Ivy's Reviews

Stella North is determined to win an air race for young fliers, a race billed as a symbol of peace in 1937 Europe. When one of the other competitors is killed, her goals radically change. Now she’s racing to solve the identity of the mysterious saboteur as well as to stay alive. Fans of Ruta Septys and Marcus Zuzak will love reading about these aviator teens on the precipice of a life-changing war.  —Ivy

Horror fans take note! In order to pay for college, Jade strikes a deal with her estranged father. She must spend a couple weeks in Vietnam with him as he turns an old, possibly haunted, house into a luxury bed & breakfast. Ghosts, however, never stay quiet for long, and this house—so entwined in her family history—may have more than a few. This book will keep you up and make your skin crawl in the best way possible. —Ivy

Grace is a witch and, even worse in her opinion, an orphan. Her plan to solve both problems is to convince the witch in the woods (who possibly eats children?) to teach her magic and hopefully find a home at last. Inspired by Anne of Green Gables, this delightful novel stands all on its own. As a former dramatic child myself, I really appreciate Grace’s foibles and determination. Clutch this book to your chest and swoon with its magicality! 

—Ivy

Towering Treeheart has been the seat of power for kid kings of legend, but none have faced such a ferocious foe as grim Mr. Grindle. Determined to be the downfall of all fun, he wields a powerful pointer able to adultify a child with one tenacious touch. Enter brave Bea Wolf, who may just be a match for the nefarious neighbor. Told in alliterative language and highlighted with excellent line drawings, this retelling of Beowulf is sure to delight even the uninitiated. A terrific triumph! 

—Ivy

Someone has stolen the crown jewels from Buckingham Kennel! Thankfully, Sherlock Bones and his friend Dr. Jane Catson are on the case. While the game is afoot–or should we say apaw—they meet all sorts of characters such as the retired diva Poodle, a carrot vendor with a secret, and a restaurateur who only sells bug-based entrees. Packed with animal puns and challenging puzzles, this mystery is sure to delight any reader of Encyclopedia Brown and The Clubhouse Mysteries.
—Ivy

Angela Davis is a name uttered on so many lips with so little understanding. Depending on who you talk to, she’s either a dangerous dissident or a revolutionary activist. Such is the divide of history, but no one’s life is so simple. This gorgeously drawn biography evokes the very propaganda that demonized and glorified her. I implore you to dive in and come to your own conclusions about Dr. Davis. —Ivy

The community kitchen pulls together their latest meal with organized chaos and such good onomatopoeias!  This board book adaptation moves admirably to a small format and loses none of its charm. My kids love looking at all the little details on every page and the words trip off the tongue pleasingly. A perfect cozy read sandwiched between All the World and Everywhere Babies. -Ivy

My daughter thinks Crunch is just the funniest, shy dinosaur ever, but don’t talk too loud or he might hide! Can you help him say hello, paint names, and eventually fall asleep? A coaxing, interactive text paired with Pizzoli’s gentle illustrations are sure to engage any little one. This follows admirably in the footsteps of Press Here and Peck Peck Peck, both classics in our household. -Ivy

Dubbed the “Queen of the Neighborhood,” Zara always knows the best rules to make sure everyone is having fun, but when a new family moves in, the whole street’s dynamic changes. Zara’s struggle to assert some control over her life felt so familiar and the ultimate solution is as touching as it is realistic. Anyone who’s read Jasmine Green or looking for the next step up from Charlie and Mouse will love this one. -Ivy

Nikhil is the main character on a wildly popular animated tv show, Raj Reddy, and just about every kid knows his voice, but thankfully not his face. Then his mother moves him from Los Angeles to Ohio, throwing his whole life off balance. He has to make new friends and find a way to stop hiding behind the microphone. Fans of Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year or LGBTQIA realistic fiction should pick this up! -Ivy