Alane Adams

I did not realize that this is a series, but that is not an issue when reading this story. This is a sweet story about Georgie who wants to go to the circus. When he completes all of his chores and his father takes him and his friend to the circus. They enjoy everything they see and when they see Roxie, the showhorse, Georgie gets to ride on his back. Roxie is being retired after the show, and when Georgie climbs on his back, Roxie bolts as she does not want to work hard for the rest of her show more life. Roxie, does have a happy ending. It is geared to ages 4 to 8, but younger children (my grandson is 4) will not understand the message if not discussed with them. The best thing about this book is the illustrations. They are wonderful and the colours used depict the time perfectly. Circuses are pretty much gone the way of the dodo bird, so my grandchildren enjoyed the pictures and we talked about what I saw at circuses when I was younger. As well, taking place during the depression I had to explain about money and how people did not have a lot. That seemed to go over his head. Lessons of working hard to get what you want, that people can do the unexpected and even the treatment and care of animals can all be included. This would be a great story to read to a primary class to use for any of the discussion items mentioned as well as to use as a mentor text for prediction and drawing conclusions. The publisher, SparkPress, generously provided me with a copy of this book to read. The rating, ideas and opinions stated are my own. show less

The Coal Thief
Author: Alane Adams

In my opinion this is a great book that sends an important message. Even though Georgie tries to be selfish and steal coal he makes the situation into a positive one by giving the coal to people around the neighborhood. The language in the book was a lot of dialogue that flowed nicely throughout the story. The writing was very engaging because it gets the reader lost into the story. The characters Georgie, Papa, and Harley are very believable. Georgie shows show more growth from the beginning to the end by first stealing the coal for himself and than at the end he distributes to others. This book was written in third person. The plot was organized with suspense. The one part of the book was suspenseful when Georgie fell back and the train to begin to move. There was a sign of relief when Georgie’s father saved him. The illustrations really enhance the story like it is a movie. This book pushes readers to think about how important it is to be kind to others. It is better not to be selfish and think of others who are in need more than you. For example, Georgie gave the coal to people in need like the children’s home. George learned an important lesson because he even gave a child his jacket at the children’s home. show less

Beautiful artwork reminiscent of a Dickens era Christmas grace the pages to tell a charming story about a young boy who only wants new skates for Christmas.

It seems almost impossible to believe there once was a time when children wanted something as simple as just a single pair of ice skates considering now it’s not Christmas without enough presents to practically hide the tree and there must be at least one $500 video game system in the bunch.

Taking into account the emphasis on gifts in show more modern culture this is the perfect book to be part of your holiday season. Poor Georgie who normally loves finding the perfect tree and decorating it doesn’t want to participate in the magic around him because his father told him he may not get the much desired skates. That would be the huge negative in teaching our kids to believe if they are good enough then they’ll be showered in presents and since not everyone can afford them what values are we really teaching year after year?

His mom has to point out that Christmas is not ‘ruined’ as many kids have a habit of believing when that perfect gift they wanted looks out of reach. Maybe the focus needs to be more on helping others instead of what we can buy.

It’s a lesson Georgie soon took to heart and did something truly glorious for his parents. Even better when Georgie received his skates his parents explained all the hard work they had to do in order to get them so he would understand that it was their love and not some mythic stranger who wanted to get him his present.

As a parent of kids who struggles every year to fulfill those Christmas present wishes I loved this book because the lesson it teaches truly exemplifies that the season is supposed to be about. show less

The second book of the series was in my opinion better than the first.
Its still a fast paced, action packed fantasy adventure with lots of magic and norse mythology.
However, unlike the first book I found this book to be not TOO fast. It gave me time to really digest what I was reading and hence able to immerse myself in the story.

It is definitely aimed toward children in the preteen/teen age but I still found a lot to be enjoyed about this book. Where I was expecting something similar to show more the Percy Jackson it did fall a bit short for me, but then I thought about the book from the age it was written for and realized how great it is. Easy to follow and enjoy.

This book was great. Gave so much more depth to each to of the characters by each of them having there own quest to accomplish and issue to overcome. Even Sam.
I love the romance developing between Keely and Leo and I think Sam might be getting jealous but I'm not sure. I would be interesting and great to see how that plays out in the next and final book.
Also with the appearance of Loki now. I'm sure he will be our main villian in the next book. But what about the remaining witches? Is Endura and Odin truely dead? I have so many questions. But I am hopeful that the last book answers them all as it wraps up this fun series. show less