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The Legend of the Silver Star
The Legend of the Silver Star is a thrilling children’s adventure that follows siblings Gabby and Anthony as they journey through time via a magical pine box in their Aunt Sophie’s attic. Transported to the Old West, they meet legendary U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves and find themselves embroiled in a mission to deliver a dangerous outlaw to justice. Along the way, they encounter blacksmiths, bandits, cattle rustlers, and a caring Chickasaw community, learning valuable lessons about bravery, honesty, and the power of standing up for what’s right. Full of charm, danger, and heart, the story weaves together history and fantasy into a compelling ride.
The book is written with such energy and warmth, and the pacing is spot-on. The dialogue feels real, the characters are instantly likable, and there’s a lot of clever humor woven in. Gabby, with her sharp wit and fearless spirit, is an absolute standout. And Bass Reeves? What a figure. He’s cool, wise, and full of grit. The writing isn’t flowery or complex, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s punchy and clear, the kind that makes young readers sit up and hang on every word. The story moves quickly but never feels rushed. It’s adventurous without being scary, smart without being preachy.
I enjoyed the depth packed into this short book. It introduces big ideas like racism, justice, and courage, without ever feeling heavy. There’s a real tenderness in how the story handles fear, responsibility, and teamwork. I found myself grinning at the kids’ antics one moment and getting choked up the next. The way the book highlights Bass Reeves, a historical figure often overlooked, is powerful. I felt genuinely moved by the ending, especially the moment with the silver stars. That got me.
This book is a gem. I’d recommend it to kids in upper elementary grades, especially those who love action, history, or stories with gutsy young heroes. It’s also a great read-aloud for classrooms or families. There’s something magical about how it mixes real history with fantasy. I walked away from it not just entertained, but inspired. If you’re looking for a story that makes kids feel brave and seen, this one’s for you.
Pages: 101 | ISBN : 1959110136
Kid Pharaoh
The Secret Key Adventures: The Kid Pharaoh is a time-traveling adventure that follows siblings Anthony and Gabby as they stumble into ancient Egypt via a mysterious special key gifted by their eccentric Aunt Sophie. They meet the young Tutankhaten, soon to be King Tut, and after an uncanny resemblance between Anthony and the boy pharaoh, a classic switcheroo sets off a chain of risky encounters, political intrigue, and personal growth. The story combines humor, suspense, and history in a fast-paced narrative packed with colorful characters, vivid settings, and plenty of heart.
What struck me first was how fun this book is to read. It’s loaded with personality. Anthony’s wide-eyed curiosity and Gabby’s razor-sharp wit make for a perfect sibling duo. Their banter felt real and funny. I was especially charmed by Tut himself. He’s playful, burdened, and a little rebellious, which makes him relatable. I didn’t expect to laugh, but moments like the ostrich egg breakfast or Tut’s street market blunders genuinely cracked me up. The pacing is brisk without feeling rushed, and the short chapters kept me flipping pages. The language is simple and accessible, but never dumbed-down. It’s the kind of storytelling that respects its young audience.
The book surprised me with how layered it is. Behind all the comedy and chariot chases, there’s a thoughtful message about responsibility and leadership. Anthony starts off wanting adventure, only to realize that being Pharaoh means more than parades and fancy clothes. Gabby’s arc was especially powerful. Her experience as a servant opens her eyes to inequality and unfairness, and she comes out stronger for it. The villain, Baki, is just the right amount of creepy without being cartoonish. The tension builds slowly, and the final scenes had me holding my breath. There’s also a real emotional payoff at the end.
The Kid Pharaoh is a total win. It blends imagination and history in a way that feels fresh and exciting. Young readers who love adventure, history, or sibling hijinks will have a great time reading this book. But honestly, even as an adult, I had a blast with it. This book would be perfect for middle-grade readers, classrooms studying ancient civilizations, or any kid who dreams of opening a secret door and ending up somewhere wild. It’s clever, heartfelt, and just plain fun.
Pages: 102 | ISBN : 1959110039
Legend of the Ishkadees
In Legend of the Ishkadees, Richard Polak spins a children’s tale that reaches far beyond the bounds of bedtime storytelling. At its heart is young Emet, a boy whose imagination is fired by a fantastical legend, one more vivid than any he’s heard before. It tells of a mystical land teeming with extraordinary creatures, none more captivating than the elusive Ishkadees. These beings possess healing powers beyond comprehension, but their gifts come with a catch: they can only be bestowed upon those under the age of nine. With his ninth birthday just days away, Emet finds himself in a race against time. His goal isn’t mere adventure; it’s to save his ailing mother.
What unfolds is a narrative where fantasy and urgency collide. Emet, accompanied by three family members, embarks on a journey that quickly turns from storybook whimsy to desperate reality. Will this small band prove worthy of the Ishkadees’ miracle?
Polak crafts more than a simple fable. Beneath the surface lies a layered, emotionally resonant story, one that carries more weight than typically found in children’s literature. The tone echoes the richness of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, with a similar blend of wild wonder and moral substance.
Though the tale pulses with imagination, it remains tethered to the real. Emet is a dreamer, accustomed to his father’s bedtime tales. When he first hears of the Ishkadees, he files it away as just another yarn. Yet as events unfold and hints of truth emerge, he embraces the possibility with the open-hearted faith only a child can muster. Polak deftly captures that fleeting capacity for belief, a kind of intuitive magic thinking that defines childhood.
As the narrative progresses, the line between myth and reality begins to blur. The Ishkadees’ world, dreamlike and ethereal, intersects with the grounded needs of a family in crisis. This collision feels purposeful. Polak seems to suggest that healing, both physical and emotional, often requires a meeting point between innocence and realism.
Despite the story’s weightier themes, the tone never becomes too heavy. Polak balances gravitas with a sense of wonder, never allowing one to overpower the other. Readers will find themselves rooting for Emet, feeling his urgency, and marveling at the imaginative world he traverses.
The Legend of the Ishkadees is a thoughtful and compelling journey, one that lingers, offering both delight and reflection in equal measure.
Pages: 125 | ASIN : B0F2GMLGFB
The Tale of the Orphan Magician
The Tale of the Orphan Magician is a richly imaginative and layered fantasy novel wrapped inside a parable of identity, shame, and the long journey toward restoration. Framed by a majestic Sakalon dragon narrator named Rahgornah, the story follows Raziel, a gifted but emotionally scarred orphan, caught in the swirl of political chaos and ancient conflict across the magical continent of Amaratzim. As we’re drawn into a world brimming with dwarves, trolls, talking pouches, mystical documents, and spectral history, what unfolds is a timeless search for “father,” not the person, but the deep, soul-level embrace of enoughness and belonging. It’s a quest that’s part action, part theology, and part myth, with equal parts dry wit and tender emotion.
The voice is whimsical, self-aware, and at times downright hilarious. Senyard’s writing has this oddball charm, like C.S. Lewis channeling Douglas Adams. It’s smart without being showy, deep without getting preachy. There were moments I laughed (dragon baseball leagues?) and others where I had to stop reading because something just hit me in the gut, especially those parts about shame, longing, and the human need to feel like we’re enough. The characters, especially Raziel and Rahgornah, felt real in a strange way, even with all the fantasy trappings. Their pain and hopes were familiar. The pacing sometimes meandered, and there were points where it leaned into exposition, but I didn’t mind. The story had so much heart, I was willing to be led wherever it wanted to go.
More personally, I found myself unexpectedly moved. I didn’t expect a fantasy book to leave me thinking about my own story, my own “search for father.” But it did. There’s a rawness in Raziel’s journey. A mix of trauma, rebellion, grit, and grace that resonated with me. I’ve felt like that kid on the bench before. Lost, a little bitter, hoping someone might still call me worthy. The idea that quests begin with distance from the King, but are designed to draw us back. The magic here isn’t just in the talking dragons or epic wars, it’s in the way the story gently calls you back to something truer than all the noise we carry around.
Fantasy fans will enjoy the world-building, but those who’ve struggled with shame, belonging, or feeling unseen? They’ll find something deeper here. I’d especially recommend it to readers of Lewis, Tolkien, or even those who like the soul-searching of Brené Brown but want it wrapped in a magical story. It’s a tale of dragons, yes, but also of healing.
Pages: 254 | ASIN : B0F94WCCDB
Yowie Dreaming: A Tale of Friendship and Adventure
Yowie Dreaming is a delightful and unexpected gem of a story set in rural Queensland, following the reluctant city-girl Paisley Parkinson as she’s uprooted from Brisbane and planted in Kilcoy, a place famous for its folklore, forests, and, most notably, its elusive Yowie. What starts as a tale of teen angst and culture shock slowly spirals into a warm-hearted, often hilarious, and surprisingly moving story about friendship, trust, community, and the mysteries of the natural world. Paisley’s discovery of a real, live Yowie, whom she and her ragtag crew name Mr. Yahoo, propels the story into mythic territory without losing its grounded, human core.
When I began reading the book, I anticipated light-hearted small-town quirks and perhaps a few humorous nods to Bigfoot folklore. However, Margaretta James delivers something far more layered. From the very first chapter, particularly in Paisley’s scathing reaction to the lackluster statue in Yowie Park. The narrative voice stood out as strikingly genuine. Paisley’s frustration, dry wit, and gradual emotional evolution as she grows more connected to the landscape, her unconventional family, and the enigmatic Mr. Yahoo are portrayed with remarkable nuance. Her perspective is compelling, intelligent, emotionally complex, and deeply relatable.
The writing is clear, cozy, and refreshingly no-nonsense. There’s a genuine rhythm to the dialogue, and nothing feels forced or overly stylized. The trio of Paisley, Mikah, and Nicco steals the show. Mikah’s chaotic, ADHD energy and Nicco’s calm, tech-assisted communication balance Paisley’s dry humor. Their friendship feels earned, not tacked on. A scene that stuck with me is when Mikah wraps Mr. Yahoo’s burnt paw in honey and bandages, just calmly doing what needs to be done. That moment of quiet kindness was more touching than any dramatic rescue scene I’ve read in a while.
The ideas in the book, especially around land, Dreamtime stories, and First Nations knowledge, are treated with deep respect but not in a preachy way. Aunty Pam is the heart of this. Her stories about the Jinibara people, the shared land with the Yowies (or joogabinna), and the need for balance really hit me. She says, “Even groups that don’t trust each other have to learn to live side by side.” That line lingered. The book isn’t just about discovering a creature. It’s about discovering connection, healing, and how stories, old and new, hold power.
By the end, I wasn’t just rooting for Mr. Yahoo to find his way home, I was rooting for Paisley, too. I wanted her to keep growing, keep questioning, and keep letting people in. The final chapters had me smiling and even when the kids were wading through literal Yowie poo and hiding a mythical beast from angry bogans. There’s whimsy here, but also heart and real stakes.
Yowie Dreaming is for anyone who ever felt like an outsider, who ever loved a mystery, or who just needs a reminder that even the wildest legends might be true. It’s perfect for middle graders, teens, and grown-ups who haven’t lost their sense of wonder.
Pages: 70 | ASIN : B0F5GW1XV3
Dylan’s Dilemma (Dylan’s Dog Squad Book 1)
Dylan’s Dilemma is a sweet, funny, and sometimes heartbreaking story about a cocker spaniel named Dylan who starts his life in a cramped crate in South Korea and winds up on a wild adventure that brings him all the way to sunny Southern California. The book follows Dylan’s ups and downs as he finds freedom with his first owner, Aiden, faces abandonment when Aiden can no longer keep him, and eventually struggles to find a place in a new family with a boy named Casey and his no-nonsense mother. Written mostly from Dylan’s point of view, the book brings readers right into the mind of a lovable, mischievous pup who’s just trying to figure out where he belongs.
What really struck me about this book was how real Dylan’s emotions felt. Kathleen Troy doesn’t just tell you Dylan is happy or scared; she makes you feel it. When Dylan thinks, “My lungs are shrinking. I can’t breathe,” after Aiden gives him up, my heart physically hurt. Troy’s writing captures Dylan’s innocence perfectly, especially in moments like when he tries to “help” in Casey’s mom’s office by turning her important project into a shredded hamster collage. I found myself laughing aloud, though it was a bittersweet kind of laughter, recognizing that the little dog was simply trying his best.
The pacing of the story kept me locked in, too. One minute, I was giggling over Dylan’s craft skills (destroying cords, baseboards, and tables like a tiny wrecking ball), and the next, I was genuinely nervous when he was sent off in a crate across the ocean. The humor balances out the emotional gut punches really well. Plus, Casey’s character is just the right mix of loyal and goofy. His determination to keep Dylan, even when his mom is dead set against it, made me root for them both so hard. Their bond is simple but strong, like when Casey calls Dylan “Little Buddy,” giving him a sense of belonging again after losing Aiden.
One thing I noticed is that some of the adult characters are written with a playful exaggeration, especially Casey’s mom, who shifts from grumpy to affectionate with the speed of a light switch. It actually adds to the lively, slightly cartoonish tone of the story (particularly during hilarious moments like Eddie-the-Whiner’s antics at dog training). The vibrant style suits the book’s mission: to entertain first, warm the heart second, and sprinkle in seriousness just where it’s needed.
Dylan’s Dilemma is a real charmer. It’s perfect for anyone who loves dogs, funny misadventures, and heart-tugging stories about finding your forever home. I’d especially recommend it for middle-grade readers or adults who just want a sweet escape for a few hours.
Pages: 256 | ASIN : B09RQCDPG5
Mica Powers and the Legend of the Superstitions
Mica Powers and the Legend of the Superstitions is a young adult fantasy adventure wrapped in mystery, myth, and self-discovery. The story kicks off with a tragic prologue, Mica’s family torn apart by something dark and unknown, then leaps ahead to present-day Mica, a smart, brave, and often sarcastic boy caught between reality and something more magical. From the Thunder Cycle to ghost encounters, ancient feathers, and secret portals, the book spins a fast-paced and emotionally charged journey through the Arizona desert and into realms unknown.
Right away, I was pulled into the story by the way M.S.V. Walker mixes vivid desert landscapes with a strange, almost dreamlike tension. The first chapter, “Be Brave My Little Mica,” hits hard. The writing is cryptic and frantic, almost like reading a memory on fire. You can feel Mica’s confusion and pain as his father tries to save her, and that emotional punch stays with you. Honestly, the disjointed text at the start threw me off at first; it felt chaotic, but once I realized it mirrored the trauma Mica was going through, it clicked. That rawness became part of the charm.
What I really loved was the world-building. Places like the “Thirst No More Oasis” and “Imperia 101” were just fun to imagine. Walker has a knack for names that sound both ridiculous and mysterious, like “The Channel of Light” or “Wakinyan.” And the characters! Estee Bradford, with her fierce loyalty and cutting wit, is probably my favorite. She and Mica have this banter that feels real and unforced. There’s this scene in “The Banquet Part Two” where they crack jokes while dodging literal chaos; it’s wild but also kind of hilarious. Walker manages to keep things emotionally grounded, even in the middle of fantasy madness.
There are chapters where the plot moves at a thrilling pace, sweeping you along so quickly that it’s easy to get caught up in the momentum. “Invasion” and “The Weapon” are especially fast-paced and packed with action. Mica’s voice is witty, sharp, and deeply heartfelt. He’s flawed, afraid, and constantly questioning, but he never stops moving forward. And I was with him every step of the way, through the dust, the danger, and the magic.
Mica Powers and the Legend of the Superstitions is a heartfelt, sometimes messy, but deeply imaginative ride. It’s perfect for teens and adults who love fantasy with a beating heart and don’t mind getting a little weird. If you liked Percy Jackson but wished it had more ghosts, mystery, and desert heat, this one’s for you.
Pages: 260 | ISBN : 9798992339109
Giving Children Books From Their Culture
Nathan Ñeque: The Hunger Contest follows a boastful agouti who loves winning and challenges a cicada to a hunger contest, confident that he will triumph. What inspired you to write this folklore adaptation story from The Ngäbe Comarca in Panama?
The Ngäbe people do not have any children’s books about their culture per se, and they brought the original story to me to write a children’s picture book. I adapted it to my own story and gave names to their animals but kept their theme throughout the book. Created my own story. We work on the Comarca with the Ngäbe people. I wanted to have some books for the children of their own culture.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Yassibel Duque?
It was great, as usual. She is adaptable and comes up with unique ideas. She also lets me have my say, and we work well together. I appreciate the camaraderie with her.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to educate children on the agouti and cicada. The agouti is from Panama, and people know cicadas. I wanted to incorporate how cicadas get their food differently than the agouti. But the agouti didn’t realize how the cicada ate their “food”; the cicada only had to stay on the branch. The agouti had to hunt for his food.
I also wanted to bring out the pride, arrogance, and eventual defeat that enabled Nathan to change his perception of other animals. I wanted to keep that theme from the original Ngäbe folktale.
What next book are you working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently waiting for my illustrations for another folktale from the Ngäbes. The title of my adapted story is Benny the Boa Meets His Match. I will then get it formatted and uploaded to Amazon, probably mid-March 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
LITERARY TITAN 