Read Aloud: “Mouse Scouts: Make a Difference”

“Mouse Scouts: Make a Difference”

By Sarah Dillard

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Rating: 10/10
Age: 5+

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

The world of the Mouse Scouts takes place in our world... but on a miniature level. The book follows a Mouse Scout troop as they begin the next level of scouts.  The scouts have a new troop leader, rumored to be very tough, and the girls are nervous.  This girls start their scouting year be creating a garden.  Like any project, there are setbacks and things the girls have to work together to overcome.  The mice make for a great example of using their resources wisely, taking care of their community, and teamwork.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:    

Each scout has very different personalities.  One of them is a bit of a mean girl, but she has redeeming qualities and does still work with the troop.

REVIEW:

This is a lighthearted book about friendship and of course, being a scout.  It is neatly written and you will enjoy reading through it as much as your daughter.  There are lots of fun pictures to accompany each page as well. A fun bonus with this book is that your daughter (and her troop) can earn a badge alongside the mouse scouts. You can technically earn the badge by just reading the book, but it's more fun if you do the printable activity kit. 

What my young reader most enjoyed was the similarities to her own scout troop. At the end of each chapter is an excerpt from the Mouse Scout Handbook. She loved reading their handbook and seeing the mouse uses of everyday objects. For example, the use of a fork as a mouse rake.

WHO SHOULD READ IT?

Girl Scouts! And really any girl. The chapters are short and could easily be read at a troop meeting. I would think ages 5-11 would most enjoy this book.

IF YOU LIKE THIS…

"Mouse Scouts" is the first in a series

Buy the badge

Printable activity kit from the author

Book website

Read Aloud: “Upside-Down Magic”

“Upside-Down Magic”

By Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle and Emily Jenkins

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Rating: 9/10
Age: 7+

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

Nory Horace’s world is much like our own; except everyone has magic.  Each person fits into one of 5 categories which they call the 5 F’s.  These include Flickers (can make self and things invisible), Fliers (they fly), Fuzzies (they are good with animals), Fluxers (they can shape shift into animals), and Flickers (who have fire magic.) Unfortunately for Nory, she doesn’t fit neatly into her category. Her magic is upside-down.  Now that she is in 5^th grade she will have to begin her magic training… which means dealing with her upside down magic in a classroom full of other upside-down magic kids.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:    

This book gives an age appropriate look at bullies, making new friends, big life changes and learning to accept yourself.  There are some things to consider before reading this book with your child. Early in the book, you will learn that Nory’s mother passed away.  This has a big impact on family dynamics in a not so positive way.  Her dad has mostly left the raising of his children, cooking and care for the home up to Nory’s oldest sibling while he throws himself into work.  Nory has a lot of pressure early on from her dad and siblings.  

REVIEW:

I thought this book was very sweet.  I felt Nory was an excellent role model.  She makes mistakes but always tries to fix her mistakes. Overall, it is a well crafted story. The characters are interesting and they make you want to cheer for them.

My young reader also loved the book and insisted we start book 2 the moment we finished.  I didn't worry about forgetting to read a chapter because she always had the book ready to go. 

WHO SHOULD READ IT?

This book is great for kids struggling with bullies and finding their place. I think both boys and girls would enjoy this book.

IF YOU LIKE THIS…

Upside Down Magic is the first book in a series.

Read an excerpt

Play online games about the book 

Teacher’s Guide

Buy it on Amazon