Sunday, August 25, 2013

Lucky's Lick, A Story of a Boy in a Wheelchair


about



Juanito  sits in his wheelchair as other children play.  Just a year before Juanito experienced a terrible accident. 

It’s his special day and the anticipation of a party fills him with thoughts of super heroes and friends to help him celebrate. 

His imagination keeps him occupied as his fascination with nature creates entertainment. 

Find out how Juanito’s party, a prayer, a wish, a present and a lick, can bring a young boy’s dream to life. 

This is a wonderful story of a child who never loses faith, who keeps a positive attitude in the face of disappointment, and makes the best of life in spite of what has happened to him.  It’s a story to touch your heart and to show young children that whatever happens in life, they can always have hope. 

The illustrations by Denis Proulx are bright and engaging.  The author Mary Esparza-Vela has truly written a story to inspire and touch the hearts of children.
I give this book five*****stars for colorful illustrations, a fun story, great emotion and a story I think will delight young children.

This book has been reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children’s literature.



Purchase Lucky's Lick Here:
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/luckys-lick.htm

http://www.amazon.com/Luckys-Lick-Mary-Esparza-Vela/dp/1616334061/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1377376134&sr=1-1&keywords=Lucky's+Lick+by+Mary+Esparza+

Thursday, August 22, 2013

A Story of Harship, Grit and Survival



This is a story about a boy named Tommy who lives on a farm with his family. Disaster strikes one day, and him and his brother find themselves shackled on a ship with many other young boys.  They are made to work and fight battles that are not theirs to care about.  They suffer abuse at the hands of scallywags and scruffy men of the sea. 

Powder Monkey will keep you turning the page, as what comes next is always more devastating than the last.  The young boys suffer excruciating treatments, and some are bound to not make it.  The ship becomes home and a young boy who toted black powder bags for battle becomes a…….. Find out what happens to Tommy and his brother.

This is not a book for those who wish for a happy ending, but rather a true grit story about the survival of the fittest. It’s a well written book by Donna McDine, with brilliant illustrations by K.C. Snider.  I give this book five ***** stars.

Monday, August 19, 2013

A Story of the 1950s

A fun Read for Boys


Pure Trash
Shawn and Willie live in the woods.  Their family doesn’t have indoor water or a flush toilet yet, but they do have a TV.  The boys plan a great day together.  Activities on the agenda are straight out of the nineteen fifties.

On the other hand, the ugliness of human nature displayed here could be from any era, as the judgmental neighbors and degrading torments that come from others could take place in present time as well as way back then.

Young adults and Middle grade children will find this book to be an enjoyable quick read. Most children and adults as well can identify with the emotion displayed here.  We have all felt the sting of degrading remarks targeted at us for no other reason than another wants to shower their meanness in order to satisfy their own judgmental spirit.

Find out how a wonderful day takes a few twists and turns, how others can destroy the joy in your life, but only if you allow them, and how those who have little can still rise above those who think they are superior.

Shawn and Willie are two delightful young boys who lift your spirits and let you know life is all in the way you look at it.

Written by Bette A. Stevens; this is a book near and dear to my heart.  I give it five ***** stars.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Hockey Agony, A Story of Peer Pressure


Larry hobbles up the steps of his school.  His crutches support his broken leg.  He feels his coach will blame him for not being able to play on the team.  To the contrary his coach gives him a job that is of great importance and a responsibility that requires integrity.  Larry’s friend thinks he should be loyal to his team mates first, and honesty can take a hike when it comes to a winning score for their team. 

Hockey Agony written by Donna McDine and illustrated by Julie Hammond is a story to serve many adolescents who come up against decisions that could alter the way they see things and eventually send them down the road of dishonesty.

This is a great book for kids to identify with the pressure of issues they are faced with many times over.  Most kids want to be honest, but many weaken under peer pressure. Does Larry stand up to an arena of cheering fans, or does he falter and help his team to victory?   I recommend this book for pre/teens, as life lessons and assurance back up what most kids feel when faced with the pressure of their peers.

Because this book is filled with teenage emotion, excitement, and worry about what their friends might want, I deem this a great book for boys and girls.  I give Hockey Agony five ***** stars and a hockey stick!