Noreen's Reviews

Estrild thirsted for what the boys had: power. Varrick had an inquisitive mind before science even existed. Together they tell the story of the “Windeby child,” an ancient adolescent body found in a bog in northern Germany in 1952. Two-time Newbery Award–winning author Lois Lowry (The Giver and Number the Stars) brilliantly combines history and storytelling to demonstrate life lived in the Iron Age, 2000 years ago. A great book for inquisitive readers.

—Noreen

Leeva Spayce Thornblossom’s mother thinks only of power and fame. Her father thinks only of money. No one thinks of Leeva. Slipping through the hedge around her house, Leeva finds the power to change everything! With the help of a friendly librarian, amazing and unlimited books, home-baked cookies, and some unusual friends, Leeva finds her way home and an answer to her big question, “What are people for?”

—Noreen

“In every smile, blessed is the light…. In every sadness, blessed is the comfort… In every life, blessed is the love.” Marla Frazee again combines simple words and profound illustrations to remind us that life is both precious and hopeful. A thoughtful look at the depths of our humanity. Make it a gift to yourself, your children, and everyone you know.

—Noreen

Kindness and courage. In this compelling sequel to the book Wonder, eleven-year-old Julien listens to his grandmother Sara’s story of surviving the Holocaust. Sara tells Julien how she contributed to the bullying of a boy in school, and how this boy ended up saving her from the Nazis during the French occupation. A moving introduction to the Holocaust for grades 5-8. The movie version comes out this year starring Helen Mirren as Grandmére! -Noreen

Here’s a book for readers who like historical fiction and encountering characters their age who make mistakes and learn from them. 13-year-old Arthur feels angry and expresses his rage by throwing a brick and injuring a “Junk Man”. Sentenced to work for the man he injured, Arthur wonders why he’s gathering light bulbs, aluminum, glass bottles, wood, mirrors and cardboard. Then he discovers the truth about friendship, humility and the transformative power of art. - Noreen

As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, Julia finds it difficult to create her own dreams while meeting her parents’ expectations. What does it mean to navigate two cultures? In a world where girls of color continue to be underestimated, this coming-of-age story is one that any Mexican-American girl could relate to. I love the authenticity in this story. -Noreen

Edward Tulane is a self-centered china rabbit who becomes lost from the little girl who loves him. He unexpectedly journeys from situation to situation getting to know himself and people who teach him how to love. An old doll says, “If you have no intention of loving or being loved then the whole journey is pointless.” His transformation into a rabbit that appreciates love, loss and what’s important in life is a classic read-aloud. -Noreen

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” The Golden Rule is found in all cultures and all religions. A boy asks his grandfather, “What does it mean? And why is it golden?” I love this book because it’s one of the most important lessons we can teach our children and one another as we choose love and understanding over greed and war.-Noreen

Moses is the name Harriet Tubman was known for by leading her people to freedom. Kadir Nelson’s illustrations help us appreciate Harriet’s escape, her dramatic move through the dark woods with her “passengers,” and her constant dialogue with God. It’s God’s voice that supports her spiritual journey and the nineteen journeys that followed. Harriet Tubman is one of my favorite heroines, and this book is a visual and poetic testimony to her strength and courage. -Noreen

In 1964, in the heat of California’s Imperial Valley, 12-year-old Lula and her family work as migrant laborers. Told in verse, this is the story of how the United Farmworkers, Dolores Huerta, and El Teatro Campesino help Lula find her voice, save her family, and stand up for the rights of farmworkers and herself. A tenderly written story of resilience, bravery, and inspiration. ¡Sí se puede!

—NOREEN