Book Reviews – Jean's Writing

Do you want more books that spark a kids imagination?

Published on July 25, 2018July 23, 2018 by Jean M. CogdellLeave a comment

It’s Wednesday and I’ve got another good book for you.

Today in Texas, the temp will reach 105 today, and 110 by Saturday. Whew, that’s hot even for me. And I love the heat.

Want your kids to do more than play electronic games?

Well, when it’s too hot for the beach, park or just playing outside, what’s a parent to do? How about find a good book to grab their attention?

Today, I’m turning the spotlight on, The List By Patricia Forde. This is another book recommended by my school teacher daughter and my fourteen-year-old grandson.

Received a Notable Award from the American Library Association, The List is a very different dystopian story. There are no zombies, vamps, or roving murderous weird creatures. I enjoyed the premise of using language to control people, and how they must risk everything to keep their words. This is something I hadn’t thought possible until reading this book. Made me think about our freedom of speech. The story and characters held my interest from beginning to end. This book gets 5 stars from me for originality and great writing. Recommended for ages 12+. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this one. Click on the image to find out more.

Have younger kids at home?

Check out these titles by Patricia Forde, click on the image to find out more about her books. And of course, don’t forget mine for your preschoolers.

Now fix yourself a big glass of something cold and relax. The summer is only halfway over, and baby it’s hot outside.

What do you say…

What books do you recommend for kids?

Are the kids in your life reading anything special?

Do they have a favorite book this summer?

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Do you want to encourage passion in a reluctant reader?

Published on July 18, 2018July 18, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Do you have a young reluctant reader at home?

The lazy hazy days of summer are here and many of you are trying to encourage your kids to read. Maybe their teacher gave them a reading list, but it’s a struggle to comply. Ready to try something new?

Reading is fundamental. We’ve heard that time and time again, but why? What makes it so important for our kids to find a passion for reading?

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines fundamental “as serving as a basis supporting existence or determining essential structure or function.”

Reading is paramount to understanding everything from math, politics to recipes. If we can read well, we can understand the world around us.

Without a passion for reading, a person does not read.

However, I bet you know a kid who hates to read. Why? Because they haven’t found a book that captures their imagination.

All kids have big imaginations. All that is necessary is to find a book that taps into their creativity. So don’t give up and keep putting book after book in front of them until one clicks unlocking their potential.

My daughter is a third-grade teacher and she sees this reluctance in kids every day. Recently she told me about a book that has NEVER failed to hook a reluctant reader. Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans. This is book one of seven. But once a kid starts book one, they want to read the second, third and then keep going until they finish the series. For a kid that hates to read, this book flips a switch changing what they think about reading. On a personal note, my five grandchildren agree with her.

Books by Richard Paul Evans appeals to all ages, from kid to adult, boys and girls alike. Click the image below to check out number one in the series.

Writing a review would be easy but over 1400 readers beat me to it. Check out what these readers had to say. Customer Reviews. And don’t forget the Editorial Reviews!

Do you have a book recommendation for reluctant readers?