Patrica Polacco has lived a challenging but storied life. In my review of The Art of Miss Chew, I touch on some of her experiences. What makes her storytelling remarkable is how she addresses her struggles honestly but also converts them into tales of hope and gratitude. Like The Art of Miss Chew, Palace of…
Author: Sara Masarik
Curators of things Good, True, and Beautiful
The White House Cat
Although The White House Cat was published in 2022, long after the Biden family brought a cat to the White House, this cat isn’t a nod to their pet. The story is whimsical and not at all political.
The Art of Miss Chew
The Art of Miss Chew stands out as one of Patricia Polacco’s most powerful and personal stories.
Reflection: Word of the Year 2025
Each year, I prayerfully choose a word to guide me. This year, I do not like my word at all, but God is bringing me face to face with something….
My Vicksburg – A Cautionary Review
My Vicksburg offers rich history but troubling moral themes, with a 13-year-old heroine using deceit and betrayal, framing dubious actions as noble.
Charis in the World of Wonders
A Puritan girl’s resilience unfolds amid tragedy, faith, love, and accusations of witchcraft in a vividly told, captivating historical tale of survival.
A Bear In War – A True World War I Story
A Bear in War tells a true World War I story through the eyes of a teddy bear sent to comfort his owner’s father at the front.
The Scarlet Stockings Spy
In The Scarlet Stockings Spy, young Maddy Rose uses laundry as a secret code to spy on British ships, helping the Patriot cause during the American Revolution.
Clementine by Sara Pennypacker
Clementine by Sara Pennypacker follows a quirky, big-hearted girl whose unconventional behavior leads to charming misadventures. Fans of Ramona will enjoy!
The Impossible Journey
In The Impossible Journey, siblings Marya and Georgi embark on a perilous trek across Soviet Russia to reunite with their exiled mother, facing danger and unlikely allies.
Lily’s Victory Garden
Lily’s Victory Garden follows Lily’s WWII journey to start a garden, bringing healing and hope to a grieving neighbor. A heartwarming tale of patriotism and neighborliness.
The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio
A gentle, safe adventure through exotic lands, The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio is intellectually stimulating but lacks Lloyd Alexander’s usual magic.
Brooklyn Rose – Cautionary Review
Brooklyn Rose is a disappointing historical fiction novel with less than ideal themes for young readers.
Middle-Grade Series In My Library
Highlighting middle-grade series in my library that showcase quality writing, strong morals, and standalone stories—worthy additions for young readers.
Jenny: The Airplane that Taught America to Fly
Jenny: The Airplane that Taught America to Fly tells the story of the iconic Jenny plane, blending history, technical insight, and Weitzman’s captivating art.