written by Christa Jimenez of Pura Vida Moms Hi, I'm Christa- writer, photographer, world traveler, foodie, voracious reader and bilingual mom. I love all things Costa Rica- including my soccer-loving husband and two bicultural daughters. You can find me at www.puravidamoms.com. Summer is here and many of us have a bit more time to read-- especially on vacation. There is nothing that I love … [Read more...]
10 New Middle-Grade Books, June 2018
I absolutely loved Front Desk -- it's my favorite book on this list -- don't miss it. The others are mostly a mix of adventure and coming-of-age. 10 New Middle-Grade Books, June 2018 Front Desk by Kelly Yang COMING-OF-AGE / INCLUSION This is a must-read 2018 middle-grade book!! Mia and her parents have struggled ever since moving to America from China. When her parents take a new live-in job … [Read more...]
Children’s Chapter Books Set in South and Southeast Asia
Are you looking for chapter books for kids that take place in south and southeast Asia? Specifically Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Vietnam? Or you might be looking for stories in Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist countries. Find more about these countries and religions in this list of novels. Isn't it wonderful that we can connect to the larger world through stories? … [Read more...]
22 Magical Children’s Books About Unicorns (Picture Books & Chapter Books)
Does your child love unicorns? Of all the magical creatures in the world, unicorns are probably the most beloved by children. Celebrate these fantastical creatures with memorable stories -- in picture books for younger readers and chapter books for older readers. And, if you find out that unicorns are real, will you let me know? Because I'm almost positive they're out there … [Read more...]
7 New Middle Grade Books You Should Know About
I'm excited to share these 7 titles with you -- for your kids, students, and you. Ghost Boys and Captain Superlative both are incredibly thought-provoking. Bob, The Endling, and The Lost Books are well-written, can't-put-em-down fantasy stories. Hardscrabble is a fascinating historical slice-of-life look at life in sod houses around the turn of the century. I think you may just find your next book … [Read more...]
Chapter Books Set in Asian Countries (Japan, China, Mongolia, Korea, and More)
Are your kids looking for a good chapter book set in an Asian country? My daughter wanted to read a book set in a different country so I'm making new book middle grade lists. This first one is books that take place in Asian countries including China, Mongolia, Nepal, Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. Not all Asian countries are represented here. I'll continue to add to this list as I learn … [Read more...]
The Best Historical Fiction Chapter Books About Westward Expansion
When learning this part of U.S. History, it's beneficial to have kids immerse themselves in stories about western expansion and life in the (wild) west. Historical fiction chapter books like these help cement learning about this time period. These books will give children an more three-dimensional understanding of life traveling west or as a settler in the west. Unfortunately, there aren't many … [Read more...]
Latest Graphic Novels, Spring 2018
Many of you have kids that LOVE, maybe even prefer, graphic novels. These 2018 titles recently hit bookstores and libraries. Maybe you'll find what to read next. (My favorite on this list is Star Scouts.) Latest Graphic Novels Spring 2018 Scarlett Hart Monster Hunter by Marcus Sedgwick and Thomas TaylorScarlett is determined to follow her deceased monster-hunter parent's path-- even … [Read more...]
If You Love The Magic Tree House, Try These Read Alike Books Next
If your beginning reader loves The Magic Tree House books and they've finished the entire series, they're probably wondering what books to read next. Not to worry. I've made a list of suggestions for your Magic Tree House fans. Try these read alike books -- books with mystery, adventure, and fantasy that will keep your growing reader reading and reading... (Good for ages 6 - 9.) If You Love The … [Read more...]
Read Alike Books for Kids Who Love The Princess in Black
Princess in Black is a delightful fiction adventure about a spunky princess who secretly fights monsters. It's a hugely popular easy chapter book. And if you love The Princess in Black books, here are book ideas of what to read next, books that you'll love just as much. The tricky thing for me when recommending read alike books is to give you titles that are more or less at the same reading … [Read more...]
What’s Good in New Middle Grade Books
I've been reading new middle grade books, as I do. :) Here are my favorite choices from the new release bookshelf for spring 2018. What's Good in New Middle Grade Books Elementals: Ice Wolves by Amie Kaufman FANTASY If you like adventurous fantasy stories with unique plots, this book is for you. Homeless, orphaned 12-year old twins, Anders and Rayna, unexpectedly discover that they … [Read more...]
Children’s Books About Aging, Memory Loss, and Alzheimer’s
As grandparents grow older, we must often help our children understand about aging, memory loss, and even, Alzheimer's. These picture books and chapter books tell stories that will help you learn more about and discuss old age and the changes that may go with it. It can be a confusing time for children. (And us!) I hope these books help. Children's Picture Books About Aging, Memory Loss, … [Read more...]