Blog Entries

Lalani of the Distant Sea by Erin Entrada Kelly

Recommended for ages 8-12

Twelve year old Lalani Sarita lives on the oppressive island of Sanlagita where everyone fears “the mountain” and life consists of cleaning, cooking, mending and errands. The island has endured a drought and the people are running out of food and water. Lalani’s mother has also taken sick with mender’s disease, an often fatal illness. A mythical creature on “the mountain” grants Lalani one wish and she wishes for rain. It rained for days, then weeks and finally the “the mountain” gave way and destr...

Evangeline of the Bayou written by Jan Eldredge and illustrated by Joseph Kuefler

Recommended for ages 8-12

Evangeline Clement is studying to be a haunt huntress like all the women in her line. With only a few weeks before her 13th birthday, she only needs her familiar to appear and choose her for its companion. But with mistake after mistake, and the council watching closely, is she really cut out for such things as banshees and shadow crouchers?

Evangeline and her Grandma are called out of the swamp to New Orleans to help a family with a problem no ...

Sweet Dreamers by Isabelle Simler

Recommended for ages 4-8

A perfect bedtime cuddle book! This book has been brilliantly translated from French to English and is a complete delight for young and old. The illustrations have been created digitally and are exquisite with extraordinary color contrasts. The art is reminiscent of scratchboard art at its finest. Each double page spread contains a short poem about how each animal sleeps and dreams and there may even be some surprising information and facts. Dolphins, giraffes, sloths, and koalas are just a few of the s...

A Story Like the Wind written by Gill Lewis and illustrated by Jo Weaver

Recommended for ages 9 to 14
 
On a lonely raft in the middle of the ocean, a group of refugees huddles together, awaiting their fate. What starts as a story of despair quickly turns into a story of hope as each of the refugees shares what they can with the others. The only thing Rami, our main character, has to share is his violin and the story it tells through music. And what a story it is! It's a story about a beautiful wild stallion, a cruel ruler, and the power of freedom.
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The Bridge Home by Padma Venketraman

Recommended for ages 10 and up

Viji and Rukku are running away from their physically abusive father to the streets of Chennai, India. Alone and afraid with very little money and personal belongings, the girls soon find out how uncaring and dangerous the world can be. The girls take shelter on an abandoned bridge, which is also home to two homeless boys named Muthi and Arul. Together they form a family sharing the money they make scavenging the city’s trash heaps for metal, glass and fabric. These kids share a special bond and find the...

Heartwood Hotel: Home Again by Kallie George

Recommended for ages 7-10

I recently discovered a wonderful book series called Heartwood Hotel. The one I enjoyed most was the recent one, Home Again, by Kallie George.

Mona mouse has had quite a few adventures with the hotel staff where she now resides. She’s a kind and gentle soul with a penchant for bravery. Though the staff has become her family, she still longs for some kind of knowledge of the one she’s never known. During a dry summer, a wedding, and a hotel full of guests, dangerous conditions ...

Blended by Sharon M. Draper

Recommended for ages 8-12

Isabella is an 11- year-old bi-racial child that is dealing with many social issues and middle school problems. On top of all that her parents have decided to get a divorce.  She begins to split time between two households which starts to make her wonder where does she really fit in? Isabella begins to uestion her racial identity. Switching between houses to her feels like she has to switch identities. The book ends with a shocking incident that occurs due to a racist encounter.  Isabella and her brothe...

Do you love burgers? Really, really love burgers? Then meet Benny. Burgers are all he eats. "If you don't watch out, you'll turn into a burger one day," warns his mom.

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Have you ever wondered about turtles? How many kinds are there? Why do turtles have shells? What do they eat? How long can turtles live?

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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live on the moon?

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Exploring this book and all of the wonderful details will evoke many treasured memories if you have ever spent time or spend time at a beloved Grandma’s house. The cutout pages from one room to another and the fold out flaps take you on a detail filled journey to find Grandma. Children and adults will enjoy looking at the pages filled with every little thing one might expect to find in grandma’s house. The journey ends with the granddaughter finding grandma in the garden waiting for her with a birthday tea party.Reviewed by Michelle Zimostrad, Hoyt LibraryRecommended for ages 4-...

Check out this light verse form rich with ridiculous humor, wordplay and infectious rhythm. You may end up trying your hand at writing a limerick of your own!

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Flint, Michigan native and Newbery Medal winner Christopher Paul Curtis was born on this day in 1953.

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The delightful singing bear and his tender bunny pal from Bear in Love are back for another tale of friendship and sharing.  Still confused thinking the other is just a different sized version of their own species, the bunny and bear wander, eat, sing, and share their individual adventures with each other.  The bunny suggests one day that they should get a pet.  After a nap, song and meandering about, the silly pair discover and misidentify a new animal to be their companion.  The pastel illustrations tug at your heartstrings while the chums’ lightheartedness will ...

May 5 marks the anniversary of an important victory of the Mexican army over the French in 1862. Cinco de Mayo is a day for celebrating Mexican culture. For history, more cultural information and fun activities check out titles like these:

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Don't forget - Saginaw's Cinco de Mayo parade will be held on Saturday, May 7....