Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor 🟊🟊🟊🟊🟊

“Mel Fell” is one of the most entertaining picture book books I have shared with my grandchildren. When Mel, a young kingfisher’s mother is away, she decided it was time to learn to fly. Even though she is scared that does not stop the gutsy bird. As she jumps off her tree branch, she tells her siblings, “See you soon!”. As Mel is plunging down to the ground all the residents in the tree try to help her from crashing. Just as you think things are going to end in a terrible mishap, there is a surprise that will thrill the reader.

This is a feel-good book that teaches new experiences don’t need to be scary. When Mel challenges herself and has confidence that she can fly, the can-do attitude makes it happen. Not only is the message in the story uplifting but the presentation is clever and engaging. My 5-year-old granddaughter gave this book 5 stars. Mel Fell is a Caldecott Honor Award winner for 2022.

Fun Activity: Go outside and try to find a bird’s nest, then think about if you were a bird how you would feel the first time you left the nest. Go to the Barnes and Noble website and find the worksheets for Mel Fell. https://dispatch.barnesandnoble.com/content/dam/ccr/h/bn-storytime/2021/3-20-Mel-Fell.pdf

Published In: 2021
Publisher: Blazer & Bray
Age Level: 2-6
AR Level: 1.4
Pages: 40
Stars: 5
Awards: Caldecott Honor Book, and ALA Notable Book of the Year

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton 🟌🟌🟌🟌🟌

Mike and his steam shovel work together to dig canals for ships, cut through mountains for trains, make highways for cars and dig deep holes for skyscrapers. But with the new inventions of gasoline, electric and diesel shovels Mike’s steam shovel is becoming obsolete. Mike then hears about a town in the country that needs a new town hall. So, Mike and his steam shovel head to Popperville. Here they find one last job and a permanent home.

This is a great book to introduce the importance of moving from steam machines to gasoline which is a cleaner form of energy. This was a very pivotal time in our nation’s development. In addition, the book delivers a message that if you take care of things, they will take care of you. The book is a classic and a great addition to any home library.

Fun Activity: With your child make a list of all the things that you could build with a steam shovel. Or on the internet get a picture of an old steam shovel and a modern backhoe. With your child pick out the differences between the two machines.

Published In: 1939
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company
Age Level: 2-6 years
AR Level: 4.4
Pages: 48
Stars: 5

Bridge of Souls by Victoria Schwab 🟌🟌🟌🟌🟌

“Bridge of Souls” is the third book in a series for middle schoolers called the “Cassidy Blake Series”. Cass is a 12-year-old girl and the only child to the “Inspectors”. They are “ghost-hunting paranormal investigators” who produce an American television show. The family travels to cities that are known for famous ghost hauntings. Her parents conduct interviews and visit supposedly haunted historical buildings.

Cass has had a near death experience that left her with supernational powers. She can travel to the “Veil” where she sends lost ghosts on to the next life. The third book takes place in New Orleans where she comes face to face with the messenger of Death who is trying to claim her for his own. Will she be able to stop him?

I read this book without reading the first two in the series. At first, I had trouble following the storyline but once I got to the third chapter the story came together for me. I really enjoyed the way Schwab combines the history of the city with great story telling. I will definitely read the other two books in the series.

Published In: 2021
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Age Level: 8-12 years
AR Level: 5.0
Pages: 300
Series: “Cassidy Blake Series”
Stars: 5

Ophie's Ghosts by Justina Ireland 🟌🟌🟌🟌🟌

“Ophie’s Ghosts” is precisely the type of book I would have loved as a middle-schooler. It is a historical novel that has suspense, ghosts, a haunted mansion, and murder. It is beautifully written and keeps the reader engaged page after page.

The novel takes place in 1922 and living in the deep south was a hard and dangerous place for an African American family. Opie’s father is brutally attacked and beaten to death. After his death Ophie realizes she can see ghosts. Succeeding her father funeral Ophie and her mother move to Pittsburg to live with relatives. In the north Ophie and her mother find jobs working for a wealthy Pittsburg family in an old manor house filled with ghosts. Ophie struggles with her gift but eventually figures out how to help the sprits move on to the next level. Ophie befriends one of the spirts that has had one of the most atrocious crimes committed against her and this puts Ophie’s own life in danger.

The author does a wonderful job of putting the reader into 1920’s Pittsburg. The injustices of the times were real against the blacks and the books teaches some of the history of racism. Ophie never gives up and is always trying to do the right thing even when the advice she receives is contrary. This is a must read for any middle-schooler who appreciates this genre of novels.

Published In: 2021
Publisher: Blazer + Bray
Age Level: 9 -11 Years
AR Level: 6.3
Pages: 325
Stars: 5
Awards: 2021 Scott O’Dell Award