Middle Grade Review: Dragon Pearl

A government official comes to Min's house and informs her mother that her oldest son has turned traitor and left the cadets. He's now missing.

Min doesn't believe the official. She loses her temper and knocks hi unconscious. She flees her home determined to find her brother and uncover the truth.

She uses her magic, forbidden by her mother, to hep her journey. Nothing goes as planned and she's forced to adapt. Min ends up taking the place of a cadet upon the space ship where her brother lived. Can she uncover the truth without getting caught?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book for so many reasons. I loved Min's big loud family. I loved her relationship with her brother and how she knew him.  I loved the action and the danger. I loved how Min was a clever girl, fast thinker, and admired her ability to adapt. I liked how she tried to assume the identity of a cadet and assimilated into that lifestyle. I liked her friends. The ghosts and the pirates added humor and danger to the story. I love how everything turned out. It doesn't appear that this book has a sequel, but I would love read more about Min and her world. 

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: Book sent for review
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public libraries - also it's perfect for this year's summer reading theme.

Picture Book Review: What to Do with a Box

What can you do with a box? Whatever your imagination allows!

A really great book - perfect for this year's summer reading theme.

I loved the spark of imagination and playing wherever it takes you.

Great illustrations. 

Inspiring! 

Picture Book Review: A Year at a Construction Site

A year at building a school.

Lots to see in this one. The illustrations are great, peeling back layers so kids can see the steps it takes to build a school. Plus there are objects to search for on every page, allowing kids to our over the illustrations and really take a good look at them. Perfect for one on one sharing.

Picture Book Review: My Hometown

This book displays one town's Main Street history from 1860s to present day.

My Thoughts: A great read with very little words, this book is perfect for this year's Summer Reading theme. It illustrates how the town stays the same through the year, but more importantly how it changes with the building and the people. Great for one on one reading where you can pour over the amazing illustrations.