Author: Bergers Book Reviews

Author and book reviewer.
graphic novel

Zoey Zeta and the Sisters of Power

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Robert Simon
Illustrator: Tomomi Sarafov
Publisher: Zeta Comics
Genre: Comics
ISBN: 978-0-9865392-0-6
Pages: 50
Price: $10.99

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The Sisters of Power have a secret. Each of the three sisters has a super power, but they’ve promised not to tell anyone about them. Zoey is a genius who likes to invent things. Ella is pretty much indestructible. And Lexi can travel at supersonic speeds.

When an evil villain threatens to hold the city hostage by not allowing kids to enjoy summer vacation, Zoey Zeta and the Sisters of Power spring into action. How can they defeat the monster sent to destroy their playground, so kids can have fun again?

This graphic action novel brings these cool superheroes to life. Author Robert Simon created this new series so girls would have fun science fiction books to read. As he says, “Fairies are great but they’re not cool. Not unless they’re packing molecular disintegrators.” So if you’re looking for imaginative, science and engineering-based fiction and fun, Zoey Zeta and her sisters are the right choice for you.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Miss Mandy Manners

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Michelle Berg
Illustrator: Karl Struss
Publisher: Little Nipper Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9840768-0-2
Pages: 16
Price: $16.95

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Miss Mandy is liked by all. She’s polite to her mom when she’s on the phone, lends an ear when a friend is sad, and she knows how to clean up her mess when she’s finished playing. Miss Mandy has excellent manners, and that makes her a very popular girl.

Miss Mandy Manners is told in rhyme with bright and cheerful illustrations.This very cute little girl shares her secrets of having good manners and behaving in a way that people will appreciate. Although the rhyme is a little forced at times, the message is a good one, and is told in a positive way that most kids won’t find preachy.  If your little one is starting to learn her manners, she would do well to emulate Miss Mandy.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

fantasy, tween

Brigitta of the White Forest

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Danika Dinsmore
Publisher: en theos press
Genre: Fantasy
ISBN: 978-0-9754042-5-6
Pages: 210
Price $12.95

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A terrible spell has been placed on the fairies of the White Forest. All except Brigitta and her little sister, Himalette, have been turned to stone. The ceremony of resetting the Hourglass of Protection must take place as scheduled or the White Forest will be in danger. But the High Priestess will be unable to perform it as a stone statue.

Brigitta knows there is one fairy who might be able to help. Hrathgar hasn’t been affected by this stone spell, since she lives outside the White Forest. Brigitta and Himalette head out to find her in the hopes that she can offer assistance. But the area they need to travel through is treacherous, and Hrathgar has been banished from the White Forest for something evil she did a long time ago. Even though they know they are in great danger, the two young fairies are determined to save the White Forest and restore everyone back to normal.

Brigitta of the White Forest is fantasy and adventure in a delightful combination. Readers will love Brigitta’s bravery in facing Hrathgar, while trying to protect her little sister. She is also clever in determining if their unusual companions, Minq and Gola, are allies or enemies in their quest. The story is fast-paced, with lots of imaginative elements to keep the reader interested until the very end. I highly recommend this enjoyable novel.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

spirituality

Awakening to the Spirit World

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Sandra Ingerman & Hank Wesselman
Publisher: Sounds True
Genre: Spirituality
ISBN: 978-1-59179-750-0
Pages: 360
Price: $19.95

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Shamanic journeys have been taken for thousands of years, but many people are still relatively unaware of their power. In Awakening to the Spirit World, Sandra Ingerman and Hank Wesselman explore what shamanic journeys are, and how we can incorporate them into our lives.

Shamans have the ability to see and hear things on their journeys that can help themselves and their community. By visiting the Lower, Middle, and Upper Worlds through meditation, men and women can share in this enlightening experience. Several different types of journeys are discussed in this book, including the use of dream work, art, sound and light, and facing the ultimate death of the body.

There is no religious belief necessary, and members of all faiths are able to participate. If you have an interest in shamanic journeying, you’ll find Awakening to the Spirit World a useful resource for your own practice. Musical sounds of drumming and other rhythmic melodies are provided on the accompanying CDs.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Frieda B. Herself

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Renata Bowers
Illustrator: Michael Chesworth
Publisher: Frieda B
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9843862-3-9
Pages: 32
Price $15.00

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Frieda B. is the world’s biggest dreamer. With her fiery red hair and freckles, she hardly ever wears shoes, and she takes her dog, Zilla, wherever she goes. Visiting the sea, the moon, and planets far away, she dances and laughs at her amazing adventures.

But one day she is frightened that she’s lost her ability to dream.  Frustrated, she worries she’ll never find it again.  Thank goodness her imagination is alive and well, and off she goes once again.

Frieda B. Herself is a girl with a free spirit, enjoying whims of fancy and rhyme. There are no limits to where she can go and what she can do. Michael Chesworth’s bright and cheerful watercolor illustrations bring Frieda’s world to life, as we travel along with her. A fun and inspiring read for children and adults of all ages, Frieda B. reminds us we’re never too old to dream.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, dogs

Alphabet Woof!

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Sherrie A. Madia
Illustrator: Patrick Carlson
Publisher: MommyDaughter Productions
Genre: Children / Dogs
ISBN: 978-0-9826185-0-9
Pages: 28
Price: $18.00

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Aunt Mabel is visiting, and that can only mean one thing – mealtime will definitely be interesting! But who could know just what would happen? When Aunt Mabel’s magical alphabet soup lands on the floor, Moxy the dog laps it up, with surprising results. And when his wish comes true, Moxy certainly has a lot to say about it.

Alphabet Woof! is written in rhyme, with bright and vibrant illustrations of Moxy and his family. This funny story is full of laughs, and kids will enjoy seeing this lovable dog’s crazy rise to fame. But all good things tend to run their course, and Moxy’s story is no exception.

If dogs could really talk, they’d give a big cheer for Sherrie A. Madia, since a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit the SPCA. If you’d like to see what Moxy has to say, visit this interview with the famous canine himself. And you can also check out these Pet Safety Tips, to keep your pets healthy and happy through the holidays. A wonderful read for all ages, Alphabet Woof! is highly recommended.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

adventure, tween

The Silent Sphinx

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Michael Khort
Publisher: Excursion Press
Genre: Adventure
ISBN: 978-0982632505
Pages: 244
Price: $9.49

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Robby is on a field trip with his fifth-grade class when he sees the black sphinx for the first time. Along with his teacher, Mr. Reynolds, they talk to a mysterious stranger, who has sinister plans for them. They soon find themselves on a journey to Egypt, in search of the lost tomb of the pharaoh Setmesses.

Mr. Reynolds holds an important clue the Greek smuggler, Straticus, has been looking for all his life. Now the teacher and student are key players in this dangerous quest. Can they find the missing tomb before Straticus determines they’re irrelevant and decides to eliminate them?

As an avid student of ancient Egypt, I was fascinated by the turn of events in this story, leading to this unknown tomb. It’s always fun to imagine how it would feel to make such a discovery, and this aspect of the story didn’t disappoint. But I did have questions about why Straticus would decide to take these two people with him. It seems it would have been simpler to just steal the necessary fragment from Mr. Reynolds and go without them.

While the fast-paced adventure and fascinating discovery in The Silent Sphinx would appeal to a reader of Robby’s age, Robby himself was not a very admirable character. He played such a small part in the story, being more of a spectator than a participant, and he showed very little courage. Kids prefer to read about strong main characters who become major players in adventure, not just sitting on the sidelines watching the adults handle things for them.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

classics, holiday

Christmas Classics (Graphic Classics Vol. 19)

Bergers Book Reviews


Editor: Tom Pomplun
Illustrators: Anton Emdin, Micah Farritor, Florence Cestac, Hunt Emerson, Cynthia Martin, Evert Geradts, Simon Gane, Rick Geary
Publisher: Eureka Productions
Genre: Christmas
ISBN: 978-0-9825630-1-4
Pages: 144
Price $17.95

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Stories included in this volume:
A Letter From Santa Claus by Mark Twain
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
A Visit From St. Nicholas by Clement C. Moore
The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle by Arthur Conan Doyle
A Chaparral Christmas Gift by O. Henry
The Strategy of the Werewolf Dog by Willa Cather
A Luckless Santa Claus by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Wondersmith by Fitz-James O’Brien

As Christmas approaches, what better way is there to get in the holiday mood than by reading some of the classics? If Christmas tends to bring out your darker side, you’ll enjoy the stories included in this volume.

In the opening letter from Mark Twain to his daughter, she is warned that if George doesn’t follow certain specific instructions, “he will die someday.” The Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, then sets the stage for some of these unusual and sinister seasonal tales. A werewolf dog tries to sabotage Christmas by leading Santa’s reindeer astray, a western villain tries to leave a “Christmas present” for his love but has second thoughts, and the Wondersmith’s plans go very much awry.

These seasonal classics are richly illustrated by several talented artists. The use of color is especially unique in The Strategy of the Werewolf Dog, and Jacob Marley’s ghost is quite scary in A Christmas Carol.

Enjoy these classics by a fire with a warm cup of cocoa on Christmas Eve. And once you’re snug in your bed waiting for Santa to arrive, remember to wish everyone, “Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!”

Reviewer: Alice Berger

cats, children

Purrsnikitty

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Kathy Brodsky
Illustrator: Cameron Bennett
Publisher: Helpingwords
Genre: Children / Cats
ISBN: 978-0-578-05059-1
Pages: 40
Price: $19.99

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Purrsnikitty has been chosen from the shelter as the new family cat.  Now’s she’s moved into her new home and settles in quickly. Fully confident in her charms, she does whatever she pleases, sometimes to her new family’s dismay. But when someone new joins the household, Kitty is not happy. What on earth were they thinking, getting a dog? But maybe – just maybe – this new dog isn’t so bad after all.

Told in rhyme, this book shows us all the joys of sharing a home with a cat. Cute illustrations bring this story alive, as children can join in Purrsnikitty’s adventures. Cat owners and kids will appreciate her sometimes destructive antics, while understanding why her family loves her anyway. The last two pages include conversation starter questions about cats and family. Purrsnikitty is a fun read for all ages.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Amish fiction, Christian

The Courtship of Nellie Fisher

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Beverly Lewis
Publisher: Bethany House
Genre: Christian Fiction
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0310-7 / 978-0-7642-0311-4 / 978-0-7642-0312-1
Pages: 352
Price: $13.99

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The Parting
The Forbidden
The Longing

At seventeen years old, Nellie Mae Fisher is at the courting age, and has her sights on a beau. Caleb Yoder is just the man Nellie Mae wants to get to know better, and she’s pleased when he invites her to go riding after Sunday Singing. But her heart is still heavy after losing her sister Suzy just a few months prior, and she’s consumed with knowing what happened to her before she died.

When the Old Order church is split, Caleb and Nellie Mae find themselves caught in the crossfire, and their relationship is sorely threatened. Can their love persist, or will Nellie lose her heart to the new man who declares his interest? Decisions must be made by all, and not only on whether or not to join the New Order church. Nellie’s dearest friend wonders if adopting another woman’s child is the answer to her barrenness. And her sister Rhoda uses her time of Rumschpringe to decide if she wants to stay Amish or go out into the world.

This was the first Amish fiction series I’ve read, and I have to admit I finished these three books in about a week. This story really pulled me in and I felt such a part of the Honey Brook community where it takes place. While the story is centered on Nellie Mae and Caleb, we also learn so much about the Fisher family and their relatives and friends. I simply couldn’t put these books down. I’m really looking forward to reading other Amish fiction by Beverly Lewis. If they’re as good as this series, I’m in for a real treat.

Reviewer: Alice Berger