he recieves more dots.  You see, the wemmicks have stickers that they label the others with.  You get either stars or dots.  There is one wemmick that never has a sticker, so the dotted wemmick goes to visit her.  She has no stickers because she is loved by her maker and she encourages him to visit the maker.  There he is told how much he is loved, special and unique.

 

As Christmas passes and a new year approaches, may we all remember our maker and how unique we all are.  We don't need to wear a label.  We need to know we are loved for who we are.

 

My daughter made me get this book.  I thank her for being.. just her!

 

 

This was available from:  Fishpond, Book Depository and Manna Christian Stores

 

http://www.bookdepository.com/You-are-Special-Max-Lucado/9781859855454

 

http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/You-are-Special-Wemmicks-Max-Lucado-Sergio-Martinez-Illustrated-by/9781859855423

 

https://www.manna.co.nz/?s=you+are+special&post_type=product&nax=1&tags=1&ixwps=1

Insurgent

Insurgent

Author: Veronica Roth

ISBN: 9780062024046

Pages: 525

 

Veronica Roth hasn't let me down!  This book captured my attention just as much as Divergent, the first book in the series. 

Tris sets out to find the truth behind everything in her world.  What had her mother ment?  What was the secret Marcus knew.  What was really the intentions of the factionless.  What are the other factions plotting?  And... what is beyond the fences?

I had to keep reading to find the answers to the many questions and while doing so I was caught in Tris' emotional world.  I found the battle between Tris and Tobias (Four, in the first book but called Tobias in the second book)  a little annoying at times.  I wanted to yell at them and tell them to get over themselves and move on.  Really, they go through much together yet don't really treat each other that well... then they are back together... but only for a moment before something else interferes.  Love isn't really that complicated.  But it give the book an emotional feeling, and love does conker all.  There is nothing like a little emotion within a story.  I look forward to seeing what happens to Tris and Tobias in book three.

Definatly well worth reading!

This was available from: Fispond, Book depository and Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=insurgent

http://www.bookdepository.com/search?searchTerm=insurgent&search=Find+book

http://www.fishpond.co.nz/q/insurgent?rid=1006197717

The bear who wanted to read

The Bear Who Wanted to Read
Author: Lee Davis
Illustrator: Susan Winter
ISBN: 0-7513-7149-1

 

 

This is one  of my favourite read aloud picture books of my kids little days.  I used to read and read this book.  It is about a bear at day care.  When all the kids go outside to play, Ben Bear decides he wants to read.  The other toys help him figure out how to spell his name with the letter blocks.  It shows the phonetic structure of the basic sounds as Ben and Tiger write their names.  It also makes books seem really fun. 

 

The illustrations are bright and beautiful.  This is a good hard cover book that has lasted many reads in our house.  I am keeping this book it is one that will last the next generations to come.

 



Orphan train

 

Orphan Train

Author: Christina Barker Kline

ISBN: 978-0-06-195072-8

Pages: 273

 

 

 

Truly, I cant praise this book enough!  It is one of my favourite historical novels.  It is a story of a young adolescent who is in foster care and steals a book from the library only to find herself doing community service.   She cleans out the attic of a elderly woman who was on the orphan trains in 1929.  Together the help each other find themselves amongst the emotions hidden inside them. 

 

The book bounces from the past to the present as each story is told.  I was transported into the lives of both characters.  I found myself reading with an open mouth as I was engrossed in the life of the woman.  Astonished as I read the judgements of the foster parents of the adolescent.  Both lives  were a web of misfortunes that had nothing to do with the doings of the girls.  I wanted to cry for both of them but managed to contain myself.

 

I will read this again in time.  It has the makings of a classic on my bookshelf.

 

Anyone who likes historical novels... This book is for you.

 

 

It was available from: Book depository, Fishpond and amazon

 

http://www.bookdepository.com/Orphan-Train-Christina-Baker-Kline/9780061950728

 

http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/Orphan-Train-Christina-Baker-Kline/9780061950728

 

http://www.amazon.com/Orphan-Train-Christina-Baker-Kline/dp/006195070X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1418026570



Do hard things

Do Hard Things

Authors: Alex and Brett Harris

ISBN: 978-1-60142-154-8

Pages: 241

A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations

Hi every one.  This book came with the recommendation of my daughter and her friends.  Once my daughter had read it there was no going back... I was made to read it.  I am glad I did.  This book is a fantastic inspiration for teens everywhere.  When did the invention of the word teenager even enter our culture?  Really I had given this little thought.  I grew up in the age of teens.  It has always been in our culture... well as far as I was aware.  Take a step back in time and you will find that children went from children to the adult world.  Working to keep the farm and family going.  Helping the father and mother as they transitioned very quickly to adults.  Not today.  We have given teenagers a stage to be, anything.  Often that means parties, alcohol and many more options that effect the brain, development, emotions and our future culture. 

Alex and Brett Harris are young adults that are changing this movement.  They believe that teens have the power to do great things.  Extremely huge, awesome things.  The movement they have encouraged is inspiring some dynamic teens to step out and change their environment. 

They have a website that has become one of the biggest websites for teens.  http://therebelution.com/

I never gave this much thought until reading this book.  I do think we give teens mixed ideas about being teens.  We expect them to study and go to university/college more than ever before, but at the same time we encourage them to be idiots with their time.  Really... think about it.  They can do hard things and they can do great things with their time.  They are awesome young adults, just give them a chance.

I highly recommend all teens and parents read this book.

This was available from: Book depository, Fishpond, Amazon and The Rebelution website

http://www.bookdepository.com/Do-Hard-Things-Alex-Harris/9781601421128

http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/Do-Hard-Things-Alex-Harris-Brett-Harris/9781601421128

http://www.amazon.com/Do-Hard-Things-Rebellion-Expectations/dp/1601421125/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417253217&sr=8-1&keywords=do+hard+things

From the mixed-up files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler

 

From the mixed-up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

Author: E. L. Konigsburg

ISBN: 978-0-689-71181-7

Pages:162

 

Two-time Newbery medal winner

 

 

Claudia decides to run away and talks her brother, Jamie, to going with her.  They stay at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  The museum brings more adventure and mystery than they ever imagined.  They learn something each day, not only about history but also about themselves.  When a statue of an angel arrives at the museum, they study the histroy of Michelangelo to find out if it was made by him.  The mystery leads them to Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler who is a collector of secrets. 

 

An intriguing story.  I liked they way the children planned and structured each day.  They had to figure out ways to survive.  They had to find out about each other and themselves.  They battled the inner reasons for running away in the first place.  They found beauty in a statue and life.  I enjoyed listening to my son read this aloud to me.  I had to contain myself from reading ahead, just a little.  As the ending came together and the mystery was solved, they had to keep their own secret for the sake of the statue and the elderly woman, Mrs.  Basil E. Frankweiler.

 

Although I disagree with children running away, I loved the learning and principles, that the children encountered.   We all enjoyed this book as we sat each day to hear a little more. 

 

This book is now also a movie.

 

It was available from: Fishpond, Book depository and Amazon

 

http://www.amazon.com/Mixed-up-Files-Mrs-Basil-Frankweiler/dp/1416949755/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416436474&sr=8-1&keywords=from+the+mixed+up+files

 

http://www.fishpond.co.nz/q/From+the+Mixed-Up+Files+of+Mrs+Basil+E+Frankweiler?rid=1191397622

 

http://www.bookdepository.com/From-Mixed-up-Files-Mrs-Basil-E-Frankweiler-Konigsburg/9780689711817

I am in here

 

I am in here

Authors: Elizabeth M Bonker and Virginia G Breen

ISBN: 978-0-8007-2071-1

Pages: 233

 

 

Elizabeth is a young girl with autism who cannot speak but writes the most amazing beautiful poetry.  Elizabeth and her brother were normal children until they received their vacinations.  The result was a life with autism.  Through the help of a great teacher she was shown how to write on  a keyboard.  This girl wants to help the world understand autism and through this book and her poetry she has, at least, enabled me to see autism differently.  Her poetry says "I am in here".  That touched my heart.  How often do we look at people who have disabilities and think of the as not all in there.  I think if we were all honest we have all thought differently of people who cannot talk fluently, or those who are not the same as what we class as normal.  Reading this book I would say Elizabeth has more to offer the world, even without speech, than many other individuals around.  Take a look at this book for understanding of autism, but also for the poetry of a girl who speaks loudly through the written word.  She has a beautiful heart.

 

Me

 

I sometimes fear

That people cannot understand

That I hear

And I know

That they don't believe I go

To every extreme

To try to express

My need to talk.

If only they could walk

In my shoes

They would share my news:

I am in here

And trying to speak every day

In some kind of way

(age 9)

(Page 23)



 

 

So Much to Do

 

 

There was a girl

Who spent her life in a whirl

Going here and there

With no time to spare.

She missed the times

When the bells would chime.

Anxious to fill her day

She did not see the flower blooming

Or the airplane zooming.

She missed some of the best of life

In her strife

To do it all.

(Page 47)

 

This was available from: Book depository, Fishpond and Chirstan manna stores

http://www.bookdepository.com/search?searchTerm=i+am+in+here&search=Find+book

 

http://www.fishpond.co.nz/Books/I-Am-Here-Elizabeth-M-Bonker-Virginia-G-Breen/9780800720711