Empowering Florida's Future
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The Gift of Gratitude Through Reading
What do we give thanks for in December? Usually, we think of family, friends, food, and health. But there's another gift worth celebrating: stories that shape how we see the world. Reading builds gratitude in ways we don't always recognize. When we read about...
Art, Legacy, and Unlikely Partnership: Discovering “The Painter and the President”
Sarah Albee has crafted a fascinating and delightfully human story in "The Painter and the President," a nonfiction narrative that reveals the complicated relationship between George Washington and portrait artist Gilbert Stuart. Through vivid storytelling and careful...
Science, Survival, and the Self: Unraveling “Star Splitter”
Matthew J. Kirby, an Edgar Award-winning author, has crafted a masterfully suspenseful science fiction thriller in "Star Splitter" that explores profound questions about identity, autonomy, and what it means to be human. This spine-tingling novel combines the...
Mystery, Memory, and the Magic of Books: A Journey Through “The Lost Library”
Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass have created something truly special in "The Lost Library," a mystery that celebrates the power of books, the importance of preserving history, and the unexpected ways the past connects to the present. This captivating story demonstrates...
Finding Courage One Step at a Time: Discovering “The Fastest Tortoise in Town”
Howard Calvert has created a delightfully inspiring story in "The Fastest Tortoise in Town," a tale that celebrates perseverance, friendship, and the courage to try your best even when the odds seem stacked against you. This charming book offers young readers a fresh...
Technology, Friendship, and Finding Home: A Journey Through “Battle for the Park”
H.D. Hunter has crafted an exciting and thought-provoking adventure in "Battle for the Park," a science fiction novel that explores what happens when the technology we depend on begins to malfunction—and what it truly means to find home and belonging in an uncertain...
When Inner Strength Meets Outer Challenges: Exploring “Penny Lu Porcupine”
Katie Gilstrap has created a delightfully relatable and empowering story in "Penny Lu Porcupine," beautifully brought to life by Maribel Lechuga's illustrations. This charming tale explores the difference between appearing strong and feeling strong, while celebrating...
Small Mouse, Big Heart: A Journey Through “Always, Clementine”
Carlie Sorosiak has crafted a remarkable and touching story in "Always, Clementine," a novel that explores what it means to use your gifts for good and the power of friendship that transcends physical boundaries. Through the unique perspective of a brilliant...
Discovering Family, Finding Yourself: A Journey Through “The Firefly Summer”
Morgan Matson has created a deeply moving and beautifully crafted story in "The Firefly Summer," a novel that explores the intricate threads that connect us to family, memory, and the places that shape who we become. A Story About Coming Home to Yourself At its heart,...
Finding Home and Heart: A Journey Through “Dogtown”
Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko have crafted something truly special in "Dogtown," a heartwarming tale that explores what it means to find your place in the world—whether you're made of flesh and fur or circuits and steel. A Story That Speaks to Every...