Quotes to Live By

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.
(John Quincy Adams)

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit. (Aristotle)

Every artist was first an amateur. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude. (Thomas Jefferson)

It takes ten years to build up a reputation, but only five minutes to ruin one. (Anonymous)

Monday, December 21, 2015

Emotional Safety

I'll admit it. I wanted to review this book because I'm a teacher. Not just any teacher, one who wants to create a stable emotional environment for my unstable students from unstable homes. (closes eyes)

From an educator's perspective, this book should be given to all my parents because they all need to hear the blunt truth about their parenting. Am I ranting? Maybe a little bit. But do they need to read this book? ABSOLUTELY!

Parenting isn't rocket science, it's just brain surgery. 
And Dr. Joshua Straub has good news for you: You can do it!

You don’t need to do all the “right” things as a parent. Both science and the Bible show us that the most important thing we can provide for our kids is a place of emotional safety. In other words, the posture from which we parent matters infinitely more than the techniques of parenting.

Emotional safety—more than any other factor—is scientifically linked to raising kids who live, love, and lead well. Learn how to use emotional safety as a foundation from which you parent—and make a cultural impact that could change the world!

In Safe House, Dr. Straub draws from his extensive research and personal experience to help you:

- Foster healthy identity and social development in children of any age
- Win the war without getting overwhelmed in the daily battles
- Discipline in a way that builds relationship
- Understand how the culture is affecting your child and what you can do about it
- Cultivate responsible, self-regulating behavior in your kids
- Establish an unshakeable sense of faith, morality, and values in your home
- Feel more confident and peaceful as a parent
- Find a greater perspective on parenting than what you might see on a daily basis

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Purpose Driven Life for Kids

Yesterday, during a winter holiday party, a parent brought in pizza from Costco. About ten students got a slice, leaving 6 students without a slice. Three of my boys got into a fistfight over a slice of pizza. It bothered me because pizza was not the only food choice at the party.

Another student brought in chicken/cheese quesadillas and I brought in fried rice. One of my nice, sensible girls gave her slice of pizza to one of the boys and ate something else for which I was eternally grateful for.

Another one of my boys already had a bite of his pizza, but was willing to cut out a bite so that another one of my boys in the fistfight can take his piece. That almost broke my heart because in his family, his parents struggle financially to put food on the table every night.

Only one of these students know God. As a teacher, I struggle internally about this because I want them all to know Jesus and that He is proud of them for producing righteous fruit in the classroom.

I know that God will use them greatly in the future and their lives are bright. When I received the book: Purpose Driven Life for Kids, I really wanted to give a copy of this to my girl. She was named after Daniel in the Bible and has really kept the teachings of the Bible.

We are living in a fallen world where desires are deserved. I asked my boys why they were fighting over the slice of pizza and one of them said they deserved it because it isn't a party without pizza. When I told him to go get something else to eat, he told me "this is stupid! I hate this class!".

He ended up with a consequence that he regretted for the rest of the day. I sent him to another class where he had to finish up a packet of work.

This is why Rick Warren probably wrote a devotional for kids. Capturing the hearts of the new generation means ensuring they know their purpose and grow up confident of their value in God and their relationship to Christ.

God created each of his children with a purpose in mind … the time for them is now to, thoughtfully and prayerfully, start their incredible journey to finding that reason.

The Purpose Driven Life Devotional for Kids includes 365 devotions that tie to the themes and ideas found in the bestselling The Purpose Driven Life written by pastor Rick Warren. Written at a third to fourth grade level, each devotion includes a Scripture, short message, and prayer or thought for the day to help kids discover who they are in God’s eyes.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Mom, Can you do my Hair?

I remember wishing I had a mom that could do the cool braids and hairstyles all through elementary school. When I was older, my friend's grandma gave me a shock: I didn't have enough hair to do the french braid. So after that, my hair was always tied up in a ponytail. I vowed that when I have a daughter of my own, they would get the cool braids and updos I didn't get as a child.

When I saw this book for reviewing, I knew I needed to get it. Even though this book is mostly geared towards children, there were some tips I picked up about my hair that was helpful.

Faithgirlz Best Hair Book Ever! is full of killer tricks and tips on having amazing hair every day—from the best cut for each individual girl’s lovely locks to simple-yet-stunning updos and gorgeous styles, and even some trade secrets that can help make even the most unruly hair behave.

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Eating through Pregnanacy

I'm pregnant. Now what? This book is great because it breaks down exactly what your body needs in order to have a healthy baby.

An approachable guide to what to eat--as opposed to what to avoid--while pregnant and nursing, to support the mother's health and the baby's development during each stage of pregnancy, with 50 recipes.

New research suggests that the foods you eat during pregnancy can have lasting effects on your baby’s brain development and behavior, as well as your waistline. Drawing from the fields of medicine, nutrition, and psych­ology, this easy-­to-follow guide, which also includes 50 recipes, gives you a clear understanding of what your body really needs and how certain foods contribute to the development of a healthy and happy baby.

I got this book for free from: Blogging for Books

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Win or Lose

I never really understood why so many children do not have good sportsmanship until I became a teacher. I am the teacher of 18 wonderful children with 18 unique personalities. With the variation comes a slew of emotional problems that range from kindergarten to 3rd grade.

One of the reasons I wanted to review this book was because my class has a very hard time losing. Even though I stress that it is ONLY a game, my students are genuinely upset that they are losing to each other. I have students who do not pay attention in class that will go head to head with one of my top students over the game.

I brought this book in so I can teach my students the right way to lose and we had a class discussion about how to lose with good sportsmanship.

This book was about how competition can bring out the worst in us, but it can also be an opportunity to learn important
life lessons. That’s why it’s so important for kids to understand how to handle winning and losing!

Join Lulu and Max as they help Bear-Bear, Goosey, Coyote and the rest of their animal friends in the Field Day contests determine who will be the leader of Lulu’s forest.

But as the animals soon find out, not everyone can win. Sore losers, unkind winners, flaring tempers, and a few tears are taking the fun straight out of Field Day!

Just like Lulu and Max help the animals navigate the ups and downs of the day, with Win or Lose, I Love You parents will be equipped to help children:

Replace the selfish characteristics of competition with an understanding of how to treat others fairly
Overcome the tendency to display poor sportsmanship by using Biblical truths to develop a Christ-like attitude
Reject the labels of winning and losing and embrace that they are loved no matter how they perform.
Win or Lose, I Love You will show your child that, no matter what, their value is tied to who they are, not how they play!

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Standing for God

This book heralds a new generation of Christians who are more than bold…they are fearless!

No Fear draws you inside the stories of young, ordinary believers who, despite incredible opposition, courageously stood up for God’s truth. Tony Perkins pairs each story with a biblical example, and gives practical ideas for building a “no fear” perspective every day.


Today, followers of Jesus Christ face more opposition to their beliefs than any generation in American history. Yet even in such a hostile cultural and political environment, it is an exciting time to stand firm in the faith.  


You have been chosen to live in this important hour and reading these stories will inspire you to the same kind of courage.  So what are you waiting for?  


A fourteen-year-old girl testifies before the Maryland state senate in support of the traditional family. A young man and his new wife launch a campaign to decrease abortions in their community. A high school cheerleader goes to court for the right to put Bible verses on banners at football games.


These young Americans knew that honoring God and his Word was more important than winning friends or keeping their jobs. 


In No Fear Tony Perkins tells the stories of young Christians who took a stand for truth in the face of intense opposition. These unlikely heroes will show you the dramatic influence one person can have in seeking fairness, justice, and compassion in a nation. The book also draws you back to the heroes of the Bible who stood up for God in their own day and culture, modeling the same brand of courage that is needed today.


What would you do for God if you had no fear? The possibilities are endless. It’s time to get started!

Prayers that Changed History

Twenty-five stories of historical figures who prayed to God and as a result, history was changed.

One prayer can change everything.

Martin Luther. Sojourner Truth. Helen Keller. St. Patrick. We read their stories, and of other people like them, in history books, and hear about the amazing things they did to change the world. But one part of the story is often left out: Each one of them wouldn’t have accomplished what they did without prayer.

In this book from bestselling author Tricia Goyer, the stories of twenty-five notable people are presented along with the major prayer that changed their lives and changed history. Following each historical example is a biblical story that ties to that person’s life and actions, as well as ways you can use the power of prayer in your life as well. Because God isn’t done changing the world yet, and he would love to use you to make history.

This book should be recommended to children who are aged 5-12. Tricia Goyer motivates young children to stand up for God and Christianity with a short story that draws readers in. After the story, it inspires readers to look deeply within and see if they see themselves in a situation like that. It also draws from the Bible as a reference. 

Books written by Tricia Goyer is highly recommended. I have the book: Prayers for my Future Husband and it follows a list about what I should be praying for. It was extremely helpful and I love all the books she has written so far. This book is no different. God uses her to reach all ages of audiences and should be known as a writer after God's own heart. 

Friday, September 18, 2015

Paper Projects

Paper Goods Projects has crafts for birthday party favors and decorations, cake toppers, greeting cards, children’s toys, and so much more. Tap your creativity like never before to create fun, beautiful objects out of the simplest materials.

When I leafed through the pages, I found many inspirational projects for my 3rd graders and I was excited to see that some of the projects are simple enough to follow through them. There were also creative plate projects and simple crafts to use as a filler in my classroom.

The biggest pro of this book is that children can pick up this book and be inspired to copy some of these projects on their own just by looking at the sample pictures shown.

M is for Manger

Children can travel through the Christmas tale in the form of the alphabet. The author: Cyrstal Bowman was very creative in making the letters match with everything according to the Bible and Jesus's birth.

Travel through the alphabet with this beautiful rhyming storybook that tells the story of Jesus’ birth. Begin with the angel who tells Mary that she is God’s chosen vessel and follow along until you reach the zillions of stars that paled in comparison to the star that announced the birthplace of the newborn King. Beautifully illustrated and written, this book will be a classic for parents to read to their children every Christmas season.

I loved how the colors are soft and simple. Each letter has a cute little illustration that makes each page unique and comforting.

I got this free book from Tyndale Blog Network.

The Plans I Have for You

The Plans I Have for You combines playful rhyming text written by bestselling children's book author Amy Parker with whimsical illustrations by award-winning artist Vanessa Brantley-Newton to create a book that inspires readers of all ages to dream about their future.

God has great plans for each and every one of us and this book encourages children to think about the talents that make them special and will help them imagine how God may use our unique traits to make the world a better place.

The book was very colorful and fit for children and a great resource for talking about the future. I feel that this book is good for any child able to grasp the concept future and is not limited to younger elementary child, but can also be read to toddlers.

I also love the illustrations and the bright colors. They're very realistic and children will really relate to the boys and girls found on every picture.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Taking the High Road

Many people let circumstances and their environment shape their future. Kids are giving up at much earlier ages now, and going for the low road. That's how statistics are formed.

BUT, we are more than a number or a stat. We are the future of America! Can I hear an Amen? We need to rise up from being a victim to a victor! We don't even need to be gifted or talented. We just need to have something called perseverance and grit.

The fact is, so many people get ahead--even the gifted ones--because they worked incredibly hard, put in the thousands of hours of practice and extra sweat equity, and made their own luck. And Linda and Robin should know--they are two girls from the Bronx who had no special advantages or privileges and rose up through their own hard work and relentless drive to succeed to the top of their highly competitive profession.

In a book illustrated with a cornucopia of stories and the latest research on success, the authors reveal the strategies that helped them, and countless others, succeed at the highest levels in their careers and professions, and in their personal lives. They talk about the guts--the courage--necessary to take on tough challenges and not give up at the first sign of difficulty. They discuss the essential quality of resiliency. Everyone suffers setbacks in their careers and in life. The key, however, is to pick yourself up and bounce back. Drawing on the latest research in positive psychology, they discuss why optimists do better in school, work, and on the playing field--and how to reset that optimistic set point. They talk about industriousness, the notion that Malcolm Gladwell popularized with the 10,000-hour rule in his book Outliers.

Creativity theorist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi believes it takes a minimum of 10 years for one's true creative potential to be realized. And the authors explore the concept of tenacity--the quality that allows us to remain focused and avoid distraction in order to get the job done--an increasingly difficult task in today's fragmented, cluttered, high-tech, connected world.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Bible for Preschoolers

This hands-on Bible mirrors a real Bible so now children as young as preschoolers can feel special when going to church. Gone are the simple illustrations and big bolded words. Now everyone in the family can belong in a Bible-carrying family.

My First Hands-On Bible is a fun and simple, yet meaningful way to engage preschool, prekindergarten, and kindergarten children
(ages 3–6) with the Bible while helping them build a solid faith foundation. Each lesson focuses on a specific Bible point through a variety of activities in order to reinforce and help young children remember the stories and lessons. Using common household items, you can help your children have a “hands-on” learning experience while engaging them in 85 key stories from the Bible.

My First Hands-On Bible doesn’t just retell the Bible stories; it also includes actual Scripture from the easy-to-understand and easy-to-read Holy Bible, New Living Translation. In addition to the stories and activities, there are fun illustrations, prayers, and a special Jesus Connection feature.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Standing Strong

This book is especially good for those who, not only are bullied, but also who could be a bystander to bullying. I feel that in every news story nowadays, it's all about the victim and his/her feelings. Don't get me wrong. It's great to know about the victims' perspective, but I feel it's overrated.

Every article is about someone being a victim to something. Sometimes I feel that people get easily offended in the little things and everyone should just get a chill pill. It's good to stand up against bullies as this is what the book is about, but we shouldn't broadcast all our troubles on the Internet for money and sympathy. So all I'm saying is to read this book with an open mind: a mind that is receptive to standing strong against a bully and not living a victimized life.

About this book: With no arms, no legs, and no defense, Nick Vujicic was once a bully’s target and knows what it feels like to be picked on and pushed around:  It makes your stomach hurt, gives you nightmares, and feels like there is no hope in sight. But Nick shows how you too can overcome and rise above bullying.  

No Bully Can Define Who You Are

Nick has experienced bullying of all kinds for being “different.” But he’s learned that he doesn’t have to play the bully’s game–and neither do you. In Stand Strong Nick gives you strategies for developing a “bully defense system,” so you can handle bullies of all kinds by building your strength from the inside out.

Find out how to:
·         Turn being bullied into a great opportunity (yes, really!)
·         Create a safety zone within yourself
·         Establish strong values that no bully can shake
·         Deal with cyber bullies
·         Develop a spiritual foundation to stay strong against bullying
·         Monitor your emotions and control your response to them
·         Help others who are being bullied
Are you facing the unwanted attention of a bully?  You can stand up to the challenge, because you have greater power over your feelings and your life than you may think! Just ask Nick--the man with no arms or legs…and “a ridiculously good life.”

Being Thankful

In this day and age, I find that people aren't as thankful as they used to be. It's bustle and hustle from day to day and there isn't any genuine thankfulness for others anymore. It's just me, me, me.

We have selfies, text messages, facetime, and Instagram. We are always looking down at a screen, whether we are hanging with friends or driving a car.

That's why this book is so refreshing for children in this generation. This generation of children are born with screens. It's all about self, self, self. If I'm happy, that's all that matters.

Bestselling and award-winning children’s author Eileen Spinelli combines charming rhymes and whimsical illustrations to convey the importance of being thankful for everyday blessings. Thankful, by bestselling and award-winning children’s author Eileen Spinelli, combines charming rhymes and whimsical illustrations to convey the importance of being thankful for everyday blessings. Like the gardener thankful for every green sprout, and the fireman for putting the fire out, readers are encouraged to be thankful for the many blessings they find in their lives.

Spinelli exhibits her endearing storytelling with this engaging poem, reminding children how blessed and special they are. Meant to be read aloud, this heartwarming picture book will be a treasured keepsake for parents and children alike.

If we raise our children to be more thankful for the things around us and being content, we will have accomplished raising empathetic children who will be responsible for our future.

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Submarines, Secrets & A Daring Rescue

A Revolutionary War action-thriller filled with spies and heroes, targeted to boys and girls 8-12. In this second book in the American Revolutionary War Adventure series, twins Ambrose and John Clark find themselves volunteering for another mission to help the newly forming United States of America. Inspired by their success in delivering a secret message to General George Washington himself, the boys step up to help transport much-needed gunpowder to the patriots and end up in an even more dangerous situation, manning one of the first submarines and then, later, attempting a prison break to rescue their older brother, Berty

Written by Robert Skead with the help of his father, the main character is based on their ancestor who fought in the American Revolution as part of the Connecticut militia. Though historical fiction, the events that occurred with George Washington in New Jersey regarding the war effort are true.

These books do not disappoint. This is the second book in this new series and every book is filled with excitement and daring missions for boys and girls who love adventures. I would recommend it to any child who are interested in adventures or history. This book helps children learn about history, while taking the reader on an adventure.

Friday, July 17, 2015

Learning Leadership with the Navy

 Anyone can make good decisions when everything is in their favor. But in life, as in war, it’s in chaotic, challenging times that genuine leaders distinguish themselves. As a Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer, Rob Roy learned this lesson over twenty-five years of combat, in which the difference between life and death was his team’s ability to decode complex environments, take decisive action, and seize opportunities when they presented themselves.

In The Navy SEAL Art of War, Roy decodes the leadership lessons of the battlefield for today’s business leaders and individuals: how to make good decisions under pressure, how to utilize and leverage the strengths of others while minimizing the weaknesses of the individual or team, and how to act instead of react, anticipating events despite having minimal information and effectively communicating tasks and priorities.

Illustrated with countless stories from the front lines, and featuring unprecedented exercises and drills from the SEALs’ training program, The Navy SEAL Art of War is destined to take its place aside It’s Your Ship as a bestselling business classic.

To be perfectly honest, I used this book to structure how I run my 3rd grade classroom. I feel that the skills taught in this book, not only applied to businesses, managers (and those who aspire to the managerial ranks), and entrepreneurs, but also to teachers.

Because teachers teach all other professions, I want to be the one who helps my students reach their maximum potential. To be the leader who teaches these skills earlier on, it sets the success and achievement standards very high in the beginning of the school year and in turn, students' self-esteem reaches higher levels of achievement.

12 Ways to Start a Marriage Right

This book was so practical to me as a single person. It might be because I'm the kind of person who needs to see the whole picture before I jump into anything or it might be because I'm not a spontaneous risk-taker.

As I read from the introduction, I felt as though I was sitting in pre-marital counseling. I felt like taking notes and underlining. The author makes the book very engaging and he has a sense of humor. I love that the tone was light, but at the same time, it gave wisdom and insight to what a relationship should be like.

I especially liked the questions that I should ask my future spouse and the questions to think about before being married to them for life. I also loved the activity suggestions that couples should do together so there could be an open communication with both parties about little things like solving problems and cooking responsibilities.

 Many times I see my friends jump into a relationship too soon without thinking things through. In the 21st century, society puts love first and problems second. When problems actually arise, they think "oh, I think I married the wrong person. Let me try again." In that way, the rate of divorces rise and people get very cynical about love.

Ready to Wed discusses 12 Traits of a thriving marriage and offers a variety of topics to guide and advise those preparing to say, “I do!”

Learn to:
Define a vision statement unique to your marriage.
Positively engage conflict to build a foundation of trust and forgiveness.
“Leave and cleave,” even if you are a child of divorce.
Manage expectations—and your in-laws!
Navigate hot-button issues including, sex and the chore wars.
Cope with change, stress, and crisis—especially in your first year.
Build a community of support and find mentors.
Assess your progress using the Couple Checkup.
Loaded with advice, tips, and instructions, this valuable resource is ideal for soon-to-be-newlyweds and those who support them!

I Can Read Bible Stories: Queen Esther

I was amazed at the sentence structure of the book. I didn't realize that there would be a variation in the sentences that would keep the reader from repeating the same words over and over again.

I would recommend this book to readers who want to be more independent. There were a few words that could be harder for a child, but this is a good practice book for children who want to be challenged. Maybe the parent can read it the first time and have their child read it the second time with help.

I feel this book can be used to measure progress and can be read as many times as it takes a child to read it independently on his/her own.

As an educator and a future parent, I would buy the whole "I Can Read" series for my children to practice phonics. They will be educated in vocabulary and will have a better understanding of the Bible and also fully engaged with the characters.

This I Can Read! series of Bible stories makes use of the unique features found in the NIV Adventure Bible such as “People in Bible Times” and “Words to Treasure”.

Thursday, July 2, 2015

101 Tips for Girls

Every girl has her own insecurities. It's all a part of growing up. "What do people think of me?" "Should I wear this or that?" "Does this blouse make me look fat?" These questions are very normal for girls going through Middle & High School.

The editors of Faithgirlz! and Girls' Life have collected their best advice to help girls take charge and feel confident in a variety of situations, from changing a bike tire to talking to a teacher about a bad grade to handling bullies. Growing up can be tough, but this guide makes it easier, providing fun insight and advice that parents appreciate and girls love. With problem-solving strategies, tips, and humor, this is a book every girl needs.

I appreciate this book very much because both my cousins are going through this phrase in life. They need to know what is appropriate and not appropriate during these years. I read through the book and highlighted some tips that my cousins need to keep in mind as they are experiencing teenager drama.

I know my cousin will love this book because 101 Things Every Girl Should Know touches on topics important to girls today including quizzes, Q &A's, journal prompts, articles and more.

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Positive Discipline for the 1st Three Years

There are many books on parenting these days. If you read every book that was ever published, you would find that many of them repeat the same things over and over again. There are also numerous books on discipline: spanking vs. no spanking. 
How do we as future parents discipline our children? I read this book with an open mind because I believe the author has some great points. I just don't believe in everything she says. I'm not saying it's wrong advice, but every child is different. Just like there are more than one way to learn. There is also more than one way to parent.

If you are a parent, you should always listen with one open ear and one closed ear. Don't believe everything one person says, but pick and choose the methods that work for your individual child. INDIVIDUAL CHILD! Because everyone knows that even if you have siblings, their likes, dislikes and even personality traits are different.

You cannot group parenting advice together for all your children. So I just caution you not to believe everything every book says about parenting. 

Believe: Going Beyond the Stories

They know the story of the Bible, but do they know what it means? Adapted from the ground-breaking new Believe campaign from bestselling author and pastor Randy Frazee, the Believe: Kids’ Edition takes kids on a thematic tour through the Bible and shows them how to think, act, and be more like Jesus.

As children ages 8-12 walk through the three big categories of Christian life—beliefs, practices, and virtues—they’ll begin a journey that will take them closer to the heart of Jesus and deeper into the words of Scripture. They’ll learn what the Bible has to say about everything from the nature of God and the identity of Jesus, to prayer, worship, and the fruit of the Spirit. Foundational and faith-building, this book can be used by individuals or in conjunction with the all-church campaign.

This book can impact every kind of Christian. Even though this is geared more towards children ages 8-12, I believe that it can also be adapted to youth groups also. Children that have been raised in church all their lives need to read this book because stories are just stories, unless you apply the truths behind it.

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Pregnancy Journal

Excitement and anticipation…Nausea and sleepless nights…All par for the course for pregnancy. Moms-to-be have many questions and emotions, and this planner and organizer addresses both their practical and sentimental needs.

The keepsake format allows parents to record everything from feelings and cravings to doctor appointments and baby shower gifts (helpful for when pregnancy brain sets in!), and it also includes 3 pockets for sonograms, photos, and mementoes from the first trimester through the baby’s first months. With an additional see-through pocket in the cover for slipping in a personal photo (either of a growing baby bump or a 3D ultrasound), this chic binder is essential for organization, as well as a memory book to save for years to come.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Am I really sorry?

Bullies aren't born mean-through the vicious cycle of mean, bullies are made.

According to the Ambassadors 4 Kids Club, one out of every four students is bullied-and 85% of these situations never receive intervention. Parents, students, and teachers have amped up solving the bullying problem for a networked generation of kids.

Written by bestselling author Nancy Rue, each book in the Mean Girl Makeover trilogy focuses on a different character's point of view: the bully, the victim, and the bystander. The books show solid biblical solutions to the bullying problem set in a story for tween girls.

Sorry I'm Not Sorry tells the story of Kylie Steppe, former queen bee of Gold Country Middle School. After bullying a fellow GCMS student, Kylie has been expelled-and she has to attend mandatory counseling. Without her posse to aid her and other peers to torment, Kylie focuses on the person who stole her GVMS popularity crown: Tori Taylor. As Kylie plots revenge on Tori, she attends therapy sessions, where she reveals a few details that might explain why she finds power in preying on her middle school peers. After a rough year with bullying backfire, will Kylie decide to become more empathetic with her peers?

It's hard for tweens to imagine why a bully acts the way she does. Sorry I'm Not Sorry shows girls that they hold the power to stop bullying through mutual understanding and acts of love.

Even though I have never been a bully, it helps to read this book from this perspective because I have been on the side of the victim. This book helps me teach my future students to not be bullies themselves. This book also brought tears into my eyes numerous times and Nancy Rue does a great job giving this book a real perspective on cyber bullying. 

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

The 101 Collection for Leaders

Although I requested this book, I really don't know what the hype is about. If you knew nothing at all about leadership and hid yourself in your house without socializing with anyone, you would definitely need this book.

Here is where the hype comes in:

Think of The Complete 101 Collection as a crash course?or rather, an entire semester?of leadership fundamentals to help you reach your potential in these areas:

Attitude 101 Attitude is contagious, so make sure your team is catching the right one.
Self-Improvement 101 To improve your life, improve yourself.
Leadership 101 No matter who you are, you can lead?and lead well.
Relationships 101 Great leadership is built on great relationships
Success 101 Success may look different for each person, but the principles remain the same.
Teamwork 101 Talent wins games, but teamwork wins championships.
Equipping 101 Leaders with an equipped team possess an edge that will help them win.
Mentoring 101 Multiply your impact by increasing the number of leaders on your team.

Career Playbook

This is a great little book that gives you a play by play on the ins and outs of getting a career. This book is great for anyone looking to changing or finding a job. Just like a playbook for a specific sport, this book is also good at pointing you in the right direction for interviews and resumes which could be hard to navigate if you do not understand its jargon.

Based on an in-depth survey of thousands of graduates and young professionals, and hundreds of interviews with the world’s top business and nonprofit leaders—not to mention James Citrin’s decades of experience as a senior partner at the premier executive search firm Spencer Stuart—The Career Playbook offers recent graduates and aspiring young professionals actionable advice for excelling. From his practical tips on generating valuable introductions, nailing interviews, and negotiating compensation to strategic advice on the arc of a career, the importance of relationships, how to cultivate a mentor, and knowing when to change jobs or industries, Citrin provides an invaluable guide to the most urgent questions that are at the heart of every person’s career deliberations.

Packed with first-person advice from graduates and young professionals themselves, as well as the perspectives of seasoned CEOs, entrepreneurs, leaders, and experts, such as Virgin’s Sir Richard Branson, Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg, Third Point Advisors’ Daniel Loeb, author Malcolm Gladwell, and US Navy SEALs’ Admiral Eric Olson, The Career Playbook is an essential resource for landing, launching, and thriving in your career.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

God Bless Our Country!

A new addition to the bestselling Berenstain Bears' Living Lights series that teaches simple Christian truths to children.

In the newest Berenstain Bear Living Lights, the glorious Fourth of July has arrived and the Bear family is busy decorating with flags and bunting. Brother, Sister and Honey are just waiting for the big parade and all the fireworks and aren't really thinking about the true meaning of the day.

But Mama and Papa make sure the cubs know just how much Bear Country is blessed with a quick lesson about the first Fourth of July.

I really like how this book mentions that our country was born from the foundation of knowing God, but I would have liked the book to go more in depth about the founding fathers and the Christian morals instilled in the country.

Sure, I'm thankful that this book even mentions God at all, but I would like a little more history and less on how the parade went and the details about who won 1st and 2nd prize. That's why this book gets 4 stars, instead of 5 stars from Book Look Bloggers.

Giving Love Letters

Love letters used to be a way of romancing your second half by knights in shining armor. Whenever you read a romance novel or watch a chick flick, the handsome guy uses a beautiful, poetic love letter to woo his lady love.

Fast forward a couple hundred years in 2015, where the art of letter writing is slowly being replaced by social media, instant text messages, and e-mails. Where is the romance in that? Anyone can write an e-mail these days and send an impersonal e-mail to strangers across the globe.

I may be the only conservative girl out there who still hopes for a love letter written by my prince whom God is preparing for me. I still want the romance of the old times, where the guys pick the flowers from a nearby field and present it in a romantic way.

This is why I still hold out hope that my prince is as romantic as I am. I love the free book I got from Blogging for Books called: The World Needs More Love Letters All-in-One Stationery and Envelopes by Hannah Brencher. This book is made out of 32 pages of stationary that can be turned into a simple envelope. The last few pages of the book is made up of stickers that are used to seal the envelope. The idea is to hide it somewhere ideal that your loved one will find and be inspired by it.

Don't laugh, but my dream date isn't a movie and a dinner. It's a day where my prince and I enjoy a beautiful day enjoying God's creation by having a picnic, flying a kite or doing something that we both enjoy each other's company.

I'm a very romantic person at heart. I would be the person who thinks of creative things to do for the other person like setting up a candlelit dinner or hiding love notes around the house or even making a scrapbook of all the memories of our dates.

I really like how both covers of the book have prompts for people who aren't creative. Each suggestion can be used in each of the 32 pages. I love the last suggestion that says you should write a love letter and then cut up the pieces for your loved one to put together like a treasure hunt of puzzle pieces.

Friday, April 10, 2015

What Color is Your Parachute? Edition for Teens

The first edition not for teens was very helpful to me as an adult. Interviewing is the most stressful thing in life other than taking the SATs and the GRE. Everyone needs to practice before going to an interview. I love how it breaks down every component for an interview.

The teen edition is more or less the same kind of thing except it targets teens. Because in this generation, toddlers are seen with ipads and iphones, playing away in restaurants and doctor offices. So this book has a chapter that deals with social media. Most importantly, it’s packed with the big-picture advice that will set you up to land the job that’s perfect for who you are—and who you want to be.

It pays to figure out your interests early, so you can decide what additional schooling—and tuition debt—makes sense for your chosen field. In What Color Is Your Parachute? For Teens, career authorities Carol Christen and Richard N. Bolles not only help you plan for these decisions, but also help you define the unique passions that will lead  you to your dream job. With new chapters on social media and sustainable jobs—along with all-new profiles of twenty-somethings who’ve found work in solar energy, magazine writing, and more—this new edition has all the nitty-gritty details you need to get started now.

Friday, April 3, 2015

Am I Beautiful?

In this day and age, more and more girls are looking at outward appearances and failing miserably in the self-esteem department. Plastic surgery is more and more popular for those girls who come from wealthier families or those who want to improve themselves even more.

Teen girls who look up to these fake plastic role models feel that their comparison is almost unattainable. They feel that in order to be popular, they must look a certain way or be a certain height or weight before someone will notice them.

There are also red carpet scandals out there where the stars themselves fall all over to get the public to notice them so they wear the most ludicrous clothes.

I feel this book should be a best seller for preteens and even teenage girls because it teaches them that outward appearance is not the first priority in life, nor should it be. We should be content that we don't all look like Barbie models and that God didn't make us that way.

In this Brave Girls devotional, 90 engaging devotions will help young girls find their place in the world and learn that the beauty of their imperfections is what makes them unique, loved, precious, and "better than perfect" in God's eyes. Each devotion will include:

A relevant opening scripture from the Bible
A thought-provoking devotion to build a young girl's spirit
An engaging closing prayer to help the reader navigate her day!

Monday, March 30, 2015

The Baby Bump

It's always an exciting time when couples are trying to have their first baby - that first discovery by a doctor or just someone in the family that knows what the first symptoms are. I would be super excited to find if I was pregnant, of course after I get married to my best friend (which God will provide in the future).

But I have seen various shows that present a couple going to buy a pregnancy test and then testing it to see if they are expecting. I have also seen the heartwarming video that a girl did to surprise her husband about the baby's arrival.

I would probably be the person that surprises my husband and do all these little memorable things. I love surprising people so I think my marriage would be full of surprises.

This book helps those who find themselves expecting a baby for the first time. It provides checklists for the whole 9 months of pregnancy, what to expect and what to prepare for.  It's surprisingly detailed.

The Bump Book of Baby Lists covers the practical and fun details of every month of pregnancy, including the questions to ask your doctor, what you need for the nursery, how to set up a birth plan, and more. With lines for jotting notes on the go, this portable paperback travels everywhere with the parents-to-be, making the what-to-do, how, and when of pregnancy planning much less stressful.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Mentored by Coach Dru

Beyond Championships focuses on the nine principles Dru promotes to his players and lives as well. While these principles act as the foundation on which Coach Dru has built so many successful basketball teams, their universality ensures that they can be applied to any situation.


The influential coach who helped LeBron James become all that he is shares inspirational principles for winning at life…it’s bigger than the game…and winning isn’t everything.

In less than ten years, Dru Joyce went from someone resigned to a dull yet stable existence to one of the highest profile basketball coaches in the country. Despite having virtually no background in the sport, Coach Dru became mentor and coach to one of basketball’s biggest names, superstar LeBron James, and learned that the right combination of faith and hard work can change the course of your life forever.

As I read this book, I realized that much of Coach Dru's principles are solutions to modern problems today. Even though I didn't get most of the sport analogies and metaphors, I still think the principles are all there. 

Much more than a sports book, Beyond Championships is a blueprint for anyone looking to make better choices and reach their full potential. I have even decided to do an experiment. Since I have already read this book, I will look for a special drop off place. I want this book to change some one's life, instead of being at my house sitting on a book shelf collecting dust.

There are die-heart fans out there who needs Coach Dru in their lives and this book might help them in their own lives. I haven't yet thought of a place yet, but I hope to drop it off on the metro or at the doctor's office with a little note tucked inside. Hopefully, someone's life will be better because of this book. 

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Don't Reinvent the Wheel

I was pretty excited to receive this book in the mail, but I didn't get too much insight about this book. Maybe my expectations were too high? I really wanted a book that told you how not to reinvent the wheel, but still give you motivational insight to doing things better and faster.

I didn't get very far in this book, but I read at least 3/4 of it. I couldn't even bring myself to finish the book. The summary in the back makes the book thrilling, but it didn't seem to spark my interest when I read it.

This book is about making you BETTER by teaching you how to overcome the neurological traps that block smart teams and successful people, like you, from realizing full potential. Then, it will make you FASTER by teaching you  6 patterns of opportunity. Shortcuts we've learned from advising 300 of the world's most innovative companies and from our study of 250,000 ideas and 100,000,000 people.

Each pattern you’ll learn is a repeatable shortcut that has created fortunes for ex-criminals, reclusive billionaires, disruptive CEOs and ordinary people who unexpectedly made it big.

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Using Your Brain

If you have not watched Ben Carson's movie, Gifted Hands, I highly recommend it. It's a movie that is about how he grew up and became a neurosurgeon. It is as inspiring as this book.

Even though I knew much of where Ben Carson came from, the words from this book inspired me to have a different perspective on my students. I know their personalities and also their strengths and weaknesses. If I know what motivates them to be better, then their life will become as affluent as Ben Carson's life has been.

Throughout his life, renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Carson has needed to overcome many obstacles: His father leaving the family; being considered stupid by his classmates in grade school; growing up in inner-city Detroit; and having a violent temper. But Dr. Carson didn't let his circumstances control him, and instead discovered eight principles that helped shape his future.

In You Have a Brain: A Teen’s Guide to Think Big, Dr. Carson unpacks the eight important parts of Thinking Big—Talent, Honesty, Integrity, Niceness, Knowledge, Books, In-Depth learning, and God—and presents the stories of people who demonstrated those things in his life. By applying the idea of T.H.I.N.K. B.I.G. to your life, and by looking at those around you as well, you too can overcome obstacles and work toward achieving your dreams.

About the Author

Dr. Carson is an emeritus professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery, and pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. In 1984, he was named director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, a position he retired from in 2013. In 2008, he was named the inaugural recipient of a professorship in his name, the Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D., and Dr. Evelyn Spiro, R.N., Professor of Pediatric Neurosurgery. Also in 2008, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the land. He was the keynote speaker for the President’s National Prayer Breakfasts in 1997 and 2013. Through his philanthropic foundation, the Carson Scholars Fund, he strives to maximize the intellectual potential of every child. An internationally renowned physician, Dr. Carson has authored over a hundred neurosurgical publications and has been awarded more than sixty honorary doctorate degrees and dozens of national merit citations. Dr. Carson has written six best-selling books, and his fifth book, America the Beautiful: Rediscovering What Made This Nation Great, released in early 2012, made the New York Times Bestseller List. His sixth book, One Nation: What We Can All Do to Save America’s Future, was released in 2014, and became a number one New York Times bestseller. He is a syndicated columnist and a highly sought-after, world-renowned inspirational and motivational speaker.

Friday, March 13, 2015

Just a Minute

Did you know that just 1 minute can make a difference in a child's life? Whether it's a smile or being positively affirming can make a difference of a lifetime. As an educator, I have seen a lot of that, whether it's in the upper grades or the lower grades. 

A kind word or just being encouraging during the day will help that student a lot and make him more motivated to do things. 


A hug, a compliment, a word of praise . . . such things may seem inconsequential, but to a child they can make a difference! Whether you want to reach out to kids across the globe or in your own backyard, Stafford shows how building self-worth, discovering latent talent, breaking emotional barriers, and more can transform little ones' lives.

How long does it take to make a difference in the life of a child?

For good or for ill, individual moments in a young person's life can make all the difference in their future. It may be something said or done by an adult who hardly thinks about it: a hug, a compliment, an intriguing question, a sincere applause. But in that moment, the child discovers who they are, what is important to them, why they matter, and sometimes even what their destiny will be. Most of us want to help encourage and build into this next generation, most of us see the need all around, but we just have no idea where to begin.


Now, with this book, you know where to begin and you know that it only takes Just a Minute. Follow along as Dr. Wess Stafford, president of Compassion International, shares stories and experiences to introduce you to the difference you can actually make anywhere on the spectrum of child

Stafford shares the stories of well-recognized and unknown people alike to refute the old adage “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me,” especially for the young minds of children. He gives simple tips and examples of how anyone can positively impact a child in just a moment and how all of us are equipped to do it.

Dr. Wess Stafford is an internationally recognized advocate for children. Since 1977 he has worked with Compassion International and has served as President since 1993. He hosts a national radio program, Speak Up with Compassion®. Wess lives on a small ranch near Colorado Springs, Colorado, with his wife Donna. They are the parents of two daughters, Jenny and Katie. Wess' own life experiences have uniquely prepared him for his role. He often says, “Everything I really need to know to lead a multinational organization I learned from the poor, growing up in an African Village.”

Thursday, March 12, 2015

It's not who you know, it's who you are

In this society, everyone is talking about networking. I mean that's what social media is nowadays with LinkedIn and Twitter. Apparently, a person is popular with a lot of connections.

In this inspiring book, Pat Williams draws from over fifty years of brushing shoulders with the greats to help you discover what it really means to be a winner. Through his short meditations on success, leadership, family and friends, impact and influence, and becoming a person of excellence, you'll meet

· a young singer who messed up the national anthem and shot to stardom anyway
· a coach who sacrificed his time to give his players the edge
· a marathon runner who knew the secret to pacing yourself
· a political outsider who confidently reached for an impossible goal
· a football player who wouldn't let a broken leg stop him from getting to the Super Bowl
· and many more ordinary people with extraordinary character

I got so much from this book and it's so insightful. Even though my parents have said these things over the years, but it was just different when I read this book.

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Performing Under Pressure

Do you perform better under pressure? Do you like procrastinating until the last minute? I had my fair share of "working under pressure" when it came to big essay deadlines. I would totally put off that paper until it was due the next day, then spend all night writing it.

Let me just tell you a little secret: Nobody performs better under pressure. Regardless of the task, pressure ruthlessly diminishes our judgment, decision-making, attention, dexterity, and performance in every professional and personal arena.

Performing Under Pressure tackles the greatest obstacle to personal success, whether in a sales presentation, at home, on the golf course, interviewing for a job, or performing onstage at Carnegie Hall. Despite sports mythology, no one "rises to the occasion" under pressure and does better than they do in practice. The reality is pressure makes us do worse, and sometimes leads us to fail utterly. But there are things we can do to diminish its effects on our performance.

Performing Under Pressure draws on research from over 12,000 people, and features the latest research from neuroscience and from the frontline experiences of Fortune 500 employees and managers, Navy SEALS, Olympic and other elite athletes, and others. It offers 22 specific strategies each of us can use to reduce pressure in our personal and professional lives and allow us to better excel in whatever we do.


Whether you’re a corporate manager, a basketball player, or a student preparing for the SAT, Performing Under Pressure will help you to do your best when it matters most.

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Words to Dream On

When I looked at the cover, I felt such peace and comfort. Even reading the parent's letter in the first pages had such a calming effect. The colors in the book would lull any small child to sleep just by looking at the pictures.

I love the smell of a new book and I love the colors in the illustrations. The stories are short enough to keep the attention of a small child and there is a cute little verse to remember and a little prayer at the end.

Start a bedtime Bible story tradition with your little ones tonight!

Young children thrive on routine and rituals, and a Bible story at bedtime is one of the best routines to establish! A combination Bible storybook and book of prayers, Words to Dream On is the perfect bedtime storybook for young children, with a “once upon a time” voice that is also true to God’s Word. Over 50 stories—from the Old and New Testaments—create an overview of the entire story arc of the Bible. Stories are selected and retold for young children with a focus on God’s love, care, protection, trustworthiness, and power.

Each story includes an engaging title, a Bedtime Blessing (a short summary thought), Words to Dream On (a brief Bible verse), and a Sleepy-Time Prayer (a good-night prayer tied to the theme of the story). The book also includes a short letter to parents that includes tested ideas for establishing a good bedtime routine with young children and tips for reading aloud to children at bedtime.

Monday, February 23, 2015

God Bless My Boo Boos!

This book was just so adorable. Each baby animal had a mama animal in the picture. The illustrations are so warm and comforting, especially for little children who got a little boo boo.

The book feels soft and little hands will love to squeeze the cover and turn the pages. Even little babies will enjoy turning the pages because it's a board book.

When I got this in the mail, my mom read the book and it gave her warm and fuzzy feelings.

Even the smallest scratches, bumps, and scrapes can sometimes be traumatic for children. When simple injuries happen, God Bless My Boo Boo is like a warm hug that helps ease the pain. Comforting, sweet, and sometimes silly rhymes guide readers through adorable scenes of baby animals and their boo boos and remind children that God is there to help. Just like Mommy Zebra makes a scraped knee better or Mommy Walrus helps tend a toothache, real moms will be able to use this book to make their little ones' boo boos all better too!

A perfect gift for new parents and a great addition to every mom's first-aid kit!

About the Author

Hannah C. Hall estimates that she has read around 4,500 bedtime stories to her children over the last few years. She is thankful to get to add her own books to their daily rotation. Hannah and her husband, Josh, have three children and live in a small town in Arkansas.

About the Illustrator

Steve Whitlow lives and works on a (very) windswept hill in Yorkshire, England, with his wife and young family. With no formal training but an amazing amount of natural talent, Steve has worked as a professional illustrator for two decades and now says his kids are his best critics.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Not Going to College?

When I was just five years old, my parents told me that I will be going to college and every year, they repeat it a couple times. When I was in high school, my friends asked me what I was going to do after I graduated and I said, "College".

I felt it was just a necessary step into adulthood. College seemed like another school after high school. But as an undergraduate student, I saw more people not going to college right away or taking a gap year. I started wondering about it. What do you do if you don't go to college? The answer my parents gave me was: flip burgers at McDonalds or college.

Now I'm a graduate student and college seems to be the right answer for me. My cousin seemed to take the no college route. He did apply to college and he took some classes, but now that he thinks that he can make some fast money through a business, he dropped out of school.

This book seemed to help him go back to school. It gave him a fresh view about life. Sure, he can try and make a business, but first he needs some skills.

Today, unemployment hovers at a near-record high, yet 3.5 million American jobs remain unfilled. Why? Because companies simply cannot find people with the skills they actually need.

The good news is that this skills gap represents unprecedented opportunities for every person seeking a successful and exciting career. But these opportunities can’t be found inside the walls of the traditional classroom. Instead, they lie in the myriad educational options that provide the technical, vocational, and soft skills on demand in today’s workplace, such as:

-Professional certifications

-Associates degrees

-Apprenticeships

-Occupational learning

The Adversary

Most Christians know the enemy is Satan, but most churches teach their people that Satan is being dealt by God when saved, so he really isn't a problem anymore.

NOT TRUE! The devil is watching you and when he sees an opening in your life, he will jump in. He is like a prowling lion, waiting for a weakness so he can devour you.

Spiritual warfare is true and VERY real in the world. Most Christians face Satan everyday through trials and tribulations but don't know how to defend themselves.

The Bible plainly tells us that Satan schemes against humanity and that he wants to devour us. Daily we struggle against Satan's strategies and  desire to take over God's kingdom. This battle will not go away, and ignoring it could be disastrous.
But don't be afraid. The victory is already won by Christ! No enemy is powerful enough to overcome the risen savior. In these pages Mark Bubeck exposes the reality of the conflict and the hope believers have. He answers such questions as:

What is Satan's strategy in spiritual warfare?
Can a Christian be oppressed by demons?
Can demonic affliction be passed down through family lines?
What are the symptoms of demonic activity in a person's life?

Friday, February 13, 2015

Treasury of Bedtime Prayers

This is the best treasury of prayers I have seen so far. As soon as I saw the book cover, I felt immediate peace. Maybe it's because there is a doe and a fawn looking at a night sky. Anyways, it just felt so peaceful.


The illustrations are soft and warm. They are made for little children. The prayers are short and to the point. There are some rhyming poems and prayers for almost every subject. Children can memorize these short little prayers or poems.

The font is readable and pretty big for kindergarteners and 1st graders to read by themselves.

This collection of classic prayers, as well as brand-new prayers by Max and Denalyn Lucado, will help parents who want to make prayer a daily part of their children's lives.

Prayer is the foundation of a believer's life. This collection of prayers from Max and Denalyn Lucado offers parents a resource to teach little ones how to talk to God. This prayer collection includes classic prayers that have been updated for today's young readers, introductory stories for each section, as well as twenty new prayers for little ones written by Max and Denalyn.

Max and Denalyn open the book with an expanded introduction that instructs parents on teaching their children to pray. A helpful prayer builder taken from Max's trade book Before Amen teaches kids that there are four different kinds of prayers: worship, trust, compassion, and gratitude. This collection of new and classic children's prayers are divided into ten sections. Children will find it easier to learn to pray with examples showing that prayer is a dialogue with God for all times. Beautiful art by Lisa Alderson complements the keepsake style of the book.


It's never too early to lay a strong foundation for a child's faith, and the Lucado Treasury of Bedtime Prayers will help parents do just that.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Devotional Snuggle Time

This heartwarming devotional is so cute. All the illustrations are soft and friendly. It's not to say the pages are soft, but the illustrations are meant for toddler-aged children when they are mostly bonded with either a parent or a grandparent.

There are little stories inside with a little Bible verse. On the next page, they have an activity for the child that relates to the story. Then parents or grandparents can tell their little one something from Jesus and it ends in a hug.

Children whose love language is physical touch would love this devotional book and the hugs that come with each bedtime story.

This book will get you and your child talking together, laughing together, and hugging together! It’s a great way to strengthen your parent-child relationship while introducing young children to the joys of spending time with God. It’s also an effective resource for helping to shape behavior and for teaching kids biblically based life principles.

I got this free book from Tyndale Blog Network! 

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Psalm 23

The most popular Psalm is finally written for children who didn't develop their fine motor skills yet. I love these board books. They are nearly indestructible, except if it is dropped in the tub or the toilet.

For me, I really liked the illustrations. Almost every page had a picture of a child on it so that other little readers can relate to the illustrations. Richard Jesse Watson did a great job with the book. The pictures are warm and inviting and I felt at peace when I read this book.

This is one book I would definitely introduce to my children very early on. Even though they may not understand what the Psalm is talking about, just looking at the pictures will calm them.

As a follow-up to his bestselling children’s book, The Lord’s Prayer, Richard Jesse Watson created Psalm 23. The soothing and familiar words of the iconic scripture are paired with the vibrant and child-friendly illustrations of Richard Jesse Watson, resulting in a board book edition of the acclaimed picture book that is pleasing to the eyes and soul. Using KJV text, this book helps familiarize children with real biblical text while also incorporating beautiful illustrations that help make the words of David come alive for even the youngest reader.

About the Author

Richard Jesse Watson has been making books for children since 1984. He collaborated with Ruth Bell Graham on One Wintry Night, and his version of The Night Before Christmas was a New York Times bestseller. Watson won the Golden Kite Award for his picture book, Tom Thumb, and his illustrations have also been selected for the Society of Illustrator’s Annual Exhibits. Richard and his wife, Susi, live in Port Townsend, Washington. Their children are following in his footsteps as writers and illustrators of children’s books.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Spies in the Revolutionary War

Now you may think of a million things when reading the title: Spies in the Revolutionary War, but I think this is a title befitting the content that will follow in this blog post. The reason why I picked this title is because it matches with my classroom curriculum theme.

I have created a curriculum that fits into Virginia's State Standards, but it takes students into a whole new world of learning. This book will help students learn about the dangers of living in the duration of the Revolutionary War and helps them to understand what it means to stand on "a side". Whichever side they picked during the war has its consequences.

I really liked how Robert Skead, the author of this book depicts the Revolutionary War. He has done his research and tries to make the story as real as possible, aside from the fictional characters of the twin boys.

Here is a synopsis of the book:

When Revolutionary War Patriot Lamberton Clark is shot by British soldiers while on a mission for the Continental Army, he has only two hopes of getting the secret message he’s carrying to General George Washington: his 14-year-old twin boys John and Ambrose. Upon discovering that their father is a spy in the Culper Spy Ring, the boys accept their mission without a clue about what they may be up against. They set off from Connecticut to New Jersey to find General Washington, but the road to the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army is full of obstacles; including the man who shot their father who is hot on their trail.

Monday, January 19, 2015

Modern Manners

From the world-renowned etiquette expert and her granddaughter, Liv Tyler, an elegant guide to 21st-century manners for professionals who want to be confident and successful in the business and social arenas.

Developing good manners is an important investment in your future. They allow you to feel at ease in any situation--and give you the polish and confidence to become a leader. Etiquette expert Dorothea Johnson's essential dos and don'ts address both 21st-century and classic questions, including:

* acing job interviews
* giving confident handshakes
* making conversation
* proper business attire and meeting protocol
* e-mail etiquette, including what to post--or not--on social media
* how to deal with rude cell phone users
* conducting a meeting at a restaurant
* attending business or social events
* table manners

With style, wit, and delightful commentary throughout from her granddaughter, Liv Tyler, on everything from being a good guest to finding a balance with technology, Modern Manners is the must-have guide to ensure your success.


Fuzzy Bunny Bible for Little Ones

The Little Bunny’s Bible is a soft, cuddly Bible that children age 2-5 can call their own. Throughout this plush-covered book, little ones learn that they’re loved and cared for by God as they hear about God’s faithfulness in stories from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. With sweet, rhyming text and colorful illustrations, this soft and cuddly character storybook Bible is sure to become a classic with preschoolers.

When I opened up the packaging, I couldn't stop touching the fuzziness of the book. As an adult, I loved to run my hands through the fur of the cover and the book made it a delight to handle. If an adult loves it so much, so would our precious babes of the world. The bunny's face is so inviting and happy.

The illustrations make all the characters look so happy and inviting to read along with mommy or daddy. All in all, I would give this book a 10 out of 10.