Legends of Lotus Island: The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat

Legends of Lotus Island: The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat is a Rhode Island Children's Book Nominee. It is the start of a series of stories about Lotus Island, where magical children learn to access their powers. The story begins with Plum talking to the plants and animals in her grandparents vegetable garden. Even the worms seem to listen to her. When she is invited to Lotus Island to train as a Guardian, she reluctantly leaves her grandparents. Plum struggles to find her inner animal and wonders if she really is destined to be a protector of the wild animals of the world.

I enjoyed this book, but definitely wish it would have continued. It is a taste of this magical world, that you don't want to end. I guess I will have to buy the next book in the series!

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro
 

Sejal Sinha Battles Superstorms by Maya Prasad

Sejal Sinha Battles Superstorms by Maya Prasad is a RICBA nominee. Sejal is getting ready to celebrate Diwali with her family and her cousin Mira. But this year everything seems to be ruined. First, her cousin makes fun of her for playing an imaginative game. Then, a super storm knocks out the power and ruins some of their Diwali traditions. Hopefully a trip into the eye of the storm will stop the hurricane and save Diwali. 

This fun adventure story will teach you about hurricanes through the science Sejal learns and shares with her family. I can remember playing games of imagination with the kids in my neighborhood when I was a child. Imagination fuels the books, movies and games we play, even when we are adults. Hold on to the delight of using your imagination.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

 

Shermy & Shake: The Not-So-Nice Neighbor by Kirby Larson

Shermy & Shake: The Not-So-Nice Neighbor by Kirby Larson is a RICBA nominee. It is about a boy named Shermy who has to deal with the grandson of his neighbor moving in for the summer. His name is Shake and he really bugs Shermy. Shake is always at his house, eating his food, and playing with his games. Thank goodness Shake will be leaving at the end of the summer. Right?!

This is a cute little book about friendship and how it can sometimes sneak up on you. It also helps kids reflect on their feelings about family differences. A quick read, check it out!

By Mrs. Castro
 

Finch House by Ciera Burch

 

Finch House by Ciera Burch is a spooky read that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is one of the 2025 RICBA nominees. Much of the action in the book takes place inside of Finch house, which was an abandoned run down house in the neighborhood. It has the reputation of children going inside and never coming out again. When new owners move in and fix up the house, Micah who lives nearby is curious about the house that her grandfather has warned her to stay away from. Then, Micah's grandfather goes missing. Micah must find him, but it is going to involve going inside Finch house!

Wow, this book is a page turner. Fast action and spooky details will definitely grab the reader. There is also an underlying theme that emerges as Micah deals with anxiety about her move to a new home, and her nervousness about leaving her grandfather behind. I believe 5th graders will love getting caught up in this ghost story.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Home Away From Home by Cynthia Lord

 

Home Away From Home by Cynthia Lord was a fantastic read! Cynthia Lord won a Newbery award for her book, Rules, and I predict this book will win its own awards. It is about a young girl named Mia who stays in Maine with her grandmother while her mother and new stepfather try to sell the family home. Mia is not comfortable with how much change is happening in her life, but she thinks a summer with her grandmother is just what she needs.

From the moment Mia arrives, she finds things have changed here too. There is a new neighbor boy hanging around with her grandmother, and when she goes to see the yearly eagle's nest on the point, there is a strange white bird bothering the eaglets. Nothing stays the same!

The characters in this book come alive to the reader. Mia has struggles with social media and limiting her phone time. She is jealous of Cayman the new boy who seems to be very good friends with her grandmother. She worries about having to leave her childhood home behind and about how she will fit into the new living arrangements that her mom is making without her. Pick up this Rhode Island Children's Book Nominee and enjoy reading along as Mia faces each new challenge.

By Mrs. Castro

Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango

Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango is a touching story about a 12 year old girl who has been separated from her parents by child services. It is also a Rhode Island Children's Book Nominee. As Laura tries to get used to living with her Aunt, we read along in simple verse structure about how lonely and sad she feels. 

Fortunately she makes a few friends that help her. She finds a puppy and brings him home with her. Will her aunt let her keep him? It's obvious that he needs love and Laura might be the perfect person to care for him. Sometimes caring for an animal helps us deal with our own overwhelming feelings.

By Mrs. Castro

The Adventure is Now by Jess Redmen

The Adventure is Now by Jess Redmen is a 2023 RICBA nominee. Milton is off for an adventure on Lone Island with his uncle, in order to give his parents some time to figure out their problems. But Lone Island has some surprises in store, magical creatures, fantastical flora, if only Milton and his new friends can find them. They have to, because the island is in danger if they don't.

I love fantasy stories! In the story a group of kids have to follow clues left behind in a field guide. I loved the way the characters had to work together as a team to solve the puzzles. It reminded me of the levels in a video game or coding! I think this book would make a great movie.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro
 

Unsettled by Reem Faruqi

Unsettled by Reem Faruqi is a 2023 RICBA nominee. Unsettled is about a young girl named Nurah. She moves to the United States from Pakistan and is a Muslim. It is hard for her to feel like she fits in in Georgia, where there are very few people who look like her. But in the water, on the swim team, she hopes to be the best. She admires her big brother, who is a star swimmer. Until... something happens that throws both Nurah and her brother into the deep end of trouble.

This story deals with some difficult issues, such as bullying, sibling rivalry and betrayal. Everyone can relate to feeling different, alone, and unsettled. The story is told through simple, heart breaking poems.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro
 

Playing the Cards You're Dealt by Varian Johnson

Playing the Cards You're Dealt by Varian Johnson is a 2023 RICBA nominee. Have you ever played the card game spades? I haven't either, but that doesn't matter. You'll still get into the excitement of the tournament. Anthony, (Ant), Joplin has a reputation to live up to. His family members are all great spade players and he has to be ready to win. But life seems to be conspiring against him as problems crop up with the new girl at school, his old tournament partner, and family secrets that threaten to unravel the whole thing.

I have had many students who really enjoyed this book. It is very dramatic and deals with some tough family problems. But it's also sweet. I really liked the way Ant and Shirley, the new girl, form a friendship. Pick this up and you won't want to put it down!

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro
 

Simon B. Rhymin' by Dwayne Reed

Simon B. Rhymin' by Dwayne Reed is a 2023 RICBA Nominee. Written by a Chicago teacher it is a story about Simon, who is small and shy. But Simon has a big heart and something to say. He loves to rhyme and wants to be a famous rapper one day, but if he can't even speak in front of his class, how will he achieve his goal?

This story will inspire students to try and make a difference in their communities. Simon has a friend who is homeless, and through interviews for a class project he learns how serious and difficult a problem homelessness is. Can he open up the hearts of his classmates and help them understand?

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

The Lion of Mars by Jennifer L. Holm

The Lion of Mars by Jennifer L. Holm is a great Science Fiction story about a colony of scientists on Mars. It is also a 2023 RICBA nominee. When the adults all start to get sick, the kids have to step up and solve the problem. This is a great adventure story and is very exciting as the kids race against time and have to make friends with their enemies.

I love science fiction stories and really enjoyed this book. There is a cute cat that is friends with Bell, the main character. It is fun to imagine living on Mars, but also eye opening to think about all of the problems a colony would face. 

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

 

Maya and the Robot is by Eve L. Ewing

Maya and the Robot is by Eve L. Ewing and was a 2023 RICBA nominee. It is about a young girl named Maya and opens with a great scene where her robot is flinging mashed potatoes and other food all over the cafeteria! It's a new school year and Maya is in a class without all of her friends from last year. She is feeling quite lonely, until she discovers a partially completed robot in the back of her neighborhood store. 

I really enjoyed this story. There are some very touching scenes where Maya is coming to terms with loss and change in her life and the lives of some of her friends. It's also a great book to promote science, girls in science and robotics. 

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

The Wizard's Dog by Eric Kahn Gale

The Wizard's Dog by Eric Kahn Gale is a RICBA Nominee for 2019. Nosewise is a dog who belongs to Merlin the Magician. Nosewise knows lots of tricks, like sit and stay, but what he wants to learn are the magic tricks that Merlin teaches to his apprentice Morgana. When Nosewise accidently ends up with Morgana's magic stone around his neck, he can suddenly speak, in words! But before Nosewise can learn any magic, Merlin is taken away by an evil Fae, who wants to use Merlin's magic to become King of the humans. It is up to Nosewise to save his beloved master, with a little help from a boy named Arthur.

I am a big fan of the King Arthur legends and love reading this new take on the  story from the point of view of Nosewise the dog. Nosewise is quite funny and it's cute to see into the mind of a dog, "stupid doors"! Watch a trailer for the book.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

The Marvelwood Magicians by Diane Zahler

The Marvelwood Magicians by Diane Zahler is one of the RICBA Nominees for 2019. This story's main character is Mattie Marvelwood. She travels around the U.S. with her family as they set up their wagon near fairs and circuses to perform. Mattie is a mind reader. When she touches someone, she can read their thoughts. Her whole family have magical abilities, from her disappearing brother, to her floating little sister. But her family knows that if anyone ever found out that their abilities are real, and not tricks or illusions, they would be in danger. The Marvelwoods join a circus run by Master Morogh and suddenly they and all their new friends are in danger of losing their talents. Mattie has to figure out a way to save her family and friends, without losing a part of herself.

I love magical stories and Diane Zahler's decision to place the Marvelwood family in a circus setting was just perfect! I love how Mattie could understand the thoughts of the circus animals. This story has great imagery, I can easily picture it making a fantastic movie. Read it and see if you agree!

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Surrender the Key by D.J. MacHale

Surrender the Key by D.J. MacHale is one of the RICBA Nominees for 2019. It is the first book in a series that promises to be adventurous and scary. In this story Marcus, Theo and Lu quickly get wrapped up in a mystery. Marcus O'Mara is in detention for standing up for a classmate who was getting bullied by a nasty teacher, when a bull runs through the school, smashing into a class trophy case. Yes, you read that right, a bull. Except, Marcus is the only one who can see the bull, the man in his pajamas holding a key, and the message written in broken pieces of glass.... "Surrender the Key".

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am glad there will be more of them. This is one of the times I don't want to tell too much about the book, because it was fun to discover what is happening as the author unfolds the story. I will say that Marcus and his friends are in grave danger and this was a delicious page turner because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. 

Review by Mrs. Castro

The Losers Club by Andrew Clements

The Losers Club by Andrew Clements is about a sixth grader named Alec Spencer who is in trouble again at school.... FOR READING! Yes, Alec is a sneaky reader, every time a teacher has his back turned, or her attention on something else, Alec has a book open on his lap and he is not paying attention in class. This time his parents have had enough, so he must promise to pay attention and stop reading in school, and since this is the start of a new school year, Alec does try to turn it around. At least he can read in peace during the after school program, when he starts his own reading club. He ingeniously names it the "Losers Club" hoping the name will keep anyone else from joining. Except he does need at least one other person to join in order to start his club, and that turns out to be Nina Warner. Nina is pretty and nice, and most importantly loves to read. But the school jock calls Alec "bookworm" and he seems to like Nina too. Then to make things worse, other kids start joining the club!

Clements is a great author for school stories. In The Losers Club he does a great job of capturing those first feelings of interest in girl/boy relationships. He also will give you a terrific list of books to read as Alec and his reading buddies talk about the titles they love. I hope you enjoy this RICBA Nominee for 2019.

Review by Mrs. Castro

The Trail by Meika Hashimoto

The Trail by Meika Hashimoto is another RICBA Nominee for 2019. It is about a boy named Toby who is attempting to hike a section of the Appalachian Trail.... alone. He has run away from his grandmother and he knows she will be worried about him. He's frightened a lot of the time. There are bears in the woods and he feels bad luck seems to follow him wherever he goes. But, he is one determined boy. Can he succeed in accomplishing the goal he set with his best friend Lucas? Lucas, who should be hiking right along with him, but is not.

I love hiking and have traveled most of the trails in Rhode Island, so this book appealed to me. I like how Toby faces his fears when he is feeling completely overwhelmed, always trying to remember the rules of survival he learned from Lucas's father. I also enjoyed the characters Toby meets along the way, the other hikers, and a very hungry dog who needs a friend just as much as Toby does.

Review by Mrs. Castro

Sidetracked by Diana Harmon Asher

Sidetracked by Diana Harmon Asher is a Rhode Island Children's Book Award Nominee for 2019.  Joseph, is a student who has difficulty paying attention in school. He is in 7th grade and has trouble making friends because he is different. His resource teacher Mrs. T. encourages him to sign up for the track team. A new girl in school, Heather joins the team too. Together they face the rigors of preparing for a competitive sport and the bullies that seem to dominate in all schools.

Oh wow! I loved this book. The characters are so likable, and well developed by the author that you will feel you know Joseph and Heather. Joseph has Attention Deficit Disorder and Asher seems to know just what it is like to be easily distracted. Full of humor and heart, this is an excellent read aloud for the start of school. This book encourages empathy, a respect for differences, and an understanding of what it is like to struggle to succeed. A great "do your best" lesson.

Review by Mrs. Castro

Wish by Barbara O’Connor

The story, Wish by Barbara O’Connor, was about a girl named Charlie Reese, who has been wishing the same wish everyday ever since 4th grade. She always wishes the same wish, but doubts that it will ever come true. Will it?

I love the book because it is about a girl that has the same wish every day, but doesn’t think it will ever come true. I always make wishes, but sometimes they don’t come true. That is why I like this book, because it is very interesting! Also this book is one of the RICBA Nominees for 2017.

Review by WishGirl  

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

The book When You Reach Me is written by Rebecca Stead. In this book the main characters are Miranda and Sal. One day they are walking home from school and something happens to Sal. All of a sudden Miranda starts getting mysterious notes. but at the same time Sal is giving her the silent treatment and won't talk to her. Will Miranda get her best friend Sal back?

My favorite part of the book was when Miranda started to get the notes. That's when the book started to get very interesting. This book has lots of cliffhangers.  This book was very interesting. This is the only book that did that. If you love mystery books then you should definitely read it!  I definitely recommend you ead this book. This book reminds me of when I was texting my friend and it didn't make sense. Then your friend doesn't text you back and leaves you on a cliffhanger.

54dolphinperson