4.5 stars. Jack and Annie travel to the prairie and visit a dugout schoolhouse, write with chalk on slate and befriend pioneers. They encounter a twister and have to hide in a storm cellar. This is one of their more exciting and endearing adventures.

A great author can make complex characters come to life even in a short book. Over a long weekend in June, Gail is blindsided by an announcement from her boss, surprised to find her ex-husband on her doorstep with a rescue cat in tow, and confronted by events from her own past on the day of her only child’s wedding. Gail thought she had her life perfectly in control, but is it a happy life?

The sweetest story! This book is a perfect introduction to chapter books for preschoolers. It has colorful illustrations and a humorous and engaging storyline. We love this series!

I liked to read this book and learn about the Titanic and history. And also the pictures were good. I would read it again because it is a good book.

A stand-alone title from Strout’s that takes readers into the past when a newly qualified minister and his young wife move to a small village in Maine. Disaster strikes the minister’s young family, leaving them in turmoil. Rumors spread through the village and the minister’s future seems uncertain. This is an engaging story about community, faith, friendship, love, families, and life.

The book is funny, I like elephants, it is creative.

Evil spy school is a very good book.

This is a lovely book! I was lucky to receive a digital ARC of this graphic novel from NetGalley to review. After loving The Magic Fish, I was eager to read Trung Le Nguyen’s latest, which is set to release in October 2025. The full color illustrations are dreamy, gorgeous feasts for the eyes. After overextending herself, Angelica turns to a place that has captivated her and brought her comfort: the local theater and its upcoming production featuring Per the Bear Prince. This story has a little of everything: family drama and grief, a second chance romance, friendship, and more. While this sophomore book doesn’t feel as deep or impactful as its predecessor, it still gets top marks for me. Young audiences will love it and older readers will appreciate it.

3.75 rounded up. This was not my favorite Magic Treehouse adventure. It felt a bit hokey. My 4yo had a lot of questions about smoking (cultural Native American representation).

3.5 stars. This was a decent YA read that follows 17-year old Madeline in a sort of coming-of-age romance. Her brother is engaged to a woman who Mads fears may not be the right fit. This book is about her family interactions as well as many firsts- dates, kiss, and more. I liked the premise but felt like this book lost its way slightly in the love triangle aspect with potential suitor Connor and Marco. I appreciate that this book was not totally expected and messy at times in a real life sort of way. I listened to an ARC audiobook on NetGalley.