Blog Archives
The Missing Children of Blackwood
Brian Starr’s The Missing Children of Blackwood is the kind of book that grips you from the first sentence and refuses to let go. It follows twelve-year-old Daphne Elloise Planter (Daph for short), a sharp, quirky, and self-assured protagonist with a knack for storytelling, as she gets swept into the eerie legend of Blackwood, a town haunted by its dark past and the mysterious disappearances of children. As Daph, her writer-parents, and her massive dog Sparrow set off on a so-called “legend-hunting” adventure, they soon realize that some legends aren’t just stories. Strange warnings, supernatural occurrences, and an ever-thickening fog lead Daph to one terrifying realization: she may not make it out of Blackwood alive.
The book’s greatest strength is Daph herself. She’s witty, defiant, and full of personality, cracking jokes even when she’s in the middle of a terrifying situation. Her opening lines, where she nonchalantly talks about her inevitable death, set the tone for a darkly humorous and adventurous ride. She’s also a wonderfully unreliable narrator in the best way possible. She claims to believe in logic over myths, but her fascination with the unknown pulls her deeper into the town’s secrets. When she first sees the ghostly girl near Blackwood’s entrance, her reaction isn’t just fear; it’s excitement, curiosity, and just the right amount of sass. The mix of humor and horror is balanced so well that even the scariest moments never feel overdone.
The moment Daph and her parents arrive at the ominous fork in the road (with a literal blood-red sign pointing toward death), the tension ratchets up. The slow build-up, the weird trucker lady who bolts at the mere mention of Blackwood, and the way Daph describes the gnarled trees as an “express lane into Terrorville” all add up to a setting that feels alive, like the town is waiting, watching. The scene where the family enters the foggy tunnel, and suddenly, Daphne’s parents start floating, completely unaware, completely silent, had me chilled to the bone. The writing doesn’t just describe fear; it pulls you into it.
The book takes its time setting up the legend of Blackwood, making sure you know the gruesome backstory before the real horror begins. Some might find the first few chapters a little slow, but I actually loved the way it lured me in. It gave me a chance to really get to know Daph and her parents, to appreciate their banter, and to feel that false sense of security before things started unraveling. However, once the mystery kicks into high gear, the pages fly by. The moment Daph is separated from her parents and realizes that she’s truly alone, you feel the shift. The writing gets sharper, the danger more real, and the question of what’s really lurking in Blackwood becomes an obsession.
The Missing Children of Blackwood is perfect for those who love spooky mysteries, snarky narrators, and stories that feel like a campfire tale come to life. It’s got Coraline vibes but with more humor, a splash of horror, and a protagonist who refuses to be just another missing child. If you spook easily, don’t read this one at night, but if you’re up for an eerie, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt adventure, this book is for you.
Pages: 218 | ASIN : B0DNYQ34RT
TimeOuts Titanic
Timeouts are a way of life for Zoey. She is put in a timeout for virtually anything she does wrong, from the most insignificant wrongdoing to the really serious stuff. Zoey knows little else other than being in timeout–it’s really gone too far. One day, while in class, Zoey’s timeout experience is taken to a whole new level. In the midst of being put on the spot to answer a difficult question, time stops. Zoey looks around, only to discover she is the only one still able to move. What is happening? Has she just reached the ultimate in timeouts?
TimeOuts Titanic, by Dr. Zo, is a brilliant chapter book for young readers based on the adventures of three middle school friends. Zoey, the book’s main character, teams up with sidekicks Noah and Destiny to take the be-all-end-all trip into the past to stop someone or something from breaking time. Zoey, the queen of timeouts, is the only one who is capable of stopping this from happening.
It’s been a long time since I have enjoyed a children’s chapter book as much as I did this one by Dr. Zo. The time-hop idea has been taken to a whole new level. I love the idea of applying the term timeout to both time freezing and time travel.
Dr. Zo’s style of writing is particularly appealing. Humor, suspense, and excellent one-liners permeate Zo’s text. The first-person narrative combined with elements of fantasy and historical fiction makes this book a winner for middle schoolers.
TimeOuts Titanic, by Dr. Zo, is an excellent middle-grade book to use when trying to entice reluctant readers into exploring new genres. Zo’s characters have both prominent personalities and significant responsibilities–a perfect combination for young readers on their own adventures in reading.
Pages: 100 | ASIN : B0C5TRSRZ3
Islanders: The Pacific Chronicles
On the lovely island of Oahu, Hawaii, siblings Kaimana and Kilikina embark on a hike up the mountain. But when a terrifying storm appears, the brother and sister find themselves changed beyond all belief. Fighting to understand their newfound abilities and the mysterious world into which they have stumbled, the siblings must work together to navigate a place of marvelous magic and mythology. Deadly threats work behind the scenes to undo the peace of the Hawaiian Islands, and the only hope for the future rests solidly on the shoulders of Kaimana and Kilikina and the friends that they have made.
The Pacific Chronicles Book 1: Islanders by James Eldridge is a wonderful journey to the Hawaiian Islands. The heritage and mythology of Hawaii permeate every single page, as the main plot of the story is perfectly complimented by the engaging cultural adventure woven throughout. From legends of the Menehune to the ancient protectors of the islands, the rich history of Hawaii is beautifully told in this light-hearted tale.
I loved the story of big brother Kaimana and his little sister Kilikina working together to explore a new dimension. I also loved Eleu and Molawa, the Menehune brothers, and their incredible antics. While threats are introduced, the main focus of this tale is the special bond between siblings and the true beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. Book one focuses mainly on why the Islands need to be protected, coming to a conclusion that sets the stage for many more adventures to come.
The Pacific Chronicles Book 1: Islanders is a captivating children’s fantasy novel that would be perfect for older elementary and middle-grade readers. A perfect story for all who love world culture, fantasy, and a story of familial friendship, the tale of Kaimana and Kilikina is only the beginning of what promises to be a truly remarkable adventure.
Pages: 158 | ASIN : B0BGQJL688
Above Us
Above Us by Angela Herrera is a bilingual story with beautiful imagery that explores what’s above us. From our hands in the air giving high fives, to bubbles floating in the air to what clouds look like in the sky and even the universe, we look into the endless possibilities of how children view the world around them. The author invites readers to use their senses when exploring their surroundings, from touching to hearing to seeing, making this a great sensory read for young readers.
Herrera’s words are illustrated by Alvaro Agurto and provide readers with bright, colorful images with different shapes that will immediately captivate children’s attention. I appreciate that this book is in English and Spanish as kids are sponges and will take in what they learn, and a second language will be added to the list. The author encourages children to count the balloons, say the colors of the images in the book, and to even use their imagination when it comes to looking at clouds in the sky.
Above us is a mentally stimulating and interactive read that is perfect to read to little ones as it will get the creative juices flowing and have you look at the world around you from a different perspective. I highly recommend this book to young readers and can see this on bookshelves in libraries and schools.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B09XRDP4FN
Johari The Great
Johari has an incredible imagination and absolutely loves to write. He has put his skills to use writing an amazing story for his school’s writing contest. His patience grows thin as he waits anxiously for the moment in his day when he can share his sure-fire winning story with his classmates. Johari is convinced the tale he has woven will catch the attention of his friends and classmates, not to mention the contest’s judges. When the moment comes, Johari takes the stage with all the confidence and support one young fifth grader could ever hope to have.
Johari the Great, by Naomi V. Dunsen-White, is the sweet story of one elementary student who has an incredibly supportive and loving family and is especially gifted when it comes to using his imagination to write creatively. Dunsen-White’s main character, Johari, is a great role model for young readers. He shows all the qualities of a self-motivated and self-confident young boy.
I was particularly impressed with the book’s focus on the writing contest. As a teacher, I loved seeing the excitement of not only the main character but the other students in the classroom. This is a wonderful way to encourage students to delve into writing for enjoyment and share with peers.
Johari the Great, is a phenomenal children’s book with a positive message. Included at the end of Johari’s story is a fantastic resource for parents and teachers, which makes this book even more valuable to readers. Dunsen-White’s precious story will make a great addition to any classroom or school library.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B08PTL62CP
LITERARY TITAN 