365 simple science experiments with everyday materials

Posted on: March 7, 2016 at 11:33 am, in

365 simple science experimentsBy E. Richard ChurchillHere is a book filled with some fun and educational activities for the whole family to enjoy. I thought these might be interesting to try out over Spring Break. E. Richard Churchill, Louis V. Loeschnig and Muriel Mandell have collected and created experiments that children of all ages can […]

Sleepover Sleuths

Posted on: March 5, 2016 at 12:18 pm, in

Sleepover SleuthsBy Carolyn KeeneHere is one from a classic series that many will remember from their youth; Nancy Drew is still at it after 85 years. She is still solving crimes and poking her nose in places that get her into trouble. The Nancy Drew writers continue to revamp and reinvent the classic stories about this […]

Orange is the New Black

Posted on: March 4, 2016 at 4:42 pm, in

Orange is the New BlackBy Piper KermanUsually I like to read the book before I watch the show but in this case I went a little backwards. Orange is the New Black, the Netflix show, is one of my favourites, I had not even thought that it was a book first so when I saw […]

Futurist Violence and Fancy Suits

Posted on: February 25, 2016 at 6:12 pm, in

By David Wong There are so many internet connected devices available.  I have the usual devices: smartphone, gaming consoles, a connected TV, a tablet, a regular computer.  I haven’t got a smartwatch yet and virtual reality googles are still a bit too expensive, but I expect I will get them eventually.  All this technology is […]

The Boy Who Lost Fairyland

Posted on: February 22, 2016 at 9:23 am, in

The Boy Who Lost FairylandBy Catherynne M. ValenteThe Boy Who Lost Fairyland is an adaptation of the classic tale The Changeling. This is the fourth book in the Fairyland series but it does not follow the adventures of September like the first three books, this book can stand alone. Catherynne M. Valente has created a fantastical […]

The Memory of Light

Posted on: February 20, 2016 at 3:59 pm, in

The Memory of LightBy Francisco X. StorkI just finished reading an advanced copy of this book. I know that it is a YA book but I wanted to recommend it for parents and adults as well. Francisco Stork has tackled the world of mental illness in a very real and sensitive way. I would recommend […]

Crooked Heart

Posted on: February 19, 2016 at 6:30 pm, in

Crooked Heart By Lissa Evans Lissa Evans’ “Crooked Heart” is a startlingly funny odd-couple story set against the backdrop of World War II London. It follows Noel Bostock, a ten-year-old orphan being raised by his anti-authoritarian suffragette godmother, Mattie. She isn’t a particularly affectionate woman, but she does adore him and maintains his education from […]

Hanging Hill by Mo Hayder

Posted on: February 18, 2016 at 6:45 pm, in

Hanging Hill by Mo HayderThere are few things that I love more than being curled up under a blanket on a rainy day enjoying a large cup of tea and a good mystery. However, lately I haven’t had much luck finding a compelling who-dun-it until I stumbled upon Hanging Hill by Mo Hayder. This engrossing […]

Along the Infinite Sea

Posted on: February 18, 2016 at 4:56 pm, in

Along the Inifinite Sea by Beatriz Williams Whenever I read one of Beatriz Williams’ books, it is like catching up on family. Along the Infinite Sea is another installment in the lives of the Schuyler sisters, a trio of society daughters whose lives I have been compelled to follow, since I first read 100 Summers. […]

Rain Reign

Posted on: February 16, 2016 at 9:56 am, in

Rain Reign By Ann M. Martin This is a heart wrenching story of love, friendship, family and courage. Rose Howard is a little different from the other grade 5 students at Hatford Elementary.  For one thing, she loves homonyms. (Examples: isle and aisle, grown and groan.)  She has a list that she uses to keep […]