In the Shadow of War, by Patrick Garry, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Glen, a recent high school graduate, blames himself for his brother's death as he and his close-knit family deeply mourn the loss of their dearly departed.  Meanwhile, Corcoran, the town in which they live, has become nearly extinct.  Glen's grandfather, determined to save their beloved town, urges his family to stay even while most residents have taken their leave.  In a wildly eccentric scheme to breathe life back into the town, he invites the wives of soldiers serving in Vietnam to make Corcoran their home.

In the Shadow of War is a nostalgic coming of age tale which takes place in rural America in the 1970s.  Author Patrick M. Garry's depiction of life in the Midwest during this pivotal time in history is highly relatable.  This beautifully penned love story 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

Why Water's Worth It, by Lori Harrison, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Why Water’s Worth It,  by Lori Harrison, is a wonderfully informative children's picture book about water's importance and how and why we can keep our water supplies clean and safe.  The body of the book is written in rhyme, and the book also includes an interesting and educational afterword which offers suggestions on how everyone can make a difference in reducing waste while eliminating pollution to help preserve water supplies.  Whimsical watercolor illustrations by Jon Harrison are a lovely addition to this book wich 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

No Fish For Charles, by Tracy Detz, has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Charles, the crocodile, loves to take it easy, just chilling on the rocks and fishing from his canoe.  One day he gets a taste for fish and decides to play hooky from school so he can go fishing instead.  But the fish know better and they outwit the school-skipping-crocodile.  Told in rhyme, this whimsical book is wonderfully entertaining with an underlying message that school is important and skipping is not to be done.  Written by Tracy Detz, with expressive and vibrant illustrations by Monika Suska, No Fish For Charles 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

Aspiring, Part 1 of the Siblings’ Tale, by Astrid V.J., earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Fourteen-year-old Elisabeth has returned from school to see her terminally ill mother after a long absence. On her deathbed, her mother tells the girl it's not safe for her to be there. Rocked by an overwhelming sense of loss, Elisabeth feels ill-equipped to carry on without her mother's guidance. She knows she's a witch, but she fears she lacks the knowledge to use her powers. But her mother assures her she already possesses all she needs, and when the time is right she will be ready. Now with her mother gone, Elisabeth doesn't know how she'll find her way. Especially when the witches responsible for her mother's death are bent on taking over the kingdom.

Aspiring, Part 1 of the Siblings’ Tale, by Astrid V.J.is a well written and utterly charming coming-of-age tale. With excellent world-building in a realm where magic, elves, and unicorns exist, we are introduced to perfectly flawed and highly relatable characters.  In a tale replete with clever twists and a satisfying ending that will leave readers yearning for the next book in this highly engaging series, Aspiring, Part 1 of the Siblings’ Tale 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

Running with the Wolves, by J.E. Reed, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Kiuno woke up one morning in a mild state of amnesia with nothing but the clothes on her back and a bracelet with her "name" on it. While she can vaguely recall her life back home, the forest she now finds herself in seems somehow familiar as well.  She comes to remember that Kiuno is her online ID for a video game she plays, called Chronopoint.  She also remembers she has a husband and an ordinary life back home. Eventually, she decides to look for civilization, hoping to find some of the other players she knows through their shared online experience. Instead, she meets strangers with whom she forms an alliance and they set out together to find her online friends and her real-world husband. Ultimately, she wants nothing more than to find her way out of the game, which is comprised of ten realms. But in her new reality, the one which takes place in the very real world of Chronopoint, everyone is a potential threat who may be willing to kill to survive so they can find their way to the tenth realm and get back home.

Running with the Wolves is an action-packed thriller with complex characters and an unpredictable storyline.  Author J.E. Reed has created a mysterious fantasy world in which monsters and magic seamlessly intertwine.  With captivating plots and subplots which keep readers guessing throughout, Running with the Wolves 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

Tricycle and Friends, by Lester Aradi, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Tricycle and Friends, by Lester Aradi, is the story of the true-life adventures of a three-legged golden retriever and his rescued farm animal friends. When Tricycle arrives at his new home he's more than a little nervous.  But his worries vanish as he soon makes lots of new friends at the farm he now calls home.  Much to Tricycle's surprise and delight, he meets another dog who, like him, only has three legs.  And soon he will become a service dog to help kids with their own share of physical challenges find hope and happiness.  Tricycle and Friends, is a wonderfully uplifting and encouraging book that addresses topics such as adoption, bullying, physical challenges, and loss of a loved one.  Recommended for home and school libraries, Tricycle and Friends, earnds 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

Ramadan Around The World, by Ndaa Hassan, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

In the book Ramadan Around the World, kids of all ethnic backgrounds and abilities celebrate Ramadan . . . from the United States, to Mexico, to Egypt, and beyond.  Each region has its own unique foods and traditions, but all share a singular goal, to celebrate and show thanks for their many blessings.  With creative and colorful illustrations by Azra Momin, Ramadan Around the World is a beautiful book about this special time of year. 

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

Oregon Trail Activity Guide, by Jeannie Panchal, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

The Oregon Trail Activity Guide, by Jeannie Panchal, is more than just an activity book.  It provides fascinating historical facts that readers of all ages will enjoy learning about.  With pages including topics such as "Packing the Wagon," youngsters are encouraged to choose what to bring and what to leave behind based on wants, needs and weight restrictions for loading a covered wagon.  Kids are given a real-life perspective into the challenges faced by the pioneers who braved the trail back in the 1800s.  With mazes, coloring pages, paper dolls, and much more, this book has enough activities to keep youngsters engaged for hours on end.  Recommended for home and school libraries, The Oregon Trail Activity Guide 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

It's Grief, by Edy Nathan, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

It's Grief, The Dance of Self-Discovery Through Trauma and Loss is a must-read, self-help book for anyone who has suffered from grief, trauma or loss in their life.  Author Edy Nathan describes the process of grieving as an evolution, or dance, within one’s self.  She explains that honoring loss is a way to comfort the soul.  The author validates grief and acknowledges that the grieving process is highly personal to each individual and their circumstances.  By validating one's feelings and emotions those suffering from grief can open themselves up to healing.

Nathan offers practical, thought-provoking exercises readers can implement at their own pace.  Specific steps to work through grief are provided with the Grief Recovery Tool Kit, a step-by-step guide for those suffering from grief, trauma, and loss, along with techniques to enhance focus and emotional stability.

This enlightening and insightful book is a comprehensive resource with powerful principles on how to navigate the complex journey of grief.  Recommended for home and school libraries, It's Grief, The Dance of Self-Discovery Through Trauma and Loss 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

Mistress Suffragette, by Diana Forbes, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Following the panic of 1893 Penelope Stanton's family has fallen into hard times financially.  Whoever said money can't buy love was not thinking of Penelope's fiance who, upon learning of her hardship, called off the wedding.  Now her mother expects her to find a wealthy suitor to make all things right again with the family.  But instead, she falls for a philandering philanthropist, a married man named Edgar Daggers. In the 1890s, a time when the women's suffragette movement is just beginning to gain traction, Penelope tries to find her own way as she sorts through her ideals and the harsh realities of life, which she comes to realize are often at odds with one another. 

Author Diana Forbes has penned an entirely compelling novel with historical relevance, exceptional prose, and enough conflict to keep this story moving along at a nice clip.  Mistress Suffragette 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

Crisanta Knight, Inherent Fate, by Geanna Culbertson, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

In the enchanted realm of Book, wherein resides Crisanta, daughter of famed Cinderella, taking charge of one's character is not encouraged.  That is meant to be left to fairy godmothers and of course, the Author.  But to a young girl who wishes to control her own destiny, that simply won't do.  Crisanta has attended Lady Agnue's School for Princesses & Other Female Protagonists, so she is fully aware of what's expected of her, but being demure and subservient really isn't her thing.  Prophecies be damned, Crisanta won't let things go down without a fight. 

Crisanta Knight, Inherent Fate, by Geanna Culbertson, is an entirely unique and wonderfully creative tale of princes, princesses and other leading characters in an otherworldly fairytale realm.  Unlike any fairytale you may have encountered, this book is full of page-turning surprises.  From the entertaining and informative prologue, which sets things up nicely even for those who have not read the earlier Crisanta books, this novel draws readers into its delightfully enchanting story.  With strong character development, a plot that sears, and a tenacious female protagonist, this book is sure to become a favorite with readers of all ages.  Inherent Fate reads well enough as a stand-alone, but we can't imagine why anyone would deprive themselves of starting at the beginning with the first book in this highly engaging series.  - Recommended for home and school libraries, Crisanta Knight, Inherent Fate 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

The Shadow of Camelot, by Wendy Leighton-Porter, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Joe and Jemima Lancelot continue to search for their parents who have been missing for quite a while.  But for this family of time-travelers, the brother and sister must search everywhere and in every time as they persist in their quest to bring their parents home.  They, along with their friend, Charlie, and their talking cat, Max, encounter grand adventures as they search for their lost parents.

In her newest book in the dynamic Shadows from the Past series, author Wendy Leighton-Porter continues to deliver exceptional literature for a youth audience. With exciting plots and historically relevant scenarios, Joe and Jemima enchant young readers with their thrilling adventures. In this book, The Shadow of Camelot, we are introduced to the idealistic land of Camelot, with King Arthur and Merlin the Magician taking center stage along with a cast of other interesting characters of lore and legend.  Young audiences are sure to delight in this tale, replete with magic and prophecies, which is sure to engage even the most reluctant reader.  Recommended for home and school libraries, The Shadow of Camelot 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

Man & Horse, by John Egenes, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

John Egenes was always a bit of a loner. He felt more at home hanging out in a stall with horses than he did with most people. Growing up in the 60s and 70s he was a musician before it was cool to be in a band and he would often hitch rides to neighboring towns, sometimes staying away for days at a time.  So it was probably no shock to those who knew him best when he decided to travel by horse from the West Coast all the way to the East Coast.  At a time when there were no cell phones, no GPS, and shamefully few reliable maps beyond those showing main roads and highways, Egenes set out, with a mere $100 in his pocket, to take on a grand adventure of epic proportions. 

Man & Horse, The Long Ride Across America, is John Egenes' personal account of his experience traversing the United States on horseback.  Weathering storms, drought, and a myriad of other natural and unnatural threats, he and his trusty sidekick made their way through some of the harshest conditions imaginable.  His genuinely humble and introspective narrative makes for a fascinating and entirely enlightening read.  Recommended for home and school libraries, Man & Horse, The Long Ride Across America 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

The Woodland Adventures of Lucy and Will, by Christina Pages, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

The Woodland Adventures of Lucy and Will, by Christina Pages, is the second book in the Lucy Series inspired by Wordsworth's Wild Child, Lucy Gray.  Lucy has found love and comfort from those who have come to accept her for the wildly unique child that she is.  She hopes she has found a forever home with people who will embrace her love for nature and her need to commune with the creatures who inhabit it.  But with the return of her cruel and unloving step-father, who only wants her for the money, and the legalities which arise regarding her formal adoption by Rose and Sam, she is forced to live in an orphanage for a time.  Pages continues to delight and inspire with the magical tale of a young girl who has a deep and meaningful connection with the woods and its inhabitants.  Recommended for home and school libraries, The Woodland Adventures of Lucy and Will, 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

Yellowstone, The Bears of Caldera, by Chad-Michael Simon, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

John and his not-so-identical twin sisters are fairly typical siblings.  They have a bit of a love-hate relationship.  Maybe a bit more hate than love to be fair, but there's love in there somewhere too.  John has been struggling with growing pains, the kind that come from being nearly a teenager.  And although he would never admit it, he still loves it when his mom reminds him he'll always be her baby.  With one foot in his childhood, and one precariously testing the waters of young adulthood, he teeters between both worlds with some trepidation.  So when John and his mom go "on a bear hunt," there are no real expectations of finding a bear.  But John does indeed find a bear, only this grizzly red beast can talk, and soon the boy finds himself separated from his mom in a land where bears and ants and other creatures can communicate with him telepathically.  John wants nothing more than to get back to the other side.  But soon, his sisters are whisked away as well and all three siblings find themselves in a land entirely unlike anything they've ever known.

Yellowstone, The Bears of Caldera, by Chad-Michael Simon, is a wildly imaginative tale of three siblings and their adventures on the other side of Yellowstone National Park in a hidden world shrouded in magic and mystery.  The three must learn who they can and cannot trust as they work towards a common goal of being reunited with their parents.  Yellowstone, The Bears of Caldera, 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