What have we been doing this summer? Reading! Lots of reading.

Not only are we excited to be bringing back the quarterly update with our latest reviews, but also to use the cool new tools built into the site.

- Click the book cover and go straight to the full Reading Tub review.

- Use the Tabs to get a quick excerpt to get one-sentence reader reaction, the author’s name, and genres.

BTSYA read lead succeed

Last but not least, look for the Be the Star You Are! logo. These are the books read and reviewed by Cynthia’s Teen Star Reviewers.

Picture Books & Easy Readers

Binx the Jinx

Young readers (cat lovers or not) will instantly love Binx and cheer Gin. They’ll also be attracted to the bright colors and illustrations.

Blue Ocean Bob Discovers His Purpose

BTSYA read lead succeed

Beautiful illustrations and an inspirational message will appeal to young readers and adults alike.

Author: by Brooks Olbrys
Genre: Concepts, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Series

Gloria’s Voice; The Story of Gloria Steinem – Feminist, Activist, Leader

Excellent, reader-friendly presentation of societal views in the 1950s-1970s, and the role that Gloria Steinem played in changing opportunities for women. The illustrations are wonderful and there is detailed information about various spreads in the back that make them even more special.

Author: Aura Lewis
Genre: Biography

Up in the Leaves; The True Story of the Central Park Treehouses

Simple, descriptive text complements beautiful illustrations. Colorful expressions of Bob’s adventures, but subtle enough to make for a great bedtime story, too.

Author: Shira Boss
Genre: True Story

Middle Grade

Anton and Cecil: Cat’s Aloft

This is a book that begs to read aloud! It is a fun, fast adventure and the suspense is paced well, inviting readers to keep reading.

Authors: by Lisa Martin & Valerie Martin
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Series

The Doldrums

Friendship and family take center stage in this story about a boy who has adventure in his genes! With this ensemble of engaging, quirky characters, there is great (if sometimes subtle) humor, too.

Author: Nick Gannon
Genre: Adventure, Family, Humor, Series

The Titanic Mission, The Fantastic Four Book 2

Readers will be spellbound not just by the adventure but by all of the facts about the Titanic itself.

Author: Dan Gutman
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Series

The Downward Spiral, Lock & Key Book 2

Plenty of action and suspense create a compelling mystery you can’t put down. The writing drops the reader into James, Moria’s and Sherlock’s world and takes them on a thrilling ride.

Author: Ridley Pearson
Genre: Mystery, Family, Series

The Scavengers

Suspense, adventure and humor fill this story from beginning to end. Anyone who likes zombie-like creatures will love this book.

Author: Michael Perry
Genre: Adventure, Science Fiction (Dystopia)

Timothy and the Dragon’s Gate

If you have a swashbuckling adventurerer in your house, you’re going to want to travel the high seas with Timothy.

Author: Adrienne Kress
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy

The Unexpected Life of Oliver Cromwell Pitts

Oliver has an innocent voice and readers will cheer for his future success. The short chapters help move the story quickly, adding plenty of action to the story.

Author: Avi
Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Family, Series

Wicked Bugs

The Meanest, Deadliest, Grossest Bugs on Earth

Short chapters, “cute" illustrations, and section headings like “Serious Pains" and “Unwelcome Invaders" will have readers busy for hours. We especially love that you don’t have to read the book in chapter order.

Author: Amy Stewart
Genre: Animals, Nonfiction