In a world in which our technology is a very real part of us it becomes difficult to separate from it. However, with this much monitorization and entanglement of computers and humans it is not difficult to see that our media sources and the stories, augmented or real, that are put out quite literally control the way we think.
Tweedledee and Tweedledum (Other Wonderland Tales Book 1) by Anders Roseberg, and illustrated by Alex Preyzner, is a children’s lyrical fiction. This book will appeal to young children who are baffled by twins and their appearances. While Dee and Dum look very much alike, their private life is hardly similar. While Dee is serious and intelligent, Dum is full of fun and frolic. Children will love reading their contrasting food habits, dressing style, mischiefs, and their outings to the beach. Preyzner has presented this wonderful journey using colourful illustrations.
Theresa Martinez, the main character in Ghosters by Diana Corbitt, moves into her grandparents' old abandoned mansion after her mom dies, not expecting much. However, soon after, she, her father, and her younger brother, Joey, move in, Theresa starts noticing unusual things happening. Theresa thinks that ghosts are responsible, but her dad definitely does not believe in ghosts. Then, Theresa meets a girl at school, Kerry, whose aunt was the realtor for the mansion. Kerry also thinks the house is haunted and asks Theresa if she could come over to check the place out.
In No True Believers, the reader follows a teenage Muslim girl whose name is Salma Bakkioui. Salma’s best friend, Mariam who has been her neighbor and best friend her whole life is moving away because Mariam’s father’s patients don’t want a Muslim chiropractor anymore. Everything goes downhill from there for Salma. With her boyfriend Amir comforting her, many kids at school are being very rude to her because she is a Muslim.
Believe, by Julie Mathison, teaches us what bullying is and how your friends can help you through it. Melanie has a hard time at school because a girl called Karen won’t stop bullying her. Sabrina, Melanie’s best friend, helps her through the bullying and helps teach Melanie how to stand up for herself. When Melanie gets the lead role in Peter Pan, will the bullying stop?
The Sapling Years by Shelly Irvine is a personal memoir discussing the author's life journey. As book two of a four book series, it is correctly labeled The Sapling Years because it focuses on the first twenty-one years of Shelly’s life. The underlying theme of this book shines through every chapter and paragraph, teaching that life goes on despite trials and hardships.
Kids Get Rich: Teaching Children the Secrets to Wealth and Success by Gina and George Plytas is a well-written, easy to read handbook for how to effectively manage money. It references some statistics about the typical use of money in Canada, but the information it discusses for achieving financial independence is relevant no matter where readers live. The book has a neat layout and is clearly organized into six simple steps. It covers the basics about budgeting, spending, credit, saving, investing, and giving in a friendly, upbeat way.
Keah is fairly certain she just witnessed the most recent pizza-napping…well maybe?? After the pizza guy mistakingly attempts to deliver a pizza she hadn't ordered to her door, she watches through the peephole and thinks she sees something. All Keah knows for certain is a funny smell, some strange noises, and the DS Grimes at her door are adding up to something happening in her building! And to top it off, one of the missing delivery boys is a friend of Keah’s!
