This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
In Sandy Writes Her Story by Jo Pittman, readers meet Sandy, a sea otter who loves to float in the ocean, play music, and enjoy her peaceful surroundings. But some days feel off. Her body is heavy, and her thoughts are hard to explain. Sandy’s friends try to help, but they don’t quite understand, since they can’t see it. She begins to wonder how she can share what’s inside her because she wants others to understand her “blue feelings.” Then, one day, she receives some gentle advice from Thea, a wise sea turtle. She encourages Sandy to try expressing herself through activities such as drawing in the sand and, eventually, writing in her journal. Will putting what she thinks down on paper really help Sandy? And will others begin to understand her feelings once she does?
I really appreciated Sandy Writes Her Story by Jo Pittman and the thoughtful way it approaches such an important topic. It takes something that can feel big and complicated—like invisible illness or hard-to-explain feelings—and presents it in a way that children can truly understand and relate to. I valued the note from Dr. Anjali Dsouza at the end, reminding readers that their feelings are valid. As an educator, I think there are some great questions parents can ask their kids after reading. In my classroom, I would have a conversation about emotions, empathy, or how to be a good friend when someone is down. Extension activities, such as asking younger students to draw different feelings on paper plates or having older ones write in a journal, could also be done. The watercolor-like illustrations by Tim Knickerbocker are beautiful and add a sense of calm, truly bringing the ocean to life. Those in search of a children's book about emotions, self-expression, or understanding others will be drawn to this story for its message and hope.
