#CAUGHTREADING Book Bonanza Reading Guide

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May is “Get Caught Reading Month”

Let’s get folks of all ages excited to open up a book and get #CAUGHTREADING! Keep scrolling to discover 22 great reads that we think are worth checking out!

 

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Great Reads for Growing Minds

Featured
50 Things You Didn't Know About Ancient Rome
50 Things You Didn't Know About Ancient Rome

Written and illustrated by Sean O'Neill

“This is an engaging beginning nonfiction chapter book where a wide variety of young readers will learn about the history of Rome.” —D. Fowler, Amazon Reviewer

All about Pharaohs, commodes, daily life…and death…in Ancient Egypt. Discover 3,000 years of an ancient civilization in 50 amazing and amusing facts about daily life, afterlife, and how the rulers kept it all under control.

ISBN: 978-1-63440-794-6

Target Ages: 7 to 11 years

A to Z Animal Alphabet
A to Z Animal Alphabet

Written and illustrated by Rich DiSilvio

“5.0 out of 5 stars. Best new ABC book!” —Christian Spagna, Amazon Reviewer

Children will giggle and laugh as they learn about animals and the alphabet with this beautifully illustrated picture book by award-winning author/artist Rich DiSilvio. Each letter is adorned with an animal conforming to the shape of their letter and accompanied by a playful caption in rhyme, thus engaging young readers visually and mentally. It even includes a quiz at the end. Ideal for preschoolers up to first grade, this picture book will captivate and educate while offering joyful entertainment.

Awards: LitPick Five Star Book Review Award

ISBN: 978-1-950052-11-0

Target Ages: 4 to 8 years

Crossroads in Jerusalem
Crossroads in Jerusalem

by Elizabeth Raum; illustrated by Zach Franzen

“What a wonderful idea for kids to experience life in the time of Jesus!” —Hannah Leake, reviewer

In this interactive novel based on the Gospel accounts, young readers take on the role of a young boy, a servant girl, or lawyer’s assistant. Readers make choices as they read each of the three storylines. Every decision is a crossroad that leads to unique experiences and different endings.

ISBN: 978-1-62856-898-1

Target Ages: 7 to 10 years

The Elephants Shoes
The Elephants Shoes

by Charity Yoder

“Cute and captivating! My 4-year-old daughter absolutely loves ‘The Elephant’s Shoes!’ It is one of the few books she will sit through from beginning to end. It’s become her bedtime story of choice. 😊”

A children's book about love, loss, and healing. We all make decisions in our lives—some that make us happy, and some that we regret. Author Charity Yoder believes that everyone, even young children, can better learn how to cope with the sometimes-painful outcome of their choices. This is a beautiful story about the power of connection and how to move on with an open and compassionate heart.

Awards: Readers’ Favorite 5-Star seal; and Honorable Mention, Picture Books 5 & Younger, 2020 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards

ISBN: 978-1-5255-3408-9

Target Ages: 4 to 7 years

Ellie and Her Emotional Dragons
Ellie and Her Emotional Dragons

by Joseph Goodrich; illustrated by Traci Van Wagoner

“A fantastically illustrated, imaginative anthropomorphic story.” —Kirkus Reviews

Ellie's first day of school brings back the delightful characters from Ellie and Her Emotional Dragons whose loving approach to emotional intelligence will teach kids courage, patience, and provide them with positive communication skills in the school setting.

Awards: 2021 Independent Press Award Winner and Readers' Favorite 5 Star Award

ISBN: 978-1-7328553-2-8

Target Ages: 2 to 8 years

The Garden and the Glen
The Garden and the Glen

by Elizabeth Moseley; illustrated by Maggie Green

“Moseley makes her message obvious: ‘You are all different and all perfect, just as you are.' A charming celebration of diversity.” —Kirkus Reviews

A fable about character and the courage to be different. A beautiful narrative and exceptional illustrations portray the magic that finds us when we are brave enough to be our unique selves.

Awards: Silver Medal, Mom's Choice Awards Gold Award; Literary Titan Book Awards

ISBN: 978-1-7328443-0-8

Target Ages: 6 to 10 years

Hickory Doc's Tales (The Pack: First Generation)
Hickory Doc's Tales (The Pack: First Generation)

by Linda Harkey

“A lovable bird dog points the way to outdoor fun in the country in this children's book…. A sweet slice of rural American canine life.” —Kirkus Reviews

Doc shares a host of humorous stories from his important role as a hunting dog, and he narrates what life is like at the kennel. He tells tales about his adventures and mishaps with porcupines and cactus and of relationships with humans, other animals, and his tight-knit family of dogs.

Awards: 2020 International Book Awards, Finalist: Children's Fiction; 2020 Next Generation Indie Book Award, Finalist: Series (Fiction); 2019 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, First Place: Animals/Pets 2019; Purple Dragonfly Book Contest, Honorable Mention: Chapter Books; 2019 American Fiction Award, Finalist: Juvenile Fiction; 2019 American Book Fest “Best Books” Awards, Finalist: Children's Educational; 13th Annual National Indie Excellence Award, Finalist; and RWYK (Reading With Your Kids), Certified Fun Read

ISBN: 978-1-4808-4725-5

Target Ages: Elementary School Readers

Jump the Moon
Jump the Moon

by Kathy Simmers; illustrated by Marjorie van Heerden

“A book about friendship, growing up, and a love for horses! Beautiful illustrations that matched the tone of the book.” —NetGalley Reviewer

Beautiful illustrations throughout this heartwarming true story bring to life the emotional journey taken by a girl and her pony that will teach readers, young and old, the importance of trusting your heart, following your dreams, and never putting limits on what is possible.

Awards: Story Monsters Approved winner in 3 categories: Picture Books 3-8, First Book, and Illustrations; IBPA Ben Franklin Bill Fisher Award Finalist for Best First Book; and Mom's Choice Gold Award

ISBN: 978-1-7353511-0-0

Target Ages: 4 to 10 years

The King of Average
The King of Average

by Gary Schwartz; illustrated by Nicole Armitage

“A hilarious, adventure-packed, epic journey to find self-worth. Highly recommended for school and community library children’s fiction collections.” —Midwest Book Review

In the tradition of children’s classic, The Phantom Tollbooth, and named one of Kirkus Reviews best books of 2016, this heartfelt, hilarious, pun-filled middle grade novel tells of James an eleven-year-old b0y whose quest for love and self-acceptance transports him to a land where psychological states are actual places.

Awards: Kirkus Star & Best of 2016 Kirkus Reviews; Best of Indie Reader; Literary Classics Book Award, Gold Medals for Tween and Middle School; Booklife Prize for Fiction; and Mom's Choice Awards

ISBN: 978-0-9975860-7-7

Target Ages: 9 to 14 years

LOVE, I believe in you!
LOVE, I believe in you!

by Olga Sunrise

“It's like a fairytale and a self-help book for kids all in one! My daughters and I enjoyed it thoroughly!”

The book follows one child's journey from a dull, dark world of emptiness to the discovery of the fire inside her that illuminates her own inherent worth and everything around her. It is a little manual to building your dream life, for good, by following your heart.

ISBN: 978-1-7090-7698-5

Target Ages: 7 to 10 years

Murray Goes Camping
Murray Goes Camping

by Barb Berwin; illustrated by Shera Serrulha

“… Murray is a fun and adventurous cat always up to something. Well-written book for people of all ages and I especially love that it sheds some light into the world of autism as well…”

A cat who’s ready to try anything. A surprising journey into the wild. Can the brave beastie solve a mystery and become a hero? Murray is curious about everything. So, he’s sad to hear that he must stay home while his family goes camping. And when the mischievous kitty discovers a secret perch that allows him to tag along, he “accidentally” stows away. After they reach the forest, the confident troublemaker slips off to explore and makes new friends. But when a sweet little girl gets lost, can Murray save the day? Will the spunky feline prove that a campground is the cat’s meow?

Murray Goes Camping is the charmingly illustrated second volume in the Murray series of children’s picture books inspired by an adopted kitten. If you or your child like clever animals, shared laughter, and stories that teach life lessons, then you’ll love Barb Berwin’s cute adventure.

ISBN: 978-1-7341451-1-3

Target Ages: 4 to 8 years

Ollie and the Wishing Stone
Ollie and the Wishing Stone

by Tony J. Perri; illustrated by David K. Ridgeway

“A beautiful story with vibrant illustrations that will encourage children to overcome all odds and follow their dreams.”

A heartwarming story about an adventurous woodchuck and his magical journey through the Moonstar Forest in search of the legendary Wishing Stone, where he will prove that just because he's small and different, he can still overcome all odds and become a hero.

ISBN: 978-1-7335995-1-1

Target Ages: 1 to 7 years

The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow
The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow

by Linda Harkey; illustrated by Mike Minick

“The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow is a heartwarming tale for young readers about embracing differences.” —Clarion Review

Featuring fun color illustrations, this children's story shares how a pack of hunting dogs and an extraordinary crow become friends and learn from one another.

Awards: 2020 Next Generation Indie Book Award, Finalist: Series (Fiction); and RWYK (Reading With Your Kids), Certified Great Read

ISBN: 978-1-4808-6923-3

Target Ages: Elementary School Readers

Slog the Winged Frog Sister's Surprise
Slog the Winged Frog Sister's Surprise

by Javelin Jaaziel

“A clever way to encourage young readers to accept themselves and others for their differences.”

Slog is a young frog that is born with wings and wishes he could fly. He asks his family and many fun farm friends for advice, but in the end his spunky little sister comes up with a surprising solution.

Awards: 5 Stars by The Faerie Review; 5 Stars by Readers Favorite; and Story Monsters Approved Winner

ISBN: 978-1-0878-6023-7

Target Ages: 6 to 10 years

Where Do the Bugs Go to Sleep?
Where Do the Bugs Go to Sleep?

Written and illustrated by Laural Farabaugh

“Our little one loves bugs and is so fascinated by this book that we read it to her almost every night at bedtime.”

Levi's sleepover isn’t quiet. His friends are so loud with their noises that he can't sleep. Just when his eyes begin to close, each bug wakes him one by one wanting to go home. When Levi takes them home, he learns that each bug has a different way of sleeping.

ISBN: 978-1-7341259-4-8

Target Ages: 2 to 6 years

Willoughby and the Terribly Itchy Itch
Willoughby and the Terribly Itchy Itch

by Pam Halter; illustrated by Kim Sponaugle

“A message of helpfulness and kindness as three little fairies help Willoughby find a way to scratch his itchy itch.”

Willoughby has an itch he can’t reach. An itch he can’t scratch. Not just a little itch, a TERRIBLY ITCHY ITCH. Nothing he does will make it go away. What can a dragon do when he has an itch he can’t reach? He calls for help, of course! See how some unlikely friends get together to relieve Willoughby of his terribly itchy itch.

Awards: 2018 Realm Awards, Children’s; and 2018 Purple Dragonfly Book Award, 2nd Place: Best Illustrations, Honorable Mention: Picture Books 5 & Younger and Picture Books 6 & Older

ISBN: 978-1-938796-11-1

Target Ages: 4 to 8 years

Women in Chemistry
Women in Chemistry

by Mary Wissinger; illustrated by Danielle Pioli

“This book shows children—and girls especially—that curiosity is one of the most powerful tools for learning. Highly recommended!”—Dusty Carroll, Director, University of Pennsylvania Chemistry Research Academy

Learn alongside the inspirational women who've changed the world with their scientific discoveries. From ancient times to modern day, the exciting story of chemistry is sure to inspire the scientist in everyone. Also available in Spanish. The Science Wide Open series also includes Women in Biology and Women in Physics.

Awards: Winner, 2020 Parent's Picks Awards Winner; Tillywig Awards; and Parent's Favorite Products

ISBN: 978-1-938492-31-0

Target Ages: 7 to 10 years

Great Books for YA Readers & Beyond

Featured
The End of Calico Jack
The End of Calico Jack

by Eddie Jones

“I rarely find books that delight me enough for a five-star review—but this one does it.” —Amazon Reviewer

In this YA pirate tale, award-winning author Eddie Jones blends action, adventure, and humor into a fictional retelling of the pirate exploits of Calico Jack, Anne Bonny, and Mary Read. During his last trance-like episode, Ricky uncovered a treasure from the Nuestra Señora de Riqueza, a vessel in an armada of ships sailing the Spanish Main. Now back on Coffin Cay with his parents, Ricky hunts for the treasure he found in the cave over three hundred years earlier during his trip back to pirate land.

Awards: 2020 Selah Award Winner for YA Literature

ISBN: 978-1-64526-237-4

Target Ages: 13 to 17 years

Everything All At Once (Book 1 in the CHORDUROYS AND TOO MANY BOYS™ series)
Everything All At Once (Book 1 in the CHORDUROYS AND TOO MANY BOYS™ series)

by Ivy Cayden

“A light, fun, fantastically gripping story of young love, music and the ups and terrible downs of high school.” —Five stars, A 'Wishing Shelf' Book Review

A sweet, award-winning YA Music Fiction story about friendship, love, and everything in between. With an elaborate, 67-song playlist to embed you in every magnetic moment and missed connection, you’ll experience the rush of Everything All At Once, the first book in the CHORDUROYS AND TOO MANY BOYS™ series.

Awards: Gold Award Recipient, Mom's Choice Awards®; Readers' Favorite 5-star seal; Winner, 2021 Independent Press Award, Teen; Gold Medal Winner, 2020 Wishing Shelf Book Awards, Books for Teenagers; First Place, The 2020 Incipere Awards, YA Romance - CLEAN; First Place, 2020 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards: Young Adult Fiction, Performing Arts, and New Author: Fiction; and 2020 Story Monsters Approved! Winner: Young Adult Novels (13+), School Life, and First-Time Author

ISBN: 978-1-949293-00-5

Target Ages: 14+

Gain with Pain: Chronic Illness Productivity Hacks
Gain with Pain: Chronic Illness Productivity Hacks

by Erin Zarro

Sometimes life gets complicated. Your doctor has informed you that you have cancer. Or fibromyalgia. Or perhaps lupus. When you receive a serious health diagnosis, you can do one of three things: act as if nothing happened and try unsuccessfully to muddle through, shut down completely…or find your new normal. In Gain with Pain: Chronic Illness Productivity Hacks, Erin Zarro shares her daily struggles with multiple serious health conditions, and how she found her new normal. She gives you exercises to do to mentally prepare yourself for the day, shares how to plan activities so you don't completely exhaust yourself or worsen your condition, and suggests ways you can get past the grief of your diagnosis and move on with your life. Even if you don't have serious health problems, you can use the list-making techniques outlined in this book to help organize your time so that the rigors of a busy schedule no longer get in the way of your productivity and happiness. To allow you the kind of time to enjoy friends, family, and the life you deserve.

ISBN: 978-1791335663

Target Ages: Adult

Nanise', A Navajo Herbal
Nanise', A Navajo Herbal

by Vernon O. Mayes and Barbara Bayless Lacy

“…By taking the point of view of plants and plant use, Nanise' offers a singular perspective on reservation life.” —Donna Muller, The Herb Companion, October 1990

Four-color photographs and botanical drawings highlight information on 100 useful plants in Nanise’, A Navajo Herbal by Vernon Mayes and Barbara Bayless Lacy. Designed for the hiker, camper or student of Navajo ethnobotany, Nanise’ explains how Navajos’ use plants for food, medicine, healing ceremonies, dyes and weaving tools.

Awards: Finalist, 2014 New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards, Nature/Environment Book

ISBN: 978-0-9984861-0-9

Target Ages: Adult (Anyone interested in uses of native plants)

Ruckus
Ruckus

by Zoe Dawson

“5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! Not to be missed. Sublime.” —Amazon Reviewer

Fearless and bold photojournalist, Dana Sorenson never backed down from a fight or from showcasing her dedication to reporting on the human condition. That is, until she meets Ruckus, and big, bad, and tough take on a whole new meaning. Gratitude for saving her is lost in his demanding orders and fighting for her life takes a back seat to falling for this alpha male who’ll risk everything to keep her safe.

ISBN: 978-1-7227-8738-7

Target Ages: Adult

 
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