Review: Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair

“Safe and Sound: A Renter’s Guide to Home Repair” is a thorough and easy to understand guide for anyone just starting out with their own place. It covers everything from the tools you should have in your toolbox to basic plumbing and electrical to how to cover those pesky nail holes you tapped into the wall to hang that favorite poster.

I had seen a number of Mercury Stardust’s videos online and was excited to see that she created a whole book on home repair. This guide is perfect. The pages are well designed and easy to read. Directions are easy to understand. Illustrations are simple, but clear. Perhaps the best part is the words of encouragement readers can access via QR codes spread throughout the book. As someone who is nervous about ANY kind of home repair, the reminder to breathe and the option to hear words of encouragement are amazing features.

This book would be great for any renter or new homeowner. “Safe and Sound” is a fantastic gift for young adults who are getting their first place, even if they are moving into a dorm room.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by NetGalley and the publisher, DK. All thoughts and opinions are my own. "Safe and Sound" is out on August.

Review: 88 Life-Changing High School Hacks

Do you want to help your teen smooth out the rough edges of life? “88 Life-Changing High School Hacks” could be for you. Author Derek T Freeman provides 88 specific strategies for improving life in categories ranging from study habits to relationship building to personal growth. The writing style is conversational and provides encouragement for teens to empower themselves.

Teens can choose the area of life they wish to work on as the book does not have to be read in a linear fashion. Some teens may need to skip the tips on relationships with parents if those relationships are already particularly damaging. There are many places that open avenues for conversation between teens and the adults in their lives (e.g. Want a Car? Consider ALL of the expenses related to having a vehicle, not just the cool car you want to purchase).

This book is great for teens and their adults who are looking for specific ideas to stay on track and thrive.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of “88 Life-Changing High School Hacks” provided by NetGalley and BooksGoSocial. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review: We Also Served

“We Also Served” is a quick overview of some of the animals who have served alongside humans during war. From the story of Sgt. Stubby, a dog, who served in World War I, to an assortment of birds, horses, and even cats. The stories of each animal are short and easy to understand. The illustrations are child-like in their colorful simplicity. 

I knew many of these stories and have even shared some of them with my students (who are always surprised that animals have served in war). I enjoyed seeing the medals earned by the animals. This is definitely a book for younger children as it leaves out some of the more unsavory aspects of our relationships with animals in wartime. 

This is a great book for children who love animals and want to learn more about how they served in war. 

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher, SOURCEBOOKS Kids, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review: Stand as Tall as the Trees

“Stand as Tall as the Trees” is Paty’s story of growing up in the Ecuadorian rainforest where the Amazanga protect her people and the environment. She goes away to school and graduates from college, then is called back home to help her community when the government sells the land for oil exploration. She leads the charge and eventually the government is forced to return the land it attempted to steal and apologize.

I love that Patricia Gualinga’s story takes very complex issues (conservation, cultural preservation, human rights) and makes them understandable to young children. The story centers on the preservation of the natural world as a human right. The lush illustrations emphasize this point. I liked that there is information at the end of the story of conservation efforts by indigenous peoples from around the world. 

Classroom considerations: I like using picture books to help older students start thinking about complex issues in our world. “Stand as Tall as the Trees” will be an excellent addition to stories about the natural world and the rights of indigenous people.

Thanks to Netgalley and Charlesbridge for an advance reader copy in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.