books for kids archive at Desperately Seeking Reviews

January 1st, 2009

I’ve said it time and time again, I have the hardest time getting Matthew to read. I just don’t know what it is. I don’t understand why my children don’t like to read. It bothers me. I thought that perhaps canceling the cable would help push him to read, and while he read more than I thought he would after the cable was gone (read: once) he still doesn’t read like I want him to.

Apparently, I’m not the only one who feels this way.

A few months ago, I did a review on a book by James Patterson called “The Dangerous Days of Daniel X” which was specifically written by Patterson for boys around the age of 10. He has a son Matthew’s age and so he knows, as a parent, what it’s like to deal with kids who say there aren’t any good books out there. That’s what they say.

According to the 2008 Kids and Family Reading Report by Yankelovich and Scholastic, despite 80% of parents wanting their kids to read for fun, most kids claim there aren’t enough really good books for their age group.

I think it’s more of a case of kids thinking that they know it all. There are tons of books out there and NONE of them are really good for their age group?

Ok. Fine. Whatever.

But Patterson wasn’t ready to roll over and play dead. (Which, let me interject for a moment. I can only imagine what Mr. Patterson feels like. I’m just a book worm who wants her son to read occassionally…he’s an AUTHOR and his son doesn’t want to read? I think I would have an issue with that.)

Anywho, James Patterson has taken this issue to heart. He knows that one of the main obstacles for young readers is a lack of books kids can truly connect with, those rare stories that draw you in and keep you reading until the very last word. We can all remember the joy of a great book from our own childhood; begging to stay up ten more minutes to finish a chapter, then hiding under the covers with a flashlight to read “just one more.” Shoot, there were times that my mother would tell me to go take a shower and I would start the water and then sit and read. When she would come around and ask me if I was almost done and that I was using up all the hot water, I would quick hop in the shower, get wet and get out, only to take my book up to my room and continue reading. Patterson has made it his mission to give this experience to children everywhere and instill in them a love of reading.

He’s recently launched a website called ReadKiddoRead.com. He’s serious about this! The website lists books by age group and genre for children whether you’re still reading to them or they are reading on their own as well as provides resources for finding book discounts and promotions, features interviews and contributions from authors and celebrities, and even allows members to connect with each other via a Ning community. Providing kids with a love of and appreciation for books gives them something that will remain with them throughout their lives, and this resource helps make that possible. Plus, if anyone can get even the most reluctant readers interested in great stories, it’s James Patterson.

If you have a love for books or a child who does not, it’s definately a site that you should check out and pass along to all of your friends. Matthew thoroughly enjoyed Dangerous Days of Daniel X that Mother Talk sent us to review, so perhaps when I tell them that James Patterson is behind this site, he’ll want to check it out and have a little faith in it.

Until next time…

Filed under books, books for kids, books for teens, websites | Comment (1)

November 25th, 2008

Everywhere you turn now-a-days, young girls are continually bombarded with the wrong messages. From TV shows to music, I shutter to think what my 9 year old deems right and wrong. I’ve had to limit what she watches on TV because, come on now… do I really want her to think that high school should resemble 90210?

I think not. (And it stinks, because I actually like that show.)

Dannah Gresh, apparently saw the problem, too, and wanted to offer a solution. A best-selling Christian author, Gresh is debuting her first mainstream book series for tweens - Secret Keeper Girl. This four book Christian series explores issues relevant and age-appropriate to today’s girls ages 8-12. I even passed it on to some of my younger youth kids at church. In this socially advanced world, it’s awesome to know that Secret Keeper Girl is there as a guide to younger girls as they transition into modern teenagers.

The book itself is appealing to young girls starting with the cover and then later on inside with the rules for being a secret keeper girl in the back. There is a website that accompanies the series which allows the girls to find recipes for food mentioned in the story.

And the really nice thing about these books? Each of them has a “Girl Gab” Q&A section. It helps lead to conversations between mothers and daughters about making the right decisions in life… and I think that’s cool. I have no earthly idea how to start conversations with my children short of barking that they shouldn’t do something.

So if you want a book and website that will encourage your daughter and help them dress modestly and not succumb to peer pressure, I highly recommed The Secret Keeper Girls. Samara loved it and even went through her plumber’s test this morning, a feature on the website, to make sure her jeans weren’t riding a little low.

While it seems a little on the funny side, nothing made me happier than to know that maybe, just maybe, she’s listening.

Until next time…

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November 21st, 2008

I do. I love books. I love adult books. I love kid books. I love all kinds of books from paperback to hardback, ones with their covers ripped off, and ones with the pages dog eared.

So when Team Mom sent me books from The Secret Mountain publishing group, I was ecstatic. And I was even more thrilled when I learned that each of the titles comes packaged with a CD filled with music that accompanies the story.

I learned when looking over the information that many of The Secret Mountain’s titles have won prestigious awards and really? It’s not a shocker.

Duck in New York City

I was sent Dream Songs Night Songs: From Belgium to Brazil (which is newly released) and this story is written in 3 different languages. We loved it when we read it (even the 11 year old) because it’s always fun to speak in a different language. We also received Down at the Sea Hotel and A Duck in New York City which was my personal favorite. I love everything about New York and reading about the duck and his experiences in the Big Apple made me smile, as did the bright and colorful illustrations.

Now that my kids are older, we don’t have the night time routine that we used to, but we used to read stories every single night. There were nights that they just didn’t want to go to bed… “Just one more story mommy,” they would plead, and I would give in and read “just one more”.

While my children were a little old for the CDs that came with the books, I thought they were very cute and catchy songs that little ones would enjoy and they weren’t the type that adults would scream if they heard that song one more time, which is always a plus.

so how about you? Do you still read to your kids? Do you have a nighttime reading routine? We’re going to get back into one, soon, because I miss my reading time and my kids need a little more.

Make sure you check out the books by The Secret Mountain. Your kids (and you!) will be sure to love them!

Until next time…

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November 17th, 2008

Reading is something that I have always loved. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been reading to my children, and depsite the fact that they are now almost 12 and 9, I’m still reading to my children. We’ve gotten lost in so many worlds through books that all of us have over active imaginations.

The difference between my children and I is that I could read forever and be completely happy whereas they don’t like to read on their own. If I’m not reading to them, it’s like pulling teeth. Many times, when I get books to review, I am torn with emotions because I know that it’s going to be bitter sweet. I’m going to want to sit there and open the pages and look at the illustrations and want them to read them to me, but it won’t work out that way.

I’ve heard alot about Barefoot Books via the internet in years past and when I was contacted to review some of their books, I jumped at the chance. I don’t care how old you are, children’s books are still amazing things to read. They take on a life of their own, especially the good ones, and I can often find myself escaping, if only for a little while.

I received “The Boy Who Grew Flowers” by Jen Wojtowicz and read it from cover to cover the moment I ripped open the package. The quality of this book is enough to get even someone who doesn’t take time to notice these things excited. The pages are beautifully illustrated, the paper high quality, and the story wonderful.

Even know, as I sit here with the book in front of me as I’m writing, I am turning the pages in awe of what I am looking at. That in itself is enough to draw me in.

The story was one that both of my children enjoyed. They’ve even leafed through the catalog and selected a few books that they would like for Christmas. And for us, we were able to spend a little bit of time, together, with a good book.

Barefoot Books are comparable in price to what you would pay for a hardback book at one of the bookstores and while I can be frugal and not be willing to pay full price for anything, the price on these books are worth every single penny.

So, I want to share with one of you the amazing books from Barefoot Books. They have been gracious enough to supply one lucky reader a $25 gift certificate to their store.

So here’s what you need to do.

Visit Barefoot Books and leave a comment letting me know a title that appeals to you. It doesn’t have to be the one that you would buy if you win, as you can change your mind over and over again until you check out.

I’ll leave the drawing open until Friday, November 21st and then draw the winner. You don’t have to have a blog, but you do have to provide me with a valid email address so that I can contact you.

I think you’re going to like what you find. I know I did. And I’ve already got a list of things that I can get for Christmas.

And with that being said, there are going to be more giveaways this week because we’re approaching the Christmas season and I know that we’re all looking for things for gifts for those on our lists. So make sure you subscribe and check back…

Until next time…

Filed under books, books for kids | Comments (8)

September 14th, 2008

I’ve already talked about how it’s hard for me to find books to hold the interest of my 11 year old. It just is. While watching the Today Show last Monday (which I now do everyday since I moved the TV into my office to see NKOTB and only get NBC) I saw them talk about a new book called The 39 Clues. The more they talked about it, the more I realized that this would be right up Matthew’s alley.

Seriously?

I fully believe that authors are aware that there are more things out there competing for the attention of our kids and for most, reading is not as fun as playing video games or watching TV. The 39 Clues combines both reading and the internet for a winning combination.

I ordered the book on Amazon the day that I saw the segment on the Today Show. When Matthew came home, I shared the website with him and he was excited after seeing that through the book, and the website, there was a puzzle to solve, but not just with one book.

From now through 2010, there will be 10 books released, each solving one clue. The other clues must be solved through missions online and the cards that come with the pack (and ones that you can purchase individually).

While navigating the website, we also learned that we can share our cards with friends so we’ve already made arrangements to trade with Jenn and the boys are excited.

If you’re not into playing the online game, the book can stand by itself. But Matthew is just as into the book as he is solving the online mysteries and clues. His cards are organized and he’s excited.

The $10,000 cash prize might have something to do with that.

The book came and Matthew dove in. He registered on the website, determined which “clan” he belonged to (much like the sorting hat from Harry Potter) and he’s on his way. He’s got one clue solved and carries his book, cards, and notebook with him everywhere, so that he can continue reading and solving away.

From The 39 Clues Website:

The Cahills are the most powerful family the world has ever known. 39 Clues hidden around the world guard the family’s power, and it’s up to YOU to find them. It’s Cahill versus Cahill in a worldwide race to find the Clues . . . and beat the competition.

To find the 39 Clues:

Read the Books – Each 39 Clues book unlocks one Clue.

Collect the Cards – Game cards help reveal Clues.

Play the Game – Find Clues through online missions.

Win the Prizes – Play and you could be eligible to win prizes!

I contacted Scholastic and told them how much we LOVE the concept and the book and they were gracious enough to offer a copy of the book, a backpack and tee-shirt to one of my readers.

That’s YOU!

So here’s the deets:

Contest is open to bloggers and non-bloggers alike
Comments will be taken until midnight on Friday, September 19th (EST)
Winner must be in the US (or have someone in the US that can get the package and send it on to them)
Winner will be chosen by random.org and must respond to my email within three days. If there is no response, I will chose another winner.
Prize will be mailed directly by scholastic

Want to know how to win?

Leave a comment on this post with the name of your favorite childhood book? What book do you most remember that really got you reading? For me? It was the Babysitters Club books. After they were released you couldn’t, and still can’t, tear me away from a book. (Comments that simply say, enter me will be deleted.)

Want another chance to win? Link to Desperately Seeking Reviews in a post or display this AWESOME graphic on your blog!