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book reviews

Book Review: Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

I bought this book at a conference simply based on word of mouth, and I’m glad I did. It’s a middle reader—about a fifth grader named Caitlin—dealing with Asperger’s syndrome in the aftermath of a school shooting. I was skeptical upon first reading the premise because I didn’t want to …

Book Review: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

I picked up a copy of this book as part of Loudoun County’s One Community, One Book program in anticipation of an author visit later this month. The book is illustrated by Jim Kay and inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd, an author who passed away before she was …

Book Review: Staying Alive: Cave-In by Joseph Monninger

I won this book at a door prize at one of the sessions at Longwood University’s Summer Literacy Institute this summer. The class was about how to integrate activities to prepare children for disaster situations using literature. I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of disaster situations. Maybe it’s because …

Book Review: The Dogs in the Wood by Monika Schroder

I’m excited to be attending and presenting at the Longwood University 2015 Summer Literacy Institute.  In preparation, I wanted to read at least one book written by each author who will be attending. The Dog in the Wood is a middle-grade book about a ten-year-old named Fritz. He lives in …