brain injury Archives - The Story Sanctuary

Review: Swallow’s Dance by Wendy Orr

By Kasey Giard | October 25, 2018 - 7:00 am |October 24, 2018 Book Review and Content, Historical, Middle Grade 8-12

Swallow’s Dance
Wendy Orr
Allen and Unwin
Published on June 27, 2018

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About Swallow’s Dance
I wonder if the first day of Learning is always like this – do the girls on the hill always feel the ground tremble under their feet? Leira is about to start her initiation as a priestess when her world is turned upside down. A violent earthquake leaves her home – and her family – in pieces. And the goddess hasn’t finished with the island yet.

With her family, Leira flees across the sea to Crete, expecting sanctuary. But a volcanic eruption throws the entire world into darkness. … Continue reading →

Review: Just My Luck by Cammie McGovern

By Kasey Giard | March 16, 2016 - 7:00 am |August 11, 2016 Book Review and Content, Clean Fiction, Contemporary, Middle Grade 8-12

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Just My Luck
Cammie McGovern
Harper/HarperCollins

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Bad things keep happening to fourth-grader Benny and his family. His best friend moved away, and he hasn’t been able to find a new one. His dad’s still recovering from a brain injury (was it Benny’s fault?) His mom tells him to focus on being kind to others, and with a new kindness program at school, Benny’s trying his best, but no one seems to notice. As things get worse, Benny worries his family will never be able to recover, and nothing will be the same again.

Benny is quite possibly the most lovable boy in literature. He strives to be a good brother both to his … Continue reading →