LadyD Books: Ages 9-12

Showing posts with label Ages 9-12. Show all posts

Book Review: Bronze and Sunflower

I was so excited to learn that I had won Bronze and Sunflower by Cao Wenxuan from LibraryThing!

About The Book

Sunflower is an only child, and when her father is sent to the rural Cadre School, she has to go with him. Her father is an established artist from the city and finds his new life of physical labor and endless meetings exhausting. Sunflower is lonely and longs to play with the local children in the village across the river. When her father tragically drowns, Sunflower is taken in by the poorest family in the village, a family with a son named Bronze. Until Sunflower joins his family, Bronze was an only child, too, and hasn’t spoken a word since he was traumatized by a terrible fire. Bronze and Sunflower become inseparable, understanding each other as only the closest friends can. Translated from Mandarin, the story meanders gracefully through the challenges that face the family, creating a timeless story of the trials of poverty and the power of love and loyalty to overcome hardship.

Bronze and Sunflower

Book Review

Throughout the 400 pages, words paint pictures of little wooden boats, beautiful sunflower fields, paper lanterns, and so much more. You will meet Bronze, an only child who is mute, along with his mother and father and grandmother. Next, you will be introduced to good little Sunflower who has lost her father in a storm and soon is adopted by Bronze's family who is so poor but extremely kind. This lovely story is sure to warm your heart as you see a special close-knit family endure hardships with locust invasions, sacrifice, and hard work with making woven-reed shoes to sell. I especially like how Sunflower teaches her brother the beautiful world of characters and how Bronze makes a wonderful ice necklace for Sunflower. Discover how life in China can be delicate, fragile and fascinating! I love the book very much. It made me cry... Worth reading!

This is the best Chinese Middle-Grade novel!

5/5 stars! Highly recommend!

Bronze and Sunflower

About The Author

Cao Wenxuan is one of China's most esteemed children's book writers and has won several of China's
important awards for children's literature. Bronze and Sunflower is his first full-length book to be translated into French, Russian, Japanese, and Korean.

Helen Wang studied Chinese at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London and is now
a curator at the British Museum. She has been a translator for more than twenty years. She
lives in London.

Get this beautiful hardcover book, Bronze and Sunflower!

Happy Reading!

Lady D

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

P.S. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Blog Tour and Review: Superluke Faces His Bully

For ages 7-12

How would you like to feel brave and strong?

"Have you ever been bullied? Or maybe you have bullied someone. If you have never been either of these, I’ll bet that you have witnessed someone being bullied.

If we listen to and see bad things, it can make us mean and scared. The things I see and hear are like spiritual food that can change my attitude. God doesn't want His children hurt by bullies.

"SuperLuke Faces His Bully", the second in the GiggleHeart Adventures series, takes us on a journey into the heart of a bully. It then explores how to handle the bully from a Biblical perspective." Giggleheart.com

Super Luke Faces His Bully is a fun loving adventure spoken straight from the heart of a super-sweet eight-year-old bully victim, Luke Giggleheart. The Word of God is used as a lens to examine some of the issues that can make a person act like either a bully or a victim. During this adventure, Luke, our tender-hearted bully victim, learns about fear, being courageous and getting adults to help, while praying for his enemies.

http://www.pumpupyourbook.com

Dr. Jackie C. Cogswell

Dr. Jackie Chirco Cogswell is a family physician, wife, mother, former school teacher, and author of a series of Christian children’s novels, the GiggleHeart™ Adventure Series. As a Christian mother, the issue of bullying became personal to her when her son was bullied at school. Through the many struggles her son had with bullies, Dr. Jackie learned from firsthand experience how to tackle bullying from a Biblical perspective. “Super Luke Faces His Bully” was inspired by her son’s personal struggle and the good Lord Who equips us for every battle and gives us strength.”

Excerpt:

"That day, my bully left me with a humongous problem. Ever since I was two years old I wanted to be a superhero. In fact, I used to stand in front of the mirror in my diaper, squeezing my muscles hoping they would someday be strong enough to turn me into a real super dude. Now that I have strong muscles and a cool cape, I love playing Super Luke and saving my friends and family from big bad bullies. But after getting stuffed into my locker, I know that it takes a lot more than a good looking cape, a superhero name and big muscles to make me strong and brave! Learning how to be a real superhero is a major growing pain." -- Page 13

My Review

I give kudos to Dr. Jackie C. Cogswell for writing a subject that is so relevant for today and greatly needed to assist young people. When I picked up this book, I was expecting a story more like the last one. Then I kept reading and soon discovered that this was over the top! The author did an excellent job; another beautiful book from Jackie. Valuable websites listed in the end notes for more information on bullying.

I enjoyed the character of Luke Michael Giggleheart, a sweet and shy 8-year-old boy and his friend Mario Martinez. Luke is not too sure how to handle the school bully Harry Jones, also known as Bulldog Jones, who is a mean 10-year-old.

The story begins with Luke experiencing one of his biggest fears, being stuffed inside a school locker by the local bully. Along the way, Luke meets a lion, a tiger and an angel with much excitement from dreams to pictures in his head, like a TV screen, where everything gets recorded. Then one day Luke becomes very brave and strong; finding his identity, purpose and value in Jesus.

This is a great book with a wonderful message, teaching on repentance and grace, connecting with God's heart, and having joy. I will be adding it to my "favorites." I highly recommend this one to all kids who have had an encounter with a bully at school, on the bus or in your neighborhood. Learn what the Bible says about fear, lying, attitudes and bullies in a super-fun and giggly way!

***** stars!

You may be interested in reading my review of the author's first book, A Heart Ready to Fly! (GiggleHeart #1)

Giveaway!

Dr. Jackie C. Cogswell will be giving one lucky winner a print copy of Super Luke Faces His Bully as well as a print copy of A Heart Ready to Fly! To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter form below. U.S. addresses only, please. Giveaway Form

Thanks Cheryl Malandrinos for the opportunity to review this very cool book.

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

The Kelmar Trilogy


The final installment in the Kelmar Trilogy

The Friday 56

(Host Freda's Voice)

" As Carmen walked back through the thinning crowds out in the streets of Pyramid City, she felt a horrible sense of doom creeping over her... Her mind was racing with uncertain thoughts as she silently predicted how Kelmar would change under Maidak Kalvaro's rule-no matter how it lasted."

-- The Master of Kelmar by Laura Sepesi

Follow My Book Blog Friday

(Host Beck Valley Books)

Q. What book that hasn't been turned into a movie (yet) would you most like to see make it to the big screen, and who would you like cast as your favorite character?

A. I would definitely like to see the trilogy penned by Laura Sepesi on the big screen. I am amazed and impressed at her writing skills and story content for a brilliant young author!

The screen play would be action packed with great visual props for the fantasy world, better than Star Wars and Batman. It could be spectacular! Have you read the series?

I think I would choose between Jane Seymour, Anjelina Jolie and Meryl Streep.

Book 1: The Guardian of Kelmar.

Book-review-guardian-of-kelmar

Book 2: The Secrets of Kelmar.

Book-review-secrets-of-kelmar

Book 3. The Master of Kelmar.

Here is my SkyWatch Friday post:
http://ladyd-books.blogspot.com/2011/09/skywatch-friday-acrostics.html

Happy Friday! What are you reading?

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

From Head to Toe

From Head to Toe by Janice Weaver

This is a playful history of fashion for ages 9-12.

Opening Line

From Chapter One: The Naked Truth

"We have been using our clothes - and even our own skin and hair - to express ourselves as long as we have been walking this earth."

Page 56

From The Chapter: Tattoo You

"Tattooing is one of the oldest forms of body art. People have been doing it since at least 8000 B.C., so it was not a great surprise that Otzi was decorated in this way. But scientists couldn't agree on what his tattoos - more than fifty different lines and crosses - meant. Were they tribal markings, proof that he belonged to one group of people and not another? Did they have religious significance and were perhaps evidence that he was killed as part of a ceremonial ritual? Or, the most intriguing possibility of all, were they the marks of an ancient acupuncture treatment for arthritis, a practice scientists had thought originated in China only two or three thousand years ago?

For now, the debate over the significance of Otzi's tattoos rages on. But the different theories do highlights some of the many reasons people choose - or are forced - to mark themselves in this way. tattoos are probably most commonly used to celebrate a rite of passage - from childhood to adulthood, for example. But they can also be a sign of membership in a group or a symbol of social undesirability. A tattoo can express religious beliefs, patriotic feelings, or love and devotion. It may even have medicinal significance or be viewed as a mark of beauty."

More Children's Books About Clothes

Around the world look at clothing,
from parkas to sarongs.

Colorful images and lively text reveal that clothing is both functional and decorative and describe how styles of dress have changed around the world and through time.

One of my favorite books. Beautifully designed, well written and thoroughly researched. It is full of fascinating photographs and history.

Usually, I just quote a sentence from the page but the subject of tattoos was intriguing to read about. I've played the keyboard at a biker church before, so I've seen full sleeve tattoos as the biker's ride up on their motorcycles. I see body art everywhere. I wanted to ask... Do you have a tattoo? I do not because, well I just don't want it to hurt! lol

The Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice

TODAYS QUESTION IS Q. Do you have a favorite series that you read over and over again? Tell us a bit about it and why you keep on revisiting it? My Answer is "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series because the writing is heartfelt and many of the stories move me to tears or cause me to laugh out loud and I like that! LadyD Books is participating in today's events:

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Friday 56: Morgy's Musical Summer

Ages 9-12

I have such fond memories of going to a music camp when I was younger and winning a musical scholarship. The black and white illustrations are full of action and expression. This very cool chapter book introduces the reader in the world of music. Kids playing in band or orchestra will be thrilled to recognize the various instruments, the songs and their composers, as well as the many musical terms. I love the 5*book.

Page 56:

"I'm just saying I hear this story a lot, usually after chili night."

Morgy's Musical Summer by Maggie Lewis and illustrated by Michael Chesworth

About the Book - 3rd book
(Ms. Lewis' first two Morgy titles, MORGY COAST TO COAST, and MORGY MAKES HIS MOVE).

Morgy thinks Outlook Music camp is a long way to go to get good at the trumpet. It's almost in Canada! But Colonel Profundo gave him a "promising beginner" scholarship. His friends, Byron and Clara, are coming, too.

Dad says, "It's summer camp and you'll love it." Dad's right, but he doesn't know the half of it. There's canoeing, swimming, soccer, and wild games of musical chairs. But there's also Damien, oboe prodigy and bully. And Byron and Clara are in band,
while Morgy's stuck in orchestra, playing a solo.

What is Morgy supposed to do if he can barely read music; he misses his dog, Dante, and his cat, Pancake; his best friend is in love with their trumpet teacher; and he sees soldiers in three-cornered hats sneaking through the camp at night?

Keep practicing, of course! Maggie Lewis's Morgy's Musical Summer is a camp novel to write home about.

Rules:
Grab a book, any book.
Turn to page 56.
Find any sentence that grabs you.
Post it.
Add the post url, not your blog url @ Freda's Voice

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

SkyWatch Friday: Bye Bye Birdie

If at first...

You don't succeed,

Try,

Try Again!

There was a lady on the pier feeding the birds with leftover fish bait. I pointed my camera up towards the wild blue sky, and missed and missed these flying images... until they landed!

Ages 4-8

Ages 9-12

Ages 4-8

Do you have a favorite book about birds? Oh, how I love them.

Stop by and visit these other SkyWatchers:
http://skyley.blogspot.com/

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Bad Kitty Gets a Bath

Cover of Bad Kitty
From the series of children's books "Bad Kitty" written by Nick Bruel, emerges a hilarious book full of black and white cartoon illustrations and very funny text, in Bad Kitty Gets a Back, for ages 9-12.

Page 56: "Uh-oh."

This has got to be my all-time shortest sentence in playing along with this fun Friday 56 meme!

Previously, this is what the children (3rd-5th grade) have finished reading, so cute!

" The first lesson that all cat owners must learn is that CATS HATE BATHS. For your own safety, please repeat this to yourself four thousand eight hundred ninety-three times."

Nick Bruel is the author and illustrator of, among other books, Bad Kitty, Poor Puppy, Bad Kitty Gets a Bath, Happy Birthday, Bad Kitty, and Bad Kitty vs. Uncle Murray. A former bookseller, Nick used his quirky sense of humor and cartooning skills to get out from behind the bookstore counter and onto the shelves. But Nick was a born writer. When he was in first grade, he loved nothing more than to write stories and make drawings to go along with them, which he still does to this day. Nick lives with his wife Carina, daughter Isabel, and cat Esmerelda in Tarrytown, New York. During his down time, he collects PEZ dispensers and grows tomatoes in the backyard.

LadyD Books is participating in The Friday 56.

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56.
*Find any sentence that grabs you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url)
It's that simple.

Do you have a cat? If so, have you tried to give your kitty a bath?
I wondered if you were familiar with this series. I'm new to it and found it very refreshing to read aloud.

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

The Friday 56: The Fledgling

Image via Wikipedia

From the Inside Flap

"It all started when Georgie, hardly more than a wisp of thistledown, discovered she could jump down twelve steps in two big graceful bounds. Next, to her great delight, she learned that jumping from the porch and floating as high as the rooftop was possible too. So when the mysterious Canada goose came to her window one night it seemed only natural to climb onto his back and go off with him to learn how to really fly.

The Fledgling (Hall Family Chronicles, Book 4) (See all Teen Science Fiction Books)

Jane Langton spins a marvelous fantasy that wild delight all who dream that someday, somehow, we will magically find ourselves aloft and suddenly able to fly!"

LadyD Books is participating in The Friday 56

Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56.
*Find any sentence that grabs you.
*Post it.
*Add your link to The Friday 56

Here's mine:

"So you see, Ralph, we must get together and talk. There are things that must be done. Who knows where such a piece of good fortune might lead? Having been vouchsafed the witnessing of this miracle, I have a responsibility to myself and what's more, dear Ralph, just think of it, TO THE WORLD AT LARGE."

From The Fledgling by Jane Langton

Stop by and visit Friendly Friday
Have a fun Father's Day weekend!

-- LadyD