Moni Ritchie Hadley's Blog: Highly Recommended!, page 5

When the Air Sang

A young girl, Annie, eagerly awaits the song of the cicadas. Her understanding of their lifecycle deepens as she listens to youthful stories told by her great-grandmother and grandmother. The illustrator skillfully contrasts full-color images for Annie's narrative with less saturated ones for the grandparents. This intergenerational story is perfect for young backyard adventurers and bug lovers and offers valuable STEM ties for schools, making it a must-have for educators looking to inspire their students with the wonders of nature.

You Are My Everything

Like a warm and cozy hug, this book will draw you in with Conroy's lyrical rhymes and Hookhams warm and richly textured images. A perfect gift for baby showers and a cherished keepsake for new families.

Stay Angry Little Girl

Stay Angry, Little Girl by Madeleine L'Engle

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book eloquently demonstrates how a child's emotions and unique characteristics can be harnessed as sources of strength to drive positive change and contribute to the creation of a more inclusive global community.



View all my reviews

Goodnight Sounds

Goodnight Sounds by Debbie S. Miller

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book is fun to read with its creative use of onomatopoeia, capturing the essence of sounds. The rhythmic language, combined with the illustrator's carefully layered hues depicting evening scenes, creates a gentle yet rich experience, making it a perfect choice for bedtime reading.



View all my reviews

Katie, Big and Strong: The True Story of the Mighty Woman Who Could Lift Anything

Katie Sandwina, larger than life, fearlessly defied gender roles. As an exemplary role model for girls, this biography boldly calls for female empowerment, urging all girls to unapologetically be who they are. Wear it big. Wear it strong! A must-have for every child!

Mercedes Sosa: Voice of the People

Mercedes Sosa: Voice of the People by Aixa Perez-Prado

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This inspirational biography portrays the life of Mercedes Sosa, a Latin American singer and activist. The compelling narrative and the author's lyrical prose kept me eagerly flipping through the pages to learn about her remarkable life—an excellent addition to elementary classrooms.



View all my reviews

I Fuel: How Energy Powers Our Busy World

I Fuel: How Energy Powers Our Busy World by Kelly Rice Schmitt

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book is essential! The author's storytelling from the fuel's perspective is brilliant, highly engaging, and relevant. After chronicling how fuel forms, the book addresses the topics of shortages and alternatives and provides extensive backmatter for further information. I dare say that I learned a thing or two. It's undoubtedly the perfect STEM book for classrooms and an excellent discussion starter for homes.



View all my reviews

A Deathly Compendium of Poisonous Plants

A Deathly Compendium of Poisonous Plants: Wicked Weeds and Sinister Seeds by Rebecca E. Hirsch

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book is a fascinating read that will captivate plant enthusiasts and true crime fans alike. With its short, engaging vignettes, it's a book I wanted to devour in one sitting. It is also an invaluable reference for the poisonous plants in my garden, such as the castor bean plant and milkweed. Rebecca E. Hirsch impressively includes scientific information, gripping details, historical connections, and real-life stories for each poisonous plant, making this book a must-have. Even fiction lovers will be drawn to this book, as truth can be more compelling than fiction.



View all my reviews

The Heartbeat Drum

The Heartbeat Drum: The Story of Carol Powder, Cree Drummer and Activist by Deidre Havrelock

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This beautifully crafted story begins with a young Carol Powder being told by Moshum, her grandfather, that the drum is the sound of a mother's heartbeat. She carries the message throughout her life and passes it on to her grandchildren. Culturally rich and inspiring!



View all my reviews

I Miss You Most

I Miss You Most by Charlotte Cheng

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A child missing Grandpa recounts the ways he's remembered. Beautifully written and illustrated, this touching book, written in rhyme, gives me chills every time I get to the end. For anyone who grieves the loss of someone close. Get this book!



View all my reviews