First up the review for the adult book, a murder mystery with a touch of culture history.
Anyone who has an interest in Native American cultural and is a mystery lover, will want a copy of GIRL WITH SKIRT OF STARS by Jennifer Kitchell.
Lilli Chischilly is a lawyer with the Navajo Nation’s Historic Preservation Department. She lives her life split between two worlds, the world of her Navajo People and in the white man’s world.
Her life gets more complicated when her childhood best friend returns home and she’s assigned to accompany a presidential candidate on a trip down the Colorado River.
Her friend, Jerome Bah, won’t tell her what’s wrong but he tries telling her through a series of aerial photographs he’s taken. Meanwhile, someone has also left a symbolic message draped across the hood of her Dodge in the form of two dead coyotes. Throw in a murdered Navajo grandfather and a mysterious assassin out to kill the presidential candidate and the suspense grows.
Author Jennifer Kitchell takes the Navajo culture and mysticism and blends it together with a couple of somewhat twisted murder mystery plots for a suspense-filled novel.
This is an intriguing read with the Navajo cultural and language combined with the white man’s words and meanings. As an extra bonus the author has included a Navajo terms and concepts in the back of the book.
For more information about the author and her debut novel, check out her website at www.girlwithskirtofstars.com or www.breakthroughpromotions.com
Girl With Skirt of Stars by Jennifer Kitchell * Pronghorn Press * @2009 * ISBN: 978-1932636567 * Paperback * 348 pages
*****
Next up is a book to both entertain and educate the youngster on your list.
A LAW OF ATTRACTION BOOK FOR CHILDREN, THE S.T.A.R. POWERED TWINS, DISCOVER THE SECRET OF WORDS is a delightful book for youngsters. It follows the S.T.A.R. Powered Twins, Grace and Jace, as they take on an important mission.
Their mission is the secret to making dreams come true. They know words we let out (say) come back to us in feelings and dreams.
The purpose of this book is to help youngsters eliminate negative words by empowering them with positive words. According to the book information, the concept of the book is intended for young children and focuses on the
educational value of “Law of Attraction.”The book is designed to be used by adults to help stimulate an early reader’s interest, vocabulary, and reading skills.
The book is beautifully illustrated by Chrisann Zaubi, who takes the reader on a ’picture walk’ through the book.
Author Dorothy A. Lecours includes an extra bonus in the back of the book. Each book contains “Gratitude Journal” pages and a S.T.A.R. Award Certificate. The journal is designed for parents to have the youngsters write seven things they are grateful for each day.
There is also a website (www.lawofattraction4children.org) where additional journal pages and award certificates can be downloaded.
This is an inspiring book that is designed to improve comprehension skills and encourage youngsters to read. Do you know a S (Super) T (Terrific) A (And) R (Remarkable) youngsters to share this book with?
A Law of Attraction Book for Children, The S.T.A.R. Powered Twins, Discover the Secret of Words” by Dorothy A. Lecours * @ Dragon Pencil * @ 2009 * ISBN: 978-1-60131-063-7 * Hardcover * 88 pages
FTC Full Disclosure - Both books were sent to me separately by a publicist/promoter in hopes I would review them. However, receiving the complimentary copies did not influence my reviews.
Both sound interesting! Love reading book reviews! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteBoth books sound really great. I have been looking for, however, books for my 4th grade grandson. I think I may have to write one. :) Maybe I missed it, but do you know what grade level the Twins book is?
ReplyDeleteGreat reviews. YOU are the queen of great reviewing.
I love books that bring different cultures and traditions into the story, and Girl with Skirt of Stars sounds very interesting. I've never heard of Jennifer Kitchell either, so thanks for sharing! I'm going to have to look for that book now!
ReplyDeleteI have always taught my children respect and courtesy. I can't believe the way some children talk to their classmates. Sounds like a great book to enforce that point.
ReplyDeleteI've been seeing lots of Native American subject matter in books lately. What an interesting culture so rich in history and symbolism to explore on the page!
ReplyDeleteMissV, both of these books are quite interesting for their age group.
ReplyDeleteTeresa, thanks for the kind words. The S.T.A.R. book is for a younger age than fourth grade. It really didn't say but I'm thinking first grade maybe. I like the idea of you writing a children's book. Love to read it.
Suzanne, Jennifer's book has a lot of Native American culture in it. It compares words in both Native American and white man language as well as gives some interesting legends.
Janel, the S.T.A.R. book is a great book for teaching respect and how hurtful things can come back to you.
Joanne, there have been quite a few books lately on Native American culture. That's one reason I liked this book so well was the rich history that it told along with a good murder mystery.
Mason - Thanks for these terrific reviews! I'm really intrigued by The Girl With the Skirt of Stars. I love mysteries with a strong cultural context, and this one sounds fascinating. I'm putting it on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteThe 'Girl with Skirt of Stars' sounds really interesting. I've always been fascinated with Native North American culture but there aren't many novels written around it. Thanks Mason!
ReplyDeleteBoth sound very interesting. Girl with Skirt of Stars is really intriguing.
ReplyDeleteHelen
Straight From Hel
Thanks for the reviews ... Girl With Skirt of Stairs sounds like my cup of tea.
ReplyDeleteThe Old Silly
The Native American book sounds terrific. I love Native American stuff. I thought at first (not having scrolled down) that that was going to be the kids book. I want that one.
ReplyDeleteThe kids' book sounds like it could be good (or not) hard to tell.
Both books sound great, but I love the concepts in the adult book. It's always so interesting to read about a person straddling 2 different cultures. Great reviews :)
ReplyDeleteI'm curious about the kids's book, I may have to check it out. I worry about anything that might be preachy.
ReplyDelete