White Fang by Jack London, adapted by Malvina G. Vogel

White Fang by Jack London, adapted by Malvina G. Vogel

Publisher/Year: Baronet Books, 1994

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 240

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Goodreads

Summary

The Frozen North

Part wolf, part dog, with the strength and courage of both in his blood, White Fang is an orphan cub in the frozen frontier of the Yukon. His is a world of enemies, animal and human. His inborn instincts and acquired ways teach him to hunt…to fight…to win! Nothing else matters.

Men exploit and abuse him until one man teaches the noble animal to recognize his own greatest attribute–his loyalty.

Only then can White Fang face the most dangerous challenge of all!

What I thought

I loved these Great Illustrated Classics when I was a kid! Honestly, I think between these and Wishbone, it’s no surprise that I grew up to be a fan of classic literature. This book was actually my husband’s from childhood, but it’s one that I hadn’t read.

And I’ll be honest–as an adult, this isn’t the most riveting writing. It is a good story though, and Vogel made it very accessible for young readers. That’s why I think these stories are so important. On one hand, they expose readers to these classic stories and on the other hand, they can spark an interest in classic literature by presenting worthwhile stories in a format that is less daunting.

Now I’m rambling. White Fang is a great story–both the original and this adaptation. I wouldn’t call this a must-read for adults, but this would be a good read for children. Hey, it would be a good contender for some parent-child reading, too–whether reading aloud or reading in tandem with the original. Just a thought!

We Are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines

We Are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines

Publisher/Year: Tommy Nelson, 2019

Format: E-book (cloudLibrary)

Pages: 44

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Goodreads

Summary

Our journey as gardeners started with one small potted plant, but things did not go as planned. Turns out, trying something new isn’t always easy, but sometimes, it’s the hardest work that leads to the greatest reward.

What I thought

I read this lovely little book before coming into work today, and it put me in such a good mood that I’m sitting here wondering whether I should read a picture book every day before work. I do like to read picture books from time to time. The best ones are kind of soothing for me, and plus, I hope to have kids one day.

Anyway, I first saw this book at Target (duh), and thought it looked sweet enough to add to my to-read list. And it totally was! Spring is here in PA–even though there’s not much green, the birds are chirping, and the days are getting longer. This was the perfect book to read on a spring morning. The story was adorable, and the illustrations were quite charming. I loved the lesson to stay hopeful & positive, despite setbacks, and I loved that this actually teaches children some of the basics of gardening.

All in all, this was a lovely, whimsical book that left me with a smile. If you need me, I’ll be here, daydreaming about the coming spring and building a garden.

The Night Flyers (History Mysteries #3) by Elizabeth McDavid Jones

The Night Flyers (History Mysteries #3) by Elizabeth McDavid Jones
Publisher/Year: Pleasant Company Publications
Format: Paperback
Pages: 149
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads

Summary

It’s 1918. Pam Lowder and her papa raise the best homing pigeons on the North Carolina coast–homers with the rare ability to fly at night. While Papa’s away in World War I, a stranger with a foreign accent comes to town. Soon Pam’s best birds start to disappear, and Pam is sure the stranger is stealing them. Instead, she finds evidence of something much worse. Could the stranger be an enemy spy, threatening everything Pam holds dear–even Papa?

What I thought

I will never be able to get over how American Girl made such an impact on the historical fiction genre for young girls. I truly believe that they are one of the biggest reasons why I became such a history lover and why, to this day, historical fiction remains one of my preferred genres.

But anyway, enough rambling.

This was a great story that I read in an afternoon. I remember reading it when I was younger and enjoying it, and reading it as an adult, I still very much enjoyed it. Jones has a way of driving the story forward with a mystery that even as an adult, I wasn’t able to solve. I grew fond of Pam, and I appreciated how her story offered a glimpse into the time period. Plus, I liked how that “glimpse” was historically accurate and how it tied into the historical text at the end. Not to mention that Jones’ writing was beautifully descriptive–I mean, I was there with Pam in the woods and in the swamp.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I’d recommend this one if you are looking for a great historical fiction for the young reader in your life…or if you are a young reader yourself!

Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin

Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin
Publisher/Year: Feiwel and Friends, 2014
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 226
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads

Summary

Rose Howard is obsessed with homonyms. She’s thrilled that her own name is a homonym, and she purposely gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms (Reign, Rein) which, according to Rose’s rules of homonyms, is very special. Not everyone understands Rose’s obsessions, her rules, or the other things that make her different–not her teachers, not other kids, and not her single father.

When a storm hits their rural town, rivers overflow, roads are flooded, and Rain goes missing. Rose’s father shouldn’t have let Rain out. Now, Rose has to find her dog, even if it means leaving her routines and safe places to search.

Hearts will break and spirits will soar for this powerful story, brilliantly told from Rose’s point of view.

What I thought

I was absolutely blown away by this little book, and I dare say that it’s one of the best I’ve read so far this year. Going into this one knowing the basics–this is about a girl with high-functioning autism who loses her beloved dog during a hurricane–I knew it might be a bit of a difficult read, if you will. I never expected to feel so fiercely for Rose, and I certainly never expected to find myself in tears multiple times toward the end of the book. I think that in itself stands as a testimony to the quality of Martin’s writing. I can’t personally speak for the representation here, but I will say that this book opened my eyes in a lot of ways. I think this would be a great one for parents and children to read and discuss together. Martin’s writing is heartfelt, and she truly brought Rose and her story to life for me. I could go on and on, but being that this was a shorter read, I don’t want to give anything away. Suffice it to say that Rain Reign will be on my mind for some time to come, and I would absolutely recommend this to anyone.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter #2) by J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter #2) by J. K. Rowling
Publisher/Year: Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic Press, 1999
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 341
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads

Summary

The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted to do was to get back to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he’s packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.

And strike it does. For in Harry’s second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockhart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls’ bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley’s younger sister, Ginny.

But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone–or something–starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects…Harry Potter himself?

What I thought

Y’know, my instinct about Chamber of Secrets has always been to say that this is my least favorite of the Harry Potter books. And truth be told, it is. I still love it though. I will always have love for any foray into the wizarding world. I can’t speak for anyone else, but after this re-read, I have to say that I don’t think I give CoS enough credit, and here’s why. Now having read the series and having watched the movies, I can see that this little installment is pivotal for the rest of the series.

As I’ve said, I will forever love anything J. K. Rowling writes, and CoS is just as near and dear to me as the other books. But even I will admit, the reintroduction of everything in the first few chapters makes the beginning a little slow going. Other than that though, there is so much to unpack in this one, and it really does develop our story in such a necessary way. First and foremost is the development of the trio’s friendship, as not only do they head on another adventure together at Hogwarts, but also as Harry is welcomed further into the Weasley family with his visit to the Burrow. Additionally, the plot takes a darker turn in CoS as the reader is introduced to magical racial tensions for the first time (full bloods, half bloods, “mudbloods,” squibs), which ultimately is a very important aspect of the series’ overarching plot. On a more positive note, it’s with CoS that we are first introduced to Dobby’s angel self and his unconditional loyalty. And who can forget the first horcrux? But we’ll get into that another day.

Anyway, what I’m getting at is that although this is my least favorite of the Harry Potter books, I still love it and find it immensely important for the sake of the series. I always have a genuinely great time reading these books. And it still stands out as an exemplary addition to the fantasy genre. Regardless of what anyone might say, this is and will always be a 5-star read for me! On to book #3!

Bah! Humbug! by Michael Rosen

Bah! Humbug! by Michael Rosen
Publisher/Year: Walker Books, 2018
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 187
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads

Summary

Harry Gruber has the starring role in his school’s production of A Christmas Carol, but his work-obsessed father cannot seem to put his cell phone down long enough to watch. As the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future take the stage, Harry’s father must face some ghosts of his own. Will the story’s message of holiday love reach his distracted heart?

Acclaimed children’s book creators Michael Rosen and Tony Ross deliver a perfect gift for the whole family in this shrewd update of Dickens’s beloved tale.

What I thought

I am such a fanatic for all things Christmas that I can read and enjoy a Christmas book at any time of year. So when I received this last month and saw that it was a retelling of one of my favorite Christmas stories, I was pretty excited! I’ll be honest though, I think that this is a book that would be best enjoyed by its intended audience, aka kids. As an adult who has read A Christmas Carol countless times, I can’t say that this brought anything new to the table for me. However, I think this would be a great way to introduce young readers to Dickens’ classic tale. The script format makes this easily readable, and I think it would even encourage reading aloud. The illustrations are absolutely adorable and have a quirky quality that I loved. The storyline involving Harry and his family kept the story moving forward and offered a modern, if slightly predictable, take on Scrooge’s tale. I will say that I had the feeling that these characters were first introduced in another book maybe, as I couldn’t help feeling like I was missing something.

Overall, this was a quick and quirky take on A Christmas Carol that I think young readers would love. Thank you to Candlewick Press for sending me a free, finished copy!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Harry Potter #1) by J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Harry Potter #1) by J. K. Rowling
Publisher/Year: Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, Inc., 1998
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 309
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads

Summary

Harry Potter has never been the star of a Quidditch team, scoring points while riding a broom far above the ground. He knows no spells, has never helped to hatch a dragon, and has never worn a cloak of invisibility.

All he knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley–a great big swollen, spoiled bully. Harry’s room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn’t had a birthday party in eleven years.

But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to an incredible place that Harry–and anyone who reads about him–will find unforgettable.

For it’s there that he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic in everything from classes to meals, but a great destiny that’s been waiting for him…if Harry can survive the encounter.

What I thought

How do I even begin to put my love for this book, this series, into words? This is the first time I’ve re-read this book in over a decade, and after countless re-reads as a kid, it never ceases to amaze me how much reading it feels like coming home.

My story is very similar to many of yours, I’m sure. I got this book, ironically enough, for my 11th birthday. I let it sit on my shelf for a few months until I picked it up one day out of boredom and fell so magically in love that I have yet to this day, nearly 29 years later, to read any other book that even comes remotely close to the amount of love I have for Harry Potter.

When I say, will full-on nerd tears coming to my eyes, that these books, these characters are my FRIENDS, I mean that with absolute sincerity. I’m not going to try and analyze J. K. Rowling’s writing here. I’m simply too biased to even attempt that. I will just say that since learning about the wizarding world alongside Harry, these books have given me countless hours of joy, entertainment, comfort, and solace. And it all started with this one. Sorcerer’s Stone is not my favorite book of the series (Azkaban, I’m coming for you), but nevertheless I hold it near and dear to my heart because this was the start.

At the risk of sounding like a histrionic lunatic, this little book changed my life, and I know without a doubt that it factored into making me the person I am today. The fact of the matter is that nothing else, no other book can compare to that.

The Circus Thief by Alane Adams

The Circus Thief by Alane Adams
Publisher/Year: SparkPress, 2018
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads

Summary

The circus is in town, and Georgie has his heart set on going. When Papa agrees to take him and his friend Harley, the boys marvel at the elephants and clowns. But the best act of all is the amazing Roxie, a trained horse who can do all sorts of tricks. When Georgie is invited to ride on her back, he discovers it’s her last show–Roxie is going to be sent to the work farm! When Roxie bolts with Georgie on her back, Papa must come to his rescue. The Circus Thief is a heartwarming tale of boyhood set in 1920s Pennsylvania for children ages 4-8.

What I thought

I loved the idea behind this sweet little children’s book, and I loved the vibrant illustrations even more–they were simply stunning! As a resident of Pennsylvania and as a history fan, I was definitely looking forward to reading this one. My favorite part of this book was the illustrations, hands down. The colors were brilliant, which will definitely appeal to children. They were also very atmospheric and were perfectly fitting for the time period and the circus environment. The story itself was enjoyable, despite feeling a little unfinished. The historical setting lends itself to a teaching opportunity for children, as well as the lesson Papa teaches Georgie about money and hard work. However, at least to me, the ending felt a little abrupt and didn’t seem to fit with the flow of the rest of the story. I saw somewhere, though, that this is part of a series, so maybe that explains it. Overall, this is a delightful book that I think younger children would enjoy!

**Thank you, to SparkPress for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! This in no way affected my opinion or my review of this book.