November 2015

I need to purchase another copy of this book, as the one I have is filled with underlined passages, scribbles in the margins and dog-eared pages. This is the sort of book that can change your life – IF you put the principles into action. Fascinating reporting on how to “grow” achievement. I LOVED this book.

A friend at a Harvest Festival recently told me there are no good short horror stories. Now – I tend to avoid horror stories, as I like to look at the world with rose-colored glasses, but if you want to read a book cover to cover in a couple of hours that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, this Classic is worthy of your attention.

I have had the pleasure of watching Jason Hanson speak at a couple of events, and this book captures his amazing self-survival insights he learned as a former CIA agent.

How did I miss this book? It’s a Newbery Honor, for crying out loud! Rarely have I seen a teen book about growing up with a disability treated in such a funny and thoughtful way. Excellent story!

Part of the Amulet series, this book – more than any other – has sold me on my oldest daughter’s fascination with manga. The artwork is beautiful, and the fantasy will hook the most reluctant readers. Make sure to read all of them.

I am a sucker for biographies and anecdotes about famous people, and this book is loaded with interesting tales chronicling famous women from Joan of Arc to Mother Teresa. And don’t worry: they have a boys version called Boys Who Rocked the World.

It is rare that I come across teen literature that can be self-deprecating and funny in an endearing way. Teens will love this book for its quirkiness and ample array of photos, courtesy of the Internet sensation authors.

Parents will hate me for this one, as be prepared for your children to tell you endless knock-knock jokes. I just find it refreshing to see jokes that don’t disgust me with negative and crude language.

Jordan's witty and heart-warming story of a boy's attachment to a pumpkin is a timely Halloween/Thanksgiving story that all elementary school teachers should include in their collection.

This is part of a fun series of two armadillos who have a penchant for Texas history. Perfect book for that aspiring Cliff Clavin in your home that likes to recite interesting and random facts. Good discussion questions are provided in the back of the book for teachers and parents.