I've noticed an uptick of late in the number of stories that involve someone either being called to the reading of a will that results in a scavenger hunt to find the real inheritance, or after someone dies or while living announces they are looking for an heir, a competition is launched that involves riddles and puzzles to solve. The first one of these in existence that I could think of was The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin that came out in 1978 and won the 1979 Newbery Medal. It's been pretty popular and in print ever since, so clearly this isn't a new thing, nor is it something that really goes out of style. It has gotten a resurgence since The Inheritance Games came out though, so we're going to highlight Raskin's book and some of the others today that are carrying on the sub-genre. These types of books are good reads for those who like a mental challenge as they read as many of them give the reader enough information to see if they can beat the main character in puzzling out the solutions. Get your thinking caps on, find a cozy reading spot, and see if you have what it takes to be an heir in any of these book worlds. Click the image or scan the QR code for my full summary and review of each book including any content notes/trigger warnings.
The Brainstorm Plus
The Brainstorm Mission: To help readers find books they will love. To get books off the shelves and into reading hands. To make teachers and parents aware of resources. To give teachers an “excuse” to use books by helping them brainstorm ways books will augment current studies. (But teachers, please use activity tie-in ideas wisely, and don’t use every idea for each book; let’s avoid book death by overkill and keep the love for books alive!)
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Brainstorm 346: Flamingo Stories
This week's Brainstorm has 3 books for you featuring flamingos. Click on the image or scan the QR code to see my full summary and review for each book including any content notes/trigger warnings.
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Brainstorm 345: Not-so-scary Spider Stories
For this week's Brainstorm I thought I would share some not-so-scary spider stories. Spiders aren't the favorite creatures of many people, but these spiders are kind, artsy, full of surprises (the good kind), and fascinating. Click the image or scan the barcode of each title to see my full summary and review of each including any content notes/trigger warnings.
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Brainstorm 344: Glowing Reads
This week's Brainstorm features books about creatures and phenomena that glow. Click on the title to see my full review and thoughts on each book including content notes/trigger warnings or scan the QR code.
Mysterious Glowing Mammals: An Unexpected Discovery Sparks a Scientific Investigation by Maria Parrot-Ryan
The Science of Light by Margaret Peot
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Brainstorm 343: Hurricane/Typhoon/Cyclone Reads
There's stormy weather all over the world right now, so I've got some hurricane/stormy weather readers for you. Whether they help kids find home after the storm, provide a heartwarming read, or help reduce the fear by increasing understanding of what is happening, here are several options. Click on the images or scan the QR codes in the images to see my full review of each title including any content notes/trigger warnings.
























