Reading Level: Elementary

Is It Real? The Loch Ness Monster

Nestled in the lush green hills of the Scottish Highlands lies Loch Ness, a deep, murky lake with a storied history. It is also the home of the Loch Ness Monster. Numerous stories and photographs by people claiming to have spotted the mysterious monster have surfaced, often gaining immediate fame. But after decades of countless expeditions, documentaries, firsthand accounts, pictures, and videos, the mystery of Nessie continues to haunt us. 

Now, Sibert Award-winning author Candace Fleming invites you to become a detective and join the race to uncover the truth. You’ll learn how real-life detectives and scientists conduct their investigations to solve the greatest mysteries as the principles of the Scientific Method and more tools for boosting critical thinking and analysis are introduced. You will consider the evidence, see if you can tell the difference between fact and fiction, and maybe you can answer this age-old question about the Loch Ness monster: Is it real? 

Is it Real? The Loch Ness Monster instantly engages readers by putting them into the narrative, saying, “You are an investigator for the Black Swan Scientific Investigation (BSSI) team. Your job is to unravel—if you can—the natural world’s greatest mysteries.” Readers will delve into the case files, which include witness statements, expert accounts, media reports, pertinent documents, and other relevant information. Each piece of evidence is broken down into clear sections, often accompanied by graphics, photographs, and illustrations to aid readers in understanding the text. For example, one witness report is similar to a scene in the silent movie The Lost World. A still photograph from the movie allows readers to see how the Loch Ness Monster resembles the prehistoric creature depicted in the film. 

When new information is presented, Fleming expertly guides readers through the thought process, enabling them to determine whether they believe the evidence. For example, readers will learn the difference between direct evidence and circumstantial evidence. A sample case undergoes detailed analysis, illustrating how the evidence can be interpreted in various ways. Throughout it all, readers must use critical analysis skills. Readers are reminded that, “[Evidence] seems far-fetched, but as an investigator, you follow every lead. You don’t decide if something is true or not until you have all the facts. You never make assumptions.”  

While the book presents real evidence about the Loch Ness Monster sightings, it also includes scientific facts that help readers understand and process the information. For example, some may accuse a witness of lying to gain attention. However, using a photograph that some believe is of the Loch Ness Monster, Fleming explains how the human brain sees significant things in random images. By using the actual photograph of the monster, readers can see how the cropped, blurry picture of another photograph could be the monster, a log, or something entirely different.  

One of the best parts of Is it Real? The Loch Ness Monster is that Fleming presents and explains the evidence without adding her opinions. Instead, the information is presented in an unbiased manner, allowing readers to interpret the evidence independently. The text also defines words and concepts, making the book easy to read. Some of the skills readers will learn include: 1) how to gather evidence, 2) how to determine if a person is a credible witness, 3) how to analyze photographs, 4) how to compare a reporter’s notes to a news article, 5) how to ask good questions, and 6) how to spot a lie. 

In today’s world, the media frequently attempts to manipulate people by employing fake news, emotional appeals, and other deceptive tactics. Today’s children need to develop media literacy and critical thinking skills that will help them make informed decisions and become responsible adults. Is it Real? The Loch Ness Monster is a must-read because it teaches readers how to analyze every side of a story and then make their own decision on whether the Loch Ness Monster is real. Readers who want to learn even more about the Loch Ness Monster should also read Behind the Legend: The Loch Ness Monster by Erin Peabody. Readers can fall into the world of other mythological creatures by reading The Unicorn Rescue Society by Adam Gidwitz.  

Sexual Content  

  • None

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Cork & Fuzz: Spring Cleaning

Spring has arrived, and for Cork the muskrat, that means one thing: cleaning! Cork and Fuzz: Spring Cleaning tells the story of two best friends with very different attitudes towards tidiness. While Cork is eager to organize and prepare for the new season, Fuzz the possum would rather stay in his nook and nap. Through their disagreement, young readers learn about compromise, communication, and the value of friendship.  

Written in third person, readers get to see both characters’ perspectives as they work to clean Cork’s yard. Cork is organized and motivated, immediately laying out a plan to pick up twigs and branches in his yard. In contrast, Fuzz is easily distracted, finding more joy in searching for stones and taking restful breaks. Their opposing personalities create tension, especially when Cork becomes frustrated and begins ordering Fuzz around. When Fuzz responds, “You are not the boss of me,” readers see how quickly small disagreements can grow into hurt feelings. This conflict helps children recognize the importance of expressing emotions and listening to others.   

As the story progresses, both characters reflect on their behavior. Cork realizes that he was being too bossy. He brings Fuzz a bag of potato chips as a peace offering and says, “I apologize for being bossy.” Fuzz accepts this apology, and the two friends share the snack together in Fuzz’s den, made from the very twigs Cork wants to clean up. This resolution reinforces themes of accountability and forgiveness, showing young readers how friendships can grow stronger after honest conversations.  

Cork and Fuzz: Spring Cleaning is designed for emerging readers. An introductory page addressed to parents and educators explains that the story supports children who are beginning to read multisyllable and compound words. It also helps young readers identify important story elements such as setting, characters, problems, and solutions. Divided into four short chapters, each page contains simple sentences that range from three to fourteen lines, making the book accessible to children transitioning from picture books to early chapter books.   

Colorful illustrations appear on every page, bringing Cork and Fuzz’s woodland environment to life. Readers can see Cork carefully raking leaves with a stick-made tool while Fuzz yawns and sleeps in his twig den. These visuals support readers’ comprehension and convey the characters’ emotions, helping young readers connect with the story.   

Cork and Fuzz: Spring Cleaning is a charming and engaging read for early readers. Through relatable characters and lessons about cooperation, the story encourages children to communicate openly, take responsibility for their actions, and value their friendships. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language    

  • None

Supernatural  

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

by Madeline Hettrick 

The Curse of the Mummy: Uncovering Tutankhamun’s Tomb

During the reign of the New Kingdom of Egypt, the boy pharaoh Tutankhamun ruled and died tragically young. In order to send him on his way into the afterlife, his tomb was filled with every treasure he would need after death. And then it was lost to time, buried in the sands of the Valley of Kings. His tomb was said to be cursed. 

Centuries later, as Egyptomania gripped Europe, two Brits—a rich earl with a habit for gambling and a disreputable, determined archaeologist—worked for years to rediscover and open Tutankhamun’s tomb. But once it was uncovered, would ancient powers take their revenge for disturbing and even looting the pharaoh’s resting place? What else could explain the mysterious illnesses, accidents, and deaths that began once it was found? 

When most people think about Egypt, they think about the pyramids, and the mummies hidden within them. However, very few consider how the political and social context of the 1900s enabled wealthy British aristocrats to plunder Egypt’s treasures. Among the wealthy who were allowed to excavate in the Valley of Kings was Lord Carnarvon, who had no experience in archaeology and lacked the knowledge to dig scientifically. To help him find treasure, Lord Carnarvon hired archaeologist Howard Carter, who meticulously recorded every aspect of his excavations. Many of the photographs taken of King Tutankhamun’s burial chamber are included in the book, allowing readers to experience the excitement of discovering the boy king’s treasures.  

The Curse of the Mummy conveys the British lack of respect for Egyptian people and culture. For example, Howard Carter understood the importance of each precious item that was placed on King Tutankhamun’s body. However, Howard Carter and Dr. Douglas Derry “pawed through the mummy’s thirteen layers of wrapping,” plundering every item of value. To make matters worse, “the team could not remove all the jewelry. So they cut off its arms in order to slide off the bracelets. They cut the torso in half, too, and sawed off the head, before using a chisel and hammer to gouge out each body piece.” After reading about King Tutankhamun’s treatment, readers can understand why some believed in the mummy’s curse. 

Even though The Curse of the Mummy is packed with information, the text is broken into manageable pieces. To help readers visualize the events, the book includes large pictures from Tutankhamun’s burial chamber, as well as photographs and artwork that appear every two to nine pages. In addition, at the end of each chapter is a short segment about some of the deaths and misfortunes that were attributed to the mummy’s curse. For example, Lord Carnarvon’s personal secretary, Richard Bethell, was at the opening of Tutankhamun’s burial and was found dead seven years later. The cause of death was unknown. “Police were baffled, but those who believed in the curse weren’t. They knew the cause of death.” However, at the end of the book, Fleming debunks the curse by explaining the lack of scientific evidence to support the notion that the curse is real. Fleming explains, “Science and logic have shown there is no such thing as the mummy’s curse. It is nothing but a knot of rumors and superstitions.” 

As part of the True Stories in Focus Series, The Curse of the Mummy is specifically written for a middle school and high school audience, utilizing rigorous research to provide accurate and compelling content for young readers. The True Stories in Focus Series emphasizes sharing true stories and focusing on real individuals and their authentic experiences. These books aim to help young people understand the world, develop critical thinking skills, and connect historical events to the present. 

Anyone interested in ancient Egypt should read The Curse of the Mummy. Fleming includes fascinating facts and photographs that allow readers to step into King Tutankhamun’s tomb and see its grandeur. While Fleming doesn’t demonize the British, readers will be exposed to the harsh realities of the time period, a time when Britain looked down upon anyone who wasn’t an aristocrat, including the Egyptians and archaeologist Howard Carter. While The Curse of the Mummy takes a deep dive into the archaeological excavation of King Tutankhamun’s tomb, there is very little information about the boy king himself. 

However, readers can learn more about King Tutankhamun by watching National Geographic’s documentary “King Tut’s Treasures: Hidden Secrets Rediscovered.” Readers interested in learning more about Egyptian culture should also read The Curse of King Tut’s Mummy by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld and See-Through Mummies by John Malam. Readers who want to explore ancient Egypt through fiction should grab a copy of The Boy Who Could Draw by Scott Peters or the TombQuest Series by Michael Northrop. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Sections explain the myths behind the curse of King Tutankhamun. During excavation, Lord Carnarvon, a wealthy British aristocrat, found a mummified cat. Afterwards, “One of his servants had been stung by a scorpion. . . Delirious from the insect’s poison, he claimed a large gray cat was chasing him.”  
  • Some thought London’s British Museum was under a mummy’s curse. The cursed item was “the coffin lid of a priestess of Amen-Ra. According to newspaper accounts, anyone who gazed upon the object felt its unseen force.”  
  • Five treasure hunters bought the coffin lid, and Arthur F. Wheeler took ownership of it. Three days after getting the coffin lid, one of the treasure hunters, Thomas Douglas Murray, had an accident. “His gun exploded for no reason, blowing off his left hand.”  
  • Arthur F. Wheeler received a “telegram telling him that two of his servants had unexpectedly died.” Wheeler gave the coffin lid to his fiancée. “She soon came down with a mysterious ailment. Then her mother suddenly died, and her pets went insane.” More suspicious events followed the coffin, which are explained over three pages. 
  • Lord Carnarvon’s guests believed that “The cat was angry for being disturbed.” This idea was reinforced when the cat’s coffin had fallen open, and the cat’s bandages, “had been ripped open around the neck as if the spirit of the dead feline had burst out of them.” 
  • Howard Carter was put in charge of caring for the monuments of Upper Egypt. One evening, “a group of drunken French tourists forced their way into a site after attacking the Egyptian guards. Carter told the guards to fight back. The result was a rowdy brawl that left men on both sides with black eyes and bloody noses.”  
  • To maintain control over the Egyptians, the British did not permit protests. “In one instance, after a handful of Egyptian villagers pelted a group of British soldiers with rocks, authorities rushed in. They arrested fifty-two of the villagers. . . Four rock throwing villagers got the death penalty, two went to jail for life, and the remaining received forty lashes with the whip.” 
  • After World War I, the Egyptians sought to expel the British. The Egyptians organized protests and strikes. “At first, the British had responded with their usual harshness—suppressing demonstrations and killing hundreds of protestors.”  
  • A terrorist shot the British commander of the Egyptian Army. The British used this as an excuse to “seize control of the country. 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • Some believe priests would put poison in the tombs. “Maybe they’d drench the mummy’s bandages in cyanide made from peach pits, or laced tomb objects with scorpion venom.” Despite the speculation, “archaeologists have found little or no evidence of poison placed in tombs.” 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • According to some, Tutankhamun’s mummy was cursed when the “high priest carried out mysterious rituals. As specified by The Book of the Dead, they had summoned protective demons and placed charms in the tomb’s walls. They had recited spells and prayers.” 
  • Some people said that “the curse was carved above the tomb’s entrance and read: Death will Slay with its wings / Whoever disrupts the peace of the pharaoh.”  
  • Others said the curse was written on the sarcophagus: “O anyone who enters this tomb, / who will make evil against this tomb: May the crocodile be against him on water, / and the snake against him on land.” 
  • Others said the curse was written on a magic brick. The curse read: “It is I who drives back robbers from the tomb with flames of the desert. / I am the protector of Tutankhamun’s grave, / and I will kill all those who cross this threshold.” 
  • Many deaths were blamed on the mummy’s curse. The book has a large number of events that could be attributed to the curse. Therefore, not all of the deaths are listed below. The first person to die of the curse was Lord Carnarvon. A mosquito bite led to an infection that killed Lord Carnarvon. Towards the end, “delirious, he muttered over and over, ‘A bird is scratching my face. A bird is scratching my face.’” Some believe Lord Carnarvon’s death was caused by the curse of the mummy. 
  • The curse of the mummy struck George Jay Gould, a wealthy American, who toured King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Almost immediately afterward, he fell sick with a fever and a cough. “As the dying man struggled for breath, he claimed to be surrounded by the ‘spirits of the pharaohs,’ and that Anubis, the Egyptian god of mummification and the afterlife, ‘drew the last breath out of him.’” 
  • A wealthy man named Ali Kamel Fahmy Bey visited the tomb and joked about the curse. “Just months after his visit, on July 11, 1923, his wife of six months shot him in their London hotel room. . . Hours later he died.” 
  • Howard Carter brought a pet bird to Egypt. Some believed the bird brought Carter luck. However, when Carter opened King Tutankhamun’s tomb for the first time, a servant “brought news of a tragedy. A cobra had slipped into Carter’s house” and ate the bird.  
  • Lord Carnarvon was receiving advice from a psychic. “Carnarvon was getting advice from beyond the grave. Or so he believed.” Lord Carnarvon believed the psychic was passing on “ghostly communications.”  
  • Cheiro, a psychic, told reporters that the night King Tutankhamun’s tomb was opened, “a shadowy form was taking shape. Slowly, it materialized into the ghost of a beautiful woman.” Cheiro believed it was the ghost of an Egyptian princess, who wanted Cheiro to warn Lord Carnarvon “not to remove any relics from the cursed tomb. If he did, he would suffer from a swift and terrible sickness that would kill him.” The scene is described over two pages. 

Spiritual Content  

  • The Egyptians believed in many Gods, which are mentioned in the book. For example, a collector had a statue of “Sekhmet, the lion-headed goddess who tore men to pieces at the request of the sun.”  
  • The Egyptians believed the resting place of mummies was “crucial. Egyptians believed a tomb was an important symbol of continuity, of eternity, of a ruler passing from the living world to that of the gods. For this reason, it was important that a king’s body not be disturbed after it had been laid to rest.” 
  • Before Tutankhamun became king, the Egyptians believed “the gods had turned their backs on the land. . . But Tutankhamun had stepped forward to rebuild the temples and sanctuaries. He’d offered nourishing foods to the deities.” The Egyptians praised Tutankhamun for “restoring the traditional religion of the land. . .” 
  • During mummification, the heart was left in the body because “it was believed the heart was the ‘seat of the mind,’ and that the god Osiris would judge it against a ma’at feather, the symbol of truth and rightness.” 
  • One of the death rituals performed was the Opening of the Mouth. “Using what the Egyptians believed was a magical adze, [a high-ranking official] touched the mummy’s face mask. This, it was believed, allowed the dead king to breathe, walk, and talk in the afterlife.” 
  • During the early 1990s, Spiritualism was practiced all over Europe and the United States. Lord Carnarvon had “been hiring clairvoyants and holding séances at his estate. He also employed palmists to read his palm, and fortune-tellers to glean his future from the depths of their crystal balls.” 
  • During one of Lord Carnarvon’s séances, the psychic medium’s “face convulsed. Her eyes rolled back and she turned white as a corpse. Her lips worked spastically. . . then, in a guttural voice not her own, she spoke.” The psychic spoke in Coptic, “a type of language descended from the ancient Egyptians.” 
  • Howard Carter unwrapped King Tutankhamun’s mummy. “A pair of golden hands, sewn to the wrappings, held a crook and flail. And across its chest lay a large golden bird, its wings spread wide as if in flight. The ancient Egyptians believed that at death the spirit flew free, but that it returned to the body when it was ready to enjoy eternal life. . . [The body] needed to be perfectly preserved so the spirit would recognize it when it returned to the tomb.” 
  • A wishing cup found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb was inscribed with a prayer: “May your spirit live, may you spend millions of years, you who love Thebes, sitting with your face to the north wind, your eyes beholding happiness.” 

Journey of the Pale Bear

The polar bear is a royal bear, a gift from the King of Norway to the King of England. The first time Arthur encounters the bear, she terrifies him. Yet, strangely, she doesn’t harm him—though she has attacked anyone else who comes near. So, Arthur finds himself taking care of a polar bear on a ship to England. 

Tasked with feeding and cleaning up after the bear, Arthur’s fears slowly lessen as he begins to feel a connection to this bear, who, like him, has been cut off from her family. But the journey holds many dangers, and Arthur knows his own freedom—perhaps even his life—depends on keeping the bear from harm. When pirates attack, Arthur must make a choice—does he do everything he can to save himself, or does he help the bear to find freedom? 

Told from Arthur’s point of view, Journey of the Pale Bear takes readers on an exciting adventure that forces Arthur to decide what is most important in life. When Arthur runs away from home, he plans to travel to Wales, where he will be given his father’s land. However, with no food or money, Arthur steals from a sailor. This action leads to Arthur meeting the doctor, who notices the boy’s special connection with the bear. While on a ship heading towards England, Arthur must contend with the sailor’s cruel behavior as well as his own fears and insecurities. 

Even though the primary story focuses on Arthur’s relationship with the bear, many readers will still relate to the boy’s problems. Arthur misses his dead father, deals with bullying from multiple people, and hopes for a better future. Throughout the story, readers will come to love the bear and admire Arthur’s devotion. With every hardship, Arthur learns more about friendship, found family, and sacrifice, while showing the importance of following your heart. 

Journey of the Pale Bear features many tense, exciting scenes interspersed with Arthur’s thoughts, which allows readers to understand his emotions and reasoning. However, Arthur’s inner thoughts and lengthy descriptions sometimes slow the pacing. Additionally, some readers may be confused by the book’s advanced vocabulary, such as scrim, converged, rouse, and potentate. Nevertheless, the story does an excellent job of showing what life was like in the 1200s and knowing that it is based on true events makes it even more interesting. 

Throughout his journey, Arthur meets several interesting people, including sailors, the doctor, and the English King. However, none of the supporting characters are well-developed. At the beginning of the story, the doctor promises to care for Arthur throughout the journey. Even though the doctor is an important character who shows how essential the father-son relationship is, he doesn’t appear enough for readers to get a picture of his relationship with Arthur. When the doctor offers to care for Arthur, teach him a trade, and give the boy stability, the moment lacks emotional impact. Likewise, when one of the sailors apologizes for mistreating Arthur, the reasons for his apology are unclear, leaving the reader confused. 

Journey of the Pale Bear will appeal to strong readers who love animals and adventure. Arthur is a likable character who is admirable because of his dedication to the bear. This coming-of-age story illustrates how everyone—Arthur, the bear, and the King of England—can never be truly free. However, the heartwarming conclusion highlights that friendship and love create the moments that make life wonderful. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • After stealing food from a sailor named Hauk, Arthur runs off. Hauk and his friend follow Arthur. Hauk grabs the boy and Arthur “kick[s] Hauk’s shin—twice—but then he belly-punched me, and I doubled over from the pain.” 
  • After stealing food, Arthur wonders what will happen. Would a constabulary “put me in the stocks? Blind me in one eye? Draw and quarter me?”  
  • A man takes Arthur to a tavern where “the drink had had its effect, for now there was singing, there was dancing, there was stomping. . .” Two men were fighting, “biting, poking at eyes, grabbing for hair and ears.” 
  • When a sailor named Hauk calls Arthur “Dung Boy,” Arthur “put down my head like a bull and plowed into Hauk’s belly. . . he staggered backward. I laid about him with fist and foot, and felt a satisfying thump as one fist landed squarely on his ribs and then another. . . I fell upon him again, kicking and swinging, but now his hand was on my face.” Another sailor breaks up the fight, but not before “a river of blood was gushing down my chin.” Arthur’s eye is swollen shut, he has cuts on his lip and cheeks, and bruised ribs. 
  • Pirates attack the ship that Arthur is on. One of the pirates captures Arthur and demands to see the king’s treasure, not knowing that it is a bear.  “A flash of steel—and then the bear was upon him. The man spat out a curse; then his body rose into the air and seemed to hang there in the thinning fog before it plummeted to the boards and bounced with a sickening thud.” Two men try to stop the bear, “but then a slash of the bear’s great claws had both of them on their backs and one of them spurting blood.” Someone shoots the bear with arrows.  
  • After pirates attack, Arthur sees a “body still and broken-looking, lying in a pool of blood. Not far from him lay two other bodies; I saw bloody claw marks where one man’s tunic had been torn.” It is unclear how many people die.  
  • After calling Arthur “Dung Boy,” Hauk pushes Arthur into him. “I was on top of him, raising my fist to cuff him hard. He cried out and covered his head with his arms. I checked my punch and flung myself at Hauk, tackling him about the knees.” Hauk grabs a knife, but another sailor breaks up the fight. 
  • A group of villagers shoots arrows at the bear. One of the arrows hits Arthur’s ear. “I touched a finger to my wounded ear. It came away wet. . . A hand’s length to the left, and I would have been dead.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • Several times, Arthur goes to a tavern where men are drinking.  
  • When the bear is injured, the doctor puts sleeping herbs in fish.  

Language  

  • A captain of a ship calls Arthur a “rapscallion,” a “little scoundrel,” a “little weasel,” and a “useless boy.” 
  • A sailor calls Arthur a “clumsy oaf.” 
  • Because Arthur has to clean the bear’s cage, two of the sailors call him “Dung Boy.” 
  • Sailors load the bear onto a ship, but they are not careful. The doctor says, “Fools. She’s a living creature, not a tun of ale.” 
  • The captain calls the bear a “blasted beast.”  
  • After being given to the king, the bear refuses to eat. Arthur tells the bear, “Don’t be a dunderhead—eat!”  

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • After going days without eating, Arthur steals food from a tavern. He runs off “praying that the sailors behind me would be too lazy or too drunk to follow.” 
  • After agreeing to take the bear to England, the captain says, “God only knows what that creature will do in heavy seas. God only knows if the boy will be able to soothe it then.” 
  • After pirates attack, Arthur sees a sailor lying on the ground and wonders if he’s dead. “I could feel him breathing beneath me, praise be to God.” 
  • Before presenting the bear to the king, Arthur has to change his clothes in front of “God and everyone.”  
  • A man tells Arthur to tell “God’s truth,” meaning not to lie. 

Ready to Wear

Zoey Webber is a creative, inventive, and fearless middle schooler whose world shifts when she receives a summer letter announcing that her school will no longer require uniforms. What begins as an exciting shopping trip with her best friends to find back-to-school outfits quickly turns frustrating when Zoey cannot find anything that truly matches her style. Encouraged by her friends, she decides to learn how to sew her own clothes, designing imaginative outfits and sharing them on her blog. Before long, her blog takes off. Soon, Zoey is given the chance to design and sew a dress for her school’s fashion show fundraiser. But just as the opportunity feels within reach, the unthinkable happens, and everything falls apart. Can Zoey rise above the setback and turn disappointment into opportunity? 

Ready to Wear is the first in a series featuring the young protagonist, Zoey, a true DIY fashionista navigating school life, friendships, creative expression, and the early days of social media. “What if I were a designer someday?” she often daydreams. Written twelve years ago, the story reflects a time when blogging was central, before platforms like Instagram reshaped how teens share creativity online. The tools may have changed, but the core themes of creativity, ambition, and finding your voice are timeless. 

Ready to Wear unfolds with a steady, engaging narrative that introduces a rich network of positive role models in Zoey’s life, including the lasting influence of her mother, who passed away when Zoey was young. A talented seamstress and artistic spirit, her mother’s creativity lives on through the clothing she left behind, which continues to inspire Zoey. Alongside this quiet legacy, Zoey is supported by Aunt Lulu and her immediate family, her two best friends, and her best friend’s mom, Mrs. Mackey. She is encouraged by the new school principal, Ms. Austen, and a knowledgeable mentor at the fabric store who helps her as she learns the basics of sewing. Together, these relationships underscore how essential a supportive network is for teens as they explore identity, take creative risks, and grow into who they are becoming.  

“Standing out from the crowd was kind of scary,” Zoey admits to herself after her first handmade outfit is met with a less-than-warm reaction from other teens on the first day of school. Instead of letting the criticism discourage her, Zoey chooses the high road, using the moment as motivation rather than defeat. The story explores the well-known mean girl trope, a familiar experience for many young readers. One classmate, whose behavior is especially unkind, resurfaces later in the story, prompting Zoey to consider empathy, restraint, and what it means to choose her own path.   

Ready to Wear provides chapter-opening illustrations that offer a visual impression of what Zoey’s sketches might look like, without directly depicting her sketchbook or blog. Zoey uses her blog as a kind of diary, sharing candid reflections with her followers about the ups and downs of creative expression. As she learns to trust her instincts, she realizes, “The only thing worse than an unfinished look was a look that was overdone.” It’s a feeling many creative teens will recognize, since it’s easy to push an idea too far when you care about making it perfect. Zoey’s blog becomes a place where she shares projects and ideas, turning followers into an encouraging fan community. In a line that neatly captures the heart of the moment, she says, “The point is, we finally have the chance to wear whatever we want. After years of dressing alike, we can finally be ourselves.” 

In the final chapters, Zoey has just two weeks to design an original dress for her school’s fashion show fundraiser. Readers follow her creative process as she finds inspiration, commits to an idea, and gets to work. When something goes wrong, she is briefly overwhelmed by tears and frustration, but Zoey does not give up. A surprising act of kindness helps turn the moment around. Guided by her dad’s saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemon meringue pie,” Zoey shows how the steady support of those around her has shaped her optimism and confidence. Still, she finds herself reflecting on what happened, considering how to respond with integrity while remaining uncertain about the right choice. 

As the story progresses, sewing-specific vocabulary is intentionally introduced, including terms such as “seam guide,” “feed dog,” and “seam ripper.” The text also incorporates fabric terminology like “notions” and “dress form,” along with charming examples from fashion such as “muumuu” and “epaulette.” These specialized terms are supported through clear textual context, allowing readers to build understanding and reinforce new vocabulary without disrupting comprehension. 

As the first book in a series, Sew Zoey: Ready to Wear offers all the ingredients of a captivating read and leaves readers excited to continue the journey. The book concludes on a cliffhanger, pulling readers toward the next story and offering a creative setting where teens can explore identity, take risks, and discover who they are becoming. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

by Maureen Lowe 

American Dog: Brave

Dylan’s life is changing. Ever since middle school started, his friend Jaxon hasn’t been the friend Dylan thought he was. With his dad overseas and his mother working, Dylan doesn’t know who to turn to. After a particularly bad hurricane, Dylan stumbles upon a stray dog, starved and scared, and decides to take him home. Dylan names the dog Brave and begs his mom to keep him. Dylan’s mom proposes a plan: either Dylan takes Brave to the pound or spends his after-school hours training him. If Brave isn’t trained in a few days, he’ll go to the pound. Brave suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, and any kind of loud sound sends him into a destructive panic, so Dylan has his work cut out for him. 

Dylan finds himself asking Grace Garcia, a fellow classmate and a rancher’s kid, for help. Growing up on a ranch, Grace has plenty of experience with animals, especially with training dogs. However, Dylan and Jaxon weren’t nice to Grace in the past. The only way she will help Dylan is if he works on her family’s ranch and experiences what it’s like to put in hard work—a far cry from making fun of her and her family as he’s done in the past. Along the way, Dylan learns how much better things can be when he’s honest and has supportive friends who accept him for who he is. Brave has a very long way to go in his recovery, but Dylan and Grace are determined to keep him in a loving home. Dylan is convinced that the storm brought Brave to him for a reason. 

Dylan is a sweet protagonist who’s trying to find his way in the world. He’s young and naïve, but over the course of the story, he finds the strength to stand up to bullies and refuses to give up when all seems lost. His development is well-executed, and he is a protagonist readers can root for. They can especially root for Brave’s recovery and Dylan and Brave’s budding relationship. The story itself is a little two-dimensional. For example, Jaxon’s character development feels thin and hasty instead of careful and thorough. Jaxon is a textbook bully, with obvious issues of his own, but the second Brave and Dylan show him kindness when they don’t have to, he learns the error of ways, which is quite unrealistic. His redemption arc is virtually non-existent.  

While the ending is sweet, the story’s conflict is resolved too quickly and simply for what it is. It doesn’t feel like the characters go through enough to properly reach the ending they receive. Putting this aside, the story is entertaining and will inspire younger readers. In addition, Dylan is a good role model for kids trying to figure out how to cope with change. The setting is well-described and evokes the Wild West. The language is simple and explains Brave’s PTSD in a way that is easy for younger readers to understand. The book might make readers feel brave as it encourages them to care for animals when they’re in need.  

Readers who enjoy loyal animals and inspiring moments of bravery will love the heartwarming recovery of Brave, the true friendship between Grace and Dylan, and the fun Texas setting. This book demonstrates the power of quiet, loyal support that animals provide for human mental health. Dylan is an inspiring character who grows when challenged, learning his own moral principles and the importance of discipline and responsibility as he matures. Brave helps Dylan find his way and Dylan helps Brave heal. Overall, this is a good story with a beautiful message: the best friends are always there when you need them, especially when you take care of them in return. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • There is some bullying. Dylan’s friend Jaxon is the main culprit, and Dylan is often either the victim or a bystander. For example, after his first adventure with Jaxon, Dylan describes Jaxon’s behavior: “With his new status, Jaxon had been pushing boundaries lately, as Dylan’s mom would call it—asking Dylan to stay out late, skipping his homework, and thinking up elaborate pranks. Dylan liked having fun, and Jaxon always acted like whatever he had in mind was going to be the most fun thing ever. And if Dylan or one of the other guys hesitated, Jaxon was quick to tease them in front of everyone else.” 
  • When Jaxon pressures Dylan to throw water balloons at cars as an after-school activity, the pair cause a car to veer off the road and Brave to run off. “Then it all happened at once. The pickup truck screeched to a sudden stop, its nose pulling hard to the right. Brave flinched at the sound and backed away from the railing, barking like mad, then shot off the bridge and down the street. And Dylan saw the driver of the truck rolling down the window so he could find the source of the object that had just hit his car.” The driver isn’t injured, and Brave is soon found. 
  • While out looking for Brave during a storm, Jaxon finds himself in danger. He slips and falls into a flash flood. Brave rescues him, mostly unharmed. “All of a sudden, Brave broke through the surface, paddling and kicking hard and pulling Jaxon by the sleeve. Jaxon took a huge gulp of air and flailed his hands around until he got ahold of the log bridge. He pulled himself up onto it as Brave scrambled up next to him, his claws scratching at the wood.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • Phrases like “you suck” and “darn it” appear frequently. 

Supernatural  

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

by Kate Schuyler 

In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson

It is January 1947, the Year of the Boar in China. As the Wong family prepares to celebrate the Chinese New Year, they receive a letter in the mail. Sixth Cousin, a young girl, realizes it is from her father, who has been living in the United States for some time. The contents of the letter make her mother smile, her grandmother cry, and her grandfather angry. She learns that this is because her father had decided to stay in America permanently, and she and her mother would be joining him. Sixth Cousin adopts the American name Shirley Temple after the famous actress, and soon she and her mother embark on a ten-thousand-mile sea journey to New York City, where her father is waiting at their apartment in Brooklyn. 

In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson, author Bette Bao Lord tells a wholesome, feel-good story about a girl who learns to balance her Chinese heritage with her new American life. The story is informed by Lord’s own experiences as a Chinese immigrant in the late 1940s, making the book feel authentic. It is divided into twelve chapters, one for each month of the Year of the Boar—a format that effectively shows the progression of Shirley’s adjustment to a new language, school, and culture.  

Although Shirley is extremely excited to explore her new home, adjusting to life in a new country proves challenging. She starts a new school in the middle of the year, not knowing English, and must navigate her way home through the busy, often hectic streets of New York. These challenges make her victories—improving her English, making new friends, and succeeding at school—all the more satisfying to read about as Shirley becomes more acquainted with life in America. 

One of the most compelling aspects of the story is Shirley’s growing fascination with baseball and her admiration for her hero, Jackie Robinson. What began as a game of stickball with her classmates soon developed into a passion for America’s pastime. Shirley becomes a huge fan of her hometown team, the Brooklyn Dodgers, and its star player, Jackie Robinson. Shirley feels inspired not only by Robinson’s triumphs on the baseball diamond but also by his triumphs breaking the color barrier as the first African American to play in Major League Baseball. Shirley often listens to the games on the radio with her classmates—celebrating every win, lamenting every loss, and finding baseball to be an effective way to bond with her new friends over a common interest. 

 As Lord writes, “Suddenly, Shirley understood why her father brought her ten thousand miles to live among strangers. Here, she did not have to wait for gray hair to be considered wise. Here, she could speak up, question even the conduct of the President. Here, Shirley Temple Wong was somebody. She felt as if she had the power of ten tigers, as if she had grown as tall as the Statue of Liberty.” 

Sexual Content 

  • None 

Violence 

  • One day at school, Shirley accidentally ran into her classmate Mabel, causing them both to fall. Mabel is described as “the tallest and strongest and scariest girl in all of the fifth grade.” After a verbal confrontation full of profanities, Mabel “drew back her fist and punched Shirley square in the eye.” Then she punched Shirley a second time. The incident left Shirley with two black eyes.  

Language 

  • After colliding with Shirley, Mabel screamed: “Who the **** do you think you are? You ********”” She would also say, “You ********. Why don’t you **********?” Shirley would curse back at Mabel in Chinese, though the exact language she used isn’t stated. The expletives are censored with stars in the quoted text.  

Drugs and Alcohol 

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol 

  • None 

Supernatural Content 

  • None 

Spiritual Content 

  • Throughout the book, Shirley refers to the Chinese Goddess Kwan Yim. For instance, “Then, muttering thanks to the Goddess Kwan Yim, she flung her weary self into the armchair to seek solace in the uninterrupted enjoyment of the last inning.” 

by Nicholas Paragano 

What Were the Twin Towers?

For much of the late 20th century, the Twin Towers stood as powerful symbols of New York City and the United States. Rising above the Manhattan skyline, the towers represented economic strength, innovation, and global connection. However, their story is also tied to a tragic day in American history. What Were the Twin Towers? explores both the construction of these iconic buildings and the lasting impact of their destruction on September 11, 2001.  

The book explains how the idea for the World Trade Center emerged in the 1960s. At the time, New York City leaders wanted to reestablish the city as a center of global trade and business. Minoru Yamasaki was chosen to design the towers, and his involvement led to the blueprints for two buildings, each 110 stories tall. The chapter “Up They Go” takes readers into the chaos of the construction, from collapsing cranes to the addition of 43,600 windows. Readers interested in construction will enjoy learning about the process of assembling what were, at the time, the tallest towers in the world and how they symbolized ambition and progress.   

Throughout the book, readers are introduced to the people who worked in, visited, and admired the Twin Towers. For example, in 1974, a tightrope walker secretly rigged a wire cable between the two towers. At 1,350 feet high, he walked from one side of the tightrope to the other as crowds watched from the ground. The author also highlights that the building was not only for office spaces but also a popular tourist destination, with observation decks and restaurants offering sweeping views of New York City. These details will help readers understand how deeply the towers were woven into everyday life and why they were so meaningful to a variety of people.  

The book has twelve chapters that carefully build towards the events of September 11, 2001. When addressing the attacks, the author presents the information in a factual, yet sensitive manner that is appropriate for young readers. Chapter 9 explains how hijacked planes struck the towers, leading to their collapse and the loss of thousands of lives. “After the second plane hit the South Tower, it became clear that this was an attack. That’s when first responders—rescue teams—began arriving. They rushed into the buildings to save trapped workers and give first aid.” Rather than focusing on graphic details, the book emphasizes bravery, resilience, and the ways people helped one another during and after the tragedy.  

In addition to discussing the attacks, What Were the Twin Towers? also explores the aftermath. Readers learn about how New York City and the nation mourned, rebuilt, and honored those who were lost. The book explains the creation of the 9/11 Memorial Museum, helping readers understand how the memory of the Twin Towers is preserved. This focus on remembrance allows young readers to grasp the importance of honoring history, even when it is painful.  

Like other books in the What Was? series, this book includes black-and-white illustrations and photographs that support the text. Images of the Twin Towers during construction, photographs of the skyline, and pictures from memorial sites help readers visualize the buildings and their significance. These visuals are especially helpful for children who benefit from seeing historical events alongside reading about them.   

Overall, What Were the Twin Towers? provides a thoughtful and accessible introduction to an important moment in modern history. By balancing architectural history, personal impact, and respectful discussion of tragedy, the book helps young readers understand both what the Twin Towers were and why they continue to matter today.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • On September 11, four planes were hijacked. “Everyone in all four planes was killed, including the nineteen men who had hijacked the flights and carried out the attacks.” In total, 2,977 people died on September 11, 2001. 
  • In 1993, a small group of people planned to destroy the North Tower by driving a van packed with 1,200 pounds of explosives into the parking garage. “The van exploded. It blew a hole through five underground levels of the building and killed six people.” 
  • Al Qaeda is a terrorist group that “was founded in the late 1980s by Osama bin Laden and other terrorists.” Bin Laden approved the plan to hijack jets and fly them into the towers, and members of Al Qaeda were trained to take over the crew and control passengers.    

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language    

  • None 

Supernatural  

  • None

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

by Madeline Hettrick 

Cameron Battle and the Escape Trials

After the capture of the evil enchantress Amina, Cameron Battle escaped the magical kingdom of Chidani with his two friends, Zion and Aliyah. However, the death god Ekwensu still wants to tear down the magical barrier between Chidani and reality and conquer everything in sight, and Cameron, the Last Descendent, is the only one who can stop him. However, Cameron also must go to school—at least until he’s called back.   

Middle school is not what Cameron is expecting. Bullied by Vince, Cameron must keep his head down and avoid fighting back with the magical fighting style Dambe, which would reveal magic to his entire school. The intelligent, laid-back Zion supports Cameron and helps him see the consequences of retaliation. Yet one evening, Vince attacks the trio on their walk home. During the fight, Vince reveals he’s possessed by a mmo, a terrible supernatural creature working for Ekwensu. The only way to save Vince is to return to Chidani. With this urgent mission, Cameron finally calls forth the Book of Chidani, opening a portal for himself and his friends, Zion and Aliyah.  

In Chidani, the kind and determined Cameron has his priorities straight: retrieve Vince from the Crystal City, heal him, and send him home. The friends encounter the gods Ala and Anyanwu and brave tricky trials, impressing the gods enough to win both Vince’s freedom and clues to magical relics that could defeat Ekwensu. Throughout these escapades, Aliyah proves especially helpful, cleverly outsmarting trials and saving her friends. After sending Vince home with their new clues in hand, Cameron and his friends set out to find the relics and protect Chidani. Along the way, Cameron grapples with his responsibility as the Last Descendent, learning to balance his desire to see his parents with the need to protect an entire kingdom. 

While this novel brilliantly brings Igbo gods and magic to life, the plot is more convoluted than it needs to be. Cameron experiences growth, but Zion and Aliyah don’t develop much as characters. The conflicts are more complex than the character development supports, and Cameron’s happy ending doesn’t quite align with his journey. That said, the accessible language and quick explanations of unfamiliar terms keep readers engaged.  

Fans of all things mythical will love the fierce fight scenes, elaborate magic system, and loyal friendships. Supernatural creatures—from spirits of the dead to violent sea serpents to gryphons—fill the pages. Cameron faces the wrenching choice of whom to protect and is forced to find a solution that benefits everyone or lose everything. Overall, this powerfully creative story delivers a strong message about leaning on friends and the importance of responsibility and decision-making, making it worth reading for its magnificent worldbuilding and entertaining adventure. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • At school, Cameron encounters a bully named Vince, who pushes him. Cameron describes the experience, “Something pushed me, hard, from behind, and I fell to the floor, dropping my gym bag in the process. I turned around and there was Vince, standing over me, that same smirk on his face. I thought I saw a red tinge of light surround his body, flickering in and out in the space.” 
  • While walking home, Cameron and his friends, Zion and Aliyah, are again attacked by Vince, and they realize that he is possessed by a mmo, a supernatural creature bent on destroying Cameron. “Zion grabbed Vince by the legs and pulled him back to the ground with all his strength. Vince maneuvered out of Zion’s hands and kicked him in the stomach, sending him flying through the air. Dambe seized [Cameron] as [he] moved. . . [Cameron] caught Zion right before he fell; he clutched at his midsection, yelping in pain.” At the end of the battle, Zion, Cameron, and Aliyah barely have any injuries, and Vince’s condition is unknown since he falls through a portal to Chidani.  
  • While attempting to rescue Vince and Zion, Cameron and Aliyah fight off a monster serpent, called a mgbaji. In Cameron’s words, “I tried to grab the mgbaji once again, but I was too far away now. . . With a swipe, [the serpent] reared around and slammed its tail against my chest, sending me flying to the other side of the pool, my back striking the marble. . . The mixture of water and air slammed into me, sending me hurtling backward, right into the marble again. This time, though, I crashed through the wall and sunk into the rock. Pain radiated through every part of my body as my head jerked from left to right. I tried to gain my bearings, but I shook so violently from dizziness that I retched all over my clothes and into the water around me.” Cameron and Aliyah defeat the serpent, though Cameron has a concussion.  
  • In the journey to find the last magical relic, Cameron, Zion, and Aliyah encounter more evil mmos they need to fight. “[Cameron] connected with two mmo almost immediately, the thought of seeing [his] parents again guiding [his] movements. When [Cameron] slashed [his] sword down, [Cameron] cut them both at the same time, slicing them right across the chest. They screamed, and when they died, they burst open, magma falling to the sandstone.” The fight lasts a full chapter, though none of Cameron’s friends sustain serious injuries. Cameron breaks his nose. 
  • A former Descendent describes her experience with slavery and mmo to Cameron. “After I escaped slavery, I went to Chidani alone. When I grew older, I tried to Summon my [family’s souls] through the barrier, to bring them back to me after years of being the Descendant. I almost destroyed the Book in the process. And I lost my life. You see, if I had succeeded, that which gives us power would be no more, the barrier would cease to exist, and the mmo would take over everything.” 
  • Growing desperate to find the Book, Amina lets the god of death, Ekwensu, possess her. In this form, she battles Cameron for possession of the book. “[Cameron and Amina] engaged in battle again, an equal match. When [Cameron] grabbed her by the shoulders, a look of surprise crossed her face. . . the mmo slashed at [Cameron] with gnarled nails, lifting [them] into the sky to escape [the mmo]. She punched [Cameron] multiple times, but [Cameron] continued to hold [Amina].” The whole battle for the Book and control of Chidani lasts three full chapters. In the end, the Palacia is reduced to rubble, Cameron, Zion, and Aliyah have minor injuries, and Amina dies.  

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • Language is very tame, using words like stupid, idiot, and hell infrequently. 

Supernatural  

  • The book is about three kids who travel to a magic kingdom to save it; therefore, there is magic on nearly every page in this book. There are also supernatural creatures, gods, and humans with magical powers. All characters use a mystical fighting style called Dambe that gives them enhanced abilities and instincts as they fight, no spells needed.   
  • Debating what to do in the aftermath of their first adventure, Aliyah asks Cameron to summon the Book of Chidani to consult it. Cameron describes the experience, “A deep intentional feeling settled upon my shoulders and then into my chest as I willed the Book forward, from its hidden place in my soul. An image of Agbala, the goddess of healing and justice, emerged in my mind as I pushed even deeper. Sweat beaded against my forehead with the effort.” 
  • While being bullied, Cameron notices something strange about his bully. “Vince sneered, staring at me. There it was again, that red glint in his eyes.” This later proves to be a sign that a mmo is controlling him. Cameron explains Vince’s appearance. “His appearance had started to change, to morph into something else. In one second, a dark smoke emerged from his body and a ruby illumination covered him. In another, it disappeared, and Vince became normal again. I knew what this was, but I was too scared to say it aloud, because if I did, then that meant it would be true.” 
  • Vince, Cameron, Aliyah, and Zion are all pulled into Chidani. Cameron describes the portal: “Vince and I continued to struggle as we spiraled through lightning, darkness, and rain. The rip opened into a void; it was full of shadows, swirling around and around, the wind threatening to pull us apart. The tornado we flew in kept us afloat, but I had a horrible suspicion that if we stepped out of its confines, we’d fall into the spinning darkness.” 
  • As Cameron, Zion, and Aliyah reunite with their friends from the Palacia in Chidani, their friend Makai explains that time runs differently between Chidani and the real world. “‘What’s going on?’ Zion asked, struggling out of Makai’s hug. ‘How long have we been gone? For us it was about two months.’ ‘You were gone for just a few days,’ Makai said.”  
  • Amina is being held in a magical dungeon. Queen Ramala takes Cameron and his friends to the dungeon. “The sun encircled [Amina] like chains, binding her into one place as she floated above the ground.” 
  • Going to rescue Vince, Cameron, Zion and Aliyah visit the Crystal City, home of the goddess Ala and the aziza. The aziza are “[magical creatures who] nestled their kingdom in the trees of the Igbo people, hiding in secret, but honoring their duty to the humans by healing them when needed. People believed in them, but none had ever seen them, for they had retreated once it was known that colonizers had breached Nigeria’s waters.”  
  • Later, Cameron describes an aziza. “Soft wings flew behind [the aziza], the color of night. He was tall, taller than an aziza should’ve been from what I had seen. A curved sword was hitched to the side of his clothing, which consisted of a ruby brocade vest, tight shokoto trousers, and light armor. He approached gracefully, almost as if he were floating across the ground.” 
  • While in the Crystal City, Ala binds Zion to the city to incentivize Cameron and Aliyah to participate in the trials. Ala snaps her fingers and “[Zion] gasped and choked, holding on to his neck. He fell against [Cameron]; [Cameron] caught him as his eyes closed, but he felt different. Light. As if all his weight had turned to nothing.” 
  • When they leave the Crystal City, Ala blesses Cameron, Zion, and Aliyah’s gryphons, Ugo, Ike, and Odum respectively, to better aid them in the battle ahead. “[Ugo’s] snow-white color had turned the color of flame, a mixture of different shades of oranges and reds. Connecting to [Ugo] felt familiar, though, as if [he and Cameron] were one. By the time [Cameron] was done marveling at Ugo, Aliyah and Zion had jumped on Odum and Ike. Flames covered our entire area of the desert for miles, the gryphons’ wingspans so large that they encompassed everything.” 
  • After the Crystal City, Cameron, Zion, and Aliyah go to the Sun Kingdom to find the last magical relic they need to defeat Amina. Cameron discovers a special ability—that he can summon gods to him. He summons Anyanwu, the sun god. Cameron describes the encounter, “[Anyanwu] had changed his appearance again, his gigantic nature of earlier now human size. But, even looking at him now, he was nothing resembling normal. An emerald agbada flowed from his neck to his feet, while his hair spilled down his back, golden beads drawn through it. He produced flame out of thin air before walking around the small room, lighting the candles hanging on the ancient sconces in the wall.” 
  • Traveling back to the Palacia with all three magical relics, the trio meets more mmos, supernatural creatures created by Amina to destroy Chidani. “The mmo stepped out from the shadows, some falling to the floor, and some suspended in the air. They were dark-and-gray creatures, their eyes a deep scarlet, their skin the color of stone. Cloaks of darkness shrouded their shoulders as they materialized. However, these mmo were different from those [Cameron, Zion, and Aliyah] had encountered before; their bodies blazed with fire, flames reaching to the sky in place of their hair. Skeletal arms reached out toward us, mixed with gristle and marrow.” 
  • Cameron discovers he can also summon souls and tries it on a volunteering friend, Bakari. “A grunt escaped Bakari’s mouth as it fell open. A white, filmy substance floated out, flying toward [Cameron’s] hand. [He] grasped it, caressing it, as it flitted in and out of [Cameron’s] hands. [Cameron] marveled at it, feeling life teem within [him]. It took much effort to control it, but it was Bakari’s soul. When [Cameron] looked down at [Bakari], [he] noticed that the substance was still attached to [Bakari’s] mouth as he stared at [Cameron], the life in his eyes mostly gone.” Cameron decides not to use this power after this experiment.  
  • With a helpful tip from a god, Cameron discovers that his dad is alive in the underwater kingdom, living as a mondao (a kind of mermaid). “When [Cameron] looked down, [Cameron] noticed that [his dad] only had one foot. A mondao tail snaked to the sand in place of his left one, corded with diamonds and rubies. But when [Cameron] blinked, it changed into a human foot as Daddy took a step forward. While a beautiful necklace surrounded his neck, a deep wound marred his bare chest, right in the middle.” 
  • Growing desperate to find the Book, Amina lets the god of death, Ekwensu, possess her. She offers her soul for the power to destroy Chidani. Amina says, “Use me. Use my body and soul. Fuse yourself with me to directly intervene in the quest to kill the Descendant, Ramala, and take the barrier for ourselves. The pain would be great, but the victory would be greater. I admit I couldn’t do it the first time on my own; if you help me, we can and will win. Just think, if we are able to successfully kill the Descendant and steal the gifts. . . ” There is no description of this physical process. 
  • At the end of the great battle, Cameron meets his mother’s ghost, freed from mmo form. “[His mother] stepped out of the shadows, the most beautiful thing [Cameron] had ever seen in [his] life. She was dressed in a white robe that swept the floor as she walked, as graceful as an angel. Her braided hair fell down her shoulders and to the center of her back. A single necklace wrapped around her neck. A pinkish aura surrounded her.” 

Spiritual Content  

  • The traditional Igbo religion is a spiritual system predating Christianity, centered on a supreme creator god (Chukwu/Chineke) but also involving numerous lesser deities (Alusi) linked to nature, ancestors (living dead), and a personal spirit (Chi). It’s a pantheistic/polytheistic faith, deeply tied to community, nature (like the Earth Goddess Ala), and morality. Cameron meets several of the Igbo gods. 
  • Just like the first book, when Cameron, Zion, and Aliyah travel to Chidani, they encounter elements that have roots in the real world, like the gods of the Igbo culture. They fight with some gods and work with others to save the kingdom from the Queen’s treacherous sister Amina. Given this, the book discusses many creation myths and Igbo religious references. There are also the occasional vague references to Christianity and ghosts. 
  • The Book of Chidani serves as both a guide to the kingdom and a religious text. An example excerpt from the Book reads, “Agbala created the Descendants when she gave the Book to the enslaved Igbos as they were forcefully taken to the Americas. The Book followed them across the ocean, and Nneka was the first one who touched it, becoming the first Descendant, tasked with power and knowledge, to keep Igbo history alive.” 
  • Cameron has a vision of the goddess Mmiri. “[Mmiri] was undeniably beautiful, and immediately recognizable. A crown crested her head, covering it from side to side, silver spikes striking the air around her. A star sat on top of the middle spike, its light almost blinding [Cameron]. What looked like seashells were fastened to her chest and upper arms, multicolored and heavy. Her midriff was almost bare, with a tattoo in the form of a sun emblazoned around her naval. Her iro was cerulean, a skirt that flowed along the wooden floor [Cameron] was lying on. [Cameron] gasped when she stepped forward, as one of her legs was in the shape of a mermaid’s tail.” 
  • In the Crystal City, Cameron, Zion, and Aliyah meet the goddess Ala and another god, her son Anyanwu. “[Cameron, Zion, and Aliyah] took a step back, stunned as [Ala] towered above [them], much taller than any god [they’d] seen so far. ‘Humongous’ was a word that came to mind, but even that didn’t embody all that Ala was. [Cameron] tried to avert [his] gaze from her to the male god behind her—who somehow was firmly asleep—but she snapped her fingers, bringing us back to attention.”  

by Kate Schuyler 

Pocket Bear

Thimble-born from tip to toe, Pocket Bear remembers every moment of his becoming: the glimmering needle, the silken thread, the tender hands as each careful stitch brought him closer to himself. Born during the throes of WWI, he was designed to fit into the pocket of a soldier’s jacket, eyes sewn a bit higher than normal so that he always gazed upward. That way, glancing at his pocket, a soldier would see an endearing token of love from someone back home, and, hopefully, a good luck charm.

Now, over a century later, Pocket serves as unofficial mayor of Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured, where stuffed toy animals are refurbished and given a fresh opportunity to be loved. He and his best feline friend Zephyrina, known far and wide as “The Cat Burglar,” have seen it all, and then some. 

Told from Zephyrina’s point of view, Pocket Bear tells readers a sweet, gentle story about the hardship of war and the importance of bravery. When she was a kitten, Zephyrina didn’t have a home or a family to help care for her. This makes her slightly cynical and standoffish toward her human family, Elizaveta and Dasha. However, Zephyrina is completely loyal to her best friend, Pocket. Throughout the book, the cat looks to Pocket for guidance, who wisely says, “Sometimes, the most precious things in life are right under our noses.” With the bear’s help, Zephyrina transforms from a lonely, self-serving cat into a strong, capable leader and a loving pet who comforts Dasha. 

The beginning of the story focuses on Zephyrina, Pocket, and the other stuffed animals living in the Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured. At first, readers may assume that these stuffed animals are just a random collection brought together by chance. This could not be further from the truth. Elizaveta, Dasha, Pocket, and another stuffed animal named Berwon have all been impacted by war. In a twist of irony, Pocket’s soldier served in the “war to end all wars,” World War I. In the story’s conclusion, Pocket reveals that his soldier had died in the war. 

Dasha’s story unfolds slowly, ultimately revealing that she and her mother, Elizaveta, left Ukraine after a bomb injured Dasha and her father died. Dasha’s story unfolds through Zephyrina’s eyes, which softens the effects of the war. Additionally, Dasha doesn’t like to talk about the war because, “Unless you’ve been through it yourself, you can’t really understand.” In the end, the book doesn’t describe what happened during the war; it focuses on the war’s aftereffects, allowing readers to understand that war doesn’t just affect soldiers—it also affects innocent children like Dasha. 

Pocket Bear conveys an important theme: Bravery comes in many forms. For instance, Dasha considers Pocket a hero because, “He has been through a lot. But he is still kind.” However, Pocket is not the only hero. Zephyrina shows courage when she saves Berwon from being auctioned off. Additionally, the bears and Zephyrina show the importance of loyalty, kindness, and friendship. One of the most heartwarming parts of the story is when the cat helps Pocket stay with Berwon, even though Zephyrina must say goodbye to Pocket forever. 

Black-and-white illustrations are scattered throughout the book. These drawings help readers understand not only what the stuffed animals look like, but also Pocket’s tiny size compared to them. Readers will adore the illustrations, but the beginning of the story drags, and younger readers may struggle with the difficult vocabulary, such as disemboweled, tenant, arctophiles, and decipher. Many of the words cannot be easily deciphered from context clues; however, some are explained in the text. For example, when Zephyrina reflects on Dasha, she thinks, “People say cats are inscrutable. But I’ve learned some people are equally hard to read.” 

In the author’s note, Applegate discusses the importance of recycling stuffed animals and other toys. “About 80% of stuffed animals and other toys worldwide are eventually thrown away, making up 6 percent of plastics in landfills across the globe.” Applegate also lists organizations that would provide a home for “gently-loved” stuffed toys. After reading the unforgettable story, readers will gain a new perspective on toys and those who have suffered the effects of war. The book will also empower readers: even if you feel like a “small speck,” with others’ help, you can make a difference in someone’s life, and that is heroic. If you know a child who has been affected by war, reading The Day War Came and Survival Tails: World War II may help them process their emotions. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • When Zephyrina finds a stuffed bear, she carries it home by using her teeth. On the way home, a dog named Goofus gives chase. “Goofus loped over, all spittle and stink. Goofus and Zephyrina play tug-of-war with the bear. Zephyrina was not in the mood for a game of tug-of-war, particularly with a dog who enjoyed eating his own poop.” The bear isn’t hurt because “everyone knows toys can’t feel pain.” 
  • To get Goofus to leave, Zephyrina “slashed him across the nose with a claw. . . It wasn’t a dramatic swipe. . . But it was enough to get my message across.” Goofus leaves. 
  • When a family takes in Zephyrina, she’s thankful. “To show my gratitude, I brought them deliveries of mice and rats, grasshoppers and salamanders, baby birds and newborn opossums. Still alive, ideally with just enough squirm to keep them interesting.” 
  • Zephyrina thinks about the stuffed toys she’s found. “Most of the stuffed toys I’d known had been through a lot of . . . stuff. . . They’d been slobbered on and tossed aside and buried in toy boxes. They’d had their eyes yanked out and their tails chewed off and their stuffing spread around the family room like little snowballs. They’d been left alone in playgrounds while squirrels chittered at them and raccoons gnawed on them and dogs peed on them.” 
  • Zephyrina lives in a house with a child named Dasha. Pocket tells the story of her injury. “Dasha’s leg had been badly injured when a bomb hit her house.”

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • Heck is used twice. 
  • When reflecting on Pocket, Zephyrina thinks, “He was my teacher. My coach. The guy who (gently) reminded me when I was being a jerk.” 

Supernatural 

  • None

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

The Mount Rushmore Face That Couldn’t See

The History Club, which includes Sam, Cat, Egg, and Gum, takes a field trip to Mount Rushmore. When they arrive, a group of Lakota kids who are protesters are in the parking lot. Instead of being curious about the issue, Gum says, “People will protest anything.” The trip gets more complicated when their tour guide doesn’t arrive. Cat and her friends find him tied up in his bed, and the mystery deepens. 

The kids visit the Sculpture Center. While there, a voice booms, “Get out!” Some believe it’s the voice of a Lakota spirit, while others believe it’s the voice of one of the dead presidents. Cat and her friends investigate to find out who wants to scare visitors away from Mount Rushmore. 

The mystery is told from Cat’s point of view. However, all four kids work together to solve the mystery. Since the story is short, there is very little character development, and the characters have no distinct personalities and are portrayed stereotypically. For example, Anton is portrayed as a typical bully, and there is no logical reason for him to be on the field trip. When Anton is being rude, Ms. Juniper says, “You are on this trip because your grade in history was beyond terrible. One more mean word out of you, my friend, and you’ll spend the rest of your life in the sixth grade.” The lack of character development makes it difficult for readers to connect with the characters or relate to their conflicts.  

At first, Sam accuses the caretaker of trying to scare people away from Mount Rushmore. However, there is little evidence to support this. Sam explains her reasoning, “He’s a grump. You saw how he looked at us, and how he talked to us. He doesn’t like kids. He wants us out of here.” Later, they discover that the park ranger’s daughter, Ruthie, is the culprit. Ruthie explains that she tied up her father because she was hoping he would get fired and they could move back home. Some readers may question the evidence, wondering how Ruthie could tie up her father without waking him up. Additionally, readers will question how Ruthie could have hidden speakers throughout the woods and in the Sculpture Center. In the end, the mystery is solved, but the lack of evidence and the unrealistic culprit led to an unsatisfying reveal.  

While the story includes Native Americans, they are not developed as people. Instead, they are protestors whose only purpose is to be suspects in the mysteries. The park ranger says, “This heritage village is the newest exhibit at Mount Rushmore. It was set up to show how the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota nations lived before the United States began its growth to the west.” Despite this information, the exhibit is never shown, nor is there any historical information about the indigenous people. While one of the illustrations shows teepees, they are used only as hiding places for a suspect. Additionally, the park ranger says, “My family is from Mexico. That means we have a lot of Native American blood in our veins.” Overall, the book misses an opportunity to showcase Native Americans’ vibrant culture or explain how Western Expansion affected them.   

The Mount Rushmore Face That Couldn’t See begins by using a graphic to introduce the narrator, Cat, and ends with a glossary, a report on Mount Rushmore, and questions to consider. The story contains very little information about Mount Rushmore or the Lakota people. However, the report gives a short explanation of the conflict. Unfortunately, the book uses stereotypical characters and clues that don’t quite fit the puzzle. Overall, The Mount Rushmore Face That Couldn’t See’s simple plot, recurring characters, and full-color illustrations make the story accessible to younger readers who aren’t ready for more advanced plots. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • When Cat and her friends find Anton hiding in the woods, Cat “slapped him on the arm. It didn’t hurt him. I just couldn’t help myself.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • Two boys who are considered bullies are referred to as thugs and goons. 
  • One of the kids calls the bully a “dummy.” 
  • Anton calls Cat and her friends “dorks.” 
  • One of the kids calls the caretaker a “grump.” 
  • Anton refers to his teacher, Ms. Juniper, as “Ms. Jupiter.” 

Supernatural 

  • None

Spiritual Content  

  • When the kids hear a voice warning them to leave, a protester says, “This ghost was a Lakota spirit. You have to listen to the spirit’s warning and leave this Lakota land at once.” 

Christopher Columbus and the Americas

In 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas. Or did he? Look at all the facts and discover the fiction through primary sources, infographics, and leveled text. Readers will learn the full story about Christopher Columbus’s famous voyage. 

Columbus sought a faster route to Asia because Europeans “liked the exotic spices and were willing to pay a lot for them.” King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella funded his journey as “an opportunity to gain wealth.” When Columbus reached land, he didn’t realize he had missed Asia entirely. His search for gold and other riches proved fruitless. 

Christopher Columbus and the Americas dispels many myths surrounding the famous explorer. Contrary to popular belief, people in Columbus’s time knew the Earth was round, and he wasn’t the first sailor to reach the Americas. In fact, there is little to celebrate about Columbus, given his cruel treatment of Indigenous people. “For the Taino living in the Caribbean, Columbus’s explorations would have a devastating effect.” His men killed many Taino, while countless others died from disease. Survivors faced enslavement. “The Spaniards committed many acts of horrific violence against the Taino. Columbus did nothing to stop it.” 

Public perception of Christopher Columbus has begun to shift. “Through the work of Indigenous and non-Indigenous activists and historians, people are remembering the darker side of his story,” including his brutal behavior and broken promises. Despite four expeditions, Columbus “was disappointed with his failures” and “left behind a trail of broken promises and crimes against Indigenous peoples.” 

Visually appealing with large black-and-white illustrations, colorful section titles, and concise paragraphs, the book includes fact boxes, a glossary, and a timeline that enhance the reading experience and help readers trace Columbus’s voyages. 

This historically accurate account reveals important truths about Columbus’s treatment of native populations that may surprise many readers. Rather than accepting traditional celebrations of the explorer, Christopher Columbus and the Americas encourages critical thinking about whether his legacy deserves honor. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Columbus kidnapped “some Taino people and displayed them before the royal court.” 
  • When Columbus left Hispaniola, he left men behind. “While he was away, the Spaniards he had left behind had become violent toward the Taino. . . The fort was burned to the ground, and all 39 of Columbus’s men had died.” Columbus killed many Taino “to try to stop any resistance to his rule.” An illustration depicts Columbus’s men with swords and the village in flames. 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None

Spiritual Content  

  • One reason King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella funded Columbus’s journey was because “they wanted to spread the Catholic religion.” 

Seeds of Hope: The Gold Rush Diary of Susanna Fairchild

Seeds of Hope presents a diary account of fourteen-year-old Susanna Fairchild’s life in 1849. After losing his wife and money during their steamship journey from New York, Susanna’s father succumbs to gold fever and abandons his plan to establish a medical practice in Oregon. Instead, he takes his two daughters to a mining camp, where they face danger from untrustworthy men and wild animals. 

Susanna and her sister Clara are devastated by their father’s decision, but after losing their mother, they want to stay close to him. The sisters are often left alone as their father searches for a more productive claim. Though afraid, they spend their time transforming their cabin into a home. Susanna’s diary chronicles both her fears and her grief over her mother’s death. 

Despite difficult circumstances, the Fairchilds find friendship within the camp. The girls occasionally visit Rosita and her family, who are from Peru. This friendship allows the book to illuminate the era’s discrimination. When people from other countries began arriving in California, Americans complained “that the foreigners are taking up space and if allowed to step on Californian soil, they will be trespassing. Since the gold belongs to the United States, they will be thieves, plundering what is not theirs.” Greed drove some miners to steal from, beat, and sometimes kill minorities. These harsh realities may be upsetting to some readers. 

Few women lived in California during the Gold Rush, which gives Seeds of Hope a unique perspective and highlights the daily dangers they faced. Death from accidents, gunfights, and murder occurred frequently. Despite this violence, Susanna and Clara show kindness to others. When a family friend steals from the Fairchilds, this saddens them, but it also demonstrates that “true character often isn’t revealed until a person is faced with temptation.” 

Seeds of Hope reveals the bleak reality for many individuals who hoped to improve their circumstances through sudden wealth. This creates a depressing tone, especially as Susanna’s father becomes increasingly obsessed with gold and neglects his daughters. Despite the dangers, he leaves the girls alone for long stretches while he searches for gold. Eventually, he realizes that wealth cannot bring happiness. He abandons mining, returns to practicing medicine, and decides to move to Oregon as originally planned. 

Although Seeds of Hope features fictional characters, it depicts significant events in American history and helps readers imagine the daily lives of young girls during the Gold Rush. While Susanna is a likable protagonist, she frequently writes about mundane tasks such as food preparation, laundry, and household chores. Even though Seeds of Hope is not full of action and adventure, Susanna’s diary allows readers to peek into the past and see how gold fever affected one family. True to history, the story highlights the difficulty and sometimes deadly nature of searching for gold. The story’s slow pacing and depressing atmosphere make Seeds of Hope best suited for readers already interested in the Gold Rush. Despite these limitations, the book conveys a meaningful message: when given a choice, always prioritize family and friendship over money. Readers seeking more information about this era should consult the non-fiction book Sutter’s Mill and the California Gold Rush. 

Sexual Content  

  • One of the minor characters is a lady who works at a dance hall. “Her dress was satin, her cheeks and lips were painted red. Papa wouldn’t look at her, and he told us to never go near that place.” 
  • Clara stops wearing a corset because “she didn’t like so many men staring at her womanly figure.” 
  • While on a ship, Susanna tripped and “fell against Sam. But before I could gather myself, he enfolded me in his arms and bent down to kiss me. . . I burst out laughing. I don’t know why.” Later, Sam and Susanna get married. 

Violence  

  • While sailing to California, Susanna’s mother died when “a wave broke over the bow, sending such a flood of water on deck that we were all swept off our feet. . . She threw up her arms in surprise, and passed us swiftly in green water. . . she was swept away.” 
  • Clara mentions several gunfights but doesn’t describe them all.  
  • Boys were kicking a baby donkey. When Susanna and Clara see them, Susanna picks up “some stones and threw them at the boys’ feet, not to hurt, but to let them know we meant business. Clara peeled a thin branch from a tree and began whipping their legs.” The boys ran away. 
  • Susanna mentions that “three men were killed last week when the mine they were digging caved in on top of them.” 
  • In a mine, there was an explosion. “Three boys were killed right away, but Sam was rescued from underneath some rocks.” Sam’s leg and ribs are broken. “Because the broken bone is exposed to the air, Sam is in so much pain he keeps slipping in and out of consciousness.” 
  • Sam’s leg has to be amputated. “Clara and I prayed with the boy and gave him a good swig of laudanum.” Susanna, Clara, and another man hold Sam down. Later, “Papa’s clean shirt was spattered with blood. So were the bed and floor. . . The friend dug a hole beyond the cabin to bury the damaged leg.” Sam recovers. 
  • Foreigners were often beaten and robbed. “Chinese especially.” Rosita, one of Susanna’s friends who is from Peru, had all of her cooking things stolen. Rosita describes how two Chinese men were robbed and a “Yankee cut their hair off. To shame those poor boys.” 
  • Susanna’s father is a doctor. In the past, he “cut off a man’s broken foot that had turned black with gangrene.” 
  • There are several murders in the gold camps. A storekeeper says, “A young blacksmith had been murdered last night behind one of the saloons.” Later, a dance-hall lady finds the body of a man who “was shot. He bled all over the stairs.” 
  • There is a shoot-out at a Saloon that “landed four men in the hoosegow and four full of bullet holes. Their bodies were displayed on Main Street. . . Their faces were purple and bloated. Flies swarmed over the wounds.”  
  • Susanna and her sister are in the river when a man floats by them. “He was on his back with dead staring eyes.” He has a knife in his chest. 
  • Men ran off “foreigners” who were panning for gold. “When some of them put up a fight, vigilantes found a tree and hanged five of them! Then they jumped their claims and stole their gold.”  
  • A bear attacks two sleeping men. One dies. “The other lost his right ear and right eye and most of his scalp. Papa was able to stitch up his cheek where the bear had clawed him.” The dead man’s “face was completely gone and one shoulder had been eaten.” 
  • Two kids are playing with a gun when they “accidentally shot off three fingers of [a miner’s] left hand.” 
  • After a palm reader’s prediction, a young man is hanged for murder, even though there was no proof. Afterwards, the dance hall lady is so upset that she confesses, saying, “I am guilty of one death, not three. He was a thief, a man without integrity.” She apologizes for not admitting the deed earlier. “Suddenly, the thick rope was put around her neck, like a brown collar that came up to her chin. . . [Papa said] the woman died instantly.” 
  • After the dance hall lady dies, Papa explains how he had to treat cuts on her hands. “Someone had stolen her money, then tried to stab her. When she held up her hands to stop the blows, the knife made deep wounds.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • Susanna’s father smokes a pipe. 
  • When Sam is injured, his friends give him whiskey for the pain. He is also given laudanum, which is “opium mixed with alcohol.”  
  • The town is setting up a fight between a bear and a bull. Susanna and Clara cannot watch because Papa “did not want us to be around men guzzling whiskey or eating the spoils of a bear fight.”  

Language  

  • “My god” is used as an exclamation twice.
  • The Peruvians working on a ship are often referred to as “Tar Heads.”   
  • Someone says a murderer is a “no-good Mexican.” 

Supernatural 

  • When three murders take place, “the palm reader studied tea leaves to help the vigilantes catch the killer of those men. She said he would be a foreigner who lives alone.” 

Spiritual Content  

  • Susanna and her sister pray before they go to sleep. 
  • When someone needs medical help, Susanna and her sister go to find their father. “We are praying that God will guide us to him.” 
  • When Susanna and Clara find gold, they do not file a claim, and others take it. “Papa said that some injustices we must leave up to God to make right.” 
  • After a friend named Jesse Blue steals Papa’s money, Susanna thinks, “I know anything is possible with God, but I don’t know if Jesse Blue cares.” Later, Susanna writes to Jesse Blue’s wife, telling her about his thieving ways. “I pray that his heart will change. . .” 
  • Susanna wonders why “thieves and vigilantes run free,” but her mother died. “When I get to heaven, I’m going to ask God about all this.” 
  • Susanna and her sister boil a fish for dinner. Afterwards, they find gold in their cooking pot. Papa “thanked God for providing the fish with gold in its belly.” He prays, “Lord, please grant us enough money so we won’t have to steal to eat, but not so much that we’ll forget you. Thank you, amen.” 
  • While the house is empty, a man steals the family’s money. Afterward, Papa keeps his gun by the cabin’s door. “He said he will trust God to deal with the thief, but he must still be ready to protect us from him.” 

Historic Williamsburg: A Revolutionary City

In the 1770s, before the United States was a nation, most people lived on farms. But Williamsburg in Virginia Colony was a busy town with wide streets, grand public buildings, bustling shops, and a large market square―and 2,000 people! Discover how Williamsburg today offers a fascinating glimpse into America’s past. 

Historic Williamsburg focuses on the steps taken to preserve Williamsburg as a living history museum. This was not an easy process, as many of the buildings had to be restored, while others had to be rebuilt to resemble the originals. One reason Williamsburg is so significant is that many notable individuals spent time there, including James Madison, George Washington, and James Monroe. “Many of the ideas of democracy were first formed by our nation’s leaders in Williamsburg. It was here that the revolutionary Patrick Henry protested against unfair taxes imposed by England. Thomas Jefferson studied and practiced law in Williamsburg, and it was here that Jefferson formed his ideas of liberty and freedom that were reflected in his Declaration of Independence.”  

Unfortunately, most of Williamsburg’s stories were “about rich white men who made history. Visitors did not hear much about women or Native Americans.” The stories did not mention servants, the poor, or slavery. However, today, the museum has reconstructed slave cabins and has included women, slaves, and free black men in their story. 

The book’s design effectively supports its content through thoughtful graphic elements that break the text into digestible sections. Large red titles announce each new chapter, while red-shaded fact boxes provide additional context. Black-and-white historical photographs, as well as color photographs of the buildings, are included. Additionally, pictures of reenactments depict colonial soldiers carrying rifles. The book enables readers to step back into the 1700s and gain a fresh appreciation for history. 

Historic Williamsburg will appeal to readers interested in history and help them understand the significance of this colonial capital. “Historic Williamsburg can also help us understand how our own lives are connected to the lives of those who lived in the past. . . We may live in a very different world and have very different customs. But deep down, we face the same fears and joys as people did more than two hundred years ago. These common themes help us understand what it means to be an American, no matter what the date is.” 

Readers can explore more true stories about the 1700s by reading George Washington’s Spies and Anna Strong and the Revolutionary War Culper Spy Ring. Readers who want to jump back in history by reading a fiction book should read George Washington’s Socks, Night of Soldiers and Spies, and Rebecca Rides for Freedom.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • The church played a vital role in the lives of those who lived in Williamsburg. “The church and the government ruled the colony together. Taxes were paid to the church. Each Sunday, everyone was required to attend church.” 

What is the Constitution?

In 1783, thirteen American colonies officially became states in an independent nation after winning the Revolutionary War against Great Britain. However, this newfound freedom brought unexpected challenges. The states struggled to unite, with many citizens identifying more strongly with their individual state than with the United States as a whole. What is the Constitution? explores how the United States addressed these challenges and created a document that would unify the nation. 

In the summer of 1787, fifty-five elected men from twelve states met in Philadelphia with the goal of revising the Articles of Confederation—the United States’ first constitution. These men faced weighty questions: “Who decided if the United States would go to war again? What powers should be given to the head of government?” With the nation’s future in their hands, they wrote a new, more effective constitution. 

Demuth introduces readers to the framers of the Constitution, including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, and George Washington. While Washington and Franklin are described as bringing a sense of “calm and dignity,” Madison is portrayed as being “no bigger than a half piece of soap. Yet his intellect impressed all who knew him.” Young readers may recognize these historical figures and enjoy hearing more about their different personalities and contributions. 

The book is organized into nine chapters, each delving into different aspects of the Constitution’s creation. Chapter three, for instance, discusses the rules the delegates established to ensure a respectful and productive debate. One important rule required secrecy, allowing delegates to speak freely without fear of public backlash. Another rule allowed delegates to change their minds after voting, encouraging open discussion and repeated debate. This chapter not only explains how the Constitution was formed but also teaches readers the value of discussion and compromise—skills that remain relevant today.  

In addition to the main chapters, the book includes two supplementary sections titled “Photographs” and “Timelines.” The “Photographs” section features portraits of key figures, paintings of the Constitutional Convention, and images related to the era, helping visual learners imagine what the experience may have been like. The timeline begins in 1787, when delegates arrived in Philadelphia, and extends into the 1870s, highlighting key amendments such as the Fifteenth Amendment, which granted African American men the right to vote. This section provides readers with a clear and accessible overview of the Constitution’s lasting impact. 

What is the Constitution? is an engaging and informative book for young readers interested in American history and government. By combining clear explanations, historical storytelling, and helpful visuals, Demuth presents a complex topic in an accessible and meaningful way. Understanding the Constitution is essential for everyone because it remains the foundation of American democracy and protects our fundamental rights. This document governs how our government operates, defines the relationship between citizens and their leaders, and establishes the principles of freedom and justice that shape daily life. By learning about the Constitution’s creation and purpose, readers gain the knowledge needed to participate as informed citizens who understand their rights and responsibilities. This book makes that vital learning both enjoyable and achievable for young minds. To more fully understand this time period, read Forgotten Founders: Black Patriots, Women Soldiers, and Other Thinkers and Heroes Who Shaped Early America. You can also explore Sneak Peek’s reviews on other books about the American Revolution, George Washington, and other aspects of early American history.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural  

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

by Madeline Hettrick 

Forgotten Founders: Black Patriots, Women Soldiers, and Other Thinkers and Heroes Who Shaped Early America

The founding of America was not accomplished by a handful of people; it required the heart, soul, and grit of an entire nation. Today, we rightfully honor the work of the Founding Fathers, but what about everyone else who sacrificed for the cause?  

Introducing Forgotten Founders, the inspiring book of stories about the heroic women, African Americans, Native Americans, immigrants, and others who played pivotal roles in America’s birth. Make no mistake: these were no historical footnotes. These were brave men and women without whom the war simply could never have been won, and the new republic never begun. 

Readers will meet: 

  • Sybil Ludington, the sixteen-year-old girl who rode all night to warn of a British attack 
  • Nancy Hart, the indomitable woman who captured six Loyalist soldiers 
  • Cuffee Wells Saunders, the talented physician who won his freedom and saved lives serving in the Continental Army 
  • Phyllis Wheatley, the gifted Black poet whose work was praised by Voltaire and George Washington 
  • Deborah Sampson, the colonial woman who dressed as a man to enlist in the Continental Army 
  • Peter Salem, the former slave who became the hero of the Battle of Bunker Hill 
  • and many more patriots, soldiers, thinkers, and heroes!
  • Read, learn, and discover in beautiful new ways that America’s origin story really is everybody’s story. 

Forgotten Founders begins with a brief history of the Revolutionary War, the people of colonial times, and a timeline of slavery. Each two-page spread then introduces a person who played a role in making America a free country. One page provides a brief explanation of why the person is significant, while the other features a large, full-color illustration along with short excerpts from historical documents. Each spread also includes a “Think Better” quote box that invites readers to think critically. For example: “Could you have imagined that music would play such an important role in the army? What talents or abilities do you have? How might they be helpful in a cause that’s important to you?” 

Anyone interested in the Revolutionary War or the Colonial period will enjoy Forgotten Founders for its unique perspective. The book’s bright colors and pleasing layout clearly distinguish different types of information. Many pages include fascinating facts, such as how the Culper Spy Ring used invisible ink to send messages. Since the biographies are short, readers eager to learn more can consult the works cited page at the end of the book. 

Through engaging text and illustrations, each person’s unique story reveals the creative ways ordinary people contributed to America’s victory. By highlighting these diverse voices, Forgotten Founders reminds us that the fight for freedom belonged not to a few celebrated heroes, but to countless individuals whose courage and ingenuity shaped our nation’s beginnings. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • When Nancy Hart was home, six Loyalist soldiers barged into her house and “demanded that she cook her only turkey for them. . . Nancy grabbed a rifle and ordered them to stay still. When one moved, she shot and killed him. When another made a move toward the weapons, she shot him, too, and held the rest at gunpoint until her husband and neighbors showed up.” The men were hanged.  
  • Salem Poor, a slave who fought for freedom, “was given credit for firing the shot that hit British Lieutenant Colonel James Abercrombie, who later died.” 
  • Prince Estabrook, the first Black man to fight in the Revolution, was shot in the shoulder during a skirmish between the British and Americans. “He fully recovered and was back in action.” 
  • During a battle, a British major was commanding the rebels to surrender when “a Negro soldier stepped forward and, aiming his musket at the major’s bosom, blew him through.” The Patriots lost, but the British “had twice as many casualties as the Americans and lost many officers.” 
  • Crispus Attucks was the first person in the Revolutionary War to be killed. Crispus “became part of an angry Patriot mob throwing stones, clubs, snowballs, and ice at the British soldiers guarding the Customs House, where taxes were collected. . .” Someone yelled fire, and “the British opened fire and five men fell dead. The first was Crispus Attucks, with two musket balls in his chest.” 
  • Deborah Sampson disguised herself as a man and fought in the army. “Once, near New York City, she was gashed in the head by a sword and hit with two bullets in her thigh. . . She let doctors treat her head wound, but then slipped out of the field hospital, dug one of the bullets out of her leg with a penknife, and closed the wound herself with a sewing needle!” She lived to fight in other battles. 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • “Apothecaries often used lavender, mint, basil, dill, thyme, rosemary, and sage to treat patients.”  

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • “Quaker beliefs forbid violence. During the American Revolution, Quakers who wanted to fight for the American cause often changed their religion so that they could. Many became Episcopalians.” 

I Am George Washington

George Washington is known as the first president of the United States, but he had to overcome many challenges to reach that position. His father died while he was very young, and his cold and distant mother raised him. As a teenager, he finally moved in with his older half-brother, Lawrence. What followed was an idyllic upper-class childhood at Mount Vernon, a tobacco farm, where George lived with Lawrence and his wife. George faced his challenges—working hard on the farm and struggling in school—but the real trouble didn’t start until Lawrence died of illness. After losing his half-brother, George enlisted in the army. 

During George’s time in the army, he experienced his greatest failures as he led his men into defeat after defeat. Though a natural leader, George didn’t believe in himself. He lost many battles during the French and Indian War, which deepened his self-doubt. Haunted by the violence and tragedy of the war they had just won, he took time off to marry and live at Mount Vernon with his new wife and her children. However, when England began taxing the colonies unfairly, George was once again called into action—first in the First and Second Continental Congresses, then as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.  

During the Revolutionary War, George ultimately led the army to victory, but along the way, he suffered numerous defeats and lost many men. George was respected because he had led the Continental Army, was a virtuous man, and was eternally loyal to his country. After the war ended and the United States declared independence, George was named the first president. Even while serving as president, he questioned whether he was the right man for the job and had to be persuaded to accept a second term. 

George served as president for eight years and died shortly after stepping down. Now he is remembered for leading the country in the right direction. Washington helped unite the young country and did his best to prevent division. He was an instrumental part of setting up the government so no one man could have all the power, and so the people always had a voice. He persevered through challenges and failures, never letting them stop him from doing what he believed was right. He was a good leader because he cared about the people. Readers will learn that making sacrifices is necessary for leaders and that doing the right thing is always worth it, even when you don’t believe in yourself. 

This biography is divided into five short chapters with black-and-white illustrations on almost every page. Highlighted vocabulary words are defined in a glossary at the back. Other features include twenty fun facts, a timeline, a map, and illustrations of the important people in George’s story. There is also a section on places to visit and references to how he laid the groundwork for our current government. Through clear writing, engaging illustrations, and supplemental information, young readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of George Washington—not just as a founding father, but as a flawed human being who grew through adversity and whose legacy of principled leadership continues to shape our nation today. Readers who want to learn more about George Washington and the Revolutionary War should also read George Washington’s Spies, Night of Soldiers and Spies, and George Washington’s Socks. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Many men died in battle during the French and Indian War. “A hundred soldiers on the side of the British died. Washington had no choice but to agree to a humiliating surrender.” 
  • Later in the French and Indian War, British troops were ambushed by the French and Indian troops. “More than nine hundred men were killed. . . George was unharmed even though his coat was shot four times, his hat was shot once. . . and two horses were killed while he was riding.” This battle cemented George as a war hero, even though he lost. The British later won the war.  
  • George Washington owned slaves, and the book describes slavery: “They were treated like property, no better than horses or plows, and sometimes even worse. Slaves were beaten and humiliated to a point where they were afraid to rebel.” 
  • During the Revolutionary War, many men died. In the Battle of Brooklyn Heights, “two hundred and fifty-nine soldiers died trying to defend New York.” Many other men died from starvation, illness, or the cold. “Many of their frostbitten feet had to be amputated.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

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by Abigail Clark 

If You Lived During the Plimoth Thanksgiving

What if you lived when the English colonists and the Wampanoag people shared a feast at Plimoth? What would you have worn? What would you have eaten? What was the true story of the feast that we now know as the first Thanksgiving, and how did it become a national holiday? 

Chris Newell answers all these questions and more in this comprehensive dive into the feast at Plimoth and the history leading up to it. Carefully crafted to explore both sides of this historical event, this book is a great choice for Thanksgiving units and for teaching children about this popular holiday. 

Unlike many books about the Mayflower landing, If You Had Lived During the Plimoth Thanksgiving focuses on how Europeans affected the Native peoples, especially the Wampanoag, who had lived in the area for thousands of years. The book discusses the cultural differences between the Europeans and the Wampanoag tribe. For example, the Native tribes did not view land as personal property, nor did they believe it should be changed. Instead, “All Wampanoag people worked for the good of their village, and the welfare of the village depended on preserving nature’s systems. By following the natural cycles of life in everything around them, the Wampanoag and other tribes adapted and thrived for thousands of years before the arrival of European ships.” 

As the colonists expanded, Native communities were forced “to give up land and traditional spiritual ways; they were enslaved and indentured with the intention of forcing them to become like the English settlers.” For Native people, the English colony caused devastating consequences. This is one reason some states have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. For some Native people, Thanksgiving Day is a reminder “of the disease, slavery and war their ancestors endured. . . Many of these tribes have a day of prayer or mourning rather than a feast around that time of year.” 

The book also discusses how Thanksgiving celebrations have been held throughout the world for thousands of years. While many are taught that Thanksgiving began the first year the Mayflower landed, this is not true. Many may be surprised that it wasn’t until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday as “a way to ‘heal the wounds of the nation’ as a result of the Civil War.” 

If You Had Lived During the Plimoth Thanksgiving‘s format will appeal to children. Each chapter begins with a colored question, such as, “What did life for Wampanoag people look like when the Mayflower arrived?” Most pages feature large, full-color illustrations, allowing readers to see the landscape, settlements, and period dress. Words from the glossary appear in bold font, and some pages include colored boxes titled “Did You Know” that provide additional information. While the book’s format will draw readers in, children may need help understanding its complex sentences and vocabulary. 

Both children and adults interested in American history will find the book full of facts that prompt readers to examine the holiday’s origins and consider Native peoples’ perspectives. By presenting an honest account of how European colonization impacted Indigenous communities, this book offers an important resource for understanding why recognition of Native voices and experiences matters today. 

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

  • Six years before the Mayflower landed, a “ship had kidnapped twenty people to be sold into the Native Slave trade.” When the Mayflower landed, “several Nauset men ran out and began shooting arrows at them, thinking they were one more ship coming to steal hostages.” 
  • English captain Thomas Hunt tricked twenty Wampanoag into boarding his ship. The captain “kidnapped them, along with seven Nauset people, and took them to Spain to sell as enslaved people.” 
  • The Wampanoag people would kill deer. “They skinned it clean with sharpened bone scrapers made from large animal leg bones.” The hide was used to make many things, including clothes.  
  • The first war between the Europeans and Native peoples was the Pequot War in 1636. “The war was brutal and weakened the strength of their people to such a degree that they were no longer an obstacle to English expansion in their territory.” There is a one-page illustration of the fighting. The illustration shows houses burning, with Natives and Europeans fighting. One man has been shot in the heart by an arrow, and a Native has been shot with a rifle. 

Drugs and Alcohol  

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Language  

  • The English called the natives “savages” or “Indians,” which are “inaccurate and dehumanizing” words.  

Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

  • A group of English citizens moved to Holland “to practice Christianity freely as they chose. These people were known as religious separatists because of their wish to separate themselves from the large, established, organized churches of the time.”  
  • The separatists “referred to themselves as Saints.” The leader of the group that went to America wrote, “They knew they were pilgrims, and looked not much on those things, but lift[ed] up their eyes to the heavens, their dearest country; and quieted their spirit.” 
  • “Many cultures celebrated days of thanksgiving as part of their religion. They brought this tradition with them from England. The English colonists viewed their relationship with God as a sacred agreement. A day of thanksgiving was a way of honoring that sacred agreement.” 
  • The Wampanoag and other tribes celebrated days of thanksgiving throughout the year. “Offering thanks through ceremony, prayer, or sharing food acknowledges the gifts of the natural world that give people life.” 

Rescue on the Oregon Trail

Meet Ranger! He’s a time-traveling golden retriever who has a nose for trouble. . . and he always saves the day! 

Ranger has been trained as a search-and-rescue dog, but he can’t officially pass the test because he’s always getting distracted by squirrels during exercises. One day, he finds a mysterious first aid kit in the garden and is transported to the year 1850, where he meets a young boy named Sam Abbott. Sam’s family is migrating west on the Oregon Trail and, soon after Ranger arrives, he helps the boy save his little sister. Ranger thinks his job is done, but the Oregon Trail can be dangerous, and the Abbotts need Ranger’s help more than they realize! 

When Ranger is transported to a different time, he is understandably confused, but this doesn’t stop him from using his search and rescue training to help the Abbott family find their missing child, Amelia. Unsure of how to get back home, Ranger follows the Abbott family on their journey, where they face many dangers, including a buffalo stampede, raging rivers, and deadly illnesses. Through it all, Ranger saves the day. Along the way, he stays devoted to keeping Amelia from wandering off, and he learns to love Sam. However, Ranger misses his forever family, and he’s constantly looking for a way to return home. 

Readers will instantly fall in love with Ranger, who is dedicated to helping others while still acting very much like a typical dog who likes to chase squirrels and eat bacon. During his travels, he learns about the difficulties and dangers of the Oregon Trail. However, Ranger can’t solve every problem. One couple dies, leaving their daughter, Sarah, an orphan. Sarah’s story thread ends on a hopeful note as she reunites with her uncle, who provides her with a home. The wagon train’s difficulties add suspense and keep the story moving at a quick pace while weaving in accurate facts about the Oregon Trail. 

Rescue on the Oregon Trail is printed in a format that will appeal to even the most reluctant readers. Each chapter begins with an attention-grabbing title, and the text is printed in a large font. Each chapter has one full-page black-and-white illustration that helps readers visualize the journey. The illustrations also include information about the time period by showing how people dressed, what life on a wagon train was like, and the dangers posed by animals such as buffalo and rattlesnakes.

Rescue on the Oregon Trail is the first book in the Ranger in Time Series, and it sets up the plot structure for the other books in the series. Despite this, the books do not have to be read in order because Ranger visits a different time period in each book. 

The book will appeal to a wide variety of readers because it’s told from Ranger’s point of view, which gives it a unique perspective. The history of the Oregon Trail is presented in an interesting story that revolves around a young boy and his family. While it’s clear that the hardships they faced could be deadly, the descriptions are not graphic, and Ranger almost always finds a way to help. Rescue on the Oregon Trail is the perfect book to start readers on an adventure through time. 

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

  • Two men get in a fight. “One shoved the other so hard he flew backward into one of the horses. It neighed and reared up. . . The man who had fallen got up and ran at the other man. . .” The men’s fighting caused a yoke of oxen to stampede. No one is injured. 
  • While traveling, a herd of buffalo stampeded. The men shoot at the animals. “Pa fired his rifle again and again. Finally, one of the buffalo stumbled and sank to the ground.” The herd changes course. “Ranger followed Sam up to the collapsed buffalo. Its legs were crumpled underneath its great body. Its fur was matted with dust and blood.” 
  • Sam’s father butchers the buffalo. “Pa slit the buffalo’s hide from its throat all the way to its tail. Sam had to turn away.” 
  • While fording a river, Sam’s father falls into the water. Ranger jumps into the river. “Ranger caught the scent of death, too, rising up from the water. There were bodies down there. But Pa was still alive.” Sam’s father is rescued. 
  • When Sam is sick, the doctor checks on him daily. “He cut Sam’s arm so the bad blood could drain out.” Sam recovers. 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • After two men fight, an adult says, “They got gold fever, and it’s turned them into a pack of fools.” 
  • When Ranger starts barking, someone asks him, “What in heaven’s name is the matter, Dog?” 
  • Sam’s mother uses “Oh Lord” as an exclamation once. 

Supernatural 

  • Ranger finds a first aid kit. The metal box began to vibrate. “The box felt warm at Ranger’s throat. Bright light spilled from cracks in the old metal and seemed to swallow up the whole yard. . . The light spread and grew. There was a blinding flash, and Ranger felt as if he were being squeezed through a hole in the sky.” He is transported to the Oregon Trail. 
  • Ranger knows it’s time to return home when he hears “a high-pitched humming. . . The metal box was humming so loud it seemed to be shaking the whole earth.” Then, Ranger is transported back to his time.  

Spiritual Content  

  • One family is traveling to Salt Lake because “there was a much bigger community of Mormon families” there. 
  • When Sam’s mother is worried, she hums a hymn from church. Sam thinks, “With such a long list of bad things that could happen out on the trail, she was humming a lot these days.” Sam’s mother does this often throughout the book. 
  • Before crossing a river, “Sam could hear her [his mother] whispering prayers.” 
  • When buffalo stampede, Sam’s mother prays, “Oh, Lord, keep us safe.” 
  • While eating buffalo steak, Sam’s mother says, “This is a little bit of heaven.” 
  • A man and his wife die, leaving their daughter alone. The daughter “watched as they laid her mother and father down in the prairie, said some prayers, and shoveled all the dirt back in.” 
  • When Sam is sick, the doctor says, “All we can do is pray.” 

The Stowaway: A Tale of California Pirates

The year is 1818, and the coastal village of Monterey, California, is a peaceful home for 11-year-old Carlito and his family. . . until pirate ships appear on the horizon. Carlito and his friends are excited at first. They can’t wait to see what real pirates look like. But once the ships drop anchor, they attack. And on one terrible night, Carlito witnesses a murder—his father’s. When Carlito climbs onto the pirate ship in search of revenge, the ship sets sail, and he becomes a stowaway. Can Carlito bring his father’s murderer to justice? Or will he suffer the same horrendous fate? 

The stakes are high in this action-packed adventure when Carlito inadvertently becomes a stowaway on Captain Bouchard’s ship. The book opens with historical information about the Argentine privateer known for his cruelty, which immediately raises the suspense by forewarning readers that Carlito’s death could come at any moment. Being trapped on a ship with a cruel captain and manipulative pirates creates an atmosphere of fear and highlights the perils everyone on board faces. 

Despite Captain Bouchard’s cruelty, Carlito finds solace when the ship’s navigator, Montague, shows him kindness and protects him from the other pirates’ abuse. Montague isn’t the only person trapped by circumstances—Billy, another young boy forced into labor, befriends Carlito, and the two bond over their similar situations. Unlike Carlito, however, Billy’s father is still alive but imprisoned in a cage in the ship’s hull. Despite his harsh circumstances, the enslaved man remains kind. When Carlito has an opportunity to escape, he chooses to stay because he doesn’t want to endanger Billy or his father. Despite his fear and difficulties, Carlito demonstrates bravery by prioritizing others’ needs over his own. 

The Stowaway chronicles the events of Captain Bouchard’s Raid of 1818, offering an engaging story that will entertain anyone who loves pirate adventures while also teaching California history and showing the destruction Captain Bouchard left in his wake. The book focuses on a young protagonist with whom readers will easily connect. At one point, Carlito is given an opportunity to let Parvo, a cruel pirate, die, but sets aside his hatred and refrains from taking revenge. As Carlito says, “This pirate needs to be brought to justice for his terrible crimes. That is something Governor Sola can do.” Ultimately, Carlito learns the dangers of making rash decisions and the importance of relying on others for guidance. Readers who want to get lost in another pirate adventure should also read The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates Series and The 13th Floor: A Ghost Story.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • The book begins with a note about the story’s historical pirate, Hippolyte de Bouchard, who tracked down mutineers on Kaua’i, Hawaii. “[One mutineer] was dragged from the jungle to the beach, blindfolded, then shot by four marines. . . Other mutineers were found on the island of Maui and flogged until their backs split open.” 
  • After leaving Hawaii, Bouchard went to California and attacked the port of Monterey. During the attack, one of the pirate ships was hit. “Carlito peeked over the tower ledge to see flames on the ship’s deck, a mast snapped in two, and spars torn through the rigging.” The ship does not sink.  
  • As the townsmen were retreating, an officer “raised a musket and fired. One of the fishermen threw his arms in the air, then fell to the sand. Another shot hit a man in the shoulder, but he kept running.” The man was on the wet sand, “Blood staining the water’s edge. When Carlito focused on the man’s face, the open eyes that no longer held life, he gave an anguished cry.” The dead man was Carlito’s father. Two other people had been killed during the pirates’ attack. 
  • After the attack, Carlito sees “a screaming soldier about to have both hands amputated. The floor was sticky with blood.” Five pirates were killed during the fight. 
  • When Bouchard found a stowaway aboard his ship, the stowaway’s “lips [were] sewn shut, then he was dangled over the side until the sharks found him. . .” 
  • Billy, a boy forced to work on a pirate ship, was disfigured by a pirate. “The eye socket was empty and red. The knife that had cut Billy’s face and throat had also taken out the eye.” Billy obeys the pirates because his father is being held captive in a cage. 
  • A pirate is upset that two boys don’t have his boat ready. “He shoved one of the older boys into the water and kicked sand into the other’s face.”  
  • A pirate grabs Carlito and another boy, Little Edward, to punish them for not following orders. “He grabbed the boys by the arms and dragged them across the deck. As the boys struggled, he lashed their wrists to an overhead ratline and pulled out a whip that had been soaked in a bucket of salt water. . . [Carlito] could hear Little Edward crying.” A woman stops the pirate before he can hurt them further. 
  • One of the pirates, Red Cap, “was too drunk to know he was being rolled out the window. Down he went like a stone. His arms and legs flew up in a splash.” The man sank to his death. 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • A captain smokes a pipe.  
  • After a meal, Carlito’s mother and aunt “lit their cigars.” 
  • After the pirates attacked the port of Monterey, “there was drunken laughter as the thieves ransacked each home and shop.”  
  • A pirate who was taunting Carlito “reeked of rum.” 
  • The cook sends a jug of rum to a prisoner.  
  • After attacking another town, “pirates began stumbling down the path. Some were so drunk their mates dragged them by their hair along the rocky beach.” The men had raided “the fiery home-brew whiskey” hidden in a bodega. As punishment, “twenty men were strung up, stripped to the waist, then bloodied with twelve lashes each.” 
  • After Captain Bouchard maroons Carlito and others on an island, Carlito imagines Captain Bouchard and Captain Corney “raising their goblets of wine in a victory toast.” 
  • The epilogue explains how Captain Corney and his men had a “shore party” and accidentally ate a poisonous root. Twelve men “suffered agonizing deaths.” 
  • After retiring from piracy, Bouchard “treated his slaves with such cruelty, however, they staged a revolt in 1837 and killed him.” 

Language  

  • Bouchard often calls Carlito and others names, such as “stupid pig farmer,” “vermin,” and “worms.” 
  • A woman calls a pirate a “piece of bait” and “scum.” 
  • A pirate calls Carlito and the other boys “scum. Pig farmers.” 
  • The ship’s navigator, Montague, has scars on her face. A pirate says, “Everyone knows women are bad luck at sea, especially those with the face of a dog and a big. . .” Montague throws the pirate into the ocean. 

 Supernatural 

  • Women are thought to be bad luck at sea. 

Spiritual Content  

  • In a letter warning the governor to surrender, Bouchard writes, “May God keep you many years.” 
  • Carlito disobeys his father and sneaks back into the mission. “Papa put his arm around his son and nodded toward the altar where a carving of Jesus looked down at them. He began to pray. ‘The Lord is my shepherd. . .’” Carlito and his family were baptized Catholics and are Spanish citizens. 
  • Bouchard yells at the ship’s navigator, Montague. She replies, “When the Spaniards’ guns killed seven of your buffoons, you blamed me. Now God chooses to send no wind, and you blame me again.” 
  • Captain Bouchard maroons Carlito and others on an island. Carlito and another boy find a canoe and prepare to go for help. A man prays, “Dear Lord, watch over these brave boys. We ask for Your mercy on all of us. Amen.” 
  • Carlito and the other boy’s canoe gets caught in a current. Carlito’s uncle finds them and says, “Thank God your boat floated into the channel or we would not have found you in time.” 

Sutter’s Mill and the California Gold Rush

In 1848, gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, California. Word quickly spread, and the California Gold Rush was on! Thousands of people went to California in hopes of finding gold and striking it rich. But did that really happen? What was the real impact of so many miners rushing to the state? Discover what’s real and what’s fiction about the California Gold Rush through infographics, primary sources, and leveled text. 

Sutter’s Mill and the California Gold Rush doesn’t glorify the Gold Rush but instead examines its harmful effects, including discrimination against Indigenous people and the Chinese. For example, before the Gold Rush, about 160,000 Indigenous people and 700 to 1,000 non-Indigenous people were living in California. By the end of 1849, about 90,000 non-Indigenous people had arrived from across the U.S. and around the world. This influx led to widespread discrimination against both Indigenous people and the Chinese due to the newcomers’ greed for gold. 

This greed harmed not only people but also the land when companies began using hydraulic mining that “could bring down an entire hillside in minutes.” This practice changed the landscape forever and caused “riverbeds and lakes [to become] clogged” with debris, leading to flooding that destroyed homes and killed cattle and wildlife. Today, visitors can see the permanent damage at Coloma, California, where the land was altered forever. 

The book is visually appealing with large black-and-white pictures on each page and colorful section titles. The engaging text is broken into short paragraphs, making it easy to read. The book features fact boxes, a glossary, and an exploration of Gold Rush mythology that distinguishes facts from fiction. While these elements combine to create an enjoyable reading experience, the book’s title is misleading since Sutter’s Mill is mentioned only twice. 

Sutter’s Mill and the California Gold Rush is essential reading for anyone seeking to learn about California’s history, as it explains how the Gold Rush forever changed the state. Unlike other books, it doesn’t romanticize the Gold Rush as a time of universal opportunity. As the book notes, “Many view [the Gold Rush] as a time of great adventure when fortunes were made. But the truth of the Gold Rush is far less shiny.” Exploring these darker aspects gives readers crucial insight into the state’s complex history. Curious readers can learn more about a significant period that shaped America by reading the nonfiction book The Dust Bowl by Michelle Jabès Corpora. 

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

  • The Gold Rush had a devastating effect on Indigenous people. “The people coming from the eastern U.S. pushed Indigenous people off their land. Many were killed in the process. . . White miners began to view them as competition. Hostility toward Indigenous people grew, and they began to be attacked and killed.” An illustration shows a white miner pushing Indigenous people off their land. 
  • Like the Indigenous people, the Chinese people were also harshly treated. “White miners attacked Chinese miners to drive them away from their claims.” A picture depicts miners beating an immigrant with sticks.  
  • As the gold supply shrank, immigrants were pushed out of the area. “Immigrants were often hurt and treated unfairly. . . Many American miners believed that California gold should belong only to whites. They began using threats and violence to drive foreign miners out of the land they had claimed for mining. In 1849, armed groups of white miners attacked several Chilean mining camps.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

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Language  

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

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The Gateway Arch: Celebrating Western Expansion

This magnificent arch rises on the banks of the Mississippi River in St. Louis, Missouri. The nation’s tallest monument is the centerpiece of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, honoring Thomas Jefferson’s vision of Westward Expansion. Despite its controversial beginning, this amazing structure is now a national treasure and symbol of the nation’s reach from the Atlantic to the Pacific. 

The first four chapters of The Gateway Arch focus on Westward Expansion, providing a brief overview of the Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark’s expedition, and the motivations behind westward migration. While one paragraph mentions Sacagawea and the Native Americans who inhabited the West, the book fails to adequately address how Westward Expansion affected indigenous peoples—a significant omission in any comprehensive treatment of this topic. This section includes helpful maps and migration statistics, but while it explains the motivations for westward movement, it provides virtually no information about the actual experiences of settlers once they reached their destinations. 

The subsequent eight chapters examine how St. Louis sought to honor Thomas Jefferson’s role in Westward Expansion by creating a monument, ultimately leading to the construction of the Gateway Arch. These chapters thoroughly cover the architect who designed the monument, various construction delays, and the complete building process from conception to completion. The authors also include practical information about visiting the arch and exploring the Museum of Western Expansion. 

Readers interested in Westward Expansion and monument construction will find The Gateway Arch informative, particularly those researching the history of the Gateway Arch’s construction. However, the book suffers from a lack of personal stories and anecdotes that could have made the writing more engaging and humanized this important historical period. Instead, the authors focus primarily on facts, dates, and biographical details, creating a somewhat dry academic tone. The book concludes with a brief one-page glossary, two recommended books for further reading, and one suggested website—resources that feel somewhat limited for readers seeking to explore the topic more deeply. 

The Gateway Arch exemplifies how Westward Expansion shaped America by commemorating both the historical movement and the individuals who made it possible. Through its comprehensive overview, readers will gain insight into the events that helped define the nation. As the book concludes, “The Gateway Arch is an important symbol of America… It is a powerful symbol of how our nation grew and changed because of the settlers who were not afraid to travel west into a new world.” While the book succeeds as a factual resource, it would benefit from more engaging storytelling to fully capture the complexity of this pivotal period in American history. 

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

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Drugs and Alcohol  

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Language  

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

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Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie: The Diary of Hattie Campbell

After the death of her two sisters, thirteen-year-old Hattie and her family make a fresh start. They sell their farm in Missouri and journey across the Oregon Trail toward Oregon City. At first, the adventure is exciting, but as the days, weeks, and months pass, Hattie realizes what a dangerous and tedious trip it is. As they cross the prairies, news of the fate of the Donner Party reaches them, and death, disease, weather, and the terrain take a terrible toll on their traveling party. The Campbells lose neighbors and friends until they can hardly bear to continue. But Hattie and her family must persevere or risk the same misfortune. Hattie’s diary chronicles the hardships of such a harrowing journey, but also captures the small moments, friendships, and celebrations of life that keep hope alive. 

Hattie and her family’s adventure is filled with danger—perilous rivers to cross, deadly animals, unpredictable weather, and accidents. Despite these daily perils, Hattie focuses on conflicts that today’s readers will relate to. She is sad to leave her friends behind but becomes excited when she meets fourteen-year-old Pepper. When a boy begins courting Pepper, Hattie worries about losing her newfound friend and wonders when she will fall in love. While Hattie doesn’t find romance, she does meet many interesting people along the trail. 

Like many thirteen-year-olds, Hattie’s life revolves around her friends and those she cares about, which often makes her seem self-centered and uncaring when others face problems. For example, when Hattie discovers that Mrs. Kenker, a member of their wagon train, is a thief, she struggles to treat the woman kindly. While this reaction is understandable, Hattie is repeatedly rebuked for her lack of compassion. Her mother provides wise counsel: “In order to move on we must forgive the past. Sometimes that means forgiving someone who hasn’t apologized and probably never will.” Through these trials, Hattie learns to show greater kindness to others. 

Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie is told in diary format, which limits the development of other characters but still allows readers to understand the importance of Hattie’s relationships with friends, family, and adults. The characters draw readers into the story while the narrative teaches fascinating facts about the Oregon Trail, including landmarks, dangers, and the various reasons people traveled 2,000 miles to start new lives. Although there is no direct interaction between the wagon train and Indigenous peoples, Hattie writes: “I have decided Indians are like white folks in that some are honest and kind, others are liars and thieves.” This observation reinforces a theme woven throughout the story: making assumptions based on appearance is not only wrong but can harm both yourself and others. 

If you’re interested in learning about the Oregon Trail, Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie offers a compelling glimpse into this historic period and will spark your curiosity to explore the people and landmarks along the trail. However, like the pioneers themselves, you may wish you could stop to explore these places in greater depth. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • While in Independence, Missouri, a group of “boys yell and wave their rifles around. One of them accidentally shot a nine-year-old in the neck. He died quickly, right where he fell.”  
  • Tall Joe, the leader of the wagon train, shows off “what looks like two short brushes hanging with a string of beads. . . Tall Joe said proudly, ‘Them is scalps, ma’am. . . Pawnee.” Tall Joe said he shot the men. 
  • Tall Joe and Mr. Kenker, another member of the wagon train, get into an argument. Mr. Kenker points a gun at Tall Joe. Tall Joe says, “And the next time you point a gun at me, mister, I’ll slice your ears off — don’t you forget!” When Mr. Kenker’s wife defends him, Tall Joe “grabbed Mr. Kenker’s pistol and aimed it at their wagon seat where a pie was cooling. The first shot made the pan spin, the second splattered it.”  
  • Tall Joe and Mr. Kenker get into another fight. Mr. Kenker “walked to the edge of the cliff, stepped into midair, and dropped out of sight. For a moment there was silence, then the piercing scream of Mrs. Kenker.” It is implied that Mr. Kenker died. 
  • While on the trail, “a boy playing with his father’s gun accidentally shot our front ox in the head. It dropped dead so quick the ones behind stumbled onto it.” 
  • Hattie’s little brother Ben fell off the wagon. “The wheels rolled over his left arm so that it hung like a broken stick. He cried and cried, while Pa set it in a splint.” He eventually recovers. 
  • A boy fell off the wagon and “was trampled by the mules behind. There was so much dust that it wasn’t until three wagons passed did they find him.” 
  • While crossing a river, a family’s mule panicked, and the animals began to drown. They sank so fast they pulled the wagons underwater before anyone had a chance to jump out. Two families disappeared just like that. I’m sick at heart. The screams of their friends on shore I will never forget as long as I live.” 
  • Mrs. Bigg, a kind woman whom Hattie admires, falls off her wagon. “Mrs. Bigg had fallen in the water and was trying to grab her husband’s hand. . . Each time she managed to grab a wheel or harness, the wagon tipped deeper toward her. . . In an instant, Mrs. Bigg and her rescuer disappeared under the tongue of the wagon. . . then they were gone.” 
  • A woman on the wagon train receives news that her friend has died. “It seems there was a measles epidemic. When some of the Indian children died, the Cayuse thought Dr. Whitman was a sorcerer. So they burned down the mission.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • A couple who were traveling with Hattie’s group has “two crystal wine goblets, for she and the mister tip back a few each night.” 
  • Hattie’s friend Wade is accidentally poisoned. While he’s sick, his parents “gave him a sip of rum” to help him relax. 
  • When Hattie’s brother is injured, he is given whiskey to help him with the pain. 

Language  

  • Brigham Young has “three nigras, servants look like.” 
  • “Lordy” is used as an exclamation once.  

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • Several people from the wagon train eat water hemlock, which is poison. When they get sick, Hattie’s father says, “God help us.” Several people die, and Hattie’s friend Wade “is breathing hard and fast through clenched jaws so it sounds like he’s hissing. Blood is at the corners of his mouth.” Hattie and others pray for Wade’s recovery. 
  • Hattie’s mother and Wade’s mother pray, “Asking God, that if it be His will, to please heal Wade.” Wade eventually recovers. His mother “cries and cries she is so thankful to God for healing her son.” Wade’s healing was attributed to God. 
  • When a wagon flips over and crashes, Hattie thinks, “Thank God, Mrs. Anderson and her daughters were watching from the top of the hill.” 
  • Along the way, Wade sings a hymn: “May our good Lord watch over you always.” 
  • When Mrs. Bigg dies, Hattie wonders, “Why did someone as generous and loving and honest as Mrs. Bigg have to die while Mrs. Kenker gets to live?” 
  • Hattie continues to mourn Mrs. Bigg’s death. Hattie’s mom says, “I know two things for sure. God loves us and he has a plan for our lives. I wish I knew why He took Mrs. Bigg and Cassia and the other children, but this I do not know.” 
  • Brigham Young, American religious leader and second president of the Mormon church, was traveling close to Hattie’s wagon train. She writes, “I think something’s wrong with a religion that says men get to have as many wives as they please all at once.” 
  • Hattie thinks Brigham Young is “very religious because he makes his people rest on the Sabbath—no traveling.” 
  • Brigham Young’s group travels alone, which makes some of the people on Hattie’s wagon train dislike them. Some say he is acting “high and mighty.” However, Hattie’s father says, “Brigham Young’s people are trying to start a new life, just like us. And I’ll tell you something else. . . we ain’t their judge, God Almighty is, so let’s get going and not be so mad about everything.” 
  • While trying to ford a dangerous river, Hattie’s aunt goes into labor. Hattie writes, “Why God sends babies into the world at times like this I’ll never understand, but he does.”

Sarah Journeys West: An Oregon Trail Survival Story

In the midst of the California Gold Rush, twelve-year-old Sarah and her family are living in the North as free Black people. Seeking a better life, Sarah’s parents decide they will venture west on the Oregon Trail. On the trail, Sarah and her family face all kinds of hardship, including racism, extreme weather, difficult terrain, and disease. But the journey will be worth it if they can find fortune in California. Will Sarah and her family endure the trail and make a new life out west?  

Sarah Journeys West gives a broad view of the Oregon Trail, allowing readers to understand the dangers of going west by following Sarah’s family. Although the trip was difficult, most of the dangers that are discussed aren’t directly related to the wagon train that Sarah’s family is traveling with. This decreases the story’s suspense and, similar to traveling on the Oregon Trail, the book sometimes goes at a very slow pace. 

Since Sarah’s family is the only Black family in their wagon train, the story offers a unique perspective that highlights the additional difficulties they faced, including discrimination from other members of the wagon train. However, they were not alone in facing prejudice. Many travelers feared Native Americans and harbored discriminatory attitudes toward them. For example, when a member of the wagon train, Mr. Adams, first encounters Indians, he wants to shoot them on sight, but Sarah’s father intervenes to stop him. Sarah’s mother provides insight into their shared struggles, explaining, “They aren’t that different from us. Our people got stolen from home, and their home got stolen from them.” 

The book’s structure makes it easy to follow, with each chapter beginning by noting Sarah’s location and the time. Black-and-white illustrations appear every 10 to 17 pages, including one that shows a family grieving over a grave. The back of the book includes nonfiction material on the Oregon Trail, a glossary, discussion questions, and writing prompts that provide brief explanations of African American and Native American perspectives. 

Throughout the journey, Sarah’s family encounters several historical landmarks along the trail and discusses the Hastings Cutoff and the Donner Party. While the book provides limited information about these topics, curious readers can learn more by reading Koda by Patricia Hermes. 

Sarah Journeys West focuses on a caring family that dreams of a better life. Although the story occasionally lacks action, Sarah is a likable protagonist who worries about what her new life in California will look like. Despite the difficult trip, the book reinforces the message that “a woman can do anything a man can do.” The story concludes on a hopeful note—Sarah and her family safely arrive in California, where Sarah has found a best friend, and the two girls plan to help their families become prosperous. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • As Sarah’s family prepares to go to Oregon, one of their companions, Mr. Adams, says that Indians had killed “a lot of people heading west.” The man promises to “shoot an Indian on sight if I have to.” 
  • The wagon train approaches a river and sees Indians. Mr. Adams plans to shoot the Indians, even though they have done nothing to provoke him. “Daddy lunged at him, which made the gun aim into the sky, and a shot went off. . . Mr. Lee grabbed the gun from Mr. Adams, and Daddy wrestled him to the ground.” No one is injured, and the Indians help them cross the river. 
  • A man mentions the Donner Party, saying, “They got stuck in these mountains in the middle of winter. Almost all of them died.” 
  • The author’s note explains that “American Indians suffered greatly because of Europeans and the California Gold Rush. Native Americans across the country were forced off their homelands and killed in battles over the land. . . Their way of life completely disrupted.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • Sarah sees women who were preparing to leave for Oregon carrying medicine bags. 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • Before leaving to head west, James’ granddaddy gave him a gun and said, “James you’re going to need this to hunt. I pray that’s all you need it for.” 
  • Sarah’s friend, Maddie, gets lost in the woods. At first, no one realizes she is missing. A group of men goes looking for Maddie, and Sarah sneaks off after them. When Maddie is found, her father says, “Thank God.”
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