Review: The Little-Known Heroes: William 'Dummy' Hoy by Kaushay Ford and Spencer Ford

Today's review heads off into the sports arena. I love getting my hands on books like these because I've heard school librarians always list sport books among the favorites, which are checked out by kids. Today's book is one from a series named 'The Little-Known Heroes'. This series takes lesser-known, marginalized figures from history and introduces readers to them. 

WILLIAM 'DUMMY' HOY

The Little-Known Heroes

by Kaushay Ford and 

Spencer Ford

Illustrated by Taylor Allen

Colford Industries

Children's Nonfiction

18 pages

ages 5 to 8

William Hoy, or "Dummy" as he chose to be called, was a child who loved baseball and was deaf. Being a determined young man, Dummy worked hard and turned his love of baseball into a career. During his time in the major leagues, there were many people who didn't respect Dummy since he was deaf. Nevertheless, he stood up for himself and proved them wrong. Despite hardships and challenges, Dummy remained honest and hardworking and found immeasurable success. 

Purchase and more Information:

https://thelittleknownheroes.com

Available in hardback, ebook, or audiobook formats

MY TIDBITS

William 'Dummy' Hoy received his name due to his inability to hear, but despite this disability, he played in the major leagues and wasn't to be ignored. This book meets him shortly before he enters the big leagues and introduces the struggles he faced and how he overcame and dealt with them.

This book is just right for those young readers, who have a good grasp on words, but aren't ready to leave the chapter book world quite yet. Each 2-page spread has one, if not two, colored illustration, which helps bring the time period and personalities to visual life. These are well done and break up the text in a way to keep frustration away even for more reluctant readers. Some pages are heavier on text than others, but it's never overwhelming thanks to the illustrations.

The sentences and vocabulary fit well to the age group. William's story is brought across interestingly but still remains based on the facts and provable experiences he had. Still, it's never dry or boring. Instead, it's hard not to root for him as he stands up for himself and overcomes whatever barriers are set in front of him. It's an inspiring tale, and not only for baseball or sport fans, especially since William stays polite and honest while he still chases his goals. 

I do recommend this one not only for individual readers, but see it as a great addition to school libraries, classrooms and even for homeschoolers.

Mommy and Daddy's Day with T is for Time Travel by Stanlei Bellan

Every now and then, I post a review for a book, which is more for the mommies and daddies out there. After all, they like to read, too. These books do not contain matter or themes, which are any tougher than the usual young adult novel. In other words, these are not books which need to be hid under the bed or kept out of younger hands. 

Today's review hits a short story collection and reaches over time and space. I don't hit these very often and thought it sounded like an intriguing mix.

Let's see if it is!

 

T IS FOR TIME TRAVEL

by Stanlei Bellan

Imagilore Publishing

Short Stories / Science Fiction / Fantasy / Adventure

132 pages

Take the road less time traveled.

In this collection of ten stories, author Stanlei Bellan takes you on a rollicking journey through the timestream.

* Discover a lamp on the beach holding a genie that can grant you three...trips?
* Meet a veteran soldier assisting a mad scientist who is convinced he’s created the first time machine; a harmless delusion – until it works.
* Watch a 19th century lighthouse keeper find out what she’s willing to fight for, and then find a whole new world of trouble.
* Explore the dangers of time looping aboard a spaceship with an ensign who is stuck between duty and his conscience. Would you make the same choices?

T Is for Time Travel is a fun and fast-paced collection of timely short stories that will introduce you to characters you’ll love, thrilling adventures, and thought-provoking scenarios – with plenty of laughs along the way.

Are you ready to jump in – whenever it may take you?

GOODREADS  /   B&N   /   AMAZON   /   BOOK DEPOSITORY 

MY TIDBITS

When it comes to short story collections, I often find a few stories which are interesting and the rest...well, they slip off and are forgotten on the side. This collection, however, was a bit of everything.

There are ten stories, each one highlighting time travel in one way or another. They take place in very different times, very different settings, and with very different plots and themes. While this collection is written by one author, the tales hit a wide spread and make it impossible to guess what will be coming next. Some are slow paced, while others speed along with continuous action and interesting situations. Some build more on emotion and deeper thought, while others allow tension to take more control.  Even the plots spin with varying directions and the endings are as varied as can be. 

I did enjoy most of them. Those I didn't were more due to their slower plots or simply left me with a bit of confusion. But the writing sat in all of them, and the tales were always intriguing in their own way. Especially the last tale packs a punch, and left the collection off on a wonderful note.

Time travel fans will enjoy this one and are sure to find more than a few of the stories well worth the read.

And here he is...

Stanlei Bellan, like any respectable time traveler, has many stories to tell. Some of the most fun and witty are in his book T is for Time Travel. In other timelines, Stanlei has been a physics professor, an engineering graduate, a start-up entrepreneur, and a winner of six Cannes Lions awards for his creative work in advertising and entertainment. 

An immigrant from Brazil who was adopted by California, Stanlei is still learning how to bend time to fit his wife, two sons and a daughter, a cat, his business partners, and his many hobbies (like playing Dungeons & Dragons and uncovering fascinating historical facts). Stanlei's writing is inspired by an unquenchable desire to transcend reality into fantasy.

Review: As Fast As Her by Kendall Coyne

I went to a hockey college. So, maybe that's why today's review caught my attention. It might also have to due with the fact that it's hard to find autobiographies for the upper middle grade/ young adult audiences, which center around sports. Now, I often grab up autobiographies and biographies for younger readers with hesitation because so many are actually written as adults talking down to these audiences. This one managed to steer clear of that.

How I wish I had that horn to start this post! 

AS FAST AS HER:

Dream Big, Break Barriers, Achieve Success

by Kendall Coyne 

with Estelle Laure

Zonderkidz

YA Autobiography

240 pages

In this inspiring book, US Olympian and hockey star Kendall Coyne shares the grit and determination it took to break down barriers and achieve her dreams against tremendous odds, encouraging young people to follow their passions and never give up.

The world told Kendall Coyne to slow down. They said “not so fast” when she picked up hockey skates instead of figure skates. They said “just a minute” when she tried out for the boy's team. They told her “you're not enough” so often that she started to believe it. But Kendall had a passion and a dream, so instead of slowing down, she sped up, going on to win Olympic gold and a place at the NHL’s All-Star weekend.

As Fast as Her explores how Kendall held on to her dream, overcame her insecurities and naysayers, and pushed herself past barriers to achieve her goals—and how you can too! Inside, Kendall shares:

stories that illustrate the lessons she's learned and how to apply them for success
encouragement to help young people know they are good enough—to fit in, to find their “why,” and to create lasting change for others
her personal trials and triumphs, inspiring readers to discover what excites and exhausts them—and help them to be as relentless in achieving their own goals
behind-the-scenes and personal photos in a full-color 8-page insert.

GOODREADS   /   B&N   /   AMAZON

 KOBO   /    BOOK DEPOSITORY 

MY TIDBITS

Sport books are always big among the younger readers I know. Unfortunately, autobiographies often talk-down to readers or are not really intended for them. This one didn't fall into that trap, but is written in a way upper middle graders will easily understand and connect with.

Written in first person, it has the atmosphere as if Kendall is actually sitting there and speaking with the reader. It carries a younger voice (as if she were in her lower teens) and hits upon many details, which the age group would find important, and not as if it were an adult, trying to convince kids what they are saying is interesting. Especially the back and forth with her brother brings a familiarity, which makes her more natural and real.

The book is broken down into short chapters, each one carrying a specific theme. These themes are thoughts and bits of wisdom, intended to give words of wisdom, encouragement, and advice to kids, hoping to achieve their own goals. There's a short chapter title, which is immediately followed by a quick phrase of what topic is going to be addressed, for example, 'Everything happens for a reason'. The chapter then tells of Kendall's experiences (real life) where she learned this lesson herself. There is also a 'Golden Coyne' in each chapter (illustrated with half a shiny 'coin' on the one side of the page), which gives food for thought.

I was surprised how down-to-earth this is written. It's interesting and uses experiences, which readers might recognize or, at least, will be able to picture and understand. It never talks down or sounds aloof. The vocabulary is just right for the age group, and even those who aren't overly familiar with hockey will have no trouble understanding every scene. There are colored photos in the center of the book, which add a nice touch and let the reader get to know Kendall even better.

This is a well-done read about how a woman's support, determination, and hard work brought her further than she thought was possible, and opened doors in life she would have never seen coming, otherwise. Not only hockey fans will enjoy this one.

Review: By the Light of Fireflies by Jenni L. Walsh

 Today's review might be better suited for March, since it will be Women's History Month, but I've had this one on my radar for a few months, now, and didn't want to wait any longer. It takes young readers back to the Revolutionary War, George Washington, Paul Revere, and life during that period. I do like the cover, and fireflies catch my attention. Plus, well-done historical reads for middle graders are something I always love to discover.

Ready to jet back through time?

BY THE LIGHT OF FIREFLIES

A Novel of War Hero Sybil Ludington

by Jenni L. Walsh

Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing

Middle Grade Historical

186 pages

ages 8 to 12

Sybil Ludington believes in the legend of fireflies—they appear when you need them most. But it's not until her family is thrust into the dangers of the Revolutionary War, and into George Washington's spy ring, that Sybil experiences firefly magic for herself—guiding her through the darkness, empowering her to figure out who she's supposed to be and how strong she really is—as she delivers her imperative message and warns against a British attack.

BY THE LIGHT OF FIREFLIES is the captivating tale of a young girl's journey as a daughter, a sister, a friend, a spy, and eventually a war hero, completing a midnight ride that cements her place in history as the "female Paul Revere."

GOODREADS   /   AMAZON   /   B&N   /   BOOK DEPOSITORY  

MY TIDBITS

Life during the Revolutionary War comes across with an amazingly, natural flow thanks to a girl, who packs a little spunk, tons of bravery, and a tiny pinch of magic.

Sybil knows her father is in a dangerous spot as an ex-officer for His Majesty's army, who in reality, supports the rebel cause. She wishes she could help, but isn't even allowed to take her own siblings to school without being accompanied by her friend, who is a boy. She's as good as him, although her mother insists Sybil needs to keep her head where it belongs and settle into her life as the girl she is. But when her father requests her help in building a spy ring, she finds herself caught up more and more in the revolution. Soon, she'll need to step past traditional roles to save those things she cares about most.

This is a short book and very well done. It starts out with a grabbing scene as Sybil's family is again being threatened by the British supporters, and her father is forced to make a difficult choice. But her life doesn't center only around this cause. The author lets Sybil live as a girl with a bit of spunk would, during the time frame. Her problems are relatable, despite the time difference, and her decisions and concerns are easy to understand. The author presents her in such a natural manner allowing Sybil to be a normal girl.

The details and information surrounding the time are dribbled in bit by bit, never breaking the flow of the tale. It allows the reader to sink in without feeling as if they are being taught. The tale grabs as the danger of the situation becomes more and more obvious. There's never a boring moment, but then, the book isn't long enough for there to be either. And that's also a huge bonus, since it never drags or bogs down. Still, dates, events, and important individuals are mentioned and weave in and out through the tale. The reader does learn about the history, gets a feeling for the situation, and connects with the events through the eyes of someone their age. But then, even as an adult, I enjoyed the story.

I do recommend this one, and not only for libraries or the homeschooling crowd. It's an enjoyable read for anyone who doesn't shy from a little adventure.

Review: The Story of Ace, the Dog that Comes From Space by Anna "Annina" Lorenzi

 Today's read comes from an Italian author and was translated into English, releasing the end of last year. It has a lovely balance of comics and humorous, short stories with a puppy to love and adore. Oops! It looks like I'm giving the review already!

I'll just keep my lips tight, and get on with the book. 

THE STORY OF ACE, THE DOG THAT COMES FROM SPACE

by Anna "Annina" Lorenzi

Illustrated by Lele Corvi

Translated by Starleen K. Meyer

Humor

78 pages

ages 8 and up

What happens when an author, such as Anna “Annina” Lorenzi, of stories, novels, poetry, and various other kinds of texts, decides to write a book illustrated ironically, and she encounters “the pencil” and the brilliant mind of a famous Italian cartoonist, such as Lele Corvi?  Well, what a question, Ace is born!

The story of Ace was written with a smile to make readers smile, but also to reflect. It was born as a book for everyone. If a range of ages had to be specified, it would surely be “from 0 to 100.” 

Ace is determined, with his principles, his ideas, and his convictions, but he is also one who knows how to be ironic and to “play” with his weaknesses, his uncertainties, and delusions, reflecting on himself and on the world in which he was “catapulted” when born. Ace will know how to make himself loved, immediately, because – as Lele Corvi writes in his preface – “…even though he comes from another planet and is a dog, he is one of us. Ace is EVERYONE of us.” 

The Story of Ace, the Dog that Comes from Space (professionally translated from Italian by Starleen K. Meyer), and its original Italian title, La storia di Ignazio il Cane che Arriva dallo Spazio, are an Original A19 Project by Anna “Annina” Lorenzi, in collaboration with Lele Corvi. 

AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

The collection of adventures and curious life moments from a dog, who might be from space, pack not only mounds of humor but poke with a bit of clever insight surrounding life.

Each chapter holds a situation or observation from Ace and his life. These can be read one after the other or in any order desired. These are short, only a couple of pages, and each one begins with a quick, enjoyable comic, which depicts the theme and allows Ace to really come to life. These are followed by the insights of Ace as he considers a situation through his view on life in a type of short story. It's easy to read, creates food for thought, and is humorous enough to cause more than just a smile or two.

The vocabulary and situations might go a little over younger readers' heads, but slightly older ones will have no trouble sinking into Ace's views on life. Seeing everything through his eyes is refreshing; He attempts to think through things and analyze the world around him...in his own unique way. The result is funny but also slides in some interesting points, which hit true to home. It's fun to read, especially with the comics bringing Ace to visual life. And it's one for not only middle graders, but something even adults can enjoy.

About the author...

Anna “Annina” Lorenzi was born in Milan on a rainy Monday morning the 26th of October, 1981. She went to - or, better yet, “went to” - two years of classical studies high school, followed by four years of artistic studies high school, without, in any event, being able to resist dedicating herself to her passions: writing, music, photography, her beloved dogs, engines, travelling and nature. Talking about work, she really does “a little bit of everything,” so much so that, together with some friends, she founded a company in Texas that deals with classic cars. Participating in writing contests and working with some Italian magazines, she has published various short stories and articles. Currently, she shares her creative writing accompanied by photographs and images on her personal site, Diciannove - Prima di nascere ero sull'astronave che aspettavo di scendere (annina19.com - Nineteen - Before I was born I was on a space ship waiting to come down). She also promotes her previous literary publications, internationally.

The books of the author are available in Italian and English editions (professionally translated from Italian by Starleen K. Meyer), in paperback and eBook formats, on all the Amazon stores. Other texts, poetry, short stories, interviews, and articles (including less recent publications) are online on Anna’s site annina19.com, which is constantly updated.

About the illustrator...

Currently a cartoonist for the newspapers Il Manifesto, l’Eco di Bergamo, and Il Cittadino, he also draws cartoons for Voto 10, a web portal dedicated to cinema, and for Food Service, a web site and magazine about catering. He is also the author of comic strips appearing in various editions of the day planner Comix (with the series Crow’s Village), and for a few years in Focus Junior. Recently, he realized the drawings for the graphic novel Vita eccessiva di John Belushi (2019). Gabriele is the author of various collections of cartoons, cartoon strips, and of children’s books: con Le 100 Cose Belle della Vita (Emme edizioni, 2020) and a series of 4 books with Tobi as a protagonist (publishing houses and self-publishing). Over the years, he has also collaborated with Corriere della Sera, Gazzetta dello Sport, Avvenire, Banca Intesa, Amsa Milano, Yamaha, Procter&Gamble, Citroen, 3BMeteo, Edicola Fiore and others. He has also created covers, comics and book illustrations for various publishing houses, such as Hachette, Pearson, Fabbri – Rizzoli Education, Piemme, et al. In addition, Gabriele has had personal exhibits, and his works have also been present in many collective exhibits. He has also won some national and international prizes dedicated to satire and comic strips.