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lightbulbheart's reviews
1216 reviews
The Other Side of the River by Alda P. Dobbs
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
This sequel to "Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna" by Alda P. Dobbs continues the story of our heroine as she crosses the border into San Antonio with her Abuelita and siblings, Amelia and Luisito. Will they be reunited with their lost father? At times harrowing, always inspiring, "The Other Side of the River" is a great read for fans of "Esperanza Rising."
Big and Small and In-Between by Carter Higgins, Daniel Miyares
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
Lovely book design!
Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
The Notebook Keeper: A Story of Kindness from the Border by Stephen Briseño
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
5.0
The Katha Chest by Radhiah Chowdhury, Lavanya Naidu
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
When I See Red by Britta Teckentrup
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.25
One Thursday Afternoon by Barbara DiLorenzo
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
NetGalley ARC
Read Aloud? NO (topic suited to one-on-one so the child can ask questions; in-depth conversation)
Tags: trauma, school lockdown, grandparents, mindfulness, art
This is a beautiful book. Barbara DiLorenzo has created an inviting starting place for discussing the after effects of school lockdowns. The illustrations are gentle in both color and depiction. The modeled behavior and emotional availability of the granddad character are helpful for processing mindfulness behaviors and talking with children about our own fears, while recognizing differences in what the child might be experiencing.
Highly Recommended.
Available September 2022.
Read Aloud? NO (topic suited to one-on-one so the child can ask questions; in-depth conversation)
Tags: trauma, school lockdown, grandparents, mindfulness, art
This is a beautiful book. Barbara DiLorenzo has created an inviting starting place for discussing the after effects of school lockdowns. The illustrations are gentle in both color and depiction. The modeled behavior and emotional availability of the granddad character are helpful for processing mindfulness behaviors and talking with children about our own fears, while recognizing differences in what the child might be experiencing.
Highly Recommended.
Available September 2022.
Varenka by Bernadette Watts
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.0
NetGalley ARC
Read-Aloud: NO (best for one-on-one for length)
Tags: war, faith, friendship, kindness
Originally published in 1971, this Russian tale of war, faith, and friendship would be great for individual read-aloud or small group settings. Varenka says early on in the book: "Who will care for the children who wander and get lost in the forest, and who will shelter the animals and feed the birds when winter comes." She stays behind as war encroaches and cares for travelers, children, and animals. Her nightly prayer that God will build a wall around her house to protect them all is finally answered when a large snowfall covers her house and war passes them by.
Read-Aloud: NO (best for one-on-one for length)
Tags: war, faith, friendship, kindness
Originally published in 1971, this Russian tale of war, faith, and friendship would be great for individual read-aloud or small group settings. Varenka says early on in the book: "Who will care for the children who wander and get lost in the forest, and who will shelter the animals and feed the birds when winter comes." She stays behind as war encroaches and cares for travelers, children, and animals. Her nightly prayer that God will build a wall around her house to protect them all is finally answered when a large snowfall covers her house and war passes them by.