Category Archives: Early Chapter Books

Unicorn Island: Secret Beneath the Sand by Donna Galanti

Thanks so much to Donna Galanti for sending me the second book in this appealing not-quite-middle-grade series.  Unicorn Island: Secret Beneath the Sand by Donna Galanti. Illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe. Epic!, 2022. Review copy kindly sent by the author.  Unicorn … Continue reading

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Unicorn Island by Donna Galanti

Here is a sweet and exciting fantasy for kids bridging up from early chapter books. Unicorn Island by Donna Galanti. Illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe. Epic!/Andrews McMeel, 2021. ISBN 978-1524864705. Review copy received from the publisher.   As the story opens, our … Continue reading

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Top 13 Books I Missed Reviewing in the Past Year for Top 10 Tuesday

Because I couldn’t pick just 10, here are the top 13 books I read over the past year and didn’t write full reviews of for Top Ten Tuesday. Continue reading

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Early Chapter Books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Lists, Middle Grade, Mystery, Print, Realistic, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Planet Omar: Accidental Danger Magnet and Year of the Dog

Here are two funny and heartwarming books for the not-quite-middle-grade to middle grade set.  Accidental Danger Magnet by Zanib Mian is from my official #CybilsReadDown pile; The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin was purchased afterwards.   Continue reading

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My Favorite Books of 2019

Here’s the long list of the books I loved most last year, with notes to help you find them at your library now. Continue reading

Posted in Adult, Audiobook, Books, Early Chapter Books, Graphic Novel, Lists, Middle Grade, picture books, Print, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Sadiq series by Siman Nuurali for Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2020

Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2020 (1/31/20) is in its 7th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the … Continue reading

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Real-Life and Realistic Early Chapter Books

Here are thoughts on some of the early chapter books I read this fall, any of which would make good gifts for the 7 to 9 year-olds on your holiday shopping list My Furry Foster Book 1: Truman the Dog … Continue reading

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Early Chapter Book Bonanza

Last week, my friend Nakenya and I presented at the Michigan Library Association’s annual conference.  We’ve done several presentations on diverse books for kids and teens at other conferences, but this time, Nakenya wanted to focus on early chapter books … Continue reading

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Early Chapter Book Trio: Juana & Lucas, Polly Diamond, Phoebe G. Green

Here’s a trio of fun early chapter books!  Because Cybils nominations will be opening up October 1, I’ve added notes on which books would be eligible to be nominated.   Juana & Lucas: Big Problemas by Juana Medina. Candlewick, 2019. 978-1536201314 … Continue reading

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Zapato Power: Freddie Ramos Hears It All for MCBD 2019

It’s time for Multicultural Children’s Book Day!!!  This is a longer post – keep reading for information on giveaways, the twitter party, and my review of the book I was sent by author sponsor Jacqueline Jules. Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2019 … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Challenges, Early Chapter Books, Fantasy, Print | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments