Children and Middle-Grade
Book List and Reviews.
The Ruins of Gorlan: Ranger’s Apprentice, Book 1
Will is an orphan raised in the castle with all the other orphans from the surrounding area. It is now Choosing Day for the 15-year old’s; the day they will be assigned a career and move out into the adult world.
His friends all receive assignments they want and are gifted to do, but he is assigned to train as a Ranger. Rangers are mysterious, and he has no idea what is expected of him. He is apprenticed to Halt, the most infamous of all Rangers.
Halt begins Will’s training, but before too long, those skills are tested as Will and Halt must move quickly to save the kingdom from the evil Morgarath. Can Will prove himself on the battlefield when he has barely begun training?
Teens and adults will enjoy reading this series. The characters are well-developed and believable.
Other Books in this Series: The Burning Bridge, Ice Bound Land, and 11 more titles.
The Glass Castle Trilogy by Trisha white Priebe Book 1
A wild ride of an adventure story. Could not put it down. All the thirteen-year-old children in the villages surrounding the castle are coming up missing. Avery is kidnapped on her thirteenth birthday. She is surprised to find herself inside the castle with all the other missing thirteen-year-olds. They have created a labyrinth of unused rooms to live in as they sneak around the palace doing work like cooking, cleaning, and helping the adult staff, keeping them safely hidden. But safe from who?
Queen Elizabeth, the King's beloved wife, has been dead for thirteen years. The day she gave birth to the heir. Is the King trying to find his heir whom he thought long dead to kill him? Or is it the new, wicked queen hunting for the heir who would threaten her reign?
Avery is a headstrong, brave individual who will not remain quiet behind the castle walls. Her one goal is to find her way home to her family in the village. As she looks for a way to escape, she uncovers castle secrets that will change her life and the lives of everyone she loves.
Great book for middle-grade kids. The storyline is interesting and exciting enough to keep them on the edge of their seat.
Other Books in this Series: The Ruby Moon and the Paper Boat
Farmer Herman and the Flooding Barn
Great story from an actual event. A farmer has a barn that floods whenever there is a lot of rain. He figured out that if he could get 344 people who could lift fifty pounds each and move together, they could raise the barn and move it up a hill. There the barn would be dry and safe from flooding.
Not only is it a true story, but this book is unique and even more impressive in how and why it was created. Over 300 people submitted illustrations for the book from all over the country. Some illustrations were sent in by celebrities from Duck Dynasty, the musical group Jars of Clay, and many others.
They all shared one thing: they cared about foster care and orphans. The book was created to bring awareness to the need for foster care and adoption.
I highly recommend that you not only purchase the book and enjoy reading it but also find it in your heart to join the efforts to foster or adopt a child.