Counting by 7s

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Summary: Twelve-year-old genius and outsider Willow Chance must figure out how to connect with other people and find a surrogate family for herself after her parents are killed in a car accident.

My Thoughts: This is a powerful story. I really felt for Willow. She is a genius and has difficulty fitting in with others and finding her way. All of this is compounded when her parents are tragically killed in a car accident.

*Summary taken from CIP data.

The Summer I Saved the World in 65 Days

The Summer I Saved the World in 65 Days by Michele Weber Hurwitz

Summary: Inspired by her late grandmother, thirteen-year-old Nina spends a summer secretly doing good deeds for her neighbors and enjoying the changes she brings about, even as she is dealing with changing friendships and family issues.

My Thoughts: This is a great feel good story for girls in middle school and approaching high school. It was satisfying to see how Nina's good deeds made a difference in her as well as those around her. At some points it was even comical with a busybody neighbor who demands that these events stop at one point!

*Summary taken from CIP data.

Maple

Maple by Lori Nichols

Summary - A nature-loving little girl's favorite playmate is her maple tree, until the day she's surprised with a baby sister.

My Thoughts - This is a story that may me say "Awww! How sweet!" after reading the last page.  The story is about names, a maple tree, and a baby sister. It makes me wish I had two little girls with the same names as the characters in this story. The pictures are beautifully done and very unique.

*Summary taken from CIP data.

Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker

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Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker by Christianne Jones

Summary: Lacey Walker loves to talk. She talks all day and she talks all night.  But when Lacey loses her voice, she learns the importance of listening.

My Thoughts: Many of us have known a Lacey Walker, either a child or grown up.  Maybe we've even been Lacey Walker, the nonstop talker!  With a story that can be a bit predictable, readers will still enjoy a great lesson in friendship and give and take.  This book can also be used as a great conversation starter about the importance of listening to relationships. A funny, quick read that anyone can relate to!


Book Love

Book Love: Help Your Child Grow from Reluctant to Enthusiastic Reader by Melissa Taylor

This is a quick read for parents with lots of tips and suggestions for helping children become enthusiastic readers. An easy and quick read, this includes sections based on why children might be reluctant readers - because books are "too boring", "too sitty", "too blurry", or "too tricky".  There are lots of tips on how help children overcome all of those issues and lists of books to read and activities to help encourage reading. I think this is a quick and easy read for any busy parent that will leave them with fresh information about how they can encourage their child to be a reader for life!

Let's Sing a Lullaby with the Brave Cowboy

Let's Sing a Lullaby with the Brave Cowboy by Jan Thomas

Summary: Brave Cowboy tries to sing his young calf pals to sleep on a dark, dark night with humorous results.

My Thoughts: Jan Thomas writes funny and short stories and this is one! As you read, you can decide if the cowboy lives up to his billing as brave. You might decide that the cows are braver! There is a little twist at the end to keep the fun going!

*Summary taken from CIP data.

Lemonade in Winter

Lemonade in Winter: A Book About Two Kids Counting Money by Emily Jenkins

Summary: Pauline and her brother John-John set up a stand to sell lemonade, limeade, and lemon-limeade one cold, wintry day, then try to attract customers as Pauline adds up their earnings.

My Thoughts: This is a story that defies predictions. Could a lemonade stand really make it in the cold and snow of winter? Read and see! The use of money in the story will give readers some good practice of their own with counting!

*Summary taken from CIP data.