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Best Children's Marriage & Divorce Books

Hatchet
After a plane crash, thirteen-year-old Brian spends fifty-four days in the Canadian wilderness, learning to survive with only the aid of a hatchet given him by his mother, and learning also to survive his parents' divorce. Gary Paulsen is one of the most honored writers of contemporary literature for young readers, author of three Newbery Honor titles, Dogsong , Hatchet , and The Winter Room .
Reviews
"Daughter loves this series."
"My esl tutor recommended this book to me."
"It seems hard to find this 20th anniversary edition of Hatchet, but it is well worth the effort."
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The Westing Game (Puffin Modern Classics)
Winner of the Newbery Medal. Winner of the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award. An ALA Notable Book. She was the author of several novels, including the Newbery Medal-winning The Westing Game , the Newbery Honor-winning Figgs & Phantoms , The Tattooed Potato and other clues , and The Mysterious Disappearance of Leon (I Mean Noel) .
Reviews
"Veny different and unique book."
"Such an interesting, mysterious novel!!!!"
"Love having my favorite book in hardcover!"
"This really pains me to say but it is almost as or even better than Harry Potter."
"The Westing Game is one of my favorite books of all time."
"This is such a clever and delightful mystery - once you pick it up, you cannot put it down!"
"This was a great book."
"I remember reading this book as a kid and LOVING it so I decided to pick up a copy for myself and reread it as an adult."
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Walking with Miss Millie
Its ending is satisfying though sobering and there are elements of this story that stay with you long after the last page has been read.” --Karen English, Coretta Scott King Honor Award Author A poignant middle grade debut about the friendship between a white girl and an elderly black woman in the 1960s South. Alice is angry at having to move to Rainbow, Georgia—a too small, too hot, dried-up place she’s sure will never feel like home. Its ending is satisfying though sobering and there are elements of this story that stay with you long after the last page has been read.” — Karen English, Coretta Scott King Honor Award Author.
Reviews
"Hopefully, some Miss Millie's wisdom will stay in their hearts; "But maybe the most important thing is for people to just be kind." Kids will definitely connect with Alice as she tries to navigate family & friendship woes after her move to Rainbow, Georgia."
"This historical fiction will leave you wanting to visit the make believe town of Rainbow, GA. Each character comes alive through Tamara's unique writing style."
"Set in the 60s, Alice's mistake of listening in on her neighbor's party line call, has her heading over to apologize and make amends as requested by her mother."
"It would be a GREAT book for a read aloud with parent and child or for a classroom."
"A book of historical fiction filled with heart, friendship, love, and acceptance."
"A beautifully written story that unveils the magic that occurs when a young girl listens to the wisdom and beauty of someone much older and from a totally different side of life."
"A book that touched my heart, and will be loved by readers of any age -- sad, funny, poignant, wise, and offering hope."
"I loved this book and wanted to reach in the book and hug Miss Mille!"
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Best Teen & Young Adult Marriage & Divorce Fiction

Hatchet (Brian's Saga Book 1)
Suddenly, Brian finds himself alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but a tattered Windbreaker and the hatchet his mother gave him as a present—and the dreadful secret that has been tearing him apart since his parent’s divorce. This Newbery Honor book is a dramatic, heart-stopping story of a boy who, following a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness, must learn to survive with only a hatchet and his own wits. Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. Grade 8-12 Brian Robeson, 13, is the only passenger on a small plane flying him to visit his father in the Canadian wilderness when the pilot has a heart attack and dies.
Reviews
"Daughter loves this series."
"My esl tutor recommended this book to me."
"It seems hard to find this 20th anniversary edition of Hatchet, but it is well worth the effort."
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Best Children's Parents Books

The Wonderful Things You Will Be
From brave and bold to creative and clever, Emily Winfield Martin's rhythmic rhyme expresses all the loving things that parents think of when they look at their children. VERDICT A go-to gift for new parents, and a potential bedtime favorite for many children.—Martha Link Yesowitch, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, NC.
Reviews
"Purchased this book as a "card" for a baby shower gift from a group."
"There are both boys and girls depicted in the book, but it is a boy having the tea party, a boy using the sewing machine, a girl on the tree swing, and a girl as a superhero. This is one of the first children's books I've ever seen that shows the REALITY of little kids....that boys and girls do all sorts of similar things."
"At the same time, there are so many BEAUTIFUL and good influences in the world as well, like this book, and I truly believe that keeping a steady diet of healthy, positive "mind food" going into a youngster's brain can go a long way in equipping them to counteract the junk that creeps in from time to time. This precious book is such a great tool to help them begin... soft illustrations complementing simple words, a book that encourages a youngster to use his/her imagination and think of all of the possibilities in answering the age old question adults pose to them, "So... what do you want to be when you grow up?""
"Clearly, this book was put together with the utmost love and though."
"I loved it & cried the first time I read it & I still have a hard time not getting emotional when reading it to my, now, nearly two year-old."
"It's a favorite in our house and it's also really heart warming :) We've given it as a gift at multiple baby showers and birthdays and it's always cherished."
"Purchased this as the guestbook for my baby shower."
"I gave this to my 18 month old grandson."
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Best Children's Values Books

The Most Magnificent Thing
The girl's frustration and anger are vividly depicted in the detailed art, and the story offers good options for dealing honestly with these feelings, while at the same time reassuring children that it's okay to make mistakes. The girl doesn't just "make" her magnificent thing -- she "tinkers and hammers and measures," she "smoothes and wrenches and fiddles," she "twists and tweaks and fastens." These precise action words are likely to fire up the imaginations of youngsters eager to create their own inventions and is a great tie-in to learning about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Fanciful illustrations depict the spindly, cartoonish characters; the girl’s intricate found-object contraptions; and colorful scenarios against black-and-white line drawings of a city-neighborhood setting. With witty and whimsical elements (including the dog’s side antics), this supportively portrays the sometimes-frustrating process of translating ideas to reality and shows how a new perspective can help problem solve and rekindle enthusiasm and joy.
Reviews
"My two year old loves it, my six year old enjoyed it."
"This is an awesome book that I got to encourage my girls and their friends to be engineers."
"Totally helps address the idea of perfectionism in children."
"We enjoyed this book so much we have it to my niece as a gift."
"Favorite new book."
"I really liked this book because it is a relatable story of creation."
"Great book!"
"Great addition to my classroom."
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Best Children's New Baby Books

On the Night You Were Born
Now available in its entirety in board book format, Nancy Tillman's masterpiece is perfect for acknowledging the special people in our lives that they are loved. Polar bears dance, giraffes weave to the sound of brass horns, and "the moon smiled with such wonder/ that the stars peeked in to see you/ and the night wind whispered,/ 'Life will never be the same.'. The pictures subtly radiate golden glints of moonlight, and her almost sculptural rendering style gives her characters a hefty physicality that counterbalances the ethereal sentiments being expressed.
Reviews
"I was led to this book because it said so many things about her birth and life I felt. Before she died, she told me how much she loved this simple book, especially the part about my love finding her wherever she would go."
"This book is beautifully written and has equally beautiful pictures to match."
"I purchased this book, site unseen, via Amazon for my grand daughter."
"I've loved this book since I had my first child 7 years ago & it was gifted to me."
"This is the sweetest book."
"I got this book for both of my new grandsons it has a wonderful story line that will touch your heart."
"This book is lovely."
"Will probably bring tears to any mama's eyes that read it."
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Best Children's Siblings Books

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Rodrick Rules
Whatever you do, don’t ask Greg Heffley how he spent his summer vacation, because he definitely doesn’t want to talk about it. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules chronicles Greg’s attempts to navigate the hazards of middle school, impress the girls, steer clear of the school talent show, and most important, keep his secret safe. Jeff Kinney is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and five-time Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award winner for Favorite Book.
Reviews
"As a family we loved it."
"My daughter loves these books."
"The kid enjoys these books."
"Another addition to my collection."
"Every year the elementary school holds a book fair and they charge twice as much for the books in this series, which is still less than the local book stores."
"Grandson LOVES these books."
"I get that the sort of "middle school boy" humor is not necessarily what I find amusing, but I found the character's nonexistant moral grounding to be distributing."
"This book seemed too young for me but my little nephews loved it."
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Best Children's Adoption Books

Middle School: Big Fat Liar
Georgia Khatchadorian--the sister of the star of the first two Middle School books, Rafe Khatchadorian--plans to excel at Hills Village Middle School in all the places her troublemaking brother failed. He is the author of the Alex Cross novels , the most popular detective series of the past twenty-five years, including Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider .
Reviews
"Bought a couple of these for my son."
"Ordered this for my 11 year old grandson and he read it in only a few days."
"Grandson loves these books."
"my 11 year old son thought this book was only ok."
"my grandkids love these books."
"Daughter loved it, got it right in time for her report."
"Finally found a book my 10 year old son likes to read!"
"Finally found a book my 10 year old son likes to read!"
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Best Children's Stepfamilies Books

The Tale of Three Trees : A Traditional Folktale
Once upon a mountaintop, three little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up. Angela Elwell Hunt is the author of numerous books, including If I Had Long, Long Hair (winner of the Lorna Baslian Prize for children's books), Nat the Brat, Mom and Dad don't Live together Anymore .
Reviews
"I remember reading this book as a child and the feeling in my heart."
"Great story and the book is in great condition."
"love this book, I have had one for 15years, had to order the rest of my children there own, great qualty."
"One of my absolute favorites."
"This is the book you get someone for Christmas - and write a note inside."
"Beautiful story."
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Best Children's Babysitting Books

How to Babysit a Grandma
And with the useful tips found in this book, you're guaranteed to become an expert grandma-sitter in no time. From the author-illustrator team behind the New York Times bestselling HOW TO... books comes a funny and heartwarming celebration of grandmas and grandchildren. laugh-out-loud scenes and funny hidden details.” – Kirkus Reviews ( How to Babysit a Grandpa ). “Touches of humor in each of the digitally rendered illustrations.” – Kirkus Reviews ( How to Surprise a Dad ). PreS-Gr 2—In a companion to Reagan's How to Babysit a Grandpa (Knopf, 2012), a young girl heads over to her grandma's house for a sleepover babysitting session-with the child providing clear and humorous instructions to readers on how to care for a grandma.
Reviews
"Even though this character is a girl talking and playing, my grandson does not mind....I tell him the girl acts just like HIM!"
"I purchased this book for my mom for Mother's Day from her grandson."
"Super cute book but minus one star because the book jacket came ripped in the corner even though it was a new book."
"Such a cute book and story."
"I purchased this book for my sister in law as she will be a new grandma."
"SO adorable and funny because everything the book describes about going to Grandma's house is accurate."
"My grandkids love this book."
"Not even close to "How to babysit a Grandpa.""
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Best Children's New Experiences Books

The Wonderful Things You Will Be
From brave and bold to creative and clever, Emily Winfield Martin's rhythmic rhyme expresses all the loving things that parents think of when they look at their children. VERDICT A go-to gift for new parents, and a potential bedtime favorite for many children.—Martha Link Yesowitch, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, NC.
Reviews
"Purchased this book as a "card" for a baby shower gift from a group."
"There are both boys and girls depicted in the book, but it is a boy having the tea party, a boy using the sewing machine, a girl on the tree swing, and a girl as a superhero. This is one of the first children's books I've ever seen that shows the REALITY of little kids....that boys and girls do all sorts of similar things."
"At the same time, there are so many BEAUTIFUL and good influences in the world as well, like this book, and I truly believe that keeping a steady diet of healthy, positive "mind food" going into a youngster's brain can go a long way in equipping them to counteract the junk that creeps in from time to time. This precious book is such a great tool to help them begin... soft illustrations complementing simple words, a book that encourages a youngster to use his/her imagination and think of all of the possibilities in answering the age old question adults pose to them, "So... what do you want to be when you grow up?""
"Clearly, this book was put together with the utmost love and though."
"I loved it & cried the first time I read it & I still have a hard time not getting emotional when reading it to my, now, nearly two year-old."
"It's a favorite in our house and it's also really heart warming :) We've given it as a gift at multiple baby showers and birthdays and it's always cherished."
"Purchased this as the guestbook for my baby shower."
"I gave this to my 18 month old grandson."
Find Best Price at Amazon

Best Children's Orphans & Foster Homes Books

Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone
A winner of England's National Book Award, the acclaimed debut novel tells the outrageously funny, fantastic adventure story of Harry Potter, who escapes a hideous foster home thanks to a scholarship to The Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Then, in an absurd, magical twist of fate you find yourself surrounded by wizards, a caged snowy owl, a phoenix-feather wand, and jellybeans that come in every flavor, including strawberry, curry, grass, and sardine. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities, and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoiled, piglike cousin Dudley.
Reviews
"SPECIAL NOTE: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases (with the exception of changing all "Philosopher's Stone" mentions to "Sorcerer's Stone"). Good or bad is naturally for each reader to decide--just know, if you plan to read the books while listening to Jim Dale's audiobooks, you'll notice a few superficial differences. The quality of this new illustrated edition is phenomenal. All chapter intros are illustrated."
"IMPORTANT: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases. This difference isn't as prominent or noticeable as it was with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone, but still something to keep in mind. Also, to answer a question that has come up quite a bit, this is the FULL BOOK and not an abridged or shortened version. Underneath the book jacket, the novel is bound in a sturdy orange hardback with green lettering on the spine."
"I was ravenous to get my hands on my copy as soon as it was delivered this morning, but was quickly disappointed. But when I took a close look at my dust jacket, I was extremely upset to find that the gold foil lettering for "Harry Potter" had been rubbed away and destroyed completely in some places leaving ugly, black matte in its place-- pock marking the otherwise handsome gold lettering. Needless to say I'm in awe how Bloomsbury has managed to put together such an incredible project, with JK Rowling's remarkable literature and Jim Kay's otherworldly illustrations-- and allowed it to be put together in a low quality binding! Not all alone in a box... Update (October 9th): I have finally received my new book and it was in much, much better condition. The cover and spine were tight, intact and falling apart from the binding like my original copy."
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Best Children's Money

Financial Peace Junior Kit: Teaching Kids How to Win With Money
Financial Peace Junior is designed to help you teach your kids about money. Parents will love the FREE electronic copy of the New York Times best-selling book, Smart Money Smart Kids.
Reviews
"The Parent handbook that was included in the kit was very light on info, however the kit comes with a free e-book copy of the book Smart Money Smart Kids which is full of great information."
"I bought 2 of these for my grandchildren & was so pleased I bought one for my other grandson to start him out on the right foot with budgeting."
"I love this kit."
"Highly recommend for anyone with children."
"I love this program and my daughter does too!"
"Very good educational destiny changing product."
"Wonderful!"
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Best Children's Moving

Ghosts
Cat isn't happy about leaving her friends for Bahía de la Luna, but Maya has cystic fibrosis and will benefit from the cool, salty air that blows in from the sea. Maya is frank about her illness and optimistic despite her awareness that her prognosis is poor, while Cat struggles, feeling intensely protective of her sister, anxious about her illness, and resentful about the limitations that Maya's condition places upon the whole family. VERDICT A can't-miss addition to middle grade graphic novel shelves; hand to fans of the author and newcomers alike.—Mahnaz Dar, School Library Journal. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.
Reviews
"I gulped this book down in one quick sitting, and it was a wonderful reading experience."
"I loved it!"
"The stories and comic strip artwork is awesome!"
"Brand new!"
"Dia de Los Muertos is a great topic for a graphic book."
"Book arrived in great condition."
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Best Children's Sleep Issues

Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site
One by one, Crane Truck, Cement Mixer, Dump Truck, Bulldozer, and Excavator finish their work and lie down to rest—so they'll be ready for another day of rough and tough construction play! First-time author Sherri Duskey Rinker's Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site steadily climbed up the New York Times' Bestseller list throughout 2011, reaching #1 on January 29th, 2012. Here she shares the early inspiration that inspired a career in design, and how another artist brought her vision to life. I grew up loving picture books. Virginia Lee Burton's The Little House was my favorite, and I obsessed over the whimsically sweet illustrations of that little pink house happily sitting upon a hill covered in daisies. We had two boys and two good excuses for buying dozens (and dozens) of picture books. obsession with trucks, I wrote Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site in stolen moments during the workday and late at night, after the boys were tucked in. And with the words emerged a vision (dare I say "obsession") for how the book and my trucks would look. I included the concept illustration with my manuscript and sent it, unsolicited, to Chronicle Books. One of the reasons that Chronicle was the first (and ultimately only) publisher on my list was that I LOVE their picture books. The first was from Tom's NYT best-selling book, Duck! Virginia Lee Burton's The Little House Virginia Lee Burton's Mike Mulligan 's steam shovel. Rinker's original vision for Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site Illustrator Tom Lichtenheld's Duck! Lichtenheld's first sketch of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site.
Reviews
"When this book was published in 2011, I babysat full time for our oldest grandson while my daughter-in-law was in the work force, he was 3 years old and was HEAVY into Thomas the train. We'd begun a collection of diecast trains for him, along with the Island of Sodor's construction team (called "The Pack"), and each and EVERY day at naptime he would have to say "goodnight" to each and every one of them individually - this darling book does exactly that, saying an individual goodnight to the rough and tough crane, cement mixer, dump truck, bulldozer and excavator, who are all calming down and getting ready to call it a night (with all of the typical bedtime rituals included in the book - taking a bath, getting tucked in, curling/snuggling up, dimming the lights and shutting the door) - it would have been absolutely PERFECT! Whether it's naptime or bedtime, the calming way this book is written coupled with the cute illustrations of the vehicles yawning, shutting their eyes, etc., is bound to be a sure-fire winner for any parent or grandparent tasked with helping a youngster to "Turn off your engines, stop your tracks, relax your wheels, your stacks, and backs."
"This is such a cute and fun book."
"A great read that flows easily off your tongue."
"This is the second one of these I've bought for Grandsons and love the story and graphics."
"My 8r son already has & has loved this book so I couldn't give it away, so I bought another for my 2-3 yr old nephew."
"Such a cute book, our son loves it - he is currently obsessed with all things that go!"
"Our little one loves it!"
"This book was purchased as a Christmas gift for a friend with a toddler who loves heavy construction equipment."
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Best Children's Multigenerational Family Life

Rosie Revere, Engineer
When her great-great-aunt Rose (Rosie the Riveter) comes for a visit and mentions her one unfinished goal--to fly--Rosie sets to work building a contraption to make her aunt's dream come true. But when Great-Great Aunt Rose shows up for an extended stay sporting a red polka-dotted scarf à la Rosie the Riveter, she regales her niece with stories of her experiences building airplanes during World War II. She wistfully declares, “The only thrill left on my list is to fly!/But time never lingers as long as it seems./I'll chalk that one up to an old lady's dreams.” This is an itch that Rosie has to scratch, so she sets about designing a unique contraption to help her aunt take to the skies.
Reviews
"With an engaging story that kept her attention and illustrations you could look at over and over again, I found myself reading with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes as Rosie battled her fear of failure to do great great things."
"She had fears, had setbacks, lost confidence for awhile, until someone showed her that even her so called “failures” are just opportunities to learn and do things better the next time."
"Rosie the Riveter, the original female who can get the job done and smash gender stereotype is re-introduced in a younger version of a science savvy girl who is equipped to deliver what is needed in today's world."
"And it was worth the wait- she loves this book and the others by Andrea Beaty."
"I bought this for my three year old girls and at first they weren't super interested, but they recently really took notice of all of the neat little details in the book illustrations."
"My little girl loves that the little blond looks like her and we talk about the message of the book each time we read it."
"Such a good lesson for all kids, but especially young girls, and I love that it encourages interest in science and math."
"Illustrations are great, but more importantly, I love the story/message."
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