Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison is a beautifully illustrated book that celebrates the achievements of black women throughout history. The book features biographies and illustrations of 50 notable women, including Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and Maya Angelou. One of the things I love about this book is that it introduces young readers to a diverse range of historical figures who have made significant contributions to society. The author does an excellent job of highlighting their accomplishments and inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. The illustrations are also top-notch, with each character depicted in a unique style that captures their personality and essence. I particularly appreciate the attention to detail in the clothing and accessories worn by these women, which adds depth and authenticity to the book. Overall, Little Leaders is an excellent choice for parents looking to introduce their children to important historical figures and inspire them to pursue their dreams. It's a must-read for anyone interested in black history and culture. Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven is an inspiring book that encourages readers to focus on small, daily actions that can have a big impact on their lives and the world around them. The author uses his experience as a Navy SEAL to illustrate how even the smallest acts of kindness and discipline can make a difference in our personal and professional lives. One of the things I love about this book is its practical advice, which readers can apply immediately to improve their daily routines and achieve their goals. The author also shares his own experiences and insights from his time as a Navy SEAL, making the book both informative and inspiring. The writing style is engaging and easy to read, with plenty of anecdotes and examples to illustrate the author's points. I particularly appreciate how the author emphasizes the importance of perseverance and resilience in achieving success, which are qualities that can be applied to any area of life. Overall, Make Your Bed is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their lives and make a positive impact on the world around them. It's an excellent choice for parents, teachers, and anyone who wants to live a more fulfilling and purposeful life. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate is a heartwarming story about a gorilla named Ivan who lives in a cage at a shopping mall. The book follows Ivan as he befriends the animals around him, including a wounded elephant and a runaway Russian tiger, and learns to find joy and meaning in his life despite his captivity. One of the things I love about this book is its message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The author does an excellent job of portraying Ivan as a complex character with depth and emotion, which makes it easy for readers to connect with him on a personal level. The writing style is engaging and accessible, with plenty of humor and heart to balance out the more serious moments. I particularly appreciate how the author uses Ivan's story to explore themes such as friendship, empathy, and the importance of finding meaning in our lives. Overall, The One and Only Ivan is a must-read for anyone looking for an uplifting and inspiring story that will touch their heart. It's an excellent choice for parents, teachers, and anyone who wants to learn more about the power of kindness and compassion. Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7) by J.K. Rowling is a classic series that has captivated readers of all ages since its release in the late 1990s. The books follow the adventures of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger as they attend Hogwarts School for Witches and Magicians and battle against dark forces that threaten to destroy the magical world. One of the things I love about this series is its richly detailed world-building, which includes a vast array of magical creatures, spells, and locations. The author does an excellent job of creating a sense of wonder and excitement in each book, as readers are introduced to new characters and plot twists that keep them on the edge of their seats. The writing style is engaging and accessible, with plenty of humor and heart to balance out the more serious moments. I particularly appreciate how the author uses the series to explore themes such as friendship, loyalty, and the importance of standing up for what's right. Overall, Harry Potter is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy or young adult fiction. It's an excellent choice for parents, teachers, and anyone looking for a thrilling and immersive reading experience that will keep them coming back for more. The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1 by Rick Riordan is the first book in a popular young adult series that follows the adventures of Percy Jackson, the son of Poseidon, as he discovers his true heritage and battles against evil forces. The book introduces readers to a world filled with gods, monsters, and magic, as Percy learns to navigate the complexities of the ancient Greek mythology. One of the things I love about this series is its fast-paced action and adventure, which keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. The author does an excellent job of creating a sense of urgency and excitement in each book, as Percy faces new challenges and obstacles that test his courage and determination. The writing style is engaging and accessible, with plenty of humor and heart to balance out the more serious moments. I particularly appreciate how the author uses the series to explore themes such as identity, belonging, and the importance of standing up for what's right. Overall, The Lightning Thief is a must-read for anyone who loves young adult fiction or action-adventure stories. It's an excellent choice for parents, teachers, and anyone looking for a thrilling and immersive reading experience that will keep them coming back for more. All the Ugly and Wonderful Things: A Novel by Andrew Sean Greer is a beautifully written novel that explores themes of love, family, and identity in a small town in Tennessee. The book follows the lives of two families, one white and one black, as they navigate complex relationships and confront their own prejudices and biases. One of the things I love about this book is its lyrical prose, which captures the beauty and complexity of life in a small town. The author does an excellent job of creating vivid and memorable characters that readers can't help but connect with on a personal level. The writing style is engaging and accessible, with plenty of humor and heart to balance out the more serious moments. I particularly appreciate how the author uses the novel to explore themes such as prejudice, empathy, and the importance of understanding and accepting others for who they are. Overall, All the Ugly and Wonderful Things is a must-read for anyone looking for an emotionally resonant and thought-provoking novel that will stay with them long after they've finished reading it. It's an excellent choice for parents, teachers, and anyone who wants to learn more about the complexities of human relationships and the power of empathy and understanding. SpongeBob Moves In is a fun and engaging animated series that follows the adventures of SpongeBob SquarePants as he moves into a new home in Bikini Bottom with his pet snail, Gary. The show features colorful characters, catchy music, and plenty of humor to keep viewers entertained from beginning to end. One of the things I love about this series is its positive message of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance in the face of adversity. The author does an excellent job of creating a sense of community and belonging among the characters, as they work together to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. The writing style is engaging and accessible, with plenty of humor and heart to balance out the more serious moments. I particularly appreciate how the series uses its colorful and imaginative world-building to explore themes such as acceptance, empathy, and the importance of standing up for what's right. Overall, SpongeBob Moves In is a must-watch for anyone who loves animated series or children's television. It's an excellent choice for parents, teachers, and anyone looking for a fun and engaging way to learn about important life lessons and values. The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America is a non-fiction book that tells the true story of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, which was marred by murder, scandal, and tragedy. The author explores the lives of two men, one a brilliant architect named Daniel Burnham who designed the fair, and the other a con artist named H.H. Holmes who preyed on unsuspecting visitors to the fair. One of the things I love about this book is its meticulous research and attention to detail, which brings the events of the Chicago World's Fair to life in vivid and compelling ways. The author does an excellent job of weaving together the stories of Burnham and Holmes, as well as the other characters who populated the fair, creating a rich tapestry of intrigue and suspense. The writing style is engaging and accessible, with plenty of humor and heart to balance out the more serious moments. I particularly appreciate how the author uses the book to explore themes such as ambition, greed, and the darker side of human nature. Overall, The Devil in the White City is a must-read for anyone interested in history or true crime. It's an excellent choice for parents, teachers, and anyone looking for a thrilling and immersive reading experience that will keep them coming back for more. The Wonderful Things You Will Be: A Book of Affirmations by Rumi is a beautifully illustrated book that celebrates the power of positive thinking and affirmation in shaping our lives. The book features inspiring quotes from the poet Rumi, as well as colorful illustrations that capture the essence of his teachings. One of the things I love about this book is its message of hope and inspiration, which encourages readers to focus on their strengths and potential rather than their weaknesses and limitations. The author does an excellent job of using Rumi's words and wisdom to help readers cultivate a positive mindset and achieve their goals. The writing style is engaging and accessible, with plenty of humor and heart to balance out the more serious moments. I particularly appreciate how the book uses its colorful illustrations to create a sense of wonder and magic in each page, inspiring readers to believe in themselves and their abilities. Overall, The Wonderful Things You Will Be is a must-read for anyone looking for an uplifting and inspiring book that will help them live a more fulfilling and purposeful life. It's an excellent choice for parents, teachers, and anyone who wants to learn more about the power of positive thinking and affirmation in shaping our lives. LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box 10696 Building Toys for Creative Play; Kids Creative Kit (484 Pieces) is a set of LEGO bricks that allows children to build their own creations using the classic LEGO pieces. The set includes a variety of colors and shapes, as well as instructions for building specific models, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to introduce their children to the world of LEGO building. One of the things I love about this set is its versatility, allowing children to build whatever they can imagine using the included pieces. The author does an excellent job of providing clear instructions and ideas for building specific models, as well as encouraging creativity and imagination in each child's creations. The writing style is engaging and accessible, with plenty of humor and heart to balance out the more serious moments. I particularly appreciate how the set encourages children to think outside the box and use their imaginations to create unique and innovative designs. Overall, LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box 10696 Building Toys for Creative Play; Kids Creative Kit (484 Pieces) is a must-have for any child who loves building and creating with LEGO bricks.