Liberation - Corinna Turner - I Am Margaret Book 3

Liberation
I Am Margaret Book 3
Corinna Turner
UnSeen Books an Imprint of
Zephyr Publishing, UK
Chesterton Press, US Edition
eISBN 9781910806111
ISBN 9781903858080
ASIN B0163DAICW 

I find that book series typically fall into a few categories, either they start great and tapper off (The Hunger Games), or sometimes they build slowly (Duncton Chronicles), but few series keep up the intensity and the enjoyment (I Am Margaret or I Hunt Killers). This series in many ways keeps getting better and better. I was impressed with Turner's debut I Am Margaret. And I am even more impressed with this third instalment in the quadrilogy or tetralogy depending on your preference. This was an incredible read that I could hardly put down.

To recap: at the end of book 1, I Am Margaret, Bane has freed Margo and Jon and the other ReAssigness from the EuroGov facility. Now they are all on the run. At the end of book two, The Three Most Wanted, the Vatican state has had to evacuate. Margo, Bane, Jon and many other are in hiding but with plans. At that leads us directly to this story.

Bane has a plan, a plan to liberate others who are waiting to be reassigned. Pope Cornelius will only ok the plan because they are committed to using non-lethal. And with some information from a surprising benefactor, and then things begin going very well for the underground. But all good things do come to an end, as the saying goes. Some of our team are lost or captured, some are getting married and soon all are in big trouble again surrounded on all sides by the military of the Eurobloc.

This is another amazing story in an amazing series! The writing is wonderful, incredible suspense. It has excellent characters and great world building. If you have read the other books in the series you will love this and if not give this wonderful series a try.

Books by Corinna Turner:
I Am Margaret Series:
0.0 The Underappreciated Virtues of Rusty Old Bicycles (A prequel)
0.5 Brothers (Prequel)
1.0 I Am Margaret
1.5 How Snakey Got His Name (Short Story)
2.0 The Three Most Wanted
3.0 Liberation
4.0 Bane's Eyes
5.0 Margo's (Attempted) Diary & Notebook
5.5 An Unexpected Guest
6.0 The Siege of Reginald Hill
6.5 Buttons (Short Story)
7.0 A Saint in the Family
I Am Margaret The Play - Fiorella de Maria

...

Yesterday and Tomorrow Series:
Someday
Tomorrow's Dead
...

unSPARKed Series:

Prequel Short Stories:

Liam and the Hunters of Lee'Vi

0.1 Breach

A Truly Clawful Christmas

0.2 A Mom with Blue Feathers 

0.3 A Very Jurassic Christmas

0.3a A Very Jurassic Lent

0.4 A Dino Whisperer at the Zoo

Three Clawsome Tales

A Very Jurassic Hallowtide

...

Novels:
 1.0 Drive!
 1.0a Please Don't Feed the Dinosaurs

 2.0 A Truly Rapror-Ous Welcome
 3.0 Panic! 
 4.0 Farmgirls Die in Cages
 5.0 Wild Life

 6.0 A Right Rex Rodeo

 7.0 FEAR

 8.0 A Different Kind of Camouflage

 9.0 A Different Kind of Freedom

10.0 What’s Done is Done

11.0 Weigh the Odds

12.0 A Nest of Piranha’saurs

...

Mandy Lamb Series:
Mandy Lamb and the Full Moon

The Wolf The Lamb and the Air Balloon

...

Friends in High Places:

1.0 The Boy Who Knew: Carlo Acutis

1.5 Do Carpenters Dream of Wooden Sheep? 

2.0 Old Men Don’t Walk to Egypt: Saint Joseph

3.0 Child, Unwanted: Margaret of Castello

4.0 A Lion for a Tomb: Ignatius of Antioch

5.0 The Higher We Go Pier Giorgio Frassati

...

Elfling Series:

Elfling

The Most Expensive Alley Cat in London

...

Last Things Series:

Three last things or The hounding of Carl Jarrold, Soulless Assassin

A Changing of the Guard

…

Other Books:
The Raven & The Yew
Man or Beast 
...

Contributed to:
Secrets: Visible & Invisible 7 Amazing Stories - Catholic Teen Books
Gifts Visible & Invisible 8 Christmas Stories for Teens
Treasures: Visible & Invisible 8 Stories for Teens

The Christmas Lights

Ashes Visible & Invisible 10 Stories for Teens

A Foul Christmas

A Saint Nicholas Eve Carol

The Gift of the Angel Tree  

Shadows Visible & Invisible 7 Stories for Teens

A Lack of Christmas Spirits 

Alien Family Traditions

Pilgrim Tales An anthology of fiction by the Catholic Writers Guild 

...

Author profile and interview with Corinna Turner

Prayer of the Day A Hunter's Prayer.

One Day: A Story About Positive Attitude - Barb Chrysler

One Day
A Story About Positive Attitude
Barb Chrysler
Philip McIvor (Illustrator)
Nanshe Publishing
ISBN 9780994804907

I have read this book with my children, twice both yesterday and today. It has a great message for all children, but especially for fan of soccer or football as the European's call it. Each page is illustrated with a child dressed like a famous soccer star, and with a motivational message about that play. These message instil positive attitudes and hope.

The stars profiled are:
Pele
Christiano Ronaldo
Lionel Messi
Abby Wambach
Mia Hamm
George Weah
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
David Beckham
Nico Calabria
Martha Vieira da Silva
Michelle Akers
David Alaba
Hope Solo
Philipp Lahm
Ronaldo Luis Nazario
Manuel Neuer
Arjen Robben
Alex Morgan
Zinedine Zidane

The illustrations by Philip McIvor are very well done. They are sort of in a caricature but of a child dressed as the soccer star. The realistic uniforms, and bright colors will be loved by children and fans alike. 

At the end of the book is a brief biography on each of the players, many of which are inspirational in and of themselves.

This is one of those books I see my children coming back to again and again. We have already read it 4 times in under 2 days. My children absolutely love it. And to be honest the message is strong enough that even I appreciate the reminder's about how our attitude can help shape the future and also inspire others.

A great little read and I highly recommend it.

Books by Barb Chrysler:
One Day: A Story About Positive Attitude
Reach for the Stars, Ryan
Oh My Gosh, Josh Loves Soccer
Oh My Gosh, Josh Is Forgetful
The Boy Who Didn't Quit
Get Your Head in the Game: The Power of Positive Mental Attitude

Books Contributed to:
I Belong to You

Arrival - A.J. Gillette - Geoterra Book 3

Arrival
Geoterra Book 3
A.J. Gillette
Hidden Lake Press
ASIN B01FA55RAM

This was the third book I have read by Alfred Gillette. And to be honest based on those he has in the pipe I am looking forward too many more. The Geoterra books have a fun rhythm to them. They are part Spider Robinson Callahan's Saloon, Part Harry Harrison Stainless Steel Rat. But they also pay homage to a lot of science fiction styles and sub genre's. There are a lot of hat tip's to different series of books and tv shows, that make these really fun reads. 

This book has a bit of everything, and as such has something for everyone. You have a group of colonists from Earth hoping to start over with less technology and contact with other species. You have Vanian's - Vampires, You have Angel like beings, and giant whale like creatures who have been guiding and protecting the universe and are now about to move on and leave it in the hands of a new organization. And there are still pirates, a human who is really messing up the plans and goals of the other terran's. And when you add some guidance and visits from future versions of our many group and you have a really interesting adventure.

AJ's writing is a fun engaging style. I have really enjoyed discovering his books. And I really look forward to reading more in this series and some of the other books he has in the works. This was another great read so give the series a try!

The books are available on both Kindle and Kobo.

Books by A.J. Gillette:
Geoterra Series:
#1 Exodus
#2 Journey
#3 Arrival
#4 Chaos
#5
#6 Order
#7 Geoterra
#8 NewTerra
#9

Other books by A.J. Gillette:
Evolution
Being Yeti

Author profile and interview with A.J. Gillette

No Talking - Andrew Clements

No Talking
Andrew Clements
Mark Elliott (Illustrator)
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
A Division of Simon and Schuster
ISBN 9781416909835
ASIN B0070Y3GLE

This is the third book I have read by Andrew Clements in as many weeks. I am finding that the more I read of his the more I like it. He does an excellent job of capturing the school environments, children and student teacher interactions. To be honest I wish I had encountered his writings earlier for I know I would have read many more of them, and I just might yet. When I am reading books for younger readers I have a few questions that take a book from good to great in my opinion, those questions are:
1. Could I see reading this book again?
2. Would I want to read this book with my kids?
3. Would I want my children reading this book?
4. Could I see myself sharing this book with other parents and educators?
5. Is the story good enough to entertain children and adults who read to or with them?
This book gets a resounding yes to all 5 questions.

In this book Dave and Lynsey end up in a battle, they are leading the 5th grade boys and girls in a challenge to speak the fewest words. The rules are: ""You can say only three words in a row. And only if a teacher or a grown-up talks to you first. Except you can talk to a kid first. Because you're sort of a teacher. And no talking at all outside of school-honor system." The challenge was set for 2 days, and almost immediately the teachers notice something is up. Some teachers figure out what is going on, there is resistance from some teachers and from the principal Mrs. Hiatt. It was also interesting watching how the children found ways to communicate without the words. 

I found that this book really made me think about the words I use, how I use them. How often do I speak when I should stay silent? Do I remain silent when I should be speaking up? Reading this book has had an impact on me at work, with my friends and at home. As such it was an absolute excellent read. And I really cannot wait to read this with my children. 

Almost every chapter has a wonderful sketch by Mark Elliott. They contribute to the story. I know my children, especially the younger one's love the pictures even as we push them more and more towards chapters books.

This was another excellent read. I cannot recommend this and the other books I have read by Andrew Clements enough. Give it a try and see if it is not great!

Books by Andrew Clements:
Bird Adalbert
Noah and the Ark and the Animals
Santa's Secret Helper
Temple Cat
Mother Earth's Counting Book
Billy and the Bad Teacher
Who Owns the Cow
Bright Christmas: An Angel Remembers
Frindle 
(Adapter)Philipp's Birthday Book
Riff's BeBop Book
Real Monsters Go for the Mold
Things That Go EEK on Halloween
Real Monsters Stage Fright
Music Time, Any Time
Double Trouble in Walla Walla
Workshop
Gromble's Haunted Halloween
Hey Dad, Could I Borrow Your Hammer
The Landry News
Look Who's in the Thanksgiving Play
The Mouse Family
The Janitor's Boy
Circus Family Dog
The Christmas Kitten
The School Story
Things Not Seen 
The Jacket 
A Week in the Woods
Slippers at Home
Naptime for Slippers
The Report Card
The Last Holiday Concert
Slippers at School
Slippers Loves to Run
A Million Is a Lot of Dots
Lunch Money
Things Hoped For
Room One: A Mystery or Two
No Talking
Things That Are
Lost and Found
Extra Credit
Troublemaker
About Average
The Map Trap
The Friendship War
The Losers Club
...

Pets to the Rescue Series
Ringo Saves the Day!
Brave Norman
Tara and Tiree, Fearless Friends
Delores and the Big Fire

Jake Drake Series
Jake Drake Know-It-All
Jake Drake, Bully Buster
Jake Drake, Teacher's Pet
Jake Drake, Class Clown

Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School Series
We the Children
Fear Itself
The Whites of Their Eyes
In Harm's Way
We Hold These Truths

Reading program Books
Karen's Island
Three Wishes for Buster
Bill Picket: An American Original, Texas Style
Hurricane Andrew
Ham and Eggs for Jack
Life in the Desert
Desert Treasure
Inventors: Making Things Better, Steck-Vaughn
Milo's Great Invention

Yeti Files: Meet the Bigfeet - Kevin Sherry and Samantha Smith

Yeti Files: Meet the Bigfeet
The Yeti Files #1
Kevin Sherry
Samantha Smith
Scholastic
ISBN 9780545556170
ASIN B00MOJ8PAC

I have now read through this book twice with my son. And I must admit it grew on me. Often we let our children pick their own books, in part to keep them interested and in park just they joy they get in choosing what to buy and read next. It has been a long time since my son was as excited about a book, or series. He loved this books and keeps asking to have it read to and with him. I have read it twice, my wife has read it once and I think his aunt was conned into reading it also.

This book is less of a reading book than I would like, but it brings so much entertainment and engagement that I cannot but rave about it. Often we read electronically but this book is a great book to have the physical copy in hand. It has excellent illustrations, quick facts, and lots of short descriptions. But it does also have story. The story is that Brian a Canadian big foot was caught on film and has disappeared. But the clan is getting together for a family reunion and it will not be the same without Brian. So the Bigfeet go searching for Brian so they can have the whole family together. The story is told by Blizz a yeti and one of the cryptids a group of mythical animals and creatures who vowed not to be observed by the outside world. But unknown to the big feet their ultimate foe George Vanquist a self-proclaimed cryptozooligist is the one who caught Brian on film and he is on the prowl again.

This is a fun little book. As mentioned my son loved it. He really LOVES IT! It is a fun read, entertaining and engaging. We are looking forward to checking out other books in the series soon.

The Yeti Files:
Meet the Big Feet
Monsters on the Run
Attack of the Kraken

2016 McEvoy Summer Reading Challenge

2016 McEvoy Summer Reading Challenge

In an effort to help my children keep up their reading skills and maybe improve a little I set up a summer reading challenge for the family.

The Rules

1. For each 10 days of reading you will earn 1 book of your choice. 
   (Around the $10 price range)

2. Abby needs to read to daddy or mommy for 20 minutes (or another Adult), or 40 minutes of shared reading.

3. If Abby read to Liam and or Zoey it can count towards her reading time.

4. Liam and Zoey need to read 1 age appropriate book per day or have longer books read to and/or with them.

5. Daddy need to spend an hour on personal reading a day to count towards his reading goal.


6. If we reach 50 days of reading each we will do something special together before school begins.

Looking forward to reading with all three kids almost every day! My reading will come mostly from this list A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!

(Update September 1st 2016. They made it all 3 kids read more than 60 of the 62 days of summer break. Now onto the 2016 McEvoy Fall Reading Challenge with some new rules and continuing the fun. Both Abby and Liam made great gains over the summer.)

Articles in this series:

2016 McEvoy Summer Reading Challenge

2016 McEvoy Fall Reading Challenge

Happy Canada Day 2016

Happy Canada Day 2016

From Book Reviews and More!