Good Reads

by Darcy Connor

Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug

Written by Jonathan Stutzman

Illustrated by Jay Fleck

Sometimes a small act of kindness can go a long way. Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug starts with the simplest of questions, “Hello Pointy! Are you OK?” When his friend replies he’s feeling sad, Tiny must figure out a way to give his friend a hug to help him feel better. The problem is Tiny’s arms are just too little. It’s precious story that uses humor to teach about perseverance and kindness. This is the first book in the series of four Tiny T. Rex adventures.

Let Liberty Rise! How America’s Schoolchildren Helped Save the Statue of Liberty

Written

by

Chana Stiefel

Illustrated by Chuck Groenink

For America’s 100th birthday, France wanted to give a special gift. The soon-to-be Statue of Liberty arrived in 250 pieces ready to be assembled, but there was a problem. A pedestal needed to be built to support the statue, yet none of the Gilded Age millionaires were willing to foot the bill.

So Joseph Pulitzer, who knew the experience, years before he became a newspaper mogul, of arriving on American shores as a poor Hungarian immigrant, appealed to his readers, inviting them to contribute whatever they could afford. Soon pennies, dimes, nickels and quarters poured into Pulitzer’s offices, many from schoolchildren, and enough money was raised to build the pedestal and the statue. This is a wonderful story of one of our most beloved American symbols. There’s also a timeline and photographs in the back of the book.

Written by Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin

Illustrated by Brian Selznick

OK, so my husband gets creeped out by dolls, especially the antique china dolls whose eyes follow you around the room. So, this one might not be for you, hon. But this story is a cute adventure mystery teaming up those classic 100-year-old dolls with a new plastic doll family that moves into the dollhouse. Selznick’s marvelous illustrations add to this beloved story, which is the first in a series of four.

Written by John Flanagan

The fantasy readers in your family will love this epic series that follows the adventures of Will, an apprentice Ranger. The Rangers are tasked with protecting the realm from the evil Lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night. This classic adventure story, sword fights and all, is just the thing for your growing middle school reader. The Ruins of Gorlan is another first book in a series, this time of six.

The Grand Design: A Novel of Dorothy Draper

Written by Joy Callaway

I can’t help it. I’m a sucker for all things historical fiction. Here’s the start of the book’s description from the publisher: In 1908, young Dorothy Tuckerman chafes under the bland, beige traditions of her socialite circles. Only the aristocracy’s annual summer trips to The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia spark her imagination. In this naturally beautiful place, an unexpected romance with an Italian racecar driver gives Dorothy a taste of the passion and adventure she wants. But her family intervenes, sentencing Dorothy to the life she hopes to escape.

Yup, I was sold. Couch, wine, blanket, book. Enjoy!