Power Forward (Zayd Salem, Chasing the Dream) by Hena Khan: Book Review

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review.

Zayd knows he must practice hard and often to make the gold basketball team, especially since he's smaller than the other guys on the team. Unfortunately, skipping orchestra practice to sharpen his skills does nothing to advance his goals.

When his mother finds out Zayd has traded his violin for basketball, she grounds him for the two weeks leading to try outs. Not only is he not allowed to play basketball, he's not even allowed to talk about it. Even worse, his punishment doesn't end until after try outs, meaning he will have to miss them. Zayd's Pakistani-American family lends support in distinct generational ways but will their firm but loving stance be enough to get him through? In the end, honesty and understanding on both sides endears the reader to Zayd and his family. 

A solid start for the series, Power Forward will have the young reader wondering what happens next.

★★★★☆

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (May 8, 2018)

ISBN: 978-1-5344-1198-2

Ages 6-11

This book can be purchased on Amazon

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Car by Kate Dopirak and Illustrated by Mary Peterson: Book Review

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review

Little car doesn't want to go to bed. Instead he zips around town saying goodnight to all of the other vehicles he's friends with. From honking to tractors to hearing toots from taxis and buses, Little Car enjoys his night on the town. When the ferry arrives to take the last load of cars, Little car motors on to the waiting platform. With sleepy eyes, Little Car tries to make it back to his garage. Will he make it?

Though the rhyme works with the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, it's also perfect to read aloud. Shades of blue have a calming effect parents will love at bedtime while the budding reader will love the Little Car's bright color. A solid bedtime story that youngsters and parents will enjoy over and over again.

★★★★☆

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Beach Lane Books (Feb. 13, 2018)

ISBN: 9781481488037

Ages: 4-8

This book can be purchased HERE.

Books for Father's Day: If I Didn't Have You by Alan Katz

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review.

When he sees a fancy car drive by, Mike asks his dad why he doesn't have a car like that. In jest, his dad points out that the car only seats two and they have a family of three but if he didn't have Mike then he could have a car like that. Mike joins the playful antics by declaring that, "I could eat candy for every meal... if I didn't have you." But his dad one ups him, "I could take sky-diving lessons...if I didn't have you."

Through wit and humor the father and son admit having each other is better than joining a circus and following a dream to join a rock band. The playful story takes a hilarious turn when Mom arrives to join the teasing. The bright colors of Robertson's digital illustrations enhance the light-hearted family relationships woven by Alan Katz. A perfect Father's Day addition to the family library.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publishing Information

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (April 10, 2018)

Pages: 32

Age: 4-8

Purchase this book on Amazon

Book Review: Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol: The Haunted House Next Door

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review.

Moving to a new house is hard enough. But for a normal kid like Andres, his move proves far from normal. In fact, he discovers his house is haunted after weird things start happening like silverware flying out of drawers and furniture rearranging itself. Andres' parents don't see what he sees, leaving Andres scared and alone. Alas! Along comes his not so weird neighbor, Desmond Cole, Ghost Patrol with his ghost gadgets . Together they discover Zax, a friendly ghost living in the basement. Andres can't help feeling sorry for the ghost after he gets sick eating lasagne and strikes an agreement with him. Will it be enough to calm Andres' fears? Stay tuned.

Andres Miedoso's Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol Series strikes a new friendship and a new chord for young readers making the transition from picture books to chapter books. Short chapters with simple words and plenty of illustrations make the transition smooth. An engaging storyline helps encourage the reader to follow through to the very end and will hook the reader with anticipation for the next book in the series.

Rating:★★★★☆

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Little Simon (December 12, 2017)

ISBN: 9781534410428

Ages: 4-6

This book can be purchased HERE ON AMAZON.