Tag Archives: school

A Little Something About Me by Karlene Y Murray (Book Review)

Dreamers come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and ability levels. Children have different abilities and face different challenges. Some may have obstacles that limit them a little or a lot, but ALL can be empowered.

The children featured in A LITTLE SOMETHING ABOUT ME offer empowering stories of hope and inclusion that emphasize the importance of having choices, taking risks, being supported and listened to, thinking and speaking positively, and treasuring happy moments.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Karlene Murray brings together a diverse cast in her children’s book, A Little Something About Me. First, we’re introduced to Julia, a young girl with Down Syndrome. Julia may learn slower than others, but that’s okay. What really matters is how she treats others, and it’s with kindness.

Jae-won explains that he’s adopted; his biological parents gave him up for a better life. The decision to give up your child is never an easy choice, but it’s a reality many parents face. Jae-won felt what others would face in similar scenarios: nervousness and fear of the unknown. However, they reassured young readers walking a similar path that, with time, those negative emotions will be replaced with joy and love. Plus, a family isn’t defined by shared DNA. It’s about the people you can count on and who make you happy. 

Children will read about Lisa, who longs for the day they are cancer-free. They want to stress that while they have Leukemia, it does not define them. Their positive attitude is inspiring! While many children might’ve heard of cancer, dwarfism or achondroplasia might be a foreign terminology. The illustration did a decent job showing the genetic condition; however, a child might walk away assuming people with dwarfism only have enlarged heads.

As the book continues, we meet Kimmy, who’s more comfortable with fictional people. Then there’s Marcos, who has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I was happy to see Taylor representing the hearing-impaired community and Jiyaan, a paraplegic boy who doesn’t let his physical limitations keep him from doing what he loves. His ball-playing and chair-maneuvering skills were impressive! I’m sure he’ll reach his goal: medaling in the Paralympic Games. 

Children reading this book might see themselves (physically or mentally) among the thirteen characters. Maybe for the first time! 

I recommend sharing this informative and diverse book with your family and school. Also, utilize the links featured on the “Additional Information” page and expand your knowledge regarding every topic shared in the mini-stories. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: 

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Meet the Author

Karlene Murray is the author of Best of Both Parents. She is an avid lover of reading, travel and cooking. It has been a dream for a very long time to write and publish a children’s book and that dream has finally come true.

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Cruel Lessons (Lessons in Peril Book 1) by Randy Overbeck (Book Review)

On a school camping trip, fifth graders experiment with a dangerous new hallucinogen and die in a horrific accident, their deaths shattering the quiet town. Assistant Superintendent Ken Parks, hoping to redeem a fatal mistake from his past, grasps the opportunity to conduct the district investigation of how students are getting the drugs. Almost before he begins, the cops make a stunning arrest. But Parks battles on, convinced the real pusher is still out there, poisoning more kids until he receives an anonymous threat: if he continues, those close to him will pay. Is Parks willing to risk those he loves for a chance at redemption?

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

 

Cruel Lessons was a 457-page novel (print edition) that touched on a sensitive real-life issue: drugs in school. It’s common for young adults to experiment with pot, cigarettes, or alcohol. The age bracket partaking in illegal drugs exists well before high school. Cruel Lessons features the effects of drug use among 11 to 13-year-olds. Drugs are entering Foster Middle School, mainly a hallucinogen-inducing wolf tattoo. Once the young buyer presses the drug to their skin, their time is almost up. 

Cops witness numerous horrific crime scenes through their time on the force; the death of 4 young boys close to the science camp will haunt their dreams for a long time, maybe forever. 

The school board asked Ken to take point and find out how the kids got a hold of the drugs and discover if the school was liable for their deaths. The board seemed more interested if they would get sued or not. I wasn’t surprised people valued the bottom line over the loss of 4 lives. 

Ken, not a trained investigator, began to work the case. He interviewed staff members and students and enlisted the help of Bart (resource officer). His “meddling” was not appreciated by the dealer, “the doctor.” Lives were lost in the pursuit of justice. A popular teacher was fighting to prove her innocence. Through all the school drama, readers also watched love triangles unfold in the background. Wow, the cheating spouses drama could be its own soap opera. While I understand each purpose in the story, I wanted their faithful spouses to discover their misdeeds. I wanted more drama! 

The list of suspects was long. Who brought the tattoos into the school and how they did it might stun you. As you work the case with Ken and Bart, do not write off a suspect so quickly. At the end of the story, I had 75% of the resolution figured out. I was wrong about one prime suspect, which falls in the 25% category. 

Cruel Lessons will keep you guessing. When you think you figured it out, the author throws you a curveball. The uncertainty, the twists, kept me going back for more. Even though I loved the book, it left me with many unanswered questions. To avoid giving out spoilers, I will refrain from elaborating on what puzzled me. 

If you like crime stories that take time to solve, this book is for you! 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score:  

Releases 10/11/23: Preorder (Amazon) Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author and speaker. As an educator, he served children for more than three decades in a range of roles captured in his novels, from teacher and coach to principal and superintendent. His thriller, LEAVE NO CHILD BEHIND (2012) and his recent mysteries, the Amazon No. 1 Best Seller, BLOOD ON THE CHESAPEAKE (2019), CRIMSON AT CAPE MAY (2020) and SCARLET AT CRYSTAL RIVER (2021) have earned five star reviews and garnered national awards including “Thriller of the Year”—ReadersFavorite.com, “Gold Award”—Literary Titan, “Mystery of the Year”—ReadersView.com and “Crowned Heart of Excellence”—InD’Tale Magazine.

As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences such as Sleuthfest, Killer Nashville and the Midwest Writers Workshop. When he’s not writing or researching his next exciting novel or sharing his presentation “Things Still Go Bump in the Night,” he’s spending time with his incredible family of wife, three children (and their spouses) and seven wonderful grandchildren.

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Happy Halloween Adventures: A Spooktacular Hardcover Activity Book by Aloha Pickles (Book Spotlight)

Get ready for a bewitching journey into the world of Halloween with the “Happy Halloween Adventures” Hardcover Activity Book! Packed with 85 pages of spine-tingling fun, this interactive activity book is designed to entertain and engage children ages 5 and up, without giving them nightmares.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting realm of Halloween as you embark on a thrilling adventure through its pages. From playful pumpkins to mischievous ghosts, this activity book captures the spirit of the holiday with its delightful and engaging content. Each activity is carefully crafted to ensure a spooky, yet not-too-scary experience for young readers.

Inside, you’ll find an exciting array of puzzles, mazes, coloring pages, and more! Challenge yourself with mind-boggling riddles, navigate through intricate mazes to find hidden treasures, and bring your artistic talents to life by coloring in eerie scenes. With 85 pages of activities, there’s always a new adventure waiting to be discovered!

Perfect for both individual exploration and shared enjoyment, this hardcover activity book is a fantastic companion for Halloween parties, rainy days, or quiet evenings at home. It encourages creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, while keeping the Halloween spirit alive and thriving.

With its durable hardcover and high-quality paper, this book is built to withstand hours of fun and can be enjoyed year after year. Whether you’re looking for an engaging gift for a young Halloween enthusiast or an activity book to celebrate the spookiest time of the year, “Halloween Adventure” is sure to captivate the hearts and imaginations of children and parents alike.

Join in the Halloween excitement and unlock a world of not-so-scary thrills and chills with the “Halloween Adventure” Hardcover Activity Book. Let the enchantment begin!

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Sample Pages


Buy the book to discover the answer!

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Meet the Creator!


Pixie Publishing House

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In Calvin Arthur’s 5th Grade Shoes – Quest for Courage by R.A. Stone (Book Review)

It’s the 1977-1978 school year and Calvin Arthur is on his way to fifth grade. When he arrives on the first day, he quickly finds out that he has been assigned to the teacher he really needs. He finds out Mrs. Walton is a star within her classroom. She is also the judge and jury that solves many problems swiftly. Calvin is intimidated by his new teacher and finds himself in the middle of some classmate issues. Is this going to be a year of misery or does Calvin find courage along with some great experiences? You can be assured that he is headed on another roller coaster ride much like his fourth-grade year. See and feel what Calvin feels and you will relate to some of his pain and victories. Does this resemble your fifth-grade year? If you are reading this second book in the series, consider yourself a Calvin Arthur fan and please leave an Amazon review. It will help to keep Calvin’s message alive. Please feel free to contact R.A. Stone for school assembly information or with other questions or comments at fairway36@yahoo.com. Hope you enjoy the journey, In Calvin Arthur’s 5th Grade Shoes ~ Seeking Courage.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

It’s the start of a new school year at Washington Elementary, and Calvin Arthur’s filled with trepidation. Like many kids, he’s worried about bullies. Calvin wants nothing more than to be more courageous and stand up to their taunts. He also wants the courage to speak up, find his voice and say what’s on his mind.

Mrs. Walton, Calvin’s homeroom teacher, deserves the Teacher of the Year award. She was tough but fair. Mrs. Walton gave them ample opportunities to work together as a team. She encouraged them to stretch their imagination and think outside the box through multiple science experiments. I loved the assignment that involved students creating an invention that would change the world. I know this wasn’t a picture book, but adding a drawing of Calvin and Ava’s anti-bully robot would’ve been an excellent addition to the chapter.

Calvin and his classmates also learned empathy and responsibility when they were required to write a letter to seniors, convincing them not to drink and drive at prom. I think more teachers should embrace this assignment with their students! Maybe real-life students will experience a touching moment with their senior counterparts like Calvin did with his. And hopefully, students will think twice about drinking and driving.

In Calvin Arthur’s 5th Grade Shoes: Quest for Courage by R.A. Stone highlights the struggles one might face in school. The story also highlights how, with encouragement, a student can thrive even in adversity. Calvin no longer stood idly by why and let bullies target him and others. He voiced his opinions on matters. His confidence skyrocketed, thanks to his inspiring and motivating teacher.

We all have that one teacher that we will never forget. I believe Calvin will not soon forget Mrs. Walton.

In Calvin Arthur’s 5th Grade Shoes: Quest for Courage is an inspirational story for children 10-13.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤

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Meet the Author

R. A. Stone has been teaching at various Elementary and Middle public schools in the USA for thirty two years, Writing and story telling has been a passion ever since he was a young student. Calvin Arthur has evolved from all of his countless student interactions and teaching experiences.   Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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Happy Valentine’s Day BOOK OF 31 Cute Cards Plus 6 Teacher Fun Valentine’s Day Cards by Pixie Publishing House (Book Review)

This Valentine’s Day Book of Cards is unique perfect for all ages. Easy cut and fold design, these are a breeze to prepare and feature adorable designs that are sure to be loved by all. The pack includes 31 cards for friends and family, as well as 6 teacher’s cards for classroom exchanges or parties.

Highlights:

– Easy cut and fold design
– 31 cards for friends and family
– 6 teacher’s cards for classroom exchanges
– Adorable designs for all ages
– No envelopes required

Benefits:

These Valentine’s Day Book of Cards are not only adorable, with a simple cut and fold design, they’re easy to prepare in a snap. The pack includes enough cards for everyone, whether it’s classmates, friends, or family. Plus, the addition of teacher’s cards.

Usage:

This cute card book is perfect for Valentine’s Day classroom exchanges, love notes, or any occasion where you want to show someone you care. They’re suitable for all ages.

Quality Assurance:

We take pride in the design and production of our Valentine’s Day Card Book, and we stand behind the quality.

Order your Valentine’s Day Book of Cards today! Visit our website at www.pixiepublishinghouse.com for new releases.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Holiday parties and school-time fun go together like peanut butter jelly. Food, candy, games, what’s not to love? Valentine’s parties are delightful because children love trading cards. While store-bought cards are typically used, I’ve noticed a rise in homemade or printable cards. 

Pixie Publishing House has compiled 31 cute cards that children from two to ten will love to give and receive. Subjective matter included squirrels, cats, bears, balloons, butterflies, unicorns, insects, children, hearts, and more. The only image some kids might not like is Cupid. The picture might not appeal to all ages, as the description says. 

Pixie Publishing House has also included 6 Valentine’s Day cards for children to hand out to their teacher(s). Most teacher-appropriate cards only stated, “To my teacher – Happy Valentine’s Day,” in various writing formats. Meaning capitalizations of words vary from card to card. However, one card stood out from the rest. My favorite teacher’s card was “Teaching is heart work.” It was more creative and unique, and the sentiment rang true! 

Happy Valentine’s Day BOOK OF 31 Cute Cards Plus 6 Teacher Fun Valentine’s Day Cards is a lovely collection, suitable for any gender to give or receive. The designs were, as the title states, cute. 

A couple of things to note: No envelopes are in the collection, so you’ll need to clip and fold each card. For young children who struggle with cutting, they will require adult assistance. Older children should be able to tackle the task with minimum to zero help. 

Even though the book’s summary claims the collection is for “all ages,” I recommend the book for children in toddlers through third grade. Fourth and fifth graders might not like every image only because they might consider them too babyish. That aside, I recommend choosing Happy Valentine’s Day BOOK OF 31 Cute Cards Plus 6 Teacher Fun Valentine’s Day Cards for your next holiday party! 

 

Heart Rating System:
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Score: 

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