Dear Mr President
Author: Sophie Siers
Illustrator: Anne Villeneuve
Published: April 4, 2019
40 Pages
Reviewed By: Jessica
Date Read: June 16, 2019
Jessica’s Rating: 3.5 stars
Book Description:
Sam has a problem. He has to share a room with his older brother and things aren’t easy. When Sam sees the president on TV talking about `the wall’ he realizes a solution is at hand! But who knew that planning a wall could be so tricky? The letters that follow invite conversations about the question of living with others in times of conflict. The voice of the young boy shows adults something of the nature of peace and good relationships.
Jessica’s Review:
It does not matter your stance, but it is a sad time in our country when political issues become children’s picture books. Fortunately, this will somewhat help small children to understand about the proposed ‘wall’. Please note that if you are a Trump or wall supporter then this book will not be for you.
Sam and his older brother share a room and like true siblings, it causes issues between them. One night Sam sees the President on tv talking about building ‘the wall’ and it sounds like a great idea to him! In fact he starts writing the President about his situation. Sam believes in one position about his wall and by the end of the book he is of the opposite opinion.
The book shows how communication and getting along is important to solving issues, even one as small as sharing a bedroom (which would actually be a huge deal to the children involved!)
It was cute to see Sam’s letters to the President evolve the way they did over the course of the book. I would have loved to see what the author’s interpretation of ‘the President’s’ responses would have been to Sam’s letters in this story, but that would have made the book even more political.
The book also teaches children about some real walls in the world: The Great Wall of China, Hadrian’s Wall in England and the fall of the Berlin Wall. The pictures throughout the book definitely add to the story!
I tend to stay away from politically charged books, which this appeared to be, but the fact that it was a children’s picture book had me curious as to how this story played out. I am glad I had the opportunity to read and review it.
I received a copy via NetGalley from the publisher.
UK Price Drop: Passport to Happiness!
I was on the blog tour earlier this month, and now the price for Passport to Happiness has dropped to 99p in the UK! You guys in the UK always get such great deals! **If you are lucky enough to be in the UK, be sure to take advantage of the special 99p price drop, while it lasts!**
Book Description:
An inspiring and escapist read – Eat, Pray, Love meets Bridget Jones!
Will the trip of her dreams…
Everly Carter is bored.
With her job, with her single status and with the never ending line of rubbish men on Tinder. Tired of going through the motions of seeming happy, Everly wants to be happy!
So, in a spontaneous moment of bravery (perhaps spurred on by a few cocktails) Everly books a holiday. Time away, alone, to find out what she really wants from life.
Become the journey of her lifetime?
Everly’s search for happiness takes her to picturesque Swiss villages and the sunsets of glamourous Bermuda. But with every new stamp in her passport, Everly still feels as though something is missing…
Could it be that true happiness is hard to find, until she finds herself?
Purchase Links: **Remember it is 99p in the UK!**
Amazon US
Amazon UK
iTunes
About the Author:
Carrie was born and raised in London, but her love for travel and adventure has seen her spend the last fourteen years living and working internationally. She is currently based in Spain alongside her husband, young daughter and adopted Indonesian dog, Bali.
Carrie is a traditionally published author with Harper Impulse, as well as an independently published author. When not writing, she works as a Psychic Medium & Spiritual Coach (www.carriebattley.com). To find out more about her, connect on Facebook (Carrie Stone) or Twitter @CarrieStoneUK
[Top]Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller
Author: Tricia Levenseller
Published: February 26, 2019
329 Pages
Reviewed By: Kim
Kim’s Rating: 4 stars
Book Description:
How do you kill a god?
As her father’s chosen heir, eighteen-year-old Rasmira has trained her whole life to become a warrior and lead her village. But when her coming-of-age trial is sabotaged and she fails the test, her father banishes her to the monster-filled wilderness with an impossible quest: To win back her honor, she must kill the oppressive god who claims tribute from the villages each year—or die trying.
Kim’s Review:
This is a great, simple fantasy story and I really enjoyed it. In a world of the same YA fantasy themes flying around, reading something unique is a treat. This book is a treat. There weren’t too many bells and whistles and that’s something I like about it. I also enjoyed the practicality of the details.
When Rasmira is sent into exile with an impossible task, she never once questions whether or not she can do it. She observed the problem with intelligence and objectivity. She is the perfect combination of faith and fact. My only real issue with the story is her absolute obsession with boys! I get it, she’s a teenager, of course she’s gonna be looking at boys. My issue is that in the middle of her life falling apart, an impossible task in front of her, her very survival at stake, all she can think about is boys.
Fortunately, Levenseller spins that obsession into a more selfless practicality; unfortunately, there was enough of the annoying stuff to affect my rating. I will say that this is a very good book for high schoolers and I think even those who don’t like reading would probably like this story. Very good good and a beautiful cover!
Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
