Book Review: Ella Mae the Courageous Cheerleader

Ella Mae the Courageous Cheerleader

Stephanie Cameron
Tate Publishing- Children's Division
127 E. Trade Center Terrace, Mustang, Oklahoma 73064
ASIN: B00BJ8A3Z4, $7.99 Kindle, www.amazon.com

This is a perfect book for a child struggling with bullying issues. From the gorgeous illustrations to the well-integrated bible verses, Ella Mae was a delightful read. The story follows a young cheerleader named Ella Mae. She loved to cheer for her school, but had to face the daily teasing from her team mates. Even though it was difficult, Ella Mae made a choice to treat them with kindness rather than resorting to using the same tactics. Eventually, her kindness spread and she received a nice surprise.

At the end, we were greeted with a few questions and some bible verses that relates to the overall theme of "do to others what you would have them do to you". These questions help children take the concepts from the story and open up a dialogue with their family about bullying.

My daughter says, "It is hard to deal with bullies. Sometimes it is hard to know how to stand up to someone who is being mean. I like how she was able to be kind even though the girls were really mean to her. I think this book has a great message."

This book is a great complement to Christian upbringings. I believe that a reader who is not religious or does not believe in the Christian faith may have issues with the religious symbols, verses, and theme. And for that reason, I would not recommend this book for those readers. However, if the reader is looking for a great book about bullying, is Christian, religious, and/or curious about the faith, I feel this would be an excellent addition to their libraries.

Ella Mae can be found here on Amazon.

This review can also be found on The Midwest Book Review's Reviewer's Bookwatch Newsletter under Jaclyn's Bookshelf.

Visit Stephanie Cameron @ ellamaebooks.com

Ella Mae on Facebook

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Reviewed by Jaclyn M. Bartz and the Owlets

Jaclyn M Bartz
Author/Illustrator of The Retired Tooth Fairy
Volunteer Book Reviewer for Midwest Book Review
Founder of Green Owl Publications

Artist Website
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The Adventures of Wally and Warren: Dinosaur Hunt by Lisé Chase

The Adventures of Wally and Warren: Dinosaur Hunt

Lisé Chase
Eve Innovations
9780692229224, Print $9.99 US, 42 pgs.
B00L3UL7R6, Kindle $2.99 US

Synopsis: Wally and Warren, the dynamic polar duo, are on a new, Jurassic adventure. With Warren as their guide, Wally learns about a variety of dinosaurs. But when he discovers some of these creatures eat meat, he worries one might come after him and Warren and their new baby Brontosaurus friend. He’s determined to protect them, but what will he do when he encounters the greatest predator of all…the Tyrannosaurus rex?

Dinosaur Hunt is the fourth installment in The Adventures of Wally and Warren children’s book series. The story is written in clever and adorable rhymes. It depicts Wally, Warren, and their friends playing pretend while reading a book about dinosaurs. Lisé Chase explains the purpose of her illustrations. She wants children to feel like they could draw those characters and create their own stories. It is a great concept which will surely inspire the future generation of authors and illustrators.

As a parent, I really enjoyed the interaction my children had with it. My son, the two year old, loved giving the baby dinosaur kisses. He took off down the hall to run away from the T-rex when the characters screamed “Run!” My youngest daughter loved learning about the different dinosaurs, and my oldest enjoyed recognizing terms she is learning in school. I like how Lisé Chase shows children how fun it is to read. I believe this book will light that fire in the hearts of many young children. It is a true gem!

What did the kids think?

My oldest daughter said, “I like that it teaches about dinosaurs in a fun way. I like that the characters are drawn as cartoons and real pics of the dinosaurs are shown in the back.”

“They are really cute!” stated my four year old, who wanted to read the story over and over again.

Author Bio: Lisé Chase is the author/illustrator of The Adventures of Wally and Warren children's picture book series. She's an adventurer, an explorer, an artist, a poet, a wife, a mother, and a grandmother who believes every day should be lived to its fullest and that our life is what we make of it.

Synopsis & Author Bio found on Amazon.

Purchase The Adventures of Wally and Warren: Dinosaur Hunt Here

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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Currently, I am only taking on short reads--Children's Books Only--since my chapter book schedule is full. Sorry for the inconvenience. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz

Author/Illustrator of "The Retired Tooth Fairy"

Volunteer Book Reviewer for Midwest Book Review

email: theretiredtoothfairy (at) outlook (dot) com

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Busy Dizzy by Dr. Orly Katz

Busy Dizzy
Dr. Orly Katz
CreateSpace
4900 LaCross Rd., North Charleston, SC 29406
www.createspace.com, www.amazon.com
978-1494701413, Print $13.97 US
B00HALMR6C, Kindle $1.99 US


Have you ever met a Dizzy? I am sure you have. According to the author, "Dizzies are strange peculiar creatures, sometimes funny, sometimes mean... that whisper annoying things in our children's ears which prevent them from doing what they really want." In other words, they are that voice inside one's head that tells them negative things and convinces them to behave in undesirable ways. They can make one feel angry, sad, or embarrassed. We all have them, but how do we help our children cope with them?

Dr. Orly Katz presents a unique solution for self-confidence issues with the intended audience being children from three to eight years of age. Through activities and song, she shows children the way to cope with their inner fears and emotions. The story is written in rhymes and provides a wonderful melodic flow when the text is read out loud. The illustrations are colorful and fun. They are a perfect complement to the text and are visually appealing. The story is set at a moderate pace and the content is certainly enjoyable throughout.

My children loved reading this and wanted to hear it multiple times. They enjoyed drawing their "Dizzies" and singing the song. Some of their comments included: "This story was really cool!", "I want to read this every day!”, and "These activities are fun!" Overall, Busy Dizzy was a huge success with the kids and this book is a treasure to have in our collection.

About the Author (Taken from "Busy Dizzy"):

Best seller author, Dr. Orly Katz, is an expert for youth empowerment and life skills, who hold a doctorate in Educational Leadership; she is a sought after guest on TV and radio, and a national speaker and workshop facilitator for parents, educationalists and youth.
Orly is the founder of the "Simply Me" Center for: Leadership, Empowerment and Self Esteem.
Her two book series: Surviving Junior High, and Surviving Primary School, and her yearly Digital course: "Empowering Teachers to Empower Students", are recommended by the Ministry of Education, and are being taught in many schools as part of the curriculum in life skills lessons. Orly lives in Haifa, with her Husband and three children.

Check out Busy Dizzy by Dr. Orly Katz:
Busy Dizzy (Motivational rhyming story for kids ages 4-8)


And do not forget to visit Dr. Orly Katz @ http://www.simplymemodel.com/

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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Currently, I am only taking on short reads--Children's Books Only--since my chapter book schedule is full. Sorry for the inconvenience. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
Author/Illustrator of "The Retired Tooth Fairy"
Volunteer Book Reviewer for Midwest Book Review

email: theretiredtoothfairy (at) outlook (dot) com

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Food Run by Cindy Santos

Food Run
Cindy Santos
Amazon Digital Publishing
B00L8OHIU2, Kindle $0.99 US, www.amazon.com


Synopsis (From Amazon.com): It’s getting late. An out-of-work, divorced mother of two, makes a last-minute dash to the supermarket before it closes. Referencing her shopping list, she races through the store, compares prices and strives to stick to her limited budget as she buys groceries for her school-aged children and ailing mother. Her late-night shopping trip almost goes according to plan, until it’s time for her to pay. An unexpected encounter at the checkout stand forces her to consider all her choices – and their consequences.

Cindy Santos delivers an emotional, descriptive short-story that tackles important issues related to the suffering of some modern day people. Food Run is a story about a divorced mother's dreaded trip to the grocery store. This Stanford graduate is forced to accept receiving government assistance in order to feed her family. The story throws the reader into the inner thoughts, fears, and frustrations while dealing with the less than ideal situation the main character faces. Ms. Santos does a wonderful job showing the struggles of her character and the prejudice people display toward people who are down on their luck. Additionally, she highlights the human disconnect between big grocery stores and local shops as her character remembers the days when store owners treated people as though they were important instead of the ones that only are concerned with their "bottom line".

This story is relatable for people experiencing similar situations, and is an eye-opener for those who look down on people receiving welfare. In my opinion, the best aspect of this story is the message about not judging people because no one knows what the other person is going through. In this recession, college educated people have lost their jobs and have not been able to recover. Some had to go on welfare for temporary assistance, others are going back to change careers, and many were forced to take low-paying jobs to try to make ends meet. It is a sad truth, and Cindy Santos does an amazing job bringing humanity into this story.

Food Run is a story for people who are experiencing these issues and for those looking to understand the problems in our society. I would not recommend this for anyone who cannot empathize with people down on their luck or those who demonize others for accepting government assistance.


About the Author (Taken from Amazon):
Cindy Santos is a Cuban-American author and writer with a social conscious. Born and raised in Southern California, Cindy developed a passion for writing at an early age and dreamed of one day becoming a journalist. After attending three community colleges, she transferred to the University of Southern California in 2005 where she double majored in print journalism and contemporary American history. As an undergraduate student, she interned at a magazine and three newspapers to make her dream a reality. Upon her graduation from USC in 2008, she initially pursued a career in journalism, but later decided to devote herself to writing fiction based on current events. Known as a champion for Latino literature and multicultural realism, Cindy's stories capture the essence of everyday life in our troubled times. Her recently released short story, "Food Run," is her first published work of fiction. Cindy currently resides in the greater Los Angeles area where she is working on her debut novel.

Purchase Food Run by Cindy Santos here:
Food Run by Cindy Santos

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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Currently, I am only taking on short reads--Children's Books Only--since my chapter book schedule is full. Sorry for the inconvenience. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
Author/Illustrator of "The Retired Tooth Fairy"
Volunteer Book Reviewer for Midwest Book Review

email: theretiredtoothfairy (at) outlook (dot) com

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Elliot's New Friends by Justin Lambert

Elliot's New Friends
Justin Lambert/John Langton
Privately Published
B00LBDMZAS, Kindle $1.99 US


Have you ever seen an elephant jump into a tree? If not, then you will in this adorable non-rhyming picture book. Elliot's New Friends by Justin Lambert will have you laughing out loud while reading this fun story about friendship and acceptance. Elliot is a not-so-little elephant who has dreams of exploring life outside of his waterhole. Since he has spent his entire life with other elephants, Elliot assumes the creatures he meets must also be some very strange looking elephants. He starts out by judging the other creatures based on their looks. Eventually, he realizes that he was wrong to judge them and searches throughout the land for new unique friends who all have something about them that makes them uniquely special.

The ideal audience for this book is for children in 1st grade to 4th--even though it is marketed to younger groups. The language is a little too hard for new readers to sit and try to read this without assistance. However, I do feel those younger audiences would love the adorable illustrations and the silly actions of Elliot and his friends.

While my oldest daughter enjoyed the message the author conveyed, my younger two enjoyed the dialogue and the pictures. They laughed when Elliot jumped into the tree and giggled at the conversations the characters had with one another. Elliot's New Friends is a great story with a powerful message behind it. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a cute story about friendship.


Purchase Elliot's New Friends by Justin Lambert:
Elliot's New Friends

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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Currently, I am only taking on short reads--Children's Books Only--since my chapter book schedule is full. Sorry for the inconvenience. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
Author/Illustrator of "The Retired Tooth Fairy"
Volunteer Book Reviewer for Midwest Book Review

email: theretiredtoothfairy (at) outlook (dot) com

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Hi, My Name is Bobo.: (A Weekend in the Life of a 5th Grader) by James Gordon

Hi, My Name is Bobo.: (A Weekend in the Life of a 5th Grader)
James Gordon
CreateSpace
1497362210/B00J7QJPJ0

Print $10.99 US/Kindle $1.50 US

Hi, My Name is Bobo by James Gordon is a cute memoir. Each scene is written from the child's point of view and immediately draws the reader in by peppering the pages with references to famous pop culture figures and images of familiar family dynamics. He brings an innocence to his words by asking the questions we all wondered as children, such as why it is okay for adults to engage in behaviors they tell their children to refrain from doing. Additionally, the author shares his childhood pictures which helps the readers connect personally with the dialogue.

My children loved this story because they could picture themselves in the same scenarios, like hanging out with their siblings, going to church, and watching some of their favorite superhero characters. And they loved the interesting way James Gordon wrote each scene. 

This story was endearing, and it was great getting a glimpse into the author's life. It will leave the reader reminiscing about their own childhoods, sharing those memories with their children, and smiling for hours afterwards.

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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Currently, I am only taking on short reads--Children's Books Only--since my chapter book schedule is full. Sorry for the inconvenience. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
Author/Illustrator of "The Retired Tooth Fairy"
Volunteer Book Reviewer for Midwest Book Review

email: theretiredtoothfairy (at) outlook (dot) com

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Book Review: A Filly for Laura--Ashley Hotter

A Filly for Laura
Ashley Hotter
Tate Publishing & Enterprises, LLC 
127 E. Trade Center Terrace
Mustang, Oklahoma 73064
www.tatepublishing.com
1628542683/B00I51XD5K
Print Edition $8.99 US/Kindle $7.99

A Filly for Laura follows a young eight year old girl who lost her parents and now lives in a foster home with her brother. Having a hard time dealing with the loss of her parents, Laura is withdrawn and unhappy. When her foster Dad gives her the responsibility to take care of a pregnant mustang named Mae, Laura begins to change.

As a debut title for Ashley Hotter, A Filly for Laura showcases this young author's talents. The story is well-crafted, skillfully illustrated, and delightful. It is written from Laura's point of view, and Hotter did a wonderful job evoking emotion through her carefully planned words. The story is short, only 24 pages total; therefore, the pace is fast, making this a quick read for a child.

This book is great for all elementary-aged children. Additionally, it would make a great gift for a child dealing with loss and depression because the theme is about finding happiness after a tragedy. Overall, I enjoyed reading this story with my children and I would highly recommend it to other parents looking for a children's book with deeper meanings.

You can purchase A Filly for Laura by Ashley Hotter Below:






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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Currently, I am only taking on short reads--Children's Books Only--since my chapter book schedule is full. Sorry for the inconvenience. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
Author/Illustrator of "The Retired Tooth Fairy"
Volunteer Book Reviewer for Midwest Book Review

email: theretiredtoothfairy (at) outlook (dot) com

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Book Review: Giggle Goes to the Moon & Other Stories by Lynn Schiffhorst

Giggle Goes to the Moon and Other Stories
Lynn Schiffhorst
ASIN: B00KK6FBBC
$0.99 US Kindle, 19 Pages

Absolutely adorable! Giggle Goes to the Moon is a fun story laced with good morals and memorable characters. From a trip to the moon to a magical adventure, Giggle proves she is a small ghost with a big heart. My children and I had a blast reading these stories. And as a Mom, I really enjoyed the underlying themes. The first story follows the theme of acceptance. Giggle meets a ghost that is a different color. Although she is curious, she does not discriminate against her new friend. The second story presents a character with physical disabilities. It is a light hearted story full of possibilities and positive attitudes. The third story features the theme of helping another feel better when they are sick. Overall, these sweet stories are a great additional to any child's bookshelf, or, in this case, Kindle Library.

Lynn Schiffhorst tells each tale in a precise, fast paced manner. All the fluff has been eliminated, making this collection a well-executed, well-crafted work. Giggle Goes to the Moon is one of many books created by the author. And it surely does not disappoint.

To purchase Giggle Goes to the Moon by Lynn Schiffhorst Click Here!


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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Currently, I am only taking on short reads--Children's Books Only--since my chapter book schedule is full. Sorry for the inconvenience. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
Author/Illustrator of "The Retired Tooth Fairy"
Volunteer Book Reviewer for Midwest Book Review

email: theretiredtoothfairy (at) outlook (dot) com

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Book Review: Monarchs in Rhyme by Linda Mockett

Monarchs In Rhyme
Linda Mockett
ASIN: B008RLGRYW
$7.99 US Kindle

A true case of you cannot judge a book by it's cover. At first glance, I must admit I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book, especially since I share these with my children. But once I opened the first page, I was more than pleasantly surprised!

This book is one clever and entertaining take on the history of England's Royal Monarchs. Linda Mockett is delightful, and her rhymes are clever, witty, and educational. I remembered more about these historical figures after reading this than I had ever learned in History class. And the best part, is your children will love it too!

This is a great supplement to world history for older children, including high school & college-aged kids, as I am sure it will help keep their interest. Overall, I would highly recommend this for anyone who needs help in history class or would like to know more about England's monarchs.

Purchase Monarchs in Rhyme by Linda Mockett Here

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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Currently, I am only taking on short reads--Children's Books Only--since my chapter book schedule is full. Sorry for the inconvenience. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
Author/Illustrator of "The Retired Tooth Fairy"
Volunteer Book Reviewer for Midwest Book Review

email: theretiredtoothfairy (at) outlook (dot) com

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Book Review: Robbie Zero, Super Girl Hero by C.L. Vaagen

Robbie Zero, Super Girl Hero
C.L. Vaagen & Mike Henderson
Publisher: Crystal Vaagen
No Contact Info
B00BMUUZL6
$5.99 US Kindle, 20 pgs.

Robbie Hero, Super Girl Hero by C.L. Vaagen is a must read for elementary and middle grade students. It addresses the main aspects of the anti-bullying campaign in an well-crafted short story. Robbie Zero is a young girl who is bullied by a mean boy named Tommy. Instead of standing up for herself, she tries to remain invisible, hoping the bullying will stop. But instead, she suffers silently. That is until one day when she encounters her bully in a terrifying predicament.

We liked this story because it explains the struggles bullying victims encounter both physically and mentally. It details the terror victims feel at the sight of their tormentor. And the great thing about this story is the main character's transformation. She grows from a timid child to a strong girl with a purpose. This story teaches empathy, standing up for what is right, and treating others how you would want to be treated. Additionally, the illustrations by Mike Henderson capture the emotion of the story. Overall, this is wonderful book that all kids should read.

Purchase "Robbie Zero, Super Girl Hero" By C.L. Vaagen Here


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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Currently, I am only taking on short reads--Children's Books Only--since my chapter book schedule is full. Sorry for the inconvenience. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
Author/Illustrator of "The Retired Tooth Fairy"
Volunteer Book Reviewer for Midwest Book Review

email: theretiredtoothfairy (at) outlook (dot) com

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BOOK REVIEW: The Young Mystery Series--The Missing Lunch by B. K. Maxwell

The Young Mystery Series: The Missing Lunch
B.K. Maxwell
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
1499632851/978-1499632859/B00L2XVK0I
$6.99 US Paperback/ $2.99 US Kindle

5 Stars:

The Young Mystery Series by B.K. Maxwell is a new detective series following a sibling duo, Kia-9 years old and Marcus 8 years old. In The Missing Lunch, the story starts in the children's elementary school in a small Michigan town. While having lunch, their friend Dennis asks for help. His mom's world famous pb&j sandwich has been stolen out of his lunch box for the past couple days, and he has been forced to eat the gross cafeteria school instead. He hopes they can find the culprit quick. Kia and Marcus agree to help their friend. But this is a difficult case for them to solve. Their culprit is super sneaky and has the duo on a wild goose chase.

My daughter and I really enjoyed this story. It is a classic fun detective story similar to Sherlock Holmes and Nancy Drew. My daughter instantly connected with the main character, Kia. She loved how strong-willed and clever she is. The settings, dialogue, and characters are kid-friendly and relatable. My daughter chimed in several times about experiences the characters faced and how they reminded her of things in her own life. This page turner kept her interest from the second she opened it to the very unwanted end.

B.K. Maxwell is a new force in the "kidlit" world, and there are plenty of reasons for him to go far: his dialogue is convincing, fun, and well-crafted; his plot development is exquisite; and his character development is awe-inspiring. Overall, we would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a great new detective series for their children. It is a fantastic read.

Purchase The Young Mystery Series: The Missing Lunch by B.K. Maxwell Here

Stay Tuned for the review of "Robbie Zero, Super Girl Hero" by
C.L. Vaagen/ Illustrated by Mike Henderson


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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Currently, I am only taking on short reads--Children's Books Only--since my chapter book schedule is full. Sorry for the inconvenience. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
Author/Illustrator of "The Retired Tooth Fairy"
Volunteer Book Reviewer for Midwest Book Review

email: theretiredtoothfairy (at) outlook (dot) com

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Book Review: Chasing Fate By Maria Miller

Chasing Fate
Maria Miller
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN:1475252404/ASIN: B008R8B8T4
$9.99 US Paperback/ $5.99 US Kindle

5 Stars:

Chasing Fate by Maria Miller is an enjoyable read. This YA story is an action-packed, emotional journey that follows a teenager as she finds herself in the middle of an unexpected adventure. The daughter of a successful businessman, Kate seems like she lives the charmed life. But she faces some harsh daily truths behind the walls of her luxurious exterior. Kate learns to hid her misfortunes of having an alcoholic, abusive father and timid, excuse-giving mother from others. That is until her teacher catches on after Kate fails to turn in her final project.

Her teacher offers her a redemption assignment-- she has to interview someone in order to pass.  Kate does not want to interview one of her father's friends, so she chooses a low-life bum to finish her assignment. Little does she know, this "bum" has led a secretive life as an ex-Navy Seal. When he asks her to return an idol, Kate finds herself in the middle of a crazy mission. With the disappearance of the bum to traveling across new lands, this story keeps the reader engaged.

Maria Miller does a great job with plot and character development. Her characters are strong, believable, and exciting. Her story is filled with plot twists that keep the pace fast and exhilarating. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an awesome adventure story with a twist.

Click here for purchasing info: Chasing Fate by Maria Miller

Stay Tuned for the review of "The Young Mystery Series: The Missing Lunch" by
B.K. Maxwell


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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Currently, I am only taking on short reads--Children's Books Only--since my chapter book schedule is full. Sorry for the inconvenience. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
Author/Illustrator of "The Retired Tooth Fairy"
Volunteer Book Reviewer for Midwest Book Review

email: theretiredtoothfairy (at) outlook (dot) com

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Book Review: On The Edge of Wishing by Danette Key

On the Edge of Wishing
Danette Key
iUniverse
978-1-4759-6441-7
1663 Liberty Drive
Bloomington, IN 47403
www.iuniverse.com
$13.95 US

5 Stars:

We had the pleasure to review Danette Key's YA novel, On the Edge of Wishing. This story is about the challenges a family faces when dealing with a problematic child. Maddy is a 14 year old teenager who is very unappreciative of life. She is disobedient, disrespectful, and selfish. She gets in trouble at school on a regular basis and treats her siblings unkindly.

As a result of her bad behavior, her father, Peter--a soccer coach--can no longer stand being around her and wishes she was someone else. Her mother, Becca, is an overwhelmed mother of three who retreats to community service in order to escape the problems with her daughter. And Maddy's two younger siblings do not understand why she is so mean to them.

Unexpected help arrives from the other side to mend this broken family. Mary Ellen is a soul with an important task. She possesses Maddy's body and intervenes with this family's challenges. Soon, Maddy starts acting strange. She seems nicer and more loving.  Peter takes notice of her weird behavior, but he is happy that she is becoming more of the ideal daughter he had wished for. There is only one problem: Mary Ellen wants to stay as Maddy, and she is willing to do what she can to make that happen.

Danette Key is professional writer and proof-reader. She also writes poetry and posts it to her website. On the Edge of Wishing is her debut novel. One interesting fact about Danette: In her free time, she loves to make quilts for her family.  (Info borrowed from danettekey.com)

This story is well-crafted from the beginning to the end. From excellent character development to the interesting plot points, On the Edge of Wishing has it all. This story's moderate pace is engaging and keeps the reader's interest throughout. In addition, it features several great messages for more than just the young adult readers this book is directed toward. I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a story with a deeper meaning that not only entertains, but teaches kindness, patience, and appreciation. 

Find "On the Edge of Wishing" by Danette Key on Amazon


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Jaclyn M. Bartz
"The Retired Tooth Fairy"

email: theretiredtoothfairy@outlook (dot) com

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Book Review: The Mosquito and the Teapot

 The Mosquito and the Teapot: Authored by Aamani Gurajada/Illustrated by Sunaad Gurajada

Rating: 5 out of 5 Mosquitos

The very first thing that struck me about this book is the amazing talent these two artists possess. The stories are written by Aamani, who is a very talented 6 year old author...yes, I said 6 years old...and illustrated by Sunaad, who is a very talented 11 year old illustrator. This is what is great about the shift in publishing trends because talented kids, such as these two, have the chance to explore and share their talents. It is obvious Aamani and Sunaad have a very promising future ahead of them, and I look forward to seeing them progress in their very early careers.

The Mosquito and the Teapot is a short collection of stories teaching the importance of friendship and kindness. Each story focuses on separate challenges, such as the importance of telling someone to stop doing something that is not liked and another story that teaches the readers not fight with their friends over unimportant issues. In addition to the stories, Sunaad, the illustrator, does an amazing job creating delightful pictures that enhance the story.

My youngest daughter loved reading this story. We laughed at the fun passages and she loved looking at the pictures. When she found out this story was written by another kid, she enjoyed it even more. Overall, I would recommend this book for anyone looking for quick stories and chuckles to share with your little ones. And let's take a moment to give these talented kids a round of applause!

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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Books we review are for target audience 0-14 and PG. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
"The Retired Tooth Fairy"

email: theretiredtoothfairy@outlook.com

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Book Review: The Smile Ambassadors by Jeffrey Reid (Updated)

Our rating is 4 out of 5 two-headed turtles

"The Smile Ambassadors" by Jeffery Reid is a story based on the life of a real two-headed turtle named Zack and Mack. It is targeted for older children, preferably 5th graders to age 14, as it is a longer read with a big vocabulary. This story follows the fictitious adventures of these two fun turtles who share the same body.

The story starts out with Zack and Mack disappearing. The young girl, Constance, searches all over town for her beloved pet, but cannot find them. Meanwhile, Zack and Mack are off on an adventure--learning about the strange new world outside of their tank. They had to learn how to find food, and how to escape turtle poachers, cats, and crowds of skittish people (who confuse them with a monster). During the family's search, the local media gets involved with missing two-headed turtle story. This creates interest in them amongst the townspeople.

As the story progresses, we learn about a big turtle race, meet new and exciting friends, and learn how Zack and Mack became "The Smile Ambassadors. Overall this is a family-friendly, feel-good story. Mr. Reid does a wonderful job brining us into his characters' world with humor and vivid descriptions.


Please check out Zack and Mack at Amazon and let them put a smile on your family's face!

Excerpt taken from Amazon:

Constance has lost her turtle. It is not just any turtle but Zack and Mack, a two-headed turtle. Where can they be? Will placing mackerel around town lure Zack and Mack from hiding? What about that phone call from the mysterious Mr. Moto? Are Zack and Mack to be found in a turtle race at the Maytown Fair? Why is the President concerned about the safe return of a turtle? Meet the Queen of England's Royal Turtle, Henry. Learn of the insidious plot by The Potentate. Experience the climatic crash, tumble and heart thumping action of full-on turtle racing. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, this story is designed to create a mental image of turtles that you will never forget; it will also give you cause to smile.

This story is based upon the best recollections of "fictitious" events involving a real, live, two-headed turtle.

The Smile Ambassadors is a novel suitable for all humans but it is specifically written for ages eight to fourteen.

In memory of James Zajicek, who passed away on July 3rd after a long battle with cancer. He is a featured character in "The Smile Ambassadors" as The Curator. For more about James, click here.
Please send your thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. Thank you!

Photo from sideshowworld.com

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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Books we review are for target audience 0-14 and PG. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
"The Retired Tooth Fairy"

email: theretiredtoothfairy@outlook.com

Official Website
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Tweet Me~ @JaclynMBartz
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Book Review: How the Moon Regained Her Shape by Janet Ruth Heller

How the Moon Regained Her Shape by Janet Ruth Heller/ Illustrated by Ben Hodson

"Influenced by Native American folktales, this story teaches the phases of the moon while emphasizing how to deal with bullies. After the sun insults her, the moon is hurt and disappears. With the help of her many friends, the moon regains her self-confidence each day until she is back to her full size.

2006 Children’s Choices Award (Children’s Book Council and Int’l. Reading Association) 2007 Ben Franklin Award (Publishers Marketing Association) 2007 Moonbeam Gold Award"

~Excerpt taken from Amazon.

 

 

 

Family Rating: 5 out of 5 "Moons"

 

 

From the emotionally engaging storyline to the beautiful illustrations, "How the Moon Regained Her Shape" was a delightful tale to share with my little ones. Janet Ruth Heller works magic with her storytelling skills, and Ben Hodson does an superb job bringing those words to life.

"How the Moon Regained Her Shape" merges Native American folktales with an anti-bullying message. The story begins with the moon happily dancing along the sky until she gets in the sun's way. The sun gets angry and says some very mean things to her causing her to feel unimportant. As a result, she retreats from the sky by shrinking. In order to bring her back, her friends try to help her realize how important she is. In addition to this wonderful story, the author includes a few pages dedicated to educating children about the moon, as well as a great tip sheet for dealing with bullies. Overall, this is a great book and we recommend adding this to your bookshelf.



 You can buy it here on Amazon: "How the Moon Regained Her Shape" by Janet Ruth Heller


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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Books we review are for target audience 0-14 and PG. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
"The Retired Tooth Fairy"

email: theretiredtoothfairy@outlook.com

Official Website
Facebook Author Page
"The Retired Tooth Fairy" Fan Page
Tweet Me~ @JaclynMBartz
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Book Review: A Zoo in the Castle by Andrea Carrera

 

 

 

Rating: 5 out of 5 Giggles

 

 

Today, my youngest children and I had the pleasure reading "A Zoo in the Castle" by Andrea Carrera. This interactive book asks the readers to help the main character, Mia, find her lost animal. After going through Mia's zoo, we discover an empty cage. Then the kids have to guess what kind of animal is missing by the clues given.

 

I read this with my one year old and four year old, and it is an understatement saying they loved this story. Throughout the pages, my kids squealed with delight as we went from page to page. Ms. Carrera does a wonderful job with her cute animals and adorable illustrations. When we were finished, the kids wanted to read it again and again.

 

I would recommend this book to any parent looking for a quick read for their children.

Please check it out here: "A Zoo in the Castle" by Andrea Carrera

 

 

 

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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Books we review are for target audience 0-14 and PG. No Spammers Please!

-Jaclyn

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Book Review: Jesper Jinx by Marko Kitti

 

 

Crystal's Rating: 6 out of 5 Cupcakes (No, the "6" is not a typo.)

 

Crystal is an avid reader and aspiring cupcake master. Her love of reading sparked early on when she was just a wide-eyed lil tot. Now a tween, she enjoys stories with more complicated themes (even though she still enjoys a cute illustration here and there).

 

We had the pleasure of reading, Jesper Jinx by Marko Kitti over the weekend. Jesper Jinx is about an eleven-year old boy who has an appetite for trouble whether it is intended or not. This book features a collection of his stories, from pranks on his sister to his new friendship with classmate who has a moustache. It is appropriately targeted for middle grade audiences. This book is a gem!

 

'Jesper Jinx' will leave you wanting more. From the very beginning to the unwanted end, Marko Kitti does a wonderful job making his readers laugh out loud in delight. The illustrations are adorable and enhance this already exciting book. 'Jesper Jinx' engages the readers by talking directly to them and having them swear not to let Jesper know the narrator is telling these stories. In addition, there is a cute rebuff from Jesper's cat that is a creative literary gift from Mr. Kitti.

 

Overall, this book is highly recommend because the voice, pace, and cast of characters are humorous, creative, and exciting!

 

 

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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Books we review are for target audience 0-14 and PG. No Spammers Please!

-Jaclyn

Please "Like" me on Facebook or "Follow" me on Twitter. And don't forget to check out my website.

 

Book Review: Rayne Shines by Bonnie Ferrante

Lilly's Rating: Really Loves it!

Lilly's Rating Scale: It's Okay, Likes It, Loves it, Really Loves It

Lilly is a 3 year old reader, but if you ask her she will always say she is 4 (which will be true in another month). She loves "kitties, and birdies, and ponies". When she is not reading, she is drawing or jumping into a big pile of pillows.

Today, we had the pleasure of reading Rayne Shines by Bonnie Ferrante. Rayne Shines follows a family who only finds the negatives in life. When a new carefree family moves in, Rayne notices the differences between her family and her happy neighbors.

This story is a great read because it teaches kids to look for the good in life and not get caught up in the bad. Otherwise, they will miss out on how wonderful life can be. In addition, Ms. Ferrante includes a list of discussion questions for parents to talk about with their children. Overall, we would recommend this book because this story has a great message and cute illustrations.

If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Books we review are for target audience 0-14 and PG. No Spammers Please!

-Jaclyn

Please "Like" me on Facebook or "Follow" me on Twitter. And don't forget to check out my website.

Book Review: Dr. Knowz-Psych Up Your Soul!

Today, I am providing a rare review. My children and I normally review kidlit; but, the artist in me jumped at the chance to read this book.

Dr. Knowz: Psych Up Your Soul by Wendy Goldstein Davis is a witty, creative take on everyday life. This comic strip book follows multiple shorts of a psychiatrist while he tries to help patients with their issues. Using famous quotes, Ms. Davis carefully crafts delightful and humorous takes on human behavior. Overall, this is a great book for anyone looking for a few laughs. I like to consider it the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" in comic form.

My rating: 5 out of 5 "Containers of Floss"

If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Books we review are for target audience 0-14 and PG. No Spammers Please!

-Jaclyn

Please "Like" me on Facebook or "Follow" me on Twitter. And don't forget to check out my website.