The Story Squad

Six Stars & No Arms Needed: Juniper Reviews "Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus"

Fifth-grader and Battle of the Books competitor Juniper joins host Hadassah Knight on The Story Squad to make the case for The Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusty Bowling and she makes it convincingly. Juniper's insightful take on Ava, a girl born without arms who moves to an Arizona wild west theme park and stumbles into a mystery, will have you heading straight to the library. From laugh-out-loud moments to unexpected twists and a few happy tears, Juniper breaks it all down with the kind of thoughtful honesty only a true bookworm can deliver. Her takeaway? People are so much more than what makes them different and some books deserve more than five stars.Every kid has a favorite book — come tell us yours! Have a grownup reach out to us at hknight@mediase7en.com [hknight@mediase7en.com] and join The Story Squad. Because when kids talk about books, other kids listen.

The Secret Cottage Nobody Knew About: Lilianna Shares "Mandy'"

What would YOU do if you discovered a secret cottage in the woods? In this heartwarming episode, Lilianna shares her love for "Mandy" by Julie Edwards—a beautiful story about a girl living in an orphanage who finds an abandoned cottage and transforms it into her own special place. Join us as Lilianna talks about why Mandy's bravery inspired her, the magical moment of discovering the cottage, and what it really means to find where you belong. We'll discuss secret gardens, unexpected friendships, and the courage it takes to create your own happiness. Perfect for readers who love heartfelt stories, nature, and characters who never give up on their dreams. Whether you've read "Mandy" before or you're hearing about it for the first time, Lilianna's enthusiasm will make you want to pick up this classic right away! Recommended for ages 8-12