Mom Loves 2 Read

Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee ~ #MeToo

2019-06-20T13:55:00.000-05:00

Introducing a new title for middle graders that I thought might be of interest to most of my readers

Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee

Barbara Dee explores the subject of #MeToo for the middle grade audience in this heart-wrenching—and ultimately uplifting—novel about experiencing harassment and unwanted attention from classmates.

For seventh-grader Mila, it starts with some boys giving her an unwanted hug on the school blacktop. A few days later, at recess, one of the boys (and fellow trumpet player) Callum tells Mila it’s his birthday, and asks her for a “birthday hug.” He’s just being friendly, isn’t he? And how can she say no? But Callum’s hug lasts a few seconds too long, and feels…weird. According to her friend, Zara, Mila is being immature and overreacting. Doesn’t she know what flirting looks like?

But the boys don’t leave Mila alone. On the bus. In the halls. During band practice—the one place Mila could always escape.

It doesn’t feel like flirting—so what is it? Thanks to a chance meeting, Mila begins to find

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Survival Tips for Family Travel ~ Join the Chaos

2019-06-05T12:19:00.000-05:00

So, you are planning a Wonderful family trip. You just know that each and every sweet, lovable member of your family is going to enjoy every single moment of togetherness and bonding. There is a whole vacation full of special moments you have meticulously planned and of course, each family member is going to be just as excited and enthusiastic, well-behaved and thankful for all your hard work planning this special adventure.... then, reality sets in before the car is even packed. . . fighting over suitcases, who gets to sit in the window seat, which movie to watch in the minivan. . . potty stops five minutes after leaving home . . . what can you do to get this adventure back on track?

Here are some tips

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School's Out For Summer! Let's Make a Summer Reading List Together.

2019-05-23T15:00:00.000-05:00

You know you just sang that line in your head. At least those of us over the age of 30something should be familiar with that famous line from Alice Cooper's song.

Nonetheless, whether you are familiar or not, school is out or nearly out for most of the US. And with a whole summer ahead, what better to post about than Summer Reading for kids of all ages. I have an entire list of some of my family's favorite books and choices for reading this summer.

What I don't know is, what is on YOUR list?

Mom Loves 2 Read is making a Summer Reading List that will be posted and updated as followers and visitors comment below with suggestions of favorites, classics and new TBR books that are recommended for kids of all ages.

So, please start commenting below with the Title and Author of the book, and what age range you feel it is best for. I will add them to the list (see button on right side of blog)

0-5 (Infant - Preschool)

5-10 (Elementary)

10-15 (Middle Grade)

15-21 (Young Adult)

18+ (Adult - clean only please)

(feel free to add the genre: mystery, romance, sci-fi)

Hailee by Penny Zeller ~ another amazing review

2019-05-16T09:56:00.001-05:00

Hailee by Penny Zeller

Montanna Skies Series #3

At twenty years of age, Nathaniel Maxwell Adams Jr., better known as Nate, fulfills a prophecy he made eleven years prior by moving to Pine Haven. What he hadn't planned in his youth, though, was to become a pastor, especially since his parents adamantly oppose the idea. So, as he shepherds a flock in the growing Montana town, he feels called to another smaller yet no less significant mission field: his mother and father.

For years, orphan Hailee Annigan was just a ragamuffin, roaming the Cincinnati streets trying to keep food in the mouths of her two younger brothers and herself. This often meant thieving, which landed her in the Sanctuary of Hope, a home for delinquent youngsters. There, her life changed, thanks to her patient, loving teachers. Now, at eighteen, she pursues a dream to become a teacher herself and bravely accepts a position in Montana. She still has faith that she'll find her brothers again someday, but for now, she's ready to put the past behind her.

When their paths converge in Pine Haven, their lives begin to overlap in ways they can't ignore. And they must discover if God intends for their destinies to converge, as well.

(spoilers ahead. . . . )

I was drawn to the main character Hailee from the beginning of the book. Her story of love and sacrifice for her younger brothers endeared her to me right away. I was captivated
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20 Recipes Kids Should Know by Esme Washburn

2019-05-10T07:30:00.000-05:00

Kids of all ages love to help Mom and Dad in the kitchen. From stirring the cake batter to trying to crack eggs without dropping shell pieces in the mix, kids love to learn how to create fun foods. To promote this love of cooking, having kid-friendly cookbooks with easy recipes is a great way to provide independence and creativity in the kitchen. Here is one of my new favorite recipe books just for kids ~ ~ ~ written by kids!

20 Recipes Kids Should Know by Esme Washburn

The perfect book for children, this fun and engaging cookbook is written and photographed by a pair of young sisters for budding chefs.

Whether they're helping stir cake batter or producing their own YouTube cooking channel, kids of all ages are getting increasingly busy in the kitchen. This cookbook features twenty classic recipes that are fun, healthy, adaptable, and easy to prepare. From banana bread and the perfect grilled cheese to breaded chicken and apple pie, each recipe is written in a clear, accessible style that young cooks of every level will be able to follow. The author is a young chef whose love of
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National Geographic is Poetic ~ Review: The Poetry of US

2018-12-07T14:03:00.001-06:00

The Poetry of US (ages 8-12, $24.99) contains more than 200 poems, all showcasing the diverse people and places of of the United States. Curated by former U.S. Children’s Poet Laureate J Patrick Lewis, familiar verses and brand new voices accompany striking photographs as the reader embarks on a literary trip through all 50 states and the many cultures, traditions, histories and passions that define us.

Poems are arranged by region, from coast to coast, and among them are works by Langston Hughes, Dorothy Parker, Robert Frost, Naomi Shihab Nye, Walt Whitman, and more. Reflecting the United States’ melting pot of people, the distinctive voices of immigrant and minority writers as well as poems in Spanish, Arabic, and Korean with accompanying translations into English are also featured.

From the familiar to the surprising, subjects include people, places, landmarks, monuments, nature, and celebrations. Inspiring, thought-provoking and particularly timely, this collection of poetry and photography eloquently reveals the spirit that unites US.

Early praise for The Poetry of US:

“...an expansive gathering, with dazzling visuals” - Kirkus

Review:
Celebrate the gift of language and the vibrant culture of the United States with this collection of classic and never-before-published poetry. Poems are arranged by region, from coast to coast,and are designed for family sharing, but geared to younger readers, this beautifully illustrated treasury is a must-have for the family bookshelf.

With three children ages 10 to 17, plus several nieces ranging from age 2 through 7; there is a lot of opportunity for reading and family enjoyment of books in my house. Poetry is one of those subjects that I personally love but have trouble getting many of the kiddos to read or listen to. The Poetry of US is a wonderful book that has easy to read and understand poetry that caters to kids (and adults) of all ages. Even the 17 year old boy got involved reading to the younger girls. I loved the cultural poems in the variety of languages that were translated into English.

A book I recommend for any household!

Affiliate link for purchase: AMAZON

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Summertime BLUES ~ what happens when the children run amok!

2018-05-23T04:00:00.000-05:00

I found this post that I had put on my blog a few years ago. Summer Break is coming fast and I have only a few outings planned for the kiddos. I want to keep them busy, yet still give them time for carefree fun.

I am interested in ideas! What do you do with your kiddos during breaks from school when you are not gone on vacation? I do have some chores for them but also want some fun ideas that are low-cost to entertain them and also stimulate their minds. Here is what happened in the previous post . . . . . .

When in doubt about how to get the kiddos to get along during school breaks - separate them.

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What happens when the bride wears BLUE? Find out in this review!

2018-05-22T02:00:00.000-05:00

The Bride Wore Blue

by Mona Hodgson

The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek—Book 3

Headed toward a fresh start but tethered by her past, Vivian longs to break free, to find forgiveness and love.

At last, the sisters are reunited! The youngest Sinclair, the family“ baby”, is moving from Maine to Cripple Creek, Colorado and joining Kat, Nell, and Ida. But Vivian is a young woman with a will of her own, and made some decisions back in Portland that have begun to haunt her. Will she be able to live up to the expectations of her three perfect and now happily-settled sisters?

The sisters warmly welcome Vivian to the mountain west, but the wild-and-woolly mining town isn’t ripe with opportunities for a respectable young woman. The youngest Sinclair sister is determined to make her own way, so when she’s offered a job as a

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New books in the Fairday collection: Check out this review of the original Secret DMS files!

2018-05-20T13:32:00.001-05:00

For this review, I was sent a paperback copy of The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow by one of the authors: Jessica Haight. I was so excited for the chance to read and review for Jess since she is my most faithful follower on this blog; and since I am always on the lookout for new middle grade books to entice my 10 year old to read more.

About the book ~ taken from the blog:

The newer book cover!

~ For more info on the book, the authors and some clue-finding fun ~
visit: Jess's blog: http://jessicahaight.com/The_DMS_Home_Page_.html
or Fairday's blog: http://thesecretdmsfilesoffairdaymorrow.blogspot.com/
Fairday on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fairday
Jess on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/@dmsfiles

My Review:
I fell in love with the characters in this book from page one. Fairday and her family are unique, entertaining, and completely believable. I enjoyed getting to know Fairday, her family, Lizzy and the kids in Fairday's new school. The mystery and suspense is perfect for young readers (and even older ones like me). The writing flows and I never had to re-read or pause to figure out what was going on. I love that the story is easy to read and understand and yet written in such a way that kids ages 10 through teen will enjoy the story, the characters and the adventure. I am anxious to see what happens next! The story ends perfectly with a mystery solved, yet with more adventure and mystery yet to come! Excellent job Jess and Stephanie! A definite 4.5 stars from this book lover!

On a personal note - I was trying to think of a creative way to entice my 10 year old son to give this book a try. So, I pretended that the spiders on each page were "scary" to me (I would fake shudders and quickly close the page repeatedly to make him laugh and tease me). Now, all 3 of my kids tease me about the spiders every time they see the book. - lol

I highly recommend you give this book a try - as I've found out from the blog, this is the first book of a series of five. I can't wait to read the next mystery solved by the DMS team: Fairday Marrow and the Talking Library!

MOM Loves 2 Read needs bloggers!

2018-02-19T13:03:00.004-06:00

Unless I can get one or two faithful full-time bloggers, Mom Loves 2 Read will not be able to continue.

If anyone is interested in taking over an established blog with great PR and over 40,000 followers let me know

Holiday Gift Guide 2017 ~ Books for Kiddos Teaser!

2017-12-06T13:59:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Mom Loves 2 Read's

Holiday Gift Guide 2017

BOOKS FOR THE KIDDOS!

National Geographic Kids!
A favorite of young ones of all ages.
Give a gift subscription!

Books make the best gifts -- a thoughtfully selected book will hold a child's interest long after the new toys have been tossed aside. National Geographic Kids Books is featuring FOUR new titles that are perfect gifts for the explorer in

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Dog Trouble Author Galia Oz ~ Guest Post & Exerpt from her newest book!

2017-10-31T00:30:00.000-05:00

The capricious muse or Hermes, patron of thieves - who not to rely on when writing a book
by Galia Oz

Looking forward to reading another positive post about fleeting inspiration that spawned a book? Not on my watch. People think that inspiration is like a good fairy; they wait for it to suddenly appear and tap them with her spark-emitting wand like in the movies, and suddenly they’ll know how to write a book. For me, however, it doesn’t work that way. For the most part, I sit down in front of the screen, grumpy

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What matters most? Boy Scouts now let in Girls?!? AHG sticking to roots!

2017-10-14T14:09:00.003-05:00

Apparently, the BOY scouts are now allowing GIRLS in?

I am Not a happy Mom!

(From CNN) The Boy Scouts will soon include girls, and not everyone's happy about it.

The 107-year-old organization announced Wednesday that younger girls will be allowed to join Cub Scouts and that older girls will be eligible to earn the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.

"The historic decision comes after years of receiving requests from families and girls," Boy Scouts of America said in a statement. The group said it considered input from current members and leaders

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Make the most of Hurricane weather - Earth Science for Kids!

2017-09-28T07:53:00.002-05:00

As I was searching around the internet for fun ideas to teach my younger daughter more about Hurricanes and the recent weather here in Illinois that has been affected by them, I found this fun website that has tons of great Science Education for kids.

It looks like a great place to find fun information about a variety of things including hurricanes. . .

And additionally has a huge selection of science subjects just perfect for a rainy day, or additional learning for a school project.

This is not a paid post. I just personally found this website to be fun, informational, educational and one that I will utilize with my 9 year old for weekend or rainy day fun. Personally I would prefer she be on educational websites like this one than playing Minecraft all day!

**Susan**

Beauty and the Beast for young and old from Silver Dolphin Books #review

2017-09-06T21:03:00.000-05:00

The First Stories series (Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and Rapunzel) is a perfect interactive introduction to classic fairy tales. Push, pull, and turn mechanisms bring the stories to life and introduce all the beloved characters with simple rhyming text and adorable illustrations. Pull the tab to turn the Beast into a prince, push the tab to fit the glass slipper on Cinderella’s foot, and pull the tab to let
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Back to School savings with Label Daddy! Check out the discount here! #labeldaddy

2017-09-05T01:00:00.000-05:00

Get ready for the new school year with personalized labels for each child's gear and save 25% on Label Daddy peel and stick custom name labels! Label Daddy is an amazing solution for labeling your belongings! No ironing or sewing . . . just peel and stick.

Their exclusive laminated coating gives labels an extra layer of protection and is a must for school! Remember to label all clothing, books, bags, sports equipment,
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HICKIES keep shoes together without the hassel of tying! #hickies

2017-09-04T14:40:00.000-05:00

Hate tying your kids' shoes everyday before they step out of the house?

Hate stopping to tie your own shoes mid-run?

Have kiddos that get discouraged trying to tie their shoes?

Check out the newest help for moms, dads, grandmas, teachers and kiddos . . . HICKIES!

HICKIES products turn any pair of sneakers into

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Celebrate Grandparent's Day with GrandBox and Save with a special discount! #my_grandbox

2017-09-02T02:00:00.000-05:00

Do grandma and grandpa live too far away for the kiddos to see often? Do you wonder how they are doing and if you should be checking up on them more? How about a fun way to show you care just in time for Grandparent's Day!?!

GrandBox is a
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Wisconsin Dells Adventures, More than Water Parks! #wizard_quest #wisdells

2017-09-01T13:21:00.004-05:00

Have you ever wanted to do something a little different as your kiddos are getting older? Love the water park attractions but maybe just a little side adventure might be what you are looking for? Have anyone in the family that prefers something other than "water, water, everywhere?" I have just the experience for you!

My family and I love going to Wisconsin Dells to spend days playing in the water parks and enjoying time together (actually more time apart now that the kids all go in different directions once we find our spot at the water park.) The thrill of the waterslides, the laziness of the lazy river, the fun of the bucket dump. . . but what about those like myself that enjoy a little water but prefer something less . . . well. . .wet?

My two older kiddos and I had an exciting time trying out a new adventure we had
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JOIN KATE AND MIM-MIM NEW DVD “SUPER KATE” ~ Preschoolers everywhere are so excited!

2017-07-30T14:23:00.001-05:00

JOIN KATE AND MIM-MIM AS THEY GO ON SUPER ADVENTURES IN THE NEW DVD

“SUPER KATE”

DVD Available from Public Media Distribution, LLC August 8

Public Media Distribution, LLC announced today it is releasing four stories from the popular kids series “Kate & Mim-Mim” on the new DVD“SUPER KATE.” Grab your cape and join Kate, Mim-Mim, and their friends on four fun-filled adventures in Mimiloo. In the story Super Kate, Tack zaps everyone with his supercharger invention giving them super powers – Kate gets super jumping powers and Mim-Mim gets super hearing powers. When Boomer gets into a bouncy predicament because of his super speed, can he be saved?

Additional stories feature Tack creating a superhero suit so he can be the “Mimiloo Superhero,” Boomer enjoying super strength with the help of Tack’s load lightener invention, and Kate and her friends helping a friendly dragon find

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Help! Photobucket Ruined my Blog . . . repairs in progress.

2017-07-22T12:05:00.002-05:00

Please bear with me as I try to fix the issue caused by Photobucket trying to get me to PAY for an upgrade to use their site for hosting images.

I am working on the blog myself so it will take some time to fix the issues.

I appreciate your patience and diligent following!

Modesty versus Popular for Girls' Swimsuits

2017-06-30T22:43:00.001-05:00

I found this great article on a fellow Mom Blogger's site. I have personally been struggling with what is appropriate for my girls to wear for swimming versus what their "friends" and peers are wearing. Here is a great article that talks about God's plan and how to explain modesty to my preteen and younger girl...

Girls for HIS Glory: The 411 on Modest Swimsuits: Hey Girls! Summertime is practically upon us! Yay! For most, summer means no school, days out on the lake, pool parties with friends, Camp...

Here are a couple pictures of our Mother/Daughter compromise - we are both very happy with the styles!

Overall although the choices were hard to make, my daughters and I had fun shopping, trying on clothes and having a "fashion show" in the dressing rooms and talking about modesty and how to handle peer pressure from other kids.

Disclosure: All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Review coming - check out Ripley's and Wizard Quest, Wisconsin Dells!

2017-06-18T18:58:00.002-05:00

Discover the world's oddities at Ripley's Believe It or Not in the Wisconsin Dells. Featuring three floors with 11 amazing galleries, you will experience puzzling illusions as you examine the large eclectic collection of odd and interesting things you will never see anywhere else. Become an explorer and survive the curse of King Tut as
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Amazon Fantastic Find ~ Check out this awesome DEAL! #ebook #christian #fiction #deal

2017-05-25T01:00:00.000-05:00

As a member of BookBub, I find quite a few new ebooks to read mostly free. Sometimes I find some that sound so good I pay the Great Deal of only $0.99 or $1.99 for a new book. Here is one I found that I can't wait to read! And yes, it is only $1.99!! Or Free on KU!

An engrossing biography of the longest-reigning female pharaoh in Ancient Egypt and the story of her audacious rise to power.

Hatshepsut—the daughter of a general who usurped Egypt's throne—was expected to bear the sons who would legitimize the reign of her father’s family. Her failure to produce a male heir, however, paved the way for her improbable rule as a cross-dressing king. At just over twenty, Hatshepsut out-maneuvered the mother of Thutmose III, the infant king, for a seat on the throne, and ascended to the rank of pharaoh.

Shrewdly operating the levers of power to emerge as Egypt's second female pharaoh, Hatshepsut was a master strategist, cloaking her political power plays in the veil of piety and sexual reinvention. She successfully negotiated a path from the royal nursery to the very pinnacle of authority, and her reign saw one of Ancient Egypt’s most prolific building periods.

Constructing a rich narrative history using the artifacts that remain, noted Egyptologist Kara Cooney offers a remarkable interpretation of how Hatshepsut rapidly but methodically consolidated power—and why she fell from public favor just as quickly. The Woman Who Would Be King traces the unconventional life of an almost-forgotten pharaoh and explores our complicated reactions to women in power.

Get your copy on Amazon.com!

💖 Susan

Review coming SOON! Check out Hamelin Stoop by Robert B. Sloan

2017-05-24T12:56:00.002-05:00

Hamelin Stoop: The Lost Princess and the Jewel of Periluna (Hamelin Stoop, #2)

by Robert B. Sloan (Goodreads Author)

This is the second book in the new Hamelin Stoop series, a young adult fantasy. Hamelin's story began when he was found as a newborn in a tomato crate on the stoop of an orphanage in west Texas. Hamelin's first adventures with the Great Eagle led him through the mysterious cave and finally, across the footbridge. He has learned that his quest to find his parents and learn his true identity will not be quickly done or easy to fulfill. The Great Eagle leads him through the dangerous Waters of Death and Life and into the Land of Gloaming, where Hamelin is thrown into the midst of a war already being waged between the evil Chimera and the mysterious Ancient One. He must help two new friends find a kidnapped princess and recover a stolen jewel, tasks for which they have special gifts that must not be misused; a scarf of sight, shoes of speed, and a sword of death. But these quests are only part of the larger story, a story including Chimera's plan to use Hamelin -- a child of two realms -- to seize the kingdoms on both sides of the Atrium of the Worlds.

Check it out and Book 1 on Amazon and Goodreads!

💖 Susan