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BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



Children's and Teen: 9 - 11 years old

Cover art for THE THIRD GIFT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 14, 2011
THE THIRD GIFT
by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
"The cumulative effect of text and illustrations has a sad rather than celebratory feeling, unusual in a Christmas-themed story and therefore refreshing in a usually relentlessly cheery season. (author's note) (Picture book/religion. 6-9)"
Newbery Medalist Park offers a Christmas story explaining how myrrh is harvested and how it came to be one of the gifts carried to the Christ Child by the three Wise Men. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CATS IN THE DOLL SHOP
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 10, 2011
THE CATS IN THE DOLL SHOP
by Yona Zeldis McDonough, illustrated by Heather Maione
"A quiet treasure. (Historical fiction. 8-12)"
In this companion book to The Doll Shop Downstairs (2009), Anna learns the joys and challenges of adding a same-age cousin to her family. Read full book review >
Cover art for THREE CUPS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 8, 2011
THREE CUPS
illustrated by April Willy, by Tony Townsley, Mark St. Germain
"A good introduction that should be paired with some other books to round out and develop kids' understanding of money and allowances. (Picture book. 5-10)"
Three mismatched teacups from the cupboard are not exactly what a 5-year-old boy hopes to receive for a birthday gift, but with some parental guidance, they help set them on a path to sound financial well-being. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE GREATEST GIFT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2011
THE GREATEST GIFT: THE STORY OF THE OTHER WISE MAN
retold by Susan Summers, illustrated by Jackie Morris
"The length of this story makes it most suitable for elementary-age children, but teens and adults will also appreciate this moving tale of a Wise Man with a special gift. (author's note) (Picture book/religion. 6 & up)"
This lyrically told story of an unknown Wise Man with a different sort of gift is based on Henry Van Dyke's Victorian-era tale, "The Story of the Other Wise Man." Read full book review >
Cover art for IRENA'S JARS OF SECRETS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
IRENA'S JARS OF SECRETS
by Marcia Vaughan, illustrated by Ron Mazellan
"Powerful. (afterword, glossary, sources) (Informational picture book. 9-12)"
Irena Sendler is enshrined at Yad Vashem as "righteous among nations" for her courage in rescuing Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto. Read full book review >
Cover art for BOY VS. GIRL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
BOY VS. GIRL
by Na’ima B. Robert
"Simple but interesting, and certainly timely. (Fiction. 10-15)"
A pair of Pakistani twins, a boy and a girl, struggles to grow up in England while trying to follow Islam. Read full book review >