CRRLKids's Completed Shelf
Added Sep 26, 2019
Added Sep 26, 2019
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If you ever wondered what it would be like to go to dragon training school (in this case, storm beast school), Durst's imaginative tale will answer all your questions! Introverted Mina and her lightning beast Pixit aren't exactly a likely pair, but much to everyone's surprise, they take to the skies learning how to control the weather and uncovering a shocking secret about their homeland Alorria. A very sweet, though, at time, slow moving tale, you'll find yourself rooting for this unlikely duo until the very last page.If you ever wondered what it would be like to go to dragon training school (in this case, storm beast school), Durst's imaginative tale will answer all your questions! Introverted Mina and her lightning beast Pixit aren't exactly a likely pair, but…
Added Sep 26, 2019
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This is the fascinating re-imagined story of the Montgolfier Brother's test flight of the first large paper air balloon in France in 1783. Magpie, one of the best thieves in all of France, gets literally swept away by the Brother's attempts at being the first country to get a hot air balloon air bound. What follows is a fascinating read of a highway robbery, a duel, courageous feats, and an unsuspecting crew of animals in this remarkable tale of taking to the skies.This is the fascinating re-imagined story of the Montgolfier Brother's test flight of the first large paper air balloon in France in 1783. Magpie, one of the best thieves in all of France, gets literally swept away by the Brother's attempts at…
Added Sep 26, 2019
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A very heart-warming tale of adventuresome children reminiscent of the Penderwicks or Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place. Lloyd does a magnificent job making these seven mischievous siblings pop off the page, each with their own endearing quirks. Although the rich character development got the story off to a slow start, Lloyd weaves in her characteristic elements of magic and mystery as the siblings search for treasure and uncover family secrets as book one draws to a close.A very heart-warming tale of adventuresome children reminiscent of the Penderwicks or Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place. Lloyd does a magnificent job making these seven mischievous siblings pop off the page, each with their own endearing quirks.…
Added Sep 26, 2019
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A great, spine-tingling sequel to Small Spaces for upper elementary fans of Goosebumps, Spooksville and other scary series. Arden creates a wonderfully chilling atmosphere during a blizzard at the ski resort and reunites three courageous friends on an unexpected mission to understand the real story behind the nightmares that haunt them once they arrive.A great, spine-tingling sequel to Small Spaces for upper elementary fans of Goosebumps, Spooksville and other scary series. Arden creates a wonderfully chilling atmosphere during a blizzard at the ski resort and reunites three courageous friends on…
Added Aug 09, 2019
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Congratulations Fabulous Friday players! The three digit code for your escape room adventure is 5.1.6.
They Lost Their Heads!They Lost Their Heads!, BookWhat Happened to Washington's Teeth, Einstein's Brain, and Other Famous Body Parts
by Beccia, CarlynBook - 2018Book, 2018
Added Oct 31, 2018
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A rather macabre, but highly entertaining read about what happened to some of history's famous body parts! Very short chapters with intriguing side bars make this a great choice for upper elementary age readers hesitant to care about history, but eager to discover the truth behind some infamously tragic endings of famous individuals (think George Washington's teeth and Vincent Van Gogh's vertebrate [and ear]).A rather macabre, but highly entertaining read about what happened to some of history's famous body parts! Very short chapters with intriguing side bars make this a great choice for upper elementary age readers hesitant to care about history, but…
Added Oct 31, 2018
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A very powerful story of two preteen boys, Max and Ahmed, whose lives become intertwined due to unforeseen circumstances - the Brussels terrorist attacks. Marsh does an excellent job illuminating how two young men's lives are gravely impacted by a very contemporary, seemingly adult conflict. The story is very fast moving and a bit reminiscent of a modern-day Anne Frank story or survival and perseverance.A very powerful story of two preteen boys, Max and Ahmed, whose lives become intertwined due to unforeseen circumstances - the Brussels terrorist attacks. Marsh does an excellent job illuminating how two young men's lives are gravely impacted by a…
Added Oct 31, 2018
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A great read for preteen boys looking for adventure and suspense. Sam, a young boy with a boat, discovers another boy, Davey, living in the swamp waiting for his father and brother to come to the rescue. Key does a great job building a believable relationship between these two friends; Davey turns out to be a bit too naive for his own good, but Sam steps in to help out his new friend at first without getting his grown-ups involved.A great read for preteen boys looking for adventure and suspense. Sam, a young boy with a boat, discovers another boy, Davey, living in the swamp waiting for his father and brother to come to the rescue. Key does a great job building a believable…
Added Oct 16, 2018
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A spine-tingling, chilling read, Arden's debut children's novel, Small Spaces, tells a very spooky story of school field trip turned into a Goosebumps-esque nightmare. A mysterious legend discovered by eleven year old Ollie that's locked in a crazy woman's ancient book is beautifully interwoven throughout the story. Spooky characters like the Smiling Man and the animated scarecrows will have younger readers just scared enough to not venture into the woods alone after dark.A spine-tingling, chilling read, Arden's debut children's novel, Small Spaces, tells a very spooky story of school field trip turned into a Goosebumps-esque nightmare. A mysterious legend discovered by eleven year old Ollie that's locked in a crazy…
Added May 25, 2018
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A debut children's book, The Wonderling is a wonderful cross between the gentle innocence of Peter Rabbit tales and the action-packed allure of the Redwall series. Thirteen, a one-eared fox with an acute sense of hearing, is born into a life of drudgery; he and all the other groundlings (small, land dwelling creatures) must endure tedious lessons of servitude from the tyrannical Ms. Carbunkle. Trinket, a bird, befriends Thirteen and bestows upon him the name Arthur, named after the hero from the Arthurian legends whose legacy the one-eared fox must strive to live up to. The illustrations add much to this tender tale of adventure of friendship.A debut children's book, The Wonderling is a wonderful cross between the gentle innocence of Peter Rabbit tales and the action-packed allure of the Redwall series. Thirteen, a one-eared fox with an acute sense of hearing, is born into a life of…
CRRLKids's rating:
Added May 25, 2018
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Another great animal story for upper elementary readers by Katherine Applegate! In typical Applegate fashion, her writing style pulls at your heartstrings as she tells the story of Byx, the last of the Dairne species, whose family is killed while he's away. Together with Wobbyk named Tobble and Khara, a human girl disguised as a boy, Byx unites with his newfound family from other species to seek redemption for the loss of his family.Another great animal story for upper elementary readers by Katherine Applegate! In typical Applegate fashion, her writing style pulls at your heartstrings as she tells the story of Byx, the last of the Dairne species, whose family is killed while…
Added May 25, 2018
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A quick read with just enough detail about Buddhist culture and life in the Himalayas to hook the interest of upper elementary readers. After twelve year old Tash witnesses a man who sets himself on fire in protest of the Chinese government, her parents are imprisoned, forcing her to strike out on her own with a friend and two yaks to seek help from the Dalai Lama. Making tough decisions in the face of political upheaval is a prevalent theme throughout this book that will likely resonate with young readers regarding the current political strife in the news today.A quick read with just enough detail about Buddhist culture and life in the Himalayas to hook the interest of upper elementary readers. After twelve year old Tash witnesses a man who sets himself on fire in protest of the Chinese government, her…
Added May 24, 2018
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Potentially an excellent read for younger fans of Harry Potter, this story weaves together magic and mystery at a camp in the Colorado mountains where Arlo and his scout friends discover there's magic lurking in the woods. Characters are very well developed and there are plenty of magical realism details (thunderclaps, snap lights, and supernatural creatures) to keep the pages turning. Sequel forthcoming.Potentially an excellent read for younger fans of Harry Potter, this story weaves together magic and mystery at a camp in the Colorado mountains where Arlo and his scout friends discover there's magic lurking in the woods. Characters are very well…
Added May 24, 2018
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A perfect blend of historical fiction and sci-fi, this novel blends together Appalachia culture with Bone's special powers. Set in a Virginia coal-mining town in 1942, this story establishes a strong sense of place made more haunting by Bone Phillips' special ability to sense memories just by touch. Using her special powers, Bone tries to uncover what caused her mother's untimely death while also trying to channel her own powers to help other people without harming herself. Very well researched and interspersed with Cherokee tales.A perfect blend of historical fiction and sci-fi, this novel blends together Appalachia culture with Bone's special powers. Set in a Virginia coal-mining town in 1942, this story establishes a strong sense of place made more haunting by Bone…
Added May 24, 2018
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Excellent choice for a child coping with a sibling (or relative) who is battling a fatal illness. Older brother Stanley discovers a finger of a skeleton emerging from the ground in front of a tree in his back yard. Ventrella gently uses the increasing presence of the skeleton in Stanley's life as a symbolic coping mechanism that helps him make sense of his sister's illness. Very relatable characters about a sensitive topic.Excellent choice for a child coping with a sibling (or relative) who is battling a fatal illness. Older brother Stanley discovers a finger of a skeleton emerging from the ground in front of a tree in his back yard. Ventrella gently uses the…
Added Sep 26, 2017
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Danger ensues when Mia and her brother Simon get separated from their father in North Korea. If you're expecting a book that intertwines the history and current climate of Socialist North Korea, this is not the book (although there is a comprehensive history timeline at the beginning). It's more an adventure story of two siblings trying to beat the odds at surviving in a foreign country knowing minimal Korean; at times the plot is a bit slow paced, but the ending is at least a satisfying conclusion.Danger ensues when Mia and her brother Simon get separated from their father in North Korea. If you're expecting a book that intertwines the history and current climate of Socialist North Korea, this is not the book (although there is a…
Added Sep 26, 2017
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This book read a lot like a Titanic survival story, maybe an I Survived read for an older audience. The first half of the book was a bit hard to keep track of as each chapter was narrated by a different character, but as you kept reading, how they connected to one another was made clearer. The second half of the book was a page turning, riveting thriller as each character has to decide whether they could trust one another as tragedy loomed near aboard the ship.This book read a lot like a Titanic survival story, maybe an I Survived read for an older audience. The first half of the book was a bit hard to keep track of as each chapter was narrated by a different character, but as you kept reading, how they…
Added Aug 04, 2017
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A tender read, Rain Reign is a great story for tweens exploring their own identity and exploring how to be themselves without the fear of being ridiculed or shunned for what makes them who they are. Rose's love of homonyms at times seemed like borderline obsession, but finding the right person, in this case her uncle, who encouraged he quirky interest, sparked a lot of self-confidence and enthusiasm to be herself. Also a great read for those with autism or those who would like to learn more about living with autism.A tender read, Rain Reign is a great story for tweens exploring their own identity and exploring how to be themselves without the fear of being ridiculed or shunned for what makes them who they are. Rose's love of homonyms at times seemed like…
Added Aug 04, 2017
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The equivalent to fractured fairy tales for children, this is an original spin on a Disney favorite, that lives up to the challenge of staying true to the Aladdin characters but delves into a refreshing turn of events. Romance and action keep the pages turning.The equivalent to fractured fairy tales for children, this is an original spin on a Disney favorite, that lives up to the challenge of staying true to the Aladdin characters but delves into a refreshing turn of events. Romance and action keep the…
Added Aug 04, 2017
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A perfect read for a child looking for a book with a character with a disability as the protagonist or for young readers to get a first hand perspective on the struggles those with disabilities face everyday. Draper does an excellent job delving deep into the thoughts of Melody, a cerebral palsy young lady, to show that, despite her physical limitations, she has nearly the same dreams and desires as almost any other 5th grade girl. Her determination to prove her intelligence at the 5th grade quiz bowl is empowering, as is her resolution to save her little sister even when all odds are against her, including her ability to talk. Readers will come away with a renewed respect for those unlike themselves and recognize that perhaps we all are more similar than different in the end.A perfect read for a child looking for a book with a character with a disability as the protagonist or for young readers to get a first hand perspective on the struggles those with disabilities face everyday. Draper does an excellent job delving…
Added Aug 04, 2017
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From the opening scene when Jamie learns of his cousin's death for refusing to join the Alpha gang, to the very last page, this action-packed, fast paced read will have you completely drawn into this timely saga of contemporary immigrant hardships and empathizing with the characters' struggles and victories as they attempt to navigate their way from Guatemala and back across the border. Though at times the book can be a bit intense, such as the rail car scenes that nearly parallel the hardships which Jewish Holocaust victims endured on treacherous train rides destined for concentration camps, the sincerity of the characters and how they cope (by drawing their troubles away, for example) will have you cheering them on to a happy ending.From the opening scene when Jamie learns of his cousin's death for refusing to join the Alpha gang, to the very last page, this action-packed, fast paced read will have you completely drawn into this timely saga of contemporary immigrant hardships…
Added Aug 04, 2017
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I've always recommended Laurie Halse Anderson to teens interested in a solid historical fiction read with a bit of mystery and intrigue, and this book is no exception. Isabel is a strong female protagonist who a lot of teens might relate to when it comes to taking risks while still holding strong to their moral compass. Very well developed characters and vivid historical descriptions. The cliffhanger ending will definitely leave you wanting to read Forge, the sequel.I've always recommended Laurie Halse Anderson to teens interested in a solid historical fiction read with a bit of mystery and intrigue, and this book is no exception. Isabel is a strong female protagonist who a lot of teens might relate to when it…
Added Aug 03, 2017
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This book was a surprisingly different approach to a coming of age novel for 4th-5th grade girls. Although the pace of the book was a bit slow through the first half, young readers could really connect with Jinny's feelings and inner turmoil as the book progressed. Growing up on a orphan island and having to make the choice to leave the island or not when the time comes and to deal with the repercussions is parallel to a lot of early adolescent choices young readers might face. Make sure your reader is mature enough to handle discussions of physical adolescent developmental changes. Many questions remain unanswered, so a sequel is a must!This book was a surprisingly different approach to a coming of age novel for 4th-5th grade girls. Although the pace of the book was a bit slow through the first half, young readers could really connect with Jinny's feelings and inner turmoil as the…
Added Dec 01, 2015
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These delightful word problems are presented in three levels from easy to difficult, which gives kids the confidence they need to complete one successfully and try for the next! Fun facts are woven into each problem, which feature kid-friendly topics like animals, sports, and food. These are so interesting that kids don’t realize they’re doing math!These delightful word problems are presented in three levels from easy to difficult, which gives kids the confidence they need to complete one successfully and try for the next! Fun facts are woven into each problem, which feature kid-friendly…
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