Showing posts with label J. Anderson Coats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label J. Anderson Coats. Show all posts

Monday, September 16, 2024

Middle Grade Review: The Loss of the Burying Ground

 


n this twisting, page-turning read, shipwrecked teen girls from opposing sides of a long war must find common ground in order to survive.

When the Burying Ground goes down in neutral waters, it sends the delegations from two warring nations—and the peace treaty they were about to sign—to the bottom of the ocean. The only survivors are a pair of teen girls: Cora, daughter of a Duran newspaper man, and Vivienne, lady’s maid to an Ariminthian princess. Neither has known a time when war between their two countries did not rage, but now they must learn to trust each other if they are to find sustenance, avoid dangerous pirates, and have any hope of rescue from the remote island they washed up on. However, in the midst of a conflict steeped in fierce national identity, propaganda, disinformation, and radicalization, finding a common path forward seems nearly impossible, for both Cora and Vivienne and their respective countries. But when the teens’ politically charged rescue seems likely to extend the war, Cora and Vivienne realize they do have a shared purpose: peace. If only it isn’t too late. - summary from the publisher 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I like how the girls hated each other at first but then realized they had similar goals. I liked the way they started to work together even though they didn't trust each other. There were lots of twists and turns in this book. The ending sets it up for a sequel; I'm looking forward to reading more about these two girls.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendation: A great book for your school and public library's collection.

Thursday, August 31, 2023

Middle Grade Review: The Night Ride

 



Above all, Sonnia loves horses. She's saving up her money to buy a horse, but she doesn't have a tenth of what she would need. When she learns that Ricochet will be moved to the royal stables to help train a racing horse, she's devastated.

Luckily, she knows a stable hand at the track. Sonnia finds a job. She loves working with horses.  After her chores are done, she can ride. It's not long before she learns of a night race.  

It's dangerous for the horses and dangerous for the riders if anyone found out. At first, she wants nothing to do with the race. But soon she begins to realize that the race is the only way to make real money. She needs to help out her family and it wouldn't hurt to finally have enough money for a horse of her own.
My Thoughts: If you're a fan of horses, this is the book for you. Lots of horse moments between caring for the horses and riding the horses. Sonnia has family struggles between wanting to be good to her family and wanting to forge her own path for the future. It's not easy growing up without money and opportunities. Danger and excitement come from the night rides. Sonnia knows they aren't right, and she struggles with her conscience over riding. She also struggles with fitting in, although she does make some nice friends. Although the ruthlessness of people and their greed surprise her. The ending was great. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library collection.