August Rush, PG

" ‘August Rush’ is a ‘must see’ movie for the whole family. It will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Orphaned at infancy, an 11-year-old boy is convinced his parents will come back for him, but after years of teasing from the others, he ventures out into the streets of the big city to find them himself. I went from feelings of pity, anger, hope, fear, awe, anxiousness, frustration, happiness, more anger and then some hope. When the movie ends you will be crying, but I won’t tell you whether those tears will be tears of joy or sorrow. Go see ‘August Rush’ as soon as possible. It is not a movie you will quickly forget."

Definitely, Maybe, PG-13

"This movie is about a 10-year-old girl whose parents are getting divorced, and she wants her dad to tell her how her parents met. The plot is similar to the television show, ‘How I Met Your Mother.’ The movie had a few cute spots, but mostly I was just plain bored with everything going on in the film. Would I recommend this to a friend? Definitely not, unless maybe you wait for it on DVD."

Fool's Gold, PG-13

"‘Fool’s Gold’ is a girls-night-out movie. Matthew McConaughey is hilarious! The on-screen chemistry he has with Kate Hudson is great! The two play an estranged couple who come together to find a treasure – a dream they share as they hope to recover the riches from a shipwreck off the coast of the Florida Keys. McConaughey is a free-spirited treasure hunter who discovers what he thinks is the key to uncovering a lost treasure. He lures his soon-to-be ex-wife into searching for the gold with him. This is a funny and uplifting movie. You will enjoy it!"

What Daddy Did, by Neal Shusterman

"I would highly recommend this book to anyone, not only because I and many others can relate to parts of it, but also it’s based on a true story. The book is about a ‘perfect’ family, and the members are so close to one another. All of a sudden it falls apart because the father kills the mother. The son narrates the events surrounding the murder as he tries to reconcile the hate and love he feels toward his father. It is a sad, yet very humble and heart-warming novel."

How To Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish

"A must-read for parents of any child, but specifically of those who have behavioral-associated challenges. One of my friends recommended the book because she had found it an invaluable source in caring for and helping others with children who have ADHD. The authors provide concrete, approachable methods of communicating with children. Initially, I found the book to be a bit idealistic. But, soon after I began reading the case examples and dialogues, I realized this is exactly what I needed! This read is just the beginning to improving your communication. After all, we are each a work in progress."

Plain Truth, by Jodi Picoult

"This book takes the reader to Amish country. The community is shocked to discover an infant found dead in a family barn. After police investigation, 18-year-old Katie is charged with the infant’s murder. Ellie, an experienced lawyer from the city, decides to represent Katie in hopes of protecting her, as well as the Amish community, from a murder sentence. The author includes all aspects of the Amish cultural practices in the book and allows the reader to experience the story through the eyes of the characters. Throughout the story, the reader is able to struggle along with Katie as she faces murder charges, and with Ellie as she struggles with her own beliefs, inner conflicts and reflections on her own childhood. I recommend this book for a gripping, challenging and thought-provoking story."