Ever Ready

Friday, January 17, 2025

Boook Review Heroes of World War II

Together, we can change the world one book at a time.

Read Your World is a non-profit whose mission is to raise awareness about children’s books that celebrate diversity and to get more of these books into the hands of readers. Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen founded this non-profit children’s literacy initiative 13 years ago. They are two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural, diverse books and authors on the market while also working on getting those books into the hands of young readers and educators.

With the alarming increase in children’s books being challenged and banned, giving kids access to diverse stories is more important than ever.
We do this by donating books to reviewers and classroom libraries.
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Our weekly Ig Live Interview series also highlights children's book creators.

A well-written and researched book for middle school readers that focuses on World War II unsung heroes. “Heroes of World War II” was written by Jarret Keene and illustrated by Ricardo Gualcise Berto. The book features amazing true stories of 25 men and women who encompass multiple nations, resulting in diverse experiences during World War II. Their profiles range from the well-known people to the more obscure. Each one exemplifies examples of courage, sacrifice, and selflessness.

The book begins with an informative introduction to the events leading up to World War II and the timeline of the war featuring significant events. A full two-page layout, including sidebars, engages readers with these profiles. We hear diverse stories about the contributions of soldiers, pilots, nurses, factory workers, indigenous warriors, military intelligence units, and many more, with notable facts cited and backstories. The profiles include examples of their heroism, selflessness, and acts of courage, risking their lives to make a difference. Real photos and diagrams are also included throughout the book. Ricardo Gualberto's eye-catching, stylized, bold colors permeate each page.

Keen's impressive work makes this time period come alive for middle school readers. Truly a monumental task to create a book of this scope and make it interesting for the younger audience. It's the hope that when exposed to these fascinating stories, readers will be encouraged to research on their own to discover more hidden stories.

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jarret Keene is an assistant professor in the English department at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he teaches American literature and the graphic novel. He has written many books—travel guides, rock band biographies, poetry collections—and edited short fiction anthologies. His YA dystopian novel Hammer of the Dogs has been featured in Writer's Digest and Publishers Weekly. His books for Bushel & Peck Books include Heroes of World War II and Decide & Survive: Attack on Pearl Harbor.

Ricardo Gualberto is an artist based in Brazil. His bold colors and simple shapes adorn numerous publications.

Bushel & Peck Books, thank you for gifting me this wonderful book to review.

https://bushelandpeckbooks.com/

Sue Ready is a freelance writer, food blogger, book reviewer of all genres, and former elementary and middle school teacher.

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Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

“January’s crisp air whispers stories of new possibilities.”

– Unknown

Greek Chicken and Jasmine Lemon Rice with Spinach, Tomatoes and

Chickpeas

Cook's Notes: Greek Chicken and Jasmine Lemon Rice with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Chickpeas is packed with so much flavor! This Mediterranean recipe features spinach, grape tomatoes, chickpeas (garbanzo beans), feta cheese, paprika, and oregano. It's healthy, gluten-free, protein-rich, and fiber-rich. The secret to tender chicken is marinating the chicken in buttermilk for two hours. The recipe serves four and was adapted from juliasalbum.com

Chicken Ingredients:

4 small chicken breasts
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Buttermilk
1 cup onions, diced

Chicken Directions:

In a large bowl, place chicken and cover with buttermilk. Marinate chicken for two hours, turning once in the bowl.
Drain chicken in a colander.
In a small bowl, mix the spices.
Place chicken on foil to grill and sprinkle with spices using half the mixture. Divide onions among the four chicken breasts. After 15 minutes, sprinkle the remaining spice mixture on the other side of the chicken.
If not grilling, the chicken can be baked at 325 degrees for 40 minutes (the thermometer should read 165 degrees) following the steps above.

Greek Lemon Rice Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups Jasmine rice, uncooked
1 tablespoon each of olive oil and butter
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon each dried oregano and parsley flakes
2-3 cups baby spinach, stems removed
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
3/4 of a can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained

Greek Lemon Rice Directions:

In a large saucepan, melt butter with olive oil. Saute uncooked rice, garlic, tomatoes, and spices until the rice begins to slightly brown.
Add in 2 cups of water and mix well. Bring to a boil and then turn heat down to simmer for 12 minutes covered. Add in spinach leaves, chickpeas, and fresh lemon squeezes. Mix well and heat for 2 minutes more.
Remove from heat, and keep covered until ready to serve.

To Serve

Top the chicken and rice meal with herbed feta crumbles.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Chicken Taco Ranch Tortilla Roll-Ups

It's even cold in Southern AZ. Today's morning recording was 25 degrees but in perspective, consider Hackensack, MN at -16!!

Time for a warm-up with some delicious Chicken Taco Ranch Tortillas Roll-Ups that offer lots of possibilities for your eating enjoyment.

Cook's Notes: Oh my, I can't say enough good things about these tasty taco roll-ups, having eaten several throughout the day. These chicken taco roll-ups make an excellent snack for game day or can be paired with soup for your lunch or dinner.

Also makes a festive appetizer for a holiday plate. The recipe makes 22 individual servings.

A Soup Note: Rather than inventing the wheel, check your deli for Panera Soups. They are flavorful and add ease to your meal prep.

Chicken Taco Tortilla Roll-Ups

The recipe was adapted from closetcooking.com, and note there are other flavor tortilla wraps to choose from.

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded chicken, cooked
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
1-1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning

1/2 package softened cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 sour cream
1/3 cup red onions or green
2 large flour tortillas(Garden Spinach Wraps)

bacon bits

Directions:

Add chicken, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and onions in a Cuisinart.
Blend the mixture until smooth.
Divide the cheese mixture in half and spread out on each tortilla to the edges.
Sprinkle with purchased bacon bits or cooked crumbled bacon.
Roll lengthwise and secure wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours.
Slice each log into 2-inch slices, secure with a toothpick and cherry tomato.
Store leftovers wrapped tightly with plastic wrap.

Tuesday Bonus Idea
Cook's Notes:

Another delicious option for lunch or dinner. Add your favorite bowl of soup to complement the ham and cheese sandwich. Serve the sandwich with avocado and tomato slices.

Monday, January 13, 2025

Book Review Murder at Pelican Lake

“Murder at Pelican Lake,” by Marjorie Mathison Hance, is tagged as a cozy mystery and the first of a trilogy series in which each story takes place on a different lake.

Set in Minnesota’s lake country, “Murder at Pelican Lake” engages you with a compelling mystery from the first page to the last. The opening scene builds tension when a Pelican Lake girl, Lindsey, 16, is abducted on her way home from school. At the same time as the girl’s kidnapping, a 30s-something woman, Carley, returns to her childhood cabin on Pelican Lake in northern Minnesota. She has recently lost her high-profile job in the city, parted ways with her long-time partner, and is adjusting to the loss of her parents a few years back. Carley looks forward to starting over and forging a new path. But she no sooner arrives at the cabin when several suspicious events increasingly threaten her own safety. It becomes clear to her that her idyllic vacation community has its own share of secrets and someone will kill to keep them hidden. Bitter conflicts between old-time residents and big-time developers highlight the conflicting needs for status quo versus change. The main plot line is complex, involving manufacturing spectrometers and patents. Carley's amateur sleuthing skills are tested through several carefully planted clues and a series of ingenious plot twists, red herrings, and puzzles to be solved. Carley proves herself to be brave and resourceful.

Since the author has a close kinship with the area, her descriptions of the close-knit community are plausible and relatable, and she weaves into the narrative familiar places in the area, such as Pelican Rapids, Vergas, and Fargo. Readers who've enjoyed spending time at the lake will find many elements in this novel that will have a nostalgic appeal to them, with barbecues by the lake shore, scuba diving, dinners and drinks at quaint restaurants, and boating.

A well-written story with a satisfying conclusion for a first-time author, Marjorie Mathison Hance.

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marjorie Mathison Hance is the author of the North Lakes Murder Mystery Series, including Murder at Pelican Lake, Cormorant in the Net, and The Man Three Cottages Down. The novels, all set in Minnesota’s northwestern lake country, were inspired by her time spent on Pelican Lake throughout her life, beginning in 1956 when she first learned to fish and waterski. Growing up, she enjoyed reading and fell in love with mystery books after discovering Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden. In 1968, her family bought a summer home on the lake. She was always intrigued by the people on Pelican Lake and enjoyed stories and mysteries about their lives. With two daughters and sons-in-law, and five grandchildren, the lake has become even more important to her. Ten years ago, she rebuilt the cabin into a lake home as a family gathering place. It is where she wrote her three novels inspired by her love of the lake and the people who come there.

Sunday, January 12, 2025

Sunday's Supper

Grilled Chicken with Mexican Pasta Salad

This Mexican Pasta Salad is packed with all your favorite Mexican-inspired ingredients in one fabulous bowl of YUM. It’s always a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, picnics, and parties. Loaded with black beans, corn, tomatoes, red onions, and avocados. All tossed in a thick, creamy, slightly spicy homemade chipotle lime dressing! This will be your new favorite side dish! It's the perfect side for Game Day or a grilled meal. The recipe was adapted from carlsbadcravings.com
The pasta salad serves 6 with ample dressing if salad ingredients are increased to serve more. I substituted refrigerated 4 cheese tortellini for tortellini pasta.
Ingredients:

16 oz. rotini pasta 3 cups, dried, or 3 cups refrigerated 4 cheeses tortellini
1- 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 ears corn on the cob or 1 can of Mexicorn drained (see notes for grilling)
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 English cucumber, sliced and quartered
1 jalapeno, seeded deveined, diced
2 large avocados, chopped
1/2 cup packed cilantro, chopped
1/3 cup finely grated Cotija cheese or cheddar cheese

Creamy Salsa Dressing

1 cup medium or spicy salsa
¾ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
¾ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup canola oil
3 tablespoons lime juice
3 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon each ground cumin, chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions just until al dente. (You can chop your salad ingredients while the pasta is cooking.) Drain, rinse with cold water, then toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.
Add the pasta and all of the pasta salad ingredients to a large bowl.
Whisk all of the Creamy Salsa Ingredients together in a bowl.
Pour half of the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine (or all of the dressing if serving immediately). Refrigerate pasta salad and remaining dressing separately until ready to use (best served the same day).
When ready to serve, toss with the remaining dressing only to moisten the ingredients. Season with salt, cayenne pepper, and lime juice to taste.

Hot Fudge Sundae Cake

Cook's Notes: What's not to like a warm, gooey brownie dessert topped with ice cream. The recipe was adapted from Betty Crocker's Cookbook.
Ingredients:

1- 1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, divided
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup butter, diced into 1 tablespoon sized and melted
1- 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1- 3/4 cups very hot water or coffee (note coffee gives the flavor more depth)
1-2 tablespoons Kahlua

Toppings (optional)
Sliced strawberries and bananas
Vanilla ice cream
Whipped Cream
Chopped toasted walnuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray an 8 by 8-inch baking dish and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup granulated sugar, flour, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt for 20 seconds.
Pour in milk, melted butter, and vanilla and stir with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until well blended. Spread batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, remaining 1/4 cup cocoa powder, and the remaining 1/4 tsp salt. Pour the mixture over the batter and spread it into an even layer. Add Kahlua to hot water or coffee and pour evenly over the top; do not stir.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the center is nearly set (it should still wiggle slightly). Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm. Servings ideas: Serve cake in bowls topped with strawberries, bananas, ice cream, or pecans if desired.

Friday, January 10, 2025

Crunchy Thai Peanut and Quinoa Salad

A cold snap for AZ with several nights in a row below 30, which by MN comparison is not terrible-terrible, but for here, yes indeed is cold. You know it's cold when the small pond in the backyard freezes, and birds are skating across ice, perplexed, wondering where the water went for drinks. Our plants are bundled up for the next few days.

Crunchy Thai Peanut and Quinoa Salad

Cook's Notes:. A Thai-flavored salad recipe that's healthy, vegan, GF, and keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days. Creamy peanut dressing with fresh veggies and quinoa adds a lot of deliciousness to this salad. The recipe is adapted from cook ieandkate.com and serves four. The ingredients listed for the salad can be increased or decreased depending on how many servings you need.

Salad Ingredients:

1 cup uncooked quinoa (I used half red and half white)
1/2 bag of chopped Asian Salad Mix found in produce (save dressing from the bag for another meal)
Snow peas, diced diagonally 1 cup
Thinly sliced cucumbers, 1/2 cup
1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots
Mini sweet red and yellow peppers diced 1 cup
Red onion, diced 1/3 cup
Peanuts, coarsely chopped for topping

Peanut Dressing Ingredients:

Cook's Notes: The dressing is enough for 3 salads. It's a thick dressing, so use it immediately rather than refrigerating it. Creamy peanut butter works better as crunchy peanut butter gives it a different texture. Thai Peanut Dressing is just amazing, with a wonderful blend of sweetness, saltiness, and sourness; red pepper flakes add a bit of heat.

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice from one lime
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon sugar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch square piece fresh ginger, peeled, minced about 1 tablespoon or 1 teaspoon dried ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8-1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

Salad Directions:

In a medium-sized pot, combine rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and gently simmer the quinoa until it has absorbed all the water. Remove from heat, cover the pot, and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Place all salad ingredients in a bowl and add the cooled quinoa.

Dressing Directions:

In a blender, add all ingredients and mix until smooth. If the dressing gets too thick, add a little water.

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Changing The Game

Together, we can change the world one book at a time.

"Changing the Game Asian Pacific American Female Athletes" by Mia Wenjen

The book is filled with inspiring stories highlighting the achievements of underrepresented Asian-Pacific female star athletes who have made contributions in the fields of martial arts and kayaking, swimming, soccer, gymnastics, volleyball, basketball, snowboarding, running, hockey, golfing, ice skating, and tennis. Each of the seventeen brief sketches begins with a hook, a what-if question asking the reader to examine something in their own life and find connections with these female athletes.

Success did not come easy to many athletes who had to overcome poverty, lack of resources and opportunities, racism, crippling injuries, and gender equity. Many of their parents supported their children's endeavors and were once accomplished athletes of their own. After years of competing, some of these accomplished female athletes returned to their fields of interest to coach and pursue higher education.

Determination, goal focus, perseverance, and being highly skilled in their field enabled these young women to overcome incredible odds to become successful.

The writing is concise and well-researched. The stories are intended for a middle-grade reader. At the end of the 32-page book, readers are provided with additional resources to pursue learning more about each athlete profiled in the book.

As a retired classroom teacher, I find this book a valuable resource for the social studies curriculum and Women's History Month, highlighting these young women's achievements. In addition, the book can be the impetus for classroom discussion on the impact racism plays on the acceptance of Asian-Pacific American female athletes in the field of sports. This book provides an excellent model for learning how to write a biography. It's a quick read and perfect for the reluctant reader interested in sports, particularly female athletes.

All About The Author

Mia Wenjen

Mia Wenjen is half Japanese & half Chinese American and married to a Korean American. This unusual ethnic combination made her seek out all kinds of Asian representation in children’s books for her three kids. Mia blogs on parenting, children’s books, and education at PragmaticMom.com and is the co-creator of Read Your World, a non-profit celebrating diversity in children’s books.