Finding Mighty by Sheela Chari: Book Review

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review.

What starts at a misunderstanding at school, ends up bringing twelve-year-olds Myla and Peter together to solve the disappearance of Peter's brother, Randall and the connection it has to Myla's missing necklace.

As Myla and Peter follow the graffiti trail left behind by Randall, they discover family secrets that involve stolen diamonds, mysterious deaths, and a dangerous gang who will stop at nothing to find  Randall and the hidden diamonds.

Story alternates between first person which gives greater insight to Myla, Peter and Randall thoughts and actions. The backdrop of New York and Dobb's Ferry with the emphasis on graffiti art will strike a cord to inner city youth. While the plot feels contrived at times, the action takes has the reader anxiously running with the characters through darkened streets, hoping they can dodge not only shady gang members but also cops. A solid mystery for the middle school reader.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publishing Information

Publisher: Amulet Books (May 30, 2017)

ISBN: 9781419722967

Pages: 272

Book can be purchased from the following retailer:

About Habitats: Seashores by Cathryn Still and Illustrated by John Still: Book Review

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review.

Simple language and realistic watercolor paintings merge the world where water meets land. From the white sand beaches of the Indian Ocean to the rocky beaches of the Pacific Ocean, readers are not only introduced to the beauty of the coastlines those beaches represent but also to the plants and animals that thrive in the coastal environments.

For the young reader who ever wondered where sea lions take naps, Seashores will provide the answer. Each picture or plate contains descriptive back matter at the end of the story that provide the most curious a chance to discover even more about seashores that the straightforward text provides. The budding environmentalist will love the depiction of the natural formations and wildlife of the undeveloped shores.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publishing Information

Publisher: Peachtree Publishers (August 2017)

ISBN: 978-1-56145-968-1

Ages 3-7

Miguel's Brave Knight by Margarite Engle and Raúl Colón

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review.

The imaginative and brilliant mind of Miguel de Cervantes created one of the greatest masterpieces of Spanish literature, Don Quixote. While many admire the brave antics of the fictional Don Quixote, few know the real story of the author who created him.

The son of a vagabond barber-surgeon, Miguel de Cevantes spent much of his young life moving from place to place, fleeing the collectors after his father. Margaret Engle delves into the mind of young Miguel through fictional first person biographical verse. In doing so, she introduces the reader to thought provoking themes like poverty and censorship.

Raúl Colón's pen and ink and watercolor illustrations add depth to the life of one of the greatest storytellers of all time. A perfect way to introduce a new generation to a literary genius and maybe even inspire new writers.

Rating ★★★★★

Publishing Information

Publisher: Peachtree Publishing (October 2017)

ISBN: 978-1-56145-856-1

Ages: 8-12

Book can be purchased from the following: