Plumfield Moms

The Race of the Birkebeiners (Adaptation)

Reviewed by Sara
I found The Race of the Birkebeiners at a library sale and was immediately drawn in by the cover illustration. I knew nothing about the author, Lise Lunge-Larsen, or the illustrator, Mary Azarian, but this true story turned out to be a remarkable find. Later, I discovered that Azarian is the illustrator of the beloved Snowflake Bentley and Miss Bridie Chose a Shovel. Read the full review

Race to the South Pole

Reviewed by Sara Masarik
For the seven-to-twelve- year-old readers in my library, I was pleased to discover the Ranger in Time series. This new series features a modern day golden retriever trained in search and rescue. When Ranger uncovers an old metal first aid kit in the garden, he is transported back in time to the Oregon Trail where his skills can save lives. In each installment, we travel with Ranger to a different moment in history, learning about the people and events of that time right alongside the faithful pup. When I understood that this series was about a time traveling dog, I worried that it would be silly, anthropomorphized, and maybe a bit like the Wishbone television series. I am delighted to report that while the dog is an excellent character, he behaves exactly like a dog would and the stories are serious and substantial. In fact, they remind me of the Tales of Young Americans series. Written with good but accessible language, these stories are told in a way that is exciting and historically accurate. I think that these would be a perfect place to start for readers who want to graduate to the We Were There books. Read the full review

The Raider's Promise

Reviewed by Sara Masarik
Perfect for readers who love adventure, history, and stories of faith, The Viking Quest series combines action, romance, and spiritual growth in an unforgettable journey. Whether read for pure enjoyment or as a supplement to studies in geography and history, this series is a treasure that will captivate and inspire young and older readers alike. Read the full review