Exciting Books for All Ages
By Shawna Della Cerra, Ed.D.
The back-to-school season is upon us. School supplies are flying off the shelves, we’re getting fitted for new shoes, and appointment times for haircuts are quickly being reserved. Lawley Publishing wants you to be stocked up with some great books to kickstart your school year. Here are the TOP 10 Back-To-School Books!
The Belly Button Express
by Amy Despain
Before you rush off and begin your school year, I encourage you to think back on the fun and memory-making moments you experienced. A fun-filled memory I recall is that of Belly Button. When I was a child, my father took our family to his hometown of Taylor, Arizona. I’ll never forget traveling in the back seat of our family car and my dad telling us to not blink as we drove through the town of Belly Button. Belly Button is a small town located between Taylor and Snowflake, Arizona, next to Silver Creek, near the White Mountains. My sisters and I got a kick out of a town so tiny if you blinked, you’d miss it!
Amy Despain takes us on an adventure to a place where a wagon, its passengers, and the beautiful scenery make for life-long memories. You’ll want to experience this wagon ride yourself after reading Despain’s book, as well as learn about Belly Button and this gorgeous area of Arizona. The Belly Button Express leads the reader to engage in discussions with family members about their childhood adventures and upbringing.
Miss Rumphius
by Barbara Cooney
Barbara Cooney writes about a woman who uses her life to see the world, follow her heart, and make things a little more beautiful. We encourage you to ponder ways YOU can impact the world. As thoughts come to your mind, jot them down and share with others. Picking up trash is just as important as creating organizations to help the homeless. ALL acts of kindness, charity, and hope are important.
Mr. Peabody’s Apples
by Madonna
Mr. Peabody’s Apples is a precious book with a powerful lesson. This book is about the power of our words and actions, as well as our relationships with others.
But, before you even READ it, get a paper plate and a small tube of toothpaste. In ONE minute, your only task is to squeeze out as much toothpaste onto the plate as possible. Don’t think about anything other than getting that toothpaste out. Have fun! Just squeeze it out!
Now, get one toothpick. Are you ready? NOW, you have to face the consequences (which can be positive or negative) to your actions and using ONLY your toothpick, get the toothpaste back in the tube.
This story will leave your audience SILENT, and you will see the listener’s gears turning as they process and apply.
Inspiring Stories for Amazing Boys
by Emily Green
Inspiring Stories for Amazing Girls
by Eva Kinsley
E.B. White wrote, “Books are good company, in sad times and happy times, for books are people – people who have managed to stay alive by hiding between the covers of a book.” Every young reader can identify with the inspiring stories written in these two books. Each story is about a situation that all youth face at one time or another, and ends with a special message encouraging self-confidence, bravery, mindfulness, and dealing with pressures.
What Do You Do with An Idea?
by Kobi Yamada
Kobi Yamada is a New York Times best-selling author and the CEO of Compendium. What Do You Do with An Idea? is Yamada’s first children’s book, and it is a huge success. In this book, you will discover amazing things that happen when you grow the idea, take chances, and face obstacles that get in your way. Read the story. Then, share your ideas and your problems, or examples of both. I have an idea, read this book again and again!
The Lost Island of Pirates, Curses and Dinosaurs
by Aaron Bonsall
Would you rather search for buried treasure or play video games? For Ax Stone, he’d rather stay home than adventure with his father. You see, Ax comes from a family that has been cursed due to his eighth great-grandfather’s swashbuckling piracy.
Warning! You’re gonna need to plan on finding a comfy spot, a blanket, favorite beverage, and snacks when you read The Lost Island of Pirates, Curses and Dinosaurs. You will NOT want to put this chapter book down! Bonsall keeps you guessing and wondering what could possibly happen next. This book will not only give you an adrenaline rush, but you’ll also be impressed with the evolution of Ax and his father’s relationship.
The moment I closed this book, I wanted to read the next one. Please Mr. Bonsall, write faster!
Dragon Pox
by Camille Smithson
Just how far would you go to prove you are responsible enough to have a pet?
Camille Smithson writes about a boy named Hayden Jones who will stop at nothing to show he is pet-worthy. Hayden has to convince his mom he’s responsible, knowing full well she has a vivid memory. Hayden’s mom hasn’t forgotten the time Hayden brought home a stray cat to care for, but the cat showed his gratitude by shredding the curtains in their house. Hayden has always wanted a pet, and now that he’s 11 years old, Hayden’s going to prove he’s got what it takes to have a pet.
For the older students, try not to get distracted from your schoolwork to find out what happens next to Hayden. Undoubtedly, you’ll enjoy all the twists and turns author, Camille Smithson, will take you through in each chapter. You’ll be hooked with the mysterious weird glow coming from a neighbor’s barn and the spotted egg that’s going to hatch. Dragon Pox is sure to please, but be careful, for you just might end up covered in big purple bumps! Now, that’s showing a dedicated and responsible pet owner.
Thadeus Thayn's Guide to Unicorns
by Ryan Law
Ryan Law has done it again; another adorable book! Thadeus Thayne explores every day, and his research has uncovered some magical creatures. Filled with unique and creative unicorns you never knew existed, Thadeus Thayne’s guidebook teaches us about supplies for researching, where each creature may be found, and each unicorn’s supreme traits.
Ryan is both the author and illustrator of this delightful book. The intricate details leave much for the eyes, and the traits of each unicorn lead to educational chats. Picture walks are a definite MUST, and don’t forget to look for something hiding at the end of the book. Where will Thadeus Thayne’s adventures take him next?
Friends Come In All Sizes
by Raven Howell
From award-winning author, Raven Howell, comes a book on friendship. One young boy has recently moved and doesn’t know how to find new friends. With the guidance of the boy’s father, the young son learns how kindness and patience play a role in making new friends; whether it be a gnat, porcupine, snake, elephant, or giraffe. As the school year commences, this is the perfect time to read Friends Come In All Sizes. You’ll have no problem making and being a good friend.
We took a LOOK at the TOP 10 Back-To-School Books. Each one is special just like YOU! Remember these wise words from Dr. Seuss, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” All of us here at Lawley Publishing wish you a stellar school year. Keep reading!