Editorial Reviews for Nominees
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 Score: 96/100 (9.6 out of 10)
Elevate and Dominate by the incomparable Deion Sanders might just be the best non-fiction book we've read this year! Elevate and Dominate is an absolutely phenomenal motivational, inspirational, and instructional book crafted by someone who has walked the talk and succeeded in virtually every aspect of life—an NFL Hall of Famer, two-time Super Bowl Champion with the 49ers and Cowboys, eight-time Pro Bowler, the only player to appear in both a Super Bowl and a World Series, and now the head coach of Colorado Buffaloes, en route to guiding them to the greatest turnaround in NCAA history! Why wouldn't you want to learn from this man? In this book, Sanders outlines his 21 ways/principles for success. One of the first big takeaways we had from this coach is to always be willing to learn and to always be coachable. The best are always learning, not just stuck in their ways. Even Sanders himself is always learning. Perhaps the best explanation he gives is encapsulated in the quote: “Sometimes, when you're in the fight, you can't see the bigger picture. That's where I come in. I'm a FIXER. I've always been a FIXER. And I'm always gonna be a FIXER.” Essentially, this is saying that we're often blind to our own mistakes and weaknesses. These are things that coaches, teachers, and mentors can point out to us, providing constructive criticism that can build us up and make us better and better. Authors and writers fall victim to this “blindness” a lot. They will often be so familiar with their own writing, their own thoughts, and their own ideas that they are blind to what the typos they make or how their writing or ideas might not make sense to some readers. That's where editors and proofreaders come in. Coach Prime says that while many see him as naturally gifted and talented—associating his success purely to that—“this game is about more than talent—a lot more. I’ve always been driven to do and know more.” He talks about how he constantly watched film (of himself and players on other teams) and studied as much as possible. This is why he was able to know where the ball would be thrown a lot of the time or how he would run routes for receivers. In life, you should be always trying to learn and get better. Hard work can trump talent when talent doesn't work hard and/or isn't prepared. Just look at Mike Tyson versus Buster Douglas in 1990. Part of being a better person is knowing yourself and being genuine. Prime humorously calls this “getting naked.” To "get naked" means to be honest and vulnerable, confronting one's true self without pretense or façade. Sanders believes that only by being fully transparent and authentic can people make genuine progress in life, face their challenges, and achieve personal growth. This concept of "getting naked" is foundational in his coaching and motivational style, as he urges his players and readers to confront their fears, insecurities, and weaknesses openly, enabling them to build true strength and resilience. This also highlights Coach Prime's charisma and infectious sense of humor, using an uncomfortable analogy (like “getting naked”) to convey a meaningful message to the learner. Prime breaks the ice by promising to “get naked first,” talking about himself at his best as well as at his worst. Indeed, we get some emotional and riveting stories about Prime's darkest days including the time he survived driving his car off a 30-40 foot cliff or when he was on the verge of dying due to blood clots in his leg, begging, “Take my leg, take my foot, take my toes—whatever. But don’t take my life.” He talks about creating his alter-ego, “Prime Time,” as a way of pushing past personal insecurities, using it almost like a suit of armor around a much frailer and vulnerable person. These are truly some of the most powerful and emotional passages in any book we've read. He tells readers that “It's ok not to be ok.” In other words, everyone is imperfect. Everyone is going through things. Everyone has weaknesses, whether they want to admit it or not. Don't make a situation worse and be down on yourself because things didn't go perfectly, you don't feel good, or you made a mistake. Do the best you can from here on out. You can't control the past, you can only control what you do now. He tells us: “Yesterday is GONE. Tomorrow is not here yet. You need to think about the day you’re actually in. DON’T MISS THAT DAY. If I concentrate on my day and get that day’s stuff done, it’s going to prepare me for tomorrow.” He continues: “Just stay in the PRESENT and establish a good routine. Block all the other stuff out. If you don’t, it will eat you alive. Trust me.” Speaking of being genuine, you can really tell that Prime genuinely cares about helping and teaching people, particularly young people. Sanders started a youth sports organization called TRUTH. Initially intended as a single team, TRUTH quickly expanded to multiple teams across different age levels and sports, including football, basketball, baseball, cheerleading, and track and field. Sanders’s mission with TRUTH was not just to develop athletic skills but also to instill life values in young athletes. He emphasized academic performance, requiring participants to maintain a certain GPA, and brought in full-time tutors to support their education. Through TRUTH, Sanders aimed to nurture leadership qualities, encouraging kids to aspire to be CEOs and leaders rather than followers. His approach combined sports with life skills, focusing on discipline, education, and personal growth for a diverse group of young athletes. We're also told about the tremendous work and progress he made at Jackson State College as well as the current work and progress that's being made at Colorado, which is (at the time of this writing) one of the top-ranked teams in the Big 12 Conference after being 1-11 two years ago. Prime talks about how he's “raising those kids to be CEOs, not employees. Leaders, not followers. They thought we were teaching them football, which we were, but we were also teaching them life by being demanding of them on the field and in the classroom.” Sanders shares his sense of calling to make a positive impact on others, especially young people. For Sanders, feeling "needed" is not just a sense of duty but a divine purpose. He views his talents and experiences as gifts meant to serve a greater good, inspiring him to take on the challenges and responsibilities of coaching and mentoring. This belief drives his commitment to helping others reach their potential and face adversity with strength and purpose. This book has an extremely conversational tone and writing style, which is authentic in itself. However, Coach Prime is able to use this tone and writing style to tell beautiful, powerful, engaging, and entertaining stories. It's not unusual for celebrities to employ ghost writers to craft their books. However, Coach Prime's writing is uniquely his own. If you've seen him write on social media, for example, you know what we mean! It's not perfect writing with perfect structure and grammar. However, it's RAW. It's REAL. Props to Simon & Schuster (the publisher) for allowing Deion Sanders to go wild and retain his unique voice. Prime encourages readers to read this book with a pen in hand, underlining, circling, and/or highlighting parts that resonate with them the most or that teach them something new or special. He says that part of the purpose of this book is to help readers to find their “personal navigation system.” A "personal navigation system" is a metaphor for inner guidance and purpose. He describes how his own life experiences, faith, and values help him navigate challenges and guide his decisions. This "navigation system" is not just about setting goals but about understanding who you are, where you're headed, and how to stay aligned with your core values and mission. Sanders encourages readers to develop their personal navigation system by focusing on self-awareness, purpose, and discipline. Some of the most powerful quotes from Prime's stories, particularly involving his near-death experience in the hospital and the loss of his toes, are: - “God always gives his largest struggles to his strongest soldiers” - “The strongest steel is forged in the hottest fire. That means when you’re going through a tough time, that’s when you’re being tempered and strengthened. That pain won’t last forever. It’s there to make you GROW. To make you jump higher, run faster, and be better.” - “The enemy is trying to disrupt my MOBILITY. He’s mistaking it for my ABILITY. He thinks if he stops my MOBILITY, he can stop my ABILITY. That’s not true.” Circumstances may have taken his toes and nearly taken his life, but they haven't taken his ability to inspire and communicate. He is even able to use his supposed disadvantage and an advantage to fire up his players, saying: “I am eight toes down, behind you all the way.” In other words: I am doing all I can with what I have and the cards that I have been dealt, I expect you to do the same. Sanders introduces the "Three W's" as essential components of his coaching and life philosophy: Will, Work, and Wisdom. First, Will represents the inner drive and determination necessary to achieve success. It’s about having the resilience to push through obstacles and stay focused on goals. Work is the relentless effort and dedication that transforms intentions into results. Sanders believes that talent alone is not enough; consistent hard work is what truly brings progress. Finally, Wisdom is the understanding gained from experience and reflection. It enables one to make informed decisions, learn from past mistakes, and guide others. Together, the Three W's form a powerful framework for not only achieving success but also building character and leading a purposeful life. Also, be willing to work and be consistent at that work. One of the best examples he gives of this is of his step-dad, who “worked as a foreman for Wickes Lumber. And he put on a uniform every morning. I suppose he didn’t like it. He definitely didn’t love it. And there were times that I’m sure he didn’t want to clock in. Sometimes he was too exhausted. But nevertheless, I would peek out of my room and see him in his uniform, ready to go to work. I would always see him in the kitchen, getting something to eat before going to work. He was PROVIDING something for us. No matter how he felt, he fulfilled his duty to his family. That made an IMPRESSION on me.” Always go to work. Always do your duty. Stay on the grind, whether you like it or not. Trust the process. By the way, this section of the book, which talks about the power of a uniform, gives us one of the best quotes in the book: “WHEN YOU LOOK GOOD, YOU FEEL GOOD. WHEN YOU FEEL GOOD, YOU PLAY GOOD. AND WHEN YOU PLAY GOOD, THEY PAY GOOD.” There are so many amazing stories in this book, like the time when he played with a hammertoe and still almost had a pick-6 to the time when Coach Dave Capel let him play for Fort Myers Rebels in a better part of town. He noticed that all the parents in that part of town owned something, had big driveways, pools, and ate together. That gave him something to aspire to. It also highlights how one person giving you a chance, like Coach Capel did, can make all the difference in a person's life. There are a few funny and amusing stories as well, like when Shiloh Sanders (his son) was late for a Gillette Commercial and forgot/didn't know his lines. Boy, was Papa Prime disappointed! This book also says a lot about setting priorities. Speaking of which, we get this awesome quote: “If your problem is about money, it’s not a problem. You can get more money. If it’s about health, that’s different.” You only get one life and one body, don't trade it away for superficial things. This is such an excellent book full of great stories and lessons. Check it out on Amazon!
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 Score: 95/100 (9.5 out of 10)
Are you and your kids up for a beautiful, heartwarming story about a MAGICAL SUPERHERO CAT who does all she can to help her owners and the wonderful animals in her neighborhood? The Healer Cat is a truly lovely and unique children's book by Tuula Pere that is sure to appeal to lovers of classic anthropomorphic animal stories like Charlotte's Web, Peter Rabbit, and Stuart Little. With its wordiness and complexity, it may be more appropriate for middle-grade readers or for an adult to read aloud over the course of several days. Like many of Pere's children's stories, it can get a little bit dark, grim, and perilous at times, but it always circles back to light, hope, and positivity. The Healer Cat follows the titular orange tabby cat, Celesse, who possesses a unique and presumably magical healing touch. Interestingly, Celesse isn't the only magical orange tabby cat to come through our contests this year, the other being Leo, the vampire cat in M.C. Ryder's The Dark series. Like Leo, Celesse is a calming and comforting presence to all of the well-meaning characters despite her considerable power. In fact, her presence alone seems to have a certain magic about it. Anyone who has owned and fallen in love with a household pet knows that they have a certain magic about them. They can help us to feel wanted, loved, and welcomed when we're sad, sick, anxious, or alone. Celesse has that affect on her owners, referred to as “the master” and “the mistress.” They seem to live together in a house attached to a barn that includes and is surrounded by many animals including squirrels, rabbits, dogs, and birds. All of the animals seem familiar with Celesse, and she seems familiar with all of them. Presumably, this is because she was kind and helpful to them in the past. Like Big Bertha, the female cat from Animal Quest by David Bush, Celesse is viewed with immense reverence, admiration, and respect by the other animals. She is essentially viewed as their leader and, in a sense, their town shaman. On one cold winter's night, Celesse provides healing and comfort to the master and the mistress while they're sleeping in bed. However, the calm is shaken when a snowstorm rages outside. Celesse is alarmed and alerted to the presence of animals at the porch her ask for her help. Being kind, compassionate, loving, and just a great person, Celesse invites the animals in to get warm. Among them are an adorable squirrel family, some pretty birds, and the house's watchdog, Rex. Later, she is approached by a frantic and panicked hare (female rabbit) who begs her to help her baby, who is feverishly ill in their tree home and couldn't safely make the trip. Being brave, courageous, and amazing, Celesse offers to go to the baby bunny rabbit. Interestingly, this is also the first and only time Celesse reveals some degree of vulnerability as the cold weather clearly seems to get to her, needing to bundle up in a thick blanket and shivering. It's also interesting to note that it appears that the mother rabbit pulls the sleigh, revealing that the mother rabbit is actually courageous and strong in her own right. Not only did she make the perilous trip to visit Celesse, but she is also able and willing to bring Celesse and the sleigh to the tree house. Along the way, Celesse and the hare are confronted by a fearsome and intimidating gray wolf, whose appearance may terrify some children. However, Celesse bravely and boldly stands her ground, letting the wolf know that she won't be an easy meal. It is also somewhat implied that Celesse is able to use some of her magical powers to ward off the wolf (who “loses strength” in the presence of the “mighty cat”), or perhaps the wolf recognizes that Celesse is too valuable and helpful to the community to attack. As you might expect from a children's book, Celesse is eventually able to get to the sick bunny rabbit and help him. It's quite a perilous scene as the baby bunny is very sick, but it turns out great in the end. This is a beautiful and powerful story about compassion, friendship, and helping others. It's also extraordinary in terms of its illustrations. This book is beautifully illustrated by Klaudia Bezak, who details every whisker on Celesse's fluffy face and every hair on her fluffy orange fur! There's a real coziness and warmth to the illustrations in this book. There's a distinct orange glow throughout the book that both reflects the aura of Celesse herself and the aura of a fire, the sun, or another source of warmth and light. The accessories that many of the animals have is also a nice touch. The female squirrels are adorned with bows and ribbons/flowers. Celesse wears a blue pearl necklace. The hare wears a blue apron. Emotions are also excellently portrayed in scenes like when the hare cries. The tears pour down her distraught face. There are so many great things about this book! Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 94/100 (9.4 out of 10)
The Bird Prison is yet another deep, thought-provoking children's book by the incomparable Tuula Pere, our 2023 Author of the Year! This book seems to be a very tactful and very subtle allegory for serious issues like racial segregation, immigration, and the treatment/acceptance of minorities and those who are different. The book features Griselda, a proud, highfalutin, and pretentious perfectionist who treasures her flower garden as if it were the sacred Garden of Eden. She especially values its uniformity and homogeneity in terms of the flowers only being red (roses) and pink (rhododendrons). So, when different-colored birds arrive, it disrupts what Griselda views as the perfection of the garden. A bluebird lays a nest of eggs in the garden but is berated by Griselda and told that she doesn't “fit” the garden. A yellow bird also lays a nest of eggs there, but is likewise rejected by Griselda who accuses her of ruining the “order and harmony” of the garden. Even when the birds agree not to make any noise in exchange for being able to sit on their eggs, Griselda still finds a reason to persecute them and decides to place them in a bird cage. The birds wrestle with why they're being rejected and persecuted. What wrong did they commit? What crime? Having seemingly lost their freedom, the birds are approached by a friendly ant, of all things. The ant offers to help them escape, working with other ants to dig an escape tunnel out from the bottom of the cage. The birds are able to escape, leaving the garden “silent” and “only pink and red again.” In other words, a lot of the diversity, creativity, and song that the birds brought is lost to Griselda due to her stubbornness and bigotry. The book says so much in only about 20 or so pages. Bringing this home a bit, it provides some commentary on why completely keeping outsiders (immigrants) out could negatively impact a country like the United States, the United Kingdom, or France, all of which have wrestled with this issue for the past decade or so. Homogeneity (everyone being the same) may seem simpler, more harmonious, more orderly, and less chaotic, but it also leaves you open to a lot of issues that could threaten your survival as a people and a nation. You can look at North Korea and Turkmenistan as two mostly-homogenous nations that have suffered from being closed off, struggling in areas like technological innovation and trade because of it. Diversity brings creativity and fresh, new ideas. It's arguably one of the things that allowed the United States to overtake the Soviet Union during the Cold War as ethnic and racial minorities like Jews and Blacks were able to contribute to new technological and scientific innovations. On a biological/evolutionary level, there's also the example of the Great Irish Potato Famine (1845-1852) in which potato blight was able to destroy a massive amount of crops due (in part) to a lack in diversity in potato gene pool that could've otherwise provided resistance to the mold responsible for the blight. In Pere's book, we can see how the absence of the birds—who are beautiful, colorful, vibrant, and full of song—leaves a void in the garden and presumably Griselda's life going forward. Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 91+/100 (9.1+ out of 10)
Jonty and the Giant Pike is an exciting and thought-provoking children's book by Tuula Pere. Jonty is a little boy who loves to go fishing with his dad! One day, his ambitious and industrious dad decides that it would be nice to have a pond right near the house, so he starts a building project! Jonty is delighted and excited by the prospect of having his own fish pond, especially since the lake freezes up, limiting the amount of fishing they can do there. In a sense, it actually reminded us a little bit of Ronnie's Pool by Lindsay Ann Frank, a story about characters building a pool in their back yard. In this case, Jonty and his dad want an artificial pond where they can breed and raise rainbow trout. They go to the fish farm and gather a school of baby rainbow trout. Jonty is overjoyed (and a little anxious) about having so many baby rainbow trout in his back yard! The rainbow trout grow day by day, but Jonty becomes impatient. He wants to fish for them when they're full-grown. His impatience leads him back to the dock where—in the book's biggest twist—he catches a giant pike (a big fish) with the help of his mother. However, when they've just about gotten the giant pike home, it escapes into the pond full of baby rainbow trout! Oh, no! Jonty and his dad worry that the giant pike will eat all of the rainbow trout. The dad tries desperately to catch it with a net, but to no avail. The giant pike joins the pond community. Interestingly, Jonty becomes very attached to the giant pike (or the idea of him) and starts to worry about him too. He worries that he'll eventually run out of food and company, becoming bored and lonely. He worries that the giant pike may miss being home in the lake with the other pikes. We did not expect that! The giant pike actually becomes the most compelling and interesting character in the book, which is interesting because he's almost introduced to us like a villain or antagonist—a force that might destroy the ecosystem of the pond by eating the other fish. In a nice turn, the giant pike becomes an extremely sympathetic and relatable character who just wants to be free. His battle and quest for freedom culminates in numerous escape attempts, including a crucial one from a large plastic water container when the pond is drained. What a thought-provoking story! Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 94/100 (9.4 out of 10)
My Sunflowers by Tuula Pere is a colorful, heartwarming children's book that explores the childlike wonder of growing your first flowering plant! Do you remember the first time you brought a plant home? Did you treasure it at first, then forget to water it? Have you ever planted a seed and wondered what it would grow into? Many of us have tried our hands at gardening. There's just something about it... the idea that such a little thing—a seed—can grow into a spectacular plant or flower with just the right amount of nurturing and care. A little bit of water, soil, sunlight, and care can make all the difference, not just in gardening but in life. With that said, there's something very familiar, cozy, and comforting about this book. Pere's books always manage to capture certain feelings and emotions that many other children's books just can't, even with a book that seems as simple and mellow as this one. My Sunflowers follows a curious little girl named Millie. Millie's parents seem to be passionate about gardening, specifically growing edible vegetables. Her parents view gardening in a practical way, choosing to only grow things they can eat. However, Millie is compelled by the idea of planting and growing sunflower seeds. Her mother tries to convince her that sunflowers can't be eaten and that she'd be better off planting something else. Mom tells her that gardening is a lot of work and that Millie would have a poor return on investment by growing sunflowers. Millie won't be discouraged. In fact, the nay-saying seems to only stir her curiosity and ambition. Seeing some pots that aren't being used, she seizes the opportunity to start her sunflower-growing project! She seems to use some of her chore earnings to buy seedlings from the local garden shop, whose owner shares her enthusiasm while echoing her mom's sentiments that gardening is a lot of work. Millie excitedly sows her seedlings, doing so secretly, promising to take good care of the flowers. She waters them daily and watches as they grow bigger and bigger, taller and taller. Eventually, the buds blossom! A rush of joy and accomplishment washes over Millie as she realizes that all her time, dedication, hard work, and hopes had come to fruition. However, the harsh seasons come. Autumn brings less sunlight, and a storm is brewing! What can she do to protect her precious sunflowers? Well, thankfully, she accepts the garden shop owner's advice to tie the flowers to stakes, helping to support them. It should be noted that Millie herself appears to have grown by this point in the book, perhaps poetically. Millie is rewarded for her tireless effort and undying hope with the biggest, brightest, most beautiful sunflowers imaginable! They even impress and win over her parents! What an inspirational and encouraging story for children! And it accomplishes this so subtly. That's skill! It should also be noted that the illustrations are great! Catty Flores's illustrations are really growing on us. They're a little unconventional, but they definitely work. Each of these illustrations is bright, colorful, and vibrant. We love the mossy textures of the vines on page 16. We love all the detailed flowers and produce in the market scene. We can definitely recommend this book for parents to read to their children. Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 89/100 (8.9 out of 10)
Baer Charlton’s A Skeleton in Bone Creek introduces Nash Running Bear, a highly skilled FBI agent who finds herself entangled in a case that is as personal as it is professional. Set in the rural Harkin County, California, the novel begins with the discovery of a skeleton in Bone Creek, an ominous location with a reputation for hiding secrets. While the premise offers potential for a gripping crime mystery, the execution arguably falters due to uneven pacing, inconsistent tone, and underdeveloped themes. The story centers on Nash, a Native American FBI agent and former Marine, returning to her insular hometown to investigate a skeleton found in Bone Creek. The creek, with its peculiar lime and alkali-rich waters, not only preserves bones but also serves as a symbol of the town’s hidden darkness. What initially appears to be a single case of accidental death spirals into the revelation of multiple skeletons, suggesting a serial killer operating in the area. While the narrative hints at larger conspiracies and buried secrets, the pacing feels sluggish, particularly in the first half. Lengthy descriptions and unnecessary diversions bog down the story, making it difficult to maintain focus on the central mystery. The constant shift between Nash’s investigation and her personal struggles often feels disjointed, leaving the reader unsure of the story’s true focus. Charlton attempts to explore weighty themes such as identity, justice, and belonging, but these are often overshadowed by the book’s tonal inconsistencies. Nash’s return to Harkin County should have been a rich exploration of her Native American heritage and her status as an outsider in a conservative community. Instead, these themes are treated with a surface-level approach that fails to fully integrate them into the narrative. The book’s tone fluctuates awkwardly between grim crime investigation and lighthearted banter. Characters like Cindy Lou Brady, a talkative and overly quirky deputy, and Powder, an eccentric working dog, add humor but detract from the gravity of the serial crimes at the story’s core. This tonal imbalance undermines the book’s ability to deliver the tension and seriousness expected from a crime mystery. Nash Running Bear is a competent and intriguing protagonist, but her characterization often leans into improbability. She is portrayed as almost infallible, always anticipating the next twist or unraveling clues with ease. This perfection makes her less relatable and undermines the tension of her challenges. Her personal struggles, such as her strained marriage to Mina, who is battling a brain tumor, add depth but feel underutilized. Mina’s role is reduced to brief, emotionally distant phone calls that fail to resonate or connect to the main story. Similarly, Nash’s interactions with her sister Daisy and her uncle hint at potential character development but remain shallow, leaving these relationships feeling incomplete. Sheriff Thomas Brady, a key character from Nash’s past, offers some complexity, but his interactions with Nash feel repetitive and lack the depth needed to make their shared history compelling. Cindy Lou Brady, despite her charm, feels more like a caricature than a fully realized character. The book’s strongest element is its setting. Bone Creek is vividly described, and its strange ecosystem is an effective metaphor for the town’s secrets. The forensic details of the investigation are well-researched, adding a layer of authenticity to the story. Charlton’s efforts to include Native American and LGBTQ+ representation are commendable, even if they fall short in execution. The slow pacing and overuse of descriptive passages hinder the narrative’s momentum. The tonal inconsistencies—veering from grim to comical—make it difficult to take the story seriously, especially given its subject matter of serial crimes. While Nash’s identity as a Native American lesbian is central to her character, the exploration of these aspects often feels forced and performative rather than organic. The portrayal of supporting characters is similarly uneven. Cindy Lou and Powder feel like they belong in a different story altogether, while the dynamics between Nash and her family lack the emotional weight to leave a lasting impression. Furthermore, the book’s attempt to blend cultural representation with a crime mystery feels superficial, leaving neither element fully realized. Now, you could argue that Powder supplies some cuteness and animal charm to the book. At the same time, that compounds the issues we had with tone. Usually, you wouldn't want a story about such grim and disturbing circumstances to be “cute” or funny. A Skeleton in Bone Creek has an intriguing premise and a protagonist with great potential, but it is really rough around the edges. The story is bogged down by uneven pacing, tonal inconsistencies, and underdeveloped themes. While there are moments of brilliance, such as the evocative description of Bone Creek and the forensic intricacies of the investigation, these are overshadowed by the book’s structural and narrative shortcomings. A Skeleton in Bone Creek is an intriguing detective story that balances procedural investigation with themes of identity and redemption. Nash Running Bear is a compelling protagonist, and the mystery surrounding Bone Creek keeps readers engaged. However, the book’s tonal inconsistencies and occasional character flaws may detract from the overall experience. Despite its imperfections, the novel offers a fresh perspective on the detective genre, intertwining cultural representation and crime drama. Readers looking for a story that blends forensic science with personal and social complexities may appreciate in Baer Charlton’s work. Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 95.8 out of 100 (9.58 out of 10)
Hide and Seek Alphabet with American Animals by Anna Finch is one of the best and most ambitious children's books of the year! Anna Finch has proven herself to be a bona fide stud when it comes to crafting great books for children and young adults! Finch is a multi-time Outstanding Creator Awards winner for books like Mellie the Mermaid, Voiceless, and Hide and Seek Alphabet with Australian Animals. All of these were stellar books in their own right, however, Hide and Seek Alphabet with American Animals might be Finch's finest work yet! So, what makes Hide and Seek Alphabet with American Animals so great? Well, it really starts with the incredible illustrations by Andreea Balcan. What Balcan accomplished in the production of this book cannot be understated—nearly 60 pages of highly-detailed, life-like, and—best of all—HAND DRAWN animals and nature environments! You and your kids will be enthralled with these cool, detailed, and adorable animals! Speaking of which, that's another reason to love this book: the animals! Now, everyone knows that cute animals are a quick way into our hearts (as they are for most people with hearts). We've already talked a little about how great the illustrations are. However, that's not all. Finch actually shines a light on each of these individual animals, even giving them unique and individual characteristics. For example, all of these animals makes a different kind of sound. The chipmunks go “chuck-chuck chuck-chuck” while the wolverines go “grrrr-och.” Your kids will love making these animal sounds when asked, making this an engaging experience for them! Each of these animals is actually given a human name, personalizing and humanizing them. For example, the baby deer's name is Donna. The jackrabbit's name is Jedi (hey, that's pretty hip)! This helps them to be relatable to young readers who can view the animals as more than just animals, but as living, breathing beings just like them who like to eat, sleep, hide, and play! Speaking of hiding and playing, that's another great element of this book (and series). Throughout the reading experience, young readers are often invited to help the animals to find something/someone on the page as part of the hide and seek gimmick. For example, Grace the Mama Grey Wolf is looking for her wolf pups, but they are all hiding because they don't want to go to bed yet (how relatable). Readers are invited to help Grace to find her pups. Lisa the Mama Lynx is also looking for her cubs. Ollie the Otter is looking for his friends who are swimming around the river. Isa the Iowa Barn Owl is looking for her family to wake them up, and readers can point them out to her. Humorously, Mama Virginia Opossum is hiding from her kid (Vela) because she wants to sleep. This book highlights all sorts of amazing, interesting, cool, and cute animals from reptiles like the Texas Horned Lizard to rodents like the Utah Prairie Dog. It's also admirable that the author, who is from Australia, did the research and made the effort to highlight non-local animals, this time in America. If there's one thing about this book that's a small complaint, it's that the words/names that are meant to correspond to each letter of the alphabet can tend to be a bit weird and hard to guess. For example, if you pointed to a picture of a hummingbird, 99.9% of children (and people in general) would say: “That's a bird!” or “That's a hummingbird!” However, this book expects you to guess “That's a Xantus Hummingbird!” Yes, a Xantus Hummingbird is the author's choice to represent the letter X. N is for Northern Cardinal (most would just guess “Cardinal” or “Bird”). M is for Mountain Lion (it could just as easily be “Cougar” or “Puma”). So, a child who hasn't read the book could just as easily guess it's a cougar and puma, and they wouldn't be wrong. Z is for Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly. Say that three times fast. That wouldn't be the first (or second) guess of most people. Q is for Quail, which is simple enough, but then that becomes “Montezuma Quail” on the next page, which is a mouthful for most kids. K is for Kit Fox. Yes, Kit Fox. Unless you plan to tell your kid “no” or “sorry, close” the whole time, you might have to accept the fact that this isn't so much an alphabet book, but an educational animal book with the alphabet serving as an organizational tool (like a table of contents, almost). And, who knows? Maybe this book could challenge kids and encourage them to take an interest in fields like zoology. This is an outstanding book full of great, engaging content for children Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 94/100 (9.4 out of 10)
Somewhere in Minnesota by Jayna Locke is a collection of short-stories that intricately weaves together the lives, emotions, and experiences of characters rooted in or passing through Minnesota. The book explores universal themes such as love, loss, self-discovery, and resilience, all set against the evocative landscapes and unique culture of the region. Each story brings a fresh perspective, showcasing Locke's ability to delve into the complexities of human relationships and everyday moments with subtlety and grace. The stories are grounded in Minnesota's distinct environment, from icy lakes and small-town theaters to bustling coffee shops and suburban homes. The setting becomes a character in its own right, influencing the mood and choices of the people within. The stories tackle themes like family dynamics, the struggle for independence, the push and pull of relationships, and the courage required to face life's uncertainties. Locke’s characters span a variety of backgrounds and life stages, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives. Each protagonist faces a unique challenge or turning point, making the collection varied yet cohesive. The narratives are filled with moments of introspection, humor, and heartbreak, offering readers a chance to see themselves in the characters’ joys and struggles. Many of the stories offer quiet life lessons or provoke thought about human nature and relationships. Whether it’s through a near-tragedy on thin ice, a father’s return after years away, or the unexpected poignancy of a small act of kindness, the stories leave a lasting impression. While each story was unique and compelling in its own way, three in particular stood out to us as extra special and relatable: “The Picnic,” “Prodigal Father,” and “Ripples.” “The Picnic” focuses on Josh and Megan, a couple who have been together for three years. Megan is a planner—she circles a date on the calendar in January for a picnic in late May, which seems absurdly far in advance to Josh. Josh is more laid-back and spontaneous, preferring to live in the moment rather than plan for the future. Their differences in personality create a subtle tension in the relationship, one that comes to the surface as they prepare for this seemingly simple event. Megan’s need for control and structure is contrasted with Josh’s casual attitude toward commitment. While Megan eagerly plans every detail of the picnic, Josh remains skeptical, thinking that anything could happen before May. Their interactions are peppered with small disagreements that hint at deeper issues in their relationship. For example, Megan dislikes Josh’s driving and subtly questions his career advancement based on his choice of clothing, all while Josh feels constrained by her need for control. The turning point in the story comes when the couple meets their friends Neil and Rashmi at a coffee shop. During the conversation, Neil reveals that he has cancer. This news shifts the tone of the story, forcing Josh to confront the uncertainty of life and the impermanence of his current relationship. While Megan continues to focus on the picnic as a hopeful event in the future, Josh becomes more introspective, wondering if their relationship is heading toward a future he actually wants. Neil’s diagnosis becomes a metaphor for the unpredictability of life, and the picnic serves as a symbol of Megan’s desire to create certainty and stability in a world that is anything but. As Neil undergoes treatment, Josh finds himself more attuned to the fleeting nature of time and begins questioning whether he and Megan are truly compatible. By the time the picnic date arrives, Neil’s condition has improved, but the cracks in Josh and Megan’s relationship are more evident than ever. The story ends on an ambiguous note, with Josh still unsure about their future, while Megan remains optimistic, oblivious to the growing distance between them. What resonated with us so much about this story is that it highlights the tragedy and beauty of the passage of time. Time catches up with us all. Just look at Mike Tyson fighting Jake Paul the other night. However, the very fact that time is passing is the very reason we should be treasuring and making the best of it. Just because a character has a terminal illness doesn't mean that they have nothing left to live for. It doesn't mean they can't enjoy and appreciate life. In fact, they arguably have even more to live for, more to treasure, more to enjoy, and have a great appreciation. This story also resonates because many of us are in relationships with super-organized, ultra-detailed people who obsess over each and every aspect of their plan. When they go on trips, they have to list every single activity they do each hour of the day with little to no room for flexibility or adaptability. That can get annoying, but it's also a valuable drive and skill. Organization is usually a good thing, but you also need someone who's going to balance things out and remind you that things don't always go according to plan. Sometimes, you have to think on your feet. Sometimes, you just have to realize that some things aren't in the cards for you rigt now. “Prodigal Father” is another memorable story, though it is a bit on the generic side. It's also SUPER relatable. Why? Well, who hasn't had an awkward family gathering? Who hasn't had to share space with someone they fought with or had a falling out with? “Prodigal Father” is a short-story narrated by Max, a 12-year-old boy whose father, Jay, left the family when he was just five years old. Max, his two sisters, Penny (15) and Jillian (7), and their mother have grown accustomed to life without their father. One day, without warning, Jay shows up at their doorstep, looking disheveled and tattered like a "bum," according to Max's initial perception. The story delves into the family’s reactions to Jay's sudden return. Max is mostly indifferent, Penny is angry and hurt, and Jillian, who barely remembers Jay, is confused. Their mother, however, tries to handle the situation calmly, allowing Jay to stay for Thanksgiving. As Jay tries to reconnect with his children, it's clear that the years of absence have taken their toll. Max and Penny are cynical, while Jillian is too young to grasp the gravity of his abandonment. Tension mounts during a backyard fire that Max builds to entertain his sisters. Penny, particularly resentful of Jay’s return, expresses her frustration by distancing herself from him and the family. The story reaches its emotional peak during the Thanksgiving dinner. Jay, who appears to be intoxicated, tries to fit back into the family dynamic but fails. His attempt at reconciliation is clumsy and ends disastrously when he drops a bowl of mashed potatoes, shattering it. This incident leads to his abrupt departure, symbolizing his inability to take responsibility and reconnect with his family. In the aftermath, Max reflects on his father’s actions, realizing that Jay has been broken for a long time and will likely never be a permanent part of their lives again. The final scene reveals that Max's last real memory of his father is from a Thanksgiving years ago, just before Jay left the family for good. The family is left to pick up the pieces, and the story concludes with the realization that Jay has, once again, abandoned them. “Ripples” probably ties with “The Picnic” as the most powerful and though-provoking story. What would you do if a loved one fell through thin ice or was washed out to sea? Many of us say we'd risk our lives without a moment's hesitation, but would you? What if the circumstances were different? What if there was little to no chance of survival for either of you? What if it put other lives in danger? How would you feel if someone you saved completely dismissed, forgot, or misinterpreted/misremembered your sacrifice? In “Ripples,” a toddler named Jeffy wanders out onto the frozen surface of a Minnesota lake, unaware of the danger beneath his feet. His parents, Madeline and Mitch, are distracted with household chores—Madeline is raking leaves, and Mitch is cleaning the boat. They each assume the other is watching Jeffy, but when they realize he's missing, they spot him walking on the ice, chasing a red ball that has rolled out onto the frozen lake. The story explores the terror that grips the parents as they realize their child is in danger. Mitch wants to run out onto the ice to save Jeffy, but Madeline convinces him to stay back, knowing that the ice won’t support the weight of an adult. Instead, Madeline spots a canoe they had pulled out of storage, anticipating spring. She seizes on an idea, using the canoe as a makeshift lifeboat to rescue her son. In a tense and emotional scene, she slides the canoe out onto the ice, urging Jeffy to stay where he is, even as cracks begin to form around him. Just as the ice is about to give way, Jeffy runs toward his mother, who pulls him into the canoe. The rescue is successful, but the incident leaves a lasting impact on the family. In the aftermath, Madeline and Mitch have differing interpretations of the event. Madeline feels empowered by her bravery, while Mitch struggles with guilt, feeling that his inability to act quickly enough makes him less of a protector. Years later, when the family reflects on the incident, their teenage son Jeff (formerly Jeffy) remembers the day differently. He dismisses the danger, believing that he would have made it back to shore on his own. This divergence in memory highlights the subjective nature of fear and trauma, as well as the invisible fissures that can develop in family dynamics after such an event. This is a remarkable collection of short-stories! Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 94/100 (9.4 out of 10)
Are you up for a positive, uplifting, and inspirational Christian story with a tinge of gritty realism? The Train Story by Joyce Crawford is a story about faith, belief, and perseverance in the face of horrific situations. The book follows Sam Burkett, a war veteran who returns home after serving in World War II. He is deeply scarred, both physically and emotionally, from his experiences on the battlefield. After losing part of his body to frostbite and injuries, including his left foot and several fingers, Sam struggles with the pain, trauma, and disfigurement that war has inflicted on him. He often reflects on the horrors he witnessed, including battles like the Normandy Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge, which haunt him in nightmares. Sam’s character is marked by resilience. Despite his severe injuries and emotional turmoil, he tries to rebuild his life. He returns to his small hometown of Florence, Kentucky, where he lives in a humble porter’s cabin. Though deeply affected by his experiences, he still holds onto his faith in God, which plays a significant role in his healing. His relationship with God is strengthened by memories of his parents, who raised him with faith, persistence, and trust in the Lord. Throughout the story, Sam struggles with feelings of loneliness, especially since his parents passed away while he was overseas. He feels disconnected from his former life, unsure if anyone will accept him in his disfigured state. However, with the help of local friends like Nathaniel, the porter, and other townsfolk, Sam begins to find his place again. The angels, particularly those representing hope and serenity, also subtly guide him, providing comfort in his most difficult moments. Sam's character embodies the theme of redemption, as he learns to cope with his physical and emotional wounds while relying on his faith to guide him through life’s challenges. His journey is one of healing, hope, and the power of perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds. Kayla is a deeply complex character in The Train by Joyce Crawford. As a 14-year-old girl, she suffers from severe emotional trauma, largely stemming from her tumultuous upbringing. Her father is in prison for domestic violence and the murder of her mother, an event that has left Kayla with profound psychological scars. She developed anorexia at the age of seven as a coping mechanism, believing that by starving herself, she could "disappear" and somehow stop the fighting between her parents. Throughout the novel, Kayla struggles with her identity and feelings of worthlessness. She often describes herself as invisible, having identified with that sense of disappearance for so long that she loses touch with who she truly is. Under the care of Sam, Rachel, and the angels that symbolically guide her, Kayla begins a slow journey toward recovery. She is hesitant to accept kindness and love, as they are emotions she is unaccustomed to receiving. Kayla’s struggle with her eating disorder is a central focus of her character arc. Over time, with the support of the people around her, she begins to open up, sharing her deepest feelings and learning to accept nourishment—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Her interactions with characters like Dr. Abbott, Rachel, and Sam provide moments of breakthrough, allowing her to heal and redefine her identity. It should be briefly mentioned that Dr. Stephen Abbot might be the perfect doctor! He's so knowledgeable and so funny! Anyway, Kayla's story is ultimately one of rediscovery and healing. Through love, faith, and persistence, she gradually transforms from a girl who wanted to disappear into someone who starts to see her own worth and place in the world. The struggles of these two characters is truly compelling. The characters themselves, particularly Sam (in our opinion), really grab at your heartstrings. Could you imagine being disfigured and losing your limbs in the service of your country? What's particularly touching is the connection he forms with Sammy, a five-year-old boy with a similar-sounding name who is able to look past the veteran's disfigurement and see the good man behind it all, this is despite other kids at school mocking Sam as looking like a monster or an Elephant Man. Sammy, it turns out, is the son of Rachel, another major character who goes through the ringer in this book. Rachel is trapped in an abusive relationship with her husband, Randall, one of the book's major villains/antagonists. Rachel endures physical and emotional abuse at the hands of Randall, which makes her life incredibly difficult. She is portrayed as a resilient and loving mother who is determined to protect her children, even while facing her own suffering. It should be briefly mentioned that the book also features another major antagonist/villain in the form of Austin Pierce, who continues the abuse of Rachel even after Randall is gone. Throughout the novel, Rachel finds solace and support in Sam Burkett, the war veteran protagonist. Sam and Rachel form a close bond, and Sam becomes a protector and father figure to her children, especially to Sammy (as mentioned before). Rachel's faith and strength are central to her character, and her journey reflects themes of survival, healing, and the search for safety and peace. Rachel’s relationship with Sam represents hope and new beginnings, as they both seek to rebuild their lives after enduring traumatic experiences. Her role in the story also emphasizes the importance of community, faith, and the power of love in overcoming adversity. What's extra special to us is that it really seems that Sam is able to empathize with these other characters (and vice-versa) because of the hurt, pain, hardships, suffering, and traumas they've all experienced. Sam really does seem like the standout character of them all. There's just something very special about him. In this book, he's like the glue that binds the other characters and helps to draw them back to God (while being drawn to God himself). He's arguably in the worst situation of the major characters, yet also has the most optimistic and positive outlook, even when temptations like suicide and drug addictions loom large. There are also several supernatural characters in this book including God himself and several angels like Peace, Serenity, Hope, Courage, Curiosity, and Faith. To be honest, readers' opinions will likely vary in response to the presence of these angelic characters. Why? Well, they often seem superfluous or unnecessary. They also somewhat ruin the gritty realism of the rest of the book. They are a bit silly and goofy, almost behaving like the gargoyles from Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame. They always seem to be tripping over themselves and debating/asking each other (and God) what they should do. They're almost like comic relief, and we're not sure if we liked that so much. They even fall asleep or are fooling around when bad/major things are happening. For example, they're in the garden goofing off when Randall starts abusing Rachel for the 100th time. What, did they just forget that Randall and Rachel have issues? This is a interesting and well-meaning Christian book that's worth a read. Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 96/100 (9.6 out of 10)
Perilous Journey by Deependra Bhandari joins an elite collection of fiction books to achieve a 9.6 score, becoming only the 11th novel to ever achieve this feat! This remarkable and extraordinary novel follows Arjun, a young Nepali man whose quest for a better life leads him from the turmoil and poverty of Kathmandu to oppressive servitude (and slavery) in Kuwait. From there, we follow Arjun and his companions through their catastrophic trip to Haiti, derailed by a natural disaster, and their dangerous journey through wilderness of South America in hopes of reaching the United States—a land of dreams, promises, and opportunity. This is the ULTIMATE SURVIVAL STORY! This is a book in which characters must resort to using sticks and stones to ward off danger. This is a book in which they resort to eating worms and other bugs just to survive! This is a book in which characters are faced with the prospect of losing their freedom, their dignity, and the sanctity of their bodies just for the hope of making it another second, another minute, another hour, another day. How much would you sacrifice just to see tomorrow? When would you call it quits--enough is enough? To say this book is tense and thrilling would be an understatement. Not since Prison Break or Breaking Bad have we consumed a work of fiction with such a fear of characters being discovered and caught! It seems like behind every corner, there are traitors, bandits, human traffickers, cops looking for a bribes or a big catch, immigration control agents looking to fill a quota, “family friends” or “uncles” and others looking to exploit cheap labor, and other predatory forces. This book explores the tragedy and predatory/exploitative nature of immigration, highlighting the plight of well-meaning, hardworking migrants just trying to better their lives. They are sadly victimized and preyed on from every angle—by smugglers, business owners, politicians, governments, gangs, bandits, law enforcement, and more. In reading this book, you just can't help but feel like the whole world is against Arjun and migrants like him! This book excels in practically every aspect: characters, plot, world-building, and pacing! Yes, the beginning was a little rough and it took a while to get going, but when it finally got going, it never let up! So much of this book resonated with us (and are sure to resonate with the other readers): the hope for a better life, the quest to improve one's situation, the fight to survive the grind, the feeling of being persecuted, the feeling of being used and abused, the feeling like all the forces of the world are holding you back; the fear of failure, the fear of the unknown, the fear of uncertainty, and the hope for what might be. Let's talk about some of the character who stood out to us the most. Arjun is an excellent main protagonist. Relatable and sympathetic, Arjun is a good man who wants to honor himself and his family by finding better work abroad. He is distinctly courageous in the face of the many powerful, oppressive, abusive forces set against him. For example, while in slavery in Kuwait, he is willing to risk it all to protect Julie (Maya), a maid, from being sexually exploited by Naseer, the sickening, disgusting, and despicable son of Ahmed, their “employer”/owner in Kuwait. Ahmed is also a basket case, serving as the primary antagonist and villain in the first half of the book, alongside Naseer and Uncle Kumar, the latter of whom essentially sold Arjun into slavery with a false dream. Every novel needs great antagonists and villains, and this book is full of them! Ahmed, Naseer, and Uncle Kumar are just the tip of the iceberg. By the way, Julie is another excellent character in this novel, though her physical presence in the book in short-lived, her impact is profound. She gives us some of the most tense moments in the book like when she's forced to sneak in and steal the passports, then disguise herself in Fatima (her owner's wife's) burka. Julie and Arjun also have GREAT chemistry together and are great nominees for “Best Couple!” Anyway... Arjun also shows immense bravery and self-sacrifice when he tries to protect Maria (a little migrant girl he bonds with during the arduous trek through the Darien Gap) from being taken by bandits. Even when being brutally beaten and held at gunpoint, Arjun refuses to back down. His immense sense of honor and class in dishonorable and classless situations (surrounded by dishonorable and classless people) help Arjun to stand out as a truly special character, someone we can get behind and root for. This book is actually separated into two distinct parts: one that follows Arjun's life in Kuwait under Ahmed (coaxed by Uncle Kumar) and another, longer part that follows Arjun's perilous journey to America (coaxed by Uncle Bhakta). This book also does a good job at showing how illegal migration works, showing how a kind of underground railroad network links different agents who aid in the process. It's anything but smooth, however, as there are many twists and turns! Arjun and his group are constantly short on money, time, and resources, though they still fall victim to the many temptations along the way. For example, gambling—which offers another false hope and dream to chase—leads to characters squandering their money. The same for alcohol, which helps them to ease the suffering and have a moment of escape. Something incredible about this book is how it points out the enormous disparity between those in affluent countries/situations versus those in impoverished and unstable ones. For example, in the middle of their seemingly endless suffering and arduous journey, they come upon Cartegena, “a beautiful port city on the Caribbean Sea. Along the seashore, they drove past large resort hotels, then along a narrow cobblestone street with quaint, very old, two-story attached houses, painted in bright yellow, blue, orange, or white. Arjun admired the unique, colorful stone houses with their second-floor balconies overflowing with bright flowers.” These beautiful details are in stark contrast to the South African wilderness in the Darien Gap later on, which is full of swamps and marshes. However, even there, there are occasional beauties and wonders like lakes, streams, and rivers. There are particular scenes in which characters try to catch boar and catfish, and we can't help but cheer them on and be happy for them! It really makes you appreciate life and all of our modern conveniences. The book talks about beach resorts, casinos, and big businesses—symbols of opulence, wealth, and excess—in contrast to characters who are just lucky to have shoes and something to eat that day. The detention/prison system of the US-South American border is also explored in tragic and eye-opening detail as we are told how even the best, well-meaning migrants are still packed in with terrorists, gangsters, rapists, drug-dealers, and murderers. Some of them are chained “like buffalo,” which becomes a reoccurring motif in the book as Arjun recounts how he felt like a buffalo serving under Ahmed and how he turned vegetarian after seeing how a slaughtered buffalo was treated. Speaking of being vegetarian, another admirable aspect of Arjun and his journey is how he still tried his best to maintain his religious faith (as a Hindu), trying to abstain from certain foods as much as possible (though it proved impossible at times). Check it out on Amazon! |
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