Monika Schröder

http://www.monikaschroeder.com

Monika Schröder grew up in Germany and has worked as elementary school teacher and librarian at American international schools in Egypt, Chile, Oman, and India. She has published four novels for young readers.

Her book Saraswati's Way (Farrar, 2010) is set in India and won the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award and was also on North Carolina's Middle School Battle of the Books list.

Her novel The Dog in the Wood (Boyds Mills, 2009), set in East Germany in 1945 and based on her father's experiences at the end of World War II, received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews.

Her novel My Brother's Shadow (Farrar, 2011) is set in Berlin 1918 and was a nominee for the 2014 New York State Reading Association's Charlotte Award.

Her latest book, Be Like a Bird (Capstone, 2016) was a nominee for the 2017/2018 North Carolina Youth Book Award.

Ms. Schröder also provides manuscript evaluations for aspiring authors. She lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Books by Monika Schröder

Image of The Dog in the Wood
Image of Saraswati's Way
Image of My Brother's Shadow
Image of Be Light Like a Bird

Book Reviews by Monika Schröder

Image of Max Explains Everything: Puppy Expert
Author(s):
Stacy McAnulty
Illustrator(s):
Deborah Hocking
Genre(s):
Children, 4–8, Animals, Humor

Max Explains Everything: Puppy Expert

August 24, 2020
Reviewed by: 
Monika Schröder

“The humorous picture book makes a perfect read-aloud for young dog lovers and will certainly solicit a lively exchange among readers about their experiences with new puppies.”

Read Book Review >>
Image of Sorry (Really Sorry)
Author(s):
Joanna Cotler
Genre(s):
Children, 4–8, Picture Book

Sorry (Really Sorry)

June 2, 2020
Reviewed by: 
Monika Schröder

“This lovely picture book is a great addition to any storytime.

Read Book Review >>
Image of In a Jar
Author(s):
Deborah Marcero
Genre(s):
Children, 4–8, Picture Book

In a Jar

February 21, 2020
Reviewed by: 
Monika Schröder

“A beautiful picture book about the importance of memories we create with friends that will be a favorite at read-aloud time.”

Read Book Review >>
Image of I Am a Thief!
Author(s):
Abigail Rayner
Genre(s):
Humor

I Am a Thief!

September 11, 2019
Reviewed by: 
Monika Schröder

“I Am a Thief! is a cute picture book with an ambivalent message.

Read Book Review >>
Image of Free Lunch
Author(s):
Rex Ogle
Genre(s):
Debut, 9–12

Free Lunch

September 10, 2019
Reviewed by: 
Monika Schröder

“Rex’s compeling account of growing up poor and hungry will resonate with many readers in similar circumstances, and hopefully, trigger empathy in those who live more fortunate lives.”

Read Book Review >>
Image of Max Attacks
Author(s):
Kathi Appelt
Genre(s):
Animals

Max Attacks

August 23, 2019
Reviewed by: 
Monika Schröder

“This cute and funny read-aloud will enchant the audience of a pet-themed storytime or delight any young animal lover at home or before bed.”

Read Book Review >>
Image of The Sad Little Fact
Author(s):
Jonah Winter
Genre(s):
Humor

The Sad Little Fact

July 10, 2019
Reviewed by: 
Monika Schröder

“Young readers will certainly need some adult guidance to grasp this important and timely message, and some adults might not feel comfortable with the book’s simplified delivery.”

Read Book Review >>
Image of The Hideout
Author(s):
Susanna Mattiangeli
Genre(s):
Picture Book, Novelty & Activity, 4–8, Children

The Hideout

June 21, 2019
Reviewed by: 
Monika Schröder

“Young readers will relate to the joys of creating a secret hideout and having a special companion.

Read Book Review >>
Image of The Happiest Tree: A Story of Growing Up
Author(s):
Hyeon-Ju Lee
Genre(s):
Picture Book, 2-5, Children

The Happiest Tree: A Story of Growing Up

May 31, 2019
Reviewed by: 
Monika Schröder

“Use this sparse and simple picture book for a story time with patient readers who are ready for reflection on the lives of trees and the importance of resilience and community.”

Read Book Review >>
Image of Hurricane Season
Author(s):
Nicole Melleby
Genre(s):
Middle Grade Fiction, 9–12, Children

Hurricane Season

May 28, 2019
Reviewed by: 
Monika Schröder

“Melleby’s beautifully written and moving debut depicts a well-crafted character in search of safety and understanding. An important and expertly layered novel.”

Read Book Review >>
Image of Let Me Sleep, Sheep!
Author(s):
Meg McKinlay
Genre(s):
Humor, Picture Book, 2-5, Children

Let Me Sleep, Sheep!

April 15, 2019
Reviewed by: 
Monika Schröder

“This funny picture turns the ‘counting sheep’ story on its head.”

Read Book Review >>
Image of Born to Ride: A Story About Bicycle Face
Author(s):
Larissa Theule
Genre(s):
Picture Book, 2-5, Children

Born to Ride: A Story About Bicycle Face

March 11, 2019
Reviewed by: 
Monika Schröder

“Share this entertaining and informative picture book with young readers for discussion about women’s rights and the many ways women and girls were (are) held back and discouraged from doin

Read Book Review >>
Image of The Eye That Never Sleeps: How Detective Pinkerton Saved President Lincoln
Author(s):
Marissa Moss
Genre(s):
5-9

The Eye That Never Sleeps: How Detective Pinkerton Saved President Lincoln

November 20, 2018
Reviewed by: 
Monika Schröder

“This outstanding picture book invites multiple readings and will be a delight for aspiring detectives.”

Read Book Review >>
Image of A Page in the Wind
Author(s):
José Sanabria
Genre(s):
4–8

A Page in the Wind

September 24, 2018
Reviewed by: 
Monika Schröder

What’s a newspaper’s purpose? We think we know the answer. Of course, a paper brings us the news, perhaps also advertisements.

Read Book Review >>
Image of The Patchwork Bike
Author(s):
Maxine Beneba Clarke
Genre(s):
5-9

The Patchwork Bike

September 17, 2018
Reviewed by: 
Monika Schröder

This intriguing picture book by an Australian author celebrates the ingenuity and creativity of children.

Read Book Review >>