One Half From the East

Obayda’s family is in need of some good fortune, and her aunt has an idea to bring the family luck—dress Obayda, the youngest of four sisters, as a boy, a bacha posh. 

 Life in this in-between place is confusing, but once Obayda meets another bacha posh, everything changes. Their transformation won’t last forever, though—unless the two best friends can figure out a way to make it stick and make their newfound freedoms endure. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

One Half from the East is about a girl named Obayda who acts like a boy to make her father proud. I love how Obayda takes a stand in wanting to be a boy. Rahim, another transferred girl helps Obayda take new risks which bonds them a new friendship.

I find it very emotional to feel what Obayda had in her life with the sacrifices and changes that happened. I cheered out loud for what Obayda tried to do when something threatened her friendship with Rahim. Obayda does strong and powerful actions to save Rahim from going away from her forever.

I really could believe those legendary adventures that drove Obayda and Rahim together. I would rate this book five stars and I think people who are into heavier and more emotional stories should read One Half from the East. Thank you, Nadia Hashimi, for writing this beautiful story.

Saving Lucas Biggs

Thirteen-year-old Margaret knows her father is innocent, but that doesn't stop the cruel Judge Biggs from sentencing him to death. Margaret is determined to save her dad, even if it means using her family's secret—and forbidden—ability to time travel. With the help of her best friend, Charlie, and his grandpa Josh, Margaret goes back to a time when Judge Biggs was a young boy and tries to prevent the chain of events that transformed him into a corrupt, jaded man. But with the forces of history working against her, will Margaret be able to change the past? Or will she be pushed back to a present in which her father is still doomed? 

Told in alternating voices between Margaret and Josh, this heartwarming story shows that sometimes the forces of good need a little extra help to triumph over the forces of evil. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

Saving Lucas Biggs is a powerful story of how friends should stick together even through the most difficult times. Margaret needs to stay with Charlie and Josh through both time periods and maybe she would get the affection back. Lucas Biggs was full of hatred and only one thing from his past experiences could change his feelings for the rest of his life.

Using love to overcome hatred is a very strong way to fix many problems, but I think this author has made an impact on me by showing how love is very strong and powerful. I would give this five stars and I would recommend this book to people who like deep stories that have different twists to it.

This book is one of my favorites and I think that the people who could understand it should get to read it. Thank you, Marisa De Los Santos and David Teague, for writing such a wonderful book!

Journey to Appleville

Journey to Appleville teaches me about the importance of not being afraid to tell someone what matters to you and that it takes a lot of strength to do so, like the amount it takes to venture on a journey.

The book is about a group of friends named Lui-Lui, Cassie, Lizzy, Pedro, Kenan, and Tu-Tu who decide to explore Appleville, the place to accomplish your goals. There, they meet the Appleville fairy and they tell her their weaknesses so they can overcome them. Because of their courageous actions, the Appleville fairy gives all of the friends a golden apple. The kids want to come back to accomplish their goals, as a result.

I would rate this book not one, not two, but FOUR stars for its clear understanding in the lesson that it will hopefully explain to children of all ages. I would recommend this book to the children who are afraid to share their feelings and hopefully after reading this book, they will have the courage of the kids who journeyed to Appleville.

Thank you, Veronica Appleton, for giving me this adventurous story to read with my little sister.

Lizzie Reaches the Rainbow

Lizzie's home isn't a happy one. But when Lizzie makes a wish on a rainbow and Fairy Imogen turns up, her life is changed forever. A delightful story about the magical power of imagination. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

The book, Lizzie Reaches the Rainbow teaches me about how I can be a better person. Imogen, Lizzy's rainbow fairy teaches Lizzie about the different elements of kindness like Peace for Purple and Generosity for Green so she can face the arguing of her parents. After reading this book, I feel that I can learn and continue to be a good person with or without the rainbow. The descriptions kept me wanting to read it even though it was a children's book.

When I read this book to my little sister, she said she would rate it five stars. I also think this is really the best book for children to read so I would also rate it five stars.

Thank you Lara and Tom Woods for creating a book for my sister and I to enjoy!

A Visit to Mackinac Island

Each year, Ella eagerly awaits her family's summertime trip to Mackinac Island. Once the ferry docks, Ella has an agenda to uphold yet so many interesting sights, smells, and experiences seem to come first. Bold and whimsical handcrafted paper illustrations bring to life a journey to remember along the streets of Michigan's Gem. (Courtesy of Amazon)

I think the book, A Visit to Mackinac Island really gives me the feeling of Michigan. Getting to know someplace through a story really moves me and I feel eventually, that I might want to go to Mackinac Island after reading this book. I would give this book 4 stars for it's great description and when I read it, it's like I'm in the book exploring the island with Ella. Thank you Jen Tucker and Jennifer Powell for letting me read this book that I could really enjoy! 

P.S. My sister loves it also!