It’s November and in two weeks it is Thanksgiving! How did this happen? The year is passing by so quickly, but I have to admit, autumn is my favorite time of year. I love shuffling through the leaves on my daily walks, seeing all of the pumpkins and gourds at Trader Joe’s, making lots of yummy soups and smelling my spice candles. I’ve been trying to enjoy every moment, although I’ve been a little overwhelmed during the past few months with Kid Lit. I’ve been lucky to have so many books to read and review! I’ve also been really busy with Kid Lit Exchange. We’re a group of kid lit lovers who read, review and exchange new books, many before they’ve been released. Our goal is to support the Kid Lit authors and to help our readers know about the great books that will be coming soon.  In August, the founder, @kate.olson.reads decided to step back and hand over leadership to a team. It’s been a huge project for us, but we’re succeeding. We feature the new releases each week on our blog and have lots of reviews on Instagram #kidlitexchange. I invite you to visit soon.

Now, here are some of my current favorites. I hope some will be your favorites, as well!

In Your Shoes by Donna Gephart

This is a story I will remember for a long time. It’s a story about twelve year olds, grandparents, grief, disabilities, anxiety, friendship and most of all love. There is kindness shown toward a new girl desperately searching for a friend in a new school in a new town, toward a boy who is missing his grandma and has a loving, but complicated relationship with his grandpa and with Miles’ quiet understanding and concern about Amy’s disability. ~~~
I loved so many things about this book…
~The narrator, who pops up throughout the book to add just a bit more to the story; especially the page where she writes “A Sad Truth” about losing someone. It is so true and offers comfort and understanding to those of us who are feeling that pain.
~Miles determination to save enough money to take his grandfather to the Bowling Hall of Fame
~Amy’s mom, who is always surprising her with encouraging and loving thoughts, as well as that extra little push that we all need to do the right thing.
~Finally, I loved the epilogue about Miles grandparents and Amy’s mom. I want to think of my parents experiencing the same sweet moments as they watch over all of us. ~~~
This is a book that needs to be in elementary and middle school libraries. I know it’s going to be on my bookshelf!

Middle grade ~ family ~ friendship ~ disabilities ~ kindness ~ grief

Operation Rescue Dog

written by Maria Gianferrari and illustrated by Luisa Uribe

When I saw the title of this book, I knew I had to review it! We have rescued three greyhounds over the past twelve years. In every case, we feel that we were actually the ones who were rescued. These sweet girls brought so much joy to our lives, as well as companionship, humor and of course, love. Operation Rescue Dog sweetly describes just such a situation, although this time the one who is rescued is a lonely little girl.
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Alma desperately misses her Mami who has been in Iraq for three months. She convinces her Abeula (grandma) that they need to rescue a dog to surprise Mami when she returns. The dog must be the color of Mami’s eyes and have a new yellow leash, Mami’s favorite color. The adoption process proves to be quite an adventure for all of them.
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This engaging story, with heartwarming, colorful illustrations and told from both Alma’s and her new dog, Lulu’s points of view, is a perfect one to share with families who have adopted a dog, or who are pondering the possibility. I must warn you though, after listening to Operation Rescue Dog, your little ones may convince you that an immediate trip to your local humane society for an “operation rescue dog” is absolutely essential for your family.

Picture book ~ families ~ animals

Run Wild Written and Illustrated by David Covel 

It may be November and the winter winds are blowing, but what do so many of us wish for our children and ourselves – one more opportunity to RUN WILD. David Covell’s words and watercolor illustrations encourage you and your little ones to do just that! These pictures leap off the page as the story follows a boy and girl gleefully romping through a forest and wading in a lake. The intriguing vocabulary will initiate lots of conversations and questions as your family’s imaginations soar. You’ll find yourself yearning for one more hike through the park or forest preserve, or maybe even a weekend at a cabin in the woods. This is definitely a title you’ll want to add to your library or shopping list!🌲

Picture book ~ nature

Finding Esme by Suzanne Crowley

Esme is twelve years old and lives on a peach farm in Texas with her stoic grandmother, her mother, who isn’t really aware of her or anything else, and her little brother. Until three years ago, her dad lived there, too, but then one day he simply said goodbye and never returned. Her grandpa also lived in their old farm house until three months ago when his heart simply stopped working. Esme desperately misses Paps and the love, acceptance and attention she only received from him. I found myself wanting to hug Esme for a very long time, to tell her she really will feel better one day and to allow her the freedom to just be a child, rather than the adult everyone expects her to be.
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This story is full of magic, mystery, adventure and family. I loved Esme’s resourcefulness and determination as she worked to solve her family’s financial crisis. I loved her fierce loyalty to her friends and family, including to her beloved dinosaur, Louella Goodbones, who she discovered on the farm. And finally, I loved her courage as she began to understand her gift of finding all things, as well as her ability to see ghosts.
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This is a good choice for students in grades 4-7 who are looking for a magical story, with a lot of love and adventure mixed in. It would be perfect for those students who are looking for a book “just like a Wendy Mass book”! I recommend that it be added to both elementary and middle school libraries.

Middle Grade ~ families ~ magic ~ mystery

Beatrice Zinker Upside Down Thinker: Incognito                       by Shelley Johannes

Beatrice is back in her second book, and I think I may have liked it even more than the first (which is saying a lot)! Beatrice is just beginning third grade and along with her best friend, Lenny, has a secret plan, Operation Upside. They plan to make a lot of people happy by presenting “Award of Recognition” certificates.
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Here are some reasons for you to order Beatrice Zinker Upside Down Thinker: Incognito
TODAY!

🔹The characters are so much fun!
🔹I loved the quiet kindness shown by Wes as he held the school door open for his classmates every single morning, his willingness to share his art supplies, and his thoughtfulness when he handed out kindness rocks to friends who might need them.
🔹Beatrice’s love of animals, her insistence that she thinks much better upside down, her creativity as she stealthily sneaks over to her neighbor’s window and her code names for Operation Upside members all added to this charming story.
🔹Ms.Johannes delightful illustrations bring so much life to the story. I would definitely love to have some of her artwork hanging in my office. You can’t help loving every character when you see their faces!
🔹The central theme of kindness in the story including the certificates, Beatrice’s plan to reward her teacher (even though it’s not too successful!) and the empathy shown by Beatrice and Lenny toward their classmates.
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This is a great book to read aloud to all ages. Those ready for a chapter book are going to devour this latest addition to the Beatrice Zinker series and will be eagerly waiting for the news of her next adventure. I know I will!

Read aloud ~ humor ~ kindness ~ beginning chapter book ~ series

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More about Susan

Hi! I'm Susan, a wife, a mom and a recently retired elementary school librarian with 22 years of experience. One of my greatest joys is to connect kids with a perfect book, which then leads them to a lifelong love of learning. Through my blog, I'm hoping to reach parents, their children and teachers to help them find those special books. I’m also hoping to offer some tips and techniques to use with your children as you read aloud.