Category: Books Reviews

Books Reviews

Jason Reynold’s Track book series review

Erin Sluka

For ages 10 and up, this book series by Jason Reynolds is for the track (and sports) fan! Ghost, Patina, Lu and Sunny are a track team and Coach guides them through their meets.

Book 1 starts with Ghost. Ghost wants to be the fastest sprinter on his elite middle school track team, but his past is slowing him down in this first electrifying novel of the acclaimed Trackseries from Coretta Scott King – John Steptoe Award–winning author Jason Reynolds.

Book 2 continues with Patina. A newbie to the track team, Patina must learn to rely on her teammates as she tries to outrun her personal demons.

Book 3 introduces Sunny. Sunny tries to shine despite his troubled past. Sunny is the chillest dude on the Defenders team. But his life hasn’t always been sun beamy-bright. But as he practices for this new event, can he let go of everything that’s been eating him up inside?

Book 4 is about Lu. Lu must learn to leave his ego on the sidelines if he wants to finally connect with others. Lu needs to figure out, fast, what winning the gold really means.

Read page 1 of Book 4, Lu (in Spanish)

Book 5 is the final book about Coach. Meet Coach as a boy striving to come into his own as a track star while facing upheaval at home. Sprint free or die is practically his motto.

Read page 1 of Coach

You can buy the series by Jason Reynolds on Amazon! Visit his Author page to find all of his titles and learn more about him as a writer.

Books Reviews

Dawn of the Dragons (New Dragon City prequel) Book Review

Erin Sluka

Book title: Dawn of the Dragons

Searching for dragons, Lucas finds Cinder, and he can’t help but feel sorry for this tiny creature and together they begin to form an unlikely friendship. But a simple misunderstanding between scales and skin is all it takes to spark a worldwide inferno. As the dragon apocalypse looms, can Lucas and Cinder find a way to help keep their families safe?

Add this to your Holiday gift list for your tween/teen. Part of the New Dragon City series, this book is considered a prequel to, New Dragon City.

About the Author: Mari Mancusi

Emmy award winning former TV news producer and author of more than thirty books for kids, teens, and adults. She also writes tie-in novels for Disney Press (Frozen, Nightmare Before Christmas) and Netflix (Wednesday).

Buy Dawn of the Dragons now!

Books Reviews

Book Reviews – 3 Young Adult Books for Fall

Erin Sluka

Carmageddon: How Cars Make Life Worse and What to Do About It

Carmageddon: How Cars Make Life Worse and What to Do About It

In this book, written by Daniel Knowles, the Author combines history, economics, and reportage as he traces the forces and decisions that normalized cars and cemented our reliance on them. From smog, accidents and all the bad things a car brings despite its best intentions, we look at communities around the world who thrive despite few people owning cars. Some chapter titles in this book are – Detroit Breakdown, Why You Can’t Beat Traffic, Gas Guzzler Nation, Go East: Lessons from Japan and more!

Available on Amazon – publish date March 28, 2023

Drawing the Vote: A Graphic Novel History for Future Voters

Drawing the Vote: A Graphic Novel History for Future Voters

In Drawing the Vote, written by Tommy Jenkins, we look at the history of voting rights in the United States and how it affects the way we vote today. It looks at our last results of the 2020 presidential election and the factors that shaped it, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the January 6 insurrection. It is a comic style book for middle school and up.

Available on Amazon – publish revised date August 30, 2022

War Doctor: Surgery on the Front Line

War Doctor: Surgery on the Front Line

In this book, written by David Nott, A frontline trauma surgeon tells his “riveting” true story of operating in the world’s most dangerous war zones (The Times). From Sarajevo under siege in 1993 to clandestine hospitals in rebel-held eastern Aleppo, he has carried out lifesaving operations in the most challenging conditions, and with none of the resources of a major metropolitan hospital. Some Chapter titles of this book include – The Bomb Factory, Damage Control, Trauma School, Sniper City and more.

Available on Amazon – publish date March 3, 2020

Books Reviews, Giveaways

Devotional Review – Clear Mind,Peaceful Heart by Lysa TerKeurst & Giveaway

Erin Sluka
Devotional Review - Clear Mind,Peaceful Heart

If you are like me, your thoughts are the loudest at night as you settle into bed and try hard to fall asleep. I am an over thinker, I feel things most at night and it can make settling down real hard. New York Times best-selling author Lysa TerKeurst and her friends at Proverbs 31 Ministries wrote this devotional, Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart, to help those like us find relief from the stress of daily obligations and pressures through 50 encouraging devotions and guided prayers. It is a simple read we can do at night to close our day.

Book Synopsis

What lies heaviest on your heart as you lay your head on your pillow? Are paralyzing fear and anxiety stealing tomorrow’s peace? Listen to this invitation from Jesus: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NIV). Experiencing this kind of rest won’t come from escapism, more vacation days, or stuffing our feelings. Jesus Himself provides rest to our weary souls. While He may not always fix everything right away, we can fix our thoughts on His Word. In doing this, we can sleep at night with ease knowing that God has it all under control.

What is better than some devotionals than a way to quiet fearful and anxious thoughts that always seem to be the loudest before bedtime by incorporating the Bible into your nightly routine? A cup of coffee in the morning! I have teamed up with Harper Collins Christian Publishing to giveaway a $5 Starbucks gift card after learning about this new book release!

Buy the Book – Amazon

Lear more about the Book & Author – Clear Mind Peaceful Heart

Enter the $5 Starbucks Giveaway BELOW!

Many thanks to Harper Collins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.