I’m adding a new aspect to my blog. I have been doing a great deal of Book Reviewing since I retired. I’d like to share my favorites with you! These three were published by Penguin Random House LLC. All books were provided by the publisher which does not effect my ability to give an honest review.

The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin 5 Stars

Irrepressible 14-year-old, Lizzie Novis will stop at nothing to discover the truth behind the mystery of her missing mother, an embassy employee sent to Poland in 1939. Undeterred by her grandmother and older brother, Jakob, she searches for clues to negate her mother’s reported death. Jakob, recruited by an ultra-secret faculty dedicated to breaking Nazi codes, works long, frustrating hours and has little time to devote to Lizzie’s pursuit. Only the strange, coded messages they begin to receive unite them.

Having read all Ruta Sepetys’ books, this one was a pleasure. While not minimizing the tension and terror of The Battle of Britain, this novel, aimed at a younger audience, lacks the pervading hopelessness and sorrow of some of her other books. Lizzie’s determination and unflagging optimism are charming! The historical backdrop, where Britain recruited very young mathematicians as codebreakers will have great appeal to high school students. The method behind the cracking of the Nazi Enigma machine is fascinating. The cohesive front of the English people behind Churchill paints a great portrait of a nation united against an aggressor. Overall, a wonderful book for YA Book Discussions!

a bear, a bee, and a honey tree by Daniel Berstrom   5 Stars

Bright, vivid illustrations portray the tale of a hungry bear who steals honey from the hardworking bees who have made it! Never have so few words effectively told a story! The bee, who looks grumpy to start with, goes from grump to aggressor as soon as the bear tastes his first lick of honey! It’s all downhill from there. The bear is chased by a swarm of hundreds of bees, each with an furious expression, until he hides in a clump of weeds. The hungry bear goes to sleep with a grumbling tummy, while the grumpy bee keeps watch!

Little ones will love this Board Book. It is ideal for reading one on one or using for an interactive Storytime with kids portraying the bear and the bees! The illustrations express both the bear’s and the bee’s facial expressions perfectly.  The vibrant pictures are amazing! Every library deserves to have a copy!

Outdoor Farm, Indoor Farm by Lindsay H. Metcalf          4 Stars

Told through verse and letters, two children, Emma and Efrem, converse about their farms. Emma’s family owns a traditional farm in the country. She has a dog named Bob, who catches Erem’s interest. The children point out similarities about their farms and differences, too. Country farms have tractors to work the soil; city farms have no soil at all! The sun provides light for growing vegetables on Emma’s farm. Efrem’s farm has lights of different colors. Each farm not only provides food to eat but also earns a living for a family. The country farm enjoys a break during the winter, but Erem’s indoor farm grows food year-round. An appendix explains why farms are changing. It also lists activities, videos, photos, and sources.  This simple NF book packs a great deal of information with a unique approach.