I am a mommy, social worker and a children's book author. I love reviewing children and adolescent books and sharing them with my Wild About Reading fans.
My mission for Wild About Reading is to encourage a love of reading in our children and re-ignite it in the parents. This is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. So turn off the television and read to your children. Reading and being read to will help develop language and listening skills. Reading will also develop their imagination!

Website: http://www.wildaboutreading.net
Twitter: donalisahelsley

• DonalisaHelsley: I give Mockingjay 1 Star! :(... http://t.co/HJbQdXAb
• DonalisaHelsley: 1 of 5 stars to Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins http://t.co/RIxQaVxw
• DonalisaHelsley: I must be honest and say that I am having a difficult time getting into the Mockingjay (3rd book of the Hunger... http://t.co/3HeQB872
• DonalisaHelsley: “I often hear people say that they read to escape reality, but I believe that what they’re really doing is... http://t.co/u9zPSjbu
• DonalisaHelsley: @DanceBooks thank you! I really enjoyed the 2nd book. Collins is good at cliff hangers!

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http://www.wildaboutreading.net

• In Memory of Dad on Sep. 03, 2011
  
  This beautiful story was definitely written from the heart. I have tears in my eyes as I write this. You could feel Kayla's love, grief and triumph through Maranda's eloquent descriptions. This is a wonderful story that shares a message of dealing with grief. The lesson that you can go on living life after you lose someone. So many times people feel guilty to feel joy after they have lost a love one. I have been looking for stories to share with my clients about coping with grief. Maranda shares this message effortlessly and in a way even young children can understand!
  
• The Note on Sep. 21, 2011
  
  This is a wonderful story with a great message that needs to be told. Cyber bullying is an epidemic right now. This story is very timely in addressing it. As a social worker I have worked with many children that have been victims of bullying. I was also bullied in high school. I love that the story shows Jenny standing up for herself, being assertive.
  
• Weezie, the Elephant with Allergies on Sep. 29, 2011
  
  This is an adorable story about a allergy plagued elephant named Weezie. Weezie lives in an orphanage and he is always left after everyone else has been adopted. He longs to be adopted. He believes that it is his fault that no one wants him. He learns that it wasn't him but that the others weren't right for him. You will empathize, giggle and clap your hands. Well done, Maranda!
  
• Grimsley Hollow-The Chosen One on Oct. 18, 2011
  
  Grimsley Hollow is a wonderful story about Gage a boy with autism. In his world he is uncomfortable, has no friends and feels like a nobody. He is drawn into a magical world where there are vampires, witches, pixies, and dragons. It is up to him to save this magical world from an evil witch. In this world he gains confidence, friends and learns that being different is a wonderful thing. This book shows us the life of a boy with autism. We are told the story through his perspective. I love how in the other world Gage learns to let go of his preconceived ideas of the magical beings there just like the reader will let go of their ideas of people with autism. There was only one issue that some parents might have with the story and that is brief language. The words "damn" and "hell" are in the story. It was not overly used but just letting you know because as a parent I want to know what my children are reading. I look forward to the next in the series! *A free copy of this book was given to me for a honest review. No other compensation was provided for this review.