Picture Book Reviews

Shine Like a Unicorn

"Embellished with rainbows, confetti, doughnuts, and joy, Frost’s buoyant art rises to Glitter Poop’s energy." — Kirkus Reviews

Theo TheSaurus

- "Younger logophiles may savor the wordplay and appreciate the “Defino-Dino” who occasionally pops into view with a helpful definition."
— Kirkus Reviews

Theo TheSaurus and The Pet

"A well-armored sesquipedal-o-saur picks a “quintessential” companion in his second outing. The theme of finding and sharing a common language adds a buff to the basic vocabulary building. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Dinophiles and budding wordsmiths will be delighted." — Kirkus Reviews

Vivi Loves Science

"Fans of the series that began with CeCe Loves Science (2018) will enjoy this beach-themed exploration.

The brightly colored images rival those of Dreamworks or Disney in cuteness and charm while also providing information. Equipped with a checklist, Vivi and Graeme enthusiastically explore, best practices for safe (for both humans and wildlife) beachcombing effortlessly folded into the narrative. A nifty way to help young learners see the beach through the lens of science." — Kirkus Reviews

"A great pick for newly independent readers and an ideal companion to Cece Loves Science." — YA Books Central

Libby Loves Science

"Joining the ranks of strong girls in STEM [is] Libby . . . Brightly colored artwork bubbles with Libby’s enthusiasm . . . This book is a natural fit for classroom science units and home use." — Booklist

"The wonderfully diverse array of characters sport jubilant expressions as they search for, plan out, and try different experiments, from researching and working with ingredients to observing their results. VERDICT A successful marriage of solid information and good fun, this book expresses a love for the topic that will encourage kids to follow their curiosity and develop their own appreciation for science."

— School Library Journal

"The diverse characters are accessible and fun. Murray’s bright, cartoon illustrations, patterned after Harrison’s aesthetic, generate excitement around their adventures. ...Science lovers will be happy to continue collecting these titles, and the incorporation of well-loved activities like cooking and making slime just may convert science skeptics into science lovers too. Sure to inspire real-life experimentation. (science facts)" — Kirkus Reviews

Cece Loves Science and Adventure

"Derting and Johannes model the practical uses of STEM...this volume continues to build out their worthy message about girls embracing science." — Publisher's Weekly

Cece Loves Science

"Derting and Johannes model the practical uses of STEM ...this volume continues to build out their worthy message about girls embracing science." — Publisher's Weekly

"A wonderful book for fans of Ada Twist; it is also perfect for a STEM read-aloud. The array of adept female characters are sure to become reader favorites, as will Einstein."Words and pictures combine to make a smooth blend of entertainment and education that may be useful in early elementary classrooms. An appealing concoction.” — School Library Journal

"Cece's checklists and notes are interspersed throughout, Magic Schoolbus-style, and an endnote defines science terms. Smart girls, friendship, and fun: a winning combination." — Kirkus Reviews

"Harrison’s clean, bright illustrations add expression and personality to the story. ...this endearing protagonist earns a place on the children’s STEM shelf. A good introduction to observation, data, and trying again.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Cece is a smart and curious girl who loves to get to the bottom of all her complex questions. ...Harrison’s expressive digital illustrations have a lot of energy, color, and motion...A fun way to introduce scientific methods.” — Booklist

"It’s a good read for children, especially those interested in STEM.” — The Houston Chronicle

“'Cece Loves Science' is all about the joys of STEM education...inclusion at its finest, operating as a window into a world to which we can all aspire.” — My Statesman

Teen Novel Reviews

Untraceable (Nature of Grace series)

“Untraceable is a thrilling story is a dramatic entanglement of mystery, deception, and teen romance. The action flows like a brisk mountain stream interspersed with rapids, holding suspense to the last page.”— Kirkus Reviews

“Untraceable” will tug at and rip out your heart, yet cause you to fall in love with a new kind of hero who is vulnerable, unyielding in her convictions, and impossible to forget. S. R. Johannes has written the first book in what I hope will be a long-running series." — Suspense Magazine

“Johannes has done a marvelous job of creating a suspense-filled mystery with surprises that keep you guessing all the way to the end. Untraceable is a thoroughly engrossing and riveting page-turner.”— IndieReader

“Untraceable is action-packed and very funny in some parts. There is even a bit of young romance...There is a strong message of wildlife conservation, so it is somewhat educational in that aspect.” — Readers' Favorite

"Grace is...A Modern Day Katniss..." — Reel Life with Jane

“Grace is a spunky, independent nature girl who doesn't need a boy to save her. With wilderness survival, a juicy love triangle, and more twists and turns than a roller coaster, this fast-paced novel had me holding my breath until the very last page—and still begging for more!”— Kimberly Derting, author of The Body Finder series

ReWired

"Delving into the world of underground hacking, REWIRED crackles with tension. I loved every cyber-second I was immersed in Ada's world!”

— Kimberly Derting, author of YA thriller series' The Body Finder, The Pledge, and The Taking.

"Timely and terrifying, Johannes shows us just how easy it is to find a trapdoor into anyone's life. I'm never getting on the internet again!"

— Romily Bernard, author of YA thriller series, Find Me and Never Apart (2017), and better half of Commander ST Boliva.

"ReWired is a tenderhearted, thought-provoking young adult thriller that makes you update your passwords and call your best friend (and hang out in person away from video feeds.) "— Courtney Stevens, author of Dress Codes for Small Towns and Faking Normal.