Ghost Boy gets 4 Stars {nonfiction, biography, memoir, adult, inspiring}

When I began this book, I had no idea what this book was about.  I picked it up b/c it was an upcoming Book Club book; that is one reason I love Book Club.  Sure the conversation is great and the food is fun, but I love the fact that I get to read books I normally wouldn't have picked up.  

I had no idea this book was going to be so thought provoking.  I had no idea I was going to be so shocked by how people treated Martin.  I had no idea the abuse Martin went through.  I had no idea someone could go through so much and still come out on top and even happy.

Ghost Boy: My Miraculous Escape from a Life Locked Inside My Own Body by Martin Pistorius gets 4 out of 5 stars in my review of this adult memoir.  The book is inspiring. Martin's story is inspiring and eye-opening.  I had no idea a 12 year old boy that complained of a sore throat could suddenly stop moving and talking and appear in a vegetative state.  I had no idea people abused, physical and sexual, the vulnerable (aka those that can't talk or don't seem to have a high IQ).  

The abuse was disturbing, but all of the challenges Martin overcame were inspiring.  I was amazed Martin was able to communicate and even hold a job when at one point he couldn't move any part of his body.  Though, love is what I found to be most amazing.  I love that Martin overcame his fears of love; he loved and let someone love him completely for who he is.  

A couple aspects I thought could've been better were the ramblings and skipping around which made figuring out the timeline difficult.  I also felt the development of secondary characters, like his parents, lacking and it could've added to the power of the story.  

Ghost Boy is a great book, and I'm sure it'll provide a lot of great discussion at Book Club.  Though, I'm needed a lighter book to balance out all of these emotions.  

Happy Inspiring, Emotional, and Thought Provoking Book Reading!  

Ghost Boy: My Miraculous Escape from a Life Locked Inside My Own Body by Martin Pistorius
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 18+, adults  
Clean Read: No, language, sexual abuse, and physical abuse.  
Worth a Check Out: Yes, it's Inspiring and sad all at the same time.
Buy It or Not: No. 
Book Club Discussion: Would you react more like Martin's mom or dad with his diagnosis?  What part of Martin's story is most inspiring/impressive? Were you glad you read this book, or did it skew you a bit? What is Martin's most admirable quality in your opinion? Was there anything in the story that most surprised you?  What do you think motivated Martin to share his story?   


Did you read Ghost Boy?  What did you think? 

A few quotes I loved from Ghost Boy: 

“I’d been put into a box long before, after all. Each of us has. Are you the “difficult” child or the “histrionic” lover, the “argumentative” sibling or the “long-suffering” spouse? Boxes make us easier to understand, but they also imprison us because people don’t see past them.”

“God and I didn’t talk about the big things in life—we didn’t engage in philosophical debates or argue about religion—but I talked to Him endlessly because I knew we shared something important. I didn’t have proof that He existed, but I believed in Him anyway because I knew He was real. God did the same for me. Unlike people, He didn’t need proof that I existed—He knew I did.”

“Dreams can be any size you want them to be. But the important thing is that you have one that is yours.” 

“None of us knows what we can bear until we’re asked.” 

"I've lived my whole life as a burden, she makes me feel weightless." 

"Life can't be experienced at arms length, it must be lived." 

"Life is about shades of gray; it isn't black and white." 


As you can tell from the number of quotes I have that this book was inspiring and thought provoking. As always, I'd love to hear what you thought. 

Fish in a Tree gets 4.5 Stars {middle grade fiction, contemporary}

"Be careful with eggs and words b/c neither can be fixed." 

"Great minds don't think alike." 

"Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid." 

Friendship. Bullying. Families. Inspiring teacher. Overcoming challenges. Reading difficulties. Dyslexia. 

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is full of inspiring quotes and so many deep and powerful topics; it is a great read.  Personally, I think this would be a great book for a classroom read aloud in the upper elementary or middle school classroom.  It would also make for a wonderful parent/child read.  

I absolutely enjoyed this middle grade fiction, and I definitely think readers of all ages could vastly benefit from this book.  I was inspired and educated, and for all of those reasons Fish in a Tree earned 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

I really enjoyed the character development and the growth Ally portrayed.   She struggled with her confidence and self-esteem at the beginning, and I loved that at the end she said, "I'm having trouble is not the same as I can't."  I feel that statement alone shows a lot of growth.  

All in all, fabulous book that is predictable (hence the slight rating decrease), but it was relatable and powerful as well.  

Fish in a Tree is a fabulous.  Definitely check this book out.  If you liked the book Wonder, which I loved, then I think you will enjoy this read as well.  It'd make a great Book Club book as well.  

Happy Powerful and Inspiring Middle Grade Fiction Reading!


Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Best For: 9 years old and up, 4th grade and up. 
Clean Read: Yes
Worth a Check Out: Yes.
Buy It or Not: Yes.
Read Aloud: Yes.Lesson Ideas: Friendship. Bullying. Differences. Challenges. Confidence. Dyslexia. Reading. Kindness. Family. Metaphors. 

Banned Books and Trouble with the Religious Crowd {banned book week}

Books get banned for all sorts of reasons.  Today and the rest of this week I will be sharing book lists full of great books that have been banned or attempted to have been banned for ridiculous reasons.  

Today, our group of trouble maker books may look like classics, and you may have already read most of them, but they just can't get along with the religious groups.

How many of these 9 religious trouble makers have you read? 
  

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Was banned b/c animals talk in the story and that places animals on the same level as humans.  This is insulting to God according to some. 

The Holy Bible

The bible was banned b/c of it's religious content.  Now, I've only read 3/4 of the Bible, but  I'm pretty sure the whole idea of the book is religious content. 

One summer in undergrad I worked at Barnes and Noble, it was a great gig.  That summer I learned the Bible is the most shoplifted book.  You know, the book that says, "Thou shall not steal." is stolen the most.  Funny or sad? However, maybe the justify the stealing. 

Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

This Newbery Honor book is fantastic.  It introduces kids to new vocabulary, makes some people cry, and is a beautiful story of friendship.  However, in the U.K. this book was banned b/c it might offend people.  Seriously, they thought Wilbur, the pig, could possibly offend Muslims.  Thank goodness the Muslim Counsel of Britain asked the book to be put back on the shelves. 

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

This book is the first book in His Dark Materials series.  It was banned for religious content, but many people consider this book to be the anti-Narnia book, or at least the stark opposite to the Narnia series.  Some say that Pullman wrote it in contrast to Narnia b/c he felt Narnia was too obviously religious.  However, I consider it a good series for different reasons from Lewis's Narnia series.

  

Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone by J.K. Rowling

When I was in college I bought this book for my little sister as a present; my mom was hesitant to let her read it b/c she had heard it was about witches and wizards.  I informed my mom it was a fantastic book more about friendship, courage, hard work, and bravery.  She let my sister read it, and even my mom read it later. 

Harry Potter was banned and attempted to be banned b/c religious groups felt it was about sorcery and witchcraft.  I personally feel books are often asked to be banned even though the group or individual has never read the book.  I struggle to understand how a group can insist on censoring a book from everyone even though they don't truly know the book. 

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

There is some intense parts in this book; there is a lot of action and a lot of violence in this book.  If this book were to be banned one would've logically thought it'd be for the violence.  However, the logic behind banning books from everyone has never made sense to me.  

The Hunger Games was actually banned b/c of its religious viewpoint.  Religious viewpoint is definitely what we all think of when we read this book. ;)

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

This book was banned for religious content.  Shocking I'm sure.  I personally think, which is why it's one of the books on this list, it's a great book and a good series. 

Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne

This adorable sweet book was banned int he U.K. b/c there are talking animals and that is offensive to God b/c it places animals on the same level as humans.  Um, that's a bit of stretch especially since the book is about stuffed animals.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

The banning of this book is a bit silly to me.  It was thought that this book had no value to children and was theologically impossible b/c it had good witches.  First, since when is a book of no value to children.  The reading, or listening to a book alone has huge benefit on brain development and language development.  Now to the other reason, the theologically impossible statement just makes me laugh.  Seriously?!?  I can't make this stuff up. It's just funny to me. 

Please say you at least chuckled reading a few of these reasons.  If you don't laugh at the ridiculousness of it all it might make you cry.  It's always better to laugh; I sure did.  

I have also read all 9 (well most of the Bible) of these trouble makers; you? 

Happy Banned Book reading!  Definitely check some of them out, if you haven't read them.

Refugee gets 5 Stars {historical fiction, middle grade fiction}

Germany, Cuba, Syria aren't known for having too much in common.  Three different places.  Three different times. Three different families.  Refugee by Alan Gratz is the common denominator.  

Refugee gets 5 out of 5 stars in my book review of this upper middle grade (great choice for teens and adults as well) historical fiction.  This book is fantastic, powerful, emotional, inspiring, eye-opening, and a chance to change who you are and how you treat others. 

Refugee is well deserving of the 5 star rating.  It's a clean read (with some intense parts) and perfect for 5th grade through 10th grade.  However, all teens and adults could greatly benefit from and enjoy this read.   The chapters are short and perfect for short attention spans.  There's enough detail, but it isn't a super wordy read which is great for this targeted audience. All in all, the format and writing of the story is well done.      

Gratz intertwines three different characters, all refugees, from different time periods and different locations.  The connection between the three isn't as intertwined as other books I've read, like Echo.  Even though I was a tad confused at first and wasn't sure how these, what seemed to be, different stories would connect they did come together.  

I really enjoyed the stories of Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud, and I gained new insight into a refugees life.  Josef a Jewish boy from Germany was trying to get to Cuba with his family in the 1930s.  Isabel, a Cuban girl in 1994 was trying to take a man made boat to America with her family and close friends. Mahmoud, a Syrian boy in 2015 was trying to escape to Germany with his family.  All three refugees had heartbreaking moments.  All three refugees reminded me of the importance of families and how quickly lives can change.  All three refugees had a somewhat happy ending even though they did go through a lot of hardship.  I liked their mostly happy ending, but I also realize not all refugees have happy endings.  I wouldn't say it is an uplifting book, b/.c there were times i was saddened for these characters.  However, Refugee is a very enlightening read, and I really enjoyed it.  

This book is powerful.  Teachers, parents, and librarians should try and get this book into the hands of as many kids, and adults, as you can.  There is power in this book to change people, and maybe help others to reach out to help refugees.  I have a good friend who has been working with Lifting Hands International.  This organization works with and helps refugees in a myriad of ways.  My friend says, volunteering with this organization and helping these people has changed her in ways she didn't know was possible.  She loves working with them, and she loves working with these amazingly strong and grateful refugees.

After reading this book, I realize the importance and need to help refugees.  What they go through isn't easy, but instead usually heartbreaking and extremely difficult.  What did you realize after reading this book? 

Happy Powerful and Emotional Historical Fiction reading! 

Refugee by Alan Gratz
Rating: 5/5 stars
Best For: 11 - 16 year olds, 5th through 11th grade.
Worth a Check Out: Yes, check it out.
Buy It or Not: It's a great purchase.
Read Aloud: Middle school teachers even early high school teachers could have some powerful discussions and essays written about this book. 
Lesson Ideas: History, Refugees, WWII, Cuba, Syria, Will to Live, Choices, Most value, How to help, Should government allow more refugees, etc. 

The Magnolia Story gets 5 Stars {nonfiction, memoir, audiobook}

Read this book and maybe listen to the audiobook as well.  I loved The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines.  I found myself not only inspired while reading it, but also laughing in tears hearing Chip and Joanna tell the stories of Chips early parenting days or is crazy purchases, or how they started dating.  Seriously hilarious! 

Speaking of the audiobook.  I absolutely love when authors read the book, but having Chip and Joanna read this book was even better since it is their memoir and their story.  So, definitely Overdrive (connected through your library) or checkout the audiobook;  you'll love it. Even if you have read the book.  Trust me.  

I give The Magnolia Story 5 out of 5 stars.  If you are looking for a book that tells the story of Fixer Upper and the ins and outs of the show, then this is not the book you are looking for. This book isn't about the show.  This book is about Chip and Joanna's story.  This book is about how Magnolia Homes and Magnolia Farms and how they picked magnolia in the first place.  This book is about how they came to be and how/why they are the grateful, God loving people they are.  This book is their story in a funny, loving, inspiring, uplifting, page turner way. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and by the amount of things I told my husband he basically read it as well. 

Here are a handful of the quotes that I really liked in The Magnolia Story. 

"Comfort is what you do when you retire." Chip said about not getting too comfortable but about pushing yourself. 

"With change comes new opportunity." That's how Joanna looked at any situation when Chip bought a new house, even a crazy not working boat house. 

"Be intentional." Be intentional about your design and your choices. 

"Live wholly and intentionally for those closest to me."  

"Pray. Pray together." 

"Notice the miracles. God knows what we need more than we do." 

"There are seasons, embrace them." 

"Things get good when you're down in the mess. Get in!" 

"Life is found in the glass of spilled milk." Such a great way to look at the not so pleasant times. 

"Choose contentment and thankfulness now." 

"Be thankful and find joy!" 

"Know that God has been from the beginning, and he will be there to the end. His plan is far bigger and better than we could imagine, so pray, live intentionally, and enjoy the spilled milk." 

All in all, this is a great book that makes me want to be more creative and inspires me to reach my goals and have God help me on the way.

PS- I seriously cannot believe what Chip did with their eldest child not once, but three times. 

What did you think of The Magnolia Story? Did you love it as much as I did?  If you haven't read it, are you going to give it a listen/read?
   
Happy Uplifting Hilarious Memoir Reading!


The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines
Rating: 5/5 stars
Best For: adults and fans of the HGTV show Fixer Upper
Worth a Check Out: Yes! Definitely check out the audiobook b/c Chip and Joanna read it.
Buy It or Not: If you love the show buy it; though I was completely content with a check-out.
Read Aloud: Not really, unless you and your spouse read it aloud to each other.
Lesson Ideas: So many life lessons, it'd be a fun book club book to discuss. Not really a classroom lesson book. 

Bessie, Queen of the Sky gets 4.5 Stars {picture book}

"Is this real?" "Did this really happen?"  I hear that statement at least once a day from my kids.  My daughter just yesterday asked about SpiderMan and the Ninja Turtles.  I of course had to tell her that they were not real but fictional (yes the librarian in me uses such terms with my young kids #imanerd), and she was slightly disappointed.  

After we read Bessie, Queen of the Sky by Andrea Doshi and Jimena Duran my daughter, and my son, immediately asked "Is this real?"  I loved being able to tell them that Bessie was a real girl that lived a long time ago and did amazing things.

The look in my children's eyes of awe and amazement with a touch of inspired was fantastic.  Since the day we read Bessie, Queen of the Sky by kids have mentioned more than a couple times  how you have to practice and work hard in life.  I adore how this book has taught them so many lessons.
 

Bessie, Queen of the Sky gets 4.5 out of 5 stars in my book review.

I absolutely love the many messages and lessons found in this story.  I love that Bessie was a real person that I learned a ton about.  I love that Bessie had a goal/desire as a child to be a pilot.  I love that she went against the norm and stuck with what she loved.  I love that she had to work incredibly hard, learn another language, and travel to a foreign country to accomplish her goal.  I love that she didn't give up.  I love that light and airy look of the pictures.  I love that they included facts and a picture of Elizabeth "Bessie" Coleman; the historical touch takes this book over the top.  There are many things I loved about this book, and I am so glad my girls can read this book over and over again.

I did feel the wording in Bessie, Queen of the Sky was a little choppy at times, and a few aspects of the book that distracted from the book more than added.  For example the mosquitoes and the pink bird.  I completely understand why the mosquitoes and bird were added to support the negative thoughts she had as well as the positive thoughts or opportunities.  However, I feel they were a touch confusing at first and then overall didn't add much value.

This book wasn't perfect, but it is a really great picture that will inspire young girls to do and be whatever they want to be.  This book is fantastic; definitely go check this book out, or purchase it for a young girl in your life.

Kids self-esteem develops the most from 0-5 years old.  There are many things we can do (loving them, supporting their interests, encouraging and praising them are just a few examples) to help our child's self esteem grow and develop.  Reading this book is a great tool to help our children grow and develop.

I'm super excited that on Instagram you can have the chance to win a copy of this book.  Just follow me, @alohamoraopenabook, and wait for a post today.
  

Happy Inspiring Girl Power Picture Book reading! 

Bessie, Queen of the Sky by Andrea Doshi and Jimena Duran
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Best For: 4-10 year olds, preschool through 5th grade girls
Worth a Check Out: Yes!
Buy It or Not: Buy, especially if you have a girl.  So very inspiring.
Read Aloud: Yes.
Lesson Ideas: Goals, following your dreams, hard work, perseverance.



I received this book from Andrea Doshi and Jimena Duran, the authors, in exchange for my review and honest opinion.  All of my thoughts, opinions, and words are my own.

High School Graduate DIY Survival Kit {diy, craft, gift}

In college I learned I could get by on $30 a month for groceries.  In college I learned I could work more, study more, and have more fun with friends than I thought possible.  In college I learned that I should think before acting b/c the consequences can be painful and long lasting.  In college I learned that even the hardest classes still only last 4 months and you just have to hang on.  

College, and those early working years as an elementary school teacher, provided a lot of lessons learned.  I loved those years of learning more about myself and what I was capable of.  I truly hope the high school kids I interact with at school or at church can make fewer mistakes than I did and learn who they are and what they are capable of. 

When I was 17 I had a teacher at church that gave me this small Survival Kit.  It was similar to the kit shown above.  I don't remember all the items and lessons those items taught, but I remember looking back at the survival kit for many years after I received it.  

I teach junior and seniors in high school at church.  Many of the kids are graduating this week, and moving onto bigger and better things.  I gave them my version of a High School Graduate Survival Kit.  I also gave a little info or story to go with why that lesson is important to surviving the storms of life.  

When I scoured Pinterest I found some okay ideas for Survival Kits, but nothing I felt was really good to go like I was hoping.  Therefore, I made what I consider to be the best survival kit for high school graduates moving onto the next phase.  This kit has some candy and all of the items are easy to find and not expensive.  This kit has some fun reminders as well as deep and meaningful lessons.  I'm telling you, this kit has it all and it is good to go.    

You can print off the bag label/descriptions here; it is a document you can edit if there is something you want to remove, add, or edit.  

In regards to the Survival Kit, I placed all of the items in a sandwich bag, and handed a bag to each of the kids as we had a great lesson.

May this Survival Kit be helpful, and may it make your life a little easier b/c it is already done.  

Happy Do It Yourself Survival Kit Making and Teenage Influencing!

Out of My Mind gets 4 Stars {Middle Grade Fiction}

In some ways I feel Out of My Mind by Shannon Draper is a mix between Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli.  It's not a perfect mixture of the two, but there are a lot of similarities between the two other books which I think both, Stargirl and Wonder, are great books and read aloud.   

This book gets 4 out of 5 Stars in my book review of this middle grade fiction/juvenile lit book.  There were many things I liked about this emotional and inspiring read.  I liked reading a book by the perspective of Melody, someone with Cerebral Palsy.  I loved gaining a new perspective on this developmental disability.   I loved seeing Melody's confidence build, and overcoming great odds.  I loved her struggle with friends, but her need to have them as well.  I loved her family and the support system that she had, and I love that the story  came full circle.  

All in all, I really think Out of My Mind is an important books about an important subject.  I think it would make a great read aloud for s 5th, 6th, or even 7th grade classroom.  The teachers could find many topics like, character and kindness, as well as persistence, work ethic, and dealing with failure.  I think the benefit that can come from reading this book out weighs all of the negativity I feel about this book.  

I took a star away from Out of My Mind b/c the story was a bit obvious, predictable, and even unrealistic at times.  The big event near the end didn't add much value to the story, and many of the characters were very typical. The story had the cruel, uncaring, adult as well as the typical mean girls.  There was the amazing and caring friend, as well as the typical working mom.    The character beyond Melody were mostly predictable, and the story ended in such an obvious way.  Melody, the narrator and main character, has cerebral palsy and the things she does are inspiring, but for one with CP seems a bit far fetched. Tho, I was cheering for her the entire time.  I do think Melody is important, but I do wish this book was a bit more accurate for someone with CP.  However, still a valuable and important book on an important subject.

Overall,  Out of My Mind is a great read, and I hope more teachers and parents read it with their kids

.  
Amazon has the following book review from School Library Journal to give you a better idea of the story line.  

"Born with cerebral palsy, Melody, 10, has never spoken a word. She is a brilliant fifth grader trapped in an uncontrollable body. Her world is enhanced by insight and intellect, but gypped by physical limitations and misunderstandings. She will never sing or dance, talk on the phone, or whisper secrets to her friends. She's not complaining, though; she's planning and fighting the odds. In her court are family, good neighbors, and an attentive student teacher. Pitted against her is the "normal" world: schools with limited resources, cliquish girls, superficial assumptions, and her own disability. Melody's life is tragically complicated. She is mainly placed in the special-ed classroom where education means being babysat in a room with replayed cartoons and nursery tunes. Her supportive family sets her up with a computer. She learns the strength of thumbs as she taps on a special keyboard that finally lets her "talk." When she is transitioned into the regular classroom, Melody's undeniable contribution enables her class to make it to the national quiz team finals. Then something happens that causes her to miss the finals, and she is devastated by her classmates' actions. Kids will benefit from being introduced to Melody and her gutsy, candid, and compelling story. It speaks volumes and reveals the quiet strength and fortitude it takes to overcome disabilities and the misconceptions that go with them."


Have you read this emotional and inspiring book?  What did you think? 

Happy Enlightening and Inspiring Middle Grade Fiction/Juvenile Lit Reading!