Sam’s Unsolicited Children’s Books Reviews

07/25/2024

First time I have ever set up a GoFundMe for myself! If you are an animal lover, please check it out!

Hi, my name is Sam (Samantha), and I could use some help paying to ta… Samantha Melton needs your support for Support Sam's Efforts for Stalker Cat's Recovery

05/09/2023

05/07/2023

wow! (via Kitchn Fun with my 3 sons)

04/07/2023

Both books available in paperback now!!

04/06/2023

💞🐾

03/20/2023

So excited to be getting sales on my book!
If you have kids, grandkids, or classroom kids you should check it out!
Kindle offers a free app for your device!

Micah Makes a Move

03/17/2023

I finally got up the nerve and self-published on Amazon! Only Kindle for now, but working on figuring out how to do paperback as well (it's confusing!).

02/24/2023

LOL

02/20/2023

The Other Side by award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrated by E.B. Lewis

Two girls grow up on either side of a fence that divides the White side of town and the Black side of town. Clover is Black, and Annie is White. Each girl is told by their parents not to cross the fence. Annie begins sitting on top of the fence and draws Clover’s attention. Eventually, the girls become friends. The ending leaves the reader with a bit of hope, but also a feeling of the work yet to be done.
I like the metaphor of the fence as a barrier. This book is best for ages 5+. I read it to my class every year, and I own two copies!

02/20/2023

Freedom Summer
Written by Deborah Wiles
Illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue
Winner of Ezra Jack Keats Award and Coretta Scott King Award

Another favorite of mine that I read to my students each year is the picture book, Freedom Summer. It tells the story of two little boys who are best friends during the 60’s. They play together but cannot swim together because the town pool doesn’t allow Blacks. Eventually, a law is passed that disallows segregation. The boys are thrilled because now they can go to the pool together! Unfortunately, it doesn’t work out that way. The illustrations help drive this heartbreaking story home. There is a bit of a warm ending, but it doesn’t erase the sting of the story.
Although this is a fiction book, it is clearly based on things that happened more than once to many people. It is a tough read, but it is a great book and I think can open the eyes of people to what many people have truly experienced. And continue to.