The Tortoise and the Soldier

The Tortoise and the Soldier
by Michael Foreman

As he struggles to survive in a battle at Gallipoli during World War I, British Royal Navy soldier Henry Friston is shocked to discover a tortoise by his side.   Unable to leave his new companion behind, he sneaks him aboard his battleship, the HMS Implacable, where the two friends continue to travel the world together during the remainder of Henry's time on the ship.  This story, based on true events, follows the struggles faced by Henry Friston, as well as his fellow soldiers, as they fight in World War I, as well as describes the lifelong bond between Henry and his tortoise friend, Ali Pasha. 

What an amazing story!  Not only does it detail the challenges of the life of a World War I soldier, it also shows how strong a bond between a human and his animal companion can be!  Outstanding illustrations help bring this wonderful story to life.  This book is a great choice for fans of war stories as well as animal lovers.  

Full Cicada Moon

Full Cicada Moon
by Marilyn Hilton

When aspiring astronaut Mimi moves from California to Vermont in 1969, the 7th grader encounters a very different place than what she left behind. As she fights to fit into her new town and school, many of the people she meets react to her mixed heritage with questions, confusion, bigotry, and suspicion.  As much as Mimi wants to fit in, her determined personality and love of science continue to make her stand out to everyone she meets.   Will the strong willed Mimi find a way to fit in without having to sacrifice everything she believes in?  

This inspiring historical fiction is a wonderful story of staying true to oneself.   The narrator, Mimi, demonstrates incredible strength  and determination as she works to achieve her goals.   This was one of those books that, when I started reading it, I simply could not put down until I finished it!  

Author's website: http://www.marilynhilton.com/

Took

Took
by Mary Downing Hahn

The move to West Virginia was supposed to be a new start for Daniel’s family.   Unfortunately, it has only been one disaster after another.   Their new house is falling part, the kids in his new school call him a snob, and his parents are fighting all the time.   When others tell him rumors about a ghost witch and the mysterious disappearance of the little girl who used to live in his house,  Daniel doesn’t want to believe them.  Then, when his own sister disappears suddenly, he realizes the stories of the  ghost witch may be true after all.   Will he be able to rescue his sister before it’s too late? 

Another creepy story by author Mary Downing Hahn!  For readers looking for ghost stories, she is  one of the authors I always recommend.  Took is  great choice for those looking for a haunting tale to read!

Author's website:  http://www.hmhbooks.com/features/mdh/index.html
Took game from author's website:  http://www.hmhbooks.com/features/mdh/took-game.html
The Took game requires Adobe Flash Player, so it unfortunately will not work on iPads.