My rating: 4.5 stars!! I LOVED this book! It's so well written. The writing style is easy to read an understand, and it hooked me from the first page.My rating: 4.5 stars!! I LOVED this book! It's so well written. The writing style is easy to read an understand, and it hooked me from the first page. The voice in Charity's head is one of my favorite parts. She's funny, serious, smart, determined, compassionate, and witty. I truly loved seeing the world through her eyes. The other characters are also well-developed, authentic, and unique. This book will make you laugh, cry, cringe, get angry, smile, and see people with disabilities in a new light. I loved the focus on family, friendship, courage, resolve, compassion, doing the right thing even when it's hard, and not judging others by their apparent abilities (or non-abilities). This book would make a fabulous read-aloud at home or school. I highly recommend this book. It's rated PG, but there are a few difficult topics discussed like neglect and abuse. There's no profanity. I would recommend this book for Middle-Graders (4th-6th) and YA. You may read my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com....more
I have always loved this story! I read it to my children every Christmas...on a typed sheet of paper. I can't tell you how excited I am to now have thI have always loved this story! I read it to my children every Christmas...on a typed sheet of paper. I can't tell you how excited I am to now have this story in a beautiful hardcover book. The story teaches love, caring, kindness, and the joy of selfless giving. I love the photos that accompany the story, the nice, thick paper, and the lined section at the end where you get to write your own letter of gratitude and love. I can't wait to read it to my children from this beautiful book! You may read my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com....more
As one reader to another, I’m just letting you know right upfront that this is not the final book in the Dragonwatch series. You’re welcome. I did notAs one reader to another, I’m just letting you know right upfront that this is not the final book in the Dragonwatch series. You’re welcome. I did not know that. I thought it was the final book, and I was left with a cliffhanger! Again! A good cliffhanger, but a cliffhanger, nevertheless. This book is so good! We all loved it. Except the ending…I wanted to know what happened!! All of our old friends are there, and we get to meet a few new friends as well. Kendra, Seth, Calvin, Doren, and Newell are a few fan favorites. Then we finally get to meet Calvin’s friend Serena, and we get to know Virgil, who is an expert on the Titan Games. Yes! Serena! We’ve heard about her for a long time, so it was fun to finally meet her. Humbuggle is there, though. And Ronodin. Boo. Not a fan. Definitely not a fan. I loved the setting of Titan Valley.Giants are a new addition to the Dragonwatch world, and I must say that I love the new addition. Speaking of giants, the Giant Queen scares me. You do not want to get on her bad side…seriously. Don’t do it. I also loved the concept of The Titan Games. Kind of. They seem fun when you first hear about them, but since Humbuggle is in charge you know there has to be more to them than you think.Dragonwatch: Champion of the Titan Games is such a fun book! It has action, suspense, fighting, mystery, secret tasks and passageways, deception, friends, foes, smart choices, not smart choices, memories, hidden memories, and so much more! I wish I had the creative-genius mind that Brandon Mull has. You may read my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com....more
My Rating: 4.5 Stars!! I loved this book! I had never heard of Donaldina Cameron or paper daughters before I read this book, and I wish I had. DonaldiMy Rating: 4.5 Stars!! I loved this book! I had never heard of Donaldina Cameron or paper daughters before I read this book, and I wish I had. Donaldina is a true American hero. She risked her life to rescue Chinese women and children from the brothels and gambling houses where they were enslaved. Donaldina spent most of her life caring for these women and keeping them safe. It's a sad, heartbreaking story, yet it is filled with hope, love, and caring. This book is very well written. It's fiction, but it's based on true people and events. The Paper Daughters of Chinatown is recommended for adult readers because the content and themes are heavy and too much for younger readers. You may read my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com....more
If You Think You Can! by TJ Hoisington is the perfect read to start off the new year! Remember all those goals you set that you never achieve? Well, tIf You Think You Can! by TJ Hoisington is the perfect read to start off the new year! Remember all those goals you set that you never achieve? Well, that problem will be solved if you follow the 13 laws he discusses. This book is well written. It is such a positive book, which I love. When you're reading it you feel like you can conquer the world...or your day! I have been listening to TJ's podcast for a long time, and and he has taken the positive and hopeful feelings from his podcast and somehow managed to fill his book with them. The laws he lists are practical and doable, and I love all the examples he has with each one. I also liked how he left room at the end of each chapter for you to write your reflections and the steps you'll take to achieve your goals. I liked this book a lot and have even implemented some of the laws into my life. Like I said previously, this is the perfect book to motivate and uplift you to start the new year off right! You may read my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com....more
What a fun story! This is by far the most action-packed proper romance I've ever read! I loved the romance on the high seas. The book is well written,What a fun story! This is by far the most action-packed proper romance I've ever read! I loved the romance on the high seas. The book is well written, well researched, exciting, and I loved the characters. If you like action, adventure, mystery, treason, mutiny, romance, and battle scenes, you will enjoy this book. Both Georgana and Dominic are well developed and well written. I love how the book is full of action, yet it also has a quiet tenderness about it that is very endearing. I could not put this book down! You may read my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com....more
This is such a fun book! Although it is not a sequel of The Lady and the Highwayman (it's a spin-off), I would highly recommend reading The Lady and tThis is such a fun book! Although it is not a sequel of The Lady and the Highwayman (it's a spin-off), I would highly recommend reading The Lady and the Highwayman first. I think you'll understand the book much better if you do. I love the characters in this book. Ana and Hollis each have a secret, and the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes for them to keep their secrets secret! Since each has a little bit of a rebel side, I think it helps them to accept each other's flaws and secrets. I love the concept of the Dread Penny Society, and I very much enjoy reading the penny dreadfuls that are in the book. You may read my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com....more
This is such a cute story! I especially loved the characters in this book. Riley and Mark are well-written and well-developed characters. As a reader,This is such a cute story! I especially loved the characters in this book. Riley and Mark are well-written and well-developed characters. As a reader, you feel their emotions and become a part of the story. I liked the story as well, and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and change over the course of the book. The messages of hope, love, trust, and healing are so needed right now. This book is the perfect way to start your Christmas season! You may read my full book review on my website: thereadathon.com....more
I enjoyed this book! Mr. Hoisington did a very good job of recreating life on Robinson Island. The feel of the book was very close to the original, anI enjoyed this book! Mr. Hoisington did a very good job of recreating life on Robinson Island. The feel of the book was very close to the original, and the characters stayed true to themselves as well. Sequels are hard, especially sequels to books that you didn't write (and were written long ago), but this book overcame all of that. It was highly entertaining, full of action, and I enjoyed it! You may read my full review here: thereadathon.com....more
This is my favorite of Nancy Campbell Allen's steampunk fairytale retellings so far! Emme and Oliver are both good, strong characters. The writing is This is my favorite of Nancy Campbell Allen's steampunk fairytale retellings so far! Emme and Oliver are both good, strong characters. The writing is well done, and the characters are well developed. I loved the banter between Emme and Oliver. You may read my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com....more
This is a really fun book that brings Wonderland to life for a whole new generation of readers! J. Scott Savage is such an imaginative writer. I thougThis is a really fun book that brings Wonderland to life for a whole new generation of readers! J. Scott Savage is such an imaginative writer. I thought that it was well written, had great character development, and had some fun surprises along the way. I loved the puzzles that Celia and Tyrus had to do in order to progress on their journey, and I loved that Savage was able to bring attention to dyslexia. Celia is dyslexic, and I think having a character with dyslexia that struggles but overcomes will help a lot of children. I liked this book a lot! It's rated PG, recommended for middle-graders and up. You may read my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com....more
This is a fun read. It tells the story of Madeline, Celeste, and Jane. Each of these women is at a different point in her lie, and each has her own stThis is a fun read. It tells the story of Madeline, Celeste, and Jane. Each of these women is at a different point in her lie, and each has her own struggles. Each of them also has a child in elementary school. Let's just say that I'm glad I don't live there. Wow--the drama! I've had four kids go through elementary school, and I teach at an elementary school, and I've never seen such drama. Thank goodness! But all the gossip and revenge and backbiting makes for a good story! You learn at the beginning that something has happened, but you don't know until the end what it actually was and who was involved. I liked the writing style of the book; it hooked me from the beginning. It's well written with great character development, a hint of mystery, and some pretty heavy topics. I enjoyed it. It's rated R, recommended for adults. You may read my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com....more
This book tells the story of sisters Martha and Becky, and how they ended up in a courtroom together. The story is told from many different perspectivThis book tells the story of sisters Martha and Becky, and how they ended up in a courtroom together. The story is told from many different perspectives, and as they tell their stories you see the story unfold. The characters are well developed, and I especially liked the relationship between the two sisters. I liked the writing style, and was sucked in from the beginning. Although this is not a happy story, it never felt too heavy because there's a sense of hope. I enjoyed this book. It's rated R, recommended for adults. You may read my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com....more
My Rating: 3.5 Stars!! Little Bella's Nighttime Wonderland by Joy Fernandez is such a cute picture book! Little Bella is getting ready for bed, and shMy Rating: 3.5 Stars!! Little Bella's Nighttime Wonderland by Joy Fernandez is such a cute picture book! Little Bella is getting ready for bed, and she looks out the window. She sees the stars and the moon. She sees some amazing creatures, feels the breeze, and hears some nighttime sounds. I love the illustrations. Little Bella's eyes are so beautiful and bright, and the scenes are so serene and peaceful. This is a really cute book. You may read my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com....more
Six Sisters' Stuff to the rescue! After months of quarantine and eating, I need some healthy options for my family. The cover is bright and beautiful,Six Sisters' Stuff to the rescue! After months of quarantine and eating, I need some healthy options for my family. The cover is bright and beautiful, and the photos throughout are well done. Each recipe has the nutritional information, and each is under 500 calories. We liked the Scrambled-Egg Breakfast Muffins a lot! They were easy and delicious,and I liked that they are flexible enough to add or subtract ingredients to personalize them. We also enjoyed the No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies. They're basic no-bake cookies, but we liked the addition of the peanut butter. Neither the Easy Banana Cookies nor the Dark-Chocolate Zucchini Cake turned out for us, unfortunately, but it could have been a user error. There are a bunch of recipes I'm excited to try: Easy Marinated Pork Chops, Lemon-Garlic Salmon, and Cheesy Zucchini Sticks. Mmmmm! Thank you Six Sisters! You may read my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com....more
How have I never read this book? I watched the movie, and loved it, as a child. From what I can remember, the book is not like the movie at all. I likHow have I never read this book? I watched the movie, and loved it, as a child. From what I can remember, the book is not like the movie at all. I liked the book. You can tell by the roles of the parents on the island that it was written a long time ago. If my family were stranded on an island, I would seriously hope it was the same island as the Robinsons because I don't think we would do as well as they did. It's fairly well written. I liked the characters, but found the father to be a bit much sometimes. He seriously knows everything: all the plants and what to use them for; how to plant crops; how to hunt, skin, and save the meat; how to build buildings and bridges and carts and canoes; how to navigate in the ocean; how to raise animals; how to build canals for fresh water drinking, bathing, and crop watering. You get the picture. The mother miraculously knows how to spin cotton to make clothing and how to cook. You get the picture. I did like how they prayed and observed the Sabbath Day. You don't read about that a lot today. I liked how the boys wanted to do things to take care of and help their mother. I also liked how hard they all worked. It's a little slow at points, and they killed quite a few animals (some out of necessity--some not). Overall, I am impressed with how they thrived on the island--didn't just survive. I did like the book and think it's worth reading. ...more
Catastrophes and Heroes by Jerry Borrowman tells the story of eight man-made disasters, the standards of the day, the technology of the day, and the mCatastrophes and Heroes by Jerry Borrowman tells the story of eight man-made disasters, the standards of the day, the technology of the day, and the mistakes made leading up to the disaster. Then it tells about the heroes that helped save lives, and the safety standards that changed because of the catastrophe. There are stories of bridges collapsing, trains derailing, dams failing, and boats catching fire. Borrowman knows his stuff! This book is well researched and well written. I enjoyed learning the history, and I enjoyed learning about the heroes. I did find it a bit depressing; I wish there had been a little more emphasis on the heroes. I hadn't heard of any of these disasters, so I learned a lot. You may read my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com....more
My kids and I have been waiting and waiting for this book! Book #2 ended with such a huge cliffhanger that this book could NOT come out fast enough! SMy kids and I have been waiting and waiting for this book! Book #2 ended with such a huge cliffhanger that this book could NOT come out fast enough! So...is Rin really a wizard? Really? I'm not going to spoil it here, you'll just need to read it! The question is answered though! Yay! As usual, Skye's writing style sucks you in from the beginning. He is a master of figurative language! The characters are well developed, realistic, and relatable. Ozzy and Sigi may or may not get themselves into some dangerous situations, and may or may not need saving. Rin always has some surprises up his sleeve, and Clark, as usual, is witty and sassy. Don't forget about Ray--the best evil, bad guy out there! If your middle-grader or YA has not read this series, I highly recommend it! My kids and I loved it! My 11 year-old read it in four hours! It's rated PG+, recommended for middle-graders and up. It's sooooo good! thereadathon.com....more
This is a fun book! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Lady Sabrina (I want to be her friend) has a secret life. I won't spoil it here, but let's just say she dThis is a fun book! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Lady Sabrina (I want to be her friend) has a secret life. I won't spoil it here, but let's just say she doesn't want anyone to find out. Lady Sabrina is such a great character. She is relatable, realistic, and well developed. She and I have something in common: roses. Harry Stillman is definitely a rake--he has MANY bad habits and gets himself into some bad situations. Lady Sabrina and Harry Stillman's paths cross, rakes and roses collide, and crazy things start happening! Could Harry possible have a nicer side? Could Lady Sabrina have a thing for "bad" guys? Oh, this one is fun! There is one part that I found pretty cheesy and unbelievable, but who knows--love can make you do some crazy things! I liked this book a lot, and think it makes a great addition to the proper romance genre! If you have enjoyed any of the previous proper romance books, you will enjoy this one! You may read my full review on my book blog: www.thereadathon.com....more
This is such a fun book! I love the characters--they make the book for sure! Amelia and her sister Clara are about to be put out in the street. Their This is such a fun book! I love the characters--they make the book for sure! Amelia and her sister Clara are about to be put out in the street. Their step father does not care about them, and has left the two girls out of his will. It's now a matter of utmost urgency to find a marriage match for one of them. The two sisters travel to Sir Ronald's house in hopes that Clara will catch Sir Ronald's eye. On the way, they stop to make a purchase, and Amelia runs into this incorrigible man who takes the last item right out of her hands. Much to Amelia's dismay, he and his sister are also spending time with Sir Ronald. I loved this book. I love the relationship that Amelia and her sister share, and how Amelia takes such good care of Clara. The characters are relatable and well developed. The story is fun, and I really enjoyed it. This is a great addition to the proper romance genre! It's rated PG+, recommended for YA+, and I gave it 4.5/5 stars. You may read my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com....more
Wow. Just wow. I changed the whole way I ran my classroom after I read this book (until COVID-19 ruined all my plans and we had to go ALL tech...Ugh. Wow. Just wow. I changed the whole way I ran my classroom after I read this book (until COVID-19 ruined all my plans and we had to go ALL tech...Ugh. I tried...), and the way I allow my children to use screens. Dr. Kardaras goes into great detail about how screens are changing children's brains, and not for the better. Screens are very addicting and overwhelmingly stimulating for children's brains. He cites many studies to back up his research. I liked the solutions he put forth, and thought they were practical and doable. Dr. Kardaras does give some extreme examples, but he also backs up the examples with studies and research. If you have children or work with them, you should read this book. You may read my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com....more
I LOVE the combination of Chad Morris and Shelly Brown! They have written a couple of amazing books, and so I was excited to read this one. It did notI LOVE the combination of Chad Morris and Shelly Brown! They have written a couple of amazing books, and so I was excited to read this one. It did not disappoint! This is such a cute story! After Willa's parent's divorce, Willa moves overseas with her mom. Her mom suddenly passes away, leaving Willa alone and far away from home. She moves back with her dad and his new family on a small island off the coast of Washington state. In an effort to help Willa feel better, her dad takes her on a whale watching expedition, and she meets a humpback whale named Meg. To Willa's surprise, Meg talks to her! Meg and Willa form a friendship, and they talk whenever Willa is near the ocean. Meg helps Willa through some tough situations.
This book is well written. It has such a great writing style. I love the writing style because it somehow weaves difficult and hard-to-talk-about topics into cute stories. The characters are the best. They are well developed, realistic, and relatable. I love the touch of fantasy with the talking whale. I LOVE books with good lessons in them, and this book is full of great lessons. It's a tale of friendship, loss, love, family, nature, trusting, and overcoming hard things.
I loved this book and highly recommend it for any home or school classroom. It would make a fun read-aloud! It's rated PG+, recommended for middle-graders and up, and I gave it 4/5 stars. You may view my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com/a>....more
I liked this book by Randy Lindsay. He has a humorous writing style that draws you into his story. Before I started reading the book I was worried thaI liked this book by Randy Lindsay. He has a humorous writing style that draws you into his story. Before I started reading the book I was worried that I wouldn't care about someone else's family tree, but I did. I liked the humor in his writing, and I liked learning about his family's story. This book is rated PG+, and is recommended for YA and up. You may read my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com....more
I liked this book. It's well written, and the characters make the story for sure. The story delves into some deep topics like My Rating: 3.5/5 Stars!!
I liked this book. It's well written, and the characters make the story for sure. The story delves into some deep topics like death, disability, and LGBT feelings. I really like that in the story the river provides a safe place for the teens to talk about their struggles and their feelings, and the book allows for a safe place to start a discussion and to be ok discussing hard things. It's rated PG-13, and is recommended for YA and up. You may view my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com....more
I really enjoyed this book! I have lived in Utah my whole life, and I've never heard of Martha Hughes Cannon. Why? She crossed the plains as a young cI really enjoyed this book! I have lived in Utah my whole life, and I've never heard of Martha Hughes Cannon. Why? She crossed the plains as a young child, and ended up settling in Salt Lake City. As she grew up, she knew she wanted to be more than what was expected of her. Martha went to college and became one of Utah's first women doctors. Later in her life she also became Utah's first woman senator. Martha worked with Elizabeth Cady Stanton fighting for women's suffrage, and did so much more. Her story is truly inspiring! Reading her story makes me want to be and do better. It also made me realize how much I take for granted as a woman today. Women like Martha Hughes Cannon are the reason women are where they are today. The book is well written. Monson's writing style draws you into all of Martha's thoughts, dreams, passions, and pain. The characters are well developed, realistic, and become your dear friends. I learned a lot of Utah history, women's suffrage history, and some history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is such a great story, and I'm so glad I read it. I highly recommend reading it! I'd say it's rated PG-13, recommended for YA+, and I gave it 4/5 stars. You may read my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com ....more
Margaret is hurt by her former fiance, and vows never to love again. Of course, as a woman she needs to marry to secure her future, but she decides a Margaret is hurt by her former fiance, and vows never to love again. Of course, as a woman she needs to marry to secure her future, but she decides a marriage of convenience is what she needs. Sure, he may be a jerk who cheats on her, but she'll be fine because she'll know exactly what to expect. Margaret attends a party with perspective husbands, and finds exactly what she's looking for--a rake named Mr. Northam. Oh, he's handsome, but not many people approve, especially his cousin Lord Williams. And to make it more complicated, Lord Williams humiliates Margaret at the most inopportune time. Sadly, she leaves the party still a single woman. There's a surprise waiting for her when she gets home--her parents have arranged a marriage for her--to the arrogant and condescending Lord Williams! Margaret is furious. She is determined to keep the promise she made to herself, but will her parents allow it? This is such a fun and entertaining book. The writing is full of humor and wit, yet it has the necessary seriousness when needed. The characters are relatable and realistic, and become your dearest friends. I love Margaret's spunk and fire! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and am excited to add Leah Garriott to the ever-growing list of proper romance authors. This is a fun one, for sure! It's rated PG+, recommended for YA and up, and I gave it 4/5 stars. You may read my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com....more
The Wish and the Peacock by Wendy S. Swore is a tale about love, heartbreak, friendship, change, dealing with grief, and working hard. Paige's father The Wish and the Peacock by Wendy S. Swore is a tale about love, heartbreak, friendship, change, dealing with grief, and working hard. Paige's father passed away a short time ago, and her mother and grandfather decide it's time to sell the farm. Paige cannot believe that her mom has been tricked by the evil real estate agent Miss Dolly. So Paige sets out to work hard and take care of everything by herself--including getting rid of Miss Dolly and any potential buyers. Meanwhile, Paige's brother Scotty found an injured peacock on their property and is nursing it back to health. They don't know where it came from, or who it belongs to, but they don't want to let it go. This is a cute story! It's well written, and it teaches so many good lessons. Paige's voice makes the book! She's got spunk and determination, that girl. This book is rated PG, is recommended for Middle-Graders, and up, and I gave it 4/5 stars. You may read my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com...more
This series is super fun and very imaginative! Gordy and his friends need to come through in a big way in order to save the day this time! It makes itThis series is super fun and very imaginative! Gordy and his friends need to come through in a big way in order to save the day this time! It makes it really hard when your biggest, baddest, most evil enemy is your grandpa! Can Gordy, Adilene, Max, and Sasha use the Seeking Serum to find Mezzarix? Once they find him, will they be able to stop his wicked plans?? Love this book--it's well written, the characters are easy to relate to, and the creativity is crazy!! I love the different potions Gordy comes up with. In fact, I'd like to use a few of them on my students. Haha! Just kidding...I don't think they'd enjoy turning into trees or being caught in glass bottles. :) This book is the perfect ending to a super fun series. It's rated PG+ and recommended for middle-graders (4th-6th) and up. You may view my full review on my book blog: The Readathon....more
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