Month: September 2012

sports, teen

Always Upbeat / All That

Bergers Book Reviews


Authors: Stephanie Perry Moore & Derrick Moore
Publisher: Saddleback Educational Publishing
Genre: Teen
ISBN: 978-1-61651-884-4
Pages: 314
Price: $14.95

Author’s website
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Charli Black is on top of the world. She’s only a junior in high school, and she’s just been named cheer captain. She’s dating Blake Strong, the quarterback and captain of the football team. Life seems almost perfect. But suddenly things change, and she no longer knows where she stands – with her cheer team and also with Blake.

Blake Strong loves football, but he also loves his family. And when devastating news about his mom nearly crushes him, he turns to Charli to lean on. But Charli is too busy with her girls to have any time for him. Is it time to end things with Charli, and move on to someone who seems to care?

In Always Upbeat / All That, the reader is given both sides of the same story. After reading Charli’s thoughts, we then get a glimpse of Blake’s perspective, which helps us better understand his actions. Set in a predominantly African-American community outside of Atlanta, this story offers real-life drama for urban teens.

The Lockwood Lions series pulls no punches. These are kids the reader can relate to, and the situations are not sugar-coated. But overall, this series send a positive message of getting a good education, avoiding trouble, and striving to do the right thing.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

history, memoir

The Night Sky

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Maria Sutton
Publisher: Johnson Books
Genre: Memoir
ISBN: 978-1555664466
Pages: 240
Price: $24.95

Author’s website
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In a chance conversation at the age of thirteen, Maria Sutton overhears something that changes her life. In that moment, she discovers that the man she always called father is actually her step-father, and that her real father is someone else. But when she questions her mother, answers come reluctantly.

Over the next forty-three years, Sutton goes on a quest to find this mysterious man who once captured her mother’s affections. Digging back through World War II, displaced persons camps and agency records, she endeavors to locate her father. Over the years, she builds up his image in her mind, hoping to find a dashing Polish soldier she can be proud of, but as she digs deeper, she discovers things about him she’d rather not know. Her quest ends in Germany, when she finally locates him.

The Night Sky is a fascinating look at the history of Polish citizens forced into concentration camps and slave labor by Hitler. As a backdrop to the author’s search, we learn about how these people tried to survive the horrors of World War II, and what happened to them after the war. The author’s musings on her father’s whereabouts and character are heartfelt, and the reader will feel moved by her search. This is an enjoyable read for all those who love history and genealogy.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

inspiration

Tasting Rain

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Kim Malchuk
Publisher: Five Star Publications
Genre: Inspiration
ISBN: 978-1589850781
Pages: 196
Price: $16.95

Author’s website
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Kim is existing in an unsatisfying marriage when Mel enters her life. As they grow closer, she learns he has terminal cancer. Taking a huge risk, she decides to leave her marriage and enter a relationship with Mel, knowing that their time together may be short.

Mel is given only months to live, but they have six wonderful years together. In this time, they refuse to acknowledge the beast always hovering around them. And when Mel leaves this earth, Kim has no regrets about the time they spent together.

Tasting Rain is billed as an inspirational memoir, and someone who knows of a loved one with cancer may find Kim’s message helpful in dealing with the diagnosis. But to me, something felt lacking in this book. Kim relies on the Law of Attraction to get her through this rough time, rather than faith in God, which gives the book a new-agey feel. Although well written, this book just didn’t speak to me.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Bugs in Shoes

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Beth Wilder
Publisher: Schiffer Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-7643-3967-7
Pages: 64
Price: $14.99

Schiffer Books
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Bugs wearing shoes? Or sneakers, or heels? They wear all of these and more in Bugs in Shoes.

In this cute rhyming book, the simple phrase “Bugs in [item of clothing]” is repeated. Each phrase has its own illustration showing adorable anthropomorphic bugs modeling the appropriate attire. The easy to read format is perfect for young children, and the illustrations help with word recognition.

A sweet before-bed read, the story closes with “Bugs in pajamas, bugs in bed.” And when tired eyes are finished reading, it’s time to head off to sleep.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Isabella Propeller and the Magic Beanie

Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Jonathan Graves
Illustrator: Gail Haley
Publisher: Parkway Publishers
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-933251-74-5
Pages: 36
Price: $15.95

Author’s website
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One day Isabella goes up to her grandmother’s attic in Blowing Rock, NC. As she plays dress-up with her dog, Mullaby, a gust of wind blows a beanie with a propeller to her. Enchanted, she decides to keep it.

When the Wind Lady adds a red feather to the propeller, Isabella discovers she can fly. But this magic beanie can only be used for good. When Mullaby gets into trouble, only Isabella and Red Tail, the hawk, can save her.

This magical story is inspired by the unusual wind patterns at Blowing Rock, and a legend about an Indian brave who fell off a cliff and was blown back up by the winds. Isabella Propeller and the Magic Beanie has won the Children’s Literary Classics Seal of Approval, and illustrator Gail Haley is a Caldecott Medal winner.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

The Boxcar Children Beginning

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Patricia MacLachlan
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Co.
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-8075-6616-9
Pages: 144
Price: $16.99

Boxcar Children website
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When the first Boxcar Children book begins, we learn that Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny are orphans. But what happened to their parents? How did these children find themselves starting out on this new adventure in their lives? To celebrate the 70th anniversary of this series, a prequel was written to set the stage.

As Patricia MacLachlin discovered in writing this book, these four children are kind, smart, resourceful, and they care a lot about each other. These were the characteristics she wanted the reader to see modeled by the parents who raised them. Although this book is not written by Gertrude Chandler Warner, as the original series was, MacLachlin captures the essence of the story well.

The Boxcar Children books have been continuously in print since their original publication, and will most likely be around for another 70 years. It’s wonderful to finally have a true beginning for this unique series. I highly recommend The Boxcar Beginning for all faithful fans and new ones to come.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

mystery

Fever Dream

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Dennis Palumbo
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-1-59058-959-5
Pages: 250
Price: $14.95

Author’s website
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Psychologist and trauma expert, Daniel Rinaldi, has already gotten mixed up in a police investigation once before, so it’s only natural that officer Eleanor Lowrey turns to him during a botched bank robbery. The only survivor, Treva Williams, could be the link the police need to catch the perpetrators. But Treva is suffering from post traumatic shock, and Rinaldi will need to gently coax the information out of her.

As the investigation develops, he also finds himself caught up in the gubernatorial race, with one candidate heavily seeking his favor. Incriminating evidence is revealed, leading Rinaldi to question the ethics of this popular man. Is he really as corrupt as he seems, or is someone else pulling the strings? And how far is someone willing to go to be sure the new governor will give in to his demands?

In this sequel to Mirror Image, Rinaldi must use his wits to save himself from those who want him dead. Working in close proximity with the police, he relies heavily on his psychological skills in reading people’s motives. What appears to be real is only an illusion, and plot twists abound. I highly recommend this thrilling mystery.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, health

Is Your Hair Made of Donuts?

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Joy Feldman
Illustrators: Beth Slocum & Amanda Mueller
Publisher: JHF Nutritional Consulting
ISBN: 978-0-615-55515-7
Pages: 40
Price: $8.95

Author’s website
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Matt and Maddie have always eaten healthy food. Even though their friends have sugary snacks, their mom insists they eat food that will help their bodies grow strong. But one day she relents and lets them eat all the junk food they want.

After scarfing down piles of sugary treats, and especially lots of ooey-gooey donuts, they don’t feel well. And their dreams that evening hauntingly remind them of the many donuts they consumed. But was it really a dream, or have they contributed to their bodies using donuts as building blocks?

Kids hate to feel different, and parents who want them to eat healthy often feel pressured to conform to the norms of society. But snacks can be delicious and nutritious, and recipes for healthy treats are included at the back of this book. Is Your Hair Made of Donuts? is a funny tale reminding kids that junk food really is bad for them, and may encourage them to eat healthier.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

cooking

Kohl’s Cares For Kids – Cookbooks for Adults

Bergers Book Reviews

Kohl’s Cares For Kids: Children who eat good meals are happier, healthier, and do better in school, so Kohl’s has also included these books for adults in their program. Each book is only $5.00, and all proceeds go towards kids’ health and education.

Eat This Not That For Kids
Author: David Zinczenko with Matt Goulding
Publisher: Rodale
Genre: Food
ISbn: 978-1605299433
Pages: 320
Price: $5.00 at Kohl’s

Sometimes deciding to eat healthier is as simple as choosing one food over another. In this book, food selections are analyzed for total calorie and fat content, and alternative, healthier options are offered. Items covered include restaurant fare, beverages, snacks and meals made at home.

Campbell’s Best-Loved Recipes
Publisher: Publications International
Genre: Cooking
ISBN: 978-1605534671
Pages: 256
Price: $5.00 at Kohl’s

Cooking with Campbell’s soups is a long-standing tradition. This cookbook compiles some of the best recipes using these soups and other related products. But this isn’t just a soup and casserole cookbook. Recipes include breakfast, sandwiches, meats, seafood, pasta, and even desserts.

Crock-pot Busy Family Recipes
Publisher: Publications International
Genre: Cooking
ISBN: 1605531847
Pages: 192
Price: $5.00 at Kohl’s

A cook’s greatest time saver in the kitchen is the crock-pot. Just set it up in the morning and come home to a nice home-cooked meal. These recipes are a cook’s treasure chest of tasty and easy meals.

children

ABCs of Boating Terms

Bergers Book Reviews


Author & Illustrator: Dee Cache
Publisher: Schiffer Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-7643-3982-0
Pages: 32
Price: $6.99

Schiffer Books
Buy it at Amazon

Do you know your fore from your aft? How about the galley and the head? If you’re scratching your own head right about now, there is help. ABCs of Boating Terms is a kids’ educational coloring book designed to not leave you lost at sea.

These simple drawings include one boating term for each letter of the alphabet. Nautical flags show how some letters would appear, so boats can communicate with each other. And important survival words like SOS and Mayday provide a way of reaching help when needed.

Any boating family should have a copy of this coloring book for kids to learn proper boating terminology.

Reviewer: Alice Berger