Books for All Seasons

A Hopeful Hero by Jerald Levon Hoover Real-life heroes don’t wear capes. Rather, each ordinary person is capable of being a role model to one or more people. It’s just a matter of doing things right for the benefit of others. That is the basic message of A Hopeful Hero. A Hopeful Hero  is the third installment of Jerald L. Hoover’s four-part ‘The Hero Book Series’. In this book, the story begins where the second volume ends. Kirby Maxwell visits his friend, Simon, in the hospital. The latter is comatose after an unidentified gunman shot him. Saddened at the sight of Simon’s condition, Kirby grows fidgety and angry. He’s yet to overcome his grief over Bennett’s death, and now he faces another crucial situation. Kirby is particularly disgruntled because the killer of both his friends is still unidentified and at large. He feels the authorities are not keen on solving the crime. Impatient and quick-tempered, Kirby decides to take the matter into his own hands. He intends to find out h...

The Secret of Sweet Treats Kingdom By Kim Davis Love conquers even the most dreadful situation. It melts down a hardened or frozen heart. That’s exactly what Amber and Ava have proven in The Secret of Sweet Treats Kingdom.  Amber and Ava are sisters - or half siblings if you like to call it. In their usual days, the two kids don’t get along much for some reason. One day, Amber is tasked to babysit Ava while their parents are away. And, this means missing her best friend’s 12th birthday party. At home, the two kids play a board game where Ava always wins. Amber accuses her younger sister of cheating and it angers her. She’s so pissed off that she calls off another round of the game. She slams the game pieces against the wall. Suddenly, a strong earthquake rocks their home and the two kids are sucked into a vacuum until they reach an enchanted place where sweet candies abound. In the unfamiliar realm, Amber and Ava meet fantastic creatures, such as the mint-green rabbit who meets th...

The Coward of Grimsby by Eric Daniel Ryan In broadcast media and newspaper writing, a reporter must verify and confirm a story before making it public. The same is true when you stand before a judge. No matter how you assert your point, no one will believe you unless someone else confirms your story. That’s what happened to Cornelius Braddock. He was accused of being the Coward of Grimsby but no one shows up to attest his story. Eric Daniel Ryan’s  The Coward of Grimsby  tells the story of two unlikely characters. A French fisherman and an English aristocrat decide to join forces in search of a lost ship loaded with gold. George Dufort intends to find Spain’s treasure his grandfather told him about. And so, he decides to leave his homeland and head to England. With only a map as his guide, he disembarks at the Royal Docks in Grimsby. He searches for a partner to go with him in his quest. He spends days calling out, “This is a map to untold riches. Who among you wishes to share...

Once Upon and Ever After by Caroline L. Thornton Once Upon and Ever After break away from the common fairy tales pattern. Instead, it gives young readers a different perspective on the lives of princes and princesses. The children’s book starts with the lead character training for the activities expected of him as a royal. And, he aces in all the aspects. However, when the time comes to practically apply what he learns in his training, the prince realizes something else. He discovers that things don’t necessarily go in a rigid pattern. While not necessarily being disobedient, the lead character decides that he doesn’t need to follow the protocols royals are expected to do. What triggers the lead character’s change of mind? Follow his life journey in  Once Upon and Ever After . Be amazed at how his story unfurls. The Book and the Author Once Upon and Ever After  veers away from the traditional fairy tales. In this book, the author allows the lead character to follow a different...

Maiden of Artemis by Eloise Bahr It’s normal for any woman to look up to someone as her role model, or a hero. But, this doesn't necessarily mean helplessness or weakness on her part. Otrera explicitly explains this to her travel companions. While the Maiden of Artemis tries her best to protect her friends, she worries that she cannot be there for them at all times. Hence, she empowers them. She says that women are strong and are capable of defending themselves amid adversities.  Maiden of Artemis follows the story of Otrera, a slave girl who has been serving a master for 15 years. One day, while serving her master’s guests, something happens that disgusts her. Of course, Otrera could not protest against it; otherwise, she faced punishment from her master. Fortunately, she gets the opportunity to make a stand on the situation that concerns her life. Otrera did what she did and ran away from her master after that eventful night. As she takes her flight into the wilderness, another...

Cousin Calls by Zeb Haradon Blood is thicker than water. So, the saying goes. Perhaps, this is the reason we are easily drawn to news from or about our blood relatives. No matter how distant our relationship is, we are inclined to readily forge affinity with them. That’s exactly what Zeb Haradon features in his book, Cousin Calls. On Christmas Eve, Harold goes to meet up with his cousin Ninkilita at a certain bar. Although he finds the name of the bar weird, he enters anyway. He soon realizes that Ninkilita is not there yet. While waiting for her, Harold strikes up conversations with a handful of the people in the bar. Each One Has a Story to Tell Their conversation is centered on the phone calls they received from their respective cousins. Strangely, each caller begins his line with, “You don’t know me, but we’re cousins.” To start the ball rolling, Annie Jarrow shares her experience first. She narrates that a cousin from Texas invited her to a chili cookout. Although a bit skeptical ...

He Was My Hero, Too by Jerald Levon Hoover Ignorance leads us to make poor decisions. That’s why we must acquire a certain degree of knowledge to equip us through life. In his novel, He Was My Hero, Too, Jerald Hoover emphasizes that the only way to rise above a miserable life is to be educated. He Was My Hero, Too  is the second book of Hoover’s “The Hero Book Series”. In this installment, the author opens the story with Kirby’s visit to Simon’s office in Mount Vernon. After a quick exchange of pleasantries, Kirby comments on the city’s deteriorating condition. He compares it with the Mount Vernon he once knew. Kirby specifically points out that the once wholesome suburban town deteriorates into a place of neglect, disregard for life, and hopelessness. To this, however, Simon counters. He admits that although things have changed, not everything is for the worse. He cites himself as one example who has improved his life. Their conversation then drifts to the incident that happened ...

Spartacus and the Slave Wars: A History from Beginning to End by Hourly History The term slavery is, in itself, oppressive. Almost always, slaves are subjected to unthinkable suffering under their masters. It’s no surprise, therefore, that when given the chance, these bondservants resort to rebellion. In fact, one of the greatest revolts in history is recorded in the book, ‘Spartacus and the Slave Wars’. Spartacus was a popular name on both the silver screen and television. In 1960, a film about him was produced in the United States. And, in 2010 – 2013 a television series was aired in the US, New Zealand, and Australia. But, who was Spartacus? Behind the character projected in film and television, Spartacus was a real person. He was a man from Thrace. Although his existence was shrouded in mystery, he lived during the time of the Roman Republic. That was centuries before the Anno Domini. The Caste System Spartacus and the Slave Wars  look back to the history of ancient Rome. That ...

Out Front the Following Sea by Leah Angstman Out Front the Following Sea is a tragic story of Ruth Miner. In a culture that frowns upon independent and unmarried women, she needs to stand strong on her principles. Out Front the Following Sea  is a historical fiction set in the 17th century. The year is 1689, the beginning of King William’s War between the French and the English settlers in New England. The story opens with Ruth Miner trying to buy some crops from the market. Sadly, all of the vendors are not keen on selling their goods to her. Every person in town scoffs at her for being a thief, a liar, and a witch. One man even chases her with a stick. Luckily, though, a sailor arrives in time to rescue her. The sailor’s name is Owen, an old friend of Ruth. He escorts and helps the lady get some goods. Ruth goes home to a wooden house in the clearing and takes care of her ailing grandmother. But, one day, a serious incident happens in the two women’s lives. It’s a defining moment...

Christmas Stories by Arnie Lightning Christmas stories are perhaps the most exciting tales children love to hear over and over again. There seems to be something magical in each of them that captures their interest. Christmas Stories  is a sort of Santa Claus‘ life journey. In this book, Arnie Lightning tells us the story of Nicholas from his early beginnings to the man he is today. As the author relates it, there was once an ordinary-looking man named Nicholas in the community. He was just a hard-working toymaker. And, he was not fat at all! The young man lived a simple life. Until something happened to him and his family. Nicholas was a kind man and diligent in his work. Because of these, he earns appreciation and love from the children in the neighborhood. There’s also a special being who notices his character. This being, we call elf, finds Nicholas a suitable candidate to work on a special mission. One day, the elf decides to pay Nicholas a visit. From this moment on, Nicholas...

Tree Full of Wonder by  Anna Smithers Tree Full of Wonder is both an entertainment and educational storybook. It features a little girl who shares her knowledge about an old tree. Let's join her and explore her garden. Even at their tender age, young children are capable of understanding simple things in their surroundings. And, therefore, it's important to teach them the value of the creatures they see, like the birds and the trees. The story starts with the little girl inviting the reader to explore their family garden. Specifically, she introduces her old friend, the tree. She further explains the nature of this big creation and how she nurtures it. And, not only that! The smart little girl also challenges her friends and the reader to identify the different kinds of trees. Join her and learn more about Nature's creation around you. It's fun! The Book and the Author The  Tree Full of Wonder  is not just a typical storybook or bedtime read for children. Rather, it...

My Friend, My Hero by  Jerald L. Hoover In today’s world where all forms of challenges and madness attack you, it’s difficult to stand strong and steadfast. But, it’s not impossible! It’s just a matter of choosing the right people to surround you with. In Hoover’s book, My Friend, My Hero, two high school buddies prove that true friendship exists. My Friend, My Hero  falls under the Young Adult (YA) genre. But, its message is so powerful it qualifies as a recommended reading for elementary and high school students. Written by Jerald L. Hoover, the story revolves around Bennett Wilson. The lad is the eldest of three siblings. Their single mother struggles to raise them righteously. Bennett studies at Mount Vernon High School, an educational institution known for its athletic accomplishments. Specifically, the school excels in and produces a basketball star in the lad. Bennett and Kirby: Their High School Life The story of  My Friend, My Hero  begins with Kirby reminis...

Diary of an Angry Young Man by Rishi Vohra At some points in life, people wonder about their purpose in life. Some of us determine it at an early age. Other individuals find their meaning through the circumstances they encounter along their life journey. Raghav is one of the latter. This angry young man finds his calling through the events he witnesses. Set in Mumbai (formerly called Bombay) India,  Diary of an Angry Young Man  revolves around the story of Raghav. The seven-year-old boy experienced a rough childhood. He was bullied by one of the rich kids in his school and molested by a neighbor’s manservant. And, after his mother died, Raghav felt a sudden change in his father’s behavior. But, at his young age, he didn’t bother to tell anyone about his sorrows. Instead, he keeps his anger to himself. Growing up, Raghav establishes a close friendship with three other boys from the slums. He hangs out with them every night at a restaurant. But, even to these close friends, Ragh...