Sci-fi books explore the vast array of human experiences, challenges, and capacities. That is why sci-fi for teen readers is a place for authors to explore the future, technology, and human civilization. Sci-fi for young readers offers a way to experience these challenges alongside characters they will remember fondly for the rest of their lives….
200 Fingers & Toes Updates, Book News, & Some Fun Hey Reader, How do you feel about sci-fi? Recently, I read a couple books that reminded me why I fell in love with this genre as a teen. Do you have a favorite sci-fi author yourself? (If not, I’ve got a few great suggestions to get you started) Reading books I read as a teen felt like a step backwards. I think that was part of the reason I was hesitant to pick up sci-fi again, but was I ever wrong! I forgot how fun sci-fi books can be. As a…
A thoughtful Jade City book review exploring family dynamics, clan warfare, and identity. Discover why this fast-paced fantasy by Fonda Lee stands out. I was drawn to Jade City (part one of the three-book Green Bone Saga) for a few very specific reasons—and honestly, it delivered on every one of them. First, I love stories…
Are you stuck in a genre rut? Historical fiction, dark academia, literary fiction, and self-help fill my bookshelf. There are a few books that have tipped the scales toward sci-fi for me. Now, I am a committed Sci-Fi reader, digging into the genre and loving what I find. Are you looking for great beginner sci-fi…
If you’re searching for middle school books about resilience, you’re in exactly the right place. These years are tough to navigate, and as parents, we need all the conversation starters we can get. Reading these books together can open up conversations that can otherwise feel forced. Resilience comes from first learning other people’s models. The…
If you’re looking for a funny sci-fi book that still delivers heart, The Second World by Jake Korell completely surprised me. A book like this one reminds me that I’ve always had a soft spot for sci-fi. Read for The Second World book review and follow along for more to come. In fact, it was…
This Broken Country book review explores the deeply entangling ties of love, loss, and the dangerous pull of nostalgia. The Quick Take… Beth and Frank are salt and pepper, a hard laboring matched pair, working like a perfect machine on their farm. Unfortunately, a tragedy in the past keeps them from truly being open like…
If you’re looking for books that teach perseverance to kids, picture books are one of the most powerful tools you can use. When children are young, their world is small—but their emotions are big. They feel frustration deeply. They feel failure quickly. And often, they don’t yet have the words to process those feelings. That’s…
I received an ARC audiobook copy of Tiny Gardens Everywhere: The Past, Present, and Future of the Self-Provisioning City by Kate Brown. The book description reads: From the eighteenth century to the twenty–first, the surprising history and inspiring contemporary panorama of urban gardening: nurturing health, hope, and community. This manifesto for the next food revolution…
Your children need stories about struggle and courage. Learn how to use books that teach kids resilience—and download a FREE book list for parents. As parents, our natural instinct is to protect our children from struggle. When they feel discouraged, frustrated, or overwhelmed, we want to step in and make things easier. That instinct comes…
Are you looking for a way to show you love a reader in your life? Here are my favorite essential reader gifts I use daily. Showing your love is about letting a person know you see them and support their interests. Loving a reader is not for the faint of heart. Readers are known for…
a quick note from Amber at 200fingersandtoes.com Your Lowest Price for a VIP Pass Ends at Midnight…if your are still thinking I wanted to send a quick final reminder Reader, Life Skills Leadership Summit was created for you. . . and I have a private invitation, just for you. We want to help you prepare your kids for real life! It’s a completely free online event (February 23-27, 2026): five days and 50+ sessions. Get help from experts who are (or have been) in the trenches with raising kids…
200 Fingers & Toes Updates, Homeschool News, & Some Fun Hey Reader, Are you a reader? I’ve been blogging at 200 Fingers & Toes for over ten years. I shared about our lives while we were ten kids deep in our homeschooling experience. We are still homeschooling, and I still love sharing tips, tools and resources with parents who are looking to use homeschooling as the tool to help their kids succeed. Personally, I am an avid reader. Like, a wide-range, google sheet creating, teetering-TBR-pile,…
I received Sweet Pea as an advance reader copy through NetGalley, and from the very beginning, I was drawn in by the description — especially of Paulette herself. She was hungry with hope, for the love and future she kept dreaming up each time Denton swaggered into town. There was something in their love affair…
200 Fingers & Toes Updates, Homeschool News, & Some Fun Hello dear friends, I hope you are doing great,Reader. We are getting closer to our favorite season of our homeschool. Elective season! You can read about how we MAXIMIZE the busy holiday season on the blog. Set Your PACE for the Holiday Season But first, don’t miss out on a few quick updates before you go: two new blog posts and a podcast interview! Getting Real About Gratitude Habits to Build It Gratitude is not a natural state for…