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Last update: 16 May 2024
Products Reviewed on the Blog
Foundation: Urban Decay Face Bond Waterproof Foundation. https://amzn.to/4a9TWvQ
Sunscreen: Blue Lizard SPF 50 for Sensitive Skin. https://amzn.to/49SfRrf
Deodorant: Tom’s of Maine Rose Vanilla Natural Deodorant. https://amzn.to/3UmjujF
Books
Special coverage: Recommended Summer 2024 Reads for children, here
Anti-Racism Books
Find them here.
2024 Adult Reads
In alphabetical order; bolded titles are must reads.
Born With Teeth, by Kate Mulgrew. https://amzn.to/3xXwPHz
Braiding Sweetgrass. https://amzn.to/3TV1NIQ
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults. https://amzn.to/3TUjRD3
Eve: The disobedient Future of Birth, by Claire Horn. https://amzn.to/3TBbZov
Finding Me, by Violas Davis. https://amzn.to/4arxPSa
Happy Place, by Emily Henry. https://amzn.to/4acxTpl
She Come By It Natural, by Sarah Smarsh. https://amzn.to/3UEYs14
Silence Is A Sense, by Layla AlAmmar. https://amzn.to/3Uo8Da4
Snape: The Definitive Analysis of Hogwart’s Potion Master, by Lorrie Kim. https://amzn.to/4av7u5U
The Bodyguard, by Katherine Center. https://amzn.to/4cAtZrH
The Smartest Kids In The World, by Amanda Ripley. https://amzn.to/3y0MpSZ
Worthy, by Jada Pinkett Smith. https://amzn.to/43BCZZG
2023 Adult Reads
In alphabetical order; bolded titles are must reads.
A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman. https://amzn.to/4aEbfpO
Africa Is Not A Country, by Dipo Faloyin. https://amzn.to/4aHpU3g
After I Do, by Taylor Jenkins Reid. https://amzn.to/4cLjwtM
All That It Ever Meant, by Blessing Musariri. https://amzn.to/3PWoHgG
American Royals II: Majesty, by Katherine McGee. https://amzn.to/3vIMCcC
American Royals III: Rivals, by Katharine McGee. https://amzn.to/49tz9Da
American Royals IV: Reign, by Katharine McGee. https://amzn.to/3xtw9cP
Angola Is Wherever I Plant My Field, by Joao Melo. https://amzn.to/3TOA4b
As Good As Dead, by Holly Jackson. https://amzn.to/3J7KlL8
As You Wish, by Chelsea Sedoti. https://amzn.to/3J9NIRG
Bad Summer People, by Emma Rosenblum. https://amzn.to/3U5NcdH
Battle Hymn of The Tiger Mother, by Amy Chua. https://amzn.to/3vGOqmp
Before The Wand, by Tom Felton. https://amzn.to/3TScril
Behold The Dreamers, by Imbolo Mbue. https://amzn.to/4cO7gIY
Born a Crime, by Trevor Noah. https://amzn.to/3PRG6XM
Britt-Marie Was Here, by Fredrik Backman. https://amzn.to/3vVe86y
Five Survive, by Holly Jackson. https://amzn.to/4ami1AL
Geek Girl, by Holly Smale. https://amzn.to/43TyEB9
Girl in Pieces, by Kathleen Glasgow. https://amzn.to/3Jero9D
Good Girl, Bad Blood, by Holly Jackson. https://amzn.to/3JbG9tG
His Only Wife, by Peace Adzo Medie. https://amzn.to/3J9OfmE
Hunt, Gather, Parent, by Michaleen Doucleff. https://amzn.to/3Ubd1rR
It’s Boba Time for Pearl Li, by Nicole Chen. https://amzn.to/3vAU0qt
Love, Pamela, by Pamela Anderson. https://amzn.to/49wxnkT
My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She’s Sorry, by Fredrik Backman. https://amzn.to/3VTfXvG
Naturally Tan, by Tan France. https://amzn.to/3PUrrei
Nothing More To Tell, by Karen M. McManus. https://amzn.to/49x6NI6
One Of Us Is Back, by Karen M. McManus. https://amzn.to/3vJLmpw
Onyeka and The Rise of The Rebels, by Tola Okogwu. https://amzn.to/43TrmgN
Open Book, by Jessica Simpson. https://amzn.to/49rvo13
Paris The Memoir, by Paris Hilton. https://amzn.to/3U7JFf2
Raising Raffi, by Keith Gessen. https://amzn.to/49oPKYZ
Seven Dirty Secrets, by Natalie D. Richards. https://amzn.to/4aJmyNe
Sofia Acosta Makes A Scene, by Emma Otheguy. https://amzn.to/3JbzvUl
Someday Maybe, by Onye Nwabineli. https://amzn.to/43TN4kE
Spare, by Prince Harry. https://amzn.to/4d0xWq6
Stamped (for Kids), by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. https://amzn.to/3xqmh3j
The Breakaway, Jennifer Weiner. https://amzn.to/4cONRYk
The Collected Regrets of Clover, by Mikki Brammer. https://amzn.to/49nRiCh
The Dead Romantic, by Ashley Poston. https://amzn.to/43Ns9zI
The Field Guide To The North American Teenager, by Ben Philippe. https://amzn.to/3TTt90Z
The Lunar Chronicles, Volume 1: Cinder, by Marissa Meyer. https://amzn.to/3TWJx0K
The Lunar Chronicles, Volume 2: Scarlet, by Marissa Meyer. https://amzn.to/3xpIf6B
The Lunar Chronicles, Volume 3: Cress, by Marissa Meyer. https://amzn.to/3VJGU4N
The Lunar Chronicles, Volume 4: Winter, by Marissa Meyer. https://amzn.to/3PTKTI2
The Lunar Chronicles, Volumes 1 to 4, by Marissa Meyer. https://amzn.to/3xjkw83
The Lunar Chronicles, Volumes 1 to 4, Fairest and Stars Above. https://amzn.to/43NhKUI
The Lunar Chronicles, Wires and Nerves, Volume 1, by Marisa Meyer. https://amzn.to/3JaZDyy
The Lunar Chronicles, Wires and Nerves, Volume 2, by Marissa Meyer. https://amzn.to/3vLTTZ5
The Lunar Chronicles, Wires and Nerves, Volumes 1 & 2, by Marisa Meyer. https://amzn.to/3PUREtf
The Vacationers, by Emma Straub. https://amzn.to/3TSdCy9
The Woman In Me, by Britney Spears. https://amzn.to/3TQe1kF
Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together In The Cafeteria?, by Beverly Daniel Tatum. https://amzn.to/43TcJds
Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race, by Reni Eddo-Lodge. https://amzn.to/4aD9VDs
You’d Be Home Now, by Kathleen Glasgow. https://amzn.to/4awwOJ1
Zero Days, by Ruth Ware. https://amzn.to/3xljE2L
Children’s Books
Series, Chapter Books
Anna, Banana, by Anica Mrose Rissi
For readers ages 6 to 10. There is so much for children to learn when it comes to figuring out relationships. The Anna, Banana series offers plenty of opportunities to have great conversations with an elementary school-aged child about these situations, within the context of a sweet story that doesn’t have bothersome red flags. One of Anna’s best friends, Sadie, has some manipulative behavior, but because Sadie is a secondary character and because we follow third grader Anna as she is trying to learn how to set boundaries with a sometimes toxic friend, this book came in, in our family at least, very handy at identifying IRL red flags. Over a sweet series with warmth and grace and plenty of potential for in-depth conversations.
Purchase link for Anna, Banana, and the Friendship Split: https://amzn.to/4ahhi3t
Purchase link for Anna, Banana, and the Monkey in the Middle: https://amzn.to/3vvqiDb
Purchase link for Anna, Banana, and the Big-Mouth Bet: https://amzn.to/3TYFPVo
Purchase link for Anna, Banana, and the Puppy Parade: https://amzn.to/3PIuFBN
Purchase link for Anna, Banana, and the Little Lost Kitten: https://amzn.to/3vCxEVp
Purchase link for Anna, Banana, and the Recipe for Disaster: https://amzn.to/3PErMBF
Purchase link for Anna, Banana, and the Sleepover Secret: https://amzn.to/3TUrUQ9
Purchase link for Anna, Banana, and the Magic Show Mix-Up: https://amzn.to/49kXATp
Craftily Ever After, by Martha Maker
For readers ages 5 to 9. A sweet series about friendship and community set within the love that four children have for creating, through construction and building, fashion, fabrics and sewing, gadgets and computers, or painting, drawing, or sculpting. The characters are made to face situations that readers will no doubt see themselves in — speaking up, standing up for themselves, navigating evolving friendships, to name a few.
Purchase link for Book 1: https://amzn.to/3V2yHb5
Purchase link for Book 2: https://amzn.to/4auj0xQ
Purchase link for Book 3: https://amzn.to/3V1FLou
Purchase link for Book 4: https://amzn.to/3WId9BO
Purchase link for Book 5: https://amzn.to/3RcgntZ
Purchase link for Book 6: https://amzn.to/3UH1W1T
Purchase link for Book 7: https://amzn.to/3wM8WSX
Purchase link for Book 8: https://amzn.to/3wOCak9
Purchase link, Box Set, Books 1 through 4: https://amzn.to/4bIO2TU
Purchase link, 4 Books in 1, Books 1 through 4: https://amzn.to/4bFA8Sq
The Critter Club, by Callie Barkley
Overall, this isn’t a bad series, but this recommendation does come with a few caveats. First, skip the first book. The very first scene of the very first book is the four main characters, who are eight years-old, playing MASH, which I find terribly inappropriate. Then, I would suggest keeping an open conversation going about the books. This is actually one that I read with my kiddo, or have the kiddo read to me while I cook (my own personal and adorable audiobook!) But again, overall, it’s not a bad series; it’s centered on the desire of the girls to take care of animals, and touches on all kinds of situations that eight year olds will connect with. The four girls are also very different from one another (one more intellectual, the other all about fashion, another one extremely girlie, and another one into sports), which gives every reader someone to connect with.
Purchase Link, Book 1: https://amzn.to/3Unl99G
Purchase Link, Book 2: https://amzn.to/4cX4qS9
Purchase Link, Book 3: https://amzn.to/4cZIxBr
Purchase Link, Book 4: https://amzn.to/4d6jxbK
Purchase Link, Book 5: https://amzn.to/3xRhLen
Purchase Link, Book 6: https://amzn.to/49JZBsg
Purchase Link, Book 7: https://amzn.to/441znAx
Purchase Link, Book 8: https://amzn.to/3Q8HBko
Purchase Link, Book 9: https://amzn.to/3U7DFSk
Purchase Link, Book 10: https://amzn.to/3UyA4OJ
Purchase Link, Book 11: https://amzn.to/49HqsWa
Purchase Link, Book 12: https://amzn.to/4aYrKgd
Purchase Link, Book 13: https://amzn.to/3xPpqtG
Purchase Link, Book 14: https://amzn.to/4b3uF7F
Purchase Link, Book 15: https://amzn.to/4aEbeCB
Purchase Link, Book 16: https://amzn.to/4awlSet
Purchase Link, Book 17: https://amzn.to/445CRlq
Purchase Link, Book 18: https://amzn.to/4aSozXK
Purchase Link, Book 19: https://amzn.to/3UoBafC
Purchase Link, Book 20: https://amzn.to/447B3Iv
Purchase Link, Book 21: https://amzn.to/3Q7EM38
Purchase Link, Book 22: https://amzn.to/3U3IzQb
Purchase Link, Book 23: https://amzn.to/3WnDdSP
Purchase Link, Book 24: https://amzn.to/3U7DWok
Purchase Link, Book 25: https://amzn.to/3U3OwwC
Purchase Link, Book 26: https://amzn.to/3w8NWpb
Purchase Link, Book 27: https://amzn.to/4aEkCpv
Purchase Link, Book 28: https://amzn.to/4cX4WQ5
Purchase Link, Box Set, Books 1 to 4: https://amzn.to/3UhbFwX
Purchase Link, Box Set, Books 5 to 8: https://amzn.to/3Ue2mxI
Purchase Link, Box Set, Books 9 to 12: https://amzn.to/3VXR02e
Purchase Link, Box Set, Books 1 to 10: https://amzn.to/3W15huP
Purchase Link, Box Set, Books 11 to 20: https://amzn.to/3Uhbxxt
Daisy Dawson, by Steve Voake and Jessica Meserve
For readers ages 5 to 8. Daisy Dawson can understand animals, which creates the opportunity for amazing adventures and some misadventures as well. A sweet series with enchanting animals and cozy, simple storylines that recall simpler and slower times. Daisy does have trouble getting to school in time and listening to her teacher, and she does come off as “misunderstood”; we took it as an opportunity to think about capacity and how to be patient with one another as we strive to be our best, versus not taking advantage of other people’s kindness and patience with us.
Purchase link for Daisy Dawson Is On Her Way! (1): https://amzn.to/4aJdcRI
Purchase link for Daisy Dawson And The Secret Pool (2): https://amzn.to/4cROCjp
Purchase link for Daisy Dawson And The Big Freeze (3): https://amzn.to/3VSi6Yr
Purchase link for Book Set, Books 1 through 3: https://amzn.to/49zjdzo
Purchase link for Daisy Dawson At The Beach (4): https://amzn.to/3VXbeJf
Purchase link for Daisy Dawson On The Farm (5): https://amzn.to/3W2AGgF
Purchase link for Book Set, Books 1 through 5: https://amzn.to/49z9Pf9
Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol, by Andres Miedos
I’ve always had a love for supernatural and scary stories. This series features supernatural characters but isn’t very scary. It’s well-written and easy to read, with great illustrations on every page following the investigation of the two lead characters, Desmond Cold and Andres Miedoso, members of the Ghost Patrol. But the best part is that every story is, at its core, about a supernatural monster of entity that is being misjudged because of their reputation. Every single one ends up being a kind and warm creature that is deeply misunderstood, trying to either keep baby turtles safe or just wanting to play because they feel lonely. It’s a great way to introduce and reinforce the importance of not holding onto preconceptions or prejudices, wrapped in a really fun and funny series of books.
Purchase Link, Book 1: https://amzn.to/3TwO75B
Purchase Link, Book 2: https://amzn.to/3Tue6dW
Purchase Link, Book 3: https://amzn.to/49bhOyS
Purchase Link, Book 4: https://amzn.to/3x6xPsu
Purchase Link, Book 5: https://amzn.to/3TP3mb7
Purchase Link, Book 6: https://amzn.to/3VvJrzg
Purchase Link, Book 7: https://amzn.to/4cs3zsh
Purchase Link, Book 8: https://amzn.to/4amQiiK
Purchase Link, Book 9: https://amzn.to/3IPMF9h
Purchase Link, Book 10: https://amzn.to/4asOl4w
Purchase Link, Book 11: https://amzn.to/3TQ8oEA
Purchase Link, Book 12: https://amzn.to/4apGowJ
Purchase Link, Book 13: https://amzn.to/3TP68gA
Purchase Link, Book 14: https://amzn.to/4aKDL9h
Purchase Link, Book 15: https://amzn.to/3VxxGIF
Purchase Link, Book 16: https://amzn.to/4a8fF8b
Purchase Link, Book 17: https://amzn.to/3Vwh04s
Purchase Link, Book 18: https://amzn.to/4a6Rgjy
Purchase Link, Book 19: https://amzn.to/49Xz7od
Purchase Link, Book 20: https://amzn.to/4cogBah
Purchase Link, Book 21: https://amzn.to/3TLvhZD
Purchase Link, Book 22: https://amzn.to/4au4W8a
Purchase Link, Book 23: https://amzn.to/3TOPWfh
Purchase Link, Box Set, Books 1 to 4: https://amzn.to/3VtMCaH
Purchase Link, Box Set, Books 5 to 8: https://amzn.to/4958In3
Purchase Link, Box Set, Books 9 to 12: https://amzn.to/49eKcQy
Purchase Link, Box Set, Books 13 to 16: https://amzn.to/43tJlKB
Purchase Link, Box Set, Books 1 to 10: https://amzn.to/498qlCD
Frank Einstein, by Jon Scieszka
Frank Einstein didn’t really bring much in terms of moral development, quite honestly. It really is more of an intellectual adventure read focused on science and the scientific process. Some of the concepts were a little hard even for me, but it was very engrossing. But the relationships between the characters aren’t the healthiest; there is a very typical evil villain, the good people are just good and some mildly questionable behavior is tolerated with even an undertone of admiration. But we enjoyed the adventure and the humorous moments, as well as the conversations we had about the ends not justifying the means.
Purchase Link, Book 1: https://amzn.to/3VN3TvV
Purchase Link, Book 2: https://amzn.to/49wpFa9
Purchase Link, Book 3: https://amzn.to/4ap7yUT
Purchase Link, Book 4: https://amzn.to/3vFfvX8
Purchase Link, Book 5: https://amzn.to/49nU0aZ
Purchase Link, Book 6: https://amzn.to/43MQAxi
Layla and the Bots, by Vicky Fang
For readers aged 5 to 7. A cute little series about a girl and rock band, all bots, who use their creativity to solve problems. The problems are not something that a regular child would face, but readers will connect to the underlying issues and the challenges faced by Layla and her bots.
Purchase link, Book 1: https://amzn.to/3K4DD93
Purchase link, Book 2: https://amzn.to/44PHIaH
Purchase link, Book 3: https://amzn.to/44PHJeL
Purchase link, Book 4: https://amzn.to/3QPjTdc
Purchase link, Boxed Set, Books 1 through 4: https://amzn.to/3UJCM2C
Magic Tree House, by Mary Pope Osborne
For readers aged 6 to 10. Get ready for some incredible adventures! Brother and sister Jack and Annie have a pretty good relationship; there are sweet and tender moments, but also tense, typical sibling ones, but I do not recall any toxic ones throughout the series. The children get to see different aspects of various times and places they travel through with the magic of their tree house, and we, as readers, get to glimpse a rich variety of different ways of living and being. The adventures can get very tense but never too frightening, and the stories always resolve by the end of the book.
Purchase link, Book 1: https://amzn.to/4b24rTq
Purchase link, Book 2: https://amzn.to/4b58VZt
Purchase link, Book 3: https://amzn.to/4a6rTxs
Purchase link, Book 4: https://amzn.to/3ULV0l3
Purchase link, Book 5: https://amzn.to/3UNY8vV
Purchase link, Book 6: https://amzn.to/3ygdmSr
Purchase link, Book 7: https://amzn.to/4a6MUbe
Purchase link, Book 8: https://amzn.to/4a1QvYc
Purchase link, Book 9: https://amzn.to/4b5vsFh
Purchase link, Book 10: https://amzn.to/4b58ONx
Purchase link, Book 11: https://amzn.to/3JLddZQ
Purchase link, Book 12: https://amzn.to/3JKiz7P
Purchase link, Book 13: https://amzn.to/44st35g
Purchase link, Book 14: https://amzn.to/44q78f3
Purchase link, Book 15: https://amzn.to/4dlHOed
Purchase link, Book 16: https://amzn.to/3WuUARE
Purchase link, Book 17: https://amzn.to/3wbjhYE
Purchase link, Book 18: https://amzn.to/3WrKSiI
Purchase link, Book 19: https://amzn.to/3QwzZsg
Purchase link, Book 20: https://amzn.to/4bkmrYE
Purchase link, Book 21: https://amzn.to/4b4cgYz
Purchase link, Book 22: https://amzn.to/4dtO1Vc
Purchase link, Book 23: https://amzn.to/3WsVIVV
Purchase link, Book 24: https://amzn.to/3WsTntN
Purchase link, Book 25: https://amzn.to/3WuUJ7E
Purchase link, Book 26: https://amzn.to/3WyZPQl
Purchase link, Book 27: https://amzn.to/3WoPRkk
Purchase link, Book 28: https://amzn.to/3QvSkpn
Purchase link, Book 29: https://amzn.to/3QslIwv
Purchase link, Book 30: https://amzn.to/4bnbKod
Purchase link, Book 31: https://amzn.to/3ULHDkT
Purchase link, Book 32: https://amzn.to/4boN8eP
Purchase link, Book 33: https://amzn.to/4bpMnCl
Purchase link, Book 34: https://amzn.to/3UPV7wk
Purchase link, Book 35: https://amzn.to/3UMDoWm
Purchase link, Book 36: https://amzn.to/3UMEIsp
Purchase link, Book 37: https://amzn.to/3wqmtQ7
Purchase link, Book 38: https://amzn.to/4btkR77
Purchase link, Book 39: https://amzn.to/3JMMMTt
Magic Tree House Graphic Novels, by Jenny Laird and Mary Pope Osborne
Coming soon!
Mallory McDonald, by Laurie Friedman
For readers aged 10 and 11. I started reading this series to my then six year-old, and there were many red flags in it. There were behaviors displayed by the characters, who are 8 years old when the series begins, that made me extremely uncomfortable and decisions by the adults that I couldn’t understand. However, I do think there is some relevance in reading this book by a discerning audience who can use it as a safe space to discuss situations and behavior. Officially, this book is directed to children between the ages of 7 and 11, but I would suggest that younger children be read to, and that parents of older children read along, and that conversations be held with children the entire time. We had fantastic conversations about addressing various, day-to-day issues like the ones in this book and discussing the pros and cons of how Mallory addressed them. Also, you will notice that while there are a total of 28 books in this series, I am only linking the first nine books; I didn’t feel comfortable reading volume 10 to my kiddo at that point, and she wasn’t too interested in the series anyhow, so that was that.
Purchase Link, Book 1: https://amzn.to/3V1qwfe
Purchase Link, Book 2: https://amzn.to/3V2TTxx
Purchase Link, Book 3: https://amzn.to/3WE6rge
Purchase Link, Book 4: https://amzn.to/3WRBdCa
Purchase Link, Book 5: https://amzn.to/4bmXpsj
Purchase Link, Book 6: https://amzn.to/4bGfamb
Purchase Link, Book 7: https://amzn.to/4arJ3pr
Purchase Link, Book 8: https://amzn.to/3V3Yvne
Purchase Link, Book 9: https://amzn.to/3you9D2
Mia Mayhem, by Kara West
Mia is a regular girl with a super secret: she’s a superhero-in-training! A fun and easy-to-read series with lovely illustrations that provide a great parallel to kids learning to put their spiritual superpowers to good use like Mia does with her physical superpowers. It’s a great way to talk about the importance of putting your talents and capacities together as a team, either the family, friends, or a group project at school, and not letting insecurity or pride get in the way. Mia is also a good role model when it comes to team spirit, dealing with bullies, and learning from mistakes.
Purchase Link, Book 1: https://amzn.to/3Vw5CoY
Purchase Link, Book 2: https://amzn.to/3VDN85Y
Purchase Link, Book 3: https://amzn.to/3TN9MHZ
Purchase Link, Book 4: https://amzn.to/3x5Y6qJ
Purchase Link, Book 5: https://amzn.to/3Pvus4v
Purchase Link, Book 6: https://amzn.to/4aiGo1I
Purchase Link, Book 7: https://amzn.to/3PCuRCl
Purchase Link, Book 8: https://amzn.to/493GdGs
Purchase Link, Book 9: https://amzn.to/49hPefm
Purchase Link, Book 10: https://amzn.to/498tToy
Purchase Link, Book 11: https://amzn.to/3vpDLMD
Purchase Link, Book 12: https://amzn.to/3vpHGZS
Purchase Link, Book 13: https://amzn.to/3Tzd2VU
Purchase Link, Book Set 1 to 4: https://amzn.to/3TvpciK
Purchase Link, Book Set 5 to 8: https://amzn.to/3Pzm7wO
Mindy Kim, by Lyla Lee
For readers between 6 to 9. I am of the opinion that fiction is essential to developing empathy and, therefore, to building a better world. Reading about Mindy Kim’s very familiar storylines (starting a snack business at school, wanting a puppy, dealing with unfriendly classmates, facing fears) through the lens of a Korean girl whose mother passed away when she was young, will help open the mind’s of children. Or, in the case of immigrant children, it will help them be seen. The family dynamics are sweet, there is no toxicity that I was able to discern, and every book held within its story many life lessons delivered gently and mostly in a subtle fashion.
Purchase Link, Book 1: https://amzn.to/4b2n74O
Purchase Link, Book 2: https://amzn.to/4b07NWn
Purchase Link, Book 3: https://amzn.to/3xIgxlI
Purchase Link, Book 4: https://amzn.to/3W4DWbi
Purchase Link, Book 5: https://amzn.to/3TYZK5o
Purchase Link, Book 6: https://amzn.to/3TYZFi6
Purchase Link, Book 7: https://amzn.to/4dezMUq
Purchase Link, Book 8: https://amzn.to/3U1goBv
Purchase Link, Book 9: https://amzn.to/3vV4UaH
Purchase Link, Book 10: https://amzn.to/3UmW4M5
Purchase Link, Book 11: https://amzn.to/4d36ckw
Purchase Link, Book Set 1 to 4: https://amzn.to/442wa3D
Purchase Link, Book Set 1 to 8: https://amzn.to/444QJwc
Nancy Drew Clue Book, by Carolyn Keene
For readers between the ages of 5 to 10. Nancy Drew and her friends are reimagined in this sweet series that follows the three eight-year-old girls as they solve non-scary and fun mysteries. Cousins Bess and George bicker at times but things don’t go into toxic territory; Nancy’s relationship with her Dad and their housekeeper is loving and caring. While some of the people that the three of them interact with display negative character traits, there are not truly evil characters, which I greatly appreciate. The girls are well behaved and follow the rules set by their parents even when alone (like the oft-repeated rule that when without adult supervision, they have to stay together and within a set number of blocks from their homes). No major lessons are learned; it’s just a sweet good time solving mysteries, presented in a way that attentive readers will be able to figure out the puzzle at the same time as Nancy, Bess, and George do.
Purchase Link, Book 1: https://amzn.to/49n03MT
Purchase Link, Book 2: https://amzn.to/3PP7Ax0
Purchase Link, Book 3: https://amzn.to/49mCXGm
Purchase Link, Book 4: https://amzn.to/49mtHSK
Purchase Link, Book 5: https://amzn.to/3J2uopo
Purchase Link, Book 6: https://amzn.to/3VJwQsm
Purchase Link, Book 7: https://amzn.to/3U2fW7b
Purchase Link, Book 8: https://amzn.to/3vG31yw
Purchase Link, Book 9: https://amzn.to/3U3qX8g
Purchase Link, Book 10: https://amzn.to/3VIObBK
Purchase Link, Book 11: https://amzn.to/4ankpag
Purchase Link, Book 12: https://amzn.to/49muoeH
Purchase Link, Book 13: https://amzn.to/49p9o7d
Purchase Link, Book 14: https://amzn.to/4aGfcKl
Purchase Link, Book 15: https://amzn.to/4aFF7lv
Purchase Link, Book 16: https://amzn.to/3xoRIv7
Purchase Link, Book 17: https://amzn.to/3vG3nFm
Purchase Link, Book 18: https://amzn.to/3U64mrP
Purchase Link, Book 19: https://amzn.to/3THwnEB
Purchase Link, Box Set, Books 1 through 4: https://amzn.to/3PP7Iwu
Purchase Link, Box Set, Books 1 through 10: https://amzn.to/4cGI9rw
Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, by Carolyne Keene
For readers between the ages of 8 to 10. This series is a lot like the Nancy Drew Clue Book, but although the characters are supposedly also 8 years-old, they come off as older in this series. I found this series first and my then 6 year-old didn’t really connect with it as much. She was interested but not fully engaged, not like with Nancy Dew Clue Book. What worked for us was to focus on the Nancy Drew Clue Book series while the kiddo was younger, and once those get a little banal for her, we will graduate to these ones.
Purchase Link, Book 1: https://amzn.to/4dJpETB
Purchase Link, Book 2: https://amzn.to/4arNznI
Purchase Link, Book 3: https://amzn.to/4dXhF5R
Purchase Link, Book 4: https://amzn.to/4dKz94Z
Purchase Link, Book 5: https://amzn.to/4bm3QMe
Purchase Link, Book 6: https://amzn.to/3WLVDga
Purchase Link, Book 7: https://amzn.to/4bI4eVa
Purchase Link, Book 8: https://amzn.to/4bBIEl6
Purchase Link, Book 9: https://amzn.to/3UMqFSd
Purchase Link, Book 10: https://amzn.to/4bDFQnG
Purchase Link, Book 11: https://amzn.to/3V5jZPB
Purchase Link, Book 12: https://amzn.to/4bE0pjU
Purchase Link, Book 13: https://amzn.to/3UF3pFQ
Purchase Link, Book 14: https://amzn.to/44InEHj
Purchase Link, Book 15: https://amzn.to/4anGmFw
Purchase Link, Book 16: https://amzn.to/4bKChw9
Purchase Link, Book 17: https://amzn.to/4bHhn0C
Purchase Link, Book 18: https://amzn.to/3K7iCe6
Purchase Link, Book 19: https://amzn.to/4apbvIB
Purchase Link, Book 20: https://amzn.to/3K5lV5u
Purchase Link, Book 21: https://amzn.to/3wGgkiY
Purchase Link, Book 22: https://amzn.to/4biItM7
Purchase Link, Book 23: https://amzn.to/4bEG8dT
Purchase Link, Book 24: https://amzn.to/3V1cKJx
Purchase Link, Book 25: https://amzn.to/3wPeQ5M
Purchase Link, Book 26: https://amzn.to/3K2sZQa
Purchase Link, Book 27: https://amzn.to/4dBpqho
Purchase Link, Book 28: https://amzn.to/3QQ4vgW
Purchase Link, Book 29: https://amzn.to/3wDNH5T
Purchase Link, Book 30: https://amzn.to/3K6aRF9
Purchase Link, Book 31: https://amzn.to/44N9Rz3
Purchase Link, Book 32: https://amzn.to/45214d3
Purchase Link, Book 33: https://amzn.to/3V3fcyZ
Purchase Link, Book 34: https://amzn.to/4ajnaZq
Purchase Link, Book 35: https://amzn.to/3V3MX3k
Purchase Link, Book 36: https://amzn.to/3wDNYFX
Purchase Link, Book 37: https://amzn.to/3ywfVQp
Purchase Link, Book 38: https://amzn.to/3WNjdce
Purchase Link, Book 39: https://amzn.to/4bmWJ6f
Purchase Link, Book 40: https://amzn.to/3WJVGck
Purchase Link, Boxed Set, Books 1 through 5: https://amzn.to/3WJU7Lx
Purchase Link, Boxed Set, Books 1 through 16: https://amzn.to/3wAM0pV
Penny Draws, by Sara Shepard
For readers between the ages of 7 to 10. Penny journals and doodles to deal with her anxiety, and the books in this series are the result of this habit. A surprisingly light-hearted and very uplifting stories that help readers understand neurodivergence better, be it theirs or someone else’s. Thanks to these books, we have had a lot of conversations about how everyone processes things differently, that this is ok, and that it’s important to learn to put together everyone’s unique vision of the world to get the most complete picture possible. Penny deals with typical fifth grade things, amongst others: losing her best friend to the more popular Riley; trying scary new things; new friendships; moving; and a whole set of others. Uplifting and heart-warming, with a host of sweet characters.
Purchase Link, Book 1: https://amzn.to/3TR1cbk
Purchase Link, Book 2: https://amzn.to/43uOimg
Purchase Link, Book 3: https://amzn.to/3TP4MT2
Purchase Link, Book 4: https://amzn.to/43wwmaW
Princess Posey, by Stephanie Greene and Stephanie Roth Sisson
For readers between the ages of 5 and 8. When Posey is scared or confused, she puts on a beautiful tutu and becomes Princess Posey, someone who always knows what to do. While Posey is a first grader, the things she deals with in this delightful 12-book series that spans about a year of her life will resonate with children in grades 2 and 3. From being in a play to having a family member get married to dealing with students who are rowdier than oneself, there is a lot in here that generated very interesting conversations with an kindergartner and lower elementary school aged child. The setting is idyllic in terms of family dynamics and finances, in a way controlling for the environment and allowing for a focus on the main situation at the centre of each book.
Purchase Link, Book 1: https://amzn.to/3Jcfih0
Purchase Link, Book 2: https://amzn.to/3UcYsFc
Purchase Link, Book 3: https://amzn.to/3xyrEh9
Purchase Link, Book 4: https://amzn.to/4cPufDv
Purchase Link, Book 5: https://amzn.to/4cLGssZ
Purchase Link, Book 6: https://amzn.to/43TZWY6
Purchase Link, Book 7: https://amzn.to/49vW1SD
Purchase Link, Book 8: https://amzn.to/4cLGy3P
Purchase Link, Book 9: https://amzn.to/43R7ECt
Purchase Link, Book 10: https://amzn.to/3Uflrj7
Purchase Link, Book 11: https://amzn.to/3UdJYFd
Purchase Link, Book 12: https://amzn.to/4arOXaX
Purchase Link, Set, Books 1-3: https://amzn.to/3xGYQCU
Princess Pulverizer, by Nancy Krulik
For readers between the ages of 6 to 10. The main character in this series has a character development arc that takes her from arrogant and obnoxious to almost humble and much kinder. I had to put that out there, because the first book especially set my teeth on edge. And to be honest, by the end of the series, she is far from perfect, but she is quite different from where she began, which gives a great opportunity to talk about the life-long process of becoming a better person little by little, day by day. And I really like the premise: a princess who wants to be a knight instead is told by her father that to be given permission to go to knight training instead of princess training, she had to perform eight good deeds. The side-kicks are a lot of fun, the villains are at times complex, and the adventures are engaging and gripping.
Purchase Link, Book 1: https://amzn.to/3TLkA8j
Purchase Link, Book 2: https://amzn.to/3J4gSSo
Purchase Link, Book 3: https://amzn.to/3J47QEO
Purchase Link, Book 4: https://amzn.to/3IYSSQu
Purchase Link, Book 5: https://amzn.to/43Kswv4
Purchase Link, Book 6: https://amzn.to/3PKSrNk
Purchase Link, Book 7: https://amzn.to/4cFLKG6
Purchase Link, Book 8: https://amzn.to/4ah1zlf
Purchase Link, 8 Book set: https://amzn.to/4ayusc4
Rebel Girls Good Night Stories
For readers between the ages of 6 and 12. The Rebel Girls range has increased a lot since they released their first book. We have only read, at this point in time, the Good Night Stories compilations of 100, one-page stories about incredible women from around the world. The stories are very brief, of course, and highlight one or two aspects of each woman’s life. They are inspiring and a gateway to researching into the lives of the ones that touch the heart of your rebel — or your own rebel heart 😉
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, Book 1: https://amzn.to/3Qayujn
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, Book 2: https://amzn.to/3UnjaCd
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, Immigrant Women: https://amzn.to/3UnjiBH
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, Black Girl Magic: https://amzn.to/3W0mYL6
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, Young Changemakers: https://amzn.to/3Qwy339
Secret Spy Society, by Veronica Mang
For readers between the ages of 6 and 10. Three young girls who dream of becoming spies are taken in by female historical figures like Josephine Baker, who all happen to live during the same time and in the same location for narrative purposes (this is explained in the book). The Secret Spy Society decides to start a subgroup for the three girls, called the Petite Private Eyes, which they send on missions of their very own. The mysteries are not scary, the twists and turns exciting, and the characters are mischievous and delightful.
Purchase Link, Book 1: https://amzn.to/3W57421
Purchase Link, Book 2: https://amzn.to/3W0NYu1
Purchase Link, Book 3: https://amzn.to/49GPYuE
Zoey and Sassafras
A rich and layered book that teaches children a lot about the scientific method, kindness to animals, respect of nature, and how to have healthy relationships. The only thing that bothers me about this series is how mother and daughter are in on a secret that they say they can’t share with the father, which leads to moments of deceit when the daughter (Zoey) has to go check on magical animals. It seems like the mother, at one time, tried telling the father than she could see and converse with a talking magical frog and that he didn’t believe her. I would love a version of this book in which the father accepts the mother’s truth and supports her (and now, their daughter) however he can. It did allow my child and I to discuss the roles and responsibilities of family members towards one another, and the importance of honesty and transparency, however.
Purchase Link, Book 1: https://amzn.to/497UdiA
Purchase Link, Book 2: https://amzn.to/3PyYi8t
Purchase Link, Book 3: https://amzn.to/3PzE1jd
Purchase Link, Book 4: https://amzn.to/3VCuCv7
Purchase Link, Book 5: https://amzn.to/4auQexF
Purchase Link, Book 6: https://amzn.to/4a6VJ5O
Purchase Link, Book 7: https://amzn.to/4ar483F
Purchase Link, Book 8: https://amzn.to/497UdPC
Purchase Link, Book 9: https://amzn.to/3TR7PtS
Purchase Link, Book 10: https://amzn.to/3TOpnHf
Purchase Link, Book Set 1 to 6: https://amzn.to/49fuapr
Bahá’í Books for Children
In Alphabetical Order of title
ʻAbdu’l-Bahá Loves Children: Nine Stories of ʻAbdu’l-Bahá with Children (Baha’i Holy Days), by Alhan Rahimi.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4crSDuF
Celebrating Ayyam-i-Ha, Observing the Fast, & Celebrating Naw-Ruz Around the World Coloring Book, by Melissa Lopez Charepoo.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/43sDLIx
Celebrating Ayyam-i-Ha Around the World, by Melissa Lopez Charepoo.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3TyYR3r
Garden of Riḍván: The Story of the Festival of Riḍván for Young Children (Baha’i Holy Days), by Alhan Rahimi.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4crBlxR
Garden of Virtues, by Chelsea Lee Smith.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4cG0fKi
Gratitude: Virtues of My Heart, by Melissa Lopez Charepoo.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4auh0pB
Jungle of Virtues (Tender Years Series), by Chelsea Lee Smith.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3x0PIsz
Justice: Virtues of My Heart, by Melissa Lopez Charepoo.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3vptKPx
Mason’s Greatest Gems, by Chelsea Lee Smith.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4crSZ4t
Mullá Ḥusayn: The Story of the Declaration of the Báb for Young Children (Baha’i Holy Days), by Alhan Rahimi.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4984afN
Naw-Rúz in My Family (Baha’i Holy Days), by Alhan Rahimi.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3TQG6sr
Observing the Fast and Celebrating Naw-Ruz Around the World, by Melissa Lopez Charepoo.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4cwtWNw
Reverence: Virtues of My Heart, by Melissa Lopez Charepoo.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4amK8iw
Roses Everywhere (Baha’i Holy Days), by Alhan Rahimi.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4amNC4A
Service: Virtues Of My Heart, by Melissa Lopez Charepoo.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3TyYPbP
The Bab and Baha’u’llah, The Twin Manifestations of God, by Melissa Lopez Charepoo.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/43AbNuu
The Birth of Bahá’u’lláh: Glimpses from Bahá’u’lláh’s Childhood for Young Children (Baha’i Holy Days), by Alhan Rahimi.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4apE3St
The Life of Baha’u’llah, by Melissa Lopez Charepoo.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3Tz3zhk
The Life of the Báb, by Melissa Lopez Charepoo.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3Tz3t9s
The Moon Was There: Glimpses from the Báb’s Childhood for Young Children (Baha’i Holy Days), by Alhan Rahimi.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4aqXA55
Unity in Diversity: Virtues of my Heart, by Melissa Lopez Charepoo.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/493xJPC
We Are One, by Melissa Lopez Charepoo.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3ISx2Ou
Products
These are products that I have or currently use, or that I have reviewed except for the section “Things my friends love”
Clothing and Accessories
Skechers Women’s Bobs B Cute Sneaker. https://amzn.to/3JJvqqI
Beauty
Deodorant
Tom of Maine’s Rose Vanilla Natural Deodorant — Purchase link: https://amzn.to/3UmjujF
Foundation
Urban Decay Face Bond Waterproof Foundation — Purchase link: https://amzn.to/4a9TWvQ
Moisturizer
Clinique Moisture Surge — Purchase link: https://amzn.to/3xbkn6G
Sunscreen
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 50 — Purchase link: https://amzn.to/49SfRrf
Home & Kitchen
Electric Spin Scrubber — Purchase link: https://amzn.to/3xqIHBL
Things My Friends Love
1″ X 2″ Rectangle Black Plastic Plug End Cap for Pipe Tubing, Chair Leg — Purchase link: https://amzn.to/3WriLQD
Flash Drive, 512GB USB C, 2 in 1 OTG USB 3.0 + USB C Thumb Drive — Purchase link: https://amzn.to/4a6hgKQ