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Sure Picks for Your Holiday Shopping Cart

I adore this time of year because of all the beautiful books that come across my desk on a monthly, weekly and even daily basis. There is not enough time to review them all, but I can list some of the recent releases that have caught my eye and are certainly worth a second look.

There’s lots of fun books included below, so for all those ‘nice’ kids on your list, make some room in your shopping cart. Don’t forget to check out my Holiday Book Roundup and then become a fan of my Good Reads With Ronna blog on my Facebook page. Please leave a comment on Facebook for your chance to win 5 Christmas books which are described in a recent blog. Today is the last day to enter!

9781402758249mRichard Scarry’s Favorite Christmas Carols (Includes a musical keyboard!) from Sterling ($14.95, www.sterlingpublishing.com/kids; ages 4-8). Both my kids were huge Richard Scarry’s fans so when I saw this book, it brought back wonderful memories and a huge smile to my face. I even managed to pound out a few tunes.

0763644943medHo, Ho, Ho, Tucker! by Leslie McGuirk (Candlewick Storybook Animations) from Candlewick Press ($14.99, www.candlewick.com; ages 2-5). Kids will love sharing Christmas with Tucker, the Terrier. An all-in-one activity pack includes an interactive poster, stickers, full-color hardcover book and a dual disk DVD with animation on one side and audio on the other, including a bonus audio track with page-turn signals. Take along this winter break either in the car or on the plane.

9780064435291The Little Fir Tree by Margaret Wise Brown with pictures by Jim LaMarche (www.harpercollinschildrens.com, $6.99; ages 3-6). A classic Christmas tale by the author of Good Night Moon with illustrations as lovely as the story. Here’s a book certain to warm hearts on a chilly Christmas Eve.

0310719402-1The Berenstain Bears’ Christmas Tree by Stan & Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain (Zonderkidz.com, $12.99; ages 4-7). Meet the the Bear Family who, while searching for a Christmas tree, learn a meaningful lesson from their Bear Country Friends about the importance of respecting nature.

9781402236419-300Coupons From Santa for Good Boys And Girls are adorable little stocking stuffers from Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky (www.sourcebooks.com, $5.99; ages 3 and up). There are 22 green, red and white cool coupons in here for parents to hand out offering special privileges such as: “Santa’s letting you invite a friend to sleep over tonight.”

9781402768620tSecret Santa is a colorful, clever book packed with pop-ups cluing kids into the secrets abounding about Santa and his elves! The book is illustrated by Simone Abel with design and paper engineering by Richard Jewitt (www.sterlingpublishing.com/kids, $16.95; ages 4-6). With letters from kids and Santa on every spread, maybe your kids’ questions are answered here.

santa_bookSanta’s God by Neale Donald Walsch and illustrated by Em Claire (Hampton Roads Publishing Company, www.hamptonroadspub.com, $17.95; ages 4-8) is destined to become one of your family favorites. You’ll want to bring out this beautiful holiday book every year as you share this children’s fable “about the Biggest Question Ever.”

Additional titles worth noting:

The Nutcracker retold by John Cech and illustrated by Eric Puybaret
Maisy’s Snowy Christmas Eve by Lucy Cousins (A Holiday Board Book)
Christmas Tree by David Martin and illustrated by Melissa Sweet (Board Book)
Panda’s Christmas Gifts by Tara Jay Morrow and illustrated by Aaron Boyd
The Great Reindeer Rebellion by Lisa Trumbauer and illustrated by Jannie Ho
A Pussycat’s Christmas by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Anne Mortimer

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Dreaming Anastasia

pc070618Today’s guest reviewer is Rebecca, a 12-year old girl from Virginia. She enjoys reading, playing the piano and violin and is currently writing her own book. She is on a competition dance team and during the summer she is enrolled in a theater group.

9781402218170-mDreaming Anastasia, written by Joy Preble is about three very different people, but they are
all linked in some way. Most people think that Anastasia Romanov, the last grand Duchess of Russia is dead, but she’s not. She is imprisoned in Baba Yaga’s hut. Baba Yaga is a “fictional witch.”

Anne Michaelson is a modern girl in high school. She is having weird dreams. She is dreaming that she is someone else, living someone else’s life. Ethan is a member of a secret immortal brotherhood. The brotherhood is supposed to protect Anastasia until she can be freed from Baba Yaga’s Hut. The Brotherhood is led by an evil man named Victor. Ethan’s job was to find Anne and get her to save Anastasia. Now he has met her and he has found out that this is going to be harder than he thought.

This was a great book for young adults. It had adventure, fantasy, history, and romance all wrapped into one book. I would give it a score of 9 on a scale of 1-10. I loved it!

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Hanukkah Around The World

hanukkah-around-the-worldHere’s a book for the whole family to share this December after the Menorah candles have gone out and all the latkes have been eaten. Called Hanukkah Around The World from Kar-Ben Publishing, this enlightening book, is written by Tami Lehman-Wilzig and illustrated by Vicki Wehrman.

booksFrom Istanbul, Turkey to Turin, Italy to Nabeul, Tunisia, readers are introduced to Hanukkah customs, traditions and recipes they’ll want to return to again and again.

I found the facts included both in each country section and in the end Hanukkah Potpourri end pages to be of particular interest. For example I had no idea it’s traditional to sing two songs after lighting the candles, nor did I know that Gerona, Spain has one of Europe’s best preserved medieval ghettos or that the Jewish community in Bukhara, Uzbekistan supposedly goes back 2,000 years.

books-1Between the beautifully drawn maps and other artwork plus the tempting international recipes and the handy glossary, there is much to enjoy and learn about. Whether you already celebrate The Festival of Lights or are just interested in other cultures, Hanukkah Around the World will take you on a fascinating journey.

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Hanukkah (or Chanukah) Down Deep

covermenorah-under-the-seaHappy Hanukkah! I have been hearing such wonderful things about this new book from Kar-Ben Publishing I had to blog about it. So the first thing I did when I got the galley was to ask my son, Coleman to read it. On a scale of 1 – 4, he enthusiastically rated it a 5!

Menorah Under The Sea by Esther Susan Heller introduces readers to marine biologist, David Ginsburg, at work one December in Antarctica. As The Festival of Lights approaches, Ginsburg wonders how, with constant daylight, he can celebrate menorah-sea-imagethis holiday when we traditionally light candles for eights days at sundown? While he had a portable Hanukkiah, a nine branched Menorah used only at Hanukkah, it was the darkness he sought.

My son and I enjoyed the photographs in this book because they took us down under to explore the sea along with Ginsburg, and in such a colorful way. But most of all, we loved the imaginative way marine biologist Ginsburg created his Menorah from sea urchins and star fish!

menorah-sea-image-2This/These [image[s] from Menorah Under the Sea appear with the permission of Kar-Ben Publishing, a division of Lerner Publishing Group, Minneapolis, MN. Copyright © 2009 by Lerner Publishing Group. For more information, please visit www.karben.com.

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Good Eats With Ronna

CELEBRATE CHANUKAH

images-2Today’s posting is dedicated to Christina Elston and Debbie Glade who have both been teaching me how to cook.

I could not let Chanukah (or Hanukkah) pass by without changing Good Reads With Ronna to Good Eats With Ronna courtesy of El Al Airlines. While I won’t be flying to Israel this year, I do have a lot of family there and like Jews the world over, we celebrate our Festival of Lights by cooking some delicious foods in oil to commemorate the miracle of the day’s worth of oil discovered which actually burned for eight.

image001Here are a couple of Chanukah recipes from EL AL Airlines, Israel’s National Airline, for both latkes as well as sufganiots (donuts) . To make sufganiot and traditional latkes at home, follow the easy and tasty EL AL recipes outlined below, created by Executive Chef Steven Weintraub of Borenstein Caterers (a subsidiary of EL AL). Borenstein offers healthy, freshly prepared in-flight kosher meal options which are served to all passengers traveling from New York (JFK/Newark).

imagesSufganiot:
1 cup warm water All-purpose flour as necessary
1 cup sugar to give dough a bread-roll
4 oz. melted shortening (not too hot) consistency
1 dozen. whole eggs 24 oz. raspberry jam
2 tbs. baking powder 1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cinnamon

Combine yeast, water, sugar, shortening, eggs, baking powder and flour. Roll into donut hole-size balls. Set over warm stove and allow to rise to double in size. Fry donuts in hot oil until golden brown. Remove from grease and cool partially on wire rack. Fill with raspberry jam using a spiked pastry bag. Roll donuts in cinnamon-sugar. Cool at room temperature. Makes about 3 dozen.

Latkes:
5 raw, peeled, shredded Idaho potatoes
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 diced small spanish onion 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 diced red pepper 1/8 tsp. ground white pepper
1/4 cup flour 1 cup canola oil
1 egg (beaten)

images-1Sauté onions and red pepper in 2 tbs. in oil. Add shredded potatoes; quickly sauté and blend. Remove from heat and add flour, egg, baking powder, salt and pepper. Blend well. Heat skillet and add remainder of oil. Drop a 1/4 cup of mixture in a skillet. Form round pancakes and fry until golden brown on each side. Makes about 2 dozen.

As with all Jewish holidays EL AL, Israel’s national airline, is bringing Chanukah to the skies by serving thousands of passengers special holiday treats. An anticipated 1,375 potatoes, 6,600 ounces of raspberry jam, and 68 cups of cinnamon will be used to prepare festive sufganiot (jelly donuts) and latkes (potato pancakes) that will be served on flights from New York (JFK/Newark). These treats will also be offered in premium class lounges throughout the world, in addition to the selection of snacks that are usually available. A nightly candle lighting will also take place.

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Facebook Contest

saks_twinkletwinkle_cover

tinycandy-coverHere’s a great way to win a bunch of new Christmas books (worth a total of $78.37), just in time for the holidays! I’ll supply the reading material and you supply the comments.

Read my online exclusive kris-kringle1Holiday Book Roundup at LAParent.com then go to the Good Reads With Ronna Facebook page and become a fan. It’s really that simple.

thegifts_To enter for your chance to win one set of these five wonderful books, all you need to do now is leave a comment on the Facebook page. Contest ends Dec. 18th so hurry! I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

9781402211058-m

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Kohl’s Offers $5 Books

mouse-and-bookThis holiday season head over to your closest Kohl’s so you can stock up on books or use them to stuff stockings. Either way at $5 for a book or exclusive plush toy, you’ve got a sure hit on your hands (or under the tree).

Now through the end of December, for only $5, you can buy a copy of the best-selling If You Give… series by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond including If You Take A Mouse To The Movies, If You Give A Cat A Cupcake and so many more great titles. There are also adorable stuffed animals toys to accompany each all-plush-and-booksbook so why not get a set or two?

At more than 1,000 Kohl’s stores nationwide (or online at Kohls.com), your purchase can make a positive difference in the lives of children which the Kohl’s Cares for Kids program helps support.

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Milo’s Special Words

dsc08201These books were reviewed by Heather, a physical therapist and former L.A. mom recently relocated to Manhattan. Kieran is almost 2 1/2 years old and soon to be a big sister. One of her favorite activities is storytime with mommy and daddy and she especially likes to question “Why?” with each turn of the page.

Getting this book to review could not have been more timely. My daughter, Kieran has recently taken to placing orders with us rather than saying the preferred “please,” “thank you,” and “you’re welcome.” Milo’s Special Words (Robin Corey Books from Random House) by Charise Mericle Harper features Milo, a little toddler cat thirsty for milk. However, his mommy (who 2happens to be a bunny) won’t get it unless he uses those magic words. With the assistance of his little sister, Lucy (a puppy), he is able to ask nicely and enjoy his milk. Kieran loves to sit down and read this book with us, which is great to further reinforce her learning of these good manners. This is an interactive book that includes flaps and wheels. I like that although it has these features, they are not on every page. This allows her to enjoy the story with me, rather than focusing on flipping the flap or turning the wheels right away. Her favorite page is helping the mommy “do the laundry” by spinning the large wheel. She looks up at me every time and asks “Why I am helping the mommy do the laundry?” Yet another good act I hope she continues.

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The Battle for Duncragglin

dsc01141

Count on avid reader and guest reviewer Vinny to find the most fascinating fiction for Middle Schoolers. Today’s book is recommended for ages 11 and up and is published by Tundra Books.

9781770490253I thought that the book The Battle for Duncragglin by Andrew H. Vanderwal was a fantastic story that tells how Scottish descendents, Alex Macpherson and three of his friends, Annie, Willie, and Craig, managed to go back in time through underwater caves below the cliffs of Scotland. Both Alex and his friends had reasons why they wanted to go inside the caves. Alex’s goal was to find his missing parents, and his friends’ goal was to find their missing mother, all were said to have disappeared in the village where the crushed remains of Duncragglin castle once stood, brave and proud. When they awoke from what seemed like a terrible dream in the caves, from getting lost, to seeing unreal visions, they find themselves back in the time of medieval Scotland, where there were castles and guards and war.

Throughout the story, Alex and his three friends learn what it means to be a part of history, from being held captive, to eating stale bread, to fighting in war. Meanwhile the battle for the Scottish castle, Duncragglin, rages on, and the feeling of war is traveling and spreading through the medieval air. It affected everyone, including Alex and his friends. Will Alex rescue his captive friends before they are hung at the guillotine? Will Alex and William Wallace’s team be able to defeat Lord Husselrige’s? Alex, Willie, Annie, and Craig ever be able to reach the portal back home? Will Alex stay back and search for his long-lost parents? Will his friends find their mother? You have to read to find out! You’ll want to because this novel has its twists and turns like any great book. I do recommend this book; it was a plate of historical fiction. I wanted seconds.

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Earth Bug Action

jacket-earth-bugsIntroducing the Earth Bugs’ first book! Lu and the Earth Bug Crew Zap the Energy Spikes by Derek Sabori ($17.95; ages 5-10) is just the right vehicle to pave the way for meaningful discussion about energy, recycling and the environment with your children. In addition to its being a fun and educational story to share with kids, the illustrations by Steve Riley and Mark Adams are colorful, creative and so very au courant! So get your copy today and get ready for Lu, Rock, Fern, and Kordy to become your child’s newest BFFs.

page-3I met local author, Derek Sabori at a green event in Pasadena this summer and read the book that evening. I simply did not want to wait until Earth Day 2010 to recommend it to readers.

Boys and girls  (all over, especially Southern Californians, will get a kick from the skate and surf theme which dominates the book. More than that, though, they’ll enjoy the action and adventure as the Earth Bug crew are pitted against the nasty Energy Spikes whose very existence is a result of waste and “un-green” behavior worldwide. While kids will certainly find the battle scene and resourcefulness of Lu’s Earth Bug Crew thoroughly entertaining, parents will welcome that Earth Bug books are printed using soy-blended inks and printed on 10% post-consumer waste paper helping to reduce the “environmental footprint…in an eco-friendly manner.” Readers can learn more and purchase the book at www.earthbugcrew.com. A handy Eco-Glossary is included in the end pages. I’m an Earth Bug. Are you?

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Eclectic & Electric: Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin

Read what guest reviewer Debbie Glade thinks of a new biography for kids on Benjamin Franklin.

bfcover-221x161I had been thinking about reading a biography of Ben Franklin, when the opportunity came up for me to review Benjamin Franklin, American Genius: His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities. (Chicago Review Press, $16.95, ages 9 – 12). Naturally I jumped at the chance. Ever since I started to read the book, I have noticed just how often Franklin’s name has come up on television, in movies, in newspaper and magazine articles, in other books and in every day conversations. As a nation, we owe a great deal to Franklin, and award-winning writer, Brandon Marie Miller explains why in this book.

No one could dispute the fact that Benjamin Franklin was one of the most ingenious Americans of all time. A lover of books and learning, Franklin educated himself and was in so many ways, ahead of his time. He was a printer, a publisher, a writer, a scientist, a businessman, a politician, an educator and so much more. His combination of intelligence, freethinking and persistence changed our nation and the world.

Franklin and Adams reviewing Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence (pg. 80), courtesy of Library of Congress
Franklin and Adams reviewing Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence (pg. 80), courtesy of Library of Congress

Readers will learn about Franklin from birth to death. They will get a glimpse into his writings and printing expertise. They will discover in detail the extensive electrical science experiments Franklin completed and how Franklin continued to pursue scientific truths in spite of being criticized by other scientists for his findings. (Check out page 43 for an excellent, simple explanation of the Basics of Electricity.) They will learn how he founded the first library and what is now the University of Pennsylvania. Readers will also come to know how Franklin got involved in politics, signed the Declaration of Independence and negotiated treaties with France and Great Britain.

Benjamin Franklin, American Genius was written for 9-12 year old readers. I like the fact that it is quite a meaty and comprehensive book (122 pages), as most books for readers of this age are not as thorough. It is obvious that Brandon Marie Miller spent a great deal of time researching Franklin to write this factual account. The book is ideal for use in the classroom, and there are 21 fascinating activities for students scattered throughout the book. From dipping candles to making a walking stick, there are a lot of fun and interesting projects that will teach students about American life in the 1700s.

Franklin, in fashionable wig, pointing to a stroke of lightning, courtesy of Library of Congress
Franklin, in fashionable wig, pointing to a stroke of lightning, courtesy of Library of Congress

In addition to the activities, the book includes many drawings and photographs plus a resource guide with vocabulary words, Ben Franklin-related places to visit and further reading suggestions. This is the kind of book that is not just for the classroom. The entire family will enjoy reading Benjamin Franklin, American Genius and delving into the captivating life of one of our greatest citizens. Available at bookstores everywhere and through Independent Publishers Group at www.ipgbook.com

Note: This book mentions that Franklin “hung out with low women” despite his engagement to a Deborah Read and also indicates that Franklin fathered a child with a woman he never married. That child was born after his marriage, and his wife raised the child, even though she was not the biological mother. These facts are worded gently, however given the young age of the targeted readers (9-12), this may generate some questions.

dsc_0024-300x217Debbie Glade is the author, illustrator and voice talent of the award-winning children’s picture book The Travel Adventures of Lilly P Badilly: Costa Rica, published by Smart Poodle Publishing. She visits South Florida schools with her reading, writing and geography programs. For years, Debbie was a travel writer for luxury cruise lines. She writes parenting articles for various websites and is the Geography Awareness Editor for WanderingEducators.com. She blogs daily at smartpoodlepublishing.com.

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Animals As Seen By Darwin & Polo

Yesterday, guest reviewer Debbie Glade looked at Charles Darwin and today she is also reviewing Animals Charles Darwin Saw: An Around-the-World Adventure and Animals Marco Polo Saw: An Adventure on the Silk Road, two Chronicle Books by author Sandra Markle.

9780811850490_normAnimals Charles Darwin Saw (Chronicle, $16.99; ages 7-10) is beautifully illustrated with bright colors by Zina Saunders. The depictions bring the reader closer to the reality of Darwin’s nineteenth century world. Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzinni’s illustrations in Animals Marco Polo Saw (Chronicle, $16.99; ages 7-10) are both vivid and somewhat smoky at the same time, demonstrating her originality. Her use of light and shadows are incredibly impressive, and I really enjoyed studying all the detail.

In the Darwin book, readers learn about the naturalist’s expedition aboard the HMS Beagle. The author does a good job introducing his theory of evolution to young readers, and I like the way she explains what Darwin was trying to accomplish on his voyage. In reality, Darwin’s findings and theories are quite sophisticated, and Sandra Markle simplifies it for children in a way that is understandable yet not at all patronizing. In Marco Polo, readers are taken on a j9780811850513_normourney from Italy, through the Middle East and to China, along the same path this great explorer took during the 13th century. Young readers learn about Marco Polo’s interest in the people he encountered (Kublai Kahn among them), their cultures and religions, as well as the many unique animals he saw that were unfamiliar to him. Both books highlight specific animals with offset copy, giving the reader a greater depth of information.

Also, each book starts off with a note to parents and teachers and has a Table of Contents. In the back is a Glossary, a “For More Information” page and even a helpful Index.

unknownAnimals Charles Darwin Saw: An Around-the-World Adventure and Animals Marco Polo Saw: An Adventure on the Silk Road teach children about two curious men from long ago, with great minds, who journeyed afar in search of answers. They each brought back an abundance of new information to share that would change the way we think and live. There is so much that Charles Darwin and Marco Polo have taught us, and these books are a great way to expose young readers to these great men.


dsc_0024-300x217Debbie Glade is the author, illustrator and voice talent of the award-winning children’s picture book The Travel Adventures of Lilly P Badilly: Costa Rica, published by Smart Poodle Publishing. She visits South Florida schools with her reading, writing and geography programs. For years, Debbie was a travel writer for luxury cruise lines. She writes parenting articles for various websites and is the Geography Awareness Editor for WanderingEducators.com. She blogs daily at smartpoodlepublishing.com.

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Let’s Go Exploring for Geography Awareness Week

According to guest reviewer Debbie Glade, Charles Darwin and the Beagle Adventure (Templar Books, an imprint of Candlewick, $19.99; ages 8-12), written by A.J. Wood and Clint Twist, “is the highest quality, most inviting, most creative, most entertaining, most sophisticated and most informative children’s science book I have ever read. There, I said it.”

dsc_0024-300x217Debbie Glade is the author, illustrator and voice talent of the award-winning children’s picture book The Travel Adventures of Lilly P Badilly: Costa Rica, published by Smart Poodle Publishing. She visits South Florida schools with her reading, writing and geography programs. For years, Debbie was a travel writer for luxury cruise lines. She writes parenting articles for various websites and is the Geography Awareness Editor for WanderingEducators.com. She blogs daily at smartpoodlepublishing.com.


51lyslu9b5l_sl500_aa240_As soon as I took one look at the unique cover, I knew this was a special book. The pages are accessed by opening the flaps of a sturdy, magnetic cardboard cover. What lies inside is a visual wonderland of flaps to flip and envelopes to open, revealing letters, illustrations, maps, photos and scientific information regarding Darwin’s findings aboard the HMS Beagle. You will actually feel as though you are reading Darwin’s diary from the famed voyage of 1831 to 1836. The pages were even printed to look as though they were hand sewn to the binding! (FYI – This book is one of three historical notebooks from Templar Books, all of which I’d love to read.)

This is not a book for you or your child to rush through; rather you will want to curl up on the couch and take your time reading and discovering. You don’t want to miss a thing. Open the inside cover to pull Darwin’s family tree out of an envelope. Then continue on to read about the experiences that led Darwin to a life of scientific exploration and discovery. View a map of the track the HMS Beagle took, read a letter from Darwin to his father about his decision to take the voyage and then soak in all the flora and fauna as seen by the great naturalist himself. And of course, learn about Darwin’s theory of evolution.

0763645389int1Did you know that the HMS Beagle’s departure was delayed numerous times before setting sail? Or that there were 74 people on board the not-so-large ship? And that Darwin experienced severe seasickness? Or that Darwin was a very religious man? You will learn about these facts as well as details about Darwin’s tracking of plant and animal species and how he collected specimens in South America, around Cape Horn and on his voyage back to England.

Reading Charles Darwin and the Beagle Adventure is as close as you can get to actually being on Darwin’s voyage of 1831-1836. This book is indeed a lifetime keeper.

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Celebrate With Storyopolis

mitzisworld80044jlOn Saturday November 14th, from 1 – 3p.m., Storyopolis is celebrating its 23rd birthday. There will be lots of fun activities, including free food, drinks, games, a Moonbounce, and Harry the Clown, as well as the author and artist of the acclaimed children’s book Mitzi’s World.

There is no need to register, and this fun event for the entire family is free and open to the general public. Don’t miss author actor Deborah Raffin and artist Jane Wooster Scott who will be present to sign copies of their book.

Storyopolis is located at 14945 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

For additional information, call Courtney at Storyopolis – (818) 990-7600

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War, What Is It Good For?

indexBeing a book reviewer has significantly broadened my literary horizons. The truth is that I’d never have chosen to read Back Home by Julia Keller (EgmontUSA, $15.99) on my own. Yes, it is a young adult novel, and well, I’m not really a young adult any longer. But that’s
not the reason I’d never have read this book had I not been asked to review it.

The reason is that I don’t like to read about or think about anything having to do with the Iraq War – or any war for that matter. War is not exactly a happy, heart-warming topic.

After I finished the last page of the book this morning, I stared off into space for a good long while. Now that I’ve read Back Home, I cannot imagine myself not having ever read it. It is rare that a book leaves me with this much to think about. And it isn’t that often that I find a book – any book – to be this well written. It is tremendously difficult to write in a simple, easy-to-comprehend style for young readers, while at the same time create insightful depth in a story. But Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Julia Keller does just that. And she does it with a profound honesty that will leave you too, with many thoughts to ponder. As a journalist, Keller wrote a three part series about traumatic brain injuries for the Chicago Tribune. This experience inspired her to write this compelling novel, and I am so glad she did.

The story is told from the point of view of a thirteen-year-old girl named, Rachel. One day, Rachel’s Mom sits her down with her younger sister and brother to tell them that their Dad is returning home from his National Guard duty in Iraq. But he is not the same person he was when he left; he is severely injured. Dad returns back to US only to be hospitalized for a very long time before actually coming home. What follows is a tale of family’s struggles to get through each day as their lives have suddenly been turned upside down, and Dad’s progress is not at all what they’d hoped it would be.

There are so many memorable quotes in Back Home, I wish I could cite them all. Here is how thirteen-year-old, Rachel describes how her family coped with the situation:

“We weren’t separate people anymore. We were all piled together…We were one thing now. This blur: Our family didn’t have the normal lines or spaces any more. One person flowed into the next person, and the next and the next. I guess it sounds like kind of a mess, but it didn’t feel that way. It was the way it had to be, so that we could live. There wasn’t time to worry about each little piece of our family anymore…”

Back Home made me realize that we need to talk about war, to understand the consequences and struggles – rather than sweep them under the rug because they are so unpleasant. Learning about Rachel’s experience as a teenager provides the reader with a poignant, truthful look at how war adversely changes lives forever. Every teenager and adult in America must read this book.

I detest war. But I love this book.

dsc_0024-300x217Guest Reviewer Debbie Glade is the author, illustrator and voice talent of the award-winning children’s picture book The Travel Adventures of Lilly P Badilly: Costa Rica, published by Smart Poodle Publishing. She visits South Florida schools with her reading, writing and geography programs. For years, Debbie was a travel writer for luxury cruise lines. She writes parenting articles for various websites and is the Geography Awareness Editor for WanderingEducators.com. She blogs daily at smartpoodlepublishing.com.


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