#23: Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

#23: Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

Genre: Historical Fiction Kristen reviews this riches-to-rags story of the author's real grandmother, who fled unsafe conditions in Mexico and became a migrant worker in 1920's California.

#22: 90 Miles to Havana by Enrique Flores-Galbis

Genre: Historical Fiction, but based on author's true experiences One of Kristen's favorite middle school reads yet, this story is about the thousands of children fleeing to Florida without their parents during Operation Pedro Pan and the Cuban revolution.

#21: White Bird by RJ Palacio

Genre: Historical Fiction (GRAPHIC NOVEL!) Kristen reviews a continuation of Julian's story (the bully from her prior book, "Wonder") as he hears his grandmother's account of her years of hiding during the Nazi occupation of France in WWII.

#20: SPECIAL EPISODE: How Much Should We Shelter Our Children When It Comes To Literature? Interview with Rachel Richart

“Sheltering is different than guiding and protecting. Pretending things don't exist or aren’t real isn’t necessarily helpful to them, but guiding and protecting as they learn about it is the goal.” Kristen interviews Christian mom and teacher Rachel Richart to unpack this controversial question. As Christian parents, teachers, and school librarians, where should we draw the line on inappropriate content in our children's books? And why? How can we remain approachable to our kids if they read something they question? This episode is intended to be a helpful resource for Christian parents and teachers as they consider books for their own children and seek to foster a love of learning built on the foundation of their faith.

#19: The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman

Genre: Contemporary Fiction Kristen reviews this heartbreaking and heartwarming story of perseverance and hope through the eyes of homeless children in India.