A Necessary Read: A Review of ‘The Walls Are Talking’

“It seems to me that there are two types of pro-lifers active in the cause.  The first simply wants to win, and in their minds, they do this by saving the baby.  They are the right fighters who don’t seem to give any consideration to the other lives involved, such as the mother, father, and clinic workers.  Their goal is to save the baby at all costs.

Of course we all want to save the baby, but the second group of people I see in the movement have realized that the hearts, minds, and souls of many others are at stake as well.  They are the people who excite me and encourage me on a daily basis.  They are the people who want to help in any way possible.  They want to provide so many avenues of support that abortion would be unthinkable.  They offer solutions instead of slogans, prayers instead of protests, self-sacrifice instead of self-righteousness.”—Abby Johnson

Interest Level:

Grades 11-12+

Review and Thoughts

I’m pretty familiar with Abby Johnson, her And Then There Were None organization, and her first book, Unplanned, so I was excited to hear more from her.  The Walls Are Talking is a book that tells the different stories of women who have experienced first-hand what it is like to work in an abortion clinic.  Let me tell you, this was a tough read. Continue reading A Necessary Read: A Review of ‘The Walls Are Talking’

A Mother’s Plan: A Review of ‘A New Coat for Anna’

“Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring.” ― St. Catherine of Siena

Reading Level:

Grades K-1 [according to common core]

Grade   3.1 [according to Scholastic – reflects the grade level at which a student reading on grade could read the book independently]

Interest Level: Grades 3-5

Review and Comments:

I looked forward to reading this historical fiction, my favorite genre, and wasn’t disappointed as the story and illustrations drew me in from the first page.  This very touching account is based on a real life story of a little girl and her mother soon after WWII when life continued to be very difficult.  Supplies and food were limited and no one had any money. The fact that Anna needed a new winter coat presented quite a dilemma for her mother. Continue reading A Mother’s Plan: A Review of ‘A New Coat for Anna’

A Childhood Lesson: A Review of ‘Little Mouse Gets Ready’

“The things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.” Aristotle

Reading Level: 

Grades K – 1 [according to common core]

Grade  1.1     [according to Scholastic – reflects the grade level at which a child reading on grade could read the book independently]

Interest Level:  Grades K – 3

Review and Comments:

Little Mouse is going to spend some time in the barn collecting the yummy tidbits dropped by the animals.  He is very excited to begin his day but first he must get dressed.  The story follows the progression of Little Mouse getting dressed from his underpants to his jacket.  He reminds himself to put the tags in the back and talks himself through pushing buttons through button holes.  When he is completely dressed his mother points out that mice do not wear clothes!  In a flash, Little Mouse is free of clothing and scampering to the barn. Continue reading A Childhood Lesson: A Review of ‘Little Mouse Gets Ready’

Reclaiming the Beauty of Fantasy: A Review of ‘The Land’s Whisper’

“Fairy tales do not tell children that dragons exist.  Children already know that dragons exist.  Fairy tales tell children the dragon can be killed.” —G. K. Chesterton

Suggested Grade Level:

Grades 9-12+

Review and Thoughts:

I have to admit, I am not a huge fan of fantasy.  With the exception of the more classic fantasies like the “The Chronicles of Narnia”, “The Lord of the Rings”, and “The Harry Potter Series”, I generally steer clear of the imaginary worlds invented in others’ heads.  I have also found that more modern fantasies reduce themselves to including a lot of sex and violence to make the story more captivating.  (“Game of Thrones” anyone?)  I am happy to say, that when I read “The Land’s Whisper” I was pleasantly surprised. Continue reading Reclaiming the Beauty of Fantasy: A Review of ‘The Land’s Whisper’

An Interview with a New Author: Monica Lee Kennedy

Lit by the Tree is so lucky to have gotten the opportunity to interview a great new author.  Monica Lee Kennedy has just written her first fantasy trilogy, “The Parting Breath Series”.  Aside from being a beautiful person, her trilogy is not to be missed! Tomorrow we will post our review of the first book, so be sure to come back and check it out.  Today, we are happy to learn more about Ms. Kennedy!DSC01883

Can you describe the kind of audience you intend for “The Parting Breath Series”?

I wrote this series for high schoolers and above. I wanted to create a series that was entertaining and fun, and could appeal to both adults and young adults alike.

What inspired you to write this book? Can you tell us more about the rest of the upcoming trilogy?

I love reading. I love stories. I love language. These things have formed me and taught me and continue to stretch and change me. I think my desire to write flowed naturally from them, because I wanted to be part of all the beauty, part of all the fun. Continue reading An Interview with a New Author: Monica Lee Kennedy

The Land Has Yielded Its Produce: A Review of ‘An Orange in January’

 “The earth has yielded its harvest; God, our God, blesses us.”–Psalm 67:7

Reading Level:  Grades K – 1 [according to common core]

Grade   3.6   [according to Scholastic – reflects the                   grade  level at which a student reading  on grade                         could read the book independently]

Interest Level:  Grade K – 3

Review and Comments:

This is the story of the life cycle of an orange beginning with a blossom and ending with friends sharing the sweet fruit.  As all organisms go through stages of development this story shows how bees, rich soil, sunshine, and rain help the fruit mature into edible deliciousness.  Then the reader follows the processing of the fruit.  It is carefully picked, transported through different locations, and finally arrives at the grocery store. Continue reading The Land Has Yielded Its Produce: A Review of ‘An Orange in January’

Home Sweet Home: A Review of ‘Make Way for Ducklings’

“……‘home’ must always be the loveliest spot in the world, no matter what fairer lands may lie under alien stars.”L.M. Montgomery, Anne of the Island

Reading Level:

Grades K-1 [according to common core]

3.1 [according to Scholastic – reflects the grade level at which  a student reads on grade could read the book independently]

Review and Comments:

Finding the perfect home is a challenging goal for Mr. and Mrs. Mallard.  They are looking for the ideal place to raise a family – a quiet neighborhood, close to the waterfront and places of interest, and a safe location. Their Boston area search continues until they settle on a cozy little island in the middle of a pond in the Public Garden.  Everything is going well until Mrs. Mallard determines the area is too dangerous so they extend their search. Of course being mallards they explore the area that encompasses the Charles River. Eventually they find a splendid location on a small quiet island on the river. They settle in and then spend some time touring the surrounding area. Along the way they meet a policeman named Michael who feeds them peanuts. Michael becomes their friend and a favorite stop on their daily stroll. Continue reading Home Sweet Home: A Review of ‘Make Way for Ducklings’