Learn to Read and Write Secret Messages in Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs Jumbo Activity Book

Trying to write in secret code feels like a rite of passage in elementary school and beyond. Through in a little actual learning with it and learn how to do so with hieroglyphics! Now you can get a jumbo activity book about them! I know I would have been all over this in elementary school.

Review of A Bowl Full of Peace: A True Story by Caren Stelson, illustrated by Akira Kusaka

In this deeply moving nonfiction picture book, award-winning author Caren Stelson brings Sachiko Yasui's story of surviving the atomic bombing of Nagasaki and her message of peace to a young audience.

Sachiko's family home was about half a mile from where the atomic bomb fell on August 9, 1945. Her family experienced devastating loss. When they returned to the rubble where their home once stood, her father miraculously found their serving bowl fully intact. This delicate, green, leaf-shaped bowl—which once held their daily meals—now holds memories of the past and serves as a vessel of hope, peace, and new traditions for Sachiko and the surviving members of her family.

Book Links

Amazon * BN * Goodreads

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

This may be a picture book, but it is definitely not a book for younger readers. This is more for your middle elementary and older children who are ready to hear the sobering tales from WWII. It is the tale of the bombing of Nagasaki and the horrific effects from that atomic bomb. Sachiko was only six years old when the bomb was dropped. It is miraculous that she survived, as most of those around her did not, whether being instantly killed or succumbing to residual disease some years later. It's a message about the horrors of nuclear weapons and the lesson that they should never be used again. But it also is a story that inspires hope, as it tells of the family heirloom that survived, the rituals that the family had before the bombing and the new ones of remembrance that they created after the bombing. And it speaks to having gratitude and humility. 

This is a true story. At the end of the story is the story behind the story, along with pictures of the real Sachiko and the real bowl. The author gives insight as to why she felt compelled to tell this story and also provides resources for further reading. It would be useful for telling part of the history of that time and serves as a discussion launching point.

Also of note are the beautiful illustrations that are soft, yet still demonstrate some of the harsh reality of the history of the war. I felt they were quite powerful.

I have long been fascinated by WWII and the many stories surrounding it. This is one that will stay with me.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a requested review copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of What's the Point of Math? by DK

You may not realize it, but math controls just about everything in our world.

From cracking codes to winning game shows, from predicting comets to solving crimes, this unique book reveals where our most important math ideas came from (you'll be surprised!). It might change your mind about math forever!

What's the Point of Math? explains really simply how essential math ideas work and identifies the extraordinary things you can do with them. It's full of crazy facts, magic tricks, and mathematical brainteasers, along with beautiful illustrations that bring math to life. It will amuse and entertain even the most reluctant of math students.

From measuring a pyramid to becoming a trillionaire, this book is perfect for those who need some inspiration when it comes to numbers - in the classroom and in the real world. You'll find out why an hour has 60 rather than 100 minutes, what it takes to catch a cheat, and how math keeps our secrets safe.

Hands-on "Try it out" examples show readers how to solve everyday math challenges, while colorful and uncluttered illustrations throughout make mathematical explanations easy to grasp in seconds.

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * BN * IndieBound

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

Kids often want to know why they have to learn math, because they think they won't have to use it when they are older, or that they can just use a calculator as an easy shortcut. This book takes a look at the history of the various aspects of math, from counting to probability to shapes and more. And then it tries to apply it to how we use it today in a way that kids should be able to understand. For example, one part discussing proportion and percentages shows how you can apply that knowledge to getting a bargain at the store. Quite practical, right? And the patterning section gets into code breaking, which is going to also appeal to some kids. There are even some fun activities to try out to explore the different concepts.

I love history and I love math, so this book is a perfect combination for someone like me. It has an overwhelming amount of information in it. It is not going to appeal to all kids, though. They will likely have to already have somewhat of an interest in history and/or math to actually pick this up and start paging through it. But they can learn a lot if they do. 

Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Lost Cities by Giles Laroche

Combining world culture, history, geography, and architecture, this visually stunning look at ancient cities around the globe takes readers to such places as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, and the mysterious sculptures of Angkor Wat. Perfect for fans of This Is How We Do It and Atlas Obscura.

What would it be like if you lived a thousand years ago? To pass through the Hanging Gardens of Babylon on your way home? Or gaze at the stars from your cave dwelling in Mesa Verde?

On mountaintops, deserts, and the banks of rivers, ancient cities that once thrived have become lost to time. But in their ruins, we can find clues of the past and the extraordinary lives their residents lived. All it takes is a simple question: What was life like before?

Beautiful illustrations, masterfully crafted from layers of cut paper, ask readers to spend a day in the footsteps of someone from thousands of years ago.

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * BN * IndieBound

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**
This one is going to appeal to all of the history buffs out there. Giles takes us through time, visiting lost cities from ancient (and a couple more modern) civilizations that have been rediscovered by explorers and archaeologists over the years. Each city is introduced with a simple paragraph about it. And then for those who want even more information, down below are more detailed answers to the questions of location, who lived there, why the city was lost, how it was discovered, and then what makes the lost city so mysterious. There's a lot of information without being overwhelming and boring.

It's all actually quite interesting to read. I have always been fascinated by the lost cities. But this book includes ones that I had not heard of before. So even this adult was able to learn something new inside these pages. 

The illustrations are quite detailed, trying to show what we know of the daily life within these cities. They pop up from the page, almost looking 3D at times. They are even more impressive at the end when you get a breakdown of the intricate and time-consuming work put into each illustration. 

Also included at the end is a world map that shows where each of the cities is found in relation to each other, and a timeline showing where each of them fall in history.

I would love this book in an elementary classroom for independent research and enjoyment.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me a review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Railway Jack: The True Story of an Amazing Baboon by KT Johnston

Jim was a South African railway inspector in the late 1800s who lost his legs in an accident while at work. Unable to perform all his tasks with his disability but desperate to keep his job, Jim discovered a brilliant solution, a baboon named Jack. Jim trained Jack to help him both at home and at the depot. But when the railway authorities and the public discovered a monkey on the job, Jack and Jim had to work together to convince everyone that they made a great team. This inspiring true story celebrates the history of service animals and a devoted friendship.

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * B&N * IndieBound

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**
I love historical fiction, and this one was definitely a story that I had never heard before. Back in the late 1800s in South Africa, a man named Jim lost his legs in an accident while working on train track repairs. He still needed to work, so he was trained to be a signalman, moving trains to their proper tracks. One day, he comes across a man who had a baboon as an assistant, and strikes a deal to purchase Jack. What follows is an amazing story of how Jack the baboon becomes an imperative service animal and helper to Jim. It is truly incredible what this baboon was able to learn how to do. And the deep friendship and connection between Jim and Jack is beautiful. I'm so glad to have learned a new story.

Following the story, the author talks about how she went about researching the story, which I appreciate as a teacher. The history buff in me loves the real photographs of the real Jim and Jack. Then there is a section that gets into more educational aspects, such as a description of primates, a history of service animals, a glossary of terms, and a list of internet resources for further exploration. Discussion questions can be used in the classroom, or for fun for the independent reader who may like to think about what he has just read. I think it would definitely make a great addition to a classroom library and could lead to all kinds of research projects. I give it 4 1/2 stars.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Grand Adventure by Mark A. Hicks and Donna E. Hicks

The Grand Adventure

On May 24, 1869, John Wesley Powell, a one-armed Civil War veteran, and a ragtag group of nine other men set out on a river journey into the then uncharted territory of the Grand Canyon and other canyons of the West.

It took John Wesley Powell and his companions nearly 100 days and 1000 miles of surviving hot days and cold nights, boat wrecks, flash floods, sandstorms, and near starvation to complete their journey.

Buy links

Website / Amazon

About Mark and Donna Hicks

Mark A. Hicks is an award-winning illustrator of children's books and lots more. Mark has been an admirer of John Wesley Powell's courage and determination since childhood. He is also an admirer of the Grand Canyon and its natural beauty. Mark was born and raised in Arizona and has visited the Grand Canyon on may occasions.

Donna E. Hicks is a writer and educator. She is also an admirer and explorer of the Grand Canyon.

Find Mark A. Hicks online:

Website: http://www.MARKIX.net
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/whimsicalillustration

'Titanic A to Z, The Story of the World's Most Famous Shipwreck' by Judy Nichols

This is a paid promotional post through my Featured Fiverrs. All opinions are my own, though.

This week marks 101 years since the famous sinking of the Titanic. Commemorate this historical event by downloading a book that teaches you all about it.

 

Book blurb:

Titanic A to Z, the Story of the World's Most Famous Shipwreck, is a children's picture book that takes young readers, ages 5-9, through the alphabet to learn about the sinking of the Titanic. Authentic photos from 1912 make the true facts come alive as young readers learn about the Titanic without dwelling on the gloomy aspects.

Details seldom found in other Titanic books will answer such questions as: Did kids help build the Titanic? What did kids do for fun when on board the ship the first four days? Who brought their pets along? Why did the kids like the Titanic barbershop? Who saw the iceberg first? How did the Captain of the rescue ship find out the Titanic was sinking? What scared the survivors as they waited for the rescue ship to take them on board? How were the kids who survived carried on board the rescue ship?

The introduction tells the story of the Titanic, followed by interesting details added in an alphabetic sequence. Suitable to read aloud to younger children while boys and girls who read at 2nd or 3rd grade reading level can enjoy reading it to themselves.

~~Buy it on Amazon~~

Biography 

Judy Nichols loves to write for children and teenagers and has a special interest in historical subjects like the Titanic. Her writing reflects the years she spent as a librarian, reading specialist, and classroom teacher in K-12 schools. She is also the author of "Titanic Dog to the Rescue" on iPhone and iPad; "Barnyard Santa" on Android and iPhone; and "Teaching in Tough Times", published by Baker Book House. Her poems for children have appeared in Fun for Kidz, Pockets, and Hopscotch magazines. She has published many articles in magazines and newspapers featuring historical subjects and creative teaching projects and continues to write more books that help kids enjoy reading and learning.

Review of 'Profiles #5: The Vietnam War' by Daniel Polansky

Description

It takes more than one person to bring about War. This book will follow the lives of six key players during one of the most controversial wars in history.

Profiles is so much more than just your typical biography. The next book in our six-in-one, full-color bio series will focus on the five W's of the Vietnam War--who, what, where, when, and why. Kids will learn all of the biographical information they need to know (background, family, education, accomplishments, etc.) about: Ho Chi Minh (prime minister of Democratic Republic of Vietnam) John F. Kennedy (US president 1961-1963), Lyndon B. Johnson (US president (1963-1969), Ngo Dinh Diem (president of South Vietnam), Henry Kissinger (US National security advisor), and William Westmoreland (US army general). This book will help illuminate one of the most controversial wars in American history for a new generation of readers.

**My thoughts**

 When I was in school, the Vietnam War had been over for several years, yet no one talked about it. It was like a passing mention in a textbook. This book serves to teach the next generation more about what shaped those that came before them and to what so much media refers in our current conflicts. 

The book focuses on six men who were instrumental in the conflict, each with approximately the same number of pages of information given to each one. Each one of them had a different role in the war and different reasons for their participation. Each one had different opinions of the conflict. By presenting all six of them, this book allows for a broader and more balanced look at the controversial war.

Each man's personal history, as it relates to the conflict, is given in his biographical sketch. Political reasoning and maneuvering, and military tactics are both discussed. I felt like I learned a lot from reading this book, that I had missed out on when taking history classes at a younger age.

The only thing that caught my eye was impeachment being defined as "the process by which Congress removes the president from office" when discussing Henry Kissinger and Richard Nixon. Impeachment is actually the process of bringing formal charges against someone in public office, such as the President, but not necessarily removing them from office. Removal from office can result from impeachment, though. A recent example is President Clinton, who was impeached, charged and put on trial for misconduct, but was not removed from office. This stuck out to me, because I remember having this discussion in our limited coverage of the Vietnam War in high school. I also double-checked the definition at Dictionary.com and other sources.

The end of the book also includes a brief timeline outlining the major events of the conflict, a glossary of terms used throughout, and a bibliography for future reference.

I think this book would be appropriate for middle grades through adult, as one reference for studies of the Vietnam War.

I received an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Buy links: Amazon \ Barnes & Noble

  

Review of 'Hoop Genius: How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy Gym Class Invented Basketball'

Description

Taking over a rowdy gym class right before winter vacation is not something James Naismith wants to do at all. The last two teachers of this class quit in frustration. The students—a bunch of energetic young men—are bored with all the regular games and activities. Naismith needs something new, exciting, and fast to keep the class happy—or someone's going to get hurt. Saving this class is going to take a genius. Discover the true story of how Naismith invented basketball in 1891 at a school in Springfield, Massachusetts.




**My thoughts**

I enjoyed reading this book, because I never really knew the history behind the game of basketball. I knew it had originally been played with peach baskets and was invented by a teacher. I was amused at how this book shows the innovation of a teacher who is desperate to corral a bunch of rowdy students, especially because I am a teacher. I also liked how it demonstrated the trial and error involved in creating the game. I think it is important for kids to realize that great things don't necessarily happen without a lot of experimentation and perseverance until you get it right.

The illustrations amused me, as they are reminiscent of an older style of drawing. I got a kick out of how the players become increasingly injured as the story goes on, as Naismith kept trying out new ideas. The history buff in me loves seeing the original typewritten rules, as well. While it mentions how basketball evolved to the sport that it is today, it doesn't dwell on the current game. Some may think of this as a downfall. I like that it stays true to its title. Interested children may be inspired to research more about it.

I think this book will appeal to kids in kindergarten or lower elementary and up.

I received a review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.

Buy links: Amazon \ Barnes & Noble \ Lerner Publishing

Visit author John Coy's website.

Visit illustrator Joe Morse's website.

Review of 'Tillie Pierce: Teen Eyewitness to the Battle of Gettysburg' by Tanya Anderson

Description

Imagine being fifteen years old, facing the bloodiest battle ever to take place on U.S. soil: the Battle of Gettysburg. In July 1863, this is exactly what happened to Tillie Pierce, a normal teenager who became an unlikely heroine of the Civil War (1861-1865). Tillie and other women and girls like her found themselves trapped during this critical three-day battle in southern Pennsylvania. Without training, but with enormous courage and compassion, Tillie and other Gettysburg citizens helped save the lives of countless wounded Union and Confederate soldiers. 
In gripping prose, Tillie Pierce: Teen Eyewitness to the of Battle Gettysburg takes readers behind the scenes. And through Tillie’s own words, the story of one of the Civil War’s most famous battles comes alive.


**My thoughts**

What I loved about this book... I love the real photographs. The Civil War was the first major event that was photographed, thanks in part to Matthew Brady. It was the first time that we saw a true picture of the devastation of war. The Civil War has always felt the most real to me because of that. These pictures are amazing.

I love that Tillie's real words are used throughout the book. Tanya explains the history and then uses Tillie's comments to further illustrate what she is saying. Real eyewitness accounts are significantly more powerful than someone else's interpretations. The fact that these are the observations of a teenager should speak to younger readers, as Tillie is more of one of their peers telling the story. I have visited Gettysburg and have tried to imagine what it was like. Reading her descriptions and feelings, in conjunction with the pictures, brings it more to life as a real event.

I do wish that more of Tillie's words would have been in the book. I think I need to actually find her book and read it to fulfill that desire, though. When I originally read the description, I thought it was going to mostly be Tillie, with a little commentary thrown in. Instead, it was the other way around.

Another aspect of this book that I appreciated was the section at the end that gives follow-up activities and further reading and research that kids can do.

With the amount of reading in this 100-page book and the language used, I would recommend it for middle grades and above. Adults looking for a quick read about the Civil War may also enjoy it.   

Buy links: Amazon \ Lerner Publishing

I received a review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions. 

Get to know author Tanya Anderson: Blog | Website | Facebook 

'California History for Kids' by Katy S. Duffield

The story of California is the story of dreamers-explorers, gold miners, immigrants, ranchers, moviemakers, farmers, and everyday Americans who headed west for a fresh start. The first native inhabitants arrived 9,000 years ago, ancestors of the tribes who would greet the Spanish in the 1700s. Father Junípero Serra later established a chain of missions along the coast, expanding European and Mexican influence. But when gold was discovered in 1848, the rush was on, and two short years later California became a state. After the gold ran out, other rushes followed, from agriculture to industry, Hollywood to Silicon Valley.

            California History for Kids includes a time line of significant events, a list of historic sites to visit or explore online, and Web resources for further study. And to get a better idea of the scope of California history and the lives of its citizens, readers can:

* create a Chumash rock painting
* play the Miwok Hoop-and-Pole game
* bake and eat hardtack like a gold miner
* design a cattle brand
* decode a railroad cipher
* immortalize their handprints in plaster
* assemble an earthquake preparedness kit
* and more

            Author Katy Duffield tells the rich story of the men and women who, despite challenges and occasional hardships, settled and built the vibrant cities and bountiful farms, ranches, and orchards of the Golden State.

Purchase from Amazon: Kindle \ Paperback

'Kid in Chief' by Paul Maguire

Description

When third-grader Bobby Barton visits Washington, D.C. on a class trip, he doesn't know he will walk away with a chance to become the leader of our nation. It's on that trip that Bobby finds a missing part of the United States Constitution telling him how he could become President! Soon after making this discovery, Bobby moves into the White House as the youngest American President in history. With his friends Maria Cagney (Bobby's Vice-President) and Kevin Sawyer (his Chief of Staff), Bobby is faced with many important decisions, confusing situations, and exciting adventures. Bobby quickly finds out that being President is a very tough job. Join him as he and his friends learn all about how the government works, having loads of fun along the way!

Purchase on Amazon: http://amzn.to/V8XtAA 

Find out more about author Paul Maguire and his books at http://www.paulmaguireauthor.com.

Read Paul Maguire's blog at http://paulmaguireauthor.tumblr.com/.

'Texting Through Time: John Taylor and the Mystery Puzzle' Blog Tour

Book Description:

Micah and Alicia are excited to meet John Taylor as a child in England. But when their phone won’t let them return to their own time, they’ll follow the prophet around the world, learning some important lessons along the way. Humorous, entertaining, and informative, this book is a wonderful introduction to church history that’s bound to be a family favorite!

**My thoughts**

Fans of The Magic Tree House series will enjoy this book that follows a similar idea. Brother and sister Micah and Alicia use a magic cell phone to be transported back into time to follow important figures in the Mormon faith. In the first book, they apparently met up with Brigham Young. In this one, they follow the prophet John Taylor.

There is adventure as they go along their quest to find all of the missing components of a puzzle that is programmed into the phone. Suspense builds as obstacles fall into their path. Faith builds as they believe that they will be taken care of and find their way home again. The children learn lots of lessons along the way, as well.

Even though this book is geared toward children in LDS families, I think other middle grade readers would enjoy the adventure and the story. Everyone can learn about merely living live as a good person by reading the lessons that Micah and Alicia learn on their quest. I am curious about other books in the series.

Meet the Author:

My grandmother lived with us when I was young. She loved to read me stories. I would curl up in her lap or sit on the bed next to her and listen to the tales spin out before me. We cried together over Lassie Come Home and loved Madeline and her adventures. That was a magical time for me in my life. When my children were little, I loved reading to them because it kept the magic alive. Now my children are grown, I can keep the magic by writing stories for others to read.

I love to read and write stories about the pioneer prophets.

Pioneers live all over the world. I still have family in Switzerland and Poland. Where do you and your ancestors come from? Write and tell me.

I am like the pioneers because I love:

• Old fashioned cooking—making butter
• Pioneer games—button, button, who’s got the button?
• Crafts the pioneers enjoyed—drying wild flowers

To learn more about the author and her books, you can visit her website at: www.christymonson.com

'The Wickware Sagas' Guest Post by Penny Estelle

Today's guest post comesfrom Penny Estelle. I first encountered her when I read and reviewed her bok Hike Up Devil's Mountain. She is currently at work on a new series...

The Wickware Sagas

I was visiting my daughter in Utah, last summer and my ten-year old grandson was playing with some of his friends. Somehow, the subject of William Tell came up and not one of these boys had any idea who William Tell was.

This is how my series, The Wickware Sagas, started. It seems so much of our history is getting lost, especially when it comes to historical legends.

Miss Wickware is a history teacher for 7th and 8th grades students at Langdon Middle School in Phoenix, AZ. Rumor has it that strange things happened in her class. Is she a witch? Is she from another planet? Nobody can, or will, talk too much about what has happened. Yea…probably just rumors…or are they?

Every year, she gives an assignment for an oral book report. Each student will draw a name from a box and then give an oral report on whom they have chosen and somehow, one of these students ends up face to face with their drawn subject. How does this happen?

Billy Cooper’s Awesome Nightmare is the first of the Wickware Sagas Series.

Billy Cooper is so annoyed about this oral report. Old Lady Wickware drops this bomb on a Friday afternoon and it’s due on Monday. Well he has plans for the whole weekend and simply doesn’t have time to do a report. He figures he will do a quick computer search on Sunday night on this William Tell guy, whoever that is, and then he will just skate by on this assignment. All that changes when he finds himself in the 14th century and standing in front of William Tell’s house.

Excerpt

Except for William Tell being one of the biggest men he had ever seen, he had to wonder what this guy did to get put on a book report list! “So, Du….I mean, Uncle William, what do you do around here, you know to bring home the bacon?”

“Here in Uri, we would kill a bore to get bacon,” William replied.

“Ooookay,” Billy said, but you are a legend. Why?” Billy figured he might as well take the bull by the horns!

“William, I am no legend. I am but a simple hunter.”

Billy had to wonder why old lady Wickware would put some hunter that didn’t do squat, in the drawing. There had to be more! “So, who’s this Gessler guy? Why is Auntie freaking out about him?”

His uncle did a quick double take and asked, “William, your speech seems so different. Do they all talk like this in Unterwalden?"

“Unter-who?” Billy asked.

“Unterwalden. Where you live.” His uncle started to wonder if his nephew was more than just unbalanced.

“Oh yea, Unter….whatever. My home place,” Billy stammered. “Yea, we all talk like this. We are a laid back kind of group.”

William Tell just shook his head. “Gessler is the Governor of Altdorf. As you must know, Austria is trying to take our lands from us. Some are already paying heavy and unjust taxes. These Austrians are a cruel people, William, and they want everyone to live in fear. Until the Rutli Oath came to be we did not know what to do.”

“What’s the Rutli Oath? Billy asked.

They were almost to Altdorf. William stopped and looked deep into Billy’s eyes.

“Countrymen from Uri, Unterwalden, and Schwytz are ready to take back what is ours and the Rutli Oath is our pledge to do so."

Billy nodded and turned to continue to the town when his uncle stopped him. His tone was deadly. “Speak of this to no one, William. It would not bode well for you.”

Even in a dream, Billy wouldn’t cross a man like William Tell. “No problem, Dude. Your secret is safe with me.”

Buy links:
Muse It Up Publishing | Amazon

I have two more MG/tween stories out at this time.

Hike Up Devil’s Mountain

Ten-year old Andy Thompson disobeys his mother and sneaks into the basement of an old abandoned house that’s due for demolition. He stumbles upon a mysterious box under an old cabinet. And his troubles begin when he looks inside.

The Crew brothers, twelve-year old Jason, and ten-year old Danny, also find their way to the basement. New to town, Jason has established himself as the school bully. A struggle ensues between Andy and Jason, and the bully ends up as a toad.

Somehow, the boys must reverse the magical spell. And that means hiking up the dread mountain: fast pace, fast action and some scary turns and surprises on the way! The lives of all three boys seem destined to change forever, if they survive…

Buy Links:
Amazon Paperback | Kindle | Smashwords | CreateSpace

A Float Down the Canal

Twelve-year old Pam Simpson gets dumped on when her mother is called into work. She must cancel her plans for the mall to babysit her younger brother and his friend and take them to the public pool. To make matters worse her cousin, Candy, is also coming over for the day. She doesn’t even like Candy!

Much to Candy’s dismay, transportation to the pool is on inner tubes, floating down the canal. One thing leads to another and it is Pam who, once again, must save the day.

When things couldn’t seem worse, the day takes a drastic turn for the better and it is Candy, and the float down the canal, that makes this the best day of Pam’s life!

Buy links:
Smashwords | B&N

Review of Who Were the Accused Witches of Salem?

This series of books attempts to explain notable historical events in America by answering six basic questions: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? Who Were the Accused Witches of Salem? focuses on the Salem Witch trials of the 1600s. At the end of the book, readers are encouraged to answer the same questions as a reading comprehension exercise.

The language of the book is easy to understand. They even altered the spelling of some of the Old English words, to make it easier for kids to read. I have mixed emotions about that. Yes, I agree with making a text easy to read, but there is something to be said for the historical aspect of reading the original English.

Another attempt to modernize the story for today's generations is including little factboxes within pictures of smartphones and other modern technology. For example, a map showing where Salem can be found is illustrated on a GPS screen.

Vocabulary words have definitions right on the page, next to the text in a little blue box. Each vocabulary word is outlined in blue, with a line leading to the little fact box. While this is helpful in drawing attention to the definitions, I personally found it distracting to have all of the lines in the middle of the text. I would have preferred to have the vocabulary word bold-faced, even in the blue color. The definition could still be in the small blue box in the margin, but also include the vocabulary word so as to not confuse them.

I do love the real paintings and drawings from the time that are included in the book. Suggestions for further reading and research follow the index at the end.

I felt the books was quite informative. I learned a few tidbits about which I wasn't aware prior to reading this book, though I have read about the trials before. It is a great resource for upper elementary and up.

I received a complimentary set of galleys in exchange for my honest review.