Nonfiction

How Stella Learned to Talk – book review

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How Stella Learned to Talk: The Groundbreaking Story of the World’s First Talking Dog by Christina Hunger Autobiography Biography Nonfiction Adult (but teens may enjoy!) * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) When Christina and her boyfriend decided to adopt a puppy, they started to notice the many ways that Stella (the dog) tried to communicate with them. Christina, a recently qualified speech pathologist, had received all kinds of specialized training in helping nonverbal children … Read more

All Creatures Great and Small – book review

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All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot Autobiography Biography Classics Funny Nonfiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Follows James Herriot’s adventures as a newly qualified vet working under his slightly more experienced senior vet in the boonies of Yorkshire, where he meets a variety of memorable farmers and pet owners and falls in love with the people and the land. Follows his first couple of years working for the practice. Homey, hilarious and … Read more

I Hate Running and You Can Too – book review

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I Hate Running and You Can Too: How to Get Started, Keep Going, and Make Sense of an Irrational Passion by Brendan Leonard Nonfiction * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Despite being a ultrarunner, Brendan Leonard mostly hates running except when he loves it briefly. This is a short, encouraging, and realistic look at how you can start your own love-hate relationship with it. It might get you out the door and on your … Read more

Boys Who Challenged Hitler – Read It and Rate It

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The Boys Who Challenged Hitler by Phillip Hoose Nonfiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) “The Boys Who Challenged Hitler” is a nonfiction book about a group of teenagers who secretly fought against the Nazi’s known as the Churchill Club. The group lived in Denmark during World War Two/ The Holocaust. Even though the book is nonfiction, its written in a format that is interesting and story-formish. 🙂 The book itself is … Read more

Screwtape Letters – Read It and Rate It

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The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis Nonfiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis is a classic book people should read. Though geared towards an adult level, teens will enjoy this book also. This story is written as a series of letters from a “seasoned” tempter to a young tempter. Screwtape guides Wormwood, his nephew through the tricks a tempter should use on humans. The story is … Read more

Every Falling Star – book review

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Every Falling Star by Sungju Lee & Susan McClelland Biography Nonfiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Sungju Lee was just shy of 10 years old in 1997 when his family was forced to leave Pyongyang, North Korea. His parents said they were going on “vacation,” but they were really leaving their home for good. Sungju didn’t discover the truth until much later. Even though Sungju’s parents were supposed to receive rations for their work, … Read more

Obsessed – book review

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Obsessed by Allison Britz Biography Nonfiction Allison is 15 when she has a vivid dream that awakens her obsessive compulsive tendencies. Prior to that she’s a high-achieving student, athlete, popular, normal. Suddenly, everything around her holds danger and she has to avoid everyday objects like pencils and socks and sidewalk cracks, or perform little rituals to offset their toxicity. Her weird behavior distances her from her friends and family who don’t understand what is happening … Read more

Father and I Were Ranchers – Read It and Rate It

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Father and I Were Ranchers Little Britches #1 by Ralph Moody Biography Nonfiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Little Britches is a book that depicts strong emotions. Ralph and his family move to Colorado for Ralph’s father’s lungs. They think they are journeying to a developed ranch, and instead, they find a three-room cabin. The story continues with Ralph’s family trying life on the ranch, from scratch. They have to raise … Read more

Dear Celiac – Read It and Rate It

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Dear Celiac by Kristen Adam Nonfiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Dear Celiac by Kristen Adam is a book any kid (or grownup) with celiac should read. This book takes you through Kristen’s personal journey with celiac. since several people I know have Celiac, this book really rings true with me. The emotions in this book are depicted extremely well. I definitely recommend this book for anyone to read to understand … Read more