The Reading Promise, by Troy Kent, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

The Reading Promise is the heartwarming story of a young mother and her son, Daniel.  When Daniel is just a baby, his mother doesn't have much money.  She worries about being a good mother, then soon decides to make her son a promise.  She realizes books at the library are free.  There might not be much she can do for her son from a monetary standpoint, but she can read to him.  So while he is just a baby, she vows to read to him every night.  As Daniel grows up, he and his mother find countless ways to experience the world through books.

Written by Troy Kent and illustrated by Elisa Moriconi, The Reading Promise is simply wonderful. Vaguely reminiscent of Robert Munsch's Love You Forever, this children's picture book is sure to tug at your heartstrings.  Highly recommended for home and school libraries, The Reading Promise earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Charley, by Donna Marie Seim, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Charley might be street-smart, but he also has a tender heart.  Life in the early 1900s is hard on most everyone it seems, and Charley is no exception. He lives in a tiny run-down apartment with no running water along with his two younger siblings, an older brother and their father, who hasn't been able to hold a job since his mother's death. Charley's father concludes the best he can do for his kids is give them an opportunity to find a home with a good family while he finds work.  So he leaves a note with Charley's oldest brother asking the Home for Little Wanderers to take in the three youngest siblings.  Twelve year old Charley is pretty sure he can get along just fine continuing to steal bread on the streets to make do, but his older brother encourages him to stay with his siblings so they'll all be together.  With a compassionate heart he begrudgingly agrees to go with little Minnie and Clarence to the orphanage.

Author Donna Maries Seim vividly depicts the story of a young boy's hopes, fears and dreams as he struggles to find purpose as an abandoned half orphan.  History buffs will appreciate this book for its authenticity.  And this genuine story is sure to work its way into the hearts of readers of all ages.

An excellent selection for home and school libraries, Charley, comes highly recommended and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Yakamali's Gift earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Yakimali’s Gift is the story of 15 year old Fernanda Marquina, a girl who embarks upon a grand expedition in 1775. Fernanda, who is half Pima Indian and half Spanish, is in a tug-of-war between the desires of her youthful heart and the expectations of her mother. More than anything, she loves to spend her days on horse-back as she thrills from the exhilaration of feeling the wind in her hair. Her thirst for adventure is quenched when King Carlos III of Spain orders Juan Bautista de Anza to lead a party of settlers from Mexico to California. Much to Fernanda's delight, she and her family join the group on the four month journey. Along the way she searches her heart for answers to the many questions which consume her troubled mind. The greatest of which is the most pressing question of all; should she marry Nicolas, the Spanish soldier who hopes to win her affection? On her quest for personal discovery, Fernanda finds resolution as she unearths truths that will forever alter her former perceptions of her family, heritage and her own identity.

Well researched and beautifully told, Yakamali's Gift is a literary treasure. Historical fiction buffs will delight in Linda Covella's depiction of Yakimali and the eclectic group of travelers who join her on her journey. Rich in culture, and resplendent with vivid depictions of the arduous trek embarked upon by these spirited travelers, Yakimali's Gift is sure to be loved by readers young and old.

Yakamali's Gift is recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Wandering Woolly, by Andrea Gabriel, earns the CLC Seal of Approval

Wandering Woolly, written and illustrated by Andrea Gabriel, is a children's picture book about a young Woolly Mammoth which becomes separated from its pack. The young Woolly doesn't realize the potential for danger until it's too late.  When she is caught up in the swiftly flowing river, the current takes her further and further from her mother and the safety of the pack. The final outcome of this story is upbeat and heartwarming.

This is a lovely book which incorporates learning about the Woolly Mammoth while teaching an understanding of the importance of staying close to an adult for safety's sake.  Gabriel has skillfully blended fact and fiction in this book which young boys and girls are sure to connect with on many levels.  This book is highly recommended for home and school libraries and for classroom reading.

Wandering Woolly has earned the Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval.



LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Without Me, by Kayleen West, earns the CLC Seal of Approval

Without Me, is the whimsical tale of a young boy who decides to run away from home.  But as he contemplates his departure, he begins to think of his pets and everyone in his family who needs him.  One at a time, he counts down the list of people, pets and things he will need to bring along with him on his journey.  Delightful illustrations depicting his exodus while joined by an ever-growing entourage are sure to incite a giggle or two as kids read along in this counting journey towards one boy's discovery of being loved, wanted and needed.

Without Me is an excellent book for youngsters and would be a terrific selection for home and school libraries.  

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org