Showing posts with label Middle grade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Middle grade. Show all posts

Friday, December 26, 2014


Dreamtime Man written by Margot Finke, is a work of art from the interesting educational verse it is written in, to the magnificent illustrations by Joana Zdralea.  The colors are simply mesmerizing.   Details of the Australian Aboriginal people will not only educate children and adults, but also entertain them as well.

Even though the text may be a bit advanced for young children, the illustrations will still hold their attention and introduce them to an ancient and proud culture from the Down Under.

This is an exceptional book for children and adults; both in text and art. The author and the artist were certainly in sync on this one. Beautiful book!



This book was reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children’s literature



**LISTEN to Margot read Dreamtime Man: http://tinyurl.com/qham5nv
**Available from Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/bg9dtxt
**Autographed—with a FREE copy of her 
“Fairdinkum   Aussie Recipe Book.”
http://myplace.frontier.com/~mfinke/Magic%20Carpet%20Books.htm




Margot Finke.

Margot Finke is an Aussie author whose 13 books range from midgrade adventure fiction to rhyming picture books. For many years she has lived in Oregon with her husband and family. Gardening, travel, and reading fill in the cracks between her writing. 

Their three children are now grown and doing very well.  Four delightful grandchildren round out Margot’s family.

Her Manuscript Critique Service helps children’s writers polish and tighten their stories before publication.  Helping other writers succeed, and HOOKING kids on reading, are Margot’s special goals.

She didn't begin serious writing until the day their youngest left for college. This late start drives her writing, and pushes her to work at it every day. Margot says, "I really envy those who began young, and managed to slip into writing mode between kid fights, diaper changes, household disasters, and outside jobs. You are my heroes! "




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!