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About This Book:

• How seismic waves travel at incredible speeds, shaking everything in their path
• The cutting-edge technology helping seismologists predict earthquakes and keep us safe
• The ways earthquakes reveal hidden treasures beneath the surface . . . and so much more!

*Review Contributed By Evren Dodd, Staff Reviewer*

A Good Book for Readers Interested in Earthquakes

COULD AN EARTHQUAKE SHAKE THE WHOLE WORLD, part of the Big Questions Answered series, tackles the topic of seismology. The book provides readers with a brief introduction to the topic of seismology and earthquakes.

Clean, bright images grace the pages of this book. The images are carefully drawn with clean lines. There’s not a lot of details in the background as the foreground is the main focus, but that suits the book very well.

As an introduction to the topic of seismology, this book tackles earthquakes as a natural disaster. It shows the destruction that earthquakes can have on buildings and countries as well as possible effects it could have too. The book also discusses how seismologists use predictions and past earthquakes to figure out when other earthquakes will occur. There are even tips on how to stay safe during an earthquake.

The very back of the book also provides additional information related to the study of seismology and a glossary for difficult words that the younger readers may not be familiar with.

Perfect for young readers interested in earthquakes or natural disasters, COULD AN EARTHQUAKE SHAKE THE WHOLE WORLD explores the topic in a way that is appropriate for younger readers.

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About This Book:

A missing child and an apartment that should be empty spur two tweens to solve an increasingly tangled neighborhood mystery in this page-turning middle grade debut.

This hijinks-heavy mystery written in dual POV reads like Only Murders in the Building for tweens. Perfect for wannabe sleuths and nosy neighbors!

Valory has developed an unfortunate reputation as a thief—primarily because she steals things—though she has resolved to change her ways.

Rook is a total asparagus-eater (a.k.a. a good kid), but he likes to spy on his neighbors. Nobody’s perfect, right?

The twelve-year-olds form an unlikely alliance when they encounter suspicious behavior in an “empty” apartment across the alley from Rook’s house. While agoraphobia keeps home-schooled Rook trapped on his property, confident and street-smart Valory can roam the scene undetected. Their opposite personalities might, in fact, be key to their success.

But their amateur detective mission morphs into something more sinister when they realize the apartment next door could be connected to a recent kidnapping. When the sleuths realize they’re also being watched, the pressure is on to unmask the villain… before she snatches them, too.

*Review Contributed By Mark Buxton, Staff Reviewer*

Love is not a cage

What worked:
The alliance between Valory and Rook is unlikely due to their diverse family situations. Rook’s family is wealthy, and everyone in it has musical talent. Rook is a piano prodigy, but he doesn’t like how it makes his mother overly protective. Valory’s mother cleans the home for Rook’s family, and the book’s opening finds Valory helping her mother. She hates that she’s accused of stealing an ancient coin, mostly because she’s guilty. Rook is surprised when he lies to cover Valory’s crime, and that begins their partnership. Rook needs help investigating a possible crime, and Valory is equally intrigued about the problem he describes.
Alternating chapters focus on Valory or Rook, and they allow readers to see inside their minds. Valory’s mother is dating a policeman, which is ironic considering Valory isn’t an upstanding, honest student or girl. She can get good grades at school, but she doesn’t always follow the rules. Valory doesn’t like her mother’s new boyfriend, and it creates a conflict for her. Rook is the opposite of Valory, and she’s amused by his need to be perfect. Rook can’t believe Valory rides the bus by herself, but admires her ability to go out into public. He loves to play the piano, but he doesn’t always get to play the songs he wants. Rook’s relationship with his mother is conflicted and will need to be resolved in the end. Valory’s trying to behave better to earn the trust of others, and Rook takes chances he’s never taken before. Their alliance to solve a crime is complicated when their parents forbid them from seeing each other.
The clues of the kidnapped girl are circumstantial, so the mystery isn’t easily solved. Rook thinks he sees a young girl in the apartment across the alley, but she’s never seen outside. He assumes something’s wrong and begins to notice other things. A woman leaves the apartment building at the same time every day, and she certainly behaves oddly. Valory helps Rook investigate, but they still make many assumptions. Readers won’t know the real story until the plot reaches its climax.
What didn’t work as well:
Valory and Rook’s characters aren’t developed as much as readers might like. There are some explanations for their behaviors, but it still feels like more is needed. They’re complex characters.
The final verdict:
The author develops a plot that seems to have a clear direction, but some clues don’t make sense. That’s because the story isn’t as clear as anticipated. I suggest you try it for yourself.

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About This Book:

• The incredible adaptations that let octopuses thrive in the world’s harshest conditions
• How octopuses can edit their own genes!
• Why these tentacled animals need nine brains and three hearts
• Incredible ways octopuses interact with the natural world around them . . . and so much more!

*Review Contributed By Evren Dodd, Staff Reviewer*

Interesting and Informative

Part of the Big Questions Answered series, ARE OCTOPUSES FROM ANOTHER WORLD explores the amazing abilities octopuses possess as well as whether they are Earthly beings or otherworldly.

This book covers many of the interesting aspects of octopuses that make them seem like creatures from another planet. Multiple hearts, limbs with brains, camouflage, and so much more. I love learning more about animals and octopuses have always been an interesting subject because they feel so different from other creatures.

The artist for this book, Valeria Abatzoglu, draws really clean illustrations that showcase the skills and information being presented. Much of the background is blue, but the creatures and details still stand out even when using similar colors.

There is a glossary and pronunciation guide at the back of the book for younger readers who may not fully understand the topic of teuthology. This additional information provides a bridge between the suggested age range (kids 5 to 9) and the actual language used in the book. It allows even younger readers, or those reading at lower levels, to still understand the information being presented.

ARE OCTOPUSES FROM ANOTHER WORLD is yet another amazing book in the Big Questions Answered series. Showcasing a myriad of talents and curiosities about the octopus, this is a solid read for those interested in the strange creatures that roam amongst humans.

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About This Book:

A deluxe edition of the bestselling Christian picture book about a polar bear cub who asks a question that “human cubs” often wonder about, too: “Where did I come from?” Now featuring a gorgeous slipcase and extra room for personalization—perfect for gifting!

This special edition of God Gave Us You adds a personalized touch to any gift-giving occasion and is sure to become a cherished keepsake. New features include a beautifully designed slipcase plus pages where loved ones can draw pictures or write messages, best wishes, and prayers.

Perfect for bedtime, naptime, storytime, or anytime, God Gave Us You assures each child that he or she is a welcomed, precious, and treasured gift from God. With more than two million copies sold, the book continues to gently, tenderly, and reassuringly communicate the message loving parents everywhere want their little ones to hear: “We wanted you very, very much, and we are so very glad because—God gave us you.”

*Review Contributed By Adrien Carter, Staff Reviewer*

Sweet Story Introducing children to God

Mama bear is tucking her cub in when she expresses to the cub, that the cub was very much wanted and how happy Mama bear is because God gave them the cub.

What I Liked: This story begins with the cub asking her mother where she came from and then the mother explains that the cub comes from God. After stating this, the book tells the mother’s journey of her pregnancy and the child growing. The illustrations throughout this book are soft and sweet, they do a great job of showing what the text is saying, and showing the love that the Mama bear has for her cub all throughout her life. This book includes pages at the end of the story where loved ones can write messages, or prayers if they wish to give this book as a gift.

Final Verdict: God Gave Us You is a sweet story that is perfect to show children that God sent them to their family, and because of this they are a welcome, and treasured gift. This book is perfect for fans of I love you to the moon and back, and the other books in the God Gave us series. Children will enjoy hearing how much they are loved and treasured, and get a nice boost to their self-esteem when they listen to this book.

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About This Book:

Multiple-time New York Times–bestselling sewer-surfing super-sleuths Mango and Brash are back in the ninth volume of the mega-smash-hit InvestiGators series!

The InvestiGators’ latest case is a dairy disaster! The city’s water supply has been replaced with milk and the newest feline agents, the InvestiGatos, don’t seem to be complaining. What’s with the simian scientists and why is the rain green?! All will be revealed in this sticky volume of InvestiGators!

*Review Contributed By Olivia Farr, Staff Reviewer*

entertaining and silly graphic novel!

INVESTIGATORS: WEATHER OR NOT is an engaging and silly middle grade graphic novel with a fun mystery and plenty of funny moments. Mango and Brash have a new case to solve – who is replacing the water with milk? They face off against Daryl, locate the missing agent (InvestiGatos), and encounter mad scientists along the way.

What I loved: This is a highly entertaining and action-packed new InvestiGators story. The misunderstandings and puns will keep young readers laughing. There are so many clever jokes that play on language and grammar that also improve reading skills. Another fun thing about this series is that some of the jokes are made for adult caregivers who read along with young ones. They may go over kids’ heads but will keep adults entertained as well.

The case feels relatively low stakes and adds to the humor along the way with plenty of twists and surprises as they figure out who is behind it. Mango and Brash may not always be the most effective detectives but they get the job done. The new InvestiGatos added a lot of fun to the story with their own flair for solving cases and tackling problems.

The artwork throughout is fantastic with loads of fun characters, easy-to-follow panels, and lots of color. The level of detail works perfectly to set and capture each scene. The dialogue is easy to attribute and follow without taking over the story. Expressive characters and colors set up all the comedy nicely.

Final verdict: INVESTIGATORS: WEATHER OR NOT is a highly entertaining and action-packed graphic novel that young readers will love laughing their way through! Highly recommend for the middle grade audience.

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About This Book:

*Review Contributed By Rachel Feeck, Staff Reviewer*

Good Neighbors and Woodland Critters

When the beavers accidentally chop down the tree with Hazelnut the squirrel’s home, they offer her a place to stay for the winter. Hazelnut appreciates the offer, but a few days in the wet river tell her she’s not cut out for being a beaver, so she begins wandering in search of place to stay. Thankfully her many neighbors are eager to help, and at long last, Hazelnut finds a place where she can be herself.

This is a fun little woodland story, with the cadence of a fable as Hazelnut moves from one home to another. The bats are nice, but Hazelnut isn’t made to hang upside down, and on it goes, until she finds the home that’s just right for her. Fall and winter colors offer a pretty backdrop to her journey and the variety of cute, wide-eyed creatures along her way, including beavers, birds, hedgehogs, and more.

Readers will enjoy a story of one determined squirrel, helpful neighbors, and the lesson that kindness begets kindness, it’s okay for sometimes feel like a fish out of water, and there’s a place in the world for everyone.

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About This Book:

Gibberish meets Alma and How She Got Her Name in a celebration of language and how the words we use connect us with the people we love most!

Words are like magia—magic!

When her Spanish teacher asks the class to share the words that spark the most magic for them, Karena knows exactly what’s at the top of her list:

¡Poloché!

But when she’s told that it’s not a real word, she’s thrown for a loop. Her mami said it just that morning, whispered under her breath like a spell to make every wrinkle in Karena’s shirt disappear. So begins her mission to prove that there is more to language than what can be found in a dictionary. After all, her mami’s words are full of love and memory—what could be more magical than that?

Kiara Valdez’s singular text and Richy Sánchez Ayala’s vibrant illustrations celebrate the different ways that families keep language alive by bringing their own history and traditions to the table.

*Review Contributed By Adrien Carter, staff Reviewer*

Beauty of Language and Culture

Karena’s Spanish teacher asks the class to share words that spark magic for them and Karena knows just the word, Poloché. Karena is confused once she is told that its not a real word because her mami said it that morning. Karena is now on a mission to show that there’s words that aren’t captured in a dictionary like her mami’s words that are full of love and memories, and for her that’s magic.

What I Liked: If you’ve grown up with family members where English is their second language, this book will bring back memories of your childhood with them. You’ll be pausing to remember all the words that yuou grew up with and how you never second guessed it they were real. It’s fascinating to see how these words bring back memories, and how we should learn to embrace those words.

The illustrations throughout this book are vibrant helping to celebrate the ways that families keep language alive, and the beauty in the language that they make. Each moment of this story is full of joy especially as the children come together and when Karena shares that these words are a part of her history and culture. It’s interesting to see the teacher’s response and how Karena manages to teach her teacher something new.

Final Verdict: Mami’s Magic Words is perfect for English Language Learners to learn about the beauty that comes from the words that their parents use, and how those words are magical. Children ages 4 and up will enjoy seeing all the words that the children come up with and being able to think of their own words. This book feels like getting a warm hug from your loved ones and it’s one that you’ll return to time and time again.

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About This Book:

• How nanobots are lending doctors a tiny helping hand in fighting disease
• The amazing ways that nanotechnology benefits us every day
• How these small machines are standing up to climate change

*Review Contributed By Olivia Farr, Staff Reviewer*

interesting nonfiction picture book

CAN THESE TINY ROBOTS CHANGE OUR WORLD? is an interesting picture book about nanobots. The book includes basic information about nanobots and their potential uses at a high level. Backmatter includes helpful definitions and additional information.

What I loved: Curious young readers will really get into this picture book. While the information is surface-level, this is great for young elementary school readers who love learning new things and technology. Each page features large images along with a few sentences to explain some high-level concepts. This is great for young elementary school students, as it keeps them engaged and introduces the topic and its uses well.

What left me wanting more: As a small thing, while this was great for little readers, more information and detail would have been cool to include for readers who want even more details and facts.

Final verdict: CAN THESE TINY ROBOTS CHANGE OUR WORLD? is an engaging picture book for curious young elementary school-aged readers. It introduces the concept well with great illustrations on every page and helpful backmatter.

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About This Book:

• Lauren Alaina
• Kelsea Ballerini
• Scotty McCreery
• Dolly Parton
• and Lainey Wilson

*Review Contributed By Cherokee Crum, Staff Reviewer*

A Warm, Welcoming Introduction to the Grand Ole Opry

Howdy! Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry! is a lively and inviting picture book that brings the spirit of this iconic music venue to young readers in a wonderfully imaginative way.

Written in the point of view of the Grand Ole Opry itself, the story speaks directly to the reader as if they’re preparing to take the stage. This creates a fun, immersive experience that feels both exciting and empowering.

The illustrations by Susanna Chapman are interesting and something not seen often. They have a playful collage-like quality, blending drawn elements with textures reminiscent of magazine clippings and photographs. This mixed-media style gives the pages a dynamic, rhythmic vibe that matches the musical theme. Each spread feels energetic and full of movement.

I appreciate how the book emphasizes inclusivity, inviting readers of all backgrounds to imagine themselves as part of the Opry tradition. It captures the message that music is for everyone, and that the stage has room for all voices.

In the back matter, there’s a brief and accessible history of the Grand Ole Opry, along with messages from past performers that add personal insight and authenticity. This section offers a nice touch for older readers or for families wanting to learn more after enjoying the main story.

Overall, it’s a joyful, welcoming book. It is perfect for young music lovers, budding performers, or anyone curious about a piece of American musical heritage

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About This Book:

*Review Contributed By Mark Buxton, Staff Reviewer*

A spooky story of friendship

What worked:
Interestingly, this book is the second in the series, but it’s written by a different author. Previously, Lila was the only character who could see ghosts, but this time, Teddy and Caleb somehow gain the ability, too. Teddy notices something strange about Lila that leads the plot in a new direction. She starts flickering, fading in and out of existence, and sometimes disappearing entirely. This problem becomes the plot’s main conflict, as Teddy doesn’t want to let another friend die. He doesn’t know what to do, so he often goes to his chat room group, the Phantom Hunters, in search of answers. Lila also joins him in researching the history of their small Ohio town, and they begin to notice a pattern. They banished the Fire Maiden in the first book, but they fear she may be returning.
A subplot involves a tragedy that’s been traumatizing Teddy since the first book. Teddy’s best friend died when they were in the third grade, and Teddy’s been blaming himself for the past four years. Readers know it involves a skating accident, but this book adds previously unknown details. The drowning was devastating for Teddy, but his classmates’ teasing made it even worse. They still make comments about his obsession with ghosts and horror movies, so Teddy doesn’t have any good friends. Since Lila is new to his school, he’s afraid she won’t want to be associated with him when she learns he has no relationships with any other students.
The author is a master of suspense and of developing an eerie world. From the first book, readers will know Lila’s family has moved into an inn that has catered more to ghosts than humans. Of course, her parents are unaware that a portal to the world of the dead is behind the mirror in the attic. Stormy weather helps to create a creepier feeling even during the daytime hours. The tension is amplified when kids from school perform a séance that gives the Fire Maiden more power. Later, Lila’s parents plan a party on Halloween, so readers know the plot will build to a climax on that day. Readers are left to wonder how fearful, remorseful Teddy can save his friend from being claimed by a malevolent spirit that’s growing stronger.
What didn’t work as well:
Isn’t it amazing how many characters sense things are “off” but ignore those feelings. There are a couple of instances in this book where Teddy and Lila meet characters and think their actions or comments seem odd. Experienced readers will notice the clues and be on the lookout when the plot takes a turn. It’s also strange that Lila flickers in school, and no one notices enough to make it into a “thing”.
The final verdict:
There are many references to the Fire Maiden, so readers should read The Last Resort first. Middle-grade readers love scary stories, and they’ll love a spirit that feeds on fears of the living. I recommend you try this series for yourself!

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