The Baker by the Sea by Paula White
cbr14bingo Hot Level 2 & 3 In a village by the sea a young boy’s father is the local baker. And to the young man, nothing could be duller. Baking bread and such must be the worst job. Why would someone do that when you can be a fisherman? But by the end of The Baker by the Sea by Paula White, our young boy learns that if his father did not get up early and make the goodies that he does, the village would […]
Once Upon a Book by Kate Messner and Grace Lin
cbr14bingo New Level 2 (coming in February 2023) The only thing that could make this book (Once Upon a Book) cooler is if Tomie de Paola was somehow involved. But since, sadly, he is no longer with us, this cannot not humanly be any better. Because Grace Lin and Kate Messner are perfection as it is solo, therefore, together they are out of this world awesome! This is a sweet book about imagination and some far out fantastic illustrations. The colors pop off the page, […]
I Survived the Children’s Blizzard, 1888 (I Survived, #16) by Lauren Tarshis
cbr14bingo Cold Level 1 & 2 (Images taken from online) I Survived the Children’s Blizzard, 1888 (I Survived, #16) by Lauren Tarshis is an easy read for stronger readers but could capture some reluctant readers with the boy narrator and the adventure of the blizzard. The ages could start as young as six or seven for the more advanced reader, as there is little in the way of content that could be considered “too much” (I am sure cartoons and movies today have […]
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
BINGO – SNAKE Secrets and hidden identities abound in this debut novel from Sue Lynn Tan. Xingyin is the titular daughter of the moon goddess, Chang’e, but she shouldn’t be alive. Her mother has hidden her existence from the Emperor and Empress of the Immortal Realm in order to keep her safe from danger and harm. For many years, Chang’e and Xingyin lived peacefully with their attendant on the moon in exile. But when Xingyin accidentally alerts the rulers of the Immortal Realm to her […]
In the Beautiful Country by Jane Kuo
cbr14bingo Dough Level 2 In the Beautiful Country is a cute story told in verse that shows the ugly of the world, but also the hope that can come from it. The year between 1980 and 1981 of Anna’s life is relatable, powerful and a look into “The Beautiful Country” and the American Dream it promotes but does not always make it easy to obtain. When Anna’s parents announce on Lunar New Year they are moving to The Beautiful Country (America), their family thinks them […]
The Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass
cbr14bingo Minds Level 2 At first The Taking of Jake Livingston was enjoyable. There was enough familiar to make it comfortable, but new enough to not be the same-old-same-old. Even a couple of clichés could be forgiven for they did move the story along. Then there were the clichés that bogged it down. Then the ending (SPOILER) where our narrator walks away free of any consequences from his actions. What could have been something different turned into the same old thing. I was rooting for […]
