Friday, February 26, 2016

Ordinary People Change the World: I AM JACKIE ROBINSON by Brad Meltzer / Book Review #OrdinaryPeopleChangeTheWorld


Ordinary People Change The World is a fantastic series for kids. Let me rephrase that, it's great for adults as well. I've enjoyed reading these books along side my children. I'm thrilled to have the chance to spotlight the entire series though out the month of February, here on Mundie Kids. Check out my reviews for other books in the  Ordinary People Change The World series, here. This is such a great series to pick up! You can't go wrong with reading any of these books. Today I'm thrilled to share my review for I AM JACKIE ROBINSON. What an inspirational person to read about.


By: Brad Meltzer
Illustrated by: Christopher Eliopoulos
Published by: Dial Books for Young Readers
Released on: January 8th, 2015 
Purchase from: The Author | The Publisher Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Owlets - I Loved It
*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review

This New York Times Bestselling picture book biography series by Brad Meltzer has an inspiring message: We can all be heroes.

Jackie Robinson always loved sports, especially baseball. But he lived at a time before the Civil Rights Movement, when the rules weren't fair to African Americans. Even though Jackie was a great athlete, he wasn't allowed on the best teams just because of the color of his skin. Jackie knew that sports were best when everyone, of every color, played together. He became the first black player in Major League Baseball, and his bravery changed African-American history and led the way to equality in all sports in America.

This engaging series is the perfect way to bring American history to life for young children, providing them with the right role models, supplemementing Common Core learning in the classroom, and best of all, inspiring them to strive and dream.

"There is real power in each and everyone of us. Use that power to do what's right. Use that power for a cause that you believe in. And most of all, use that power to lead and help others."

Jackie Robinson was not only one of the best baseball players in history, he was an example and leader for change. He was also nice to others, even if others weren't nice to him. This important lesson was something his mother taught him at a very young age. Jackie was named Jackie Roosevelt Robinson. His mother gave him the middle name Roosevelt, after a brave man, named President Teddy Roosevelt. He was a man who fought to make sure black people were treated equally. Jackie wasn't always brave, but he never let fear hold him back. He grew up in a time when people were judged for their skin color, and weren't allowed to do things white people were allowed to do. That didn't stop Jackie from doing something he loved. Sports. 

"Courage comes from being willing to be different."

Jackie loved sports. He was so good at sports that when he entered college, he was the 1st UCLA student to ever letter in 4 sports in the same season: baseball, football, basketball and track! He even won the NCAA title one year. At one time, only one other American could jump farther than Jackie. Even though Jackie was getting older, the same problems followed him. No matter how well he did at something, he was still judged by others for the color of his skin, and some people were mean to him because of his skin color. Jackie didn't let that stop him from his dream. At at time when Major League Baseball only allowed white players, and all the black players had to have their own league, things were about to change. 

"For real change to come, you need to lead by example."

Branch Rickey, the President of the Brooklyn Dodgers sought out Jackie, and wanted him to play on his team. He warned Jackie that it wasn't going to be easy. He would be the first black man to play in the league, and the team. People weren't going to nice to him, nor were they. Jackie had bravery and courage. In his first game, he made history. Even though he was one of the best players and had a lot of people cheering him on, it still wasn't easy. Players were mean to him, but he didn't let that stop him of doing something he loved. He played no matter what, and didn't react back to those who were being mean to him. 

"When others see our example, they'll want to stand with you. It's the only way the world ever gets changed: Together. "

Through Jackie's bravery and courage, the course of baseball was forever changed. He was an example of change. Though didn't happen over night, eventually the game of baseball of opened up to everyone to play. All it took was one person to be brave enough to take the first stand, but in this case, it took Jackie making that first baseball swing, for change to happen. Most importantly, Jackie Robinson was an example, and a leader. He proved that even though he was scared, he didn't let fear stop him from doing what he loved.  

"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." - Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson is an incredible example of not letting fear hold him back from accomplishing his dream. He's a great example of how we should treat others, even those who are mean to you. Most importantly, Jackie Robinson is someone who lived and played with respect to those around him. He is another amazing example of how an ordinary person can do extraordinary things. Like every book in this fabulous series, at the end of the story is a quote, along with pictures, and facts about this incredible person! This is another fantastic book to pick up and add to your personal, classroom or public library.


ENTER TO WIN
Thank you Penguin Kids, we have an amazing giveaway! To enter, please fill out the form below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jack & Louisa: Act 2 by Andrew Keenan-Bolger & Kate Wetherhead / Book Launch Monday 2/29 @ Books of Wonder


Co-Authors, Andrew Keenan-Bolger and Kate Wetherhead have recently released the second book in their Jack & Louisa series from Penguin Random House. While I have not yet read their books, I am planning on doing so soon! It sounds like a great series. 

The Jack & Louisa series follows two 12-year-old friends from Shaker Heights, Ohio, who have a passion for musical theater, and in the second book, Jack & Louisa: Act 2, the title characters are hoping to get lead roles in the Shaker Heights Middle School production of Guys and DollsBut a mysterious new director soon arrives to town and threatens to meddle with their dreams…




ABOUT THE BOOK


By: Andrew Keenan-Bolger & Kate Wetherhead
Published by: Penguin Random House
Released on: February 16th, 2016
Series: Jack & Louisa #2
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads

After a whirlwind trip to the musical theater capital of the world—New York City—best friends Jack and Louisa soon discover that their encore performances might be a bit closer to home than expected.

Shaker Heights Middle School has announced a production of Guys and Dolls, a classic American musical and one of Jack and Lou's favorites. With Jack starring as Nathan and Louisa as Adelaide, the pair are certain they'll tear down the roof of their school's auditorium. But a mysterious new director soon arrives in town and threatens to meddle with Jack and Lou's dreams. Will Louisa make it through a Broadway-level dance call? Can Jack beat out his new competition? And is Shaker Heights big enough for two Broadway legends?

Don't miss their book launch happening on Monday, February 29 from 6:00PM-8:00PM at Books of Wonder, NYC.


Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Ordinary People Change the World: I AM ALBERT EINSTEIN by Brad Meltzer / Book Review #OrdinaryPeopleChangeTheWorld


Ordinary People Change The World is a fantastic series for kids. Let me rephrase that, it's great for adults as well. I've enjoyed reading these books along side my children. I'm thrilled to have the chance to spotlight the entire series though out the month of February, here on Mundie Kids. Check out my reviews for other books in the  Ordinary People Change The World series, here. This is such a great series to pick up! You can't go wrong with reading any of these books. Today I'm thrilled to share my review for I AM ALBERT EINSTEIN


By: Brad Meltzer
Illustrated by: Christopher Eliopoulos
Published by: Dial Books for Young Readers
Released on: September 16th, 2014 
Purchase from: The Author | The Publisher Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Owlets - I Loved It
*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review

We can all be heroes. That’s the inspiring message of this New York Times Bestselling picture book biography series from historian and author Brad Meltzer.

Even when he was a kid, Albert Einstein did things his own way. He thought in pictures instead of words, and his special way of thinking helped him understand big ideas like the structure of music and why a compass always points north. Those ideas made him want to keep figuring out the secrets of the universe. Other people thought he was just a dreamer, but because of his curiosity, Einstein grew up to be one of the greatest scientists the world has ever known.

What makes a hero? This lively, fun biography series by best-selling author Brad Meltzer answers the question, one great role model at a time.

"There's nothing foolish about dreaming big and being curious."

Albert Einstein was a thinker. He was very smart and sometimes people wouldn't understand him or how he saw things. He saw the world a little bit different than we did. We was very smart. He wanted to know how the world worked. He never gave up on learning about things around him, and trying to understand how things worked. He educated himself, and discovered new things. He came up with new ideas that people didn't always understand, because his way of thinking was different than theirs was. 

"Curiosity is one of the most powerful forces in nature."

From a young age, people thought that Albert was different. He never let that get to him. We're all different. Being different is what makes us all unique. Albert didn't let what others say, ruin his love of learning or coming up with new ideas and discoveries. He never gave up, even when others thought he was silly or his ideas where silly. He always believed in himself. He kept at it. He worked for years on his ideas. Eventually it paid off. Albert Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics. His theory or relativity forever changed how we understand the universe.  

"The more questions you ask, the more answers you'll find. And the more beauty you'll uncover in the universe." 

Albert is a great example of embracing our differences. Do not let what other people say about you, get to you. Albert loved to learn. He asked a lot of questions. He looked for answers. He discovered some incredible things that no one else did, all because of his love of learning. Like every book in this fabulous series, at the end of the story is a quote, along with pictures, and facts about this incredible person! This is another fantastic book to pick up and add to your personal, classroom or public library.

ENTER TO WIN

Thank you Penguin Kids, we have an amazing giveaway! To enter, please fill out the form below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, February 22, 2016

Ordinary People Change the World: I AM ROSA PARKS by Brad Meltzer / Book Review #OrdinaryPeopleChangeTheWorld


Ordinary People Change The World is a fantastic series for kids. Let me rephrase that, it's great for adults as well. I've enjoyed reading these books along side my children. I'm thrilled to have the chance to spotlight the entire series though out the month of February, here on Mundie Kids. Check out my reviews for other books in the  Ordinary People Change The World series, here. This is such a great series to pick up! You can't go wrong with reading any of these books. Today I'm thrilled to share my review for I AM ROSA PARKS. What an inspirational women to read about.


By: Brad Meltzer
Illustrated by: Christopher Eliopoulos
Published by: Dial Books for Young Readers
Released on: June 17th, 2014 
Purchase from: The Author | The Publisher Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Owlets - I Loved It
*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review

"We can all be heroes" is the message entertainingly told in this picture-book biography series from #1 New York TimesBestselling author Brad Meltzer.

“Kids always search for heroes, so we might as well have a say in it,” Brad Meltzer realized, and so he envisioned this friendly, fun approach to biography – for his own kids, and for yours. Each book tells the story of one of America’s icons in a vivacious, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers, those who aren’t quite ready for the Who Was biography series. Each book focuses on a particular character trait that made that role model heroic. For example, Rosa Parks dared to stand up for herself and other African Americans by staying seated, and as a result she helped end public bus segregation and launch the country’s Civil Rights Movement.

This engaging series is the perfect way to bring American history to life for young children, providing them with the right role models, supplementing Common Core learning in the classroom, and best of all, inspiring them to strive and dream.

"Always stand up for yourself."


At a young age Rosa Parks was taught to not only respect others, but also respect herself. Respecting one's self is empowering. It is something that helped Rosa in standing her ground, and standing up for herself when she wasn't being treated fairly or with respect. It proved vital in her powerful stance for change during a time of segregation in our country. She is an example of how one person can make a huge impact in a world that is afraid of change. She peacefully stood up for herself, and the fair treatment of others. Her refusal to give up her seat sparked a movement, and changed the rules of segregation in her town. Though change didn't happen right away, it did happen. 


Rosa Parks is proof of how one person can inspire others, and bring about change. She's proof that no matter what, always stand up for yourself, and what you believe in. No matter how many times Rosa Parks was told no, or treated unfairly, she never let that get her down. She stood unmovable. She stood strong for what's right. I have always admired the courage and bravery that Rosa Parks had. Not just to defy the law, and what society at the time deemed acceptable (which it wasn't), she stood for what Thomas Jefferson long ago wrote, that we're all created equal.


"The only tired I was, was tired of giving in." - Rosa Parks


Rose Parks is an incredible example of how an ordinary person can do extraordinary things.  Like every book in this fabulous series, at the end of the story is a quote, along with pictures, and facts about this incredible person! This is another fantastic book to pick up and add to your personal, classroom or public library.


ENTER TO WIN
Thank you Penguin Kids, we have an amazing giveaway! To enter, please fill out the form below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, February 21, 2016

World Read Aloud Day is on February 24th, 2016


LitWorld and Scholastic team up for a world wide read aloud day celebration! This celebration will be held on February 24th, 2016. 

What is World Read Aloud Day? Per Scholastic's press release:
An advocacy day that mobilizes individuals and organizations in all 50 states and more than 100 countries worldwide, World Read Aloud Day 2016 is jam-packed with new partners, resources and opportunities for educators, families and children to experience the joy of reading aloud and to advocate for more access to books and quality literacy learning that will “Open a World of Possible” for children worldwide.
Research shows that reading aloud to children every day is proven to put them almost a year ahead of children who are not read to, regardless of parental income, education level or cultural background. In addition, the Kids & Family Reading Report found that 83% of kids ages 6–17 say they love or loved being read aloud to. Yet nearly one in four parents stop reading aloud to their children by the age of 9 and 40% of kids ages 6–11 wish their parents had continued reading aloud. Now in its seventh year, World Read Aloud Day is designed to encourage everyone to keep reading aloud at any age.
Scholastic has shared a list of World Read Aloud Day activities here. I've shared some of the ideas/resources from the list, below.
  • “100 Best Books to Read Aloud” List: LitWorld, Scholastic and Orajel™, a family sponsor of World Read Aloud Day, have curated a “100 Best Books to Read Aloud” list to unveil in conjunction with World Read Aloud Day and the launch of the Orajel™ Read2Me Tonight campaign, which encourages families to include reading aloud as part of a child’s healthy nighttime routine. The list was created by parents and experts including Pam Allyn, founder of LitWorld. Visit http://www.scholastic.com/read2me/ to access the “100 Best Books to Read Aloud” list along with a brand new downloadable book from Orajel™ called The Three Bees, all about starting great bedtime routines, created with the help of Scholastic."
  • Free downloadable resources: World Read Aloud Day 2016 resources are available for free download on the LitWorld website and can be used by individuals or organizations to plan World Read Aloud Day celebrations. The resources provide tools for scheduling virtual read aloud connections with published authors and other classrooms across the globe. Teachers can schedule Skype connections with authors and classrooms across six continents for World Read Aloud Day.
Your celebration doesn't need to be on a grand scale. You can celebrate World Read Aloud Day by taking the time to read out loud to your kids at home, in the classroom, attend a bookstore story time, or a story time at your public library. 

Friday, February 19, 2016

Ordinary People Change the World: I AM AMELIA EARHART by Brad Meltzer / Book Review #OrdinaryPeopleChangeTheWorld


Ordinary People Change The World is a fantastic series for kids. Let me rephrase that, it's great for adults as well. I've enjoyed reading these books along side my children. I'm thrilled to have the chance to spotlight the entire series though out the month of February, here on Mundie Kids. Check out my reviews for other books in the  Ordinary People Change The World series, here. This is such a great series to pick up! You can't go wrong with reading any of these books. Today I'm thrilled to share my review for I AM AMELIA EARHART. What an inspirational women to read about.



By: Brad Meltzer
Illustrated by: Christopher Eliopoulos
Published by: Dial Books for Young Readers
Released on: January 1st, 2014 
Purchase from: The Author | The Publisher Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Owlets - I Loved It
*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review

We can all be heroes. That’s the inspiring message of this lively, collectible picture book biography series from New York Timesbestselling author Brad Meltzer.
Kids always search for heroes, so we might as well have a say in it,” Brad Meltzer realized, and so he envisioned this friendly, fun approach to biography for his own kids, and for yours. Each book tells the story of one of America’s icons in an entertaining, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers, those who aren’t quite ready for the Who Was series. Each book focuses on a particular character trait that made that role model heroic. For example, Amelia Earhart refused to accept no for an answer; she dared to do what no one had ever done before, and became the first woman to fly a plane all the way across the Atlantic Ocean. This book follows her from childhood to her first flying lessons and onward to her multi-record-breaking career as a pilot.

This engaging series is the perfect way to bring American history to life for young children, and to inspire them to strive and dream. 

"Never let anyone stop you. Whatever your dream is, chase it. Work hard for it. You will find it. It is the best lesson I can give."


Amelia Earhart is proof if you work hard, never give up, follow your dream, and don't let what others say you can't do hold you back, that YOU CAN DO ANYTHING! Amelia wasn't only the first women to fly over the Atlantic Ocean, during that same missing she also broke the record for crossing the ocean in the shortest amount of time. She also went on to break the women's altitude record, and set a speed record.  She proved every person who told her she couldn't do something, that it could be done. 


"The greatest flight you'll ever take, is the one no one has tried before."


Amelia Earhart is a true hero, because she never gave up. She followed her dream. She took many flights, and every time she did, she had someone tell her she couldn't do it, but she always proved them wrong. She went against what the expectations where during this time. Women didn't fly, but she didn't let that stop her. Readers will gain an appreciation for all the Amelia accomplished. They will be inspired by all Amelia did, realize the importance of following their own dreams. Like every book in this fabulous series, at the end of the story is a quote, along with pictures, and facts about this incredible person! This is another fantastic book to pick up and add to your personal, classroom or public library.


"Never interrupt someone doing what you said couldn't be done." - Amelia Earhart



ENTER TO WIN
Thank you Penguin Kids, we have an amazing giveaway! To enter, please fill out the form below: 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

THE CHARMING LIFE OF IZZY MALONE by Jenny Lundquist / Cover Reveal & Giveaway

Hello and welcome to today's cover reveal for YA/MG author, Jenny Lundquist's upcoming release, The Charming Life of Izzy Malone. I've been a big fan of Jenny's books, and I'm really looking forward to this upcoming MG release. I love this book's adorable cover!  

CHECK OUT THIS COVER!!!




I love this cover! I admit it, I would totally pick up this book based on the cover alone. I love the glow in the dark stars in the tree house. I would totally climb up in that tree house just to see the world from Izzy's prospective. I'm looking forward to getting to know Izzy, and can't wait to read her story. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

By: Jenny Lundquist
Published by: Aladdin MIX / Simon & Schuster
To Be Released: November 2016 
Add it to Goodreads

Izzy Malone isn’t your typical middle schooler. She wears camouflage combat boots; the stars are her only friends; and after a month she’s set a new record for the most trips to her principal’s office.


But Izzy’s life isn’t so charming these days. The kids at school think she’s a mouthy misfit, her musical prodigy sister gets all the attention at home, and no one takes Izzy’s determination to compete in her small town’s Great Pumpkin Race seriously. 


When Izzy’s antics land her in hot water, her parents enroll her in Mrs. Whippie’s Earn Your Charm School. At first Izzy thinks it sounds stupid—her manners are just fine, thanks—but Mrs. Whippie’s first assignment proves intriguing. Tucked inside a letter is a shiny charm bracelet and instructions telling her she will “Earn Her Charm” by performing a series of tasks. For each task Izzy completes, she’ll receive a charm to place on her bracelet. “Complete them all,” the letter says, “and you will have earned a prize unlike any other.”


Soon Izzy’s adding charms to her bracelet. But when a task goes seriously awry and threatens to derail her mother’s budding political career, Izzy has her hands full proving she’s not an emerging juvenile delinquent. Add in some middle school mean girls, a giant pumpkin that could be the answer to all her problems, and discovering she might have a crush on the boy she accidentally punched in the face, and Izzy may just Earn Her Charm. And she’s about to find out the best kind of friends are just like stars: Bright and beautiful, appearing just when you need them, to shine a little bit of light on a dark night.  


ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Jenny Lundquist grew up in Huntington Beach, California, wearing glasses and wishing they had magic powers. They didn't, but they did help her earn a degree in intercultural studies at Biola University. Jenny has painted an orphanage in Mexico, taught English at a university in Russia, and hopes one day to write a book at a café in Paris. Jenny and her husband live in northern California with their two sons and Rambo, the world's whiniest cat.

ENTER TO WIN


Thank you to Jenny, I have an arc of THE CHARMING LIFE OF IZZY MALONE to giveaway! Arcs aren't yet available, but when they are, one will be sent out to the win. This is open to residents in the US. To enter, please fill out the form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, February 15, 2016

Ordinary People Change the World: I AM ABRAHAM LINCOLN by Brad Meltzer / Book Review #OrdinaryPeopleChangeTheWorld



Ordinary People Change The World is a fantastic series for kids. Let me rephrase that, it's great for adults as well. I've enjoyed reading these books along side my children. I'm thrilled to have the chance to spotlight the entire series though out the month of February, here on Mundie Kids. Check out my reviews for other books in the  Ordinary People Change The World series, here. This is such a great series to pick up! You can't go wrong with reading any of these books. Today I'm thrilled to share my review for I Am Abraham Lincoln. A perfect book to pick up on this President's Day. 



By: Brad Meltzer
Illustrated by: Christopher Eliopoulos
Published by: Dial Books for Young Readers
Released on: January 14th, 2014 
Purchase from: The Author | The Publisher Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Owlets - I Loved It
*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review

We can all be heroes. That’s the inspiring message of this lively, collectible picture book biography series from New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer. Kids always search for heroes, so we might as well have a say in it, Brad Meltzer realized, and so he envisioned this friendly, fun approach to biography for his own kids, and for yours. Each book tells the story of one of America’s icons in an entertaining, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers, those who aren’t quite ready for the Who Was series. Each book focuses on a particular character trait that made that role model heroic. For example, Abraham Lincoln always spoke up about fairness, and thus he led the country to abolish slavery. This book follows him from childhood to the presidency, including the Civil War and his legendary Gettysburg Address. This engaging series is the perfect way to bring American history to life for young children, and to inspire them to strive and dream.

"Sometimes, the hardest fights don't reveal a winner, but they do reveal character. Especially when you're fighting for something you believe in."

Abraham Lincoln's story is one fantastic read. There are so many powerful messages within it that readers can apply to their own lives. One of the best lessons readers will take out of this book, is that no matter what, Abraham Lincoln always stood up for what he believed in, even if he was the only one to do so. He was never afraid to speak his mind, or what he believed in. He always fought for what was right. He also never gave up. He lost 4 elections before he became President of the United States of America. 

Another thing that readers will learn, is that from childhood to being President of the United States of America, Mr Lincoln never shied away from helping those who needed help. He never stopped standing up for what was right, nor did he stop believing in what was right, even if he was the only one. As President, he saw the end of the civil war, and the end of slavery. He gave powerful speeches that, still to this day are quoted by others. One of the most powerful speeches in history was his, and it is only 271 words long. Out of that speech he said, "All men are created equal."


I love that at the end of the book, there are a few historical pictures of Mr. Lincoln, along with one of his quotes. I loved that I also learned something more about Abraham Lincoln while reading this book, and that is he had a love of reading He always read, even when he was younger, and all through out his adult years. What a great book to read to get know more about Abraham Lincoln. This book makes the perfect addition to any home, school, public or classroom libraries. I highly recommend picking it up.


ENTER TO WIN
Thank you Penguin Kids, we have an amazing giveaway! To enter, please fill out the form below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Sunday, February 14, 2016

Happy Valentine's Day


I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day! 
Here's to a spending time with those we love today. 

Friday, February 12, 2016

SWEET HOME ALASKA by Carole Estby Dagg / Blog Tour: Author Guest Post


Hello and welcome to today's stop in the SWEET HOME ALASKA blog tour, hosted by Penguin. I am so thrilled to have author Carole Estby Dagg on the blog today to talk about her newest release. First, here's a little bit about SWEET HOME ALASKA.

ABOUT THE BOOK


By: Carole Estby Dagg
Published by: Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin)
Released on: February 2nd, 2016
Purchase it from Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads


It’s 1934 and the Great Depression is hitting the Johnson family quite hard in Wisconsin. Terpsichore, “Trip”, is doing her best to provide for her family after her father loses his job at the mill. With her whole town turning to relief, President Roosevelt has provided them with an option—to become settlers of a New Deal Colony in Palmer, Alaska. Trip tries to make the best of her new living situation by channeling her idol, Laura Ingalls Wilder to embark on this grand adventure. Pro: No homework for kids who have to plant crops with their families. Con: No libraries or radios to entertain each other with after a hard day’s work. Pro: Making a new stake in virtually untouched land. Con: Scarlet fever epidemics. As they face the hardships of turning tents into barns, can Terpsichore and the other two hundred families find their place in the new colony? 

Sweet Home Alaska will also include an author’s note, and recipes from foods the settlers consumed at the time. Based on actual events, Dagg’s warm and inviting words will spark a desire to learn more about this untapped period in history.


AUTHOR GUEST POST


5 must-have items you’d need to survive Trip’s world in Sweet Home Alaska.

I’ll assume that, like Terpsichore, I will start with a tent, wood stove, access to an outhouse and water pump, so basic shelter will be taken care of. I’ll also assume I came north from Wisconsin with my own warm coat, leggings, hat, boots, and mittens. 

1. Mosquito netting. I’m allergic to mosquito bites, and Alaskan mosquitoes are legend. Even the pioneers from northern Great Lakes area (which also has big mosquitoes) wore what they dubbed the Matanuska veil, a broad-brimmed hat with netting draped over it, and wore long-sleeved shirts and tucked the pant legs of their overalls into the tops of their stockings to minimize possible target areas for biting bugs. Besides, I might think of other uses for netting besides protecting me from mosquitoes.

(Associated Press photo; notice netting on boy on far left;)

My next concern would be food, and that will take up three of my next must-haves:

2. Since I don’t eat meat, that rules out moose, deer, and bear as food sources. Instead, I will need a bag of assorted seeds and berry bush starts to grow my own food.  With long summer days in Alaska , I could grow giant pumpkins and cabbages and carrots and potatoes and runner beans. Even some kale; it’s not my favorite but I know it’s good for you.  

I do eat fish, though, so maybe I could use a triple layer of my mosquito netting (item number one) and rig up a net.  But to preserve the fish I’ll need item number three.

3. A canning kettle so I could enjoy my beans, low-bush cranberries, and salmon throughout the winter. I know a lot of ways to cook salmon, from salmon burgers to salmon quiche, salmon chowder, and salmon and rice casserole. I also know a lot of ways to cook pumpkin, and I shared some of them with Terpsichore. I could also use the canning kettle to heat water and wash clothes…and myself.

4. Dutch oven, like a deep cast-iron frying pan with a lid. You can use it atop or inside a wood stove. With a Dutch oven, you can make everything from soup to biscuits once you figure out how to use a wood stove. I can use a wood stove for soup, but I never mastered bread in a woodstove oven.

5. Box of books. Like my character Terpsichore, I get nervous when the stack of books beside my bed grows too small. We moved once or twice a year, and one of the first things we did in a new town was get library cards. My best friends were the characters in books who could follow me wherever I went. Like Terpsichore, I would have to work out a way to share books – that’s the librarian in me.

If I could have one more wish, it would credit at the company store so I could order whatever else I needed from the Sears catalog.


Praise for the Sweet Home Alaska


“If Laura Ingalls Wilder had lived in Alaska, she might have written this novel… Trip's a beautifully realized heroine. Cozy, charming, and old fashioned, but in a good way; fine for curling up and reading under the covers—in Alaska or elsewhere.”   Kirkuk Reviews


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carole Estby Dagg was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and has lived in Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia. She has degrees in sociology, library science, and accounting. She spends most of her time writing and reading, but her real-life adventures include tiptoeing through King Tut's tomb, sandboarding the dunes of western Australia, riding a camel among the Great Pyramids, paddling with Manta rays in Moorea, and smelling the penguins in the Falkland Islands. She is married with two children, two grandchildren. Her son lives in Palmer Alaska, and that is what inspired her to write this story.

I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~